Top 10 Things to Do for Active Travelers in Kansas City, Missouri

Biking, disc golf, hiking—there's no shortage of fun ways to get your blood pumping in Kansas City. And, you'll find healthy eateries where you can fuel up for your active Midwest weekend getaway.

By

Midwest Living editors

Updated on May 18, 2023

people walking down crossroads westside alley — Photo: Courtesy of Urban Hikes KC

1. Take an Urban Hike

At Urban Hikes KC, Lisa Peña and her guides lead treks through the hills, streets, neighborhoods and alleyways of Kansas City (both the Missouri and Kansas sides) to see street art, learn history and boost health.

Kansas City bike Ride KC — Courtesy of Visit KC

2. Tour the City on a Ride KC Bike

Pedal as long as you want with Ride KC's rental program. Check the website for details on classic bike and e-bike rides.

RoKC Kansas City rock climbing indoors — RoKC. Courtesy of Visit KC

3. Go to New Heights with RoKC

RoKC, a locally owned and community-focused indoor climbing facility, is your destination for tall climbing, bouldering, youth climbing, yoga and more.

Zipline at Swope Park Kansas City — Swope Park. Courtesy of Visit KC

4. Explore Swope Park

At 1,805 acres, Swope Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. You'll find two golf courses, a nature center, fishing, hiking and biking trails, and the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, as well as fountains, community gardens and an outdoor amphitheater.

The Russell Restaurant — The Russell. Courtesy of Visit KC

5. Take a Lunch Break at The Russell

This flower-shop-turned-bistro serves up hearty, healthy food. The day's menu might include grilled shrimp, a roasted root bowl and salmon avocado toast. Look for soup-and-sandwich specials.

City Market Kansas City — City Market. Courtesy of Visit KC

6. Shop at City Market

Historic City Market (founded in 1857) sells everything from natural lip balm to chocolate croissants in the downtown River Market neighborhood. More than 30 shops and restaurants are open daily; on weekends year-round, a farmers market complements the mix.

Crossroads Hotel Kansas City — Crossroads Hotel. Courtesy of Visit KC

7. Stay (and Play) at Crossroads Hotel

Crossroads might be Kansas City's most active hotel. A robust activities calendar includes rooftop yoga, boot camps, cycling meetups, a running club, urban hikes and more.

Bar K Dog park Kansas City — Jason Donnelly

8. Check Out Bar K With Your Pup

You'll be drooling like a pup over Bar K, Kansas City's sprawling, tricked-out watering hole for dogs and their humans. Bar K is a fast-casual restaurant, bar and coffee shop with a 2-acre, off-leash dog park. Indoors and out, the entire place is dog-friendly. Visitors can lounge in Adirondack chairs, dine on healthy bites or catch live music in the beer garden while their four-legged friends chase tennis balls or sample a treat flight.

9. See Cliff Drive on a Car-Free Day

An innovative Kessler Park program promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging visitors to swap their four wheels for two. This is a designated State Scenic Byway, guaranteeing you'll see some beautiful natural features like woods and limestone bluffs as you hike, walk or bike. Check website for car-free schedule.

10. Hit the Links at Shoal Creek Golf Club

Play on a nearly 7,000-yard course with varying elevations and a 25-station driving range/putting green. Golf carts are equipped with GPS to let you see exactly how far you'll need to hit the ball. After your round, relax on the outdoor patio at the 11,000-square-foot clubhouse and refuel with a beer and a burger at the Players Grill.

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