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Ways to Stay Active in Kansas City

Life plan communities, like John Knox Village, offer fitness and wellness classes that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Join a class of your peers for a water aerobics class, Tai Chi session, or even square and line dancing. If you’re not a resident of a life plan community with a robust fitness program, here are options around Kansas City to explore.

Whether you like to get your exercise by hopping on a bike for a scenic ride or strolling through a museum, the Kansas City metro offers seniors plenty of ways to stay active and connected. The city boasts hundreds of miles of interconnected trails ranging from paved and crushed rock to more rugged options. Not really into walking trails? KC offers a wide range of senior activities from annual cultural events and community centers to fitness classes and more. Here’s a list of some of our favorite ways to improve or maintain your fitness after 65.

Quick Answer

Kansas City is a wonderful city for staying active as you age, whether you like to do that indoors or out. With hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails, world-class museums, community fitness classes, and programs designed specifically for older adults, it’s easy to get moving and stay connected.

Artful Activities

Kansas City overflows with art. You’ll find it in museums, on the sides of buildings, inside of coffee shops and other merchants, and at community and cultural centers. There’s a wide variety to explore, which is perfect for art lovers looking to stay active after 65.

The Second Edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans says that multiple 10-minute intervals of physical movement throughout the day are enough to help adults meet the recommended 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week. What better way to do this than by appreciating art?

  • The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Free to the public, the museum holds 5,000 years’ worth of art and rotating exhibitions, though you may need to purchase a ticket to see the featured exhibition. In addition to getting your steps in walking the museum, during warm-weather months, you can play the Art Course, an art-inspired mini-golf course on the museum grounds. Or plan a meet-up with your friends to walk through the Sculpture Park after grabbing a coffee at Thou Mayest.
  • The KC Mural Trail: Enjoy art outdoors and celebrate community at the same time. KC artists create stunning artworks on donated building walls that you can tour using this interactive map. Plan your route, learn about the pieces, and get exploring!

To see all of KC’s arts and cultural events, check out ArtsKCgo.com.

Community Classes

Active seniors in KC have plenty of options when it comes to joining community fitness classes. One of the biggest benefits? Many of these fitness activities come with the added benefit of making connections with other active adults while you get your heart pumping.

  • The Landon Center on Aging at KU Medical Center offers online chair yoga. While there aren’t in-person options, it’s a great way to try a new type of movement to see if it’s something you like, or to supplement your regular exercise schedule if you don’t feel like leaving the comforts of home.
  • YMCA of Greater Kansas City has programs for active older adults that include low-impact water fitness classes, group classes, and even a program specifically designed for people impacted by arthritis.
  • Johnson County Parks & Recreation District (JCPRD) has a 50 Plus program that provides active seniors with classes and planned activities to travel and tour opportunities.
  • Silver Sneakers is often included as part of Medicare Advantage Plans and offers those over 65 a library of online fitness and health classes, memberships to local KC gyms, and more. See if you’re eligible!
  • Kansas City Parks & Recreation also has its own fitness classes for seniors, including the Active Aging Intense Class that combines intense cardio and weightlifting with the support of a chair.

Tempting Trails

Kansas City boasts more than 77 trails that cover over 530 miles. Some of them begin and end inside of parks, like at Shawnee Mission Park. Others travel through residential and business areas before connecting to other trails, like Indian Creek Trail and Tomahawk Creek Trail.

Some other popular trails:

  • Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail runs 6 miles from the south end of Country Club Plaza through Brookside and Waldo, following the route of KC’s last functioning streetcar line.
  • Line Creek Trail is a paved 8-mile path that winds through neighborhoods and heavily wooded areas on Kansas City’s north side. It is flat, wide, and well-shaded, making it a great trail for walking or biking.
  • Longview Lake Trail follows the lakefront for 6.5 miles before joining up with the Grandview Trail System.

No matter how you like to get yourself moving, there are many great options in Kansas City to explore, connect, and get your heart rate up at the same time.

FAQ

Do I need to be already active to enjoy KC’s trails?

Not at all! Kansas City’s trail system includes options for every fitness level. Paved and crushed rock trails, like Line Creek Trail and the Trolley Track Trail are flat, well-maintained, and easy to enjoy at a comfortable pace.

What if outdoor activities aren’t really my thing?

You’re in luck, because Kansas City offers community fitness classes tailored for older adults, like chair yoga, water aerobics, and low-impact group classes. Life plan communities like John Knox Village also offer a full calendar of wellness classes, a great option if you’re looking for variety and built-in community.

Are there ways to stay active that don’t feel like traditional exercise?

Absolutely. The KC Mural Trail leads you to outdoor artwork across the city using an interactive map, giving you a cultural experience and adding movement to your day. A stroll through The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and its Sculpture Park, or a round of art-inspired mini-golf, can easily get you to your daily movement goals without it feeling like a workout at all.

About John Knox Village

John Knox Village is a leader in senior living services in Lee’s Summit and the greater KC region. The community boasts a diverse range of living options from freestanding homes and apartment homes to villas. With more than 700,000 square feet of common space across the beautiful campus, you’ll find more opportunities and experiences right outside your door.

If you’re exploring Life Plan Communities in Lee’s Summit or the Kansas City area, we’d love to show you all that John Knox Village has to offer. Contact us today, call (816) 251-8000 to schedule a visit, or register to attend one of our upcoming events.