Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant city brimming with family-friendly attractions and activities. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do with kids.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids
1. Kansas City Zoo + Aquarium
The Kansas City Zoo is a must-visit for families. Spread across 202 acres, it features diverse habitats and over 1,700 animals. Highlights include the Australian Adventure, where you can see kangaroos and koalas, and the Polar Bear Passage, which offers a unique underwater view of these magnificent creatures. There are also interactive exhibits and a petting zoo that kids will love.
2. Union Station
Union Station is not just a historic landmark; it’s also a hub of family fun. The station hosts the Science City museum, which is packed with hands-on science exhibits and activities. Additionally, Union Station features a stunning Grand Hall, an immersive exhibit area, and seasonal events like holiday train displays and a summer film series.
3. Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City
The Children’s Museum of Kansas City offers a variety of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Kids can engage in role-playing activities in the mini city, experiment with science concepts in the Discovery Room, or get their hands dirty in the Art Studio. The museum’s focus is on learning through play, making it a hit with young children.
4. Worlds of Fun + Oceans of Fun
Worlds of Fun is a thrilling amusement park featuring a wide array of roller coasters, rides, and attractions for all ages, including themed areas that bring exciting worlds to life. Just next door, Oceans of Fun provides a refreshing escape with its expansive water park, complete with wave pools, lazy rivers, and daring water slides. Together, these parks create an action-packed destination where children and adults alike can enjoy a full day of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking high-speed thrills or relaxing splashes, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun offer something for everyone.
5. LEGOLAND Discovery Center + SEALIFE Aquarium
Located in the Crown Center complex, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor attraction that offers a world of creativity and fun with LEGO bricks. Kids can explore themed areas, build their own creations, and enjoy interactive rides. There’s also a 4D cinema that adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. The SEALIFE Aquarium is located right next door. Neither of these are all-day activtities, so you can easily do them both while you’re there.
6. Science City
The Kansas City Science Museum, known as Science City, provides a plethora of hands-on exhibits and educational activities for children. From space exploration to physics and biology, the museum offers engaging displays that cater to curious minds. The museum also features live science demonstrations and an outdoor playground.
7. Crown Center
Crown Center is a shopping and entertainment district that offers several family-friendly attractions. In addition to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Crown Center hosts the Sea Life Kansas City aquarium, where kids can explore underwater exhibits, touch sea creatures, and learn about marine life in a fun, interactive environment. Lots of shops & restaurants make this an easy family destination – and you can ice skate in the winter!
8. Deanna Rose Farmstead
At Deanna Rose Farmstead in Kansas City, kids can dive into a variety of hands-on, engaging activities that make learning about farm life fun and interactive. They can explore the petting zoo, where they can feed and interact with friendly animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits. The farmstead also features a giant sandbox, pony rides, and a charming vintage carousel. Children can participate in seasonal activities, such as harvesting vegetables in the community garden or learning about farm machinery. With educational programs and plenty of open space for running around, Deanna Rose Farmstead offers a memorable experience that combines enjoyment with valuable learning opportunities.
9. Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum
At the Money Museum in Kansas City, kids can explore the fascinating world of currency through a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. They can discover the history of money, see rare coins and banknotes, and even design their own currency in the museum’s creative stations. The museum offers engaging activities like a giant currency puzzle, a simulated trading floor, and educational games that teach about economics and the role of money in society. With its child-friendly exhibits and educational programs, the Money Museum makes learning about finance both entertaining and informative for young visitors.
10. National WWI Museum & Memorial
At the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, kids can embark on an educational adventure through history with a range of interactive exhibits designed to engage and inform. They can explore hands-on displays, such as the immersive trench experience, which provides a vivid sense of what life was like for soldiers. The museum offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts and interactive stations that highlight the science, technology, and stories of the Great War. Additionally, children can view historical artifacts, like uniforms and weaponry, and participate in educational programs that bring the era to life in a way that’s both captivating and age-appropriate.
