Explorers of all ages are invited to tap into the nostalgia of childhood fort building.

KINGSVILLE, MO -- On May 23, unleash your imagination in a city of eight life-size forts. Fortopia (May 23 - September 2) returns to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, just in time for summer fun. This outdoor exhibition, comprised of community-designed forts, invites explorers of all ages to discover new ways to play at Powell Gardens. 

“Fortopia has been a wonderful addition to summer at Powell Gardens,” said CEO Cody Jolliff. “We’re looking forward to welcoming back families and meeting new explorers this summer. The East Lawn comes alive during Fortopia, and we're excited to include new ways to play there. Not to mention the trails and splashpad nearby! If you’re on a road trip, taking a staycation, or have a free afternoon, I hope you’ll visit Kansas City’s botanical garden.”

The fort designers include preschool children, architects, play specialists, and more.

- Box City designed by City Playcorps

- The Beehive, designed by Celine & Ceanna Oberlechner (ages 12 and 10)

- The House that Stands on Chicken Feet, designed by the preschool children of UMKC Berkley Zoo Room 

- The Lucky Woodland Find: Morel Fort, designed by UMKC’s Early Childhood Education team 

- Portal, designed by Brandon Kirmer

- Reflection Fort, designed by Multi.Studio

- Skully the Pirate Ship, designed by the preschool children of UMKC’s Berkley Zoo Room

- TreeMendous Experience, designed by DI Build and Kent Schumacher Designs 

This year’s Fortopia exhibit includes new ways to spend time outdoors. Look for yard games, a music station and sand box, and an indoor Build Your Own Fort lab. To make the most of your visit, walk the one-mile Family Discovery Loop along the Byron Shutz Trail System, cool off in the Fountain Garden splashpad, and explore botanical collections during Desert Days (June 18-30), Wildflower Week (July 9-14) and Waterlily Wonders (August 6-18).

Fortopia runs May 23 - September 2, 2024. With Fortopia’s five month run, visitors are encouraged to visit several times to experience the forts in a different light throughout the changing seasons. While hours and ticket pricing may vary (Festival of Butterflies runs July 18 – August 4), please check the website at powellgardens.org/fortopia for the most up-to-date information. Happy exploring!