Have you heard about the coolest park in Kansas City’s Northland? Penguin Park is home to some of the most amazing giant animal sculptures you’ll ever see! This special place has been making kids smile and families laugh for almost 60 years.
What Makes Penguin Park So Special?
Picture this: a huge, colorful penguin standing over 20 feet tall next to a friendly giraffe, a gentle elephant, and a bouncing kangaroo. These aren’t just any sculptures – they’re works of art that have been bringing joy to Kansas City families since 1965!
Did you know that Penguin Park wasn’t always called by that name? For over 30 years, people just called it “Penguin Park” because of the famous penguin sculpture. Finally, in December 1998, the city made it official and gave the park its real name.
A Special Piece of Kansas City History
The park started as part of something called Lakewood Greenway back in 1957. Back then, a man named Vernon Jones worked for the Kansas City Parks Department. He was really good at building fun things for kids.
Vernon, who created all these amazing sculptures, also made decorations for Santa’s Wonderland in other Kansas City parks. When he made this big penguin, everyone loved it so much that he decided to make more animal friends to keep the penguin company. His creative spirit lives on in every colorful animal at Penguin Park.
Fun Things to Do at Penguin Park
This isn’t just a place to look at cool sculptures. Penguin Park Kansas City has lots of fun activities for the whole family:
- Take Amazing Photos: The colorful animal sculptures make perfect backdrops for family pictures and selfies
- Play on the Playground: Kids can run, climb, and slide on the playground equipment
- Have a Picnic: Bring lunch and enjoy eating outdoors near the sculptures
- Walk Around the Lake: Take a peaceful stroll and maybe spot some real animals like ducks
- Use Clean Restrooms: The park has restrooms so families can stay comfortable during longer visits
Planning Your Visit
Ready to meet these giant animal friends? Here’s what you need to know:
Where to Find Penguin Park: 4101 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119 (Corner of Vivion Road and N. Norton Avenue in KC’s Northland)
When You Can Visit: The park is open every day from 5 AM to midnight. That means you can visit the Penguin Park animals early in the morning or even in the evening!
Parking Tips: There are usually plenty of parking spots. Just remember that during really busy times (like nice weekend afternoons), you might need to be a little patient to find a spot.
Why Families Love Penguin Park
Parents and kids have been visiting these friendly animal sculptures for decades. Many grown-ups bring their own children to see the same animals they played with when they were young! The sculptures might show their age a little bit, but that just adds to their charm and character.
Photography lovers especially enjoy Penguin Park because the bright, fun sculptures create such unique and happy pictures. Whether you’re taking family photos or just snapping pics for social media, these giant animals make everyone smile.
Make Your Own Penguin Park Memories
Whether you’re new to Kansas City or you’ve lived here your whole life, this park offers something special for everyone. Kids love climbing around the giant animals and pretending to feed them. Parents love watching their children’s faces light up with wonder and joy.
The next time you’re looking for a fun, free activity that the whole family can enjoy, remember Penguin Park. These gentle giant animals are waiting to meet you and become part of your family’s Kansas City story.
Pack your camera, bring the kids, and get ready to make some colorful memories at one of Kansas City’s most beloved hidden gems!