Overland Park is a lively Midwest destination. Only 20 minutes from Kansas City and home to more than 200,000 people, this community offers a nice blend of big-city energy and smalltown ease. In addition to the usual urban essentials for shopping, dining and entertainment, people have their pick of more than 80 parks and green areas for all kinds of recreational activities. And with an active arts and culture scene that could rival that of a much larger city, there are more than enough options to appease residents’ creative sides, including public art displayed throughout the community. Here are five artsy spots you need to experience in Overland Park.

Museum at Prairiefire

The Museum at Prairiefire is home to 40,000 square feet of science, space, dinosaurs and wholesome, hands-on fun. As an added bonus, its Blue Star Museum status means it provides free admission to military families. Everything from reading nooks to interactive exhibits were considered in the museum’s layout, so learning will feel relaxing and fun.

Terri Thompson, executive director of the museum, says many might be surprised to hear that the museum is also home to Kansas City’s first museum-based preschool called STEAM Academy Preschool. If time is of the essence for your visit, Thompson recommends not missing the museum’s virtual reality theater, discovery room and wetlands.

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

If history is your cup of tea, make a point to visit the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. The Johnson County Museum tells stories of the region and state through comprehensive exhibits and displays. The center offers a creative side, too, with classes and programs for all ages. These include dance, ceramics, music lessons and macramé. One of its most unique aspects is its full calendar of live performances, which are held on both indoor and outdoor stages at The Black Box Theater and The Theatre in the Park.

Additionally, the Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Culture Division’s Fine Arts Department boasts a space within the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center dedicated to maker and STEAM programming. The programming includes electronics, hand tools, laser cutting, STEM/STEAM education and more for all ages.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

As the state’s only contemporary art museum, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art features 11 exhibition spaces, with the Kansas Focus Gallery highlighting works from local and regional artists. Located at Johnson County Community College, it has more than 400 works spread across campus. Admission is free, visitors have access to a multilingual app, and it’s the “perfect size,” as Community Relations Manager Mary Anne Matos puts it.

“You can visit the museum and see just about everything in one to two hours, which can make for a nice trip, especially if you have children,” Matos says.

Midwest Trust Center

Also part of Johnson County Community College, the Midwest Trust Center Series runs 30 shows a season, ranging from youth symphony performances to musicals. Performers from across the globe come to delight audiences, but New Dance Partners and the Winterlude Jazz Festival are two annual events in which Kansasbased creatives shine.

Janell Rinne, the performing arts marketing coordinator, says the center works hard to be a place that everyone can enjoy. For instance, start time, duration and price are big considerations when they choose family programming.

“We really try to think about the other factors that go into bringing your family to a show,” Rinne says. “We try to make it affordable and accessible and just lower some of those barriers to getting young families out to the theater and experiencing an evening together.”

MakerSpace

The Johnson County Public Library Black & Veatch MakerSpace has the resources people need to take their ideas from concept to creation. Examples include 3D printers, lasers, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, heat presses and more. Plus, people of all ages can access the MakerSpace for free.