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Sometimes our four-legged friends need more than a scamper in the backyard or a walk around the block. Dogs may relish an outdoor adventure to inhale the fresh air, smell all the smells and explore fresh terrain beyond the territory they know.
Where can you head with your dog to enjoy the great outdoors? Kansas City and its surrounding suburbs offer several destinations for a day trip with your pupper.
Platte Landing Dog Park
Parkville, Missouri, is home to Platte Landing Dog Park, the first dog park in Platte County. Adjacent to English Landing Park along the Missouri River, Platte Landing contains two off-leash areas: a three-acre large dog park and a two-acre small dog park. Both parks give dogs ample room to roam and have a double-gated entry for added security.
The parks do not have supervisors on-site, so guests may use the parks at their own risk. Children under the age of eight are discouraged from entry into the dog parks, and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Dog owners are expected to pick up after their pooches. Find additional guidelines here.
Note that right now, the large dog park “is closed until further notice while the grass is re-established and the park dries out.” Please check online for updates before taking large dogs.
A Barking Good Time At Bar K
Since its debut in 2018, Bar K’s spacious venue along Berkley Riverfront Park has attracted scores of Kansas City denizens and dogs. Bar K combines a fully-staffed, off-leash dog park with a bar, restaurant and event space. Its location near major highways and the urban core make it a convenient spot to arrange a doggie playdate or to simply take your dog out to frolic and make friends.
Dogtenders are available if owners need to take a break to eat and refresh indoors. In addition to wide-open grounds secured by fences for large dogs, Bar K has a small dog park (25 lbs. and under) equipped with play equipment and a dedicated bar for humans.
Memberships are available or you can purchase a guest pass. Check out Bar K’s FAQ section for more details. Their events page includes listings for DJ nights, dog yoga, trivia night, puppies night out, happy hour and more.
Explore These Other Local Dog Parks
For pups that love the water, Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, Kansas, has a 44-acre off-leash dog park that features a paved trail leading to the lake and beach area. The off-leash area is open year-round during regular park hours and also includes paved trails, open grasslands and wooded areas. It gets quite crowded on the weekends, so you might consider going on a weekday if your furry friend is on the timid side.
Leawoof Dog Park located in Leawood, Kansas, is yet another spot to bark about. Whether your dog is long and lean or has a squatty body, good boys and girls have room to romp, tail wag, bark, howl, race, chase tails, play tag and roll in the grass. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and common-sense rules and guidelines apply.
There are several other off-leash dog parks scattered throughout the metro, including Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park. It's separated into a 2.7-acre fenced-off leash area for larger dogs and a 1.8-acre section for small, elderly and handicapped dogs. The park is operated by Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and is open 5 a.m. to midnight daily.
Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park is located within Kansas City’s magnificent Swope Park. The dog park's five-acre grounds are split into sections for large and small dogs with water fountains available. It's open 5 a.m. to midnight daily.
In the Northland, Waggin' Trail Off-Leash Dog Park includes a walking trail, agility course, benches, two accessible water fountains and three tunnel runs so that dogs can get out their zoomies. It's open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. or sunset (whichever comes first).
West Terrace Dog Park, open to members only, is located within West Terrace Park in downtown Kansas City. Benches, views of the West Bottoms and Missouri River, shade pavilions and fountains are some of the amenities available. New memberships are currently on hold, but applications, rules and regulations are available online, so keep an eye out if you'd like to join in the future.
Liberty Dog Park in Liberty, Missouri, features three fenced acres dedicated to large dogs with space set aside for small dogs. Amenities include agility obstacles for your pup, as well as benches, a fire hydrant, a water spigot and more.
And for those who live south of the metro, Dogwood Park in Lee's Summit includes dog agility equipment, restrooms (for humans, of course), an asphalt trail and a water fountain.
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