Father’s Day 2025 in Kansas City: Top Activities for Dads Across the Metro

Hello, Kansas City! I may be your favorite Liberty, MO photographer, but today you can think of me as your local guide to making Father’s Day 2025 a memorable day for the dads in your life. Whether you’re in Parkville, Lee’s Summit, or Lawrence, I’ve curated the best things to do in Kansas City and its surrounding areas for Father’s Day, which falls on June 15, 2025, this year. From outdoor adventures to mouthwatering meals and cultural outings, my guide covers activities for every dad’s interests, rooted in the unique character of our region. Explore the KC metro—from Independence to Platte City—and plan a day celebrating Dad.

Black and white photo of father seeing his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress.

The Kansas City metro area, spanning Missouri and Kansas, is a hub of diverse experiences perfect for Father’s Day. From Raytown's BBQ joints to Weston's historic charm, our region blends urban energy with small-town warmth. Neighborhoods like Liberty, Lenexa, and Grandview offer everything from scenic trails to vibrant arts scenes. Whether Dad’s into sports, food, or history, places like Kearney, Gladstone, or Lawrence have something to make his day special. With so many options across the metro, you can craft a Father’s Day that feels personal and local. Here’s how to do it.

Activities for Dads Who Love the Outdoors

For dads who thrive in nature, the Kansas City metro’s parks and lakes offer plenty of options. Here are the top picks across the region:

Swope Park (6600 Swope Pkwy, Kansas City, MO): This 1,800-acre park in Kansas City is ideal for hiking, with trails and a treetop adventure course. The Kansas City Zoo often has Father’s Day promotions, like free admission for dads—check kczoo.org. Open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
English Landing Park (8701 McAfee St, Parkville, MO): This riverside park offers trails and Missouri River views in Parkville. It’s a great spot for a relaxed walk or picnic with Dad.
Stocksdale Park (901 S La Frenz Rd, Liberty, MO): Liberty’s scenic park has trails and open spaces perfect for a Father’s Day stroll or casual Frisbee game.
Wyandotte County Lake Park (91st St & Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS): Near Lenexa and Lawrence, this park offers fishing and boating. Rent kayaks for a fun day on the water—details at wycokck.org.
Platte Landing Park (300 Main St, Platte City, MO): In Platte City, this park along the Platte River is great for fishing or a quiet afternoon with Dad.

Pack water and sunscreen for June’s warm weather. From Kearney to Lee’s Summit, these spots let Dad enjoy the metro’s natural beauty.

Dining Experiences for Food-Loving Dads

Kansas City’s food scene is legendary, and the metro area’s restaurants are perfect for treating Dad. Here’s where to go:

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS): A must-visit near Lenexa, famous for the Z-Man sandwich. Order a carryout package for a Father’s Day feast at home. Book at joeskc.com.
Slap’s BBQ (553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS): In Raytown, this spot serves smoky ribs and burnt ends that Dad will love. Check slapsbbqkc.com for specials.
The Wooden Spoon (118 S Main St, Independence, MO): Independence’s cozy diner offers hearty comfort food, like chicken-fried steak, ideal for a Father’s Day lunch. Visit thewoodenspoonkc.com.
Weston Brewing Company (500 Welt St, Weston, MO): This brewery pairs craft beers with pub fare in historic Weston. Their outdoor patio is great for a relaxed meal—see westonbrewing.com.
Pegah’s Family Restaurant (1215 S Main St, Lee’s Summit, MO): Lee’s Summit’s go-to for brunch, with pancakes and omelets Dad will enjoy. Reserve at pegahs.com.

Book reservations early, especially in busy areas like Gladstone or Grandview. These restaurants highlight the metro’s culinary diversity, from BBQ to brewpubs.

Color photo of young couple with redheaded daughter on dad's shoulders.

Cultural and Entertainment Options for Curious Dads

For dads who enjoy art, history, or unique experiences, the Kansas City metro has plenty to offer:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO): Free admission in Kansas City makes this a top pick for art-loving dads. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Details at nelson-atkins.org.
Belmont Wine & Spirits (205 N Main St, Liberty, MO): In Liberty, this spot hosts Father’s Day whiskey tastings. Check belmontwineandspirits.com for events.
Mid-America Sports Complex (20000 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS): Near Lawrence and Lenexa, this complex may offer Father’s Day family games or events. Visit shawnee.org for schedules.
Kearney Historic Museum (101 S Jefferson St, Kearney, MO): In Kearney, this museum is a hit for history buffs, with exhibits on local outlaw Jesse James. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m.—confirm at kearneymo.us.
Weston Bend State Park (16600 MO-45, Weston, MO): Weston’s park combines history with scenic trails, perfect for dads who enjoy both. See mostateparks.com.

From Parkville to Plattsburg, these venues offer engaging experiences that showcase the metro’s cultural depth.

Father and son standing by river's edge.

Sports and Active Fun for Competitive Dads

For dads who love sports or a bit of competition, the Kansas City metro delivers:

Kauffman Stadium (1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO): If the Kansas City Royals play on Father’s Day, it’s a classic outing near Raytown and Grandview. Stadium tours are an alternative—buy tickets at mlb.com/royals.
Sportsman’s Outfitter & Marine (19700 S Peculiar Dr, Belton, MO): Near Grandview, this spot may host Father’s Day fishing demos. Check sportsmansoutfitter.com.
Gladstone Community Center (6901 N Holmes St, Gladstone, MO): In Gladstone, this center offers indoor activities like basketball or pickleball. Reserve at gladstone.mo.us.
Plattsburg Country Club (1099 Country Club Dr, Plattsburg, MO): In Plattsburg, this golf course is great for dads who enjoy a round of golf. Book at plattsburgcc.com.
Line Creek Community Center (5940 NW Waukomis Dr, Kansas City, MO): Near Platte City, this center has sports facilities for family-friendly fun. See kcparks.org.

Secure tickets or reservations early, especially for popular Independence or Lee's Summit spots. These activities keep Dad active and engaged.

Planning Tips for a Seamless Father’s Day

To ensure a smooth Father’s Day across the Kansas City metro, consider these tips:

Check local event listings at visitkc.com or kcparent.com for Father's Day deals, like free museum entries in Lawrence or Parkville.
Reserve dining or activity spots early, especially in high-traffic areas like Lenexa or Lee’s Summit.
Prepare for the weather—pack hats or umbrellas for outdoor plans in Weston or Kearney.
Customize the day to Dad’s preferences, whether golf in Plattsburg or BBQ in Raytown.
Combine activities for a full day, like brunch in Lee’s Summit and a museum visit in Kansas City.

Planning makes all the difference, no matter how you celebrate the father figure in your life.

The Kansas City metro area—Liberty to Lawrence, Gladstone to Grandview—is brimming with Father’s Day possibilities. Whether hiking in Platte City, savoring BBQ in Raytown, or exploring history in Weston, you can create a day that feels just right for Dad. Start planning to make June 15, 2025, a standout Father’s Day across Kansas City and beyond. Share your plans and tag me on Instagram so I can follow along with you @merryohlerphotography. Here’s to celebrating Dad in the heart of the KC metro!

XO,