10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Blue Springs

Kansas City, Missouri, offers an array of attractions for varied preferences.

City of Fountains

  1. Missouri–Kansas state line
  2. Lenexa
  3. 18th and Vine District
The city’s deep cultural heritage can be seen in its notable cultural sites, historic venues, and entertainment spots.

The 18th and Vine District, a hub for jazz history, houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a treasure trove of history. Meanwhile, the River Market District provides a vibrant scene, with its farmers' market and eclectic shops.

Those who love the arts can enjoy performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which features a wide range of musical and theatrical events. Sports fans can look forward to games at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or cheer at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs play.

For food lovers, the city’s renowned Kansas City–style barbecue is iconic, with a variety of restaurants serving this signature dish.

Outdoor explorers can spend time in Swope Park, which features plentiful green spaces for recreation. Meanwhile, shoppers should check out the Country Club Plaza, famous for its Spanish-inspired architecture and a diverse mix of dining and retail options.

Whether your interests lie in history, music, sports, or food, Kansas City provides a multitude of attractions to enjoy.

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Kansas City, located in Missouri, is celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry and heritage-filled significance, attracting visitors from all walks of life. Called the "City of Fountains," Kansas City is home to historic sites and a dynamic arts scene.

One of the city’s essential areas is the 18th and Vine District, famous for its profound contributions to jazz music. This historic district also houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, an important historical site documenting the history of African-American baseball. The River Market District, on the other hand, features a vibrant atmosphere with its popular farmers' market and unique shops that cater to a variety of tastes.

For those passionate about culture, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts acts as a beacon of creativity, presenting renowned performances in musical arts and theater.

Blue Springs

  1. Raytown
  2. Vaudevillian Orpheum circuit
  3. Kansas City–style barbecue
Sports fans are sure to appreciate the excitement at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs delight fans.

Kansas City is celebrated for its signature barbecue, a culinary tradition earning international acclaim. Restaurants across the city offer delectable Kansas City–style barbecue, featuring smoky, flavorful dishes that highlight the city's gastronomic heritage. For outdoor recreation, Swope Park offers extensive green spaces suitable for relaxation and family activities. The Country Club Plaza offers a distinctive shopping experience with its architecturally stunning architecture and wide retail and dining options.

Whether learning about its heritage, experiencing creative performances, or savoring world-class cuisine, Kansas City, Missouri, offers an unmatched experience for visitors.

Things To Do When You Are Bored In Kansas City MO

The Country Club Plaza holds a significant place in Kansas City's history as the first planned shopping district in the United States, designed specifically to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile. Opened in 1923, it was developed by J.C. Nichols, a visionary real estate developer whose influence shaped much of the city's growth.

Key Aspects of the Plaza's Significance:

  1. Architectural Innovation:

    • The Plaza's design drew inspiration from Spanish architecture, featuring ornate towers, tiled roofs, and fountains. It was modeled after Seville, Spain, creating a unique cultural and aesthetic experience for visitors.
    • This distinctive architectural style helped establish the Plaza as a landmark and set a precedent for integrated urban shopping and leisure spaces.

  2. Automobile-Friendly Design:

    • At a time when cities were just beginning to adapt to the rise of cars, the Plaza was designed with parking lots and road access in mind, making it a revolutionary concept for retail spaces.

  3. Cultural Hub:

    • The Plaza has been a center for art, culture, and commerce for over a century. Its fountains, sculptures, and public spaces contributed to its reputation as more than just a shopping district but also a community gathering space.
    • The Plaza Art Fair, an annual tradition since 1932, showcases local and national artists and draws thousands of visitors.

  4. Economic Impact:

    • The Country Club Plaza spurred the growth of surrounding neighborhoods and became a model for suburban shopping centers in the U.S., influencing urban planning and development.

  5. Historic Preservation:

    • The Plaza is celebrated for maintaining its architectural heritage while evolving into a modern retail and dining destination. It features both upscale stores and unique local shops.

Modern Relevance:

Today, the Country Club Plaza remains a vibrant area, blending history, culture, and contemporary commerce. It is a must-visit destination in Kansas City, attracting tourists and locals alike for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options, all while celebrating its rich historical roots.

Would you like suggestions for what to do or see on the Plaza?

Things To Do When You Are Bored In Kansas City MO
15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Kansas City is home to a variety of unique museums that offer fascinating experiences, from art and history to niche interests. Here are some must-visit options:

1. The National WWI Museum and Memorial

  • Why It’s Unique: The only museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to World War I, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and a striking view from the Liberty Memorial tower.
  • Don’t Miss: The glass bridge over a field of 9,000 poppies, each symbolizing 1,000 WWI combatant deaths.

2. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  • Why It’s Unique: Famous for its outdoor sculpture park, including the iconic Shuttlecocks, and an impressive collection spanning over 5,000 years of art history.
  • Don’t Miss: The extensive Asian art collection and the museum's free admission.

3. American Jazz Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, it celebrates Kansas City’s pivotal role in jazz history with exhibits, memorabilia, and live performances.
  • Don’t Miss: The interactive exhibits and the adjacent Blue Room, a working jazz club.

4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Chronicles the history and legacy of African-American baseball leagues, sharing space with the American Jazz Museum for a double history treat.
  • Don’t Miss: The Field of Legends, a display of life-sized statues of famous Negro Leagues players.

5. The Arabia Steamboat Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Houses treasures recovered from a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856, offering a time capsule of 19th-century life.
  • Don’t Miss: The preserved artifacts, including tools, dishware, and clothing.

6. The Money Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, this free museum explores the history of currency and includes interactive exhibits.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to see $40 million in cash and receive a free bag of shredded money.

7. Kansas City Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Recently renovated, this museum in the Corinthian Hall mansion explores the history and culture of Kansas City.
  • Don’t Miss: The stunning architecture and the immersive local history exhibits.

8. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

  • Why It’s Unique: Features one of the largest collections of antique toys and fine-scale miniatures in the world.
  • Don’t Miss: The intricate miniature rooms and vintage toy exhibits.

9. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

  • Why It’s Unique: Showcases cutting-edge modern art and installations in a striking architectural setting.
  • Don’t Miss: The rotating exhibitions and the museum’s boutique restaurant, Café Sebastienne.

10. The Airline History Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: Focuses on the golden age of aviation with vintage aircraft and memorabilia housed in a historic hangar at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to step aboard restored planes like the Lockheed Constellation.

11. Strawberry Hill Museum

  • Why It’s Unique: A Victorian mansion turned museum celebrating the cultural heritage of Kansas City’s Slavic communities.
  • Don’t Miss: The ethnic exhibits and beautiful views of downtown Kansas City.

12. Museum at Prairiefire

  • Why It’s Unique: A visually striking building housing exhibits from the American Museum of Natural History and local cultural displays.
  • Don’t Miss: The interactive Discovery Room for kids and the stunning, prismatic architecture.

Whether you’re into art, history, or unique niches, these museums offer a diverse and enriching experience in Kansas City. Let me know if you'd like help planning your visit!

10 Fun Things To Do In Kansas City MO 2022

12 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Kansas City offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Here are the top destinations to explore with kids:

1. Kansas City Zoo

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Over 1,700 animals across 200 acres, featuring African Sky Safari, polar bears, and penguins.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and a chance to ride the train or carousel.

2. Science City at Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and an interactive Maker Studio.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Dino Lab, Sky Bike, and the Test Kitchen offer immersive learning and fun.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, and Miniland Kansas City built entirely from LEGO bricks.
  • Why Kids Love It: Building and racing their own LEGO creations.

4. SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: More than 5,000 sea creatures, touch pools, and a walk-through underwater tunnel.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive touch tanks and the shark and stingray exhibits.

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

  • Location: Overland Park, Kansas.
  • Highlights: A 12-acre farm with animals, pony rides, fishing, and wagon rides.
  • Why Kids Love It: Hands-on activities like bottle-feeding baby goats and petting farm animals.

6. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

  • Location: North Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A combined amusement and water park with rides, slides, and live entertainment.
  • Why Kids Love It: Camp Snoopy for younger kids and thrilling coasters for older children.

7. Crown Center

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Shops, restaurants, and attractions like Kaleidoscope and The Coterie Theatre.
  • Why Kids Love It: Kaleidoscope offers free creative workshops, and the seasonal Ice Terrace is perfect for winter fun.

8. Powell Gardens

  • Location: 30 miles east of Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Lush gardens with seasonal family activities like the Festival of Butterflies.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Children’s Garden features hands-on gardening activities and a giant treehouse.

9. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

  • Location: Near UMKC.
  • Highlights: A vast collection of vintage toys and intricately detailed miniatures.
  • Why Kids Love It: Nostalgic toys and the chance to see dolls, trains, and action figures from different eras.

10. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  • Location: Midtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Free admission and the expansive Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.
  • Why Kids Love It: Playing near the giant shuttlecocks and exploring kid-friendly art programs.

11. Penguin Park

  • Location: Northland area.
  • Highlights: A whimsical playground featuring giant animal sculptures like a penguin, kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Why Kids Love It: Unique play structures and a family picnic area.

12. Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Historic architecture with attractions like Science City, the Model Train Gallery, and traveling exhibits.
  • Why Kids Love It: Watching the intricate model trains and exploring interactive exhibits.

13. The Kansas City Public Library

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: The Central Library’s giant "Community Bookshelf" facade and rooftop terrace.
  • Why Kids Love It: Storytime sessions and the children’s reading area.

14. Lakes and Trails

  • Lake Jacomo: Offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature trails.
  • Loose Park: Features a playground, pond, and rose garden for family picnics.

15. Starlight Theatre

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Outdoor performances, including kid-friendly musicals and concerts.
  • Why Kids Love It: Magical live shows under the stars.

12 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO
Dog Friendly Activities In Kansas City MO
Dog Friendly Activities In Kansas City MO

Kansas City, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights, offers a plethora of activities for visitors. Here's a comprehensive list of things to do in Kansas City:

  • Explore the Arts:

    • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Visit this museum for its extensive collection of over 40,000 works of art, including contemporary exhibits and the famous Shuttlecocks installation in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Admission is free, but non-members need to reserve tickets in advance.

    • Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: Located near the Nelson-Atkins, this museum showcases modern and contemporary art with free admission and parking. Enjoy the installations and the café on-site.

  • Cultural Experiences:

    • American Jazz Museum: Dive into the history of jazz, especially its significance in Kansas City, with exhibits and live performances.

    • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Learn about the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on U.S. social advancement.

  • Outdoor Activities:

    • City Market: One of the oldest and largest farmers' markets in the region, it's the place for local produce, unique shops, and dining.

    • Loose Park: Enjoy 75 acres of beautiful grounds with playgrounds, tennis courts, and a rose garden, making it perfect for a relaxing day out.

  • Entertainment and Sports:

    • Worlds of Fun: A theme park with thrilling rides like the Mamba rollercoaster and attractions like Dinosaurs Alive.

    • Kauffman Stadium: Catch a Kansas City Royals game in this iconic ballpark known for its fountains and family-friendly atmosphere.

    • Union Station: Now more than just a train station, it hosts Science City, a planetarium, and various exhibits, making it a great spot for families or anyone interested in science and history.

  • Culinary Delights:

    • Barbecue: Kansas City is famous for its barbecue. Iconic spots include Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant's, and Gates Bar-B-Q.

    • City of Fountains: With over 200 fountains, a walk around Kansas City can be a scenic delight, especially around the Country Club Plaza.

  • Shopping:

    • Country Club Plaza: Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture, this area is ideal for shopping, dining, and enjoying the festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.

  • Historical Sites:

    • National WWI Museum and Memorial: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, this museum provides a deep look into the impact of World War I.

  • Seasonal Events:

    • During winter, enjoy holiday lights at Candy Cane Lane, the Country Club Plaza, or Union Station.

Kansas City's blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and modern entertainment ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're into art, history, sports, or just looking to enjoy some of the best barbecue in the country, your trip to Kansas City can be as diverse as the city itself.

Things To Do When Bored At Night In Kansas City MO

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  • Review the Federal Communications Commission's document on channel substitution in Kansas City, Missouri. Source
  • Discover the attractions and facilities in Salina, Kansas, including a large water park and a regional airport. Source
  • Explore the official website of Independence, Kansas for local news and community events. Source
  • Learn about the Kansas City Liberty Memorial, a significant historical site managed by the National Park Service. Source
  • Find information about the U.S. Department of Labor's Region 7 office in Kansas City. Source

Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

Things To Do When Bored At Night In Kansas City MO

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City offers various public transportation options, including buses and a streetcar system. The KC Streetcar is free to ride and connects key downtown areas.

Kansas City offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of options, including jazz clubs, trendy bars, craft breweries, and nightclubs. The Power & Light District is particularly popular for its lively atmosphere and entertainment options.

The city celebrates its jazz heritage through various venues like the American Jazz Museum, live music in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, and numerous jazz clubs throughout the city.