Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lenexa, Kansas

Traveling back to 1990 in Lenexa would reveal expansive fields that have now transformed into bustling streets and residential neighborhoods. Over the years, Lenexa’s population has nearly doubled, with developments like The District illustrating the city’s dynamic progression.

At The District, the Lenexa Public Market has emerged as a culinary destination within the Kansas City area, complemented by a growing array of independent cafes and craft breweries. Furthermore, the city boasts some of the finest public parks in the entire state and hosts annual events such as the unique Spinach Festival, drawing attendees from various locations.

1. Lenexa Public Market

The newly developed city center, known as The District, features a blend of contemporary structures and lush green spaces.

Adjacent to the Johnson County Library is the Lenexa Public Market, a modern food court housing a variety of small eateries and retail vendors.

The vendor lineup frequently evolves, but currently includes options such as pizza, South Asian cuisine, and bake shops.

Guests can dine indoors or enjoy the outdoor terrace equipped with fire pits and heaters. Throughout the year, the Lenexa Public Market organizes numerous events, including over 30 nights of live music, culinary classes, and seasonal festivities.

2. Black Hoof Park

Named in honor of the Shawnee Native Americans who inhabited this area in the 19th century, Black Hoof Park is an impressive public space.

The park features a stunning 35-acre Lake Lenexa, completed in 2006, with beautifully designed dam and spillway, offering mesmerizing architectural views.

Additionally, the park includes extensive trails winding through open and wooded spaces, along with both picnic shelters and an exceptional natural play area for children.

3. Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park

Spanning over 50 acres, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park offers a diverse mix of historical sites, sports facilities, family-friendly attractions, and essential amenities.

Among its notable features is the Leger Barn, dating back to 1864, which was relocated to the park in 1983. Visitors can explore the barn on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The park is home to five different shelters available for reservations, as well as three playgrounds equipped with age-appropriate apparatus.

Other amenities include a skate park, roller hockey rink, and a disc golf course. The park takes on a special charm during the holiday season when illuminated with festive lights. The summer water park, Indian Trails Aquatic Center, will be discussed later.

4. Shawnee Mission Park

Shawnee Mission Park, managed by Johnson County, covers over 1,650 acres across Lenexa and Shawnee. Widely regarded as one of the best parks in the state, it offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities.

The centerpiece of the park is a 140-acre lake ideal for fishing, alongside a marina and beach area. Moreover, the south side of the lake features a 50-acre off-leash dog park.

Among the extensive amenities are miles of trails (including mountain biking and equestrian paths), an 18-hole disc golf course, an archery range, and multiple playgrounds, one of which includes inclusive equipment.

5. Spinach Festival

During the early part of the 20th century, Lenexa was heavily influenced by agriculture and was affectionately known as the “Spinach Capital of the World.”

To celebrate this legacy, the city hosts an exceptional event each September. The Spinach Festival at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park draws thousands of visitors for a day filled with family-friendly activities.

The event features a variety of food, live entertainment, historical exhibitions, arts and antique vendors, contests, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, and numerous activities tailored for children. You may also encounter Popeye roaming about.

6. Mill Creek Streamway Park

The Mill Creek rises just to the south of Lenexa in Olathe and flows northward through a substantial portion of Johnson County before reaching the Kansas River at Nelson Island in Shawnee.

Much of the creek’s trajectory follows a lush linear park, characterized by over 17 miles of paved trails suited for walking, jogging, and cycling.

In Lenexa, there are three access points for Mill Creek Streamway Park, located at Shawnee Mission Park, 9803 W. 87th Lane, and 18459 Prairie Star Parkway.

Traversing the trails in Lenexa offers a scenic countryside experience, with minimal development and no busy thoroughfares to navigate.

7. Indian Trails Aquatic Center

In 2021, the city council initiated a substantial improvement project for this outdoor water park situated within Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

The renovations are scheduled to occur outside of the summer months to ensure that opening times remain unaffected.

At the time of writing, Lenexa’s premier aquatic facility featured zero-depth entry, eight 50-meter lanes, a diving board, two large water slides, an AquaClimb rock wall, and a designated splash pad for young children.

A concessions area is conveniently located within Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park as well.

8. KC Classic Auto

One of the notable automotive attractions in the region, KC Classic Auto is a classic car dealership that has been operational for nearly four decades.

To enhance foot traffic, KC Classic Auto identifies itself as a museum, with all displayed vehicles also available for purchase.

This results in a rotating exhibit of over 50 pristine vehicles, including high-demand models like the 1968 Corvette and the 1957 Thunderbird.

9. Black Dog Coffeehouse

Supporting a local business becomes effortless when it excels at its craft. Black Dog Coffeehouse is a beloved independent café known for its exceptional coffee.

This coffee is sourced from Kansas City’s Messenger Coffee, while delicious baked goods are supplied by Ibis Bakery, conveniently located next door.

This proximity ensures that the fresh breads and pastries travel mere feet to reach your table. The coffeehouse exudes a modern yet inviting atmosphere, appealing to a diverse clientele ranging from office employees to families, artists, and students.

10. Limitless Brewing

As of our latest research, the well-known Limitless Brewing was in the process of developing a new brewing facility and taproom at 95th and Dice.

This contemporary establishment will enhance brewing capacity and include an outdoor patio. Limitless Brewing has played a significant role in Lenexa’s food and beverage landscape for over five years, gaining recognition for its hop-forward IPAs.

At the time of writing, four IPAs were featured on tap, along with a Brown Ale, a Lager, two Stouts, and a Märzen. The taproom is also envisioned as a community hub, presenting live music on Sundays, trivia nights on Thursdays, and visits from local food trucks.

11. Lenexa Farmers’ Market

Operating on Saturday mornings from May to October, Lenexa’s farmers’ market is a truly community-oriented event. All products sold are sourced from within a 250-mile radius of Lenexa or produced within Kansas.

Alongside the primary market on Saturday, a Tuesday morning market runs from June to August, and there is a monthly winter market as well.

Visitors can expect a range of offerings, including locally-raised meats, seasonal produce, tempting baked goods, nuts, eggs, plants, CBD products, natural cosmetics, pet snacks, prepared meals, and much more.

12. The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle

At the end of June, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park hosts the Kansas State BBQ Championship, an event steeped in history since its inception in 1982, where 12 competitors faced off before gaining official recognition two years later.

Currently, close to 200 contestants and even more judges participate in this tantalizing two-day affair.

Competitors arrive from all corners of the nation, vying for the title of Grand Champion, with prizes awarded across seven distinct categories.

Delicious BBQ is available throughout the event, with attendees having opportunities to sample the entrants’ dishes at no cost. In addition to the culinary delights, live music and activities for children guarantee an entertaining experience for all.

13. Kansas City Automotive Museum

Another automotive attraction near Lenexa is the Kansas City Automotive Museum, a recent endeavor by a group of passionate local car enthusiasts.

This museum celebrates Kansas City’s contributions to the automotive industry, highlighting figures like 1965 Le Mans winner Masten Gregory and Ford’s longstanding connection to the area.

Currently, the museum includes 12,000 square feet of display space showcasing 30 classic vehicles from a rotating collection. Keep an eye on the event calendar for regular car club meetings and special activities throughout the year.

14. Happy Valley Farm

Located just minutes west of Lenexa along K-10, Happy Valley Farm is a family-owned U-Pick farm specializing in various berries, including blueberries, blackberries, bush cherries, gooseberries, and grapes.

Additionally, the farm offers a charming farmers’ market, featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, nuts, apple cider, and pumpkins in the autumn.

Visitors can also find fresh honey from the farm’s hives, which can be filled into jars on-site, providing an economical way to access high-quality honey.

15. Oak Park Mall

One of the largest shopping centers in Kansas, Oak Park Mall is situated on the eastern side of Lenexa, housing nearly 200 retail establishments and five major department stores.

It is no surprise that Oak Park Mall remains one of the premier shopping destinations in the Kansas City area, maintaining its appeal with a spacious and inviting food court hosting dining options such as Panda Express, Sarku Japan, Chipotle, and Toro Poke.

Among the extensive selection of stores are retailers such as Nordstrom, JCPenney, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Foot Locker, Forever 21, H&M, LEGO, and Sephora.

Notably, visitors will discover a stunning double-decker carousel situated in the central court, adding a unique charm to the shopping experience.