Free Things to Do

You don’t have to spend big money to have big fun in Overland Park! A number of local attractions and points of interest are free of charge, giving travelers plenty of options to explore and enjoy.

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Prairiefire Summer Concert Series

Is it hot outside? The Prairiefire Summer Concert Series reigns king of summertime. The free live music concerts play throughout the summer. Enjoy some of KC’s greatest bands every Thursday from 7-10 pm May to September outside at Prairiefire in the Entertainment District. Take in the music while you enjoy some of the best food and patios in Overland Park!

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit the breathtaking galleries of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and you’ll soon realize why the museum is an Overland Park treasure. Located on the Johnson County Community College Campus (named one of the top 10 university/college campuses for public art in America by Public Art Review magazine), the Nerman welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually to its 11 galleries that host a combination of permanent collections and temporary exhibits.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Surround yourself with lush, natural scenery at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This 300-acre ecological sanctuary is the perfect escape to get away from the city into nature. Stroll through 13 scenic gardens including the gorgeous Monet Garden and the scent-infused Herb Garden. And then make sure you bring the kids to the train garden where you'll find miniature trains running through the gardens, a life-size caboose, and the miniature town of old Overland Park. The Arboretum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.

Parks & Recreation

Park isn't in our city's name for nothing. There's a park for everyone in our city with green space to stretch your legs (and the young legs). Thompson Park is a great addition and is located in Downtown Overland Park. Kids can play at the playground, splash pad, and musical installations. Another park to check out is Strang Park, behind the Johnson Country Public Library on 87th. Strang Park is the first park to have an all-accessible play area. There are also in-ground trampolines and pickleball courts. On a hot day, check out Roe Park -- there are plenty of splash pads for the little runs to cool off in!

Interactive Map of Parks & Rec

Indian Creek Hiking & Biking Trail

Indian Creek Hiking & Biking Trails are like the connecting arteries to the various green spaces around town and in the metro. The 10-mile portion of trails in Overland Park are paved and wind through woods, open green space and are relatively flat for an easy way to get your steps in for the day.

Memorials

Overland Park is also home to two memorial sites of lost loved ones, the 9/11 memorial and the Korean War Veteran Memorials. At the heart of the 9/11 Memorial in OP, standing 14 feet tall, is a 2.5 ton artifact from Ground Zero. “It is pretty awe-inspiring when you stand here next to it,” said Overland Park Fire Department Spokesman Jason Rhodes. “It brings back a lot of what happened that day. We want people to not only see it, but we want them to be able to walk up to it and touch it and feel it and reconnect so they can remember it."

The backdrop of the Korean War Veterans Memorial stands 30 granite panels engraved with the Korean War statistics, events, plaques for each of the five military service branches, a Purple Heart panel and dedication panel. Eight of those 30 panels carry the names of the 415 Kansan soldiers who were lost in the war.

Overland Park Farmer's Market

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 Overland Park Farmers' Market is open seasonally on Saturdays and Wednesdays until 1 p.m. It offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic community energy that makes this district a hotspot among locals.

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

Travel back in time at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and experience life on a turn-of-the-century Kansas farm. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is now home to nearly 250 animals (including livestock and birds of prey), vegetable and flower gardens and a fishing pond! Visit Helen’s Country Schoolhouse, a one-room country schoolhouse carefully designed and built to replicate its 1900 predecessor, complete with antiques and a pot-bellied stove. Continue the adventure at John’s Blacksmith Shop, Mining Camp, Ray’s Barber Shop and a historically accurate replica of a small Kanza Indian earthen lodge next to an 18-foot-tall tipi. Admission is free for all guests after 2 pm, Monday through Thursday, except on holidays.

Deanna Rose Holiday Lights

When the Farmstead may be closed for the winter, but the holidays are alive at Deanna Rose! Join the Farmstead for a light show synchronized to your favorite holiday and movie music. Tune in to 90.5 Rose FM to hear your favorite holiday songs and movie music as you watch the spectacular show. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of the Farmstead.

*Please turn off your vehicle’s lights while watching the show.*