Leawood, Kansas offers a sophisticated blend of suburban charm, upscale amenities, and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods—making it one of the most desirable communities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Whether someone is a long-time resident, new to the area, or considering a move, discovering the best things to do in Leawood, KS reveals a lifestyle marked by convenience, recreation, and a strong sense of community.
Known for its well-maintained parks, family-friendly events, high-end shopping centers, and vibrant culinary scene, Leawood delivers a well-rounded living experience. The city’s location just south of Kansas City provides easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining the quieter, residential pace many homebuyers seek. From seasonal festivals to serene green spaces and luxury retail, Leawood strikes a balance between leisure and livability.
Explore Leawood’s Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Leawood places a strong emphasis on outdoor living, offering residents a wide range of recreational spaces throughout the city. One of the most notable features is the city’s extensive trail system, including the popular Tomahawk Creek Trail. This well-maintained path winds through natural wooded areas, over footbridges, and connects multiple city parks. It’s a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists who want to enjoy a scenic route through the heart of Leawood.
Ironwoods Park is another standout destination. With over 100 acres, the park offers a stocked fishing lake, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and the Prairie Oak Nature Center. It also includes the historic Oxford Schoolhouse and the Lodge at Ironwoods, which frequently hosts community events and private gatherings. The natural setting and thoughtful programming make it a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Those interested in gardening or simply enjoying quiet green space will appreciate the serenity of Gezer Park, inspired by Leawood’s sister city relationship with Gezer, Israel. This park includes cultural sculptures, a replica of an ancient mikveh, and wide open lawns perfect for picnics or reading in the sun.
For those seeking more structured fitness opportunities, Leawood City Park features tennis courts, soccer fields, and a state-of-the-art aquatic center during the summer months. These public amenities contribute to the city’s reputation for offering a high quality of life and are among the most popular things to do in Leawood, KS year-round.
Ironwoods Park is another standout destination. With over 100 acres, the park offers a stocked fishing lake, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and the Prairie Oak Nature Center. It also includes the historic Oxford Schoolhouse and the Lodge at Ironwoods, which frequently hosts community events and private gatherings. The natural setting and thoughtful programming make it a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Those interested in gardening or simply enjoying quiet green space will appreciate the serenity of Gezer Park, inspired by Leawood’s sister city relationship with Gezer, Israel. This park includes cultural sculptures, a replica of an ancient mikveh, and wide open lawns perfect for picnics or reading in the sun.
For those seeking more structured fitness opportunities, Leawood City Park features tennis courts, soccer fields, and a state-of-the-art aquatic center during the summer months. These public amenities contribute to the city’s reputation for offering a high quality of life and are among the most popular things to do in Leawood, KS year-round.
Discover High-End Shopping and Dining at Town Center Plaza
Retail and dining options are a cornerstone of the Leawood lifestyle, particularly at Town Center Plaza and the adjacent Town Center Crossing. These upscale shopping districts are home to national retailers, luxury brands, and boutique shops. From fashion and beauty to home furnishings, the retail environment in Leawood is both stylish and accessible.
Dining in the area is equally appealing. Town Center Plaza offers everything from family-friendly chains to chef-driven restaurants. North Italia, for example, delivers modern Italian cuisine with a sleek atmosphere, while Bristol Seafood Grill is a premier destination for fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and an upscale yet welcoming dining experience. Other notable restaurants in Leawood include Rye, known for elevated comfort food, and Blue Koi, offering creative takes on Asian noodles and dumplings.
For residents or visitors exploring things to do in Leawood, KS, a day spent shopping and dining at Town Center often tops the list. It’s a destination that combines convenience, luxury, and community in one walkable area.
Dining in the area is equally appealing. Town Center Plaza offers everything from family-friendly chains to chef-driven restaurants. North Italia, for example, delivers modern Italian cuisine with a sleek atmosphere, while Bristol Seafood Grill is a premier destination for fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and an upscale yet welcoming dining experience. Other notable restaurants in Leawood include Rye, known for elevated comfort food, and Blue Koi, offering creative takes on Asian noodles and dumplings.
For residents or visitors exploring things to do in Leawood, KS, a day spent shopping and dining at Town Center often tops the list. It’s a destination that combines convenience, luxury, and community in one walkable area.
Attend Local Events and Seasonal Festivals
Community events in Leawood reflect the city’s commitment to family values and cultural enrichment. The annual Leawood Stage Company performances, hosted in outdoor amphitheaters during warmer months, provide residents with free access to musical theater and live entertainment. These productions bring together local talent and draw audiences from across Johnson County.
The city also hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including the Leawood Fall Festival, a family-friendly celebration featuring music, food vendors, games, and crafts. During the winter holidays, the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall has become a well-loved tradition, complete with hot cocoa, holiday music, and festive decor.
In addition to city-sponsored events, many local businesses participate in sidewalk sales, wine tastings, and pop-up markets throughout the year. These social opportunities give residents plenty of ways to connect with their neighbors and explore local goods and services—all great additions to any list of things to do in Leawood, KS.
The city also hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including the Leawood Fall Festival, a family-friendly celebration featuring music, food vendors, games, and crafts. During the winter holidays, the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall has become a well-loved tradition, complete with hot cocoa, holiday music, and festive decor.
In addition to city-sponsored events, many local businesses participate in sidewalk sales, wine tastings, and pop-up markets throughout the year. These social opportunities give residents plenty of ways to connect with their neighbors and explore local goods and services—all great additions to any list of things to do in Leawood, KS.
Enjoy Arts, Culture, and Local Libraries
Leawood’s public spaces and institutions also prioritize the arts. The Leawood Arts Council sponsors rotating art exhibitions and installations in public buildings and parks. This includes sculptures throughout the city, which add visual interest and reflect Leawood’s ongoing support for creative expression.
The Johnson County Library's Leawood branch offers more than books. This modern facility features children’s programming, career resources, study rooms, and community workshops. It’s a hub for learners of all ages and an important civic resource for new residents who want to connect with local services.
Families often appreciate the mix of educational and cultural opportunities that these facilities provide. Whether it’s a Saturday storytime, a photography exhibit, or a city-sponsored art contest, there’s no shortage of intellectually engaging things to do in Leawood, KS for both children and adults.
The Johnson County Library's Leawood branch offers more than books. This modern facility features children’s programming, career resources, study rooms, and community workshops. It’s a hub for learners of all ages and an important civic resource for new residents who want to connect with local services.
Families often appreciate the mix of educational and cultural opportunities that these facilities provide. Whether it’s a Saturday storytime, a photography exhibit, or a city-sponsored art contest, there’s no shortage of intellectually engaging things to do in Leawood, KS for both children and adults.
Relax at Local Coffee Shops and Community Gathering Spots
In addition to its more high-profile attractions, Leawood is home to many local coffee shops and gathering spaces that enhance the sense of community. The Roasterie Café is a go-to spot for coffee and pastries with a locally crafted vibe. Another favorite is Parisi Café, located inside The Culinary Center, which offers a refined but cozy environment ideal for remote work or catching up with friends.
Many residents find that these third spaces—locations outside of home and work—become part of their weekly routines. They provide a slower pace and opportunities for casual social interaction, something that adds to the overall appeal of living in a close-knit suburban setting.
Many residents find that these third spaces—locations outside of home and work—become part of their weekly routines. They provide a slower pace and opportunities for casual social interaction, something that adds to the overall appeal of living in a close-knit suburban setting.
Find the Ideal Home with Help from Jennifer Weaver
Living in Leawood means more than having access to great parks and shopping—it means being part of a thoughtfully developed community that emphasizes comfort, connection, and convenience. Whether someone is seeking the quiet of tree-lined neighborhoods or proximity to vibrant town centers, Leawood offers a wide variety of homes that match nearly every lifestyle.
For buyers who want to explore the best of suburban living in Johnson County, reach out to Jennifer Weaver. With extensive local knowledge and a passion for matching families with their perfect home, Jennifer Weaver can help you find the neighborhood that brings your lifestyle into focus—and make the most of all the things to do in Leawood, KS.
For buyers who want to explore the best of suburban living in Johnson County, reach out to Jennifer Weaver. With extensive local knowledge and a passion for matching families with their perfect home, Jennifer Weaver can help you find the neighborhood that brings your lifestyle into focus—and make the most of all the things to do in Leawood, KS.
