Introduction
Kansas City, Missouri, has a lot of fun things that you can do while staying, and whether you love being out in the natural world, you want some learning experiences, or you fancy some indoor creativity, you’ll find some great activities to suit the whole family.
Some of the top options for Kansas City include:
- Zip KC
- iFly Overland Park
- CoCo Key Water Resort
- Kaleidoscope
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Shoal Creek Living History Museum
- Science City
- Kansas City Zoo
- Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
- Laser Light Show
Let’s check out each of these cool spots by turn so you can decide which would suit you best during your adventures in KC!
1) Zip KC
Do you love outdoor days where the kids get some exercise and wear themselves out? Zip KC might be the perfect activity for your family. It is a half hour drive from the center of Kansas City, but if you’re staying there, that’s not bad for such a fun day out.
There is a lot to see, with gorgeous scenery and exciting wildlife meandering around below the ziplines, and this is a great activity for older kids who might be hard to please. Even many teenagers enjoy an opportunity to zipline and get a rush of adrenaline. This may not be ideal for little ones, but for 8 years and older, it makes an excellent day out.
2) iFly Overland Park
If ziplining isn’t quite your thing but you do like the idea of an active day out with a bit of adrenaline, you could try iFly instead. This is again perfect for teens and older kids, and it lets you experience the amazing skydiving experience without the danger!
The wind tunnels this facility offers are bound to set anyone’s heart racing, and if you’re looking for a thrill, this is the right place to go.
3) CoCo Key Water Resort
If you’ve got a range of ages, it can be hard to please, but everybody loves a water park. With slides of all heights and difficulties, the CoCo Key Water Resort has something for the whole family, and plenty of pools to swim, splash, and cool off in.
If you aren’t sure where to stay in Kansas City, there are some great lodges alongside this resort, leaving you close to the delightful waters. This is a perfect choice for families with kids of different ages, and adults can enjoy a good swim too.
4) Kaleidoscope
Sometimes, you want to find some free activities, especially if you are traveling with a large family. Kaleidoscope is a free creation center that is full of opportunities for kids to make works of art. You can let your children’s imaginations go crazy here, and this is particularly great for a rainy day, where outdoor activities are less appealing.
All the materials are leftover from Hallmark Cards, which sponsors the center, and your child can make anything they want. It’s the perfect multi-sensory experience for any child to enjoy.
5) Kemper Museum Of Contemporary Art
For a great learning experience, you should also check out the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum showcases some amazing pieces and offers lots of learning opportunities, with free public programs and art activities.
The displays feature well-known and emerging artists, and they are shown in a well lit atrium, alongside a great cafe. If you want a free activity to do with your kids and a learning opportunity for them, the Kemper Museum is a great choice.
6) Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Living history museums are a wonderful way to engage your child with the past in an interactive environment. The Shoal Creek Living History Museum has a lot of days with free entry, and there’s an enormous amount to see and do here.
Learn about what town life would have been like in an early Clay-Platte farming community, with various industries on display, plus historic buildings and the opportunity to look at old clothes, maps, and farming tools.
There is so much to learn, and you can use the helpful brochures to take self-guided tours, or go to one of the special events days (admission fees apply).
7) Science City
For kids who love learning, Science City is a dream come true. Here, they can learn about renewable energy, test their own strength, and get face to face with some facts about the universe.
There are also opportunities to learn about the science of food, dig for fossils, and explore the periodic table. With a test kitchen and information about genetics, Science City brings life to every corner of science.
8) Kansas City Zoo
With almost 2000 different species, Kansas City Zoo is a treat for any animal-lover, big or small. It has been in operation for over 100 years and occupies about 200 acres, and it offers a whole variety of interactive experiences. Your children will get to learn about an enormously diverse range of creatures.
9) Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
If you’d like to get a little more hands-on with the animals, this farmstead is a wonderful place to visit. It has a nature trail, birds of prey, show gardens, a butterfly house, and a whole lot more.
Your children can learn to ride, fish, and feed baby animals, such as goats. There is an admissions fee, but it only costs around $3.
10) Laser Light Show
For those who love light shows, the Laser Light Shows are unmissable. These take place in the Union Station, in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. Any families who are interested in learning about space should check this Planetarium out, and visit a laser show at the same time.
Alternatively, try a guided tour of the stars and watch some educational movies. There is plenty to enjoy here!
Conclusion
No matter where you go on in Kansas City, you should find some great activities for family fun. This city is positively brimming with educational and enjoyable things to do, and many of them offer free or low-cost entry. This makes Kansas City a wonderful place for family day trips, and there are some great hotels available if you plan to stay longer!