15 Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids

Kansas City Zoo, spanning 202 acres of lush nature, is one of the best places to visit with the kids. Having previously been honored as one of America's top zoos, it’s home to over 1,300 creatures for your family to get close to. There are frequent special events and programs to engage the children’s imagination.

From safari boat rides and stingray feedings to nocturnal safaris and fascinating discussions with zookeepers, Kansas City Zoo offers kids a remarkable introduction to wildlife conservation.

The Worlds of Fun amusement park is an electrifying way to spend a day in Kansas City. The 95-hectare park is stacked with both hair-raising and family-friendly activities, including 7 rollercoasters and a plethora of thrill rides to enjoy. There’s also a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit, where you can stock up on refreshing drinks and sugary treats.

The price of admission also grants you access to Oceans of Fun, a massive waterpark that shares the same location. It’s an excellent summertime destination when you need to escape the heat. You can also ride the Riptide Raceway, the world’s longest mat-racing waterslide at 148 meters.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a must-visit destination for those who love playing with the famous colored bricks. There are 12 different sections to explore, with the 4-D theater representing a clear highlight as you can catch screenings of your favorite Lego movies.

Other popular sections include the Kingdom Quest laser ride, Merlin’s Apprentice ride and DUPLO Village, while Miniland is where you'll find an outstanding model of Kansas City built from 1.5 million Lego bricks. If you want to learn how to build bigger and better structures, both kids and adults can take part in a 30-minute Master Model Builder workshop.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead replicates a traditional family farm of Kansas, housing hundreds of barnyard animals. This 12-acre working farm is open from April to October. Families often come here on weekends and vacations – kids can learn how to milk cows, bottle-feed baby goats, and ride ponies during their visit.

If you’re traveling on a small budget, visit Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead from 2 pm onwards to enjoy free admission. Every season, the farm also offers 2 free admission weekends – check beforehand for exact dates.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a collection of 35,000 historical and contemporary artworks across just about every genre and style imaginable. Its architecture and design section has works ranging from medieval stained glass windows to 21st-century furniture, while its large-scale Japanese collection offers ancient woodblock prints by the legendary Katsushika Hokusai.

Attracting more than 500,000 patrons throughout the year, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s enormous wealth of creative inspiration is spread across 2 striking buildings and is free to explore. Outside the gallery’s walls, there’s also the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, which is where you’ll find the gallery’s famous giant shuttlecocks.

Paradise Park is a thrilling amusement park spread over 15 acres of lush gardens. There are activities of all descriptions, but the escape rooms are among the most popular places in the park. As you wander around the grounds, you'll come across numerous other classic attractions, including bumper automobiles, a go-kart track and 18 holes of miniature golf.

Head along to the sprawling playground and take a break at the campfire area, plus you can get active at the volleyball courts and batting cages. Meanwhile, the Discovery Play center is great for little ones, as it features several unique neighborhoods where hands-on experiences are combined with educational classes.

Part of the Hallmark Visitor Center, Kaleidoscope is where kids can express their most creative side. It offers plenty of 50-minute classes throughout the week, including puzzle making and various coloring projects. Your kids are provided with a variety of art supplies and encouraged to go wild.

As they move between the various themed art stations, kids embrace their own ideas as they collect items to produce creative works of art. Meanwhile, dive into the surrounding Hallmark Visitor Center and check out the exhibitions exploring more than 100 years of postcard and art history.

SEA LIFE Kansas City takes you on a trip beneath the water with a vibrant showcase of aquatic life. As one of the top kid-friendly destinations in Kansas City, there are highlights abound. The Rockpool Experience is always popular, as you gain an up-close and personal look at an array of sea stars, sea urchins and crabs.

The underwater tunnel is another standout area of SEA LIFE Kansas City. Here, you can gaze up at schools of vibrant fish, as well as turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks. Roam the entire aquarium and visit each of the 10 zones dedicated to different kinds of creatures.

The Arabia Sternwheeler Museum is an incredible way to gain insight into the American frontier back in the 19^th century. With the Arabia sternwheeler sinking in the Missouri River in 1856, it left behind over 200 tons of artifacts, which have been collected inside a spectacular museum.

Inside, there are thousands of extraordinary items, ranging from fine china and ancient carpentry tools to the world's oldest pickles. With more than 60 tons of items still being worked on by local conservationists, there are always new objects being added to the collection. The Arabia Sternwheeler Museum is located within the much-loved City Market, around 2 miles north of Union Station.

Built in 1914, Union Station is one of Kansas City's great historic landmarks. There are 900 rooms spread throughout this grand complex, which fell into disuse during the 1980s. But following a large-scale redevelopment project, Union Station reopened in 1999 with a plethora of engaging event spaces aimed at both children and adults alike.

Science City is certain to be a hit with your kids, as it offers a variety of hands-on activities that'll spark their curiosity. Alongside lively demonstrations, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium's 60-ft dome and incredible projections definitely wow visitors. Be sure to visit Union Station's ever-popular Model Railroad Experience, while there are regular live performances and musicals held at the City Stage Theater.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the quintessential place to learn the long and storied history of African-American baseball. Located in the heart of Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, it’s dedicated to this once-forgotten sporting period that started in the late 19^th century.

At the museum, you'll discover how baseball played a major role in the American civil rights movement. From the 1800s military and college teams where African-American baseball began, it explores how landmark figures like Jackie Robinson eventually became headline players in Major League Baseball.

Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park is one of the largest wildlife rescue facilities in the USA. There are around 75 rehabilitated animals, including turkey vultures, hawks, barred owls, and kestrel falcons. You can also take part in community conservation projects and free monthly guided hikes of the area.

Every Saturday, kids can enjoy the Mother Nature Reads program, which includes storytelling and craft-making sessions. The centre’s resident animal makes an appearance on special occasions. Visiting the Lakeside Nature Center is free and while most programs require a small fee, they’re usually at no extra cost for kids aged 3 and under.