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Royal Creations Blog

Outdoor Activities in Kansas City for Winter

Outdoor Activities in Kansas City for Winter

A family playing in the snow.

Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside.  If you have cabin fever, here are some of our favorite activities to get your family outside, away from screens, and spend quality time together. 

Sledding 

There are some great sledding hills in Kansas City.  Here is a short list to get you started.  Next time it snows, bundle up, grab a sled and give these a try: 

Snow Creek 

Snow Creek is your Winter Outpost  for outdoor recreation in the Kansas City Area (and an 8-hour drive to Keystone Ski Resort!). Nestled in the town of Weston, MO Snow Creek recently celebrated its 35th season.  

Things to know before you go: 

Masks are required indoors, including the gondolas. 

Proof of vaccination is required at indoor, on-mountain quick-service (cafeteria-style) restaurants. 

No cash payments accepted 

Ice skating 

Outdoor ice skating just seems to be more fun than indoor skating.  You can skate outdoors in downtown Kansas City at Crown Center Ice Terrace.  The skating rink is in Crown Center Square.  Or if you are near Leawood Kansas, then Park Place may be a better place for your family.  Both locations have shops and dining nearby to make a day out of the experience. 

Penguin March at Kansas City Zoo 

On the fourth weekend of each month, the Humboldt penguins parade around the Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo.  The kids will love seeing these little guys shuffle through just a few feet away.  You can watch this free from 11:00 am to 11:15 am with admission to the zoo.  Jackson/Clay County residents pay $8.50-$10.00, while others pay $17.00-$20.00.  Children under 2 years old are free.  See a sneak peek of the penguins here

Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art 

This impressive sculpture park is on the grounds of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park is great for outdoor enthusiasts and those wanting to view art in a different kind of setting. As you meander through the museum grounds, you will stop at several sculptures to examine the materials, techniques, subject matter, and artistic styles of these outdoor objects 

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 

The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Overland Park are open from 10-5 daily during the winter.  Children under 6 are free, children 6-12 are $1, and Over 12 are $3.  They have beautiful gardens to walk through every season, including in the winter.  They also have a special garden for children that allows children to climb to the top of a spiraling walkway, visit the frog pond, explore a shrinking tunnel and study fossil and animal footprints. In addition, they can enjoy the story tree and nature play area.  There are several other gardens including a sculpture garden. 

Bar K Dog Park 

Bar K Dog Park is more than just a dog park.  It is a place to socialize with like-minded people and you can include your dog in the fun.  Bar K includes a two-acre dog park, including a space just for small dogs, a restaurant, event spaces, special events, and a lot of fun.  The hours are 9 am to 8 pm Sunday –Thursday, and 9 am to 9 pm on Friday.  This is a member’s only space, but you can purchase a guest pass to try it out for $10 - $15 for one dog, more for extra dogs.  You can visit without a dog for free.  The dog park, restaurant, and all the spaces are staffed by trained dog handlers so your dog will be safe.  Your dog must be current on immunizations, be at least 12 weeks old, and play nice with other dogs to enter. 

Your Own Winter Wonderland 

Winter is a great time to reflect on your outdoor living space and plan any additions you want to make in it.  Make plans to replace any plants that didn’t make it through the winter or that you are not satisfied with.  What hardscapes would make your outdoor living space more pleasant?  This ranges from a simple gazebo to an entire outdoor room complete with a fireplace and big-screen television.  We at Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can work with you to design something that best suits your landscape and needs.  Schedule a consult with us today. 

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