outdoor recreation

The Springs Aquatic Center isn’t just a public pool. Kansas City families say it’s where their kids can cool off, take a dive or even slide down — and more importantly, be adventurous.

Organizers, developers and local politicians and officials hailed the new $4.3 million pool as a testament to community.

Summer is a great time to try out a new adventure around Kansas City. We've selected a few of our favorite things to do this summer, including outdoor and indoor activities, road trips and staycations, and places to explore around the metro.

A picnic meal is quintessential summer, and Kansas City has plenty of great locations to spread out a blanket, get out the frisbee, and enjoy some snacks.

Many towns in western Kansas lack gyms and fitness centers. Some small communities are building outdoor walking trails to encourage better health and attract new residents.

Summer is arguably the best time to live in Kansas City. We put together a list of the 2025 summer season's can't-miss events, including Juneteenth, Pride and July 4 festivities — plus annual staples like the Ethnic Enrichment Festival.

The Flint Hills Trail travels through tallgrass prairie and along riverside bluffs. It also offers a chance to stop at historic sites, such as the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park near Council Grove.

Pools around the Kansas City metro officially opened this weekend, while Johnson County offers even more places to swim. This summer will see a blend of familiar favorites and some new places to try.

Where to play pickleball in Kansas City, including public pickleball courts, dedicated pickleball gyms, themed restaurants and rec centers all over the Kansas City region.

The distinctive fungus prized for its earthy flavor has a honeycomb appearance and pops up after heavy spring rains — just like the Kansas City metro experienced this past weekend.

The Crown Center Ice Terrace was recently named one of the top ice skating locations in the country. For 52 years, families, friends and the newly-in-love have taken to the ice at Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink, which runs all the way into March.

Just southeast of Kansas City is Lee's Summit, Missouri, founded just a few months after the Civil War ended. Now, the city has a historic downtown shopping district, vibrant local arts scene and plenty of green space to explore.