What if we told you it’s possible—quite easy, even—to fill up a weekend in KC | OP with exciting adventures and keep your budget intact? Pack your bags (and save this list to your favorites) because these ten diverse outings won’t cost you a dime.
Quick Jump List
- Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Boulevard Brewing Co.
- Farmers Market
- Deanna Rose
- First Fridays
- Aubrey Vineyards
- Kaleidoscope
- Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Blue Room
- Prairiefire Shopping Center
1. Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Overland Park
{Free on Tuesdays}
Surround yourself with lush, natural scenery at this 300-acre ecological sanctuary. Stroll through 13 scenic gardens and then take in the mesmerizing kinetic art sculptures that make up the Whirlwind: Art in Motion exhibit (opens April 21).
2. Boulevard Brewing Co.
Kansas City
{Free on Wednesdays}
Grab your friends and family and head to the 12th largest craft brewery in the United States for a 45-minute walking tour. Whether your prefer the flagship Pale Ale or a more seasonal brew, everyone will “Cheers!” to free beer samples at the conclusion of the tour (for those 21 and older, of course).
3. Overland Park Farmers’ Market
Overland Park
Named “Best Farmers’ Market in Kansas” by Cooking Light Magazine, this Downtown Overland Park staple features farm-fresh produce and locally-made products from more than 80 vendors. The Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays until 1 p.m., offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic community energy that makes this district a hotspot among locals.
4. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Overland Park
{Free after 2 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.}
Experience farm life first hand with cow milking, chicken feeding and mini-tractor racing at this frontier farm playground. With hands-on activities like bottle-feeding baby goats, riding ponies and mining for gemstones, it’s no wonder Deanna Rose has been winning hearts of visitors and locals for 40 years and counting.
5. First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District
Kansas City
Culture comes alive the first Friday of every month in the Crossroads Arts District when thousands of people browse art at more than 40 nearby galleries. And outside on the streets there’s a party-like atmosphere with live entertainment, food trucks and sidewalk vendors for all to enjoy.
6. Aubrey Vineyards Tasting Room
Overland Park
Delight your palate with a complimentary tasting experience at this quaint tasting room in Downtown Overland Park. All Aubrey wines, from the Chardonnay to the Chambourcin are fermented in Overland Park, and a majority of the grapes come from Kansas vineyards.
7. Kaleidoscope
Kansas City
A haven for creative kids, this Hallmark-sponsored art experience invites children to bring their artistic ideas to life using professional materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. Kaleidoscope’s location in Crown Center is a bonus; a variety of kid-friendly restaurants and attractions are within walking distance to keep the fun going!
8. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Overland Park
Get inspired by works from both new and emerging artists at this internationally acclaimed art museum. Located on the campus of Johnson County Community College, the Nerman boasts an impressive permanent collection, cutting-edge sculptural pieces and a dazzling collection of American Indian works.
9. The Blue Room
Kansas City
{Free Monday and Thursday evenings}
Tap your toes to authentic Kansas City jazz at this club located in the historic 18th & Vine district. Live jazz performances are on tap Thursday evenings while visitors can experience a genuine “jam session” with multiple musicians on Monday evenings.
10. Prairiefire
Overland Park
With its trendy boutiques, family-friendly attractions and variety of dining options, the Prairiefire district is a must-do when in KC | OP. Swing by the Museum at Prairiefire and take a selfie in front of the stunning dichroic glass exterior. Then venture inside to the Great Hall where the first-ever complete T-rex skeleton awaits. (Entry to the Great Hall is free; other exhibits require tickets.)
