Prairiefire in Overland Park, Kansas, has officially morphed into a full-service entertainment district. Chalked full of recreation, eateries and shopping, a family could spend an entire day, or an entire weekend, exploring the area. A destination worth highlighting, this guide can help you navigate all the possibilities, and decide which stops should be your family’s next outing.
Guide to a Day at Prairiefire in Overland Park
Educational Destinations
Prairiefire Museum
The Prairiefire Museum is broken into six different exhibits. A changing main exhibit rotates seasonally, taking a deep dive in science and history driven stories and artifacts.
An augmented reality experience is where visitors will find soaring reptiles and sea creatures. At the entrance of the museum, the free exhibit is meant to immerse onlookers into the world of dinosaurs while also having a little fun avoiding their stomps and stares.
The Kansas City Natural History tour takes dinosaur enthusiasts back three hundred million years to see the fascinating fossil remains when Kansas City’s home was on the paleoequator. Also free to the public.
A virtual reality experience is open to those ages 10 and up, where patrons will be transported to Jurassic World and be able to roam amongst the creatures. Only open on weekends.
The Discovery Room is a ticketed entry where kids explore a world of authentic hands-on science and interactive learning. Plan to spend at least a few hours playing, digging, viewing animals and studying all of the cool things within the room.
Looking Out, Looking Back is an additional free exhibit, focusing on stunning images from local Astronomical Society of Kansas City photographers.
Fat Brain Toys
A destination full of high-quality, mostly STEM-based toys, Fat Brain Toys is the perfect place to stop and pick out a souvenir to commemorate the day. It is a little educational and a lot of fun for kids to shop!
Explore the Wetlands
Take the fun outside and explore the Wetlands at Prairiefire, complete with a walking trail through natural neighborhoods that celebrate the nature and biology of Kansas. An important habitat for wildlife, the wetlands of the area make for a picturesque stroll.
Fun for the Whole Family at Prairiefire
Chicken ‘N Pickle
Pickleball has officially swept the nation, and for good reason! Easy for a wide-range of ages to play, Chicken ‘N Pickle, a destination that caters to the sport, is always bustling. Defining the phrase, “full-service entertainment”, Chicken ‘N Pickle provides great food, a chance to play on indoor and outdoor courts and also a multitude of other attractions. A large Battleship game, bean bag toss, ping pong tables and foosball can be found around the grounds. Play, eat, relax all in one place.
Pinstripes Bistro for Bowling and Bocce
Pinstripes is a unique venue. Dine on Italian/American cuisine while the family enjoys a round of bowling or bocce. It also includes year-round indoor/outdoor patio equipped with fire pits. 
AMC Dine-In Theater
A trip to the movies is always great, but when they deliver diverse food options right to your seat, that is next level accommodation! Enjoy everything from a full dinner to the traditional movie fare of popcorn and soda while never leaving plush recliners. Enjoy a summer blockbuster when the heat wave hits.
Scheels
Is a trip to the area complete without a stop at Scheels, for a round on the ferris wheel and a quick browse? Short answer is no! Knowing what moms need to entice children to behave while shopping, the retail giant provides dedicated play areas, interactive displays, easy to shop sections and a one dollar ride on the ferris wheel. It is the perfect rainy-day destination.
Summer Concerts at Prairiefire
During the summer, free music concerts are held on Thursday evenings. Enjoy local bands while you eat on one of the many outdoor restaurant patios or bring lawn chairs and park it in a chosen shady spot.
Prairiefire Restaurants
Messenger Coffee is a fantastic local spot. Stop here for some mom fuel on your way to one of the many attractions.
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizza serves most kids’ favorite meal. Pizzas, calzones, salads, charcuterie boards and fresh drinks await at this cute little stop. Sit on the shaded patio on a nice day. The restaurant wisely offers trays of pizza dough for kids to poke, prod and play with while the food is being prepared!
Rock & Brews boasts its family friendly environment. Equipped with a play area for the kids, a generous variety of dishes and loud decor (pun intended), the restaurant will keep the little ones from boredom.
A fun day and ice cream are synonymous! Andy’s Frozen Custard is a sweet way to bookend a successful trip.
Only a handful years ago, Prairiefire was merely breaking ground, promising an exciting mixed-use development. Fast forward to today, and it is one of the popular areas of the KC metro area with sought after restaurants, museums and entertainment. Mark it as a top priority on your summer bucket list!
