Free Things to Do in Overland Park

If you’d like to have more fun while spending less money, you’re in the right place! A number of local attractions and points of interest are free of charge, giving travelers plenty of options to explore, enjoy, and save.

This guide of free things to do in Overland Park offers a few of our favorite activities that cost $0. From free kids activities to free art museums, you'll find that it's totally possible—quite easy, even—to experience OP without spending a fortune.

Free Things To Do With Kids

Overland Park has plenty of free things to do with kids so you can get the most out of your visit without breaking the bank.

Experience life in turn-of-the-century Kansas at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, complete with farm animals and a bustling Main Street. Admission is free after 2 pm, Monday through Thursday, except on holidays.
Have a family day out at Scheels to see the 16,000 gallon aquarium and play at their indoor play area. For a fun, affordable experience, take a $1 ride on the indoor Ferris wheel!
Get hands on with history at the Johnson County Museum and KidScape, exploring a complete 1950s all-electric house and more. The museum has four free days a year and participates in multiple free and low-cost admission programs.
When the weather’s nice, take your meals outside for a picnic in Overland Park.
Need a summer activity for the kids? Nothings better on a hot summer day than a splash pad and there are several here you can happily enjoy at no charge! Or make your visit to Overland Park even easier when you book a hotel with a pool.

Free Things To Do Outdoors

In a city with over 80 parks, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to fill your trip with fresh air and adventure.

Surround yourself with lush, natural scenery at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This 300-acre ecological sanctuary is the perfect escape into nature. The Arboretum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
The Overland Park Farmers' Market features farm-fresh produce and locally-made products from more than 80 vendors. Open seasonally on Saturdays and Wednesdays until 1 p.m., the market is free to enter.
The Indian Creek Trail is just one of the many trails in Overland Park that connect various green spaces around town and across the metro. OP’s 10-mile portion of the Indian Creek Trail is paved and winds through woods and open green space.
Many parks, such as Roe Park and Switzer Park, offer excellent tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts that are free to use.
The Prairiefire Summer Concert Series is a great way to enjoy live music outdoors in Kansas City. Local bands play the entertainment district every Thursday from 7-10 pm from May to September.

Free Things To Do For Art Lovers

From outdoor murals to free art museums and galleries showcasing local talent, it doesn’t cost a dime to experience art in Overland Park.

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is a hidden gem on the Johnson County Community College campus. With free admission, explore the museum’s 11 galleries featuring an internationally acclaimed collection of emerging and established artists.
Images Art Gallery in downtown OP is the oldest cooperative gallery in the greater Kansas City area. Stop by to see works of fine art by local artists.
The Eva Reynolds Fine Art Gallery was selected by the American Art Awards as the best gallery in Kansas and one of the top 25 galleries and museums in the United States.
You’ll find more free art while in downtown Overland Park, like selfie-worthy murals and public art installations.
Art lovers can plan a whole itinerary around the art around Overland Park!

Free Things To Do For History Buffs

Love history? Overland Park is packed with stories, and they’re all yours to explore—no wallet required.

In downtown Overland Park, view the Strang Line Car Barn where trolleys were stored and repaired before transporting people from Overland Park to downtown Kansas City.
At Thompson Park you can find the Strang Carriage House, which used to be the residence of William B. Strang, Jr.’s personal driver, while also housing carriages and automobiles.
The 9/11 Memorial is a place for reflection and remembrance at the Overland Park Fire Training Center with a steel beam from Ground Zero, educational panels from the 9/11 Commission Report, and a weeping wall fountain.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the service and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces from 1950-1955 with 30 granite panels featuring names of soldiers lost in the war.