Planning a fun family day doesn’t have to mean draining your wallet. Overland Park, Kansas, is packed with activities that are exciting, educational, and (best of all) affordable.
Free Things to Do in Overland Park
Have more fun while spending less with these free things to do in Overland Park, Kansas.
From museums and activities for kids to outdoor adventures, live music and local events, there are plenty of ways to experience OP without breaking the bank.
Some Overland Park attractions are always free, while others offer free admission on select days and times.
Use this guide to find the right $0 experience for your visit!
Always Free in Overland Park
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Admission is always free at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, located on the Johnson County Community College campus.
Explore the museum’s 11 galleries featuring an internationally acclaimed collection of emerging and established artists, plus touring exhibits.
After walking through the galleries, continue outside for a self-guided walking tour of the sculptures located throughout campus.
Good for: art lovers, dates, indoor activities
Parks and Playgrounds
With over 80 options to choose from, the parks and playgrounds in Overland Park give you plenty of ways to get some fresh air.
Let the kids play, take the dog for a walk, or pack a basket and find a shady picnic spot to spend the afternoon.
Explore playscapes, walking paths, pickleball courts and wide-open green spaces, all without spending a dime.
Good for: play time, nature walks, relaxing outdoors
Explore the History of the Strang Line
Before Overland Park became the city it is today, city founder William B. Strang, Jr. established the Strang Line to help connect the growing community with Kansas City.
See a piece of that history at the Strang Line Car Barn, where the railway's trolleys were once stored and repaired, then visit the Strang Carriage House at Thompson Park, built to house Strang's personal carriages and automobiles.
Good for: history buffs, architecture fans, local landmarks
Murals & Photo Opportunities
Add a little color to your day with murals and photo ops.
Start in downtown Overland Park, where you'll find colorful murals tucked around the neighborhood.
Visiting in spring or summer? Keep an eye out for the Parade of Hearts, featuring larger-than-life heart sculptures displayed around the Kansas City metro, each featuring artwork from a local artist.
Then keep your camera handy as you seek out some of the most photo-worthy spots in Overland Park.
Good for: selfie spots, photography, exploring downtown OP
Indian Creek Trail
Stretch your legs without stretching your budget on the Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail.
About 10 miles of this paved trail wind through Overland Park, giving walkers, runners and cyclists a scenic place to get outside and cover a few miles.
The trail travels through parks, wooded areas and along waterways, with half-mile markers to help you track your distance.
Good for: biking, running, walks with strollers
Memorials
Take time for reflection at two Overland Park memorials honoring service and sacrifice.
The 9/11 Memorial at the Overland Park Fire Training Center is a place for remembrance, featuring a 14-foot, 2.5-ton steel beam recovered from Ground Zero, along with educational panels and a weeping wall fountain.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those who served in the armed forces from 1950-1955, with 30 granite panels that share information about the war and the names of 415 Kansas soldiers who lost their lives.
Good for: American history, thoughtful sightseeing, learning experiences
Free on Select Days & Times
Some of Overland Park's most popular attractions won't cost you a thing if you time your visit right.
These attractions offer free admission on select days, during certain hours or for special occasions throughout the year.
Check current schedules and admission details before you go to make sure you catch the free window.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Experience life in turn-of-the-century Kansas at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, complete with farm animals and a bustling Main Street.
There's plenty to explore at this family favorite, from a Kanza Village and a one-room school house to live milking demonstrations at the dairy barn and a blacksmith at work in their shop.
During the farmstead's operating season, admission is free after 2 pm, Monday through Thursday, except on holidays.
Good for: young kids, animal lovers, afternoon adventures
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Surround yourself with lush, natural scenery at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Wander through 300 acres of themed gardens, follow walking trails through natural Kansas landscapes, and keep an eye out for sculptures and other surprises along the way.
Admission to the Arboretum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
Good for: garden lovers, artists, scenic walks
Johnson County Museum and KidScape
Travel through decades of local history at the Johnson County Museum and KidScape.
Step inside the museum's iconic 1950s All-Electric House, learn how Johnson County grew and changed over time, then let younger visitors take the lead in KidScape, an interactive history experience designed just for them.
The museum offers four free admission days each year and participates in several free and reduced-cost admission programs.
Good for: local history, curious kids, rainy days
Free Seasonal Activities & Events
Some Overland Park experiences are worth marking your calendar for.
Throughout the year, seasonal concerts, festivals and holiday celebrations give you even more reasons to get out and experience the city.
Check dates and event details before you go, then catch these free favorites while they're here.
Prairiefire Summer Music Series
Turn up your Thursday nights at the Prairiefire Summer Music Series.
From late May through early September, local bands bring free live music to the Prairiefire entertainment district.
Bring a lawn chair or grab a table on the patio at one of the nearby restaurants and settle in for an easygoing summer evening.
Good for: dancing, casual nights out, after-dinner entertainment
Splash Pads
Cool off on a hot summer day at one of Overland Park's free splash pads.
Kids can run through fountains, sprays and other water features while parents settle in nearby.
With several splash pads located around town, they're an easy addition to a summer afternoon when everyone needs a break from the heat.
Good for: water play, toddlers, hot summer days
Annual Festivals & Celebrations
Celebrate the seasons with free festivals and community events held throughout the year.
Spend the Fourth of July watching a fireworks show at the Star Spangled Spectacular, welcome fall with live entertainment and activities at the Overland Park Fall Festival, then kick off the holiday season at the Mayor's Holiday Festival.
These annual traditions are just a few of the events worth planning a trip around, with more celebrations popping up throughout the year.
Good for: festive fun, holiday traditions, family outings
Affordable Things to Do in Overland Park
Have some room in the budget?
These stops are free to enter and explore, with optional activities, food and shopping available if you want to spend a little.
You may find some things that are worth a splurge!
Overland Park Farmers Market
Browse farm-fresh finds and handmade specialty items at the Overland Park Farmers Market.
Located in Downtown Overland Park, this seasonal market brings together dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and locally made products.
It's free to stroll through, but don't be surprised if something tasty ends up coming home with you.
Good for: morning outings, local finds, souvenir shopping
SCHEELS Sporting Goods
There's so much more than shopping inside SCHEELS.
Walk under the 16,000-gallon aquarium and let the kids burn off some energy in the indoor play area, both free to enjoy.
If you have a dollar to spare, take a spin on the indoor Ferris wheel for one of the store's most memorable experiences.
Having fun in Overland Park doesn't have to come with a big price tag.
Mix a few of these free activities into your itinerary and save your budget for the things that matter most to you.
Keep scrolling to find more inspiration on free and affordable things to do in Overland Park.
