34 things to do in Kansas City during your next trip

Prepare for your next trip to the Midwest by reading the best things to do in Kansas City.


Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri. It also ranks like the 29th most populated city in the United States, with more than 500,000 inhabitants.

As a rule, you can find them dispersed around the 100 barbecue restaurants located in the city, admiring its 200 fountains or absorbing local jazz. Funny fact: the city has its own special musical style. In the 1920's, "Kansas City Jazz"Emerged from the tradition of Big Band, ultimately transforming into Bebop rhythm that we recognize today.

The city also contains even more fountains than Rome, which is why many came to call it the city of Fontaines. If that is not enough to make you curious about the popular travel destination, be sure to continue reading below. We have collected a list of veryBest things to do in Kansas City!

Read this then:The 10 best states for summer trips.

Best things to do in Kansas City

Whether you travel with children, as a couple or do itsolo adventure, there are a lot to do in Kansas City, Mo. Refer to the list below when you assemble your route.

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

nelson atkins museum
Shutterstock / Ganeshkumar Durai

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art was opened for the first time in 1933 with funds given from the combined domains of William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins. Since then, the museum has focused its mission around the inclusiveness of "all groups, all breeds, all beliefs". The institution now houses more than 42,000 works of art, including creations that go back more than 5,000 years.

Sea Life Kansas City

Sea Life Kansas City
Twitter / @sealifekc

Sea Life Kansas City explains the only aquarium in the metropolis. There, you will find 11 breathtaking exhibitions and more than 5,000 sea creatures, of which you will even have the opportunity to feel and touch!

The aquarium also contains the only oceanic tunnel in the city, which offers an underwater experience of 180 degrees. Visitors have the opportunity to come "Face to Fun" with sharks, saved sea turtles and countless species of fish. They even offer an "activity path" for anyone aged 3 and over, so bonus points if you travel with children!

Legoland discovery center

legoland in Kansas City
Twitter / @ldckansascity

Speaking of things to do with children, the aquarium also connects to the Legoland Discovery Center, which contains a massive interior playground. You can even buy combo tickets for both attractions to save on costs. The Discovery Center also contains a 4D cinema, virtual reality experiences, rides and a replica of the city built from more than 1.5 million Lego bricks!

Downtown Kansas City

downtown Kansas City
Shutterstock / Panong1988

Make sure you take a break in formal attractions to explore the city center of Kansas City. Voted one of the America"Best city center" byForbes, the region is home to incredible skyscrapers, art deco architecture and historic neighborhoods.

Find a picturesque place and make a hole in one of the many metro restaurants (if you like barbecue, you are lucky - Kansas City is home to more than 100 restaurants in honor of the city's signature style). There are also tons of outdoor markets for purchases and people's observation.

18th & Vine Jazz District

18th & vine jazz district in Kansas City
Shutterstock / John Eric Jackson

While we are the subject of historical districts, the 18th and Vine is the place where the musical style signature of the city was born. Jazz music, also known as the only Aboriginal art form in America, has surfaced for the first time in the city in the 1920s. Residents continue to celebrate heritage today with a multitude of Lives of live music, jazz clubs, street festivals, etc. Some of the most discussed places to visit include the Mutual Musicians Foundation, the Blues and Jamin 'room at GEM.

Read this then:The 10 best national parks that must be on your list of buckets.

American Jazz Museum

american jazz museum
Shutterstock / Geoff Goldwain

American Jazz Museum of Kansas City is also located around the 18th and Vine. The place celebrates the heritage of jazz through exhibition, education and research. Visitors will appreciate interactive exhibitions and films, as well as live performances organized within the Museum's Jazz and Arts Center club.

Since the opening of its doors in 1997, the museum has welcomed thousands of students, academics, musicians and fans for more than 200 performances, education programs, exhibitions and community events.

Airline History Museum

national airline history museum in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Eqroy

Adding the list of many Kansas City museums is the airline history museum. There, you can inspect operational and retired planes, as well as flight simulators. Also save time for interactive exhibitions. In this way, you will leave with many new information on how the aeronautical industry has influenced the development of the city.

Some of the most impressive ships hosted at the National Airline History Museum include TWA Moonliner (a concept of passenger rocket), the Lockheed L-1049 constellation and the KC Eaglet.

Union station

union station in Kansas City
Shutterstock / AFN photography

For those who have not yet heard, Union Station has been nicknamed "Visual Voice" by Kansas City. Open for the first time in 1914, the railway also contains more than 100 years of history and attractions designed for all ages.

This is also where Science City takes place, which consists of more than 300 interactive exhibitions and STEM events. The other attractions include a planetarium, a cinema and a live show arts. Union Station also contains many shopping activities and restaurants to be appreciated.

Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City
Twitter / @boulevard_beer

Speaking of good places to eat, the Boulevard Brewing Company is a popular place to come for fresh and local beers. The Beer Hall also offers visits to groups interested in knowing more about the warehouse.

Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company is now recognized as one of the largest specialized brewers in Midwest. Inspired by a trip to Europe, the founder of the company prefers to use a combination of old and new brewing techniques. According to him, it is the only way to bring out the flavor, the aroma and the body from which beer lovers want.

Kansas City public library

kansas city public library
Shutterstock / Phototripminga

Often celebrated for its sumptuous outside, the Kansas City public library contains enough resources to serve the 1.7 million metropolitan residents of Greater Kansas City. Closed in 1873 for the first time, the institution is now used as a cultural center for the city and is often recognized for having helped to transform KC from a country city into a flourishing metropolis.

Museum of Contemporary Art Nerman

nerman museum of contemporary art
Twitter / @nermanmuseum

The Museum of Contemporary Art Nerman contains an internationally recognized collection of emerging and established artists. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors come to admire its many sculptures, paintings, ceramics and photography.

The art museum is also located on the Johnson County Community College campus in Overland Park, allowing classrooms, preparation areas and an impressive auditorium. In total, visitors will be able to explore 11 vast galleries dedicated to its temporary exhibitions and permanent collections.

Read this then:The 6 best destinations outside radar in the United States

Country Club Plaza

country club plaza in kansas city
Shutterstock / Mike Mahin

We told you that Kansas City was the city of the Fontaines, and that's where we deliver! Country Club Plaza is the Mecca of the city's purchases, made up of 15 blocks of store houses, restaurants, art exhibitions, etc. It also houses one of the most recognizable monuments in the city: the Fountain of Mill Creek Park. The structure was built in Paris in 1910 and brought to Kansas City a few decades later in 1951.

La Fontaine represents four heroic horsemen who supposedly represent four of the most powerful rivers in the world: the Mississippi river (repelling an alligator), the Volga river (with the bear), the Seine and the Rhine. It also contains four smaller children's moldings playing on fish. These figures are often called "dolphins".

Kansas City Zoo

kansas city zoo
Creators of Shutterstock / Wiretock

The Kansas City zoo opened its doors for the first time in 1909, with four lions, three monkeys, a wolf, a fox, a coyote, a badger, a lynx and an eagle, as well as a few other birds. Today, the zoo is recognized as one of the country's best zoos in the country. The sanctuary of the nature of 202 acres even includes cameras which allow individuals to have an overview of the animals of the house!

Pleasure worlds

world's of fun amusement park in kansas city
Twitter / @Worldsoffun

If you are afraid of lacking things to do in Kansas City, do not forget that a super fun amusement park exists within the limits of the city. The Worlds of Fun themed park covers more than 325 acres containing unique themed areas, a record water park, thrilling walks, as well as a all -inclusive seaside resort in case you need a place to crash.

The Missouri river

the Missouri River near Kansas City
Shutterstock / Kavram

Not only is the Missouri riverSuperb natural site, but it also houses many fun activities. The river market contains tons of stores, restaurants and museums. There are also a lot of military memorials and war to explore in the region. It is also a short distance by car from small picturesque cities and other historic sites.

The National Museum of the First World War and the Memorial

national world war one museum in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Eqroy

The National Museum and the Memorial of the First World War offer the largest and most complete collection of artifacts in the world of the time. The famous attraction of Kansas City contains exhibitions and educational programs. It also houses the Liberty Memorial, which remains an important symbol of freedom, courage and patriotism.

The Negro League Baseball Museum

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City
Twitter / @nlbmuseumkc

The Negro League Baseball Museum (NLBM) remains the only museum in the world that celebrates the history of African-American baseball players and their influence on social advancement in America. The museum is located in a 10,000 square feet house in the heart of 18th & Vine Jazz District.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

There, you will find memories and statues of some of the most historic players in the country. The establishment also offers education programs to promote literacy, celebrate art and even help children learn the art of well-being.

Read this then:The 10 best weekends you have to do.

The Kansas City symphony

kansas city sympony
Shutterstock / Paul Brady Photography

The Kansas City Symphony provides a major contribution to cultural life and the city community. Their free and low cost performance led by music director Michael Stern reach more than 70,000 people per year.

If you can, try to plan a visit during the holidays. Each year, the city welcomes tubachristmas, amusical celebration involving actors of different generations and skill levels. In the past, tradition has brought together up to 500 players at a time!

Lake Nature Center

owl at a nature center
Shutterstock / Alan Tunnicliffe

Supported by the Center des Parcs et Loisirs, this attraction of Kansas City offers a variety of wildlife and environmental science programs for families, children, school groups and adults.

Members of the Kansas City community can even turn to the Lakeside Nature Center for information on how to rehabilitate mammals, birds and reptiles, as well as the status of various community conservation projects.

The 1800 acres wooden park also houses the Kansas City zoo, the Starlight Theater, the Golf Blue River, the Golf Swope Golf course, a disc course, a Swope Park swimming pool, balls, balls, Picnic areas and a fishing pond.

Overland park arboretum

overland park in Kansas City
Creators of Shutterstock / Wiretock

The Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens of Overland Park contain more than 300 acres of education, leisure and cultural space. The gardens alone house more than 1,700 plant species. Nature lovers can also locate various landscapes, hiking trails and open property on the property. Education programs and a discovery garden are also available for those who travel with young children!

Kemper Contemporary Art Museum

Kemper Museum in Kansas City
Twitter / @kempermuseum

The Kemper Contemporary Art Museum represents another popular Kansas City museum. The institution opened its doors in 1994 and continues to develop its permanent collection of modern and contemporary art around the world.

There, you will find exhibitions, installations, conferences and workshops. These programs are designed for individuals of all ages, so there is even more incentive for parents to bring children.

Kansas City Speedway

Kansas City speedway
Shutterstock / Grundone media group

Kansas City Speedway is one of the most notorious attractions in the region. Here, visitors can take advantage of the thrills of Nascar at high speed. You can also book a campsite for VR to make a several days of experience. Prior concerts and pilot presentations are also available.

It is even possible to go to the track yourself. The Richard Petty Driving experience allows visitors to drive a Nascar racing car on a race track with three ovations of 1.5 mile with 17 to 20 degrees of bank during the turns. Sorry children, you need a valid driving license to take advantage of this activity, but you can drive as a passenger!

Read this then:10 American islands to add to your list of buckets - no required passport.

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

Ewing and Muriel Memorial Garden in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Jon Kraft

The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman commemorative garden serves as a final place of rest for its founders. It is also a part of the Greater Kauffman Foundation, a place where residents of Kansas City can run, walk, picnic and enjoy time outside (visitors take advantageFREE ENTRANCE). There is also a conference center to organize various events in the field.

Loose park

loose park
Shutterstock / MangPor2004

If you have not yet obtained your filling from the outside, head to Loose Park. There, you will find 75 acres of recreational land, with a municipal rose grove containing more than 3,000 flowers. The park has in fact a fairly important story behind it, after having served as a major site for the battle of Westport, where the Union forces in the region have confused the Confederates.

The Museum of Money

Money Museum in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Photo-Denver

This is true, we always add to our list of museums in Kansas City. Located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, visitors will learn how the bank deals with millions of dollars in currencies every day. They will also have the opportunity to hold a real golden bar, to see the historic collection of coins by Harry S. Truman and to explore a variety of digital exhibitions.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

actor at shoal creek living history museum
Twitter / @kcmoparks

The Shoal Creek Living history museum covers more than 80 acres of land, nestled in the Grand Hodge Park region. The museum contains 21 structures, including 17 authentic buildings from the 19th century which date back from 1807 to 1885. The land is open daily and the entrance is free.

Visitors are encouraged to embark on self -guided walking visits. As long as you avoid winter months, you probably have an overview of the wandering bison nearby. You can also visit the chickens of the cooperative behind the Maison des Promenades.

Kansas City river market

River Market in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Katherine Welles

Located in the city center, this urban market is crowded with local merchants selling exotic ingredients and homemade products. You can also enjoy a sitting experience in one of the many international restaurants,BRASSERIES AND BARS. The region even lends itself to hiking excursions as well as to the adventures of bicycle and pleasure navigation.

This "eclectic enclave" is full of stores, studios, art galleries and shop restaurants. The Crossroads Art District is also the place where you are going to make comedy shows, live theater and questions and answers with local artists. Make sure you keep an eye on the streets - the region is known for its creative murals and lane art.

Tom City Distillery

toms town distillery in kansas city
Twitter / @toms_town

The next step on our list is Tom's Town Distillery, one of the best Gin distilleries in the United States and Canada (that is to say according toJap). Head there to enjoy the tasting room, handcrafted cocktails and visits.

Read this then:8 reasons to visit Yellowstone National Park now.

Arrow stadium

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City
Shutterstock / Katherine Welles

Sports fanatics will not want to miss the opportunity to explore the Arrowhead stadium. The arena is home to Kansas City chiefs, although you don't need to go during match day to enjoy the field. Visitors can explore the event space of the stadium or walk in the honor room, which celebrates six decades of legendary players, unforgettable moments and two Lombardi trophies.

Penguin

penguin park in Kansas City
Twitter / @kcmoparks

PEGGUIN PARK has been under operation since 1957 after the acquisition of land by the city. Originally celebrated for its collection of statuettes, the park supervisor began to create other animals for space, such as a giraffe, an elephant and a kangaroo. During the holidays, the region floods families wishing to have an overview of its original "workshop" workshop. During the summer months, residents can enjoy their hiking trails, tennis courts and dog park.

Arabia steam museum

Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City
Twitter / @ArabiaSasasseamboat

The Arabia Steamboat Museum has been a popular attraction of Kansas City for over 25 years. The institution serves as a temporal capsule of life on the American border in the middle of the 19th century by hosting a certain number of daily objects that made life possible during the 1800s.

Each article has been saved from steam Arabia below. The ship could not survive the perilous travel on the Missouri river, which claimed nearly 400 other steam boats at the same time.

Temple of independence

independence temple in kansas city
Shutterstock / Jon Kraft

Independence Temple is a must of Kansas City. Not only does it serve as a place of worship, filled with historical works of art and a temple sanctuary with 1,600 seats, but it also fills an important part of the Kansas City horizon. The structure also has some of the most impressive architectures in the city, with award -winning stained glass, a 195 -foot spiral ceiling and a 102 -row organ of 5,685 pipes. There is even a chapel of meditation overlooking a landscape designed by master gardeners from Japan.

T-Mobile Center

t-mobile stadium in kansas city
Twitter / @tmobilecenter

Convenience known as the Sprint Center, this is the place to go to concerts and other major live events. The place also houses the university basketball experience, an interactive installation where fans of all ages can explore two authentic basketball exhibition stories to put their skills to the test.

Wrap

It may seem an in -depth list, but Kansas City has so much to offer! Do not hesitate to deviate from our itinerary and simply wander around the metropolis, taking the art, music and culture of the city as you wish. If you are looking for something a little more structured, there are many activities designed for children and adults. From family trips to romantic escapades, the "City of Fontaines" will appeal to a little of everyone.

Be sure to check soon with us.Travel, supported byBetter life, is committed to helping you find your next adventure. Register for our bulletinFor advice supported by experts to navigate our favorite American destinations!

Faq

What is the number one attraction in Kansas City?

Although it is difficult to reduce it to a single attraction, the historic jazz district of the 18th and Vine remains one of the most famous regions of the city. The region has become a popular relocation area for black families leaving the districts decaying by the Missouri river. In addition to its musical roots, the district is also known for culture surrounding barbecue, baseball and blues.

Where should I go for a weekend in Kansas City?

If you only have one weekend in Kansas City, you should do your best to discover live jazz music, take advantage of the authentic barbecue cuisine and press visits to admire the historic fountains of the city . The city also houses certain world class museums, including the Nelson Atkins Museum, the American Jazz Museum and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

What are the funny things to do with Kansas City children?

Kansas City offers a host of activities to any family. From Science City to Legoland Discovery Center, there are tons of spots designed with children in mind. Other sites, such as Union Station and Crown Center, offer family places to eat, shop and explore together.

What are the things to do in Kansas City for adults?

Adults have a lot to do when visiting Kansas City. Not only is the city known for its places of live music, but there are also tons of opportunities for bar and visit breweries. In fact, Kansas City was celebrated for maintaining one of the best scenes of nightlife in Midwest.

Is there anything to do in Kansas City for couples?

Couples can enjoy a wide range of activities in Kansas City, romantic walks in city parks to a more lively evening in town. The city is also filled with local markets where couples can shop, eat and look at people. If there is an art lover in the mixture, you should go to one of the city's world class museums in the city. Or, if the story is more your scene, you can enjoy one of the many walking visits to the most important places in the city.


Categories: Travel
The 18 best romantic comedies on Netflix right now
The 18 best romantic comedies on Netflix right now
10 most relaxing ways to relax after a long day
10 most relaxing ways to relax after a long day
10 things you only understand if you were adopted
10 things you only understand if you were adopted