13 Things To Do in Kansas City With Kids

Cheer on the Boys in Blue at a Kansas City Royals baseball game! A variety of kid-friendly "Outfield Experiences" are also available, such as a playground, a carousel, mini golf, base running, batting challenges, and a pitching mound.

Stretched across 202 acres, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is home to nearly 10,000 animals.

The Rabbit hOle is an immersive kids museum where beloved children’s books come to life. Kids can crawl through tunnels, slide into story worlds, meet life-size characters, and get creative in the Story Lab.

Running from the River Market on the north end to Union Station and Crown Center on the south, KC Streetcar connects all the downtown neighborhoods with 16 platform stops and 2 miles of track.

The College Basketball Experience, a world-class entertainment facility, is two floors and 41,500 square feet of basketball exuberance. It houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, where visitors can honor college basketball legends and learn about the history of the game. But The CBE is not just a place where you go and look. Virtually every skill of the game has an activity station – rebounding, passing, three-point shooting, free throw shooting, and more. 

Hannah Scott said:  If anyone in your family is into college basketball, you can't leave Kansas City without checking out the CBE! Each area features a different interactive experience -- like a slam dunk court, a buzzer beater court, an opportunity to see yourself on TV as a basketball commentator, and much much more! The CBE is also home to the National College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Full disclosure: I am not a sports fan in the slightest, and I still had a blast at the CBE!

Sea Life Kansas City is an interactive aquarium, home to over 5,000 creatures showcased across approximately a dozen themed exhibits, including a 180° underwater tunnel where you can encounter sharks, rescued sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, rays, and more. The attraction also offers hands‑on touch pools and educational experiences such as daily talks and live feedings, making it a family‑friendly marine adventure in downtown Kansas City

Kaleidoscope is a free, hands-on art studio in downtown Kansas City where kids ages 4–12 can explore creativity using recycled Hallmark materials and Crayola supplies in a fun, open-ended environment.

Winstead's Steakburgers is an old-fashioned American diner serving burgers, soda-fountain treats & breakfast since 1940.

Hannah Scott said:  This burger joint is a greasy KC favorite your family will love. Their menu features diner staples like burgers, fries, chicken fingers, onion rings, and milkshakes. Order a skyscraper milkshake (the cherry flavor is the BEST), and it will be served in a giant vase. Needless to say, it's big enough to share with the whole table!

Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City is dedicated to providing STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – educational experiences for young children and their families. Wonderscope features 30,000 square feet of indoor exploration and 1/2 acre of year-round outdoor adventure, all with a unique Kansas City theme.

Country Club Plaza is a historic open-air shopping and dining destination in the heart of Kansas City. Established more than a century ago and stretching 15 city blocks, discover Spanish-inspired architecture in a lively atmosphere, offering everything from luxury shopping and local boutiques to exquisite restaurants.

Also a historic battlefield location, Loose Park is a local favorite for its open grassy area, beautiful ponds and trees, extensive rose garden, tennis courts, playgrounds, and splash pad. 

Visit more than 250 animals and birds, learn about growing flowers and vegetables, experience a Kanza Indian encampment or a one-room schoolhouse, and take a stroll through Main Street to the fishing pond.

Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City is a family‑friendly indoor waterpark resort in Kansas City featuring a 38,000‑square‑foot waterpark kept at about 84°F year‑round. The resort also offers lots of dry attractions: things like MagiQuest, arcade games, mini golf, and daily free activities (story time, arts & crafts, etc.). It has many suite options for families, themed rooms, and dining on site. It is located close to Legends Outlets and the Kansas Speedway.