For years we have been visiting Black Hoof Park. However, when I talk to other parents, only a few of them have heard of this oasis in Lenexa. It quickly became our favorite playdate spot. Here are my top reasons why the next time you want your kids to get some fresh air that you should head that way.

Image Credit: Guest Writer: Lacy Carpenter

Multiple playgrounds and play areas.

I am a firm believer that playdates are good for a mom’s soul, but as my son is getting older and more of my friends have children it gets difficult to find somewhere to go that makes all the ages happy. Black Hoof Park has multiple playgrounds that are close together for all different levels of abilities. We can go there and I know the two-year-olds will be just as happy as the preschoolers. The older kids have places where they can climb and the moms of the younger kids do not feel anxious the entire play date because their little ones have a playground just their size too.

There are bathrooms.

Any mom of young kids understands the struggle; you load the kids up in the car, you have gotten them either covered in sunscreen or all bundled up, you have the drinks and the snacks, and then your child says those dreaded words “I need to go potty”. At that point, you decide to load everyone up and go to the nearest gas station or think well we had a good 5 minutes, time to head home. Not at Black Hoof. There are bathrooms, multiple bathrooms, and clean bathrooms. It is every mother’s dream.

They have plenty of picnic tables and two shelters.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Sometimes I seem like a really cool mom, but it is really because I am lazy. My son thinks it is awesome when I pack a picnic and we go to the park. What he doesn’t know is I am also jumping for joy at the thought of not having to wipe down the table and sweep the floor after his meal. Black Hoof has multiple picnic tables. Even when we have been there at the same time as a school group there has always been enough room for us to have a table. Plus they have trash and recycling conveniently located for easy clean up.

There are so many wonderful photo opportunities.

I can admit it. I am an over Instagrammer. I love Black Hoof because there are so many gorgeous spots along Lake Lenexa to take pictures. On the Southwest side of the park there is even a playground the overlooks the lake. One of my favorite pictures is my son and nephew running along one of the many trails there. The scenery is beautiful and not just for social media pictures, but there are several spots there that would be incredible for family pictures.

They have spots perfect for sensory play.

Kids explore so much of their world through their senses. I am a huge advocate of sensory play. Black Hoof Park provides great opportunities for this that do not require you to clean up your living room for an hour after. There is a sand area, plenty of trees for exploring crunchy leaves and sticks, and a little water area. My son’s favorite part is to kick off his shoes and walk through the little stream.

Image Credit: Guest Writer: Lacy Carpenter

I know there is so much more that Black Hoof Park has to offer like fishing or checking out their really unique dam. These are just a few favorites of this mom and her preschooler.

Black Hoof Park

Address: 8855 Monticello Rd, Lenexa, KS 66227
Park hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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