I went to Kansas City expecting great BBQ, but left with a new favorite city. It’s a great mix of history, world-class food, and lovely art. Welcoming 28.4 million visitors in 2023, it’s clear this isn’t a flyover town. With so many amazing adventurous Things to do in Kansas City, from its jazz clubs to famous fountains, it has a unique soul. I’m sharing my tips for the perfect weekend getaway in Kansas City to help you see the best Kansas City attractions and find a city with a story around every corner.
Best time to visit Kansas City
| Best Month to Visit | Most Popular Seasonal Occasions/Key Events |
| March | 1. Big 12 Basketball Championships 2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade 3. Planet Comicon, 4. Opening Day at the K (Royals Baseball) |
| June | 1. Boulevardia 2. KC PrideFest 3. Jazzoo 4. Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle |
| September – October | 1. Plaza Art Fair 2. Kansas City Renaissance Festival 3. Art Westport 4. NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs |
| November | 1. American Royal World Series of Barbecue 2. Plaza Lighting Ceremony 3.Día De Los Muertos Festival |
| Travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected events during your trip, such as cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. |
Top 10 Things to Do in Kansas City
1. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is a world-class art museum that is unbelievably FREE!! I spent hours checking out everything from its well-known outdoor sculpture park to the mostly contained Asian Art collection inside. The Bloch Building, a modern glass masterpiece, floods the galleries with natural light, making the art truly shine. If you are a history enthusiast, then this is the best thing to do in Kansas.
- Special Feature: The iconic giant “Shuttlecocks” on the museum lawn.
- Where to Stay: 901 W 48th Pl, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Hours: 10 AM–5 PM, Closed Tue/Wed. Open until 9 PM Thu/Fri.
- Hidden Gem: The beautiful architecture of the modern Bloch Building.
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2. National WWI Museum & Memorial
This is America’s official museum for World War I, and it is incredibly powerful. You enter over a glass bridge covering a field of poppies, each representing 1,000 deaths. The exhibits are immersive and tell the global story of the Great War. It is essential for the cultural and historic significance, and is one of the best Things for kids to do in Kansas City.
- Special Feature: Unobstructed 360-degree views from the Liberty Memorial Tower.
- Where to Stay: 100 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Hours: 10 AM–5 PM daily (Summer); Closed Tuesdays (Regular Season).
- Hidden Gem: The Walk of Honor with engraved bricks for veterans.
3. Country Club Plaza
You will feel like you have been transported to Seville, Spain. This is not a mall; this is an outdoor art gallery with shops and dining. I enjoyed wandering around for hours, discovering all the lovely fountains and Spanish-style architecture. It is terrific for upscale dining and one of the premier spots to shop at the Country Club Plaza.
- Special Feature: Beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture and dozens of fountains.
- Where to Stay: 901 W 48th Pl, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Hours: Store hours vary, generally 10 AM–7 PM.
- Hidden Gem: Quiet, smaller fountains tucked away in courtyards.
4. Worlds of Fun
This vast 235-acre Worlds of Fun amusement park is perfect for thrill-seekers and is one of the best things for kids to do in Kansas City for family activities. It features seven roller coasters, plus the creative reimagining of the Zambezi Zinger, offering a ride for everyone. Entry also includes access to the Oceans of Fun water park next door! Two parks for the price of one!
5. Arrowhead Stadium
It is home to the Kansas City Chiefs, with a legendary atmosphere. This stadium is voted the loudest outdoor stadium in the world. You can definitely feel the energy on game day! You can also take a Kansas City Chiefs stadium tour so you can see what happens behind the scenes. And if you are a sports enthusiast, is it one of the best things for families to do in Kansas
- Special Feature: Holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium.
- Where to Stay: 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133
- Hours: Tours available on non-event days. Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: The vibrant tailgating culture before every home game.
6. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Located on 202 acres of land in historic Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo is very impressive. It features animals from all over the world in naturalistic habitats, including the 95-acre African plains. Your ticket includes the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium, which houses over 8,000 marine animals. It’s a full day of fun for everyone. This allows you to witness nature from up close. And it can be considered one of the best things for a family to do in Kansas
- Special Feature: Includes the new 650,000-gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium.
- Where to Stay: 9401 E 87th St, Kansas City, MO 64138
- Hours: 9:30 AM–4 PM (Weekdays), 9:30 AM–5 PM (Weekends).
- Hidden Gem: The African Sky Safari offers great aerial views of animals.
7. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
This is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground, the perfect activity for families with kids aged 3-10 in Kansas. With over a dozen attractions, two rides, and millions of bricks, it’s a creative paradise. Don’t miss MINILAND, which features Kansas City landmarks built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City is an excellent stop for imaginative play.
- Special Feature: MINILAND with local landmarks made of 1.5M+ LEGO bricks.
- Where to Stay: 1 E Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Hours: 10 AM–5 PM, last entry 90 mins before close.
- Hidden Gem: The 4D Cinema with wind, rain, and lightning effects.
8. American Jazz Museum
You can’t visit KC without seeing its jazz history. This museum is located in the historic 18th & Vine district, which is the birthplace of Kansas City jazz.. Interactive exhibits celebrate legends like Charlie Parker. It’s a must for music lovers looking for authentic Kansas City jazz clubs and great live music in Kansas City.
- Special Feature: Listening stations and interactive jazz mixing boards.
- Where to Stay: 201 W 19th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Hours: 10 AM-5 PM Tue-Sat, 12 PM-5 PM Sun. Verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: The Blue Room, a working jazz club inside the museum.
9. Science City at Union Station
Located inside the beautiful Union Station in Kansas City, Science City is an award-winning, interactive, hands-on science center. It is one of the most loving things for kids to do in Kansas City for families with kids. At Science City, there is never a shortage of things for the kids to see and do; there are interactive exhibits all about dinosaurs to outer space, and every subject in between. Not to mention, adults will have just as much fun!
- Special Feature: Over 300 interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
- Where to Stay: 2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Hours: 10 AM–5 PM Tue-Sun, and Mondays seasonally.
- Hidden Gem: The free Model Train Gallery is also inside Union Station.
10. Union Station, Kansas City
Entering Union Station in Kansas City, you feel like you just stepped into the past. The amazing Beaux-Arts architecture of 1914 is awe-inspiring, and the Grand Hall is a sight to behold. Besides being a train station, Union Station’s attractions include Science City and museums. So it makes for a destination by itself!
- Special Feature: The beautiful 95-foot ceiling in the Grand Hall.
- Where to Stay: 100 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Hours: Open 6 AM–12 AM daily. Attraction hours vary.
- Hidden Gem: Small historical exhibits on the lower level.
Travel Basics & Tips for Kansas
- The free KC Streetcar makes it easy to get around downtown.
- Enjoy free family-friendly things to do in Kansas City, like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- Check for Kansas City events and festivals before your trip
- Inconvenience: Downtown hotels will often charge for parking.
- Fix: Plan for parking fees; the streetcar is another option if you do not want to drive.
- If you are US travelers like we are, you will only need your standard ID to visit.
Conclusion
Kansas City completely surprised me with the blend of history, art, and flavor. This is a city with soul! Every corner has the feeling of a story to tell. From the powerful exhibits to the rhythm of live music in Kansas City, the experiences feel real. This is more than just a place to eat BBQ; it is a destination that is going to steal your heart. You’ll find plenty more Things to do in Kansas City on your return trip, I promise.