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15 Fun Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids (2024)

Many adults might head to Kansas City for their famous barbecue restaurants and jazz clubs, but did you know that there are many fun things to do in Kansas City with kids?

The self-proclaimed City of Fountains (there are over 200 throughout the metropolitan area) is the perfect Midwestern road trip! It’s home to the Kansas City Royals, a Spanish-themed outdoor shopping area, and a thriving art scene.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, you’ll be thrilled to find that Kansas City, Missouri is a great place to find a variety of things to do for the whole family. Check out my suggestions below.

Things to do in Kansas City Missouri with Kids - Kids Are A Trip

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Awesome Things to Do with Kids in Kansas City Missouri

1. Kaleidoscope

Located in the Crown Center, Hallmark operates Kaleidoscope, a family art center where kids are encouraged to explore their creativity. The place is full of hands-on crafts and whimsical creatures and displays.

Kids will enjoy making their own puzzles, painting, exploring the glow-in-the-dark room, and using their imagination. Plus, it’s free to visit!

Next door is the Hallmark Visitors Center (also free), which showcases the history of Hallmark. You can explore exhibits featuring keepsake ornaments, the Hallmark Art collection, and probably your kid’s favorite, a bow-making machine!

2. Kansas City Zoo

If you get a chance to visit the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, don’t pass it up. Located in Swope Park, it’s small enough to get through in one day but large enough that you’ll want to wear good walking shoes. Be sure to purchase the wristbands that give you access to the tram at the zoo!

Giraffe Kansas City Zoo

Everyone can see their favorite animals at the KC Zoo, from penguins and polar bears to free-roaming kangaroos. There are great experiences, like a playground for little kids, a classic carousel, animal demonstrations, and more.

If you get hungry, there are places to eat throughout the park too. Locals can enjoy great prices on season passes or try to purchase tickets a few weeks in advance online to get a discount on admission.

3. College Basketball Experience

The CBE is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s part-Hall of Fame Museum, part-interactive play area.

Located at T-Mobile Center, this place is a kid’s dream. You can shoot hoops on a full-size court, play timed skill games, dunk a basketball, and enjoy basketball arcade games.

There’s a section for Hall of Fame inductees, but most kids won’t be interested. I’m a huge college basketball fan and I will say, I was a bit disappointed. That’s because it’s not a College Basketball historical museum as one might expect. There aren’t any real artifacts or anything like that (just my opinion).

Of course, most kids aren’t looking for a history lesson and would gladly spend hours here. Bring some comfy shoes and join in the fun!

4. Science City at Union Station

Our family loves science centers and Science City at Union Station has many hands-on activities for kids to explore. Kids will love the SkyBike, a dinosaur dig site, and Mr. E’s Hotel of Illusions. Plan on spending a couple of hours here so kids can truly enjoy this interactive museum.

Union Station things to do in Kansas City with kids

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Located in nearby Overland Park, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead was designed to represent a typical farmstead in the early 1900s. Open seasonally (April through October), the farmstead has over 200 animals, a one-room schoolhouse, gardens, wagon rides, a dairy farm, and more.

Kids can try their hand at fishing in the pond or feeding a goat, the experience is whatever your family wants to make of it. So plan for the day or go for a couple of hours and see what life was like on the farm!

6. Lakeside Nature Center

A great way to spend a day outdoors in the Kansas City area is by heading to the Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park. This is a small local nature habitat and animal rehab facility that offers educational programs to visitors.

You can visit the indoor exhibits and walk through the rehabilitation center, learning about the amazing work they do with local animals. Outdoors, there are  nature trails, more outdoor exhibits, cool rock formations, and a picnic area.

7. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Located in the 18th & Vine Museum complex (along with the American Jazz Museum), the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum showcases the history of African American baseball. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you can still appreciate the stories of the players, their struggles, and their success on and off the field.

Baseball artifacts

School-age children will hopefully appreciate and understand the difficulties these players faced as they tried to gain acceptance in a world that didn’t embrace them because of their race. The exhibits are very educational, and the artifacts tell a story.

I would highly recommend this for kids ages 8 and above (due to the fact there is a lot to read).

8. LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium

LEGOLAND Discovery Center has everything a LEGO fan could love: a factory tour, rides, building opportunities, and a 4D theater with LEGO movies. Younger children will probably enjoy this more, but everyone can appreciate the work that goes into the LEGO models and creations.

Adjacent to LEGOLAND is SEA LIFE, a fun, delightfully decorated aquarium allowing visitors to pet starfish, walk through a shark tunnel, and learn about marine life. The aquarium is not very large, but exhibits are well laid out and younger kids will love the interactive Doodle Reef!

9. Visit the Money Museum

Inside the Money Museum, located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, kids can learn about money in a very fun way! This museum is full of interactive exhibits. There is a giant vault filled with millions of dollars, President Truman’s coin collection, and more.

Kids love the bags of money available for every visitor to take home (shredded money, that is)! There are guided pop-up tours offered in June and July or choose from self-guided tours via audio or an app. Free admission makes this worth a stop!

10. Explore the River Market

One of our favorite places to go in Downtown Kansas City is the historic River Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, this place comes alive with an outdoor market, rides on the KC Streetcar, and more.

Come hungry, because you will have your pick of places to eat. Or pop into local boutiques and candy stores.

The City Market is also where you’ll find the Arabia Steamboat Museum. This is a cool piece of local history, spotlighting the Steamboat Arabia that sank in the Missouri River in the 1800s. You can learn about the history of steam boating along the river and check out the impressive collection of items preserved from the Arabia.

11. Coterie Children’s Theatre

Located in Crown Center, The Coterie brings the live theater experience to children of all ages. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Kansas City with kids.

Children sit on the floor at the edge of the stage for an interactive experience. They’ll love being part of the show! And the actors and performances are always top-notch.

12. National World War I Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is the only museum in America dedicated to those who fought in the Great War, and it’s one of my favorite historical museums.

We visited a few years ago with our children, and they were fully engaged every step of the way! From the field of poppies at the entrance to the life-size trenches and the tank, they loved every minute of it.

World War 1 Museum Kansas City

One of our favorite parts was taking the elevator (and stairs) to the top of the tower for a view of Kansas City. Grab an audio guide for kids because it’s worth understanding the displays and artifacts.

Be sure to eat before your visit, because you’ll definitely want to spend at least a couple of hours here.

13. Worlds of Fun

Kansas City’s amusement park Worlds of Fun has a water park (Oceans of Fun) right next door, so it’s a full day of fun when families visit. There are plenty of roller coasters and thrill rides, Planet Snoopy, and rides for the young ones too.

Just keep in mind that Kansas City does experience a change of seasons, so some attractions at the theme park are only open during the warmer months. However, many of these activities are indoors, so there should be plenty of fun choices for a rainy day or during the winter.

14. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm

If your family loves history and you want a memorable experience, plan a visit to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop-Farm, just 30 minutes from Downtown KC in Olathe. This is a living history museum and farm dating back to the 1860s.

There’s so much to do at the Mahaffie Farm, including touring the old farmhouse and museum and watching demonstrations of life on the farm by staff dressed in period attire.

Kids will love riding the stagecoach and visiting the farm animals! There are also kid-friendly exhibits and hands-on activities.

15. Go to a U-Pick Event at a Local Farm

One of the great things about Kansas City is its proximity to so many amazing farms and orchards that offer special events for families throughout the year!

You can enjoy a pumpkin patch and special events during the holiday season, but there are also a variety of U-Pick events at area farms in every season.

A lot of the bigger farms, like the Gieringers Family Orchard & Berry Farm and Alldredge Orchards, feature playgrounds, corn mazes, and other fun activities for kids. And don’t forget to stop by the farm store for seasonal fresh produce, handcrafted items, and more.

Where to Stay in Kansas City with Kids

Families that want to be in the heart of the action might want to stay at Loews Kansas City Hotel or Hotel Kansas City.

If your family wants to shop, try the Hampton Inn and Suites – Country Club Plaza. There’s also a Great Wolf Lodge near Worlds of Fun if your family wants an indoor waterpark experience.

Kid Friendly Restaurants in Kansas City

For families wondering where to eat in Kansas City with kids, I suggest trying one of these:

  • Fritz’s – A railroad-themed restaurant (go to the inside Crown Center) where your burgers and fries are delivered to your table by train
  • Jack Stack BBQ – They have superb BBQ, but we like this restaurant for its delicious ribs and great service (there are a few locations in KC)
  • Cosentino’s Market & Deli – This is the perfect place to grab food for a picnic, with their soup and salad bar, deli, and fresh sushi

Looking for more Midwestern fun? Don’t miss a stay on this Kansas sunflower farm or check out these weekend trips from St. Louis!

64 Comments

  1. A great list of exciting things to do in Kansas with children 🙂 The World of Fun sounds like an amazing experience!

    1. For those who like amusement parks, Worlds of Fun is a great place!

    1. It was a ton of fun Alexandra! Great place for kids of all ages (yes that includes adults)!

  2. Never been to Kansas City, but it sounds like a fun, family-friendly place! Maybe one day 🙂

    1. I hope you have a chance to visit. An amazing city with tons to see and do!

  3. My son would love Legoland! I have never been to Kansas City, but this definitely makes me want to go!

    1. Logan it is so fun for families! We were pleasantly surprised!

  4. What some amazing sounding things to do – I quite fancy the sealife centre and science city myself. x

    1. Lots of great things Sarah!

  5. These look like so much fun! I love that there’s so much to do. I definitely want to go to LegoLand!!

    1. They do such a great job with those Legolands! The building is insane!

  6. I’ve never been to KC, but this looks so fun!! Your posts make me want to travel and adventure more! 🙂

    1. I am glad to hear that! It is all about saving money and budgeting. If you need tips I am your gal!

  7. My husband is a basketball coach and I’m sure would love the College Basketball Experience. We may have to plan a trip to Kansas City now!

    1. He would truly enjoy the CBE. Heck, anyone would basketball fan or not. It’s that kind of place!

  8. So fun! We’ve never been here but it looks like it would be a good time for sure!

    1. If you live anywhere nearby it is definitely worth the drive Michelle!

    1. Cynthia it is definitely a place you won’t be bored!

  9. I have always wanted to go to Kansas City. It looks amazing!

    1. Debra, go! It is a ton of fun!

  10. I love finding out about hidden gems in cities! That aquarium looks so fun!

    1. Mar, I am sure there are plenty of hidden gems here. I will save those for our next visit!

  11. I’ve driven through KC plenty of times, but I haven’t stayed there. Now, I think I have to stop in. Thanks!
    XOXO

    1. Definitely stop! So much for families.

  12. I have never been to Kansas before but it has been the subject of many fictional dramas and looks very interesting.

    1. Some day! I see a U.S. Road trip in your future Ana!

  13. This is such a great list for someone who wants to visit Kansas city. I loved the science city in particular.
    Thanks for sharing:)

  14. My best friend lives in Kansas City (on the Missouri side) and I’ve been wanting to visit her since she had her baby nearly a year ago. Now I know where we can take the kids when I do finally get up there!

    1. Janet you have to visit. I think it is a place that pleasantly surprises every visitor.

  15. Before I knew him, my husband would travel to KC often for work and he liked it best of all the midwest cities he visited. I wouldn’t mind seeing it some day, myself. Kaleidoscope sounds like a lot of fun!

    1. Jenn hopefully you will have a chance to visit soon. Tons to see and do!

  16. These look like wonderful places to try! Definitely will be on my list!

  17. Thanks for highlighting such a great city! So much to see and do! I spent 4 years living there and still miss it. You hit all the great places for kids. I would only add Loose Park for the playground and a great place to run free and d’Bronx Pizza and Foo’s Frozen Custard for great food. Some of my favorite spots with my kids!

    1. Thanks Nikki for the insight. I love the perspective a local can give. Would you mind if I add these to the bottom of my post and give you credit?

  18. This sounds like such a cool city to visit. I would love to check out the college basketball experience.

    1. Jen, hopefully you can visit soon!

  19. So many fun things to do….my sons would love the Legoland Discovery Center

    1. Blanca, my kids are Lego junkies and they love anything Lego!

    1. Michelle, that sounds fun. I would love to do that too. Next time!

  20. Those are absolutely fun things to do. I have never been to Kansas City. I would love to visit it someday.

    1. And hopefully you will!

  21. CourtneyLynne says:

    Who knew there was so much kid awesomeness in Kansas City!!! Hopefully my travels take us there someday!!

  22. Oh my so many wonderful things to do with kids in Kansas City! The science center at union station sounds like something my kids would love. I wonder if Kansas LEGO museum is much different from the one in Shaumburg.

    1. Eva, it is exactly like the one in Schaumburg. Are you in Chicago too?

  23. If I’m ever in Kansas City I’m going to have to remember these tips!

    1. I hope you do! Have a great week!

  24. I have never been to KC and never really think of it as someone to visit. This was a great list and places that would be interesting even without kids. Best, Tina

  25. I’ve never been to Kansas City but now I really want to go! I guess my kids can come too! 😉

  26. I have never been to Kansas City but I would love to go. My kids would like the amusement park.

    1. My kids are huge amusement park fans too. They love roller coasters!

  27. We’ve never been to Kansas City before. Since my nephew and I are huge animal lovers, I think a trip to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead would be nice. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum would also be another place that we would visit.

  28. That looks like a lot of fun. My son plays baseball I would love to take him here one day. A great place to visit.

    1. My 3 boys play baseball too. Now they want to go just because of the World Series win!

  29. Now that we have a few more reasons to visit Kansas, it sounds like a fun future trip for our family.

    1. Great! I was impressed by how much there is to see and do for families.

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