While we have many parks to choose from in Kansas City, I love Loose Park the most. Fall is just around the corner, and it’s my favorite time to visit! Leaves are changing colors, air is cool, family holidays abound, and nature is calling! This spacious and scenic park in the Midtown area is just over 74-acres of lawn space, gardens, activities, and more.
Driving in the heart of Kansas City, it’s hard to miss the vast greenery and tree-lined entrance leading into this park. But what lies within the gates is why this park is my top pick for families. Aside from tons of ground for kids to run around, there are walking trails, a serene pond, a playground for ages young and old, and a spray ground.
What I find particularly appealing about Loose Park is that it’s one of the few outdoor options with the ability to entertain kids and adults of all ages, while being so close to downtown. We can put the kids in a stroller while we shop on the Plaza, then let them run and burn off energy at Loose Park!
It also doesn’t matter if you live an active lifestyle or enjoy taking a slower pace. Loose Park is for everyone!
Fit Fam Tips
If you are one of those “fit fams” that like to be active, run the playground and lawns, play some volleyball or tennis, climb a mini rock wall, and cool off at the spray ground, here are some suggested activities:
•Bike/Run on the trails
•Climb the mini rock wall
•Play and climb the playground (Dig in the sand!)
•Play tennis
•Play volleyball
•Walk the Rose Garden (blooms in summer months)
•Run the open grass and hills
•Grill out and picnic at a table under the shelter
•Play on the spray ground (summer months)
Easy Peasy Tips
Maybe your family enjoys a more leisurely pace when it comes to the outdoors. Want a nice stroll with a scenic view? Loose Park hits the spot with these activities:
•Bike/walk on the trails
•Enjoy the pond view
•Sit and read a book (Do this on a bench by the pond for extra relaxation.)
•Bird watch
•Take a stroll in the Rose Garden (blooms in summer months)
•Picnic on the lawn under one of the big trees
My favorite part of this park is the pond. I can appreciate a good water view in a serene setting, juxtaposed against the bustle of Midtown. The large pond has ducks and swans, fountains, a trail, and a beautiful bridge.
Mom tip: The best picnic spot exists directly across the fountain by the bridge. Grab a blanket and plant your kids under one of the big, shady trees for a scenic lunch. If you want bench seating instead of grass seating, the Rose Garden is my second picnic spot pick.
Additional park details
•Jacob L. Loose Park is located at: 5200 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64112.
•The park opens at 5am and closes at midnight, daily.
•Loose Park is a great option for birthday parties. Reserve a shelter and host your child’s birthday party in the park! Shelter rentals at the park are available May 1 through October 31 each year.
Seating capacity is 128.
Rental Fee (Monday – Friday): $95, (Weekends/ Holiday): $125
They book up fast, so reserve early!
•Loose Park is one of the perfect backdrops for family photos in Kansas City, during any season. Fall is especially beautiful because of all the trees full of changing leaves. Winter is stunning when snow covered. Summer is beautiful with everything is in bloom in the Rose Garden.
•There are about 4,000 roses of over 150 varieties in the 1.5 acre garden. All the heart eyes!
•The hidden gem of Loose Park is the Japanese Tea Room and Garden. It can be rented to accommodate 4 people (one person being the Tea Master, which is required) and is a space solely used for holding Japanese tea ceremonies.
•There are lots of happy tails around the park! Loose Park is very dog friendly, so bring your pup for a family walk!
•Recycling has recently become available at Loose Park in an effort to keep the park clean.
Make a day of it!
Complete your visit to the park with a Midtown and Plaza area adventure. Catch a storytime at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library, play and picnic at Loose Park, and grab dessert on the Plaza (Waffle Bar and Cupcake a la Mode are our favorites!) before heading home. Your kids will have so much fun and be totally worn out! It’s a win-win, Mama!
I really consider Loose Park a special place in the heart of Kansas City. It offers a scenic place for all to soak up the outdoors and appreciate nature’s beauty.
