Waterfall Park

(2 reviews)

5.1 mi

I love the park and it has a great playground for kids. The reason I deducted two stars is because…read moreof people who go to the park. Earlier today I went to the bathroom and some guy in there was trying to sell me drugs. That is the biggest problem with independence and Missouri in general is the amount of drug dealers here and the police in the entire state are completely worthless. Other than that, I will say I like to park but the police need to come here more often. But that's more of an independence problem than the park. But that's Missouri for you. High crime, a lot of drug dealers and completely worthless police.

Wow, McCoy has been upgraded so well! This was a favorite spot of mine, growing up, and it looks…read moreten times better now. Pros: - Two well-designed, "Pioneer"-themed playgrounds with great equipment and rubber matting - Paved, wide-open walking paths - Plenty of picnic tables and grills - A great water park!! - baseball diamond - Lots of informative plaques about local history, with Braille - The entire park is wheelchair-accessible - Very well maintained Cons: Not really any to speak of, except that people shouldn't leave so much trash behind. But I make that complaint about every park. The park was clean enough that I didn't feel nervous about being barefoot after playing with my Little One in the water park. This park is gorgeous and has lots of amenities.

Interactive playground

Waterpark

See all

Second playground

George Owens Nature Park

3.7

(3 reviews)

3.3 mi

Good hiking, some trails are paved some are a bit more rough hewn. They have Blue Stem grasses and…read morepaw-paws. Very very much fun.

Reservations for parties could be improved. Staffing was rude. I applied for the application to…read morereserve on the 2nd. They did bor make me aware that they could not do the 2nd and automatically booked me for the following weekend. I have paid full amount already. Their communication and customer service is poor

Live Missouri snakes inside reservation building

Inside event room

See all

Amazing taxidermy inside reservation building

Cliff Drive

4.1

(17 reviews)

10.7 mi

It was closed. The waterfall was a homeless porta potty, there have been multiple fires started…read morethat have destroyed the beautiful landscape that was there. Plus it has become unsafe and a dump where everyone dumps their trash! Yet if you go on their website it saids it's open and shows all the beauty that it used to be. Do not waste your time visiting' it's a huge disappointment! If I could choose no stars I would, but it's making me choose at least one.

This beautiful and scenic area exudes a real nature and woodsy forest feel. It used to be open for…read morescenic drives, but now it's blocked off to vehicles and has transformed into a stunning stretch for biking, jogging, running, or dog walking. If you know where to look, there are numerous off-road walking trails through the trees and brush. During the Christmas season, they reopen it for a drive-through Christmas lights exhibit. Personally, I find it nostalgic and beautiful, maybe even romantic, to walk through the fall or winter evening with a friend. It offers some of the most fantastic views in Kansas City. My favorite spot is to sneak to the top of the water fountain and light up a blunt!

Colonade

See all

Quail Creek Park

4.4

17.4 mi

I stopped by this quiet park on the way home so my grandson could try out the playground. This park…read moreis inside a residential area so there is no actual parking lot. But parking can be done on the street near the curb of the park. It's a quiet park with a small playground with newer equipment. There is a variety of regular swings, and also the larger swings for several kids. There is a walking trail that appears to be a loop. It's a small park, but it's nice and peaceful.

Catch us at a park all year long! Quail Creek Park has been in our rotation of parks and it is such…read morea great, little park! This park is tucked away in a neighborhood. There's no dedicated parking lot, but plenty of street parking. They have swings (2 baby ones, 2 normal ones, and two round tire type swings). The playground equipment is kind of advanced, but there are definitely things for younger littles. The ground is rubber material, so great for crawlers/ kiddos who are starting to walk! They also have a little creek and walking paths behind the park!

View of green space and the start of the walking path

See all

Glendale Park

(1 review)

1.9 mi

Glendale park is easily accessible and has a paved walking track surrounding two playgrounds…read more Pros: - paved walking area - park bathroom - two playgrounds - both wood chips and rubber flooring on play areas - well maintained and mowed - picnic tables, grills and trash cans available - wide open, grassy area for playing - safe for little kids Cons: - people leave trash a lot - noisy from street (if that's an issue for you) - there are almost always cars parked here without exiting their vehicles. No problems so far, though. I love this park and go often. I just wish it was cleaner.

See all

Mill Creek Park

(21 reviews)

11.7 mi

Beautiful park to walk through, and plenty of shade if you just want to rest and people watch…read more This park is adjacent to the Country Club Plaza shopping area, which puts you well within walking distance for food and drink options when you're done soaking in the vitamin free (*D). At the southern end of the park is the J.C. Nichol's Memorial Fountain. Folks were walking, running, and biking on the paved trail around and through the park. I didn't expect to find this beautiful fountain here, but it was a beautiful surprise. The walkways of the park put you less than a block away from Country Club Plaza, but I was well within walking distance of the Kemper Contemporary Museum of Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Great green space.

As someone who runs and walks solo about 50% of this time, this is not a favorite of mine. One…read morewould think that with all of the people on the plaza you would feel comfortable, but I don't. There is a hill covered with trees and that section gives me the creeps.

See all

Little Blue Trace Nature Preserve

4.4

(9 reviews)

8.3 mi

Cycling treat! This is a beautiful multi-use trail (hardpack…read morew/ concrete sections, 15 mi. each way) that is absolutely delightful! It's well maintained & has mile-markers. Highly recommend if visiting (we were here from MN.)

Beautiful trail. I walk it every Sunday! Perfect for running, walking and biking! Quite a…read morebeautiful place

See all

Lea Mckeighan Park

4.3

7.9 mi

Honestly, this is exactly the kind of spot you need in your back pocket for a nice day. It's super…read morecute, but more importantly, it's functional. You aren't fighting for parking, and there are plenty of covered benches so you can actually sit and relax while the family plays. Between the walking loop and the playground, it's just a great option. I would totally come back here.

amazing park and splash pad for sure. we absolutely loved it and had so much fun. one thing is the…read morebathrooms are absolutely disgusting along with the diaper changing table is broken. i totally understand it's hard to keep up with an outdoor bathroom but it really does need a deep clean and the diaper changing table fixed! super disappointed by that. everything else was phenomenal!

Pond

See all

Santa Fe Park

2.7

(3 reviews)

3.5 mi

This park is spacious, but tucked back into a residential neighborhood…read more Pros: - Two playgrounds (with wood chips) - Multiple tennis courts - Two baseball diamonds - Paved walking path between the playgrounds - Restrooms available - Fenced-in dog park - Covered picnic table area - Nature trail Cons: - As always, I wish people would clean up their trash - The restrooms are often locked - The park is a little run down - There is a lot of "through traffic" that makes it feel a little less safe Overall, this is a nice park. The playground equipment is nice enough, but definitely old. I can't speak to the nature trail, because I didn't walk it. I'll probably return to this park when my toddler is a bit older.

The park itself was great and spacious (except for the mud but that's okay since it's winter time…read morewith snow melting) but there was no sense of ownership with dogs owners. When two dogs meet for the first time, you need to make sure you are by the dogs LEASHED until you know they are okay with each other.... We are visiting family in the area and brought our dog to enjoy the park and I'm all for dogs interacting and playing together. But when someone else's dog starts "playing" with yours and it's doing guttural barking sounds, that's not playing that's too much. The other dog would not back down and the owner was across the park just watching. I was holding my dog and the other dog kept biting his legs and my dog would cry out. I tried picking him up, but golden retrievers are a little big and heavy, so I could only hold his two arms as he was trying to get away from the other dog. The other dog missed my dogs arm and got me instead. This is NOT "playing". At all... only will go back to the park when there are not any other dogs there.

Dog park

See all

Dog park

Meadowmere Park

(5 reviews)

13.4 mi

Great park to walk my dog. There is a nice playground too. Make sure to bring bug sprayread more

What an adorable and whimsical park! The playground equipment is fun, built to be explored and…read moreclimbed on, and feels like you're transported into a storybook. We loved everything about this park from the climbing structures and tree houses to the working water fountains and bathrooms. On the same grounds there is also a skate park and a nice dog park. There's literally something out here for any member of your family to enjoy!

Walking trail

See all

Blue Springs Centennial Pool-Plex

3.2

(5 reviews)

4.4 mi

This has been closed for about 2 years. Use to go there a lot over the years. The indoor pool and…read morethe outdoor pool. Wish they never tore it down.

Glad we stopped here on a hot summer day on our way back to StL…read more Indoor pool with diving boards, outdoor Olympic size pool (3.5' all across)neither two slides, and zero-entry children's pool. Full locker room access. Reasonable admission. Attentive lifeguards.

Longview Lake

3.3

(14 reviews)

9.2 mi

First time going through Longview for Christmas in the park. Drive through about 1.5 hrs in the…read morelane to see all the Christmas lights. It is worthwhile, plenty of Christmas displays to see. This is their 35th year. They ask for a donation at the end.

This might have been the most discheveled, atrocious example of a lake in a 100 mile radius. There…read morewas literally trash everywhere. We drove around for the better part of 20 minutes to find a suitable place to egress into the water, only to find trash in the water and around the land abutting the water. Honestly, I think the park service tries to keep it nice, because there was a bag in each trash can, and the cans were spaced 20 feet apart to give the hint that when a person has garbage, a person should place said garbage in the receptical. But to no avail - it was like someone had purposely emptied the trash can into the wind, fall refuse where ye may. I frequent parks in the greater KC area, and I'd say Longview is the most inhospitable of the lot. Additionally, we were trying to find a spot - as we like to do - for a picnic, and nearly every shelter was locked mid-day! We called and they told us it was by reservation only. Must be something to do with vagrants. Whatever the case, this was more government facility than oasis, and the wind rips nasty off the points if you find yourself so unlucky. No thanks. I'll never need a revisit.

Light display

See all

Slips

Waterfall Park - parks - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Waterfall Park also viewed

South Lake Park

4.4

(19 reviews)

Surreal, just a cool hidden little place that you could be walking by or driving by and not even…read morenotice it. They do have benches and I do have some athletic benches if you wanna do crunches for for example.

The geese attacked us. Very beautiful park, but beware. The trail is also kinda shortread more

Black Hoof Park

4.9

(21 reviews)

Great trail around the lake. Half is paved and the other half is chipped but very walkable terrain…read more In between, you cross the dam, which has a very 'sculptural' design. We stopped at a group of people watching a beaver resting on the spillway. A couple of nice picnic pavilions and (remarkably) clean restrooms have shaded playgrounds for kids. The real treat is a professional-grade Disc Golf course. For the less adventurous or for practice is a second, small course. All in all, a gem of a Lenexa park!

Yesterday I brought my grandkids here to try out this park. We were unable to try out all of it,…read morebut the areas that we did investigate we really enjoyed. I appreciate it that the play areas we went to had partial shade from the alcove of trees. There was a variety of play sets spread out with natural features of tree stumps and such for the kids to climb on. They had a lot of nice walking plaques to explain the walking trail. The golfing disc course was nice because a lot ofit was shaded. We will definitely go back to check out more of it when it is less hot.

English Landing Park

4.5

(40 reviews)

I was most recently here for the Parkville Microbrew Festival but I've been here numerous times. I…read moremost often come for the off leash dog park. They have it divided into small and large dog with lots of open space and even a water pump when the weather is warm. They always have plenty of parking and there's portable toilets throughout the park. I also enjoy the trail that runs along the river. It's paved, pretty flat, and maybe 3 ish miles so it's great for everyone. They have a few other trails that are less paved and go through more of the wooded area if you want a little more ruggedness. They also have playgrounds and shelters. Plus they do various festivals and activities throughout the year. Definitely stop by and bring a pup!

This is by far my favorite park i've ever been to. over the years, they have updated this park and…read moremade it more community friendly! If you go on a warm day, the park will be flooded with families, dogs, and members of the community. It is always a bright and fun place to be. They have a pickleball court, a huge playground, volleyball court, a long and short trail, water views, baseball area, open grass area, bathrooms, and lots of parking. what more could you ask for?? One of my favorite things to do at this park is sit under the trees with my boyfriend and have a picnic. This park offers many shaded areas as well. After being at the park, it is within walking distance of park university and many restaurants/coffee shops, and shopping areas. All around, it is worth a drive to visit!! This is a good solo park or family park,

Roe Park

4.5

(22 reviews)

I stumbled upon this park when I was pregnant with my daughter in hopes of finding a safe park that…read moreI'd be comfortable bringing her to and Roe Park is just that plus more! My daughter has been here since she was 1 month old. After taking her first steps, she walked the trail of roe park. So it's safe to say that this park not only gives you a fun time but there are great memories built here too. They have a play area for the littles and for the bigger kids, a walking trail for walking and bicycling, tennis courts, baseball field, open yard space for both soccer and football, benches and shelter area, and when it's hot out...a water park! I highly recommend this park to parents and guardians, I guarantee your kid will walk away happy after visiting.

what a great use of space and way for the community to gather together to use the outdoors. I have…read moreonly been here a few times and am always amazed at the amount of people using it. On top of multiple play areas, there is a splash park, over covers for picnics, a large walking trail with pavement, and exercise equipment. We used this space for a birthday party and it was the perfect size. While setting up, kids were able to play within watching distance on the park area. The equipment is updated and new. It also offers unique activities that you might not see at other parks. Lots of swinging options. Lots of parking as well. I love this park.

Shawnee Mission Park

4.3

(106 reviews)

A little escape in the middle of the city. With a large lake with fishing , boat rental, swim beach…read moreand more (even scuba diving with permit) Hiking and biking trails. Disc Golf and a dog park. There is plenty of stuff for everyone. Rent a shelter and have a party, take the kids to one of the many playgrounds. Catch one of the Theater in the Park shows or go sky gazing. This park has a lot to offer.

I love this place I have been here a-half dozen times with the dogs and the dog park is awesome…read more Ive walked around the lake also with a fishing pole and didn't catch anything but its a nice lake

Lea Mckeighan Park

4.3

Honestly, this is exactly the kind of spot you need in your back pocket for a nice day. It's super…read morecute, but more importantly, it's functional. You aren't fighting for parking, and there are plenty of covered benches so you can actually sit and relax while the family plays. Between the walking loop and the playground, it's just a great option. I would totally come back here.

amazing park and splash pad for sure. we absolutely loved it and had so much fun. one thing is the…read morebathrooms are absolutely disgusting along with the diaper changing table is broken. i totally understand it's hard to keep up with an outdoor bathroom but it really does need a deep clean and the diaper changing table fixed! super disappointed by that. everything else was phenomenal!

Happy Rock Park

4.9

(9 reviews)

I cannot believe this place was so close to us and we didn't know it! Great for walking the dog or…read moretaking the family for an afternoon stroll! Lots of nature and scenery. I've posted some of my own photos so you can see the bridge and such. Love this place!

Very diverse Park with a lot to offer. They have walking trails, baseball fields, picnic areas and…read moreeven have electric car parking spot with chargers. I usually walk from my house to here on Saturdays and Sundays. A very natural and relaxing view on the trails

Jacob Loose Memorial Park

4.7

(124 reviews)

Great place to meet somebody and walk around…read more.. Very central location if you're coming from the south or from the north Biggest recommendation is figure out where you're gonna meet ahead of time so you're not driving around going as it near the tennis courts or the front or the rose garden that type of thing because it is about a mile around so there's lots of different areas to park

If I were recommending a place to visit on a beautiful Kansas City day, then Loose Park would be at…read morethe top of my list. The open greenspace, the beauty of the paths, or even the rose garden in season makes for a sensational day at the park. There are photo op spots at virtually every corner of the park. If the fountain is going in the rose garden, then it is a popular place for a bushel of pics. The swale in the middle of the park, lined with bald cypress trees, offers many shady, comfortable spots for a picnic or just a rest. String yourself up your own hammock between trees and catch a cozy nap or a comfortable spot to read. Check out the raised placards for a memorial of the Battle of Westport, emphasizing Kansas City's part during the Civil War. Everyone loves a little history, and to do so looking to the west and learning about that conflict 160+ years ago, you can actually see it in your mind's eye. To place that memorial with beautiful green space is a nod to how Kansas City makes the most of its public real estate. Park in any number of lots or even find a spot on one of the side streets. Restrooms are open in nice weather, and there's plenty of spots in which to reserve a pavilion. Outstanding Kansas City landmark!

Black Bob Park

4.1

(14 reviews)

I was in the area at a nearby library, and I brought my grandkids to this park. It was a very good…read moresize park with a walking trail around it. I believe there was also sporting fields that I wasn't paying that close of attention to it since my primary reason for going was the playground. The playground had toddler all the way to older kids play equipment. It was all newer and well-maintained and soft under footing material. The two-year-old grandchild enjoyed it and my six-year-old grandchild also enjoyed it. There was a sitting area that had a cover over it for shade. Most of the play area is in the sun, but the day that we went it was often on cloudy and windy so it was tolerable. It was not busy for a summer day. But around 4 PM two summer camps showed up so everyone left because that would've been a lot of kids on the playground.

We love Black Bob park. We walk the full loop every day and go swimming at the Bay when we get the…read morechance BUT I'm typing this out from a vet's office. A little PSA: the walking trail goes right by a small fishing pond and we just paid $1,200 to pull a fishing hook out of our dog's intenstines. Be super careful with your animals near there. Below you'll see photos of the pond. Notice that the nearest trash can is actually in a picnic shelter up the hill. There really should be a place to dispose of fishing line near the sign postings so that this has a lower chance of dropping on the trail and letting animals eat it.

I-Lan Park

4.7