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30 Fun & Best Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is a beautiful city featuring more than 200 fountains, which gave the town the nickname The City of Fountains. Additionally, this unique town has more boulevards than Paris and more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States.

With so much beauty, history, and uniqueness, visiting Missouri offers a fulfilling vacation experience complete with critically acclaimed restaurants, high-end hotels, unique museums, and much more. Plus, many locations throughout the city have beautiful views of the Missouri River.

Are you curious yet? Continue reading to learn more about visiting the area, including some of the more popular and less popular attractions. Remember, no matter what you choose, there are many wonderful things to do in Kansas City, Missouri. 

TL;DR

  • Most significant landmark – National WWI Museum and Memorial
  • Best park – Jacob L.Loose Park
  • Best free activity – Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Best activity for kids – Kansas City Zoo
  • Best activity for adults – Boulevard Brewing Company
  • Best food – Jack Stack Barbecue
  • Best nightlife – Green Lady Lounge or Up-Down KC
  • Best all-around accommodation – The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri

1. National World War I Museum and Memorial

National World War I Museum & Memorial in Saint Louis, MO
SeanPavonePhoto / Adobe Stock

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108

Originally opening in 1926 as the Liberty Memorial, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a must-visit in the area. This monument and national World War I museum, managed by the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, focuses on multiple global events from the first World War through the Paris Peace Conference.

This 32,000-square-foot national museum facility has a glass bridge that travels over a field of 9,000 red poppies, where each poppy represents 1,000 combatant deaths during the first World War

The National World War I Museum also features two main galleries with period artifacts, including a Renault FT tank, uniforms, a 1917 Harley-Davidson Model J motorcycle, and General John J. Pershing’s headquarters flag. 

See Related: Best Places to Travel in Your 20s in the US

2. Roanoke Park

Roanoke Park playground area
Roanoke Park / Facebook

Address: 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, MO 64111

Roanoke Park is one of the best parks in the area, offering visitors wooded hills for exploring, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and wide-open green spaces. In addition to being family-friendly, this park is very pet-friendly, with off-leash dog park areas and plenty of room for your fur babies to exercise. 

For visitors wanting to learn more about the history of Kansas City, Roanoke Park is one of the best places to visit to experience how the locals experience the community’s history. Residents view the park as a place to go to celebrate historical events and it is the location where many prominent residents built some of the original homes in the area.

Many of these homes date back to the early 1800s, with many restored or replaced in the early 1900s. Several of these properties were donated to the city to be included in the park and the land today is now a part of the highly-visited park in the community.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Fatehr and child in LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center / Facebook

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center offers families an indoor entertainment center and a fun amusement park where kids can enjoy LEGO rides, a 4D cinema, and a soft play area.

This location is one of the best places for families to visit and experience together. It even includes a DUPLO Village, an amusement park for younger children, a play slide, animal models, and plenty of DUPLO bricks for building unique creations. The store at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a gift shop with more than 900 products, perfect for picking out a souvenir to extend your LEGO vacation experience. 

After a long day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center with the kids, plan to stay at the nearby La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, where you can put the kids to sleep and relax before another busy day of exploring the city. 

See Related: Best Family Vacations on a Budget

4. Jack Stack Barbecue

Jack Stack Barbecue outdoor tables
Jack Stack Barbecue / Facebook

With many locations around the city, Jack Stack Barbecue is the place for a traditional and exceptional Kansas City BBQ. The best thing is that Jack Stack Barbecue believes in making history with hickory.

They more than succeed with their melt-in-your-mouth barbecue creations served with various sides, including the delicious Cheesy Corn Bake, Fire-Kissed Wings, Southern Jack Sandwich, and the Taste of Kansas City includes spare pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and fire-kissed wings.

This restaurant has over 65 years of experience creating a time-honored cooking tradition allowing you to select your favorite meats, sides, and desserts. This restaurant is a must-experience in Kansas City, so when you need a break and something to eat, stop by Jack Stack Barbecue for an excellent meal.

5. Howl at the Moon

Customers in Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon / Facebook

Address: 1334 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106

Are you looking for fun and exciting nightlife? If so, check out Howl at the Moon, where you and your friends can enjoy live bands and daily drink specials, perfect for special events, such as bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and corporate events. The best thing about Howl at the Moon is that this entertainment venue is part bar, part concert hall.

At Howl at the Moon, you will experience the best of the best in late-night entertainment and clubbing. Discover where the locals go for late-night music and entertainment by planning to visit Howl at the Moon. It’s something you don’t want to miss out on. 

6. Kansas Speedway

Aerial drone photo of an oval auto speedway for racing
Miralem / Adobe Stock

Address: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111

The Kansas Speedway is across the state line in Kansas, but close enough to still enjoy all the racing excitement when staying in Missouri. The Speedway is a must-visit for racing enthusiasts because this 1.5-mile tri-oval track in the Village West area hosts two annual NASCAR weekends, IndyCar Series races, and more. So if you love racing or need speed, this location is something you want to take advantage of. 

Plus, when there isn’t a race planned at the Kansas Speedway, you can book a Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you are put in the driver’s seat of an authentic race car. The Richard Petty Driving Experience puts you in the driver’s seat behind a NASCAR race car for a 1.5-mile dash around the tri-oval race track of the Kansas Speedway, complete with 17 to 20 degrees of banking in the turns. 

During your driving experience, you will receive instructions and guidance from a spotter dispatched over the in-car radio. Or, if you prefer, the Richard Petty Driving Experience can put you in the passenger’s seat as an experienced NASCAR race car instructor takes you around the track for a once-in-a-lifetime racing experience. 

The Great Wolf Lodge is next to the speedway and is the perfect place to stay for the whole family. Everyone will have plenty of activities to participate in while being close to the amazing raceway experiences.

See Related: Best Holiday Destinations for Couples

7. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Exterior view of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
Giban / Adobe Stock

Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Art enthusiasts do not want to miss out on a day of exploring and discovering at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is best known for its comprehensive collection of contemporary art from every continent and culture, including its extensive collection of Asian art.

Admission to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free and worth adding to your itinerary when in the area. You will love the fantastic paintings, photography, antique furniture, statues, glazed pottery, and more. Finally, the museum provides multiple different tours, including adult and university tours, school and youth tours, and tours conducted entirely in American Sign Language.

8. Country Club Plaza

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain at the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City
Eifel Kreutz / Adobe Stock

Address: 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112

Developed in 1922 as the nation’s first suburban shopping district, Country Club Plaza is the place to go shopping, with an open-air public art gallery, fountains, murals, and more.

This 55-acre site is set four miles south of the downtown Kansas City area, providing visitors a place to explore everything from dining to entertainment and shopping to culture in one location. Country Club Plaza is one of the more popular locations for visitors to explore, especially when wanting to experience everything possible in one place. 

To make a visit to the Country Club Plaza even more fun, we recommend this exciting Kansas City Segway Tour that departs from the plaza. The best thing about exploring Country Club Plaza is staying at the Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza and spending multiple days exploring the area, ensuring you get all the benefits. 

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri

9. Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo in autumn Missouri
Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132

No visit to Kansas City is complete without a visit and tour at the 202-acre Kansas City Zoo, nestled in Swope Park. The zoo features more than 1,700 animals over more than 200 species, as well as a number of featured exhibits such as the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Stingray Bay, and Orangutan Canopy. There is something to do for everyone in your traveling party, including kids’ activities, animal encounters, and educational opportunities.

The zoo runs a number of events and programs throughout the year, including the Penguin March, International Polar Bear Weekend, the Teddy Bear Clinic, as well as Girl Scout Day, Cub Scout Night at the Zoo, and Easter Egg-fari, among others. Be sure to check their calendar of events when planning your trip.

10. American Jazz Museum

American Jazz Museum exhibit
American Jazz Museum / Facebook

Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City is dedicated to preserving American jazz music’s history through exhibits featuring the works of Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and others.

The best thing about the American Jazz Museum is that it is set within a fully functioning jazz club, The Blue Room, where you can enjoy live performances several nights a week after enjoying the many exhibits the museum houses. The American Jazz Museum is a hidden historical and cultural gem within Kansas City and a must-visit for music lovers when traveling through the area. 

11. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum exhibit
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum / Facebook

Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is housed in the same location as the American Jazz Museum and features the history of African American baseball, including many displays and exhibits showcasing photographs, newspaper clippings, sports equipment, and uniforms.

Founded in Kansas City to honor African American baseball, this museum was started by members of the Kansas City Monarchs in 1990. If you love baseball history or want to learn more about the African American roots in Kansas City, a visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must when you are exploring the area.

12. National Airline History Museum

View of the National Airline History Museum building
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Address: 201 NW Lou Holland Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116

Set within the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, the National Airline History Museum features many unique historical artifacts and stories set within the aviation museum. Exhibits in the museum include numerous aircraft, including the Martin 404, the Douglas DC-3, the Lockheed Super “G” Constellation, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, and a replica of TWA’s corporate Moonliner II. 

In addition to housing historical artifacts and aircraft, the National Airline History Museum has a multipurpose simulator, providing an opportunity for visitors to try their hands at flying various airplanes. The pre-programmed multi-purpose simulator can simulate aircraft ranging from WWI single-engine bi-planes to modern-day jumbo jets and supersonic fighters. More experienced simulator pilots can even experience the thrill of flying the Lockheed Super G Constellation N6937C.

See Related: Best Museums in the US to Visit

13. Union Station

Kansas City Union Station skyline
Sean Pavone / Shuttertsock

Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Union Station in Kansas City is an architectural masterpiece and an excellent place for adventure. Many locals and visitors spend significant time exploring and enjoying their time in this fantastic location. In addition, visitors of all ages from around the globe visit this area for memorable and magical moments during their Kansas City vacation. 

The ultimate goal for this destination is to provide a lifelong learning center for civic celebration. Many exhibits, including permanent and traveling, are on display at Union Station, making this the perfect location for travelers of all ages to visit, admire, and learn. 

To ensure you have enough time to explore Union Station, book your hotel stay at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center next door. The hotel has many activities, including a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, outdoor heated swimming pool, track, and tennis courts. For some excellent bars within walking distance of the hotel, check out either the Green Lady Lounge, which offers live music nightly or Up-Down KC, an arcade bar with more than 50 games from the ’80s and ’90s.

14. SEA LIFE Kansas City

SEA LIFE Aquarium, Kansas City
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium / Viator

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

SEA LIFE Kansas City offers visitors an interactive aquarium set at the Crown Center and is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, as well as interactive exhibits, touch pools, and a 360° ocean tunnel. You do not want to miss out on getting up close to marine creatures, including blacktip reef sharks, clownfish, green sea turtles, giant Pacific octopuses, and starfish. 

The facility also helps with several conservation activities, including seahorse breeding, seal rescues, re-homing of aquatic creatures, and through the efforts of their Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Make sure to stop by SEA LIFE Kansas City for up-close interaction with their sea life and to learn more about the many conservation efforts this facility helps with. 

15. Jacob L. Loose Park

Statue of Jacob L. Loose Located in Loose Park, Kansas City
Jon Kraft / Shutterstock.com

Address: 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further. As the third largest park in Kansas City, Loose Park is where visitors can continue their active lifestyle at one of the city’s best community parks.

Discover why Loose Park is one of Kansas City’s more popular parks by taking time out of your getaway to enjoy a picnic or go for a hike. Loose Park has a lake, shelter house, tennis courts, a water park, picnic areas, Civil War markers, and a beautiful rose garden. 

Visiting Kansas City is only complete with a stop by Loose Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens or spend the day exploring the great outdoors. You want to include Loose Park on your Kansas City vacation itinerary for its breathtaking rose garden, well-maintained landscapes, and tons of family-friendly activities, including a mini rock wall, playground, open grass areas, and fabulous picnic spots. After enjoying the day at Loose Park with the family, swing by Andre’s Chocolates Kansas City, which is located a few blocks away, for some amazing sweet treats everyone is sure to love.

See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November

16. Lakeside Nature Center

Lakeside Nature Center aerial view
Lakeside Nature Center / Facebook

Address: 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132

The Lakeside Nature Center is located within Swope Park and is owned and managed by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department. This 1,800-acre wooded park is home to the Kansas Zoo, the Blue River Golf Course, and the Starlight Theatre. Plus, the Blue River winds throughout the park that’s home to a ball field, picnic areas, and a fishing pond. 

The Lakeside Nature Center provides visitors with many opportunities to learn more about local wildlife, including birds, snakes, turtles, fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. In addition, you can learn from local conservation experts or sign up for community classes, such as Birds of Prey, which offers a hands-on insight into the world of various native wildlife. 

17. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art unique building design
User: Charvex / Wikimedia Commons

Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111

Opened in 1994, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has hosted several traveling collections that later joined the museum’s permanent collection featuring more than 1,400 works of art. The museum was the first and largest contemporary art museum in Missouri.

Many items in the permanent collection were created through the present day after the 1913 Armory Show or the International Exhibition of Modern Art. Artists featured at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art include Robert Motherwell, Jasper Johns, Jim Dine, Dale Chihuly, and Barbara Grad. In addition to marveling at the many beautiful works of art at the museum, the architecture of the museum’s 23,200 square foot concrete, steel, and glass structure is a masterpiece.

After exploring the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, stop by Cafe Sebastienne for a combination of contemporary art and cuisine in a restaurant named after the daughter of African-American artist Frederick James Brown. The cafe has two unique spaces. The first, an intimate dining room with a floor-to-ceiling installation of more than 100 paintings by Frederick, and the second, a natural light-filled enclosed courtyard.

18. Money Museum

Statues in front of Money Museum
jfadds / TripAdvisor

Address: 1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64198

At the Money Museum, discover the history of coins and bills, see a massive cash vault, and learn more during a tour of a federal bank building. This museum is truly a one-in-a-billion (dollar) experience. At the Money Museum, you will learn how the Federal Reserve Bank processes millions of dollars daily, feel a genuine gold bar, and look at the historic Harry S. Truman coin collection.

You’ll get your hands on a gold brick worth $400,000, but unfortunately, you cannot keep it, but you are more than welcome to take plenty of photographs to make you feel like a millionaire while on vacation. The Money Museum offers guided tours and up-close experiences with their money-handling processes.

When you are done with your tour, head down the block for lunch or dinner at Brick House KC, a popular restaurant in town serving a number of delicious dishes, including Biscuits and Gravy, the Big A** Breakfast Burrito, and The Brickhouse, which is fried chicken, bacon, and house-made gravy topped with a sunny side egg, all on a biscuit.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Rolla, Missouri

19. Kansas City Ballet

Kansas City Ballet bullding
Kansas City Ballet / Facebook

Address: 500 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Kansas City Ballet hosts various classes, shows, and performances at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, a community performing arts center. The Ballet is committed to helping spread the word about this dance method, inspiring others to share in the joy and spark artistic conversations surrounding the performing arts.

Since 1957, the Kansas City Ballet has provided Missouri’s best and more eclectic performances. Visitors from around the world come to see performances, which is why you need to attend an upcoming performance during your vacation and discover what the highly-acclaimed reviews are all about. Popular and raved-about shows by the Kansas City Ballet include The Nutcracker, Bliss Point, and Cinderella.

20. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures building and skyline
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures / Facebook

Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112

Are you looking for a fun, exciting, and unique experience in Kansas City? Look no further because The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures provides an inside look at the world’s most extensive collection of fine-scale miniatures and the nation’s largest antique toy collection on display.

Formerly known as the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a fun and unique museum found on the University of Missouri–Kansas City campus. The museum features collections from Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Hall Marshall, two lifelong friends and avid collectors. This 33,000-square-foot exhibit space is home to more than 72,000 items.

21. Arrowhead Stadium

Aerial view of the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Aramark-Kauffman Stadium
Paparacy / Shutterstock.com

Address: 1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129

Football fans from across the country come to Kansas City to visit Arrowhead Stadium and watch the Super Bowl LVII champion Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League play. Today, Arrowhead Stadium is one of the most famous stadiums in the country and has been hosting the Chiefs since 1972. 

Football games start to get exciting before kickoff because this stadium hosts some of the best tailgating activities in the NFL. One of the best things about Arrowhead Stadium is it is reported to be the loudest stadium in the country, especially when live music roars through the stadium, which boosts the excitement during a game. 

See Related: Best Vacations for a Group of Friends

22. Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company and sunset view
Boulevard Brewing Company / Facebook

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108  

Boulevard Brewing Company is set among many popular Kansas City shopping and entertainment venues where visitors can experience samples of unique beer creations. The Beer Hall on the second floor is 10,000 square feet, featuring more than 24 beers on tap and delicious food, making it the perfect place to gather for drinks and snacks after a long day of exploring Kansas City. 

One of the best things about Boulevard Brewing Company is that it hosts regular events, live music, and Sunday BINGO. For those interested, Boulevard Brewing Company also offers guided tours of the brewery. Before heading out to Kansas City, order your PubPass which gets you a free beer at 25 of the best bars and breweries around Kansas City, including Boulevard Brewing Company.

However, if you’re more of a whiskey, gin, and vodka type of person, then this highly-rated distillery tour is for you. On this tour, you’ll experience J. Rieger & Co., Kansas City’s famous distillery. Tourgoers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire distillation process, learn about the company’s struggles during Prohibition, and taste four of their current creations. The tour operators provide pickup at request from a number of Kansas City hotels.

23. Arabia Steamboat Museum

Arabia Steamboat Museum building entrance
Arabia Steamboat Museum / Arabia Steamboat Museum

Address: 400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106

The Arabia Steamboat Museum has been a popular national museum in Kansas City for over 25 years, showcasing artifacts, displays, and other items from the sinking of Arabia on the Missouri River on September 5, 1856. Items included in the museum’s impressive collection include clothing, fine china, guns, tools, and children’s toys that were found and recovered when the steamboat was discovered.

Visits to the museum are self-guided, with a new series of short videos that walk you through the story of Arabia dig. Museum staff and members of the original dig team will be there if you have any questions along the way. You may only have time to visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum once during your trip to the area, but it will quickly become a Kansas City staple you visit during each return trip.

24. Santa Fe Trail

Address: E. 27th St. & Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106

One of the most recognizable trails in the country is the Santa Fe. Did you know that this trail makes an appearance in the city before it continues on? Experience an outdoor adventure by visiting Blue Valley Park, which has a trail known as Big Blue River Crossing, which connects to the famous trail leading to Santa Fe.

The trail was an ancient passageway used by merchants to transport goods from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trail was also used for stagecoach travel and as a mail route for the Pony Express. When walking along this historic trail, I couldn’t help but imagine its important past. It was an experience that has me wanting to return to Missouri to relive it again.

See Related: Best Hiking Trails in the World You Must Visit

25. T-Mobile Center

T-Mobile Center building architecture
User: Charvex / Wikimedia Commons

Address: 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106

Formerly known as the Sprint Center and located in the Power & Light District, the T-Mobile Center is the area’s premier live entertainment and sporting event venue. Though the Sprint Center was renamed in 2020, the venue still hosts amazing events and activities, including performances by Cirque du Soleil Corteo, Adam Sandler, Disney On Ice, and the ultimate college basketball experience: the Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship.

Whether you want to catch sporting events, such as the college basketball experience, or enjoy a performance, planning to catch a show or event and spend time at the T-Mobile Center will round out your Kansas City experience. So if you plan on seeing WWE Friday Night Smackdown or catching a Blake Shelton performance, look into staying at the Holiday Inn Express – Kansas City Downtown, right across the street.

26. The John Wornall House Museum

The Wornall House in Kansas City, Missouri
Shelley / Adobe Stock

Address: 6115 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64113

Step back in time into an immersive adventure where you can see what life was like in Missouri before the Civil War. The Wornall House Museum, built in 1858, is a historic location that is fully furnished with period furniture and decor creating a unique, historical, and educational experience. The most interesting thing about this museum and home is that is it one of the few remaining structures still standing from the Civil War era.

Museum visitors will find themselves elbow-deep in activities when visiting the Wornall House Museum, including guided tours, educational activities, candle dipping classes, ink making, butter churning, and much more. When visiting this site in Kansas City, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time, especially when you are among the volunteers dressed in period-appropriate clothing.

27. Science City

Many Hands on Exhibits and Displays at a Science Center in Kansas City
Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Science City is a family-friendly science center with interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, a planetarium, and the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre. In addition to the permanent displays and activities, this museum hosts an assortment of traveling displays. Popular exhibits at the museum include an Engineerium, Giant Lever, Nature Works, Tot Lot, Simple Machines at Play, and Dig Site with Dino Lab.

Food is not allowed inside Science City, but you can always grab a bite to eat before or after at Harvey’s at Union Station or Jack Stack Barbecue near downtown Kansas City.

Discover why Science City is one of Kansas City’s most popular family attractions by planning a visit. Being another popular museum at Union Station, your family will have fun playing, interacting, and learning during their vacation. The best thing is they will not feel like this is a learning experience, which will keep them playing all day long.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in St. Charles, Missouri

28. City Market

Address: 5th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106

City Market is Kansas City’s finest market where you can shop for locally-sourced products and enjoy amazing cuisine. This river market is the place to shop at local boutiques, dine at quaint cafes, and enjoy live entertainment. Additionally, City Market hosts weekly farmers’ markets and other special events.

The City Market started as early as 1857 and has been the place in Kansas City for fresh produce, handmade items, and homemade goodies. This location is also the site for enjoying ethnic cuisine, savory meats, and unique grocers, making it possible to experience new cuisine and take home ingredients to make specialty dinners. Visitors rave about the City Market displays and love seeing all the historical value this venue adds to the community.

29. Kansas City Royals Game

Kansas City Royal Kauffman Stadium
Sean – stock.adobe.com

Address: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129

Are you a baseball fan? Then you want to visit Kauffman Stadium for one of the upcoming Kansas City Royals games. Just like the football games in the area, baseball fans are excited to cheer their team to victory and host some of the best tailgating parties in the country. This ballpark is one of the most beautiful sports fields in the country, and even if you are not a Royals fan, catching a game here is a must when in the area.

Baseball fans will love attending a game here, which has been home to the Royals since 1973 and has hosted their World Series home games in 1980, 1985, 2014, and 2015. Of course, they won the World Series in 1985 and 2015. Though there are typical concession stands within the ballpark, visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner in a sit-down restaurant inside the stadium at Craft & Draft or Rivals.

30. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Overland Park Arboretum plants and lake
Overland Park Arboretum / Overland Park Arboretum

Address: 8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013

Set not too far from the area is the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum featuring more than 300 acres of gardens, more than 1,700 species of plants, and educational resources at every turn.

The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offer visitors a place to kick back, relax, and take a break from their busy Missouri vacation. You must visit this location to experience the amazement and wonder others experience when wandering along winding trails, sitting in wide-open prairies, and smelling the flowers in the meticulously-kept gardens.

Though no outside food is allowed in the gardens, picnic tables are scattered throughout, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch purchased from the gardens’ café.

FAQ

What is Kansas City most famous for? 

Kansas City has been known for its mouthwatering barbecue and unique, vibrant, and entertaining jazz culture for decades. The city is also the home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, as well as the World Series-winning Royals.

What are the best tourist attractions in Kansas City? 

The best attractions are the Kansas City Zoo, where visitors can experience animal encounters, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy time exploring outside, as well as the American Jazz Museum, Kansas Speedway, Union Station, and the city’s many museums, including the National WWI Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum, among others.

How many days should I plan to stay in Kansas City? 

To experience all the wonders available in Kansas City, Missouri, most visitors can see and do everything desired in a few days. Having three to four full days in the area will ensure you experience the city’s rich history, outstanding attractions, cultural sites, and renowned culinary scene without being rushed.

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