Exploring Our New Home – The Best Things To Do in Overland Park

Overland Park hosts a vast array of options for families and adults – there’s something for everyone! Exploring at it’s best

If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, but for a more mature crowd, The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens may be a great option for you.
“Founded to keep the city at the forefront of environmental and ecological issues, The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a year-round destination with a wide variety of experiences, seasonal programs, and events for all ages. It is an educational, recreational, and cultural resource for the Kansas City region. Approximately 85 percent of the property is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. The remaining portion includes traditional botanical gardens and the Environmental Education Visitors Center (EEVC).”

In the Food and Drink category of attractions, The Culinary Center of Kansas City and Brew Lab are two places of note. The Culinary Center of KC offers over 600 culinary classes to help you hone your cooking skills. And if you’re passionate about the brewing process of craft beer, The Brew Lab is perfect for you. Brew Lab offers private brewing lessons, public classes, ingredients, equipment and more.

Overland Park is also home to a Top Golf location which makes for a great weekend family outing and exploring. If you’re interested in art and history, then check out the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, Museum at Prairiefield, or the Johnson County Museum. There are two memorials to visit as well – the 9/11 Memorial, displaying a steel beam from the wreckage of the World Trade Center towers, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. These two displays are less than a five-minute’s drive from each other.

SHOPPING
Oak Park Mall is the largest shopping center Overland Park has to offer. Also drawing visitors from across the larger KC Metro area, the Oak Park Mall offers all of the large department store shopping options and smaller, more boutique retailers as well.

For a less commercial shopping experience, consider exploring the Overland Park Farmers Market for all of your fresh produce, spices, and other hand-made goods. The OP Farmers Market is a great opportunity to get to know and support small businesses in the community while getting your hands on truly unique items (and fresh, organic produce). For the 2021 season, the farmers market is being held at the Matt Ross Community Center every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 1 PM.

FOOD
When you’re hungry, Overland Park has every flavor to offer. Porto do Sul Churrascaria is the Brazilian Steakhouse in town serving up an experience you won’t forget. J. Alexander’s is a classic Kansas City option that won’t leave you disappointed. If you’re craving something sweet, Upper Crust Pie Bakery has become an OP staple – they even sell out of their pies if you don’t get there early enough! For more Overland Park food recommendations, here is a great list of options.