Planning a Family Friendly Staycation in Kansas City 

There’s still time to enjoy summer activities in Kansas City! It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a family friendly staycation to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden. With both indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, you can combine learning about the natural world with the power of play.  

Pack the car, bring water and sunscreen, and prepare for a road trip to Powell Gardens. We’re worth the drive! 

Events and Classes for the Whole Family

Fortopia

Fortopia, a playful outdoor exhibition comprised of awe-inspiring forts, invites explorers of all ages to uncover Powell Gardens. This vibrant addition to summer in Kansas City encourages outdoor discovery and taps into the nostalgia of childhood fort building.

Designed with play and discovery in mind, this year’s exhibition includes new activations for the whole family to enjoy including a music station, indoor build your own fort area, and yard games.

Classes and Crafts

Family Programs 
Recommended for children seven and under, Family Programs are monthly events designed to celebrate the seasons! Enjoy story time, crafts, and a snack. Past topics include frogs and tadpoles, dandelion play, succulents and cacti, spring flowers, and more. 

Upcoming Family Programs

Art Inspired by Nature 
New in 2024, Powell Gardens launched a series of nature-themed art classes for all ages! Have you ever wanted to try nature journaling, wildflower sketching, or painting your own birdhouse?  

Classes are just as varied in subject as they are in level. Whether supporting a budding artist in the family or testing out a new hobby, there’s plenty of summer activities for your summer road trip to Powell Gardens. 

Upcoming Art Classes

Make the most of your family friendly staycation in Kansas City by discovering all that Powell Gardens has to offer! Combine your class or event visit with these must-see stops at Kansas City’s botanical garden.

Outdoor Play Activities 

Hike the Family Discovery Loop

Search the pond for seasonal residents, play nature games, and construct gnome and fairy homes among fallen trees and waterways on the new Family Discovery Loop. This one-mile hike meanders through wooded and aquatic ecosystems. Categorized as Trail Class 2, this one-mile loop is perfect for novice hikers. 

Tips for the Trail 

• Know your capabilities and allow enough time to complete the trail before the Gardens close. 
• Minimize your exposure to insects by wearing correct clothing (hat, long pants that can tuck into socks, long socks, and closed-toe shoes) and spraying insect repellent.  
• Learn to recognize poison ivy and avoid contact. 
• Take water with you. 
• Put on sunscreen.  
• Stay on the trail! 
• Be aware we are in the range for copperheads and timber rattlers, although none have been identified on the property. You may encounter a variety of nonvenomous snakes. 
• See how many native birds, butterflies, and plants you can identify by using the resources linked below. 
  • Plants Along the Way 
  • Birds of the Byron Shutz Nature Trail 
  • Butterflies of Byron Shutz Nature Trail 
• The trail is closed during deer season (November through January) for your safety. 

Discover the Secret Trail in the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden 

Past the Wildflower Meadow, visitors will enter the shaded David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden. While exploring bridges above flowing streams and special viewing decks, look for fairy dwellings along a secret side trail.  

Flit and Flutter through the Pollinator Playground 

Nestled in the Heartland Harvest Garden, the Pollinator Playground is a must-see for your family road trip! From the Milkweed Climbers to Honeycomb Climber 

Dig and Discover in the Children’s Garden 

The Children’s Garden provides countless opportunities for children of all ages to explore the wonders of science and nature. A family friendly space, follow a stone path through tunnels, walk on garden tool balance beams, plant your own garden, and climb up in oversized chairs. 

After a day of play, rest under the Education Building’s eaves, which provides the perfect shady spot for a picnic lunch or a snack! 

Bring a Picnic and Enjoy the Midwest Scenery 

What family friendly staycation would be complete without a classic picnic! Powell Gardens encourages you to bring your favorite snacks and beverages (no alcohol, please!) and relax while experiencing the Midwest landscape around.  

Check out some of Powell Gardens’ favorite picnic recommendations! 

If you’re feeling adventurous, save these outdoor picnic ideas:  

• East Lawn: Located near the Conifer Garden, the East Lawn boasts gorgeous views of the nearby Conifer Garden, Millstone, Fountain Garden, and Visitor Center Terraces. Spread your favorite picnic blanket and enjoy the views!
• Missouri Barn: Located in the Heartland Harvest Garden, the Missouri Barn offers a shady respite complete with tables and chairs. Afterward, head to the top of the Silo for a spectacular view of the Villandry Garden and surrounding landscape. 
• Education Building: Located in the Heartland Harvest Garden near the Children’s Garden, the Education Building also offers a shady spot complete with traditional picnic tables. With its prime location next to the Children’s Garden, Missouri Barn & Silo, and Villandry Garden, there’s plenty of play and scenery opportunities.
• David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden Viewing Decks: Step into the shady oasis known as the David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden located between the Wildflower Meadow and the Perennial Garden. Two viewing decks (Carl and Jean Chinnery Lower Deck Garden and the Natalie Prussing Upper Deck Garden) offer the quintessential relaxation location while enjoying a picnic.  
• Fountain Garden: Surrounding the 42-foot diameter interactive water feature, are plenty of tables and chairs to enjoy a post-run-through-the-fountain snack.  

If you’d like a chance to cool off, save these indoor picnic ideas:  

• Terrace Room: Located in the south wing of the Visitor Center, the Terrace Room offers a plethora of traditional table and chair options. When not in use for other programs, this is a great location to step away from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Hall. Complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, viewing the Hummingbird Garden, Stumpery Garden, and Visitor Center Terraces has never been easier. 
• Perennial Lounge: Located across from The Marketplace at Powell Gardens, the Perennial Lounge includes a small but varied selection of seating options including a traditional round top table, high top tables, comfy chairs, and more! Take in the views of the Visitor Center Terraces through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Visitor Center Grand Hall: Whether it’s your first visit or hundredth, the Visitor Center lobby greets all Powell Gardens’ guests. You’ll find tables and chairs situated near both grand fireplaces ready for you to enjoy! 

Staying Cool at Powell Gardens 

Run through the Fountain Garden 

The Fountain Garden features a 42-foot diameter interactive water feature, surrounded by colorful annuals, Powell Gardens’ iris collection, and seasonal displays. When activated, the fountain’s 56 spray head create the impression of an opening flower and the perfect relief for a hot day.  

Build Your Own Fort in the Visitor Center Lab 

Calling all budding architects! As part of the Fortopia exhibition (now through September 2, 2024), cool off and build your own tabletop fort with Lincoln Logs, magnetic tiles, LEGOs, and popsicle sticks in the Lab.   

Take a Break in The Marketplace at Powell Gardens

Brimming with garden goodies, snacks, and local artisan wares, The Marketplace at Powell Gardens is a great way to cool down and get a little shopping crossed off your list. Merchandise rotates frequently, so be sure to check back in every time you visit Powell Gardens! 

Water Bottle Refill Stations 

Staying hydrated while outdoors is important for your health and safety. Powell Gardens offers numerous water bottle refill stations (indicated on our downloadable map) to help you beat the heat! 

What to Pack for Your Family Friendly Staycation at Powell Gardens 

Clothing 

Powell Gardens is a place for outdoor discovery. As with all outdoor experiences, we recommend that garden goers come prepared to enjoy their visit by wearing comfortable and protective clothing (especially on our trails), a hat, and closed-toe shoes.  

If you plan to run through the Fountain Garden, make sure to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes!
 

Water 

A refillable water bottle is the way to go especially if you plan to take advantage of our outdoor water refill stations! However, if you forget your water, head into The Marketplace at Powell Gardens (near check in at the Visitor Center) and purchase before you head out into the Gardens.  

Sunscreen & Bug Spray 

Protecting your skin from the sun and insects is crucial! Sunscreen and bug spray are must-pack items on your list. As an added safety precaution, Powell Gardens also recommends that all visitors follow signage to stay on designated paths, walkways, and trails to avoid poison ivy and ticks.  

Snacks 

If you’re planning to spend a day at Powell Gardens, we highly recommend packing snacks or lunch to keep you sustained throughout your day of play! Sweet and savory snacks are also available for purchase in The Marketplace at Powell Gardens.  

The perfect family friendly staycation is just around the corner at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden! With a variety of summer activities for the whole family, an unforgettable experience awaits within the Midwest landscape.