City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (816) 513-7500

Description: Topping out at 1,769 acres, Swope Park is the largest city park in Kansas City and one of the most expansive in the country. The land was donated by millionaire Thomas H. Swope and dedicated on June 25, 1898. It contains two golf courses; areas for softball, soccer, rugby, and Frisbee; horseback trails; and a day camp for kids. And, yes, you can rough it in the middle of a city: Hiking enthusiasts can take a guided scenic tour along the hill south of the Lake of the Woods. The Lakeside Nature Center (4701 East Gregory Blvd., 816-513-8960, www.lakesidenaturecenter.org) within Swope Park is Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center, caring for more than 3,300 native animals and birds. The center also has a 1,000-gallon aquarium and offers educational programs for all ages, including bird-watching, animal tracking, streamside hikes, and nature photography. The nature center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues through Sat and noon to 4 p.m. Sun. Admission is free, and the center is open year-round, closed Mon. Swope Park is also home to the 8,000-seat Starlight Theatre as well as the Kansas City Zoo and Sprint IMAX Theatre.