Some parks are fun, but Overland Park is the real deal! Overland Park offers so many fun and beautiful places to see.
You can immerse yourself in many outdoor activities such as parks, swimming pools, hiking trails, and botanical gardens.
Just because Kansas isn’t common for the arts doesn’t mean Overland Park lacks culture.
Gallery after dazzling gallery adorns the landscape of this beautiful city with museums and highly acclaimed art collections famous across the state!
If the kids are visiting, don’t worry – there are plenty of museums and rustic farms in the area to keep them entertained while you relax, knowing they’re having fun too.
Below are the most fascinating things to do in Overland Park!
Fun Things to Do in Overland Park
1. Check Out the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Nature lovers can discover more than 800 different plants of all shapes, sizes, and colors in this 300-acre urban green space.
The Monet Garden is a phenomenal place inspired by Claude Monet’s water lily pond in Giverny, France, among the themed gardens and natural scenery of the Overland Park Arboretum.
The Japanese Garden reflects Japan’s most famous works of art, including small bridges and rock-cut shrines.
The garden also has an area for reading books or playing games.
The Children’s Discovery Garden features a maze to challenge young learners and explorers and a Frog Pond where you can get up close and personal with frogs!
The Shrinking Tunnel is one of the popular summertime attractions for children, as is the Sky Watch with a bench swing.
These gardens hide many other extraordinary things for families to discover as they adventure along the miles of hiking trails and many places to stop for a picnic en route.
2. See the City With Old World Ballonery
If you want a unique view of Kansas City’s Overland Park, consider a hot air balloon ride with Old World Balloonery.
Aerial tours throughout the Kansas City metro area, Old World Balloonery ensures that their passengers enjoy the best views in all of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.
Usually, an early morning or late afternoon hot air balloon ride will give you a fantastic view of all Kansas City and Overland Park have to offer.
The tour takes you around the area, so you can see the places in a lighted or darkened environment.
Take a hot air balloon ride with a champagne breakfast and sunset meal.
As part of this experience, of course, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a champagne toast!
3. Don’t Miss an Event at Overland Park Convention Center
The Overland Park Convention Center opened its doors to the public in November 2002.
It is located on 26 acres of land in the heart of Overland Park, the largest suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the second largest city in Kansas.
The Overland Park Convention Center is embellished with more than sixty original works of art and is also equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems.
The center is a 254,000-square-foot complex with a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall connecting the Edwin C. Eilert Ballroom next to a 15,000-square-foot meeting room.
The Overland Park Convention Center is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
It is an incredible place to visit yearly for craft shows and holiday events.
Things to Do in Overland Park at Night
1. Listen to Good Music Over a Meal at Pinstripes
This cafe is open to the public every Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 11 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
Pinstripes features local artists playing musical genres ranging from jazz, pop, country, light rock, and many more.
Visit Pinstripes with your friends or family and enjoy a relaxing and beautiful evening while enjoying live music and your favorite food.
Pinstripes serves delicious food, including a new seasonal menu, wood-fired pizzas, a curated wine list, craft beer, locally crafted cocktails, and more.
Local musicians perform during fall events and other seasonal concerts.
2. Check Out College Basketball Experience
The Sprint Center is home to Kansas City’s College Basketball Experience, which is also part of the larger National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
If you love basketball, it’s worth traveling outside Overland Park downtown to find interactive basketball exhibits that let you test your skills against the pros.
3. Spend the Night at Touche the Night Club
The club is a luxurious nightclub with a pleasant atmosphere with a bar, DJs, drinks, and food too.
The Touche The Night Club is located in the heart of Johnson County. The club has a warm, cozy atmosphere that is comfortable and welcoming.
Visitors to Touche The Night Club come from all parts of the city and enjoy the surroundings, the music, and the personal touch from the management.
It is a great place to meet or chat with friends after work. Touche The Night Club spaces are available for private parties.
You must be over 21 to enter the nightclub. You can also book your event online.
Things to Do in Overland Park For Couples
1. Test Your Golf Skills at Topgolf
When you walk into Topgolf, you’ll find a lively environment where the hum of overlapping voices from the HDTV echoes through the high ceilings and bustling floor of the restaurant and bar.
Another thing that will impress you when you enter the first Topgolf facility will be the air-conditioned hitting shafts and state-of-the-art HDTVs located in each bay.
Topgolf features microchipped golf balls where every time a player swings, the scoring system automatically tracks how fast each player’s ball is moving and their overall distance and accuracy.
Players earn points for each successful shot.
Plus, after a few rounds of competition at this venue, you might want to grab a drink with your friends to keep the fun going all night long!
Among the alcoholic beverages available at Topgolf Overland Park are signature cocktails such as margaritas, sangrias, and mojitos.
2. Go Shopping at Overland Park Farmers’ Market
The market is the ideal destination for those who want to buy high-quality fresh produce.
The Overland Park Farmers Market has been around for over three decades but has never lost its importance. It is regarded as one of the oldest in Kansas!
Nor has she lost touch with her mission – bringing local farmers together to sell their produce directly to customers who visit the market.
The products are not only grown regionally – many of the growers are also from the surrounding communities, so you know they are trustworthy and reliable!
There’s even a tasting booth outside the main entrance, where chefs offer samples of their food or drinks.
The occasion also features live music performances, making it one of the most successful markets in the region.
3. Take a Tour of the Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Steamboat Museum is a fitting tribute to one of the most famous fairs held here during this period.
River workers accidentally discovered the 1856 time capsule in the early days while digging the Missouri River in 1987.
The museum now houses the world’s largest collection of frontier supplies from as early as 1987.
Guides tell visitors the story of this exciting time in history by displaying items from their time capsule and telling stories about the period.
You can schedule a guided tour of the attraction that lasts about an hour and a half.
The docent will introduce you to everything you need to know.
Things to Do in Overland Park For Kids
1. Take Them to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Deanna Rose Children’s Farm is easily one of the fun places to take your kids. It takes you back in time to feel what life was like for settlers during the period of American history, otherwise known as the “Frontier Settlements.”
Here, children can play inside and ride beautiful horses with professional farmers accompanying their carriage.
While they’re at it, they’ll get to see more than 250 animals up close.
There is also the Deanna Rose Children’s Farm one-room schoolhouse where kids can learn about regional agriculture in Overland Park.
The kids can also stop by the Kanza Indian Camp, where membership is free, and do more to have fun.
So don’t hesitate and bring your family!
2. Let Them Spend Sometime at the Johnson County Museum of History & All-Electric House
One way to learn about a new place is to know its history.
The Johnson County Museum of History & All Electric House will introduce you to the history of Johnson County in general.
This site details specific facts about some of the most important events that have occurred over time.
For example, the 1950s All-Electric House gives a glimpse into life back then and includes examples of the degree of progress over the years.
Immerse yourself in another time by seeing how everyday people lived and entertained in Central America.
You can find changing exhibits in the museum gallery.
At ‘The KidScape’ learning center, there are interactive activities for children to learn about this picturesque city!
3. Take the Kids to SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium is a wonder for all ages and is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures.
Explore interactive touch pools, walk through an underwater tunnel with 180-degree views and get amazingly close to a black tip reef shark swimming alongside graceful rays in the ocean exhibit.
Begin your underwater journey as you enter a walk-through tunnel with spectacular 180-degree views and marvel at the marine life swimming overhead.
You will spot amazing jellyfish, clowns, piranhas, seahorses, and stingrays.
It almost looks like you can touch these elegant creatures; you would have to get wet to get closer.
For more hands-on exhibits, head to the interactive touch pool and feel a starfish, sea urchin, shark pup, or a stickleback. Stop by the children’s corner and recharge your batteries.
Then, with marine experts hosting daily presentations and feedings, take a closer look and learn more about the aquatic life before ending your day.
Indoor Activities to Do in Overland Park For Adults
1. Check Out the American Jazz Museum
The museum seeks to highlight Kansas City’s thriving jazz scene, a solid musical foundation that has grown significantly over the past decade.
The Jazz museum is the first of its kind. It offers several interactive exhibits, film screenings, demonstrations, and performances from nights with some of the city’s best up-and-coming talents.
The American Jazz Museum houses various collectibles and memorabilia from top jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and many more.
It includes instruments such as the famous Ella dress she wore during her concert performance of “Love Letters” to Louis’s trumpet, which he used live with his own band.
While there are so many unique items here, there is a museum section dedicated to showing people what can be done with live music: The Blue Room Jazz Club!
The museum also hosts nightly live shows where you can watch professional artists play all your favorite jazz hits!
2. Shop at Oak Park Mall
The Oak Park Mall is a two-story wonderland for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Spanning over 1.5 million square feet in a streamlined and modern design, Oak Park Mall features four department store anchors – Nordstrom, J.C. Penney, Dillard’s, and Macy’s.
Consumers can choose from nearly a dozen dining options, including everything from fast food to barbecue to Chinese and anything else that might tempt your taste buds for lunch or dinner.
Kids love visiting the exclusive American Girl store, the LEGO Store, and the Disney Store.
You can find all their running shoes or clothing at Finish Line and new fashions at EXPRESS or Abercrombie & Fitch.
Microsoft is also an excellent brand for computer enthusiasts – they have 20 brick-and-mortar locations worldwide.
Oak Park Mall has a beautiful variety: from fashion and jewelry to books and natural cosmetics; there is something for everyone!
3. Don’t Miss Skydiving at IFly Kansas City
The experience at iFLY is unlike the usual skydiving activity of jumping from a plane. Here, Equipment goes with it, such as parachutes and harnesses.
That’s why it’s more like flying than falling.
You’ll glide, soar, and twist through the air without a parachute, jump, or connect to the Earth beneath your feet.
You can do this independently in a horizontal wind tunnel, standing upright with minimal assistance and flying.
This creates a highly safe form of skydiving that anyone can enjoy without experience and long waits.
You’ll instantly feel like a superhero when you walk out of first class with some serious bragging rights!
Romantic Things to Do in Overland Park
1. Appreciate the Aesthetic of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
The museum is one of Kansas City’s newest art museums, and it is constantly updated with the latest and greatest art.
This gallery prides itself on highlighting emerging artists and those more established in the industry.
The art collection contains many works of art in various styles to satisfy various tastes.
You will not be disappointed at the museum with all the paintings, photographs, and sculptures displayed by various artists that deserve your attention as an art lover.
The works displayed in the collection mostly revolve around contemporary art.
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park is perfect for art enthusiasts who want to experience some of the latest artistic innovations seen in the country recently.
Entrance to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is free every day except Monday.
2. Grab a Bite at Q39 South
The moment you step into Q39 South, you’ll find yourself in a warm and inviting space where you’ll be greeted by friendly hosts.
And you’ll also find yourself mesmerized by the sizzle of tender, juicy meat that expert chefs delicately prepare in a state-of-the-art kitchen.
Exciting fresh Kansas City-style barbecue permeates the entire restaurant, filling every nook and cranny.
The adoring team works tirelessly as if their lives depended on it to prepare delicious chef-inspired dishes!
The menu has more than enough delectable dishes to choose from, such as the Mr. Burns sandwich with smoked bacon and spicy cabbage served on a pretzel bun (yes, you read that right!).
Also, be sure to try the brisket mixes with moist toppings like cheesy chili grits or mustard greens.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply sharing a meal with friends or family, Q39 is the perfect place to relax and spend quality time together in an open, airy, and rustic setting.
3. Don’t Miss a Performance at the White Theatre
The White Theater presents various genres incorporated into their innovative visual arts, and the White Theater also features talented artists, musical, dance, literary presentations, etc.
The beautiful White Theater has something for everyone because there is always something interesting for you, your family, and your friends.
The White Theater is open to the public every Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Explore the White Theater with your friends and family and enjoy theater performances, good music, exhibitions, and much more.
For some theater time, add a visit to The White Theater to your list of things to do in Overland Park.
Free Things to Do in Overland Park
1. Go Biking Along the Indian Creek
Overland Park has a hiking and biking trail that stretches from Foxhill South Park to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The Indian Creek Biking and Hiking Trail are up to 17 miles long, with 10 miles of the course located in Overland Park.
There are many options for hiking when you take this well-maintained trail.
The trail is a great place for a leisure bike ride or hike, depending on how you like to spend your free time.
It’s also a great place to explore and appreciate green spaces in Overland Park, Kansas, that you wouldn’t normally see because they’re close by.
This excellent community facility provides much-needed exercise that benefits all ages and skill levels.
2. Check Out the Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial’s stunning curved wall design aims to honor the fallen and missing warriors of the Korean War.
The memorial depicts the supreme sacrifice of the 210 Northeastern Kansas Korean War veterans who were KIA in the war.
You’ll find yourself among the black marble benches and memorial wall and commemorative pavers that are placed along the way to honor individual American military veterans of all eras and services.
Piles of rock in places represent Korean battlefields and a heroic bronze statue of a soldier mourning a fallen comrade.
The thirty-eight stelae at the Korean War Veterans Memorial entrance represent the 38th parallel, which still divides the Korean peninsula.
The sizeable middle table lists men from the twenty-five counties of northeastern Kansas by county.
Discover the black marble tablet on the right; it is a detailed map of the entire Korean Peninsula.
The black marble tablet at the left features the poem “Flag of Liberty” written by Charles M. Province, president and founder of the George S. Patton Historical Society.
3. Explore Overland’s Murals
Local artists have turned blank walls into must-sees across the city.
Beautiful colors pop off the bricks and tell a story worth reading.
Go for a drive around town to explore the different paintings, pop for pictures, and enjoy activities in the area.
Cheap Things to Do in Overland Park
1. Try Your Culinary Skills at the Culinary Center of Kansas City
The Culinary Center of Kansas City welcomes food lovers who enjoy learning a new process of turning ingredients into love in one of their more than 600 classes each year.
Do you love cooking and trying new delicacies? The center allows you to create memories with family and friends through their unique interactive and fun cooking event.
The Culinary Center is a premier culinary arts center with an outstanding business model focused on education, cultivation, and appreciation of food, wine, and culinary traditions.
Whether you’re learning in the kitchen or want to become a better cook, their professional and experienced staff and instructors will guide you through what you need to know.
The Kansas City Culinary Center’s Shop Experience kitchen features hand-picked items representing the Culinary Arts Center, from trending cookbooks, beverage pairings, BBQ spices, selections perfect for any culinary enthusiast, and much more.
2. Discover Natural History at the Museum at Prairiefire
On a visit to the Museum at Prairiefire, you’ll discover the best of the region through local history exhibits and admirable technology shows.
The building offers several themed rooms, such as the Discovery Room, to engage young children.
You will also find a Great Hall layout that includes appropriate technical presentations that are informational or entertaining.
Be amazed by the gigantic Tyrannosaurus Rex replica guarding the entrance to the museum at Prairiefire.
The museum also offers a VR Experience that lets you go into space or even explore beneath the waves of the sea.
The building comes with a design that uses a transparent material that allows people to see the internal “fire” from the outside.
Moreover, NASA was behind the building’s unique diachronic glass design.
You may want to take a picture of the Prairiefire Museum before you exit the building.
3. Go on a Winetasting Tour of Aubrey Vineyards
Aubrey Vineyards offers beautiful wine grapes.
In early 2012, vines were planted, and grapes began to grow, leading to the establishment of Aubrey Vineyards as the initial winery in Overland Park.
The vines are located on the highest elevation plots in the area, which contain gentle slopes of fertile, loamy soil with a low clay content, which is an ideal environment for the vines.
The elevated position allows for a breeze on most days, which helps ward off vine diseases. Slopes with porous clay keep the soil well drained.
One of the best wines you will discover in Aubrey vineyard is “Ghost.”
The elegant, rich wine is a white port wine with unique depth, presenting a blended blend of aromas from raisin to hibiscus flower to wild grass, along with glazed apricot, white raisin, caramel apple, etc.
The Vineyards is open to the public every Monday through Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Cool Places to Visit in Overland Park
1. American Royal Museum and Visitors Center
The American Royal Museum and Visitor Center have tons of great exhibits, both interactive and hands-on!
If you want to learn more about Kansas farming and its history, several tour options are available.
You can take an interactive history tour with local staff who know their way around the museum maze, showing you all the deliciously interactive photos along the way.
You can enjoy this wonderful place and see many things, including your favorite wild animals and those you know less about, such as the rodeo show.
There is also one escape room where you can compare your weight with that of oxen, chickens, and pigs.
You should definitely not miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful place if you visit Overland Park.
And be prepared to learn more about what it was like so many years ago in the pioneer days!
2. Overland Park 9/11 Memorial
The Overland Park 9/11 Memorial is a vast site and one of the most intricately designed centers.
The memorial is accessible, and you will learn a lot while visiting.
The Overland Park 9/11 Memorial features a 14-foot, 5,600-pound steel beam with an opening near the star tip that will cast a shadow over four panels marking each of the four planes that crashed on September 11, 2001.
The shadow is always marked on the panels to remember these historical moments at the exact time each plane hits.
3. Petersons Antiques
Need a great place to buy quality and unique antiques? Looking for the right place to buy furniture? It would be best if you visit Petersons Antiques.
Petersons Antiques is a beautiful antique line that has something for everyone.
Peterson’s Antiques offers fine American antiques, lamps, china, glass, furniture, toys, pottery, misc, antiques, collectibles, and clocks, plus custom finishing.
Lloyd & Wilma Peterson are the owners of Petersons Antiqueshave and have been in business for over 35 years in downtown Overland Park, Kansas.
The founding goal of Petersons Antiques was to be the premier American antique furniture store in the Kansas City area.
The store employees are friendly and helpful and answer customers’ questions.
Conclusion
A trip to Overland Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
It is a charming city that extends its welcoming arms to its guests and offers them interesting and fun things to do and discover.
So start planning your list of fun things to do in Overland Park with this guide, as it will be worth it.
