Kansas City Lakes

Lakes Close to Kansas City

Sometimes you should spend some time on the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Kansas City there are some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to paddleboard, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Kansas City provide you with lots of opportunities for aquatic activities. Browse through the data below and have a look your options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Kansas City

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a longer trip gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Kansas City lake:

Picnic time. Kansas City’s lakes provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Kansas City it makes a lot of sense to bring many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • Tennis shoes
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • A picnic basket
  • Sunscreen
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Beach blanket

Additional lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and your guests, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Life jackets
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Games for the beach
  • Corkscrew

Lake Safety

Of course a day on the lake can be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear sunblock

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Kansas City, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary substantially more successful. Case in point, each individual lake has unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local will typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay right on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Kansas City may be swarmed with tourists. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!