Swope Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swope Park |
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|---|---|
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,805 acres (7.30 km2; 2.820 sq mi) |
| Created | 1896 |
| Founder | Colonel Thomas H. Swope |
| Owned by | City of Kansas City, Missouri |
| Website | https://kcparks.org/park/swope-park/ |
Swope Park is a huge city park located in Kansas City, Missouri. It's the biggest park in Kansas City, covering about 1,805 acres (7.3 km² or 2.8 sq mi). That makes it one of the largest city parks in the entire United States! The park is named after Colonel Thomas H. Swope. He was a kind person who gave this land to the city back in 1896.
What Can You Do at Swope Park?
Most of Swope Park is covered in thick woods. But there are also many cool places to visit and fun things to do. It's a great spot for families and friends to explore.
Enjoy a Show at Starlight Theatre
The Starlight Theatre is an amazing outdoor theater. It can hold over 8,000 people! You can watch concerts, Broadway shows, and other live performances here. It's a popular place for entertainment during warmer months.
Play Sports at Swope Soccer Village
If you love sports, the Swope Soccer Village is for you. It's a big sports complex with many fields. You can find soccer fields and baseball diamonds here. It's a busy place for local teams and tournaments.
Visit Animals at the Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is one of the main attractions in Swope Park. You can see animals from all over the world here. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages. The zoo works to protect many different species.
Learn About Nature at Lakeside Nature Center
The Lakeside Nature Center is a special place for animals. It's one of Missouri's biggest places for helping injured or sick native animals. They care for animals like birds, mammals, and reptiles. You can learn a lot about local wildlife here.
Play Golf at Swope Memorial Golf Course
Swope Park also has the Swope Memorial Golf Course. It's a well-known golf course where many people enjoy playing. It has even hosted big golf tournaments in the past.
Discover History at the Battle of Westport Museum
The Battle of Westport Museum & Visitor Center is open during certain times of the year. It tells the story of the Battle of Westport. This battle happened in 1864 during the American Civil War. It was the biggest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River.
More Fun Activities
Besides these main spots, Swope Park has even more to offer. You can find a swimming pool for cooling off on hot days. There's also the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. Here, you can try ziplining and other exciting challenges. The park also has ten shelter houses, perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Swope Park in Books
Swope Park is even famous in books! The author Robert A. Heinlein grew up near Kansas City. He often wrote about Swope Park in his fictional stories.
