28 Things To Do In Kansas City: Points Of Interest + Activities

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.

Kansas City offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from music and theater to sports and nightlife. Here are some highlights:

Music and Live Performances

• T-Mobile Center: Hosts major concerts, sports events, and shows. It's a go-to spot for big-name entertainers.

• Starlight Theatre: An outdoor theater that brings Broadway to Kansas City with its summer productions.

• The Blue Room Jazz Club: Located next to the American Jazz Museum, it's a venue for live jazz music, embodying the city's rich jazz heritage.

• The Bird Comedy Theater: Known for its comedy shows, including improv and stand-up.

Theater and Arts

• Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: A stunning venue for opera, ballet, symphony, and more. It's one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in KC.

• KC Repertory Theatre: Offers a mix of plays from classics to new works.

• The Coterie Theatre: Focuses on theater for young audiences but has productions that appeal to all ages.

Sports Entertainment

• Kauffman Stadium: Home to the Kansas City Royals, offering baseball games with a unique fountain show.

• Arrowhead Stadium: Experience the energy of a Kansas City Chiefs NFL game or other major events like concerts.

• Sporting KC: Watch soccer at Children's Mercy Park, where the atmosphere is electric during matches.

Nightlife and Bars

• Power & Light District: A vibrant area with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, perfect for nightlife.

• Westport: Known for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and live music spots, offering a more local vibe.

• 39th Street: Famous for dive bars, unique shops, and a bohemian atmosphere.

Unique Entertainment Experiences

• Union Station: Beyond its historical significance, it's home to Science City, a planetarium, and often hosts special exhibitions and events.

• Worlds of Fun: An amusement park with roller coasters, water attractions at Oceans of Fun, and seasonal events like Halloween Haunt.

• Escape Rooms: Breakout KC offers themed escape room experiences for those looking for interactive fun.

Festivals and Events

• Boulevardia: A music and craft beer festival by Boulevard Brewing Company, showcasing local and national acts.

• First Fridays: An art crawl in the Crossroads Arts District with galleries, street performances, and food trucks.

• Kansas City Irish Fest: One of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., celebrating Irish culture with music, dance, and food.

Cinematic Experiences

• Screenland Armour & Crossroads: Independent theaters known for showing both blockbuster and indie films, with special events like movie marathons.

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Offers an elevated movie-going experience with food service at your seat and a no-texting policy.

Kansas City's entertainment scene is vibrant and varied, catering to all tastes from high culture to family fun, and from local haunts to international acts. Whether you're there for the music, the arts, sports, or just to enjoy the nightlife, KC has something for everyone.