Spring Break in Overland Park is the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and explore a little more of what’s around us. One of the best things about living in OP is how many options you have. You can fill a whole week without leaving town, explore the Kansas City metro, or take a short road trip and be somewhere completely new in just a few hours.
If you’re planning the Spring Break fun, here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Explore Spring in Overland Park
You don’t have to travel far to find a great spring break day. Overland Park has plenty of places where you can get outside, enjoy the weather, and keep kids or visiting friends entertained.
A great starting point is the beautiful trails and gardens at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Spring is when the grounds begin to wake up with new blooms, making it one of the best times of year to visit.
Another new favorite for families and friends is Tap Ins at the Greenhouse, where you can enjoy good food, drinks, and mini golf both indoors and outdoors!
If you’re looking to move your body, the miles of paths along the Indian Creek Trail are perfect for walking, biking, or a casual afternoon ride.
Things to do in Overland Park:
-
Walk the trails and explore nature at the Overland Park Arboretum
-
Play mini golf at Tap Ins at the Greenhouse
-
Bike or walk a section of the Indian Creek Trail
-
Pack a picnic for one of the city’s many parks
-
Spend an afternoon at a local coffee shop or patio after your outdoor adventure
Explore the Kansas City Metro
If you want to venture a little farther, the Kansas City area is full of spring break worthy attractions that mix outdoor fun with iconic local experiences.
At Shawnee Mission Park, you’ll find one of the region’s most popular outdoor spaces. The park includes miles of trails, a large lake, scenic overlooks, and plenty of room to spread out.
For families and animal lovers, the recently expanded Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium makes for a full day of exploration.
You can also combine art and fresh air with a walk through the sculpture garden at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or explore science, trains, and traveling exhibits at Union Station Kansas City.
Things to do around Kansas City:
-
Hike or bike at Shawnee Mission Park
-
Spend a day at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
-
Walk the outdoor sculpture garden at the Nelson-Atkins Museum
-
Explore exhibits and family activities at Union Station
-
Visit a local farmers market like the one in the Historic City Market
A One Hour Road Trip: Lawrence
Just about an hour west of Overland Park, Lawrence is an easy and fun spring break day trip. The college town energy, historic downtown, and nearby nature areas make it a great place to explore for an afternoon.
Massachusetts Street is the heart of the city, lined with local shops, restaurants, and coffee spots. If the weather is nice, it’s the perfect place to wander.
Just outside of town, Clinton Lake offers trails, scenic views, and quiet spots to enjoy the outdoors.
Things to do in Lawrence:
-
Walk and shop along Massachusetts Street
-
Grab lunch or coffee at a local café
-
Visit the trails and shoreline around Clinton Lake
-
Explore bookstores, record shops, and vintage stores downtown
A Three Hour Road Trip: Bentonville
If you’re willing to drive a little farther, Bentonville has quietly become one of the most exciting outdoor destinations in the region.
Known for its incredible biking trails and thriving arts scene, Bentonville blends nature and culture in a way that makes it perfect for a spring break adventure.
The world class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art sits in the woods and connects to miles of trails and outdoor sculptures.
Things to do in Bentonville:
-
Walk the art and nature trails around Crystal Bridges
-
Bike or hike sections of the Razorback Greenway
-
Explore downtown Bentonville’s square and restaurants
-
Visit parks and public art installations throughout the city
An Overnight Spring Break Escape: Eureka Springs
If you want to turn spring break into a quick getaway, Eureka Springs is about four hours from Overland Park and feels like a completely different world.
The historic hillside town is known for winding streets, Victorian architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures in the Ozarks. It’s a great place to slow down, explore nature, and enjoy a charming small town atmosphere.
Things to do in Eureka Springs:
-
Hike scenic trails around the Ozark Mountains
-
Explore historic downtown shops and art galleries
-
Visit nearby lakes and scenic overlooks
-
Tour historic homes and hidden stairways throughout the town
-
Stay in a cozy historic inn or cabin for a relaxing overnight escape
Spring break doesn’t have to mean a plane ticket or a long travel day. One of the best things about living in Overland Park is how many adventures are within easy reach.
Whether you stay local, explore the Kansas City area, or take a quick road trip, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a week off right here in the Midwest.
Share this Post