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Kid-friendly activities in Kansas City

We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Kansas City has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.

Photo of the Museum at Prairiefire for kids

What would make your hair stick up like that? Only one way to know...

Photo via Science City

Table of Contents

We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Worlds of Fun to hidden gems like Yaya’s Alpaca Farm, there’s something in KC for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 36 kid-friendly activities around Kansas City.

🎨 All about the arts

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., KCMO | 🎟️ $160-$500 family memberships available
Whether you are strolling an exhibit or checking out the studio art classes, the Nelson has something for the whole family (even mini golf).

Kaleidoscope, 2501 McGee St., KCMO | 🎟️ Free
This art making space is for kids 14 and under to get their creative juices flowing using Hallmark materials + Crayola supplies.

Creative Culture KC, two locations | 🎟️ Prices vary
Drink milkshakes and paint pottery with the whole family at this super sweet art studio.

What If Puppets Theater, 300 E. 39th St., KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
Take your little ones to see a show, or check out its online resource library.

The Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Check out a production, take your little talent to audition, or participate in a workshop to try something new.

Photo of Nelson-Atkins in spring

Nelson-Atkins Museum is open Thursday-Monday. | Photo by @mikedayphotography

🌳 Great outdoors

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd., KCMO | 🎟️ Buy tickets here
Visit 250+ animals and birds, learn about growing flowers, and and take a stroll to the fishing pond.

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Dr., KCMO | 🎟️ $185-$355 family memberships available
The zoo is full of un-fur-gettable opportunities fit for the whole pack.

Cave Spring Park, 8701 E. Gregory Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Free
Check out 4.5 miles of winding trails to get the family outdoors.

Zip KC, 12829 Loring Rd., Bonner Springs, KS | 🎟️ Prices vary
This one is for the thrill-seekers in your family (don’t worry, there’s on-ground opportunities for the less daring).

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS | 🎟️ Prices vary
Sign the kids up for on-site programming, including these summer options.

🍽️ Foodie families

Donutology, 1009 Westport Rd., KCMO
Customize your own freshly made donuts with different icings, toppings, and drizzles.

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, multiple locations
Order your food with a telephone and watch it come to your table by an overhead train.

The Culinary Center of Kansas City, 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | 🎟️ Prices vary
Get your kiddo involved in the kitchen with the Junior Chef classes.

Chicken N Pickle, multiple locations
Get the whole family active with pickleball, play some yard games, and enjoy a delicious meal.

Taste Bud Kitchen, 5336 W. 151st St., Leawood, KS
From classes and camps to birthday parties — this spot has everything for your little chef.

🧠 Educational activities

Photo of inside Science City

Science City is huge — have you been?

Photo by KCtoday

Science City, Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Take the entire crew to see the wonders of science firsthand.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum, 7000 NE Barry Rd., KCMO | 🎟️ Free self-guided tour, $5 events
Check out 21 structures with 13 authentic 19th century buildings.

National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
See the exhibitions and stop at the top of the memorial grounds for a family photo with the Kansas City skyline backdrop.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak St., KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
Show your kiddos toys + miniatures dating back to the 1800s.

The College Basketball Experience, 1401 Grand Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
Experience the history of college basketball with exhibits like the Hall of Fame and Gallery of Honor.

🎳 Indoor adventures

The Rabbit hOle, 919 E. 14th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Classic children’s literature is brought to life with three floors of immersive, multi-sensory adventures.

Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This interactive astronomy education experience puts on public shows + telescope viewing opportunities.

Legoland Discovery Center, 2475 Grand Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
The attractions here will leave you Lego-loving little ones jaw dropped.

iFly, 10975 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | 🎟️ Prices vary
Experience the sensation of flying in these state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels.

Great Wolf Lodge, 10401 Cabela Dr., Kansas City, KS | 🎟️ Prices vary
Enjoy the indoor water park all year round.

Sealife, 2475 Grand Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Explore the underwater world with the entire family.

Museum at Prairiefire, 5801 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | 🎟️ Family memberships available
This natural history, culture, and science museum has interactive programs for adults and children. Our favorite part is the T. rex skelaton.

🎢 Thrill-seeking fun

Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
From train cars for tiny tots to the giant 205-ft tall Mamba, there’s a roller coaster for every kind of rider.

Power Play, 509 NW Barry Rd. KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
This arcade features everything from ziplines and bowling to Go-Karts and carnival rides.

FlipSwitchVR, 2021 Washington St., KCMO | 🎟️ $30-$35 per person
Go inside the game with this fully-immersive virtual reality multiplayer experience.

Game Show Battle Rooms, 10520 Metcalf Ln., Overland Park, KS | 🎟️ $35 per person
Face-off with your family in an ultimate game show with live hosts.

BRKTHROUGH, 6403 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | 🎟️ $29-$39 per person
Test your skills and teamwork with 40 unique + immersive high-tech challenge rooms.

🤝 Sensory-friendly playgrounds

Photo of DR MLK JR sign at the park.

This park was made possible by a $1 million donation from Patrick Mahomes’ foundation.

Photo by KCtoday

Hospital Hill Park, Gillham Road and E. 22nd Street, KCMO
Right in front of Children’s Mercy Park is the Sybil Silkwood Nutter Inclusive Playground — frequently used by therapists treating patients with social and physical exercises.

Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS
This 66-acre park is fitted with an inclusive playground, plus amenities like sand volleyball courts and tennis courts.

Field of Dreams, N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS
The whole family can hit a home run at this baseball-themed playground.

Shawnee Mission Park Playground, 17431 80th Terr., Shawnee, KS
Check out the double decker sphere that spins and the water mister on the hotter days.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Woodland Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, KCMO
The new park, in partnership with 15 and the Mahomies, features sensory and physical play modules and an all-weather surface.

🎶 Movin’ and groovin’

American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
This museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films.

Kansas City Symphony, Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO | 🎟️ Season tickets available
Take the kids to experience the beautiful sounds of the symphony.

Kansas City Young Audiences, 3732 Main St., KCMO | 🎟️ Prices vary
Get your kids involved in various art classes and camps.

School of Rock Kansas City, 1315 East St., Parkville, MO | 🎟️ Prices vary
Get your little rock star involved in this group music experience.

Base Academy of Music, 31 W. 31st St., KCMO | 🎟️ Sign up to see prices
This organization removes barriers for families to help students play their first notes and experience the joy + benefits of playing an instrument.

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