Have a fun-filled summer in Lenexa

Have a fun-filled summer in Lenexa
Posted on 05/12/2022
summer bucket list

We have your summer bucket list covered. From parks and pools to camps and concerts, Lenexa knows a thing or two about fun in the sun. Check out 25 mostly free things to do this summer. 

  1. Movie in the Park. Grab a blanket and some snacks and enjoy some American classics under the stars on select Friday nights. 

  2. Outdoor Concert Series. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy free live music on select Sunday evenings. You can sit back and relax or get up and dance. 

  3. Make a splash. Visit all three of Lenexa’s outdoor pools starting May 28. Go down the slides at Indian Trails Aquatic Center. Jump off the diving boards at Ad Astra. Play basketball in the water at Flat Rock Creek. 

  4. Playground Passport. Try a new park every week. Lenexa has 27 playgrounds across the city. Print our passport, enter the code letter at each park and turn it in for fun prizes.

  5. Lenexa Rocks. Show off your creativity and bring a smile to those walking by. Paint rocks with fun and positive messages and hide them in Lenexa parks.  

  6. Food Truck Frenzy. Check out the food truck craze. More than a dozen food trucks will line Old Town June 4. Enjoy live music and a variety of tasty fare. 

  7. Friday Night Sound Bites. Free live music and rotating local food trucks every Friday make this event the talk of the town. Bring a lawn chair. Seating is limited, but fun is sure to be had.

  8. Family Night at the Public Market. Enjoy a variety of free indoor and outdoor activities like a balloon artist, yard games, sidewalk chalk and classic board games plus special menus from our merchants on Wednesdays. 

  9. Community Days Parade. Put on your red, white and blue and join us in Old Town for a “Good Ol’ Summertime” parade on July 4. Want to get in the holiday spirit earlier? Parade your pet July 2 in the PAWtriotic Pet Parade at the Lenexa Public Market.

  10. Lenexa Freedom Run. Get the family moving. Register now for the Lenexa Freedom Run on July 4. Strollers and walkers welcome. 

  11. Moonlight Bike Ride. Take a nighttime ride across Lenexa and through the underground caves at Meritex Executive Park on July 16. Kids too young? Mark your calendar for the Tiny Tot Triathlon Aug. 20. Kids ages 3-9 can ride their trikes or bikes, get wet and run all while you cheer them on through Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. 

  12. Lenexa City Center Library. Check out a book at the Lenexa City Center Library and then grab donuts at Mr. D’s Coffee in the Public Market before cozying up in an Adirondack chair on the patio. 

  13. Lenexa Farmers Market. Enjoy a stroll through the Tuesday and Saturday markets. Talk to vendors about their home-grown products, enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies and tasty baked goods. Bonus: If the kids can find the hidden ladybug, they can get a prize from our info booth by naming the fruit or veggie the ladybug was near.

  14. Youth Fishing Derby. Get out and throw a line at Black Hoof Park June 11. Kids under 13 can compete for prizes. Can’t make it to the derby? Find out how and where you can fish in Lenexa.  

  15. City Hall Art Gallery. Check out the creations of local 2D and 3D artists. Shows rotate on a nearly monthly basis. Want more local art to explore? Check out Lenexa’s public art at various locations across the city. These large outdoor sculptures are fun to spot and take photos with. 

  16. Outdoor workouts. Ever wanted to try barre fitness or check out different types of yoga? The Lenexa Rec Center will offer a variety of free, outdoor workouts June 20–25. No registration or membership necessary. 

  17. Plant a garden. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Teach kids responsibility and science at the same time. You can start small with a potted garden or go big with a plot at one of our community gardens (there's a wait-list). Or, put in a rain garden. These gardens capture runoff and help filter pollutants. Don’t know what to plant? Check out our Cost Share Program for a list of plants and how you can earn cash back for your work. 

  18. S'mores by the firepit. In a fast-pace world, the slow roast of a single marshmallow often brings delight…especially when it is between graham crackers and chocolate. Just be safe and follow these fire safety rules

  19. Teddy Bear Picnic. Let your toddlers bring their favorite lovey and a blanket to the Lenexa Farmers Market July 16 for live music, a special story time, teddy bear parade and sweet treats. Can’t make it to the picnic? Plan your own at one of our park shelters

  20. Attend a camp. Lenexa Parks & Recreation has a wide range of summer camps for kids of all ages and interests. From chess and LEGO camps to Mad Science, we’ll help foster all things STEAM. 

  21. Explore Lenexa trails. Rent an e-bike or go on foot and explore our region’s trail system. Don’t know where to start? Try one of these self-guided tours

  22. Brush up on Lenexa history. Visit Legler Barn Museum at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  23. Learn to swim. Lenexa offers indoor and outdoor swim lessons at an affordable price during morning and evening hours. 

  24. Listen to the orchestra. The Lenexa Community Orchestra will perform three free concerts this summer at Community Covenant Church. 

  25. Take photos. Don’t let the summer go undocumented. Remember your summer of fun and tag #seelenexa on social media. You may end up on the back cover of TownTalk, Lenexa's resident magazine.

Published May 12, 2022