With a population of just under half a million residents, Kansas City is a sizeable city with a small-town vibe. During our 2021 cross-country road trip, my family spent a day exploring Kansas City and were delighted to discover an abundance of wholesome, family-friendly entertainment throughout the metro area.
Need a place to stay? Try the Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City or Embassy Suites in Kansas City Plaza for overnight destinations with the best indoor swimming options.
Find your family fun® with our list of 15 recommendations for kid-friendly things to do in Kansas City.
5 Indoor Activities for Families in Kansas City:
Federal Reserve Money Museum ~ This free, self-guided experience offers an interactive, educational look at this history of currency. As a quirky, memorable souvenir, guests can leave with a bag of shredded money.
Kansas City Union Station ~ Family-friendly entertainment at Union Station includes a science museum with hands-on fun for scientists of all ages, a planetarium with public shows and night viewing opportunities, an 8,000 sq ft model train gallery, a movie theatre, a performing arts theatre, and touring exhibitions. Ticket pricing varies by attraction.
The College Basketball Experience ~ Explore more than 40,000 sf of basketball excellence. Learn about the history of college basketball and test your skills in a variety of athletic challenges including, but not limited to, shooting free throws and three-pointers. Tickets start at $13 each and discounted family ticket packs are available on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
LegoLand Discovery Center Kansas City ~ Become a LEGO® master with hands-on building opportunities. Also enjoy a 4D cinematic experience, attractions and rides, and a miniature LEGO® replica of Kansas City made with more than 1.5 million bricks!
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City ~ An indoor water park and nature-themed suites makes this an inciting indoor adventure all year round.
5 Outdoor Activities for Families in Kansas City:
Swope Park ~ Home to the Kansas City Zoo, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, Lakeside Nature Center, Starlight Theatre, two golf courses, soccer village, trails, and more, Swope Park is a mecca for outdoor family fun as Kansas City's largest park.
Penguin Park ~ This whimsical public park overs larger-than-life animal sculptures and an abundance of climbing amenities. To commemorate your visit, Penguin Park coloring books and t-shirts are available for purchase on Amazon.
Kauffman Stadium ~ Root, root, root for Kansas City's MLB home team, the Kansas City Royals, at "The K." Check out their Family Guide to find tips and tricks for visiting the ballfield with kids in tow.
Arrowhead Stadium ~ Cheer on the local NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, at Arrowhead Stadium. Kids ages 12 and under can register for Chiefs Kingdom Kids for FREE to receive access to year-round kid-friendly events.
Children's Mercy Park ~ Watch Sporting Kansas City kick it up a notch during an exciting professional soccer match at Children's Mercy Park. Soccer fans can schedule a public or private tour of the stadium as well as participate in various special events throughout the year.
5 Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Kansas City
County Road Ice House BBQ ~ This BBQ restaurant in the Power and Light District was a hands-down winner for my family. With a variety of BBQ classics like brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs, and wings, we were able to find a variety of delicious eats that exceeded expectations.
Gates Bar-B-Q ~ Know for its signature sauce and seasonings, Gates Bar-B-Q has become a Kansas City staple with six locations throughout the metro area.
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque ~ Arthur Bryant is credited as the most renowned "barbequer" in history. Serving up slow-cooked meats with secret recipe sauces, Arthur Bryant's Barbeque has become so well known that foodies from around the world head to Kansas City for a taste of the good stuff.
Fritz's Railroad Restaurant ~ Fritz's is a MUST for train enthusiasts young and old. Not only are the restaurants decked out in train-themed decor, but the ordering process is one-of-a-kind. Order your food by telephone and your food will arrive at your table via an overhead train.
Kansas City Taco Trail ~ Participate in a city-wide taco-eating challenge. Foodies are invited to check into various taco restaurants and earn prizes for reaching certain milestones. Consumers have one full year (Nov 1 thru Oct 31) to check into 50 taco restaurants to earn the title of KCK Taco Trail Champion on the Taco Trail Wall of Fame.
Even More Fun Things to Do:
For special events and activities in Kansas City, use the Macaroni KID location drop-down menu ("Change Your Town" in the upper right-hand corner) to find an event calendar closest to your destination.
