41 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Kansas City MO

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.

Kansas City boasts numerous family-friendly parks perfect for outdoor adventures, picnics, and playtime. Here are some of the top picks:

1. Loose Park

• Location: Midtown Kansas City.
• Highlights: A 75-acre park with a large pond, walking trails, and the iconic Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden.
• Why Families Love It: Kids enjoy open spaces to run and play, while parents can relax in the scenic surroundings.

2. Swope Park

• Location: South Kansas City.
• Highlights: One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the Kansas City Zoo and Starlight Theatre.
• Why Families Love It: Offers activities for all ages, including hiking trails, fishing, and golf courses.

3. Penguin Park

• Location: Northland area.
• Highlights: A whimsical playground with giant animal sculptures, including a penguin, kangaroo, and giraffe.
• Why Families Love It: Unique play structures and shaded picnic areas make it ideal for kids.

4. Jacob L. Loose Park Playground

• Location: Inside Loose Park.
• Highlights: A large, colorful playground with slides, climbing structures, and swings.
• Why Families Love It: Safe and spacious for kids to play while parents enjoy nearby walking trails.

5. Shawnee Mission Park

• Location: Shawnee, Kansas (short drive from KC).
• Highlights: A 1,600-acre park with a lake, trails, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park.
• Why Families Love It: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and a large playground provide endless family fun.

6. Antioch Park

• Location: Merriam, Kansas.
• Highlights: Features the "Dodge Town" play area, two fishing lakes, and picnic shelters.
• Why Families Love It: The imaginative play structures and serene lake views make it a favorite for families.

7. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

• Location: Blue Springs, Missouri.
• Highlights: A conservation area with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
• Why Families Love It: Kids can learn about nature while exploring the trails and interactive exhibits.

8. Ernie Miller Nature Center

• Location: Olathe, Kansas.
• Highlights: Nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and seasonal family programs.
• Why Families Love It: A great spot for hiking and connecting with nature while educating kids about local wildlife.

9. Waterfall Park

• Location: Independence, Missouri.
• Highlights: A picturesque park with walking trails, playgrounds, and a serene waterfall.
• Why Families Love It: Beautiful scenery and play areas for kids make it perfect for a family outing.

10. English Landing Park

• Location: Parkville, Missouri.
• Highlights: Located along the Missouri River, this park features trails, a playground, and scenic picnic spots.
• Why Families Love It: The river views, spacious play areas, and nearby shops in downtown Parkville create a memorable experience.

11. Macken Park

• Location: North Kansas City.
• Highlights: Sports fields, playgrounds, and paved walking trails.
• Why Families Love It: A great spot for active families to enjoy soccer, baseball, or a leisurely stroll.

12. Mill Creek Park

• Location: Country Club Plaza area.
• Highlights: A central fountain, walking paths, and open green spaces.
• Why Families Love It: Perfect for a relaxing afternoon near the iconic J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain.

13. Longview Lake Park

• Location: Southeast Kansas City.
• Highlights: A lake offering boating, fishing, and trails, along with playgrounds and picnic areas.
• Why Families Love It: Water activities and expansive spaces for outdoor fun.

Related Searches Include:

• Weekend Getaway
• Que Hacer
• Sightseeing
• Tourist Spots
• Lugares Bonitos
• Weekend Getaways
• Trips
• Places
• Tourist Places
• Indoor Play
• Indoor Fun Things
• Family

• Read about the U.S. Department of Transportation's partnership with Kansas City for mobility and infrastructure projects. Source
• Get information from the Social Security Administration's Kansas City Region Home Page. Source
• Access services and contact information for the Kansas Department of Labor. Source
• Contact the HUD Kansas/Western Missouri Field Office for housing and urban development issues. Source
• Learn about the Kansas City Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its initiatives. Source