Things To Do in Kansas City
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Spanning two states Kansas City has enough fun activities to span a long weekend.
What To Do in Kansas City: (Jump To)
The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at Nelson-Atkins Museum
Walking the grounds of Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon outdoors. An impressive collection of works in varied styles are on display. The most famous is Claes Oldenburg’s Shuttlecocks. It is free to visit the gardens.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
After visiting the sculpture park stop inside The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The free museum has a vast collection of art from around the world. The less stuffy contemporary and photography exhibits are most approachable for kids and those less interested in art and art history.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Designated by Congress as the United States’ official World War I memorial the National WWI Museum and Memorial is an informative and interactive museum that explains the war, honors those killed in the war, and informs guests about the causes that lead up to the war.
The adjacent Liberty Memorial Tower is a 217-foot-tall limestone structure built in 1926. Guests can climb to the top of the memorial for views of the city.
Combination tickets for the tower and museum can be purchased for USD$25 with discounts for seniors, children, and veterans.
Country Club Plaza
One of the nation's first shopping centers designed for customers arriving by automobile, Country Club Plaza is four square miles of shopping and dining. All of your favorite brands are represented in the easily walkable shopping district.
You’ll find a small collection of local shops interspersed between the chain stores. A favorite was the Made in KC Marketplace where you can find local gifts, regional food favorites, and KC pride clothing.
Even if you’re not much of a shopper, you’ll have a great time walking around the uniquely Spanish and Moorish-styled buildings, fountains, and art.
Power and Light District
If you’re planning a date night or are looking for the most modern and trendy drinking and dining establishments the Power and Light District offers more than 50 restaurants and bars to satisfy any pallet. This is a great place to finish your day in Kansas City with a great meal and a lively cocktail.
City Market
The City Market has been bringing KC residents together for over 160 years. The Farmers Market is in full swing on Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 8 a.m. (with shorter hours and Saturday-only markets in the off-season). In addition to fresh produce, shoppers will find a huge assortment of local vendors selling soaps, crafts, street food, and other surprises.
If you visit outside of the Farmer’s Market hours you can still find plenty of unique shopping and dining.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is worth a visit. In 1856, the namesake steamboat sank and was lost in the Missouri River. In 1988 the wreckage, including 200 tons of cargo was discovered. The museum showcases the wreckage and recovered cargo. It is a wonderful slice of life from the era.
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
The no-frills Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is located inside a former gas station. The lack of flashy restaurant decor is more than made up for with their mouth-watering, award-winning Kansas-style Bar-B-Que. Plan to wait for seating, and note the restaurant is closed on Sundays.
In addition to the original gas station location, Joe’s has locations in nearby Olathe and Leawood.
Brush Creek Trail
The paved Brush Creek Trail is a flat and paved trail that follows the Brush Creek from the above-mentioned Country Club Plaza, past the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and ends at Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park. The 4.1-mile trail has many great creek views, some fountains and sculptures, and many chances to spot local waterfowl.
Go Fountain Spotting
Dubbed the “city of fountains,” Kansas City is home to at least 200 public fountains. From small and quaint to large and elaborate, you’ll find a fountain around every corner of the city. The beloved City Hall Seahorse Fountain is a local favorite featuring a cascading row of seahorses. The large Children’s Fountain in North Kansas City is a contemporary fountain with statues of six joyous children atop pedestals in a large pool with dancing water.
Worlds of Fun
A quick drive from the city center you’ll find Worlds of Fun, one of our favorite theme parks in the country. The park is home to seven rollercoasters plus plenty of attractions for the whole family. The park also has a water park that is open in the summer season.
Things To Do in Kansas City
The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at Nelson-Atkins Museum
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Country Club Plaza
Worlds of Fun
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
City Market
Power and Light District
Brush Creek Trail
Go Fountain Spotting
