Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Olathe

"Union Station is dramatically lit up at night|Courtesy of Visit KC. A jewel in the crown of the Downtown skyline, the historical Union Station is a cultural center in one of Kansas City’s most beloved buildings. You’ll discover the KC Rail Experience, a planetarium, Science City and a museum with rotating exhibits."

"Union Station was built in 1914 and accommodated thousands of passengers. It included a waiting room designed to hold up to 10,000 people. The station closed in the 1980s, underwent major renovations, and reopened in 1999 with shops, restaurants, and other services."

"The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a 300-acre botanical garden, as well as an educational, recreational and cultural resource for Kansas City. The relatively new arboretum is located in Overland Park and features 13 gardens with more than 1,700 species of flora and a wealth of fauna such as birds, snakes, deer, and dragonflies. A network of nature trails meander through rocky bluffs and bottomland paths, and 180 acres of prairie is filled with native grasses and wildflowers."

"Popular as a year-round destination, the arboretum offers a wide variety of educational, recreational and cultural experiences, as well as seasonal programs. About 85 percent of the 300-acre property is dedicated to the preservation of natural ecosystems. The rest includes an educational center and 45 acres of botanical gardens."

"but this KC spot has the best trails and a small kids “play area”. The trails at the arboretum also features their well-known “Enchanted Forest!. ” Younger kids love seeing all the fairy houses and tall trees, which makes for a great adventure!"

"Located in nearby Overland Park, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead was designed to represent a typical farmstead in the early 1900s. Open seasonally (April through October), the farmstead has over 200 animals, a one room schoolhouse, gardens, wagon rides, a dairy farm, and more. Kids can try their hand at fishing in the pond or feeding a goat, the experience is whatever your family wants to make of it."

"Designed to depict a family farm, the Farmstead has nearly 200 animals and birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room country schoolhouse, an old-time fishing pond, pony rides and more. Deanna Rose brings the charm of the farm to children living in the city. Children treasure such memories as bottle feeding baby goats, milking a cow and taking a horse drawn wagon ride through the woods."

"Although there is admission charged on the weekends, the Deanna Rose Farmstead is free on Mondays - Thursdays!. Visit TONS animals friends, explore a prairie town, enjoy hands-on activities and have fun at the playgrounds, trails and gardens."

"Antioch Park is Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s oldest and most popular park. This 44-acre park includes amenities such as two fishing lakes, walking paths, tennis courts, picnic shelters, basketball court, restrooms, playground, paved parking, and charcoal grills. This beautiful and well-kept park is a family favorite to many in the area."

"The oldest park operated by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District, this 44-acre park provides a multi-faceted, all-around good time, including:. Two scenic fishing lakes. (a child-sized replica of a town straight from the Wild West, including a bank, schoolhouse, general store, train station and more)"

"Antioch Park is a 44-acre, tree-filled park that made me envious of the families in the KC area. It’s beautiful, with two lakes, including one lake that has fun stepping stones. Dodge Town is a playground located in the park, but it’s not a typical playground."

"Jarboe Park, located at 17th and West Jarboe, is part of West Terrace Park one of the oldest parks in the city. This park is great for play or sports practice!. One side is a playground sure to challenge your kids and the other side is a baseball diamond great for practicing or even a friendly game!"

"The William M. Klein Park (formerly the Cave Spring Historic Site and Nature Center) sprawls over 35 acres of wildlife and native plants coupled with walking trails, a wildlife habitat pond, a small cave for kids to explore and the remnants of historic cabins. Amazingly, it's located in the middle of the city. Admission is free, but small donations are accepted."

"Sometimes a short hike just won't do it - you need the challenge of a longer trail to really get your gear goin'. Enter Wyandotte County Lake & Park, home to over 15 miles of hiking trails that surround the lake and feature plenty of twists and bends. If you're not up for the challenge after all, fear not, for the park offers shorter trails as well."

"Location: State Ave. & 126th St., Bonner SpringsLength: 15 miles. These wooded trails are perfect for biking and hiking enthusiasts looking for an outdoor adventure close to home. The park and trails are located near the Legends Outlets and Children’s Mercy Park at Wyandotte County Lake."

"The National Frontier Trails Museum is devoted to telling the story of the three great western routes, namely the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Located in Independence, Missouri, which is also the starting point of all three trails, the National Frontier Trails Museum highlights the unique features of each path and the dramatic impact each one has had on American history. The museum features an array of exhibits that focus on the early fur trappers and traders, the explorations of Lewis and Clark, and the reasons why people headed west to settle, as well as an trail artifacts, authentic covered wagons, original diaries and letters, an award-winning film, and a children's activity room."

"Hip neighborhood vibe combined with tasty oven baked pizza, fresh greens, and gelato. Unique offering of toppings and combinations for a flavorful pizza experience. Country Club Plaza/Brookside/Waldo"

"BLVD Tavern has one of my favorite Kansas City brunch menus, complete with sweet and savory options and so many unique takes on breakfast foods. Though I ended up choosing the French toast (pictured above), I also had to try the biscuits and gravy (and luckily they have a half option). With a rustic interior and lots of space, BLVD Tavern is a great option for a fun brunch with friends or family."

"Enjoy a morning brunch or dinner at dusk on the patio between two buildings at Blvd Tavern. It is a romantic patio, with cafe lights hanging above and room for only a handful of tables; it's almost like having the place to yourself. Try the chipotle meatloaf, steak and frites or scallops with mashed potatoes, roasted mushrooms, asparagus, sweet corn puree for around $24 bucks."

"A modern American tavern that celebrates the crafts of cooking and service in comfortable casual setting. Crossroads/Crown Center/Westside. 320 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108"