One of the best ways you can help your kids stay active is leading by example! When you get outside as a family, you have the opportunity to show your kids how much fun exercise can be.
If you need ideas for where to start, look no further than this National Bike Month. Biking is famously kid-friendly, but it’s also an excellent way to build your cardiovascular health and get a full-body workout — all while having a great time!
To help you get rolling, we’ve put together a list of bikeable Jackson County trails that the whole family can enjoy, including stroller- and wheelchair-friendly options. Who knows: maybe one of them will be your new favorite?
Missouri Tree Trail (Blue Springs / Independence)
Difficulty: Very easy
Length: 0.7 mile loop
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Wide, completely paved trail; accessible viewing platform; accessible parking spots in main lot.
This short, wheelchair-friendly loop within the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Center has signage posted along the way to help kids learn about native trees and plants. Afterward, stop by the Discovery Center and enjoy the interactive exhibits.
Tip: since Burr Oak Woods Conservation Center has multiple trailheads nearby, it’s easy to extend your route — like the J. Ernest Dunn Jr. Discovery Trail (0.6 miles) — if your kids are still going strong!
Waterfall Park (Independence)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 mile loop
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Mostly paved
Located along an 18-acre lake, this walking and biking trail has everything you need for an all-ages outing: playground equipment, restrooms, plenty of shaded places to sit, and a trail that takes you past a man-made waterfall.
Blue Branch Creek Trail (Grain Valley)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.4 miles (one-way)
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Wide, completely paved trail.
Grain Valley parents: this is as convenient as it gets! Located behind Grain Valley High School & Sni-A-Bar Elementary, this gentle trail is paved and mostly shaded — perfect for an after-school outing. Enjoy a peaceful nature walk and keep an eye out for ducks and other critters as you stroll along Blue Branch Creek.
Little Blue Trail (Raytown to Independence)
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 16.3 miles straight (we suggest doubling back!)
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Partially paved
This scenic river walk is perfect for biking with older kids! Venture down a long, peaceful nature trail that will take you past trees, the Blue River, and fields of flowers. Keep an eye out for deer, geese, and even wild turkey!
Portions of the trail are gravel, so make sure your bike is built to handle a rougher ride. If it’s not — or if you have younger kids — stick to the paved section and double back for a shorter adventure.
Longview Bike Trail (Grandview / Lee’s Summit)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.5 miles (one-way)
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Crushed gravel path; may be difficult for some wheelchair users or strollers.
No bike? No problem! You’ll find rentable bikes at Longview Bike Trail’s Shelter 14 trailhead, courtesy of Bike Walk KC. Enjoy a smooth ride and beautiful views as you travel alongside Longview Lake. Plus: there are several play areas for kids located along the route.
Lake Remembrance Loop Trail (Blue Springs / Grain Valley)
Difficulty: Easy*
Length: 2.7 mile loop*
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Mostly paved (see notes)*
Enjoy a beautiful lakeside ride! Keep an eye out for lily pads, turtles, and a variety of critters. This is a popular fishing and birding spot as well — feel free to bring your binoculars or angling gear and unwind after your trip.
*Since one portion of this loop is unpaved and close to a busy road, we recommend doubling back for a safer, more accessible outing.
Lipton Conservation Area Trail (Independence)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 mile loop
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Crushed gravel path; may be difficult for some wheelchair users or strollers.
This small nature trail is tucked away just across from Santa Fe Trail Park, which includes a baseball diamond, picnic pavilion, and a children’s play area. If you like to fit multiple activities into one afternoon, this could be the spot for you!
Legacy Park Loop (Lee’s Summit)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.9 mile loop
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Wide, completely paved trail; accessible parking spots off Northeast Coneflower Drive.
Located within 700-acre Legacy Park, this mid-length trail is full of pastoral views, with a small portion next to a lake. Try stopping by the nearby playground or picnic shelter after your adventure! This trail is mostly gentle, but those using wheelchairs or steering strollers may need to take care during a few steeper spots.
Blue River Greenway Trail (Grandview / South KC)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.2 miles (one-way)
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Wide, completely paved trail.
Enjoy nature AND the city! Running from Minor Park to 95th Street, this gorgeous trail is perfect for a smooth, scenic bike trip. Along the way, you’ll go over a bridge covered with lovers’ locks and spot historic structures nestled among the trees. If you’re up for even more adventuring after completing this trail, keep going — the northern end connects to Indian Creek Trail.
Tip: Be careful to take the Greenway Trail; the Blue River Bike Trail is more rugged and less accessible.
Nature Trail at Unity Village (Unity Village)
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: 3.0 miles
Wheelchair / Stroller Access: Partially paved. Portions of the path are crushed gravel, which may be difficult for some wheelchair users or strollers.
This lovely nature path will make you feel like you’re truly “away from it all” — while being just a short jaunt from Unity Village. It runs alongside a stream and features a natural bridge that kids and adults alike will love. Keep an eye out for a mural, a cave (blocked off from public access), and more quirky features along your route!
As the weather warms up and brings new opportunities to get outside, National Bike Month offers a great reminder to move our bodies and enjoy the natural wonders around us. Give the whole family a physical and mental boost by biking, rolling, or strolling your way through our beautiful Jackson County parks this May!
