Active Adventures in Kansas City
It takes a different kind of person to deliberately seek out the daunting and the unknown. Some just aren’t cut out for it. And yet, there are others who welcome the challenge of the extreme or difficult.
Whether it’s great heights or incredible speeds, Kansas City has what you need to get your blood pumping—so prepare yourself for KC’s lively hotspots. Here are some of the best destinations for active adventurers in KC:
Take Flight—Or Roam Free
Float, barrel roll and soar through the air at Overland Park’s iFly Kansas City, an indoor skydiving experience that simulates the feeling of surfing the sky without guests ever having to jump. Fit for fliers of almost any age, iFly is a can’t-miss adventure and an accessible way to earn your flight wings.
For the real deal, look no further than Falcon Skydivers, the only skydiving experience in the metro.
There's also FlipSwitch VR, Double Tap KC or Sandbox VR, a totally different kind of simulation that utilizes free-roam, multiplayer virtual reality—perfect for groups or date nights. Suit up with your headset to fight against hoards of zombies and other enemies in a growing catalogue of games.
Reach Your Next Summit
Strength and patience are key to facing the challenges at RoKC, rock climbing gyms in North Kansas City and Olathe. Constructed to accommodate both newcomers and experts, take on the bouldering routes in the first climbing room, where paths are color-coordinated, labeled by difficulty and changed on a regular basis.
In Blue Springs, put your climbing skills to the test at IBEX Climbing Gym or learn something new at one of their many classes. Instructors will make sure you're trained on the best techniques to belay, boulder and build your confidence on the climbing wall.
Tour Among the Treetops
Zoom through a lush, green forest and soar among the treetops at Zip KC, one of Kansas City’s most thrilling destinations. The 143-acre adventure park in Bonner Springs features nine zip lines from towers up to 65 feet high—and some of the best views found in the KC metro area.
In Swope Park, Go Ape Treetop Adventure combines a zip line canopy tour with a treetop obstacle course for a totally wild, wholly unique way to experience the outdoors in Kansas City. The obstacle course—which is suspended among the trees—is split into five different sections, each with unique crossings that allow you to swing, zip and step your way to the end, all while secured to a safety harness.
High Speed
Take turn after turn of high-speed driving action during the eight-minute Richard Petty Driving Experience course run on Kansas Speedway, one of the country's finest NASCAR racetracks.
Water Rush
Wakeboarding, water skiing and other lake activities make Paola, Kansas, a popular destination among adrenaline junkies. Boat or no boat, try out KC Watersports for everything from cable-pulled wakeboarding, private lessons, summer camps and more.
Other favorite water destinations for sailing and more include Smithville Lake, Lake Jacomo and Wyandotte County Lake.
Let the Games Begin
For something a bit milder, try your hand at KC-area escape rooms like the River Market's Breakout KC, which requires quick thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of different themed rooms.
Other great escape experiences include special effects-heavy Tick Tock Escape Rooms in Overland Park, The Basement, which features live actors in a spooky scenario, and Escape Room KC in Union Station.
Or if you want to challenge your brain and body, businesses like BRKTHROUGH and Activate in Overland Park feature dozens of challenge rooms with a tech twist. There are games with lasers, climbing walls and more—think “The Floor Is Lava” or “Red Light, Green Light.”
For the competitive players, you can track your points and progress, seeing how you stack up against the rest of your group or other guests.
You Got Served
Pickleball has taken the nation by storm—and the center of all the action can be found here in Kansas City. Over 35 million have played in recent years as it’s become a sport for all ages.
There are now over 100 public pickleball courts in the KC area. Grab your friends or family—it’s a social sport, after all—and hit the court.
For snacks and serves, try Chicken N Pickle with locations in North Kansas City and Overland Park, Char Bar in Parkville or SERV in Overland Park.
For a classic court, try these local parks or explore your own neighborhood:
- Minor Park in Kansas City
- Westboro/Canterbury Park in Liberty
- Macken Park in North Kansas City
- Bois D’arc Park in Lenexa
- Banner Park in Lee’s Summit
KC on KC: Thrills
High-speed coasters. Soaring zip lines. Adrenaline-fueled watersports. Regardless of the thrill, Kansas City is sure to get your heart racing.