If you have been looking for the perfect spot for family photos in the Kansas City area, let me introduce you to the Overland Park Arboretum. I have been photographing families for years, and this spot has quickly become one of my favorites in the entire region.
This past summer I had the absolute privilege of photographing the extended family of Jenna and Zach, two people I have known since photographing their wedding back in 2019. Watching them grow into a family and then getting to capture that family alongside their loved ones at a place that holds so much meaning for them? That is exactly why I do what I do.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about booking your own Overland Park Arboretum family photos, plus a look into this beautiful summer session.
About the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a 300 acre destination located in Overland Park, Kansas, just a short drive from downtown Kansas City. Home to over 1,700 species of plants, the Arboretum features beautifully cultivated themed gardens, serene walking trails, and immersive natural landscapes that make it one of the most stunning spots in the entire KC metro area.
One of the most iconic spots in the entire park is the Claude Monet inspired lily pad bridge, located right near the entrance. It is one of those backdrops that instantly elevates any photo and has become a signature look for sessions at the Arboretum.
Whether you are visiting for a quiet afternoon stroll or bringing your family in for photos, there is truly something beautiful around every corner. The variety of backdrops including lush garden beds, wooded trails, and open green spaces makes it an incredibly versatile location for family photography.
Taking photos at the Gardens.
One of the most exciting things about the Overland Park Arboretum right now is that photographers and their clients can visit and shoot throughout the gardens with just the price of admission. No special permits, no extra hoops to jump through. Just show up, pay at the door or purchase your tickets online in advance, and you are good to go.
Admission is $7 per person for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. There is even free admission for everyone on the first Tuesday of each month, which is a great option if you are working with a larger extended family group and want to keep costs down. You can you review their admission information at their website here.
It is worth noting that the Arboretum does ask that photographers and their clients be courteous to other guests, avoid blocking walkways, and not take up entire garden spaces for long periods of time. As always, being respectful of the space goes a long way in making sure it stays accessible for everyone.
My Advice for Overland Park Arboretum Family Photos
Plan around the hours. The Arboretum is open daily from 9am to 5pm September through March. April through August the hours extend to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is actually a wonderful window for golden hour family sessions. Keep in mind that last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so plan accordingly.
Arrive early in the summer. Kansas City summers are no joke. Getting there right when the gardens open gives you softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds all at once. It makes a huge difference for everyone, especially little ones.
Let the kids lead a little. The Arboretum is a genuinely fun place for little ones to explore, and some of the best photos come from letting them wander, point at things, and just be themselves. Perfection is never the goal. Connection is.
Take advantage of the variety. One of the biggest advantages of the Arboretum over other KC locations is how many different looks you can get in a single session. The lily pad bridge near the entrance, the wooded trails, the open lawns, and the garden beds all give you completely different backdrops without ever leaving the property.
Think about what you are wearing. The lush greens and florals of the Arboretum are stunning in summer, so earthy tones, creams, and soft neutrals tend to photograph beautifully here. Bold patterns can compete with the gardens, so when in doubt, keep it simple and cohesive.
For extended family sessions, purchase tickets online in advance. Getting everyone through the gate quickly means more time in the gardens and less time waiting in line.
A Summer Family Session at the Overland Park Arboretum
I have known Jenna and Zach since 2019 when I had the honor of photographing their wedding, so getting to show up for this chapter of their lives felt incredibly special. This time around they brought the whole crew, including their daughter Layla, Jenna’s sister who was in town from Texas, Jenna’s twin brother, and their mom, who has a deep love and connection to the Arboretum herself. It honestly could not have been a more perfect setting for this particular family.
We photographed everything from the full extended family group to individual family units, couple portraits of Jenna and Zach, sibling photos of Jenna with her twin brother and sister, and of course plenty of solo moments with little Layla. There is something so magical about photographing a baby in a space this lush and beautiful, and Layla did not disappoint.
The Arboretum in summer is something else entirely. Everything is full and green and alive, and the light filtering through the trees creates this gorgeous natural softness that you simply cannot replicate in a studio. Sessions like this one remind me exactly why I love what I do.
Ready to Book Your Family Photos?
If this session has you picturing your own family photos at the Overland Park Arboretum, I would absolutely love to make that happen. Whether you are planning a small immediate family session or a full extended family gathering like Jenna and Zach, this location has something beautiful to offer every single family.
I am a Kansas City based family photographer who genuinely loves showing up for the people I photograph, not just on one occasion but across all of the seasons and chapters of their lives. Jenna and Zach are the perfect example of that, and I am so grateful to be their photographer.
If you are ready to book or just want to learn more about what a family session with me looks like, head over to my family photography page or reach out through my contact page and let’s chat. Family photo information here or you can contact me here if you’re ready to book!
