Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Lenexa, KS

  • Published 2023/04/05

Situated in Johnson County, Kansas, the wonderful city of Lenexa is home to more than 57,000 residents.

It’s the eighth-most populous city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, and it’s ninth in the state.

You can trace the history of the city back to the year 1869.

The city gets its name from the Blackhoof Shawnee Chief Blackhoof’s wife, Na – Nex – Se Blackhoof.

The city has celebrated its annual festival since 1930, held in September as the “Spinach Festival.”

Aside from its festivals, the city of Lenexa has many things to offer.

Explore the beautiful and historic downtown to the incredible park system surrounding it.

There are so many things to do in Lenexa that you will never run out of options.

If you are looking for something unique, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

If you would rather stay indoors, there are lots of fun activities you can try as well.

There are plenty of places to go shopping and dining in this area, and it is also very close to Kansas City.

It’s very convenient for those who work there or want a day trip out of town to visit for a weekend.

Here are the best things to do in Lenexa, KS, that you can try and experience yourself.

Relax and Unwind at the Black Hoof Park

A manmade lake at Black Hoof Park

jelloyd / Shutterstock.com

Black Hoof Park is an outdoor recreation destination that offers visitors a chance to see wildlife, hike through green space, and enjoy the outdoors.

The 231-acre park features a playground, picnic shelter, lake activities, and trails for hiking and biking.

It is also home to the 35-acre lake, Lake Lenexa, where you can enjoy boating and fishing for catfish, crappie, sunfish, and bass.

You can visit the park’s playground with your children because it is one of the most popular attractions at Black Hoof Park.

It has everything from slides to swings.

If you want to relax, there are plenty of picnic tables at Black Hoof Park, so you can grab dinner out on the lawn or bring your own lunch.

Enjoy a picnic under the sun.

In addition, there are plenty of trails throughout this park, so you can find one that suits your interests best.

With all of these fun activities, Black Hoof Park is undoubtedly a great place to spend your time with the family.

Splash around the Indian Trails Aquatic Center

If you’re looking for a place to beat the heat and enjoy the great outdoors, the Indian Trails Aquatic Center is the perfect location.

Indian Trails Aquatic Center is a great place to swim, as well as other excellent water activities.

This is a great place to go if you want to enjoy the summer with your family or friends.

It’s also a great place to get away from the busyness of everyday life by spending some quality time at this facility.

The Indian Trails Aquatic Center is a public swimming facility that offers free swimming lessons, aquatic programs, and more.

If you’re looking for something different than what you usually do on vacation, this is one place that should be on your list.

Browse the Collections of KC Classic Auto

KC Classic Auto is the place to go for all your classic car needs.

If you’re looking for someone to help you find the right car, look no further than KC Classic Auto.

This is one of the best places you should visit if you are interested in classic cars and other vehicles.

It is not just about classic cars, but also about meeting new people and enjoying the atmosphere of this place.

They have served the area for over 35 years and are here to stay.

KC Classic Auto specializes in classic cars and offers top-of-the-line models from Ford and Chevy.

Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help you find the perfect car for your needs.

KC Classic Auto has a wide selection of vehicles to meet your needs, and they take great pride in getting you behind the wheel of your next car.

Spend the Day at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend the day in Lenexa, Kansas, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is a great place.

The park features 50 acres of space where you can find a gazebo, a skateboard park, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, and sand volleyball courts.

You can also find a pavilion that can seat more than 200 people.

The best way to enjoy Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is by going on one of its many scenic nature walks.

There are several different paths that you can take if you’re looking for something more strenuous than a stroll through the woods.

There are also plenty of spots in the park where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family while enjoying the fresh air.

You can also go fishing in Rose’s pond if you’re feeling adventurous enough.

Otherwise, visit other facilities around the park like the Legler Barn Museum and the Indian Trails Aquatic Center.

The Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is a great place to spend time with the family, so check out this beautiful park in the heart of this historic city.

Chug a Glass of Beer at Limitless Brewing

Limitless Brewing is a craft brewery and taproom in Lenexa, Kansas.

They have brewed great beer at a very high standard since they first opened.

The beer here is brewed on-site in large batches from high-quality ingredients that are never frozen or pasteurized.

This ensures that your favorite flavors will come through in each glass of beer at Limitless Brewing.

They have grown into one of the most popular breweries around town because they continue to brew delicious beers like their signature IPAs and Cream Ales.

It also has food trucks around, so if you’re not interested in beer, you can simply eat delicious food.

In addition, fun events also take place in Limitless Brewing, such as live music and entertainment for everyone.

If you’re looking for good beer and live music on a Friday night, this is the place for you.

Shop Local at Lenexa Farmers Market

Lenexa Farmers Market is more than just a farmers’ market.

It’s a place where you can relax, unwind and enjoy your time with friends and family.

Lenexa Farmers Market is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an escape from the daily grind.

Located in Lenexa Civic Campus Parking Garage, Lenexa Farmers Market is where you can find an eclectic blend of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to flowers and baked goods.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy themselves without feeling crowded.

Shopping in Lenexa Farmers Market is a great way to spend your weekend morning with family and friends.

Discover the History of the Legler Barn Museum

Since 1864, the Legler Barn Museum has been a part of the Lenexa community.

It features many unique exhibits that are sure to entertain children and adults alike.

The Swiss immigrant Adam Legler built the barn using materials such as limestone gathered from a local quarry.

In 1972, the city deconstructed the barn to make way for developments.

However, they restored it in 1983 to its current location in Sa-Ko-Par Park.

You can tour this historic building and see the permanent and temporary exhibits inside the museum that feature the area’s unique history.

Outside the museum, you can visit its herb garden or look at the relocated Frisco Train Depot, a Strang Line Waiting Station, and other exciting stuff.

The Legler Barn Museum has many exhibits that are educational as well as interesting for adults as well as children.

Play Soccer at All American Indoor Sports

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do in Lenexa with your family, consider All American Indoor Sports.

Established in 1985, the All American Indoor Sports has two indoor sports facilities in Lenexa and Overland Park.

This indoor facility features five soccer fields with well-maintained grass-like rubber-infill turf.

They have a full-size regulation soccer field with a lot of space for kids and adults to play soccer together.

You will find plenty of space for all your friends and family members to join you for a fun day.

They have a large selection of soccer balls so everyone can enjoy playing their favorite game.

This is one of the locals’ favorite activities because it allows people to get together with the community and enjoy some time together while still getting good exercise.

Meet the Horses of Fire Stables Equestrian

Fire Stables Equestrian is one of the best places in Lenexa if you like horses and want to learn more about them.

Located on Cedar Niles Road, the Fire Stables Equestrian offers more than 600 acres of open space for you to enjoy.

The Fire Stables Equestrian offers many services, from grooming to boarding.

This equine facility also offers horseback riding lessons for all ages and experience levels.

Whether you’re looking for private lessons or group classes, they have something for everyone.

The facility features top-notch amenities like air-conditioned lobbies, private tack lockers, wash stalls, and snack machines.

The Fire Stables Equestrian Center is one of the best places to go if you want to get some exercise while enjoying nature at its finest.

Bring Your Pets to the Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area

Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-leash Area is a great place to go with your dog.

Not only do you enjoy the park, but there are also a lot of other dogs to play with.

This park is one of the best places in Lenexa because it has many amenities that make it fun for humans and dogs.

The first thing that makes Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-leash Area so great is its plenty of room for dogs and their owners to run around.

You don’t need to worry about bumping into other people or their animals getting hurt.

This dog park features 53 acres of space where dogs can freely roam and play with other dogs without a leash.

It also has several amenities such as portable toilets and paved parking.

You will never get bored here because there’s always something new happening at this park daily.

Spot all the Public Art Installations in Lenexa

Lenexa’s vibrant art scene is more distinguished by its array of public art installations.

One of its striking examples is the Body Politic art piece, which features two orbs that exemplify community and social connections.

You can find this piece near the Rec Center on West 87th Street Parkway.

At Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, the bronze sculpture of Grampa stands as a testament to generational excellence.

On the other hand, the birds’ sculpture of Frenzied Flight is a charming piece by Robin Richerson on Penrose Lane.

And there are more art pieces waiting for you to spot them!

So, take the time to go on a self-guided art tour all over Lenexa when you can.

Relax in Nature at Little Mill Creek South Park

Little Mill Creek South Park is one of Lenexa’s hidden nature gems.

This linear public park spans over 21 acres.

It features two baseball fields and a multi-use field for soccer, lacrosse, and other sports.

But perhaps what makes this park different from the rest is its natural areas.

The park features a catalpa grove along its budding foliage and native plants.

And to help you get around these spaces, there’s a 0.6-mile walking trail.

Little Mill Creek South Park sits at the intersection of West 79th Street and Mullen Road.

Try Hands-On Activities at the Lenexa Spinach Festival

Step up your Lenexa cultural trip by attending the Lenexa Spinach Festival.

Started in 1982, this annual event is a tribute to the city’s nickname “Spinach Capital of the World”.

During the 1930s, the city became known for its spinach crop growth, which led to this historic name.

Several years later, the festival continues to tell this part of Lenexa’s history through arts and crafts booths and live performances.

For the little ones, there is a huge selection of activities, including face painting and fishing.

And of course, there’s a demonstration of spinach cooking and a serving of the world’s largest spinach salad.

The Lenexa Spinach Festival takes place every September in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Host a Party or Event at Thompson Barn

Thompson Barn has everything you might need for your event festivities.

Once a functional barn in the late 1800s, this facility has since then undergone renovations.

Now, the place has transformed into a rustic chic event center with a 2,280-square-foot main hall.

The facility also has separate meeting rooms you can rent that can accommodate up to 40 people.

Make sure your party is an unforgettable one for you, your loved ones, and your guests when you opt to host it at this center.

Thompson Barn is within the Lackman-Thompson Estate, which is a part of the Register for Historic Kansas Places.

Drive along Lackman Road to reach this event center.

Practice Your Golf Skills at Smiley’s Golf Complex

When in Lenexa, you always have a reason to have fun playing golf.

Smiley’s Golf Complex is one of the must-visit spots in the city for this very purpose.

This complex features an 18-hole executive golf layout that works as a challenge for both novices and experts.

This walking course came from the genius mind of Dennis Tull.

Complete with the biggest shot grass area within the state, its driving range is an ideal spot for extreme target practice.

If you prefer a smaller range for your golf play, the complex has a mini-golf course, too.

Smiley’s Golf Complex is on Monticello Terrace.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Spend a Day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Exterior of Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

Paulmcdonald, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is just a 12-minute drive from Lenexa in Overland Park, Kansas.

Since 1978, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead has been a family-friendly farm that offers fun and educational activities.

It began as a petting zoo but later became an agricultural theme park.

It also became a memorial in honor of the police officer killed on duty, Deanna Rose.

The farm features butterfly gardens, farm animals, walking trails, fishing ponds, playgrounds for the little ones, pony rides, and a Kanza Indian display.

With so many things to do around Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, you’ll need another day to experience it all.

Enjoy your visit to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead by bringing your camera!

Explore the Kansas City Automotive Museum

The Kansas City Automotive Museum is located in Olathe, Kansas, which is a six-minute drive away from Lenexa.

It is the largest and most comprehensive museum about the history of the automotive culture in Kansas City.

The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about their favorite vehicles and how they were made.

It is home to vintage and modern cars, many of which are rare.

The museum is also a great place to take your kids because it offers them something educational but fun at the same time.

Kids may not be interested in learning about cars or old engines, but they will love looking at the exhibits with their parents or grandparents.

If you’re interested in one-of-a-kind vehicles, this is the best place.

Go on a Shopping Spree in Oak Park Mall

Exterior of the Oak Park Mall

Jon Kraft / Shutterstock.com

The Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas, is one of the most popular places to go shopping because it offers a wide variety of stores and services.

It covers a 1,607,803 square feet area, and it is home to more than a hundred stores, making it the biggest shopping center in the entire state of Kansas.

A salon in Oak Park Mall

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Oak Park Mall features an abundance of stores that cater to everyone’s needs.

It has hundreds of stores that sell everything from clothing to electronics and everything in between.

In addition to all the shops found at Oak Park Mall, several mall restaurants offer some fantastic food options.

If you’re looking for a great place to shop with your family or friends, you should visit Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas.

Nordstrom storefront at Oak Park Mall

Jon Kraft / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to visit in Overland Park, Kansas, seven minutes from Lenexa.

Not only is it home to one of the best museums in the area, but it also has a unique collection of artwork you won’t find anywhere else.

Since 2003, the museum has become an active part of the community.

The building is a beautiful sight to behold.

It features an elegant and minimalist structure with two levels of huge galleries that you can roam.

The museum showcases the work of both local and national artists, and there’s always something new to see.

There are various exhibits inside the museum that you can check out, such as American Indian art, Latino art, sculptures, photography, and clay art.

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art also hosts an annual exhibition featuring new work by emerging artists and special collections showcasing selected artists.

If you love art, then the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is worth visiting!

Final Thoughts

The city of Lenexa is a great place to visit if you want to experience the beauty of the Kansas countryside.

The city is a beautiful place to relax, with numerous parks and natural spaces.

It’s also a good place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

You can also take advantage of their fitness center and pool or visit the wineries and breweries around!

If you love history, then Lenexa is definitely worth checking out.

There are several museums in town that celebrate everything from Native American culture to World War II history.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will always find something for yourself here in the beautiful city of Lenexa, Kansas.

Book your trip today!

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