Things To Do
in Merriam
Merriam is a city located in Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is known for its friendly community atmosphere and strong sense of small-town charm. With a population of around 11,000 residents, Merriam offers a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as parks and recreational activities.
The city is conveniently located near major highways, providing easy access to neighboring cities like Overland Park and Kansas City.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café. Enjoy a refreshing morning stroll at Merriam Park, soaking in the fresh air.
Visit the local shops and boutiques to discover unique finds. Take a break for lunch at a popular spot in the area.
Choose a family-friendly restaurant for a hearty dinner. End your day at the Merriam Community Center, where you can catch local events or activities.
Begin with a walk or jog at the nearby Turkey Creek Streamway Park. It’s a perfect way to embrace nature and get some exercise.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the creek. Spend the afternoon exploring the trails and watching local wildlife.
Return home to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a cozy bistro. Consider an evening walk in your neighborhood to end the day on a peaceful note.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery with access to parks and outdoor activities.
- A close-knit community atmosphere.
- Low cost of living compared to larger urban areas.
- Rich cultural history and local events.
- Access to good schools and educational opportunities.
- Limited job opportunities and economic growth.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
- Harsh winters that may not be appealing to everyone.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Potential for a slower pace of life which may not suit everyone.
Best Activities in Merriam
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large park featuring trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas, a lake for fishing, and playgrounds for children.
A scenic park offering trails for walking and biking, as well as open spaces for sports and recreational activities.
An outdoor shopping center with a variety of shops and restaurants, often hosting events and live music in the plaza.
A beautiful park featuring a waterfall, walking paths, and picnic spots, perfect for a relaxing outdoor day.
A paved trail suitable for running, biking, and walking, surrounded by nature.
A spacious park with sports fields, walking trails, a fishing pond, and picnic areas, providing ample recreational opportunities.
Places to Visit in Merriam
Visit one of these nice places.
A vibrant shopping and dining area that offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area, perfect for capturing urban life.
A scenic park that features walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces ideal for nature photography and family portraits.
The modern architecture of the city hall contrasts beautifully with the greenery around it, making it a good spot for architectural photography.
While primarily a shopping destination, the mall offers interesting exterior designs and vibrant seasonal decorations, great for street photography.
This park has lovely natural scenery, walking trails, and a picturesque pond, making it perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.
Food in Merriam
Merriam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Must-try local specialty featuring slow-smoked meats, often served with tangy BBQ sauce. Sample at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
Must-Try!
A flavorful, tender cut of beef that exemplifies the region's meat-centric cuisine. Enjoy at Stroud's, a renowned local steakhouse.
Juicy, flavorful meat chunks cut from the ends of smoked beef brisket, offering a true taste of Kansas City barbecue. Try at Q39, known for its excellent burnt ends.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and occasional food stalls serving delectable treats.
Experience a variety of culinary delights from food trucks offering diverse cuisines, live music, and a lively atmosphere in downtown Merriam.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Merriam, like many places in the U.S., it's important to respect people's personal space. Maintain a comfortable distance when conversing and avoid physical contact unless the other person initiates it.
Engaging in conversations with active listening is crucial. Show interest by making eye contact, nodding, and responding appropriately. This conveys respect and acknowledges the other person's perspective.
Merriam is a diverse community. Be open-minded and respectful towards people of different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. Avoid making assumptions and strive to understand and appreciate the differences.
Safety
Tipping in Merriam
Ensure a smooth experience
In Merriam, Kansas, tipping practices generally align with those in most parts of the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. A typical tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill. Some people may tip more for exceptional service or less for unsatisfactory experiences. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated and often expected in the service industry.
Payment methods in Merriam are versatile, with many establishments accepting cash, credit, and debit cards. Mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also increasingly accepted. In restaurants, customers usually settle their bills at the end of the meal, either at the table or at the register. In retail establishments, payment is typically made at the point of sale. Some businesses may also offer contactless payment for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Merriam, as temperatures start to warm up, ranging from the mid-50s to high 70s (°F). Expect blooming flowers and a range of outdoor activities. Events such as local festivals and farmers markets begin to emerge.
Summer in Merriam can get quite warm, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities, including visiting parks and local attractions. However, it can also be humid, so be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
Fall offers cooler temperatures, typically ranging from the low 40s to mid-70s (°F), and vibrant foliage. This season is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, including hiking and visiting local farms. Fall festivals celebrate the harvest, adding to the charm of the season.
Winter can be cold in Merriam, with temperatures often dropping into the 20s and 30s (°F). Snow is possible, which can create a beautiful winter landscape. This season is quieter, but visitors can enjoy indoor activities, holiday events, and the warmth of local dining.
Merriam at Night
Hiking in Merriam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park with various trails, picnic areas, and lakes, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Features several miles of trails, as well as opportunities for fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Offers scenic hiking trails through wooded areas and wetlands, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
A beautiful park with trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline of a large lake.
Provides walking and hiking trails around a lake, as well as open spaces for picnicking and recreation.
Aiports
How to reach Merriam by plane.
The main airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Located near downtown Kansas City, this airport primarily handles general aviation and some commercial flights.
One of the largest airports in Missouri, located approximately 250 miles east of Merriam.
Located about 200 miles southwest of Merriam, it serves the city of Wichita and surrounding areas.
Located approximately 125 miles east of Merriam, serving the Columbia area with limited commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White population in Merriam.
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, regardless of race.
Encompasses individuals with origins in black racial groups of Africa.
Includes individuals with origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.
Refers to individuals identifying with two or more racial groups.
Includes individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of North America.
Refers to those having origins in the Pacific Islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A fast-paced sport played by two teams of five players each, where the objective is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A team sport played between two teams of eleven players, where the goal is to score by getting the ball into the opposing team's net.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each, where players aim to hit a thrown ball and run around four bases to score runs.
Similar to baseball, softball is played with a larger ball and is typically played by women, featuring teams of nine players who aim to score runs.
A team sport where two teams of six players each hit a ball over a net, aiming to score points by landing the ball in the opponent's court.
A popular team sport where two teams of eleven players compete to move a ball into the opponent's end zone for points, involving a mix of strategy and athleticism.
A popular individual sport in Merriam, encompassing various forms from casual jogging to competitive races, often held in local parks and events.
An individual or team sport that takes place in a pool or open water, focusing on speed and endurance in various strokes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Merriam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Merriam's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes, such as vegan tacos at Twisted Fresh.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find numerous gluten-free options, including gluten-free pizza at Johnny Jo's Pizzeria and gluten-free baked goods at 3 Women and an Oven.