Looking for the best fun things to do in Kansas City with kids? Then look no further! And a lot of these are free things to do with kids in Kansas City, too!
Whether you live in the KC metro area or are planning a weekend trip to Kansas City, there are TONS of Kansas City attractions & activities for families.
Best of all, the KC Streetcar offers free ride services between Union Station and the KC River Market, so you can park once and experience it all!
33 Fun Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids
Take a look at this list of kids’ attractions in Kansas City for families and start planning your family time! Your schedule will be filled with fun things to do 😊
Explore Kansas City museums, walk the Country Club Plaza, or soak in the history of Kansas City! Kansas City has fun activities for all ages.
If you have a little adult time, be sure to check out the Best Date Night Ideas in Kansas City (there are over 100)…or go shopping with your pets. (We are very pet-friendly.) Be sure to also check out our online events calendar. It’s updated daily!
Free Things to Do in Kansas City with Kids:
> Create at Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a Kansas City favorite! Kaleidoscope is one of many free things to do in Kansas City. The creation center offers children the opportunity to create, explore, and design works of art using leftover materials from Hallmark. It’s a fun place to let your child’s creativity and imagination shine, and it has offered our family countless hours of fun over the last few years. Be sure to check their schedule online, as they do fill up and space is limited. Reservations are required.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, Admission is subject to availability
Ages: Great for kids of all ages. Primary school-aged children will love this!
Price Point: Free
Pro Tip: Kaleidoscope accepts group visits, plan a trip with your friends and family
> Ride the KC Streetcar
This is a free streetcar that will take you from Union Station Kansas City to the River Market (& anywhere in between!)
If you are looking to explore downtown Kansas City without the hassle of traffic, this is for you. You can hop on & off at many different stops throughout our vibrant downtown. It makes it easy to explore with kids.
> Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The museum is a fantastic free thing to do with kids. Your family can explore the many exhibits and wide variety of artists featured. There is also a large walking trail around the museum with outdoor sculptures and artwork.
Hours:
Saturday-Monday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Wednesday Closed
Thursday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
> Money Museum
Located near downtown Kansas City, MO, this interactive museum is great and full of information on the Federal Reserve. Museum-goers can learn about money, how it is processed and made, and its value! If your children love to learn, this is a unique and fun thing to do with kids…
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4 pm
Ages:Enjoyed by school ages and up (non-school ages welcome)
Price Point: FREE
Check out our Museum Guide for a list of the Best Kansas City Museums.
> Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum is one of the best things to do with kids because it’s educational AND free! Explore art with your children and get your creative juices flowing. Each year, Kemper Museum curates 8–12 exhibits. Check online to find current & future exhibits.
Hours: Wednesday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ages: This attraction is great for families of all ages
Price Point: Free admission AND parking
Pro Tip: The museum hosts many kids’ activities throughout the year – check the schedule.
> Walk Around Shoal Creek Living History Museum
You can walk around the Living History Museum free of charge, except during special events. During special events, they ask for admission fees as donations.
If you’re looking for free things to do in our area, you can spend all afternoon here! There are 21 buildings to see (buildings are only open during events)
> Hike Cave Springs in Raytown
Looking for a great place to get active? Hiking is one of our favorite kid’s activities! This is one of our favorite places to hike. It has a lot of fun kids’ attractions, including the cascades, cave, & chimney ruins. Plus, it’s one of the free things to do in Kansas City with your kiddos.
There is no shortage of things to do or explore at Cave Springs, so your day will be filled with outdoor adventure.
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This is a GREAT free thing to do with the family. There are tons of vendors, and the market is open year-round. During the warmer months, there are huge farmer’s markets on the weekends. Don’t miss out on this unique Kansas City attraction!
You can also walk along the river at Riverfront Park.
Pro tip: Try to visit the River Market during the week for even cheaper produce!
> Go Camping near KC (or fishing)
There are tons of places to camp near Kansas City! If your family loves spending time outdoors, there are many fun parks and campgrounds for you to explore.
If you love to fish, you can also check out the Best Fishing Spots in KC…many of them offer camping too!
Price Point: Many of the camping spots are free, but some charge a small fee to stay overnight
> Play at Fun Parks in Kansas City
Kansas City has so many fun things to do, but what is better than exploring nature?
Whether you want to find a huge playground for the kids or a large open space to enjoy the afternoon. Our list of Kansas City parks and trails has the perfect place for you.
- Jacob L. Loose Park is located in downtown Kansas City – filled with tons of open space to play. Explore the full guide to Loose Park before you go!
- Meadowbrook Park is a brand-new playground & park in Prairie Village, KS. Check out all the details now!
- Penguin Park
- Swope Park
- Antioch Park
- Frontier Park
- Waterfall Park
- Lowenstein Park
- Harris Park and MANY, MANY MORE!
Pro-tip: Loose Park is definitely one of our family favorites & a classic Kansas City park. If you are looking for a full day of playtime, head to Meadowbrook Park! There are SO many kids’ activities there.
> Or, Have a Picnic
With all the beautiful nature areas around town, there are lots of great picnic spots!
Grab your family and enjoy a picnic lunch. There are places downtown, parks, trails & some classic KC places.
Price point – just the cost of the food!
Fun Kansas City Attractions for Families:
> Get 50% OFF Pogo Pass
Passholders now get access to TWENTY-SIX family fun destinations in and around KC. KC Royals, Urban Air, Level UP and Powell Gardens were recently added as new included venues!
Grab Pogo Passes for the entire family, get one for each person, and enjoy a year of savings and family FUN! Get 50% off with our code “iFamilyKC”.
> Get Creative
Places like Ceramic Cafe, , and Courtney’s Studio Art are great places to explore your creative side. They offer everything from painting, pottery, glass fusion, clay, and more.
> Shop Local Farmer’s Markets
Explore the River Market in downtown Kansas City, or venture off to a smaller market around town…
There are so many outdoor markets open on the weekends, so be sure to stop by for some Midwestern hospitality!
Pro-tip: Go to Farmhouse for breakfast or brunch before you hit the River Market…there may be a line if you don’t get there early enough, but it’s definitely worth the wait…
> Kansas City Zoo
This fun Kansas City attraction is home to a large variety of animals & the first all-inclusive play area in an American zoo. Come say hi to the monkeys, ride the African Sky safari or one of the other fun rides at the zoo. They have tons of special animal experiences like the Penguin Encounters & Twilight Tours, as well as daily activities like zookeeper chats and animal shows.
Hours – Open year-round, every day. Weekdays 9:30 am – 4 pm, Weekends 9:30 am – 5 pm
Prices – General Admission starts at $19 and Jackson/Clay County residents start at $9.50.
> Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
If your family loves animals and the outdoors, there are tons of fun things to do inside the Farmstead. Children can fish, ride horses, play on playgrounds, feed the animals like baby goats & explore the many different exhibits! Explore all the attractions for kids.
The farmstead opens on April 1st, most years. You can visit during the holidays for their Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane too.
Ages: Fun attraction for all ages
Price: Admission is $5, ages 2 and under are free.
Pro-tip: Bring a sack lunch so you can play all day.
> Royals Games at Kauffman Stadium
Arguably one of the BEST & most fun things to do with kids in Kansas City…of all time.
Enjoy a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium with the family! The laid-back environment is a great way to enjoy Kansas City & be surrounded by a sea of blue. Check the website for the full Royals Schedule & game times.
Ages: Good for all ages
Price: Ticket prices vary by game & seat location, but can find tickets for $18.
Pro-tip: Hour-long tours of Kauffman Stadium are available. See the dugout, Hall of Fame, press box, & other fun parts of baseball in Kansas City.
> Explore Science City
Science City is easily one of the top Kansas City attractions for kids. Each of Science City’s three stories offers fun, exploration, and education for children (and adults) of all ages. Your family will have the opportunity to learn about alternative energy sources, take a ride on a bicycle suspended on a wire, dig for “fossils”, test their strength with the giant lever, explore the universe, and more during your visit.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am- 5 pm, Sunday Noon-5 pm
Ages: This activity is great for school-aged children
Price Point: $16 (ages 1-12 & adults. 12 months and under are free. Union Station members are also free.)
Pro Tip: Reserve a spot in the test kitchen to give your kids the chance to learn the chemistry in the foods they eat.
> Laser Light Shows at Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
Located on the bottom floor of Union Station (near the exhibit hall), the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium is an incredible resource to discover the joys of astronomy. Take a guided star tour or explore space through one of the fun movies.
Laser light shows are also popular at the planetarium. The list of all available music light shows & presentations can be found on their website. You definitely do not want to miss this.
Hours: Varies By Show (Shows Run Daily)
Ages: Varies By Show
Price Point: $8 per person (members get in free!)
Pro Tip: Get there early, they have two very comfortable cushions that are ideal for your stargazing adventure!
> Explore the Country Club Plaza
If you have older children, The Plaza is one of the unique things to do in Kansas City. The area is filled with shopping, restaurants & fountains. You will feel transported to Europe with the fountains and sculptures throughout The Plaza!
There is also a small river to the South where you can sometimes ride boats – depending on the time of year.
Hours: Your family can walk around whenever. Most shopping/eating is open from 9 am to 8 pm.
Ages: Great for older children and adults
Price Point: Free to walk around AND park, but if you eat or shop that costs.
Pro Tip:Be sure to check out the JC Nichols Memorial Fountain across the street at Mill Creek Park – great for taking family photos!
> Starlight Theater – See a Show Outside!
See a show outside! Whether your family likes concerts or theater, this is a great attraction in Kansas City for families. Starlight Outdoor Theater is Kansas City’s home for the best concerts, theater performances, & Broadway shows.
Sit on the lawn & enjoy the show or watch from the seats you choose (closer to the stage). There are great shows throughout the year, so check out their full events calendar to plan your family day.
Ages: Great for all ages, depending on the show. Some are geared toward adults & others are great for children!
Price: varies by show, tickets are as low as $16. `
> Kauffman Center – Watch a Show
There is a wide variety of shows, orchestras & movies played at the center. Check their website for complete show schedules & descriptions. This is definitely a must-do Kansas City attraction. Whether you want to go on a date or take the kids to the show, there are great options.
Pro Tip – Start your day at River Market and take the Streetcar to Power & Light to avoid congested traffic.
> What If Puppet Theater (formerly Mesner Puppet Theater)
What If Puppet Theater is a non-profit professional puppet theater is located in the downtown area at 39th St. and aims to stir creative imagination through classic, folk, and contemporary plays for children and adults. These exciting performances are so unique and fun. They’ve recently changed the name of the theater and shows are now traveling to your locations. You can book one via their website.
> Zip KC
There are great things to do in Kansas City to get your family active. The Tower Tour is over 1 mile long of 5 lines running tower to tower and reaching speeds up to 50 mph! Fly through the trees of KC & see the outdoors in a way like never before. Experience their breathtaking zero gravity line which features a 12 ft free fall before the zip line swoops you up like a roller coaster to end your adventure.
Hours: Vary by time of day & season. Check the website for tour details.
Ages: This attraction is great for kids, but not ideal for toddlers or infants.
Price Point: Starting at $30
> Worlds of Fun
What better thing to do than ride roller coasters & tummy-turning rides? Every kid loves a fun amusem*nt park, and Kansas City has just that. Worlds of Fun offers tons of fun rides, water activities, games, delicious food, & more.
Hours: Open seasonally, check the website for updated hours.
Price Point: Start at $40
Pro Tip: Make sure to visit the park if you find yourself in KC during Halloween time. The entire park is filled with clouds of fog to enjoy the Halloween parade. It is sure to be spooky fun. 😉 (This is one of our favorite things to do in Kansas City during Halloween)
> Crown Center
There are tons of shops in Crown Center as well as The Crayola Store, The Coterie Theatre, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (where you can have your food delivered by train), a movie theater, a chocolate shop, & other fun things to do with kids. You can also explore Sea Life, Legoland & Kaleidoscope (free creative activities sponsored by Hallmark).
Your family could spend all day here exploring.
Ages: Good for all ages
Price: Varies by activity.
Pro-tip: If you visit in the winter, be sure to go ice skating on the Crown Center Ice Terrace – outdoor ice skating! If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Kansas City with children, Kaleidoscope is perfect…
> Sea Life Kansas City &Legoland Discovery Center
Sea Life Kansas City is a fun, interactive experience for children and adults who appreciate the creatures that live in the sea. During your visit, your family will have the opportunity to get their hands on critters, learn about fascinating sea life, and enjoy the fun of hands-on exhibits.
Located next door to Sea Life at Crown Center, Legoland Discovery Center is a fun place for the kids. From 4D animated movie adventures on the big screen to the rides, play area, and legos everywhere this attraction has something for everyone.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Ages: This attraction is great for kids of all ages (your little ones will love it!)
Price Point: Starting at $29.99 per person
Pro Tip: The attraction accepts entry up until 1 hour before closing
Best Museums & Educational Things to Do in Kansas City
If you’re looking for educational things to do, read below or explore our guide to the Best Museums in Kansas City…
> The College Basketball Experience
Be sure to use our $2 OFF Admission Coupon at the only museum where the kids will work up a sweat. One of the most fun museums for kids, The College Basketball Experience at Sprint Center lets you step inside basketball for hours of fun and activity. CBE offers more than 41,000 square feet of highly interactive, fun exhibits for guests to learn about the incredible contributions made in men’s collegiate basketball. Exhibits include the opportunity to participate in game-like situations and announcing at the ESPNU broadcast desk.
Hours: Wednesday- Saturday from 10:00 am- 6:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm
Ages: Great for older children and adults
Price Point: Youth (4-17) $16, Adults $18.
Pro Tip: Save $2 with their ad! …& be sure to wear comfortable shoes so that you can take advantage of all the fun at CBE
>Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a great place for the whole family to visit. Explore nature and special events that take the gardens to a new level.
Ages: Great for the whole family
Price Point: Varies by event/gallerie. Free admission every FIRST Tuesday of the month.
>Ernie Miller Nature Center
There are also special family events & kids activities, like their Sunday Family Series, so explore their online calendar for fun things to do this weekend!
Hours: Varies By Season, so check online.
Ages: Great for all ages
Price Point: Free however donations are appreciated
> Harry S. Truman House
Visit the home of Harry S. Truman – our 33rd President of the United States. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the family. Plus, there are over 50,000 artifacts being preserved by the organization. This is located in Independence, MO. Call (816)254-9929 to see how many tickets are left for the day, first come first served.
If your children like history, this is a great attraction in Kansas City!
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday from 8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Price Point: No charge for the tour, but you must get tickets at the visitor’s center.
> iFly Kansas City
This indoor skydiving simulator is a must-try. The instructor will guide you and your family through basic practices and ensure safety. Their hours vary by day.
Ages: All Ages
Price Point – Starting at $69.99
> National World War I Museum
Easily one of our favorite spots in downtown Kansas City is the National World War I Museum. The museum offers incredible insight into one of history’s most critical times and the most incredible views atop the Liberty Memorial. During your visit, you’ll see real-life artifacts from the era, and learn about our nation’s (late) role in the war and the impact it had on the world as a whole.
Admission includes a two-day ticket so you can take in both the educational experience inside the museum as well as the stunning views at the memorial back to back during your visit. The museum provides educational things to do in Kansas City with kids, so be sure to support this great organization. You can also climb to the top of the tower with your admission!
Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10 am-5 pm (check the website for extended summer hours)
Ages: Best for older children and adults
Price Point: $18 and under (varies by age)
Pro Tip: Hands-On History (where you can see and touch real artifacts from Word War I) sessions are included free with admission on select Saturdays.
You can also climb the Memorial Tower Free with your admission – one of the most fun things to do. Maybe even pack a picnic to eat on the front lawn? There are amazing views of KC.
> Union Station’s Exhibits
Union Station offers many fun things to do in Kansas City with kids. Their hands-on exhibits bring a new and interesting experience with each visit. Multiple exhibits give your family hours of things to do inside Union Station. There is also the Reigner Extreme Screen Theatre, where you can watch new movies on an EXTREME screen!
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10 am-5 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday Noon-5 pm
Ages: This activity is great for older children and adults
Price Point: Around $20 per person
Pro Tip: Union Station members receive a hefty discount on exhibits. Take advantage of the perks!
> American Jazz Museum
Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, this museum is perfect for the history and music lovers in your family! With exhibits in music, art, and photography, the American Jazz Museum is full of history through interactive exhibits and films. The American Jazz Museum is one of the best things to do in Kansas City!
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Ages: Enjoyable for all ages
Price Point: Adults $10, Senior $9, Youth (6-18) $6, 5 and under FREE
> Negro League Baseball Museum
Located next to the Jazz Museum, the Negro League Baseball Museum is equally as historic! Museumgoers can dive into the full history of the legendary Kansas City Monarchs. This self-guided museum has several film exhibits, artifacts, photographs and more.
Hours: Monday from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Tuesday- Saturday from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Ages: Enjoyable for all ages
Price Point: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Youth (5-12) $6 Contact 816-221-1920 for group rates and combo tickets for the NLBM and AJM.
> Steamboat Arabia
Located in the ever-popular KC River Market, this guided tour museum showcases artifacts from the great steamboat that sank near Kansas City in 1856. We definitely recommend this attraction for families.
Hours: Monday- Saturday 10 am- 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm- 5 pm (tours run every 30 minutes)
Ages: All ages welcome
Price Point: Seniors $15.50, Adults $16.50, Youth (4-14) $6.50, 3 and under FREE
> GoApe!
This hidden gem is an adventure waiting to happen. Climb tree tops, ride ziplines, and more. They have height, age, and weight requirements for each adventure. You can pick the best one for you and your family online. Prices also vary by age and adventure.
Be sure to check out these resources for more outdoor fun in and around KC too:
Hiking with Kids
Best Places to Camp Near KC
Best Places to Fish Near KC
Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC
Guide to Cabins Near KC
Sunflower Pass FREE for Kansas Kids
Find More Things to Do
Whether you’re visiting the area for a few days or you live close by, there are so many fun, free, & fantastic attractions in Kansas City for families. Make sure you sign up to receive our eNewsletter so you get the latest and greatest scoop sent right to your inbox every week!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
