Looking for things to do with your kids in Kansas City? Check out these family-friendly spots
Kansas City is filled with museums and spots that both kids and parents can enjoy, no matter the weather.
If you’re stuck looking for something to do with the whole family, here’s a starting point.
If you feel like we overlooked one of your favorite spots, let us know at kcq@kcstar.com.
AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM
Let your kids get lost in the sounds of one of the country’s greatest creations: jazz. Listening stations, interactive touch screens and instruments from jazz’s greatest performers fill the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City.
Tickets cost $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-12 and it’s free for kids under the age of 4. You can buy tickets here.
It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
KALEIDOSCOPE
This free interactive art center will let kids get in touch with their creative side. Children can make and take home their own paintings, drawings, puzzles and more, using Hallmark manufacturing materials.
You have to make a reservation online if you want to guarantee your spot and you can do that here. Otherwise, you’ll be admitted as space allows.
The space is open from 9:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
KANSAS CITY ZOO
Penguins and polar bears are at the forefront of the zoo right now, but you can see animals roaming around their enclosures at any time.
Tickets can be purchased here, and they range between $8.50 and $10 for Jackson and Clay County residents, and between $17-20 for everyone else. They’re open on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
If you can dream it, you can build it. In the heart of Crown Center’s pavilion is the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. It’s highly interactive, and there are plenty of play areas that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Tickets start at $25.99. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
The garden is open year-round, and the flowers are blooming during the warm months. The trails offer visitors the opportunity to view over 300 acres and 1,700 unique plant species, setting the tone for a beautiful day.
Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 to 12. It’s free for kids under age 6. You can buy tickets there.
It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
SCIENCE CITY
Just a short walk from the LEGOLAND Discovery Center into Crown Center is Science City, one of Kansas City’s finest exhibits. You can ride a bicycle 30 feet in the air, dig for fossils and hear how sound travels throughout the area. You’re bound to learn something new, even if you’ve been here before.
It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $14.50, and you can buy tickets online here or in person.
SEA LIFE
Across the street from Crown Center and right next to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is Kansas City’s Sea Life aquarium. With 11 interactive exhibits to explore, such as a stingray exhibit and a sea turtle rescue center, the kids will get lost in the sights of the sea.
They’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $22.99 and they’re only available online, so buy yours online here.
WONDERSCOPE
The nonprofit children’s museum is dedicated to teaching kids about science, technology, engineering, art and math in a way that makes learning fun.
Tickets are $9 for people ages 16 and up and $12 for children ages 2-15. Members and kids under the age of 2 are free.
This story was originally published March 12, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
