As the weather promises to warm soon, great picnic spots in Kansas City are calling our name. Use this guide to schedule a meal the whole family will be excited to attend. We have also included local eateries within close proximity where you can grab some take-out, eliminating all the work and maximizing your time as a family.
Guide to the Best Picnic Spots in Kansas City (plus food options)
Loose Park
There’s no way to make it through this list without mentioning Loose Park, arguably the most well-known public space in the city. With tons of great shady spots, ducks to feed, a beautiful rose garden, playground and spray park, it has all of the amenities families flock toward. Side note, parents might want to consider packing an adult beverage or two while your little ones dance to the random musicians that pop up regularly.
For maximum enjoyment, run by Andre’s Chocolates for a lovely carryout picnic meal, complete with cocktails to go and delicious desserts!
Boulevard Drive-In
Choose to eat at a picnic table, the tailgate of a car or on a blanket while watching a double feature at the Boulevard Drive-In. There will be tons of other families doing the same. Consider hitting up the playground for your restless brood.
Call in an order to Rosedale Barbeque or Cupini’s and enjoy it as you watch the movie. A snack bar is also on site at the drive-in for the traditional movie fare.
The Lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
It doesn’t get any more scenic and Kansas City than the Nelson. Iconic and popular, you will be dining with other families, love birds on first dates, wedding parties posing for pictures and art lovers all in one expansive lawn. Bubbles and ring toss games are welcome, plus you can take in some great art while there.
Being in the heart of the city, takeout options are aplenty around the museum. A close option with a drive-thru is Winstead’s. Grab some burgers, cherry limeades and tots and everyone will leave full and happy.
Kangaroo Area at the Kansas City Zoo
Where else can you dine alfresco while kangaroos hop past? Without fences between you and that particular wildlife, it feels even more fun! Spend your lunch searching for joeys, and commenting about how this is even better than watching the bunnies hop by during backyard picnics.
The zoo has several food stands throughout the park, but if you are looking for something a little more tasty, a sandwich from Niecie’s Restaurant will hit the spot.
English Landing Park
What a view! Look right for adorable scenery, look left for the river and skyline. Tall trees shade your lunch, and kids are happily playing away.
Cafe Des Amis in downtown Parkville will gladly pack up some tasty crepes for a fancy feeling French picnic. If casual is more your style, grab something from Stone Canyon Pizza.
Weston Bend State Park
Not far from the hustle and bustle of KC is Weston Bend State Park. Yet its sweeping views, heavily shaded paths, lovely hills and secluded picnic spots make it feel like you are far away. Spend a meal or an entire afternoon hiking, biking or simply relaxing.
The Green Dirt Farm Creamery specialized in picnic fare with its charcuterie boards, wrapped sandwiches, preserved meats and ice cream to go!
Overland Park Arboretum
Choose to eat amongst the butterflies in one of the beautiful gardens, bask in the sun in the prairie, on a bench next to the ducks or on a blanket near the train car, the options are numerous at the Overland Park Arboretum.
Fried chicken feels like the ultimate midwest picnic food, and Stroud’s in Overland Park can provide just what you are craving.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
Plan to walk the just over one mile Bethany Falls Trail when visiting Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. The center has lovingly arranged for educational stops along the way, helping to identify native trees, birds and even a progressive storybook with different pages posted along the path. Stop at one of the many benches or tables to view a slow moving creek or listen to the animals bustle in the leaves. It’s a magical little spot in Blue Springs.
Pick up a pizza from the Minsky’s Blue Springs location. No plates or utensils needed, just grab a slice and go!
Lake Olathe
A true gem, Lake Olathe is a 260 acre site full of spots to enjoy a meal, relax, revel in nature and play! Post up next to the amphitheater on the east side of the lake for a great backdrop, then head to the nature play area for the kids. Plenty of shelters are also available.
As seen on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Johnny’s BBQ has daily lunch specials that are killer. Order online and pick up on your way to Lake Olathe.
Powell Gardens
Picturesque, fun and chalked full of activities for families, Powell Gardens is the ultimate picnic spot. Favorite areas to post up for a outdoor meal are the barn, children’s garden, fountain garden or along the woodland and stream garden trail.
Order from Lovett Coffeehouse and Eatery in Lone Jack and they will bring the food curbside!
Those are our top picks, where do you picnic in Kansas City?
This post was originally written by Rachel C. Updated in 2023 by Kristin R.
