Catherine - Savvy Family TravelLooking for the best things to do in Kansas City with kids? Whether you’re a local needing fresh ideas or a visitor trying to build your itinerary, this list covers it all. We’ve packed it with 25 indoor favorites, outdoor adventures, animal encounters, creative spaces, educational gems, and a few unexpected spots to thrill even seasoned KC explorers.
Here’s your go-to guide for family fun in Kansas City.
Top Fun in Kansas City with Kids
One thing to know before you go to Kansas City is that other than the heart of downtown, Kansas City attractions are very spread out. I prepared this itinerary grouping attractions that are in proximity to each other: Downtown Kansas City (Missouri), Overland Park, Southeast Kansas City (Missouri), and Bonner Springs.
Downtown Kansas City – Day 1 in Kansas City with Kids
Rabbit hOle
A truly magical place in North Kansas City. Think life-sized storybooks, secret doors, and immersive exhibits that invite kids to step inside their favorite books. Perfect for all ages and its a special novelty for book lovers.
This was my favorite spot on our recent trip to Kansas City. It’s like a cross between Bookworm Gardens and Meow Wolf.
Kaleidoscope: Free Creative Fun
A free, walk-in art experience designed by Hallmark, Kaleidoscope lets kids create with colorful paper, stamps, melted crayons, and more. No reservations needed, and each session is about 40 minutes of open-ended artful play.
They have limited hours, so check before you go.
Ride the KC Streetcar
Completely free and super fun for kids who love vehicles. It runs 2 miles through downtown KC, with stops at Union Station, the River Market, the Library, and more. Great way to hop between top attractions without needing to re-park.
City Market
This is a great stop on the streetcar line. Sample global foods, buy local produce, and check out the Arabia Steamboat Museum while you’re there.
Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank
Free to visit and surprisingly hands-on. Kids can see real stacks of cash, try to lift a gold bar, and follow the process of how money moves through the system.
Closed on the weekends and bank holidays.
Science City at Union Station
Hands-on science exhibits, a massive maker space, and plenty of toddler friendly spaces.
Best of all, they participate in the ASTC reciprocal network which got us in free with our home museum membership.
The Central Library
The Kansas City Central Library offers everything from toddler story times to special performances.
We like that its open til 7pm on Monday through Wednesday as a lot of the other indoor children’s spaces close at 5pm downtown. Thursday through Sunday the Library closes at 5pm.
They have a great children’s area upstairs and if the weather clears up, head to the roof for a game of giant chess. The curb appeal is so fun too!
Sinkers Lounge
Vintage-inspired lounge with 9 holes of mini golf and 9 holes of table golf which we hadn’t seen anywhere before. Because it wasn’t busy, they didn’t mind if our kids repeated the course over and over while we enjoyed appetizers and beverages. Kids are welcomed until 9 p.m.
They also have Puttery Indoor Mini Golf on the southside of the city.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
This historic site is both educational and awe-inspiring. The towering Liberty Memorial, sweeping city views, and immersive exhibits offer a great way in Kansas City with kids in their teens to learn about world history. The exhibits are very visual, and the interactive elements help make the experience more engaging for families.
Overland Park – Day 2
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Located in Overland Park, this beloved spot features more than 200 animals, pony rides, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and seasonal gardens. Ideal for toddlers and elementary aged kids.
Some highlights were the $1 bottle feeds for the baby goats, $3 fishing poles with bait, wagon rides, and learning how schools, banks, barber shops, and blacksmiths operated 100 years ago. The stewards employed here to educate visitors are really incredible with kids.
Museum at Prairiefire
Located in Overland Park, this museum offers dino exhibits, science labs, and plenty of activities that make the $5 admission a steal!
Scheels
Need to escape indoors? Check out this massive sporting goods store complete with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, a mini aquarium. There’s even a candy store!
Bonner Springs – Day 3
The Fuel House
Dubbed the “country club for automotive lovers” there are both public and private elements to this entertainment space.
Non members can gawk at the cars that are part of the club and can always enjoy the public spaces and their awesome vendors; Ten and Two Coffee shop, Quentin’s BBQ, Outfield Beer Co. There are several fun spaces to hang out inside or outside with arcade games and yard games to entertain kids of any age.
Marble Moon Company
My kids look at marbles as treasures, so it was fun to browse this store that was all about marbles! They each picked new ones to bring home for their marble races.
Manna Meadows Alpaca Farm
Another hit for animal lovers. Reserve ahead to get up close with fluffy alpacas, goats, and more.
Wilder Bluff Playground
This park features massive climbing structures, a splash pad with a creek, bathroom facilities, and a shaded picnic area. It’s a must-visit for active kids.
Be mindful of some steep drop offs near the slide on the ride side.
Cider Hill Family Orchard
Open seasonally, this is an awesome spot for a fall visit for to go apple picking, enjoy hayrides, eat cider donuts, and explore pumpkin patches.
Southwest Kansas City – Day 4
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
The Kansas City Zoo & 650,000-gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium is amazing to see. General admission is about $20, with free entry for children aged 2 and under. Parking is free.
Lakeside Nature Center
An awesome FREE Nature Preserve, this spot offers native Missouri wildlife exhibits, hiking trails, and programming perfectly tailored to kids.
Truman Sports Complex
Home to two major league sports venues, the Truman Sports Complex houses Arrowhead Stadium, where the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs play, and Kauffman Stadium, home to MLB’s Kansas City Royals.
Visit for a tour or to browse their Merch Shops!
Have More Time?
MariMack Par 3 Golf Course
Family-friendly course with ultra affordable rounds. Kids golf free with paid adult. A fun challenge for kids getting started with golf.
I’d rather drive the cart, personally, but the boys got their fix on the greens.
Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun
Worlds of Fun is the Midwest’s largest amusement park. They have seven roller coasters, dozens of thrill rides, and a massive waterpark—Oceans of Fun. Admission to Oceans of Fun is included with the price of admission to Worlds of Fun. It merits a whole day on its own if you have the time!
Indoor Waterpark at Lenexa Rec Center
An indoor aquatic playground that offers splash times just for families with small children.
Penguin Park
A KC iconic playground. The huge penguin, giraffe, elephant, and kangaroo statues double as slides and climbing structures. Best for little ones.
Boulevard Drive-In & Swap N’ Shop
Watch a double feature from your car, then come back on weekends for the flea market-style swap meet.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kansas City with Kids
Kansas City is a goldmine of family fun, whether you want to run off steam at a park, dive into science, or discover a literary wonderland.
If you’re a Midwesterner, check out some of our other favorite midwest road trip destinations.
Whether you’re spending a weekend or live here full time, we hope this guide helps your family discover something new in Kansas City with kids!
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”