Key Takeaways:
- Leawood, Kansas, is a dynamic city offering an array of year-round activities for all types of travelers.
- From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, Leawood has something to suit everyone’s interests, regardless of the season.
- Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Leawood is an ideal destination to explore the best of Kansas’ attractions, parks, and entertainment.
Table of Contents
- Explore the Ironwoods Park
- Visit the Leawood City Park
- Enjoy Shopping at Town Center Plaza
- Take a Stroll Through the Kansas City Arboretum
- Experience Local Dining at the Leawood Farmers Market
- Explore the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- Attend the Leawood Arts Council Exhibits and Events
- Go Golfing at the Leawood South Country Club
- Discover Local History at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop
- Spend the Day at the Overland Park Zoo
Leawood, Kansas, is a charming and vibrant city known for its well-maintained parks, cultural attractions, and its proximity to the bustling Kansas City area. This city is not only a great place to live but also an exciting destination for visitors, offering year-round entertainment and outdoor activities. Located just a short drive from Kansas City, Leawood provides an excellent mix of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you’re hiking through its green spaces or enjoying local food, Leawood is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. From its scenic parks to its lively downtown area, this city is packed with things to explore, no matter the time of year.
1. Explore the Ironwoods Park
Ironwoods Park is one of the most popular attractions in Leawood, offering a beautiful blend of nature, walking trails, and recreational activities. The park features several miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walks. It’s an excellent spot for visitors who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to experience the beauty of Leawood’s landscape. The park also has a peaceful pond, perfect for those who enjoy birdwatching or simply relaxing in a natural environment.
In addition to the trails and pond, Ironwoods Park is home to the beautiful Gezer Park, which is modeled after a park in Israel. The park’s gardens and landscaping provide a serene escape and are ideal for those looking to explore nature in all seasons. Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or winter, there’s always something beautiful to see in this well-maintained park.
2. Visit the Leawood City Park
Leawood City Park is another fantastic outdoor destination for visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. This spacious park is perfect for family picnics, outdoor sports, or simply taking a leisurely walk. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, and a large pond, making it a great place for both active and passive recreation. During the warmer months, the park hosts various community events, including outdoor movies and concerts.
With ample green space and well-kept trails, the park is ideal for walking, jogging, or simply soaking up the sun. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the pond or take part in one of the park’s many events, Leawood City Park offers year-round enjoyment for the whole family.
3. Enjoy Shopping at Town Center Plaza
For those who love shopping and dining, Town Center Plaza in Leawood is a must-visit. This upscale shopping center features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. From high-end fashion boutiques to casual eateries, Town Center Plaza offers a diverse array of places to explore. The outdoor mall is especially beautiful during the holiday season when it is lit up with festive lights and decorations.
In addition to shopping and dining, the plaza hosts seasonal events, including farmers markets, arts and crafts fairs, and live entertainment. It’s a fantastic spot to spend the day, whether you’re looking to shop, grab a bite to eat, or simply people-watch. Town Center Plaza is a hub of activity and a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
4. Take a Stroll Through the Kansas City Arboretum
Located just a short drive from Leawood, the Kansas City Arboretum offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning gardens, wooded paths, and diverse plant life, the arboretum provides a serene environment for a stroll or a picnic. The expansive grounds include themed gardens, such as a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a Japanese garden. These spaces provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.
The Kansas City Arboretum is open year-round, with each season offering something unique to enjoy. Spring brings colorful blooms, while fall features vibrant foliage, and winter provides a quieter, peaceful landscape to explore. Whether you’re looking to relax, take a guided tour, or enjoy a family outing, the arboretum is a top spot to visit in the Leawood area.
5. Experience Local Dining at the Leawood Farmers Market
The Leawood Farmers Market is a delightful place to experience the local flavors of Leawood, Kansas. Held in the heart of the city, the market features a variety of fresh produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods from local vendors. It’s a great place to shop for seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade crafts, all while supporting local businesses. The market is open year-round, offering a selection of seasonal items and special events throughout the year.
In addition to the fresh produce, visitors can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and special activities for families. The farmers market is an ideal place to spend a morning exploring the community and discovering unique, locally-sourced products. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, the Leawood Farmers Market is a perfect stop on your visit to the city.
6. Explore the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem near Leawood that is perfect for nature lovers. This expansive 300-acre property features a variety of gardens, including native plant gardens, water gardens, and a rose garden. The arboretum is known for its beautiful walking trails and scenic views, making it a peaceful escape for those looking to connect with nature.
In addition to the gardens, the Overland Park Arboretum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. From plant sales to seasonal festivals, there’s always something exciting happening at the arboretum. It’s a great place to visit for a relaxing day outdoors, especially during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom.
7. Attend the Leawood Arts Council Exhibits and Events
The Leawood Arts Council hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year. From art galleries to live performances, the Arts Council provides a platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their work. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to experience the local culture, attending one of the Arts Council’s events is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Leawood.
In addition to regular exhibits, the Arts Council organizes special events, such as outdoor concerts and art walks, making it easy to experience the city’s artistic side. It’s a great way to enjoy some local creativity and connect with the Leawood community.
8. Go Golfing at the Leawood South Country Club
Leawood South Country Club is a top-tier destination for golfers, offering an immaculate 18-hole course surrounded by lush greenery. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, the course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The club also features a driving range, practice greens, and a fully stocked pro shop, making it easy to improve your game.
The country club is known for its welcoming atmosphere and offers several membership packages for those who want to make golfing a regular part of their lifestyle. It’s an excellent location for both solo rounds and group outings, as well as special golf events and tournaments.
9. Discover Local History at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the life of settlers traveling across the country in the 19th century. This living history museum features a stagecoach stop, where visitors can experience hands-on activities, including blacksmithing, gardening, and farming. It’s an excellent place to learn about the history of the Kansas frontier and the daily lives of the people who settled the area.
Visitors can explore the historic buildings, take a guided tour, or participate in interactive programs that bring the past to life. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is open year-round, offering a variety of special events and programs that allow visitors to connect with history in an engaging and educational way.
10. Spend the Day at the Overland Park Zoo
Located just a short drive from Leawood, the Overland Park Zoo is a family-friendly destination that offers a fun and educational experience. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including exotic species like tigers, elephants, and giraffes. Visitors can take guided tours, attend animal shows, or simply enjoy observing the animals in their natural habitats.
The Overland Park Zoo is perfect for a family outing, with plenty of interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s open year-round, with seasonal events and holiday celebrations that provide unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
What to Do if You Have Kids?
Leawood is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities that kids will love. From the Overland Park Zoo to the Leawood City Park, there are plenty of outdoor spaces for children to explore and play. The St. Louis Science Center and the local libraries also offer hands-on learning opportunities for kids, making it easy to combine fun with education.
For families with young children, the Leawood Farmers Market and the Leawood City Park provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to play, shop, and explore. The city is also home to several family-friendly festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities to enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, and local food.
Where Can I Find Free Events in Leawood, Kansas Taking Place This Weekend?
Looking for free events in Leawood this weekend? Use our tool at PlanMyWeekend.ai to find exciting events happening in the city. From free concerts to community festivals, our tool makes it easy to discover all the great things happening in the area without spending a dime.
PlanMyWeekend.ai is an excellent resource for discovering free events, ensuring you can enjoy your weekend in Leawood without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Leawood, Kansas, is a delightful city with a wide variety of activities that appeal to people of all ages and interests. From its beautiful parks and historical sites to its lively shopping and dining scene, there’s always something happening here. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an extended stay, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Leawood. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to explore the best of Kansas in a charming, welcoming environment.

Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai