Kansas City Lakes

Lakes Near Kansas City

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Kansas City. As it turns out, when you come to Kansas City you have lots of options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Kansas City provide you with lots of options for aquatic fun. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph and have a look the options including small lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Kansas City

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Kansas City you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Every getaway at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Pack a picnic basket. Kansas City’s lakes offer many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Kansas City give you several options.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Kansas City will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Kansas City!

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the vacation, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Food and snacks
  • Swimsuits
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Bug spray
  • Radio or speaker
  • Sunblock
  • Portable phone charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Your tackle box
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Toys for the beach
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Worms or other bait
  • Kindle
  • Fishing gear

Lake Safety

Of course a day at a lake in Kansas City can be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Kansas City

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Kansas City, there are a few things that might make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake near Kansas City is going to have unique qualities so it’s important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches could be really busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!