Blog > Top Must-Visit Places with Kids in Kansas City
Kansas City Attractions Perfect for Kids
Kansas City is bursting with exciting adventures for kids - and those of us who are kids at heart! Whether you're a local or new to the metro area, there’s something exciting around every corner. Let’s dive into some of the top places to take kids for an unforgettable day.
- Outdoor Adventures
- Interactive Museums & Attractions
- Unique Entertainment Options
- Seasonal Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Exploring the outdoors with your kids is a fantastic way to create memories while connecting with nature and enjoying some fresh air. Kansas City offers top-notch outdoor destinations that are perfect for families, blending fun, education, and the chance to simply relax. Here are three standout spots that you can’t miss.
Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is an iconic family destination that offers endless excitement for kids of all ages. Spanning over 200 acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals from across the globe. Your kids will love exploring the immersive exhibits, from the African Plains to the Australia section, which allows close-up views of kangaroos and koalas.
Families can hop aboard the zoo’s train or take a boat ride to see animals from a whole new perspective. Don't forget to check out the Helzberg Penguin Plaza—watching penguins glide through water never gets old!
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park is every family’s dream spot. This interactive farmstead lets your little ones step into a rural paradise where they can meet goats, chickens, and even baby calves. It’s the perfect opportunity for hands-on learning and animal interaction.
Activities abound here—you can try fishing in the stocked pond, take a wagon ride, or enjoy one of the many themed play areas. Grab snacks from the old-fashioned general store to round out your day. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this farmstead is the definition of wholesome family fun.
Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun
Amusement parks are a childhood staple, and Kansas City delivers with Worlds of Fun and its sister waterpark, Oceans of Fun. These parks are jam-packed with rides, games, and attractions suitable for all ages. For younger kids, Planet Snoopy offers a mix of gentle rides and character interactions. During the hotter months, Oceans of Fun is a refreshing retreat where kids can splash through water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. For more seasonal family ideas, check out Summer Family Fun in Kansas City, which includes details about these parks.
Loose Park
If your family loves the idea of open spaces and relaxation, Loose Park in Kansas City is the place to be. This 75-acre park is a treasure trove of activities, featuring a playground perfect for kids to climb and explore. The walking trails wind through beautifully maintained landscapes that are ideal for family strolls.
Want a change of pace? Pack a blanket and picnic basket—you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a family lunch. The park's famous rose garden makes a stunning backdrop for photos that you’ll cherish for years.
Interactive Museums and Attractions
Kansas City is home to incredible museums and attractions that blend fun with education, making them perfect for family outings. These interactive venues captivate kids through hands-on exhibits, intriguing artifacts, and storytelling-filled activities. Whether your goal is to spark curiosity or simply have fun with your children, these kid-friendly spots won’t disappoint.
Wonderscope Children's Museum
The Wonderscope Children's Museum redefines what it means to learn through play. Positioned as a haven for creativity and exploration in Kansas City, this interactive space is designed specifically for children aged eight and under. Here, every exhibit invites kids to roll up their sleeves and interact.
Your little ones can dive into water play areas, create art projects, or even solve engineering challenges with Lego or building blocks. Each section of the museum fosters curiosity and critical thinking in subtle but engaging ways. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits and seasonal programs, ensuring no two visits feel the same. It’s a hands-on experience that turns every corner into an adventure.
Science City at Union Station
Located within the iconic Union Station in Kansas City, Science City delivers an unforgettable mix of science, technology, and entertainment for curious minds of all ages. This family favorite features over 100 interactive exhibits that bring the wonders of the universe, biology, and physics right to your kid’s fingertips.
Kids can step into a lab-like environment, test their skills at puzzles, or marvel at the Sky Bike, which lets them ride suspended high above the ground. The outdoor space, with its maze-like design and water features, adds even more excitement for kids to burn off some extra energy. Plus, Union Station itself offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, making it perfect for an all-day outing.
Unique Entertainment Options
If you're looking for activities that excite your kids while adding a little uniqueness to your family outings, Kansas City has some fantastic options. Whether it's building with LEGOs, exploring underwater worlds, or experiencing timeless pieces of history, these destinations bring fun and enrichment together.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
What child doesn’t love LEGOs? At LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City, the magic of LEGO comes alive with interactive activities for kids of all ages. From massive LEGO models of local landmarks to hands-on building zones, this location is a dream for curious builders. The center also features thrilling rides like the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, where your child becomes a hero on an interactive quest.
Let your kids' imaginations run wild in the LEGO 4D Cinema, which combines movies with sensory effects like wind and water. The Duplo Farm is another must-visit spot, especially for toddlers. While they play, you can take in the craftsmanship behind everything on display—it’s truly impressive.
Dive into a world of underwater wonders at the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium. This family-friendly attraction houses a wide variety of marine life, including playful clownfish, graceful stingrays, and mesmerizing jellyfish. There’s even a 360-degree ocean tunnel, providing an unbeatable view of sharks and rays gliding overhead—it’s like stepping into a real-life aquarium movie scene.
Kids will love the interactive touch tanks, where they can feel the texture of starfish and other sea creatures. SEA LIFE also emphasizes conservation and education, offering fun facts and engaging displays that make learning enjoyable. It’s a great way to combine fun with an eco-conscious experience, which can spark conversations with your kids about protecting the environment.
Chips Chocolate Factory
Kids will go crazy in a visit to this splendid chocolate factory that looks straight out of storybooks. A family with a sweet tooth can visit Chips’ Chocolate Factory, called the “Sweetest Place in Kansas City”. Their famous “Chocology” tour talks about chocolate education, and also offers a tasting sample. This locally family-owned delight shows visitors how their famous chocolates are made. It’s such a sweet day out that even offices in Kansas City visit this place for team building excursions.
These unique spots provide endless ways to keep your kids entertained while exposing them to creativity, nature, and history. Each destination offers a memorable experience that’s both fun and enriching.
Seasonal Activities
Kansas City shines throughout the year with activities that change as the seasons do. No matter the time of year, you'll find family-friendly events perfect for kids of all ages. From exploring autumnal farms to gliding across ice in the winter, these seasonal highlights are designed to create memorable moments.
Fall Favorites: Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards
When fall arrives, Kansas City transforms into a haven for families to enjoy the crisp autumn air and outdoor adventures. One of the most beloved seasonal activities is visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards. There’s nothing like the joy your kids feel while picking out the perfect pumpkin or sampling fresh cider donuts at a local orchard.
Some favorite spots include Louisburg Cider Mill, where your family can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and, of course, the iconic cider and donuts. Another must-visit is Johnson Farms, offering hands-on activities like sunflower picking and petting zoos to make your day even more special.
These activities not only bring fun but also provide the perfect setting for creating those cherished family photos. For more ideas to embrace the fall season, check out Fall Fun in Kansas City: Activities to Embrace the Season.
Winter Fun: Ice Skating and Light Displays
As the temperatures drop, Kansas City turns into a magical winter wonderland. One of the top seasonal activities for kids (and the young at heart) is ice skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Watching your kids take their first glide or mastering a spin is an experience you'll treasure. The backdrop of Crown Center’s festive holiday decorations makes it even more dazzling.
Winter also brings spectacular holiday light displays across the city. Pay a visit to Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead or experience Plaza Lights, a Kansas City tradition that transforms the Country Club Plaza into an enchanting scene of twinkling colors. These displays create an awe-inspiring experience your kids won’t soon forget.
If you're planning your next outing, don't miss the joy and beauty of the winter season. For more cool-weather inspiration, explore even more ideas for family fun at Discover Kansas City's Top Picks for a Winter Day Out.
Kansas City Adventures Await
Kansas City truly shines as a playground for families with kids of all ages. From outdoor adventures and hands-on museums to unique entertainment spots and seasonal activities, there's no shortage of ways to keep your family engaged and excited year-round. Each destination offers a blend of fun and learning, ensuring your time together is both memorable and enriching.
Don't just take our word for it—plan your next outing and see why so many families rave about Kansas City's kid-friendly charm.
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