7 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

7 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Jackson County

Kansas City, Missouri, boasts a wealth of attractions for different preferences. The city’s deep cultural heritage is evident in its notable cultural sites, historic venues, and entertainment spots.

The 18th and Vine District, a hub for jazz history, houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a treasure trove of history. Meanwhile, the River Market District offers a vibrant scene, with its farmers' market and unique shops.

Fans of the arts will appreciate performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which features a wide range of cultural events. Sports fans won’t want to miss games at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or cheer at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs take the field.

For food lovers, the city’s renowned Kansas City–style barbecue offers a delightful culinary experience, with numerous eateries serving this beloved dish.

Outdoor enthusiasts can spend time in Swope Park, which provides spacious green spaces for relaxation. Meanwhile, shoppers may visit the Country Club Plaza, renowned for its Spanish-inspired architecture and a varied mix of dining and retail experiences.

Whether your interests revolve around history, music, sports, or food, Kansas City offers something for all visitors.

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Kansas City, Missouri, is celebrated for its vivid cultural tapestry and heritage-filled significance, drawing in visitors from all walks of life. Known as the "City of Fountains," Kansas City boasts iconic landmarks and a flourishing arts scene.

One of the city’s essential areas is the 18th and Vine District, renowned for its important contributions to jazz music. This historic district also houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, an important historical site preserving the history of African-American baseball. The River Market District, in addition, offers a bustling atmosphere with its thriving farmers' market and distinctive shops that offer items for a variety of tastes.

For lovers of the arts, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts acts as a beacon of creativity, presenting world-class performances in music and theater. Sports fans are sure to appreciate the excitement at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs bring energy to the field.

Kansas City is also famed for its signature barbecue, a culinary tradition earning international acclaim. Restaurants throughout the city present flavorful Kansas City–style barbecue, serving up smoky, flavorful dishes that reflect the city's gastronomic heritage. For outdoor recreation, Swope Park features large green spaces perfect for relaxation and family activities. The Country Club Plaza offers a unique shopping experience with its Mediterranean-style architecture and wide retail and dining options.

Whether exploring history, experiencing creative performances, or tasting renowned dishes, Kansas City, Missouri, delivers an unmatched experience for visitors.

41 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Kansas City offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Here are the top destinations to explore with kids:

1. Kansas City Zoo

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Over 1,700 animals across 200 acres, featuring African Sky Safari, polar bears, and penguins.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and a chance to ride the train or carousel.

2. Science City at Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and an interactive Maker Studio.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Dino Lab, Sky Bike, and the Test Kitchen offer immersive learning and fun.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, and Miniland Kansas City built entirely from LEGO bricks.
  • Why Kids Love It: Building and racing their own LEGO creations.

4. SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: More than 5,000 sea creatures, touch pools, and a walk-through underwater tunnel.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive touch tanks and the shark and stingray exhibits.

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

  • Location: Overland Park, Kansas.
  • Highlights: A 12-acre farm with animals, pony rides, fishing, and wagon rides.
  • Why Kids Love It: Hands-on activities like bottle-feeding baby goats and petting farm animals.

6. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

  • Location: North Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A combined amusement and water park with rides, slides, and live entertainment.
  • Why Kids Love It: Camp Snoopy for younger kids and thrilling coasters for older children.

7. Crown Center

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Shops, restaurants, and attractions like Kaleidoscope and The Coterie Theatre.
  • Why Kids Love It: Kaleidoscope offers free creative workshops, and the seasonal Ice Terrace is perfect for winter fun.

8. Powell Gardens

  • Location: 30 miles east of Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Lush gardens with seasonal family activities like the Festival of Butterflies.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Children’s Garden features hands-on gardening activities and a giant treehouse.

9. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

  • Location: Near UMKC.
  • Highlights: A vast collection of vintage toys and intricately detailed miniatures.
  • Why Kids Love It: Nostalgic toys and the chance to see dolls, trains, and action figures from different eras.

10. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  • Location: Midtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Free admission and the expansive Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.
  • Why Kids Love It: Playing near the giant shuttlecocks and exploring kid-friendly art programs.

11. Penguin Park

  • Location: Northland area.
  • Highlights: A whimsical playground featuring giant animal sculptures like a penguin, kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Why Kids Love It: Unique play structures and a family picnic area.

12. Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Historic architecture with attractions like Science City, the Model Train Gallery, and traveling exhibits.
  • Why Kids Love It: Watching the intricate model trains and exploring interactive exhibits.

13. The Kansas City Public Library



Clay County

  1. Lenexa
  2. Lee's Summit
  3. City of Fountains
  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: The Central Library’s giant "Community Bookshelf" facade and rooftop terrace.
  • Why Kids Love It: Storytime sessions and the children’s reading area.

14. Lakes and Trails

  • Lake Jacomo: Offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature trails.
  • Loose Park: Features a playground, pond, and rose garden for family picnics.

15. Starlight Theatre

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Outdoor performances, including kid-friendly musicals and concerts.
  • Why Kids Love It: Magical live shows under the stars.

Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

41 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Kansas City MO
Events & Activities For Kids And Families

Events & Activities For Kids And Families

Famous Jazz Musicians with Kansas City Connections

1. Charlie Parker ("Bird")

  • Role: Saxophonist and composer; one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
  • Connection: Born in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Parker began his career in the city's vibrant jazz scene, playing in nightclubs along 12th Street and 18th & Vine.
  • Legacy: A pioneer of bebop, Parker’s innovative style forever changed jazz. The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City celebrates his contributions.

2. Count Basie

  • Role: Bandleader, pianist, and composer.
  • Connection: Led the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, which became prominent during the Kansas City jazz era. His time at the Reno Club in Kansas City helped solidify his reputation as a leading figure in swing jazz.
  • Legacy: Basie’s big band sound was heavily influenced by the city’s bluesy, riff-driven jazz.

3. Mary Lou Williams

  • Role: Pianist, composer, and arranger.
  • Connection: Worked with the Kansas City-based Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy during the 1930s. She was a prolific arranger and composer, shaping the band’s distinctive sound.
  • Legacy: Known as one of the greatest jazz pianists and arrangers, Williams contributed to the development of bebop and modern jazz.

4. Bennie Moten

  • Role: Pianist, bandleader.
  • Connection: Leader of the Bennie Moten Orchestra, one of the most influential Kansas City jazz bands in the 1920s and early 1930s. His band later evolved into the Count Basie Orchestra after his death.
  • Legacy: A pioneer of Kansas City jazz, Moten’s orchestra was a breeding ground for future jazz legends.

5. Jay McShann

  • Role: Pianist, bandleader.


    • Jackson County

    1. Kansas City strip steak
    2. Cass County
    3. Kansas City, Missouri
  • Connection: Led a Kansas City-based band in the 1940s that helped launch Charlie Parker’s career.
  • Legacy: McShann kept Kansas City’s jazz tradition alive for decades and was celebrated for his blues-influenced piano style.

6. Big Joe Turner

  • Role: Singer, "Boss of the Blues."
  • Connection: Worked in Kansas City as a bartender and performer before gaining national fame. He often performed at the city’s famous nightclubs like the Reno Club.
  • Legacy: Turner’s booming voice and blues style bridged the gap between jazz and early rock ‘n’ roll.

7. Lester Young ("Prez")

  • Role: Tenor saxophonist.
  • Connection: Played with Count Basie’s Orchestra in Kansas City, developing his signature smooth, melodic style.
  • Legacy: A key figure in swing and an influence on bebop musicians, Young’s time in Kansas City was pivotal in his career.

Kansas City’s Impact on Jazz

Kansas City’s vibrant nightlife during the Prohibition era, fueled by clubs like the Reno Club and neighborhoods like 18th & Vine, made it a hotbed for improvisation and innovation. The city’s focus on riffs, extended solos, and blues elements helped define the Kansas City jazz style.

Explore Their Legacy

  • Visit the American Jazz Museum and The Blue Room in the 18th & Vine Jazz District to learn more about these iconic musicians and the city’s jazz history.
  • Attend Kansas City Jazz Festivals to experience modern interpretations of this rich musical tradition.

Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these legends or Kansas City’s jazz venues!

Things To Do When Bored For Adults In Kansas City MO

Famous Jazz Musicians with Kansas City Connections

1. Charlie Parker ("Bird")

  • Role: Saxophonist and composer; one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
  • Connection: Born in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Parker began his career in the city's vibrant jazz scene, playing in nightclubs along 12th Street and 18th & Vine.
  • Legacy: A pioneer of bebop, Parker’s innovative style forever changed jazz. The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City celebrates his contributions.

2. Count Basie

  • Role: Bandleader, pianist, and composer.
  • Connection: Led the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, which became prominent during the Kansas City jazz era. His time at the Reno Club in Kansas City helped solidify his reputation as a leading figure in swing jazz.
  • Legacy: Basie’s big band sound was heavily influenced by the city’s bluesy, riff-driven jazz.

3. Mary Lou Williams

  • Role: Pianist, composer, and arranger.
  • Connection: Worked with the Kansas City-based Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy during the 1930s. She was a prolific arranger and composer, shaping the band’s distinctive sound.
  • Legacy: Known as one of the greatest jazz pianists and arrangers, Williams contributed to the development of bebop and modern jazz.

4. Bennie Moten

  • Role: Pianist, bandleader.
  • Connection: Leader of the Bennie Moten Orchestra, one of the most influential Kansas City jazz bands in the 1920s and early 1930s. His band later evolved into the Count Basie Orchestra after his death.
  • Legacy: A pioneer of Kansas City jazz, Moten’s orchestra was a breeding ground for future jazz legends.

5. Jay McShann

  • Role: Pianist, bandleader.
  • Connection: Led a Kansas City-based band in the 1940s that helped launch Charlie Parker’s career.
  • Legacy: McShann kept Kansas City’s jazz tradition alive for decades and was celebrated for his blues-influenced piano style.

6. Big Joe Turner

  • Role: Singer, "Boss of the Blues."
  • Connection: Worked in Kansas City as a bartender and performer before gaining national fame. He often performed at the city’s famous nightclubs like the Reno Club.
  • Legacy: Turner’s booming voice and blues style bridged the gap between jazz and early rock ‘n’ roll.

7. Lester Young ("Prez")

  • Role: Tenor saxophonist.
  • Connection: Played with Count Basie’s Orchestra in Kansas City, developing his signature smooth, melodic style.
  • Legacy: A key figure in swing and an influence on bebop musicians, Young’s time in Kansas City was pivotal in his career.

Kansas City’s Impact on Jazz

Kansas City’s vibrant nightlife during the Prohibition era, fueled by clubs like the Reno Club and neighborhoods like 18th & Vine, made it a hotbed for improvisation and innovation. The city’s focus on riffs, extended solos, and blues elements helped define the Kansas City jazz style.

Explore Their Legacy

  • Visit the American Jazz Museum and The Blue Room in the 18th & Vine Jazz District to learn more about these iconic musicians and the city’s jazz history.
  • Attend Kansas City Jazz Festivals to experience modern interpretations of this rich musical tradition.

Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these legends or Kansas City’s jazz venues!

Things To Do When Bored For Adults In Kansas City MO
Things To Do When It's Raining In Kansas City MO
Things To Do When It's Raining In Kansas City MO

Kansas City, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights, offers a plethora of activities for visitors.

18th and Vine District

  1. Jackson County
  2. Clay County
  3. 18th and Vine District
Here's a comprehensive list of things to do in Kansas City:

  • Explore the Arts:

    • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Visit this museum for its extensive collection of over 40,000 works of art, including contemporary exhibits and the famous Shuttlecocks installation in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Admission is free, but non-members need to reserve tickets in advance.

    • Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: Located near the Nelson-Atkins, this museum showcases modern and contemporary art with free admission and parking. Enjoy the installations and the café on-site.

  • Cultural Experiences:

    • American Jazz Museum: Dive into the history of jazz, especially its significance in Kansas City, with exhibits and live performances.

    • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Learn about the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on U.S. social advancement.

  • Outdoor Activities:

    • City Market: One of the oldest and largest farmers' markets in the region, it's the place for local produce, unique shops, and dining.

    • Loose Park: Enjoy 75 acres of beautiful grounds with playgrounds, tennis courts, and a rose garden, making it perfect for a relaxing day out.

  • Entertainment and Sports:

    • Worlds of Fun: A theme park with thrilling rides like the Mamba rollercoaster and attractions like Dinosaurs Alive.

    • Kauffman Stadium: Catch a Kansas City Royals game in this iconic ballpark known for its fountains and family-friendly atmosphere.

    • Union Station: Now more than just a train station, it hosts Science City, a planetarium, and various exhibits, making it a great spot for families or anyone interested in science and history.

  • Culinary Delights:

    • Barbecue: Kansas City is famous for its barbecue. Iconic spots include Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant's, and Gates Bar-B-Q.

    • City of Fountains: With over 200 fountains, a walk around Kansas City can be a scenic delight, especially around the Country Club Plaza.

  • Shopping:

    • Country Club Plaza: Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture, this area is ideal for shopping, dining, and enjoying the festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.

  • Historical Sites:

    • National WWI Museum and Memorial: A must-visit for history enthusiasts, this museum provides a deep look into the impact of World War I.

  • Seasonal Events:

    • During winter, enjoy holiday lights at Candy Cane Lane, the Country Club Plaza, or Union Station.

Kansas City's blend of historical sites, cultural attractions, and modern entertainment ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're into art, history, sports, or just looking to enjoy some of the best barbecue in the country, your trip to Kansas City can be as diverse as the city itself.

Random Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

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8 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Random Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City has a rich history, including being a starting point for the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, a major hub for jazz music in the 1920s and 1930s, and playing a significant role in the Civil War.

Kansas City offers various public transportation options, including buses and a streetcar system. The KC Streetcar is free to ride and connects key downtown areas.

Yes, Kansas City has several historical sites like the Liberty Memorial, the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, and the Steamboat Arabia Museum.