The Outdoor Discovery Park In Missouri That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip
By Liz Oliver|Published January 06, 2018
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Just steps from the Kansas City Plaza shopping district is a natural oasis in this urban landscape. Explore the nearly eight acres of grasslands located in the heart of Kansas City. In addition to the large green space, there is also an educational center on-site. Maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation, this beautiful outdoor discovery park is a great place to rediscover nature.
The Gorman Conservation Discovery Center was opened in 2005 to help promote environmental and wildlife conservation in Kansas City.
Some of the center's activities include learning how to plant a native garden, exploring Missouri's stream life, and learning how to identify wild foods!
There are also some super fun events that take place on weekend and evenings at the Gorman Center. January 6th, from 10 am until 2:30 pm, visitors can learn about Missouri's raccoon and opossum population, sample barbecue raccoon, and make an opossum craft to take home.
Along with the natural grasses, flowers, and gardens there is also a paved outdoor trail that leads to the pond. If your family hasn't had enough fun for the day you can also visit the outdoor play area.
The Gorman Conservation Discovery Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm. You can also visit the center every 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 am until 4 pm and during special events.