Photo of AI-MarcoPolo
05 Nov 2025
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

10 best places for weekend getaways from Olathe, KS

Weekend Getaways from Olathe, KS: Itinerary Overview

Discover a diverse range of attractions perfect for weekend adventures just a short drive from Olathe, KS. Start your journey at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, where immersive wildlife exhibits and aquatic life await visitors of all ages. Families will enjoy the hands-on fun at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, offering a glimpse into rural life with animal encounters and educational activities. Find tranquility at Powell Gardens, where you can stroll among beautiful botanical displays and gardens in bloom.

Art lovers can explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, famed for its extensive global collections and outdoor sculptures. For something unique, the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka highlights American daredevil history with fascinating interactive exhibits. Ignite your curiosity at the Prairie Fire Museum, featuring science and dinosaur displays ideal for all ages.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic trails, camping, and boating at Clinton State Park, or experience thrills at Worlds of Fun amusement park, filled with rides and entertainment. Learn about aviation history at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, honoring America’s pioneering pilot. Finally, bask in the natural beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where hiking and wildlife watching connect you with the region’s prairie heritage. These destinations together offer rich cultural, educational, and recreational experiences for a memorable weekend escape.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

    This expansive zoo and aquarium offers engaging wildlife exhibits, interactive experiences, and themed habitats, making it an ideal destination for families and animal lovers looking for a fun and educational day trip.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

    Perfect for families, this charming farmstead provides hands-on experiences with farm animals, gardens, a fishing pond, playgrounds, and educational exhibits, giving visitors a taste of rural farm life in a friendly setting.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Powell Gardens

    Powell Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden known for its lush landscapes, seasonal festivals, walking trails, and diverse plant collections, offering a peaceful retreat and scenic views for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

    The museum is renowned for its impressive collection of art from around the world, stunning architecture, and famous outdoor sculpture garden, making it a cultural highlight for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Evel Knievel Museum

    This unique museum showcases the life and legacy of the daredevil Evel Knievel, featuring memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and his legendary motorcycles, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into one of America’s most iconic stuntmen.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Prairie Fire Museum

    Known for its striking architecture and engaging science exhibits, the museum offers interactive experiences for all ages, including dinosaur displays and rotating exhibitions, making it a stimulating destination for families and curious minds.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Clinton State Park

    Clinton State Park offers beautiful natural scenery, hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for fishing and boating on Clinton Lake, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Worlds of Fun

    This popular amusement park features exciting roller coasters, thrill rides, live entertainment, and a water park, ensuring a day full of fun and adventure for visitors of all ages.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin9

    Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

    Dedicated to the pioneering aviator, this historic home-turned-museum showcases artifacts and exhibits about Amelia Earhart’s life and accomplishments, offering inspiration and insight into one of America’s most famous figures.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin10

    Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

    This preserve protects one of the last remnants of tallgrass prairie ecosystem in North America, offering stunning landscape views, hiking trails, guided tours, and opportunities to observe native wildlife like bison, making it a unique destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

    4.8
    $$$$

    Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

    Famed for its legendary barbecue, especially the Z-Man sandwich, this spot is a must-visit for BBQ lovers.
    4.8
    $$$$
    Picture for Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Restaurant Icon

    Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room - Kansas City, MO

    4.6
    $$$$

    Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room - Kansas City, MO

    Known for its inventive American cuisine and live music, Corvino offers an elevated dining experience.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room - Kansas City, MO
  • Restaurant Icon

    Q39 Midtown

    4.7
    $$$$

    Q39 Midtown

    Award-winning barbecue and wood-fired dishes make this a top pick for Kansas City’s best eats.
    4.7
    $$$$
    Picture for Q39 Midtown
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Antler Room in Kansas City

    The Antler Room in Kansas City

    Acclaimed for its globally-inspired, seasonal small plates, The Antler Room is a go-to for adventurous foodies.
    Picture for The Antler Room in Kansas City
  • Restaurant Icon

    Stroud's

    4.6
    $$$$

    Stroud's

    A classic spot famed for pan-fried chicken and homestyle sides, delivering a true taste of Kansas City comfort food.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Stroud's

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    21c Museum Hotel Kansas City

    4.2

    21c Museum Hotel Kansas City

    A boutique hotel featuring exceptional art exhibits, modern amenities, and a central location perfect for exploring downtown Kansas City.
    4.2
    Picture for 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City
  • Hotel Icon

    The Fontaine

    8.4

    The Fontaine

    Known for its elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and upscale atmosphere in Kansas City's popular Country Club Plaza district.
    8.4
    Picture for The Fontaine
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Kansas City

    Hotel Kansas City

    A historic hotel with grand architecture, stylish accommodations, and easy access to some of the city's top attractions.
    Picture for Hotel Kansas City
  • Hotel Icon

    Crossroads Hotel

    4.6

    Crossroads Hotel

    Trendy vibes, spacious rooms, and artsy decor make this hotel a favorite for travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city’s cultural district.
    4.6
    Picture for Crossroads Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    The Truitt

    4.9

    The Truitt

    This modern boutique hotel offers a quiet, unique stay with personalized service in Kansas City’s historic Midtown area.
    4.9
    Picture for The Truitt

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Country Stampede - Thursday

    Country Stampede - Thursday

    The event will take place at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs.
    Map IconAzura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs (7.73 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Jun 2026
    Picture for Country Stampede - Thursday
  • Event Icon

    Country Stampede - Friday

    Country Stampede - Friday

    The event will take place at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs.
    Map IconAzura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs (7.73 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jun 2026
    Picture for Country Stampede - Friday
  • Event Icon

    Country Stampede - Saturday

    Country Stampede - Saturday

    The event will take place at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs.
    Map IconAzura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs (7.73 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Jun 2026
    Picture for Country Stampede - Saturday
  • Event Icon

    Lovebites (JPN)

    Lovebites (JPN)

    The event will take place at Granada - KS in Lawrence.
    Map IconGranada - KS in Lawrence (13.06 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Nov 2025
    Picture for Lovebites (JPN)
  • Event Icon

    Minus the Bear

    Minus the Bear

    The event will take place at Granada - KS in Lawrence.
    Map IconGranada - KS in Lawrence (13.06 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Nov 2025
    Picture for Minus the Bear
  • Event Icon

    The Runarounds

    The Runarounds

    The event will take place at Granada - KS in Lawrence.
    Map IconGranada - KS in Lawrence (13.06 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Feb 2026
    Picture for The Runarounds
  • Event Icon

    Kansas Music Hall of Fame presents: The Red Dog Inn Tribute Concert

    Kansas Music Hall of Fame presents: The Red Dog Inn Tribute Concert

    ALL AGES // 6:00 PM DOORS // 7:00 PM SHOW All Tickets are General Admission As part of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary weekend, KSMHoF presents: The Red Dog Inn Tribute Concert : Featuring: The Flippers The Red Dogs The Young Raiders T...
    Map IconLiberty Hall in Lawrence (13.43 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Nov 2025
    Picture for Kansas Music Hall of Fame presents: The Red Dog Inn Tribute Concert

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    They have 2 pools (one inside in the basement, wild!) and one outside plus hot tubs that are available to guests. Their ghost tour of the hotel is cheesy and fun. The grounds ...

    Best overnight getaway within an hour-ish of Kansas City?

    They have 2 pools (one inside in the basement, wild!) and one outside plus hot tubs that are available to guests. Their ghost tour of the hotel is cheesy and fun. The grounds ...

    /r/kansascity
  • Reddit Icon

    My sis and I are wanting to do a quick weekend getaway. Ideally within 4 hours drive of KC. We've already ruled out most of the usual places like Hermann, Omaha, Eureka S...

    Hidden gems for a weekend getaway?

    My sis and I are wanting to do a quick weekend getaway. Ideally within 4 hours drive of KC. We've already ruled out most of the usual places like Hermann, Omaha, Eureka S...

    /r/kansascity
  • Reddit Icon

    Abilene is close. With the Eisenhower museum and home, and a grayhound museum, plus old Abilene town and horse drawn carriages. It's got some of the Branson old times stu...

    Looking for recommendations for a weekend trip from Kansas City/Lawrence

    Abilene is close. With the Eisenhower museum and home, and a grayhound museum, plus old Abilene town and horse drawn carriages. It's got some of the Branson old times stu...

    /r/Lawrence
  • Reddit Icon

    Go up to Lawrence. It's great for a weekend getaway.

    What are some good places within 5 hour drive from kansas city... For a weekend trip..

    Go up to Lawrence. It's great for a weekend getaway.

    /r/kansascity
  • Reddit Icon

    Louis, Missouri, Joplin, Missouri, Wichita, Kansas, Hermann, Missouri, Bentonville, Arkansas, Buffalo National River, Arkansas, and Columbia, Missouri are other interesting de...

    Best Weekend Getaways From Kansas City Mo

    Louis, Missouri, Joplin, Missouri, Wichita, Kansas, Hermann, Missouri, Bentonville, Arkansas, Buffalo National River, Arkansas, and Columbia, Missouri are other interesting de...

    /r/worldkidstravel

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic road trip tune that sets a carefree mood for your journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    An upbeat anthem that captures the excitement of traveling.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
  • Music Icon

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    Perfect for driving stretches with its energetic tempo.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Encourages adventure and enjoying the ride, ideal for open roads.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    A feel-good tune with cheerful vibes to keep spirits high.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way
  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Brings a comforting and optimistic feeling as you explore new destinations.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
  • Music Icon

    M83 - Midnight City

    M83 - Midnight City

    An electronic, upbeat track to energize your urban sightseeing.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for M83 - Midnight City
  • Music Icon

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    A reflective song that pairs well with long drives and beautiful scenery.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Encourages independence and spontaneous adventures.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    WALK THE MOON - Shut Up and Dance

    WALK THE MOON - Shut Up and Dance

    A lively, dance-worthy anthem perfect for keeping the mood joyous and fun.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for WALK THE MOON - Shut Up and Dance