Born and raised in Olathe, Kansas, just south of Kansas City, I have had the opportunity to experience the city as a child, teen, adult and now a mom! Now that I live out of state, it’s exciting to view the city as a tourist even if it still feels like home.
Whether we’re visiting for the weekend or a longer stay with family, I’ve had the fun of taking my own kids to the places I went as a kid. Kansas City has such a unique vibe that is cultivated by its culture, sports, cuisine, music, art and people, that it has become a city not to be overlooked.
Some of these staple locations have been around for years while others are new and booming attractions. And because parents know money doesn’t grow on trees, I’ve also included activities ranging from free to ticketed costs. You’ll find unique kid friendly indoor and outdoor activities in this in depth guide to family fun in Kansas City.
1. Great Wolf Lodge
My family recently stayed at Great Wolf Lodge for the first time this year and we really enjoyed the water park!
Lot’s of options for all ages and has a good mix of water play and relaxation areas. We also liked all of the amenities on site for easy dining and playing.
An in depth review of Great Wolf Lodge will be published soon so stay tuned for more tips and tricks!
2. Crown Center Square
Crown Center Kansas City is truly a unique family experience. You’ll discover one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, events and attractions all in the heart of Kansas City. From free exhibits to outdoor ticketed events there is plenty to offer. Be sure to visit during the holiday season for a truly magical transformation.
3. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is located inside Crown Center Square (south side) and offers a few hours of interactive and educational fun! Great for kids 3-10 years of age.
4. SEA LIFE
Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium is located nearby LEGOLAND in Crown Center Square and is a fun adventure for your little sea captains. Open daily, be sure to check out the Touch Pool Experience and visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center.
5. Kaleidoscope
A fun and creative artistic experience for children; Kaleidoscope lets your little ones explore, make and create by using supplies provided by HALLMARK. Bonus, this is also a free indoor activity.
6. Union Station
An iconic building of the KC area and even more beautiful at night with themed lighting! Union Station is home to a permanent railroad exhibit and displays traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian, National Geographic and other organizations (look on their direct website for upcoming exhibit schedule).
Don’t forget to pack your bags because the station also has an Amtrak stop in case you want to travel the country.
7. Science City
With over 300 attractions and indoor and outdoor experiences, everyone in the family will be sure to find something to enjoy, especially since it's for ages 0-100! Be sure to bring a stroller for little ones as there’s nearly 100,000 sq ft worth of hands-on activities and showcases.
8. Kansas City Zoo
Bring the whole family to the KC Zoo! The zoo is complete with your favorite animals like the polar bear, lions, giraffes, penguins and stingray attraction. Make sure to take the tram to the African region and don’t forget you can bring your own cooler filled with snacks and drinks for the littles (they have plenty of on site options for dining as well)!
Declan did so well walking the large areas but definitely bring a stroller. He loved being in charge of the site map and his favorite animals were the alligators and rhinoceroses!
9. American Jazz Museum
A great indoor activity for the family of music lovers! Discover jazz music like never before with performances, exhibitions, art, research and more.
10. Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Entertain the family of thrill seekers at Worlds of Fun! With roller coasters, family rides and children's attractions, you’ll have a full day of fun. Be sure to check out the Patriot (my favorite ride)! If you’re visiting in the fall, get tickets for Halloween Haunt and be prepared to be scared.
To keep cool in the summer, explore the neighboring theme park Oceans of Fun. This exciting water park includes 23 water slides, a lazy river and wave pool!
11. Boulevard Drive In
Do your kids even know what a drive-in movie theater is?! Featuring newly released movies as the world's first 4k drive in cinema experience, Boulevard Drive In may be a totally new cinematic approach for your kiddos.
The property also holds a Swap N Shop on Saturdays & Sundays. Check their calendar of events here: http://boulevarddrivein.com/wordpress/
12. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Growing up, Deanna Rose Farmstead was the go-to field trip activity. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the farmstead is perfect for little ones looking to explore and learn about Kansas history, farm animals, flowers/gardens, barn life and more!
My favorite part was always the barn playground and bird attractions.
13. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Representing my home town of Olathe, Kansas is the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm.
The farmhouse was originally a stop along the Westport Route of the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. Events are held each year where you can explore the house, farm, and learn about the history and culture of the “olden days.”
Side note, one of my good friends was married at the Heritage Center located on site--so beautiful!
14. Arabia Steamboat Museum
Great for the older kiddos, the Arabia Steamboat Museum is located next to the Missouri River and showcases the mighty Steamboat Arabia that sank in 1856 and recovered in 1988. Treasure hunters and history lovers alike will enjoy the one-of-a-kind museum.
15. Sprint Center
Kansas City’s major arena for all of your favorite concerts! Check out their official website for age appropriate performances and be sure to have plenty of time to explore the nearby dining venues.
16. City Market
Located in the historic River Market district, the City Market is open daily and all year long. A great free outdoor activity to take the kids to discover fresh produce, flowers, meats, spices and more. Open since 1857!
17. ZIP KC
This one is for the adventurous family! Zip KC is located in Bonner Springs, just outside the KC metro area and offers thrilling zipline adventures! A unique hiking experience is also included. Note, minimum weight is 70lbs so not for little ones.
18. The Museum at Prairiefire
The Museum at Prairiefire is a non profit organization that educates adults and children alike through their activities, exhibits and programs. Explore natural history, science and art as a family!
There is also a great area upstairs for hands-on learning fun! This is a great option if you are in need of an indoor activity.
19. Kauffman Stadium
“Take me out to the ball game”--enjoy a professional baseball game with the family while watching the Kansas City Royals! With a fun interactive kids area, easily accessible stadium and themed game nights, there will be plenty to do for kids of all ages.
20. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
An interactive dining experience! Not an attraction but definitely worth a longer stop for families with train lovers aboard. Order by phone and receive your meal via train car from above!
21. Legends Shopping Center
This outdoor shopping center features all of your top brand clothing, shoes, home decor, jewelry stores and more! My favorite is the Nike Outlet Store! With over 100+ shopping and restaurant options, you can spend all day shopping, browsing and dining and still not get to each one–a perfect day!
22. Sporting KC game
Across the street from Legends Shopping Center is the Sporting KC professional soccer stadium. With a unique build, fun atmosphere and home to a great team, a day at the soccer field with family will become a childhood memory!
23. Chicken N Pickle
Chicken N Pickle, located in North Kansas City, is the must stop destination for the aspiring or pro pickleball players! With indoor/outdoor entertainment, Chicken N Pickle offers multiple pickleball courts, yard games, exceptional dining and a lively rooftop bar.
To join the fastest growing sport in America, sign up for one of their pickleball lessons or junior clinics.
24. Kansas City Starlight Theater
Across the street from the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight is an open air theater that produces entertaining theatrical productions for audiences of all ages. Check their website for upcoming productions: https://www.kcstarlight.com/
25. Louisburg Cider Mill
A yearly tradition, our family would head down to Louisburg to go apple picking, learn about the milling process, eat delicious apple cider donuts and more! Check the calendar for fall events and get there early for parking. This is a little outside the KC metro area but definitely worth it during the fall!
Honorable Mentions!
American Royal of Kansas City
Check out their schedule of events and experience the true Midwest! https://www.americanroyal.com/calendar/
The College Basketball Experience
Perfect for the athletic family, tone your basketball skills in this indoor interactive facility that highlights the glory of college basketball. P.S Rock Chalk!
Cabela’s
With interactive games, animals, shopping and sweet special treats, Cabela’s can make for a great rainy afternoon activity with the whole family.
Main Event
Arcade games, laser tag, bowling and obstacle courses will keep the kids entertained for hours. And did I mention adults can drink there?
Manna Meadows Alpaca Farm
Located in Bonner Springs, get up close and personal with these unique and sweet creatures.
The Kansas City area is full of opportunities to enjoy as a family and hopefully this list has made it a little easier to plan for your own family fun experiences and create those core memories.
Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth time in the town that bleeds red (Go Chiefs!) Kansas City has much to offer and makes a great family destination!
Save travels,
Jessica
P.S. If you have any other honorable mentions, feel free to share in the comments!
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