Picnicking in Overland Park is an ideal way to enjoy the more relaxing side of the city. OP has more than 80 parks and open spaces, numerous bike and hike trails, and a vibrant arts and culture scene with many unique museums such as the Museum at Prairiefire. With plenty of activities both indoors and outdoors, there is no shortage of things to do in this city. With beautiful areas and activities for all ages, picnic goers will be pleased to find many picturesque spots to explore in Overland Park.
Whether you’re looking for a place to watch a pickup game or to simply relax and take in some beautiful views, these are the best places to picnic in Overland Park.
Wilderness Lake Park
Location: 16001 Rosewood Overland Park, KS 66085
Wilderness Lake Park is a 16.9-acre park with access to nearby neighborhoods and schools. The park’s main feature is a beautiful lake that is great for fishing. There is also a loop trail, open field, and picnic tables, making this area a great spot to enjoy a meal or to simply relax. In the cold and snowy winters, the park’s hilly location is an ideal location for sledding.
Switzer Park
Location: 13700 Switzer Overland Park, KS 66221
Switzer Park is a 16-acre hub for recreational activities. Enjoy the biking and hiking trails or spend the day playing pickleball, tennis, or basketball. There is also a skate park with many popular skating elements such as low rails, mini bowl, stairs with handrail and much more. It also provides access to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and the St. Andrews Golf Club.
Sapling Grove Park
Location: 8210 Grant Overland Park, KS 66204
Sapling Grove Park has many activities for a fun-filled day. This 20-acre area has something for all ages with amenities such as a playground, swings, splashpad and much more. Utilize the available grill and enjoy a picnic at the reservable shelter or picnic tables. You can also learn about the history of this area with the informational panels that can be found around the park. These educational boards were made with the help of the National Park Service and the Kansas City Area Historical Trails Association.
Regency Lake Park
Location: 14800 Lamar Overland Park, KS 66223
Regency Lake Park is an ideal location for any outdoor enthusiasts. This 13.7-acre park features a large lake with a fishing pier, providing hours of fun or simply an area to take in the pretty views. The park also perfectly lends itself to more active activities with the walking trail that surrounds the lake, playground, and connection to a hiking trail. There are also plenty of opportunities for more relaxing ventures such as eating at one of the picnic tables or at the small shelter. No matter the activity, the pretty views of Regency Lake Park can be enjoyed all around.
Osage Park
Location: 6300 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS 66212
This 6.5-acre neighborhood park provides plenty to do for hours of fun. The open area and multi-use field, loop trail, playground and plenty of seating makes it a great community destination. Enjoy a picnic at the reservable shelter, picnic tables, or under one of the many shady trees. The grill, drinking fountain and restroom aides in providing a great picnic experience as well. Osage Park is also a great sledding location during the snow filled Midwestern winters.
Indian Creek Recreation Center
Location: 10308 Marty Overland Park, KS 66212
There is no shortage of things to do at the Indian Creek Recreation Center. This 24.7-acre community park is a great area to spend some time enjoying its many activities such as a playground, tennis courts, swings, connection to a biking and hiking trail along with many other fun features. This is a great area for large gatherings with its drinking fountains, grill, restrooms, picnic tables, reservable shelter and much more.
Clock Tower Plaza
Location: 7935 Santa Fe Drive Overland Park, KS 66204
What this park lacks in trees and greenery, it makes up for in events and activities. Located in the heart of Downtown Overland Park, this historical park features public art, fountains, shops, live performances and celebrations. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market not only has many vendors selling fresh produce and other items but also fun events such as the Holiday Market. This community gathering place is ideal for picnics with the many picnic tables, restrooms, drinking fountains and plenty of parking available for both cars and bikes.
Brittany Park
Location: 7420 W. 154th Terrace Overland Park, KS 66223
Brittany Park is a beautiful, 19-acre play park filled with trees, greenery and plenty of activities. Work up an appetite at the playground, sand volleyball court, or the bike/hike trail. The small shelter, picnic tables and grill offer great spots to have a picnic after a long day.
Bluejacket Park
Location: 10101 Bond Overland Park, KS 66214
Bluejacket Park is the perfect place to be active or to relax and have a picnic. Cool off at the Bluejacket Pool or get a good workout in by swimming in the 25-meter lap lane. The bike parking, trails, tennis court, playground, open area and multi-use field also lends itself to being a great spot to exercise. The park also offers great areas to unwind and have a picnic with amenities such as drinking fountains, concessions, picnic tables and more.
Antioch Acres Park
Location: 8202 W. 74th St. Overland Park, KS 66204
Antioch Acres Park has a lot to offer for people of all ages. This 10.8-acre park includes a loop trail, playground, swings and plenty of parking. It also has picnic tables, a reservable shelter, drinking fountains and restrooms, making it an ideal picnic location. This Johnson County park allows the fun to continue with tennis and pickleball courts that are on a first-come, first serve basis.
Kessler Park
Location: 7827 Kessler Overland Park, KS 66204
Kessler Park is a great area to spend an afternoon. It features a basketball court, drinking fountain, playground, a multi-use field and much more. Named after the park’s creator, George Edward Kessler, this area has a lot of history. Located in the Grantioch and Timberland Creek neighborhoods, the park provides a great ambience for a picnic. With over 300 acres to explore, there is something in this park for everyone!
Shawnee Mission Park
Location: 7900 Renner Road Shawnee, KS 66219
Shawnee Mission Park (SMP) is a great spot for a picnic and so much more. It has plenty of tables, grills and picnic shelters scattered throughout the park. There’s also a lake where you can go fishing, paddle boarding, sail boarding, boating or swimming, making it the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day. SMP is a great picnic spot for families too! The park has a playground and sand volleyball court, and even an off-leash dog area for your furry friends. There’s also a fishing pond and hiking trails. And if you’re looking for something to do after your picnic, it’s a great place to enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding. It’s also home to The Theatre in the Park, and Shawnee Mission Park Beach.
Enjoy your picnic and don’t forget to bring along your Q2GO!
