Kansas City, Missouri, is renowned for its unique barbecue, vibrant jazz scene, and being dubbed the “City of Fountains.” However, it also boasts a multitude of attractions perfect for families with children. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to begin. To help you out, here are some of the most engaging activities to enjoy in Kansas City with your kids.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Kansas City
The Wonderscope Children’s Museum offers a delightful mix of fun and education, featuring artistically-inspired interactive exhibits like a raceway, farm, and veterinary clinic, all designed for children ages 8 and under.
Encourage your little ones to reach new heights with indoor skydiving at iFly Kansas City, located in Overland Park. Suitable for kids aged 3 and older, this experience is accessible to everyone.
At Sea Life Kansas City, your kids will marvel at the underwater wonders across 11 interactive exhibits. Will they be bold enough to touch sea stars and urchins in the rockpool? If that sounds too daunting, they can get creative at Doodle Reef by drawing their own sea creatures and watching them swim.
Make learning fun for the whole family at Science City, located in Union Station. With a dino dig, demo area, maker studio, test kitchen, and the 4K Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, there’s plenty to explore.
Unleash creativity at Kaleidoscope, where all materials are provided by Hallmark, making the 50-minute sessions entirely free. It’s a great way to spark your family’s artistic side!
For a theatrical experience, visit The Coterie Theater, which has been delighting young audiences for over 40 years. They also offer acting classes for youngsters from kindergarten through high school.
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Kansas City
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant has been a family favorite since 1954, with three locations throughout the area. Kids will be captivated watching electric trains deliver their meals, which they order via a table-side phone.
At Nick and Jake’s, with four locations around Kansas City, the extensive kids menu is divided into “Little Leaguers” and “Big Leaguers.” Parents will appreciate the wide selection of wines and cocktails available.
No visit to Kansas City is complete without indulging in barbecue. Check out Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, where kids under 10 can enjoy meals for just $6.99, including an entrée, a side, and a drink.
The vibrant Crayola Café in Crown Center offers a fun dining experience, where kids can choose from a variety of meals like hot dogs, grilled cheese, or chicken tenders, all served with fries or applesauce.
Don’t miss Chip’s Chocolate Factory also located in Crown Center, where you can take a tour and discover over 200 delicious treats.
Family-Friendly Accommodations in Kansas City
The Great Wolf Lodge is not just a hotel but an adventure destination in itself, featuring a massive indoor and outdoor water park. Opt for a day pass or stay overnight in one of their cozy suites, which accommodate families of all sizes.
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center offers amenities like adjoining rooms, 24-hour room service, and the Westin Kid’s Club, where kids can enjoy local activities while you unwind.
Worlds of Fun Village provides cottages, cabins, and RV sites, along with a pool, hot tub, and a store for snacks. Plus, you’ll receive discounted entry to the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks.
Outdoor Activities for Kids in Kansas City
Visiting the Kansas City Zoo is a must. This expansive 202-acre sanctuary is home to countless animals and offers unique experiences like Keeper for a Day for ages 7 and up. Kids will also enjoy the endangered species carousel and the African sky safari.
Paradise Park is the perfect spot for family fun, featuring batting cages, go-karts, mini golf, and more—guaranteed to wear the kids out!
Worlds of Fun amusement park offers thrilling rides for older kids and over 20 attractions for younger ones. Best of all, admission includes access to the Oceans of Fun water park, where there are slides for every age.
Teach your kids about farm life at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, where they can experience hands-on activities like bottle-feeding baby goats.
Swope Park, a sprawling 1,805 acres, is twice the size of Central Park and features the Kansas City Zoo, hiking trails, lakes, and more.
Museums for Kids in Kansas City
Introduce your kids to the world of currency at the Money Museum located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The best part? Self-guided tours are free!
For a more educational experience, visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where kids can engage with the history through scavenger hunts and audio tours.
At the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, kids will be reminded that not all toys need batteries. You can also catch a show at the Mesner Puppet Theater.
Finally, enjoy a local sporting event—Kansas City is home to several teams including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, MLB’s Kansas City Royals, and MLS’s Sporting Kansas City.
For more insights on family activities, check out this other blog post.
Summary
Kansas City is bursting with family-friendly activities, from interactive museums and outdoor adventures to delicious dining and comfortable accommodations. Whether you’re exploring the local zoo or enjoying a meal delivered by train, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. For those interested in family planning, American Pregnancy is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination, while Intracervical Insemination provides expert tips on weaning and more.