Located in Western Missouri, Kansas City is the largest city as far as the area and the populations of the places in Missouri are concerned. Founded in the year 1838, Kansas City became a major trading nerve center and developed into one of the first metropolitan cities. It became an incorporated town on June 1, 1850, and then a city on March 28, 1853. Since it is also home to over 200 water features, this city has also been renowned known as “the city of fountains”.
In favor of other larger towns such as Chicago and St. Luis, Kansas City’s name is most often overlooked but this should not discourage you from visiting this unique piece destination because what Kansas City lacks in size makes up for it in its character through its rich cultural heritage and history, alluring hot-spots, world-class attractions, extraordinary restaurants and many more. Owing to this it is safe to say that there are a lot of things to do in Kansas City.
1. The City of Fountains
From its rich historical background and majestic culture to a range of different top-notch eateries serving you classic delicacies and adding other activities like shopping in the city market and marveling with awe and getting an inquisitive state of mind being derided by uncountable questions at the science city to thrilling river cruises at the Missouri river, to National WWI Museum for the history nerds, Kansas City surely becomes a destination you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Also owing to its surprisingly diverse feature it brings you exciting theme parks to visit with your children and family along with remarkable barbecue joints and as already stated above, top-notch restaurants to award-winning world-class museums such as the American Jazz Museum, Airline History Museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum of Toys and Miniature, National WWI Museum and Memorial, Money Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Arabia Steam Boat Museum for you to marvel at making it all a fun Kansas City attraction and this entire journey a worthwhile experience.
Therefore, if you want to visit Kansas City and discover more about this antique place, listed below are the top 10 things to do in Kansas City.
2. Things to do in Kansas City
One can unlock innumerable fun things to do in this vibrant city. From visiting Swope Park to the Lakeside Nature Center to African Sky Safari and African Art Collection at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art to watching the beautiful city skyline, Kansas City brings all of your imagination to life.
3. 10 Things to Do in Kansas City
From mind-boggling tourist attractions to iconic Kansas City landmarks to informative nature centers, world-class museums, and soul-gratifying food joints, Kansas City has everything for everyone.
Therefore, join me in this odyssey of unraveling this remarkable destination.
Cited below are the 10 top things to do in Kansas City.
3.1 Visit the World-Class Museums of Kansas City
Kansas City other than being a fun tourist attraction also has been a hub for world-class museums. Therefore for all the history aficionados out there, this small city might just prove to be one remarkable treasure trove.
Here are the listed few museums of Kansas City which stand out from the rest.
3.1.1 Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
Location: 4525 Oak St
Known for its encyclopedic collection of contemporary art from almost all corners of the world, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is one of the most popularly visited National Museum of Kansas City.
Under its roof, you will be able to witness various artifacts spanning the second millennium BC. One of its rarest antiquities includes the coffin of Meret-it-es, an Egyptian item from the second millennium BC as well as artifacts from Greek, Byzantine, and Far Eastern can be found here.
The African Art collection spanning from the time of over 2500 years consists of over 400 relics. These artifacts are made of materials ranging from wood to ivory.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art’s collection of European art dating back from the Middle Ages to the 1800s (focusing on 19th-century Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings along with 17th-century Italian Baroque Art ) instills among its viewers a sense of inspiration and sparks of unknown emotions.
The museum also comes with Donald J. Hall Sculpture Garden that displays 35 magnificent ‘shuttlecocks’ curated by a couple named Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, who were both artists.
Thus, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is not just a museum to wander about but also a priceless experience where you get to appreciate the cultural and creative diversity of the city.
3.1.2 National WWI Museum and Memorial
Location: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City
Located at the foot of the Liberty Memorial is the National WWI Museum and Memorial; an impressive Egyptian Revival-style monument that is dedicated to 1928’s world war martyrs.
The museum holds a wide range of artifacts, videos, documents, and other historical items and testimonials that have been collected between the span of 1920 to the present.
The WWI Museum showcases some of the most personal and tragic stories of patriotism, courage, heroism, war fatalities, and its impacts globally.
The relic’s exhibit includes a Renault FT-17 tank that was mutilated by a German shell, guns, and some personal belongings of the soldiers. Its prime highlight remains the re-creation of the crater that was formed after a howitzer round struck a French farmhouse. One is allowed to inspect the crater and experience the trenches through recreated scenes.
The National World War I Museum is also ranked as the world’s second oldest public museum dedicated to First World War and has been designated as a National Memorial by the former American President, Barrack Obama in 2014.
Hence, visiting this museum won’t just be another place to tick off of your destination list but also pay homage to the tragic ends of the war.
3.1.3 National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Location: 5235 Oak St
Opened in the year 1982, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is among the top Kansas City attractions.
Housing more than 15,000 items from across the globe that includes figurines, train models, dolls, lifelike miniatures etc., all crafted with intricate detailing, this place is a thorough delight to people of all ages.
Among its most impressive items are a 1955 Singer sewing machine miniature, a tiny ornate cabinet made of ebony and gold and Queen Anne-style dolls dating back to 1750.
Other highlights include Agate marbles, a set of lead soldiers, and Ovaltine’s 1938 Telematic Radio Orphan Annie Pin.
A visit to this museum is not just going to be a treat for the eyes but also a significant reminder regarding how toys have come to play a very crucial role for as long as one can remember.
3.1.4 National Airline History Museum
Location: 201 NW Lou Holland Dr
The National Airline History Museum is the best place to visit especially for aviation enthusiasts.
The museum offers interactive exhibits along with operational and retired aircraft and flight simulators.
Its primary attraction remains the TWA Moonliner, a scale liner of the famous passenger rocket designed by Howard Huges, Walt Disney, and Wernher Von Braun, as well as vessels like the Boeing 727-223 and Curtis Condor.
Therefore, whilst visiting the National Airline History Museum you’ll not just be able to see some of the finest aircraft ever built but also witness how and why aviation has been one of the greatest achievements of humankind.
3.1.5 Arabia Steamboat Museum
Location: 400 Grand Blvd
Want to know about the life during the 19th century? Then visiting the Arabia Steamboat Museum is just the place for you,
After the Arabia Steamboat sank in the Missouri River in 1856, it was recovered only after 132 years in the year 1988.
The recovery of the boat brought to light life before the pre-civil war. The materials recovered have now been displayed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
Some of the notable items on display include toys, tools, China sets, and the oldest known pickles.
Thus, Arabia Steamboat Museum provides you with an exemplary example of what life used to be like before modern industrialization knocked on the doors of humanity.
3.1.6 Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Location: 4420 Warwick Blvd
The city market is the best place to visit for any connoisseur of art; the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1994, shows how impressive and inspiring modern art can be.
It contains breathtaking installations and exhibitions which serve as an element of fascination for every art lover.
It hoards pieces by famous sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz, photographer Tina Barney and painter Francis Bacon.
It also holds interactive exhibits, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions of local and national emerging artists.
Thus, visiting the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art makes one realize that creativity has no boundaries and consequently may also give life and shape to one’s imagination.
3.2 Explore the Union Station
Location: 30 W Pershing Rd
Built-in 1914, the Union Station could hold up to 10,000 people.
It was closed in 1980 for renovation purposes and reopened in 1999; the Union Station now has marked itself as one of the most beautiful places in Downtown Kansas City.
This, once a train stop, has now transformed into a beacon of entertainment, culture, and dining.
Within this impressive edifice, you get to visit unique attractions like the Regnier Extreme Screen Theater, Science City, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, and the City Stage Theater.
The Union Station also comes with a range of rotating art, and history exhibits, and an abundance of restaurants, stores, and chic boutiques.
Although renovated, this transit hub has been restored to its original 1920s grandeur, making the Union Station a must-visit, especially for its history and preservation.
3.3 Stop at the World of Fun
Location: 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave
Inspired by Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’, World of Fun, a mind-boggling amusement park, is one of the top Kansas City attractions to tick off of your bucket list.
This amusement park comes with countless rides that you and your family would love to experience. Its top attraction is the roller coaster.
Timberwolf, Detonator, Falcon’s Flight, Patriot, and Bamboozler are some of the top thrilling experience that you are bound to remember.
The World of Fun also comes with an aquatic attraction called the “Ocean of Fun”.
It includes super exciting water slides, a wave pool, and rides that you would love to check out.
This extraordinary fusion of the World of Fun and Ocean of Fun offers great family-friendly entertainment, making it one of top Kansas City classics that you would not want to miss.
3.4 Witness the Top City’s Attraction at LEGOLAND
Location: 2475 Grand Blvd
Looking for a fun-filled place that your kids would love to spend a day at? LEGOLAND comes to your rescue.
Located inside Kansas City’s Crown Center is LEGOLAND, one of the top family attractions.
A precise replica of the city called “MINILAND” is displayed here using more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks.
All of the city’s remarkable edifices including the Union Station, the World War I Memorial, the County Club Plaza, the Crown Center, and Arrowhead Stadium are represented in the models.
One can also have an interactive session with expert builders and also attend courses suited to their preferences.
Visitors can also see a range of presentations at 4D Cinema throughout the day where each show delivers a comprehensive experience.
What’s more, there are interactive rides such as “Kingdom Quest” which allows riders to attack the criminals who have kidnapped the princess, and “Ninjago” (training camp) a laser maze with a variety of physical tasks.
“The Merlin’s Apprentice” a virtual reality allows kids to experience what it feels like to fly.
Thus, taking your children to LEGOLAND may be the finest thing you can do.
3.5 Take a Trip to the SEA LIFE Aquarium
Location: 2475 Grand Blvd
Housed in the same Crown Center as LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE Aquarium is a beautiful marine museum that has a 260,000 gallon-tank with a walk-through ocean tunnel.
Inside the opaque tunnel, visitors to the Tropical Ocean Exhibit can encounter sharks, sea turtles, piranhas, and other aquarium species.
One of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits is the Sea Turtle Rescue Center, which is home to many rescued green sea turtles.
The aquarium’s “Touchpool Experience” allows a visitor to interact with the animals where spectators may hold sea life like starfish and sea urchins.
“Doodle Reef” is a terrific spot for aspiring artists since youngsters can watch their creations come to life there.
Therefore, the SEA LIFE Aquarium is a fantastic destination for a family weekend outing in Missouri.
3.6 Enlighten Yourself at the Kansas City Public Library
Location: 14 W 10th St
Established in 1873, this renowned Kansas City Public Library is nothing like any other library.
It has the most unique facade of giant bookshelves of 25×9 foot books depicting classics like “The Invisible Man”, “Catch-22” “Fahrenheit 451” and “Lord of the Rings” among others.
The library is a storehouse of books, original and published materials, photographs, postcards, journals, pamphlets, and a collection of Kansas City’s local history.
You can also learn about the stunning architecture that transformed the former ‘First National Bank’ into one of the country’s best libraries.
Hence, visiting the Kansas City Public Library not just offers” insta-worthy” spots but also provides a wide range of titles for visitors of all ages to explore.
3.7 Immerse Yourself in the Melodious American Jazz Museum
Location: 1616 E 18 St
Located in the Historic Jazz district of Kansas City is the American Jazz Museum.
The American Jazz Museum chronicles the history of Kansas City jazz from its origin to the present, making it one of the most indulged attractions in Kansas City for music and history aficionados.
In addition to a remarkable permanent collection that includes classics like Duke Ellington’s grand piano and Charlie Parker’s saxophone, the museum offers interactive exhibits, performances, and films.
The museum has also showcased memorabilia, personal belongings, and album covers of Jazz giants like Charlie Parker, Big Joe Turner, Count Basic, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Other exhibits feature listening stations, mixing boards live music, and movies.
In addition, the museum is also home to the 1912 Gem Theater, which has been completely restored, and the Blue Room, a jazz club with live music several evenings a week.
Thus, visiting the American Jazz Museum will be one of the most unique and fun things to do in Kansas City, MO, where you will be immersed in all facets of jazz.
3.8 Stop by the Country Club Plaza
Location: 4706 Broadway Blvd
The 1920s Country Club Plaza is an auto-centric area where Spanish architectural influences may be seen through murals, statues and mosaics.
The “season of lights” adorns the neighborhood with dazzling lights during the week of Thanksgiving.
One of the best fun activities is a drive to Country Club Plaza for shopping where the plaza provides an array of high-end brands, such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Kendra Scott.
Even if you don’t prefer shopping, Country Club Plaza offers a lot of entertainment.
One may eat at one of the many restaurants there, including Rye, the Classic Cup, and Gram & Dun, all of which serve delectable and inviting Midwestern food.
You may also engage in interesting attractions like live music and art exhibits.
Therefore, Country Club Plaza caters to everyone, regardless of their interests.
3.9 Visit the Kansas City Zoo
Location: 6800 Zoo Dr
Home to more than 1700 animals of all kinds, sizes and origin, the beloved Kansas City Zoo is popular among both children and adults.
The Kansas City Zoo has grown to be a popular family destination in the vicinity making it one of the fun things to do in Kansas City.
Home to about 200 different species from across the world, its inhabitants include African elephant, marsupials, tigers, leopards, giraffes and numerous primate species such as rare and endangered orangutans, blue chimps, gorillas and others.
The Kansas City Zoo also includes amazing replica ecosystems of nature center the African Savanna, Tropical Rainforest, Aussie Outback and Asian Mountainside. However, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza is the highlight among others.
The Helzberg Penguin Plaza offers a spectacular ecosystem made of ice and stones that strongly resembles their natural habitat. In addition there are eight disguised nesting boxes hidden among the rocks where the penguins nurture their young ones.
Further attraction include a 1,300-gallon jellyfish tank and 20,000 gallon “Touch Tank” where white spotted bamboo sharks and southern and Cownose stingrays thrive.
Therefore, a trip to the Kansas City Zoo allows you to witness plethora of amazing species and interact with some animals.
3.10 Amaze Yourself with the Most Unusual Form of Art at Leila’s Hair Museum
Location: 1333 S Noland Rd
Think you’ve seen all that the city has to offer? It’s about time you visit another odd yet fascinating gem of Kansas City- Leila’s Hair Museum.
Named after curator Leila Cohoon, the museum showcases the brilliance of hair art dating back to the 17th century.
The museum educates and reflects on a vast alluring history of the evolution of hair and how it has been inculcated into the art of jewelry making.
In the museum you will witness more than 2000 stunning pieces of wreaths and jewelry crafted from hair including necklaces and brooches.
Therefore, visiting Kansas City’s Leila’s Hair Museum is going to be one of the most unique experiences as it will not just astound you but also educate you to a form of art that you might’ve never known of.
4. Conclusion
Given above are 10 fascinating things to do in Kansas City that is bound to take you on a voyage which is going to be etched in your memory for as long as you can remember.
Apart from the listed above you can also indulge yourself in other activities like visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for all the ardent baseball fans, Money Museum to educate oneself about the astounding history and the brilliant and significant role that money has played since the beginning of time.
One can also immerse themselves in the Kansas City community’s lively environment enjoying the live music of several food joints at the evening or take a stroll around the Kansas city community’s most vibrant parks such as the Penguin Park, Swope Park, Mill Creek Park, Loose Park or various other Kansas City outdoor activities that this amazing place has to offer. One can also catch a show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts or shop at the famous River Market.
Hence, it can be summed up by stating that the Kansas City even though smaller in comparison to other holiday destinations, might still be able to give you an experience of a lifetime and a bag full of memories to cherish for the rest of your life.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani