Epic summer fun in Olathe, Kansas for the whole family
From outdoor adventures and splash-worthy playgrounds to yummy treats and hidden gems, Olathe makes it easy to keep kids entertained all summer long. This Kansas City suburb combines small-town charm with big-time experiences, and is the perfect spot to get out and explore with your kiddos. Whether you are passing through the area, looking for a weekend getaway, or an Olathe local, here are some fun-in-the-sun ideas to keep your crew entertained this summer.
Go park hopping
There are so many epic parks and playgrounds in Olathe, you could easily spend an entire day exploring them all! Here are some of our favorites:
Calamity Park
This park has an adorable train themed playground, perfect for preschool and elementary aged kiddos, with lots of climbing and slides. There’s also a covered picnic area and walking path. You definitely want to visit this park if you have train loving kiddos!
Frontier Park
The highlight feature of this unique park is a pirate ship themed play structure, perfect for kids to climb and play on. There are also swing sets, a soccer field, tons of open areas to run and play, and paved walking paths.
Fairview Park
This park is a great spot for kids of all ages. It has a super fun play structure with a space theme, basketball courts, and covered picnic area.
Community Center of Olathe
Take a stroll on the paved walking path behind the Community Center to explore the grounds, where you can walk under massive oak trees, watch the ducks swim in the pond, and play with some of the interactive games and displays along the way. And don’t miss the great play structure located right in front of the community building, along with a pavilion full of covered picnic tables.
Have a picnic
There are some great places to enjoy a picnic in Olathe! Either pack your own, or grab take out from a local restaurant and enjoy it while soaking up some sunshine. We ordered takeout from Red Crow Brewing during our visit. Here are some of the best picnic spots in Olathe:
Black Bob Park
This park is a great spot to spend a few hours. There are covered picnic tables, and tons of open space to spread out a blanket. Enjoy your picnic right next to the stocked fishing pond. There is also a really amazing, brand new playground currently under construction that is set to open in summer of 2025!
Prairie Center Park
This is a great area for families to spend the afternoon. There is a ton of open space to explore, shaded picnic areas, and a large playground.
Heritage Park
My all time favorite picnic spot in Olathe, Heritage Park should not be missed! It is such a beautiful spot to spend the afternoon. The nature themed playground is so fun for kids to play on, and there is tons of open space, as well as shaded picnic tables. Take a stroll on the paved walking trails around the lake, or rent a paddleboat to get out on the water and explore.
Grab a sweet treat
It wouldn’t be summertime without a sweet treat, so grab an ice cream cone or some homemade cookies from one of the many dessert options in Olathe. Our favorite dessert place is KCookies; not much beats a freshly baked, big-as-your-hand, chocolate chip cookie on a summer day!
Cool off at Lake Olathe
This ultimate summer spot is one that cannot be missed. There is so much fun to be had here, you will easily spend the entire afternoon here (if not longer!).
Start by renting paddle boats or kayaks and exploring the lake, then get some wiggles out on the floating obstacle course. The beach is great for swimming or building sandcastles, and there are lifeguards on duty, clean family bathrooms, and concessions available for purchase.
If you aren’t up for a day at the beach, there is also a fantastic nature themed splash pad, along with a creek, sand pit, and multiple waterfalls located in the same area. There are several shady spots to sit, as well as some picnic tables and benches. This area is free to visit.
Things to know:
- Admission to the swimming beach is $10/person
- Parking is free
- Kayak or paddle boat rental is $5/hour
- Floating obstacle course costs $10/hour
- Kids must wear a life jacket (available for use) and must be 48′ to participate
- Concessions available for purchase
- Bring sand toys- the sandy beach is great!
Olathe is such a fun town, and has so many great summer activities for families! Looking for more ideas on things to do in Olathe? Check them out here!
