How far is the new Mattel Adventure Park from Des Moines?
A new Mattel Adventure Park is headed for Kansas.
Mattel Inc., whose brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, announced the plans on Wednesday in partnership with Epic Resort Destinations.
“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, an immersive theatre, themed dining, and so much more,” Mattel's Chief Franchise Officer Josh Silverman said in a statement. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”
It'll be the second such park in the country. The first Mattel Adventure Park is currently being built in Glendale, Arizona, and is expected to open late this year.
Here's what travelers and Mattel fans should know.
When is Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City opening?
The park is expected to open in 2026. Mattel plans to break ground later this year.
Where will Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City be located?
The park will actually be located in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Mattel says it will be an “an all-new entertainment resort destination.”
How far is the new Mattel Adventure Park from Des Moines?
Bonner Springs is 213 miles from Des Moines driving south on Interstate 35, making the trip a little more than three hours to the new adventure park.
What’s planned for Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City?
The new park will feature the same attractions as Mattel Adventure Park Glendale, Arizona:
• Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™: The Ultimate Ride and the Hot Wheels™ Twin Mill™ Racer, one of the most anticipated roller coasters debuting this year
• A “larger-than-life Barbie Beach House” with an interactive Barbie Dream Closet Experience, theater and rooftop restaurant and bar
• Five “experiential attractions” themed around Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor
• He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag
• Mini-golf inspired by Mattel games
• An oversized UNO climbing structure
Where are other amusement parks in Iowa?
If you don't want to make the drive, Iowa is also home to adventure parks. Adventureland in Altoona offers more than 100 attractions, including a waterpark.
Arnolds Park Amusement Park near West Okoboji Lake has 20 rides, GoKarts and a River Cruise.
Waterloo is home to Lost Island, which began as a waterpark but has since expanded.
In 2022, the park opened an amusement park with 22 rides including a drop tower, roller coasters and a Ferris wheel.