# Lakeside Nature Center Winter Raptor Encounters & Family Forest Trails > Place to go for families in the Kansas City area (MO / KS). Times are Central Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132 - Ages: All ages welcome (storytimes and raptor talks for young children) - Price: Free admission; donations appreciated - Organizer: Kansas City Parks and Recreation - Official page: https://lakesidenaturecenter.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/kansas-city/activities/lakeside-nature-center-winter-raptor-encounters-and-family-forest-trai--listing-dd7e2ab0825ae1fcb5c9baed ## About Tucked inside historic Swope Park, Lakeside Nature Center is one of the largest municipal wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Missouri and a beloved free discovery spot for Kansas City families. The center houses dozens of non-releasable native animal ambassadors, including majestic bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, vultures, and native snakes. Families visiting during the winter can join weekend naturalist talks, attend storytime by the stone fireplace, and explore hands-on exhibits explaining wildlife winter adaptations. The center also features the interactive 'Marshland' display and touchable animal pelts. Outside, paved trails wind past outdoor raptor aviaries and connect to the scenic Fox Hollow Trail for winter forest hikes through limestone glades. • Stroller Accessibility: Paved pathways connect the parking lot to the nature center building and the outdoor eagle and raptor enclosures. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated main interpretive hall with cozy bench seating near the native reptile displays; clean public restrooms with changing tables. • Age Suitability: Wonderful for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids; live raptor encounters bring wildlife books to life for young children. • Sensory Tips: Quiet, tranquil atmosphere with natural lighting; live birds occasionally vocalize, but the facility remains calm and rarely crowded. ## Similar picks in Kansas City - [Winter Magic Drive-Through Holiday Light Show at Swope Park](https://grassyknees.com/kansas-city/activities/winter-magic-drive-through-holiday-light-show-at-swope-park--listing-cd20222c9fd402f11c3c214b) — Nov 6 – Jan 3 · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Historic Swope Park · All ages · From $25 · checked Nov 5. 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