42 Best Things to Do in Kansas City (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Coffee & Tea | BBQ | Museums & Culture | Family-Friendly | Fun & Unique | Seasonal

Born and raised in the Kansas City metropolitan area, I’m a local with a passion for all things Kansas City. 

But what’s up with Kansas City’s geography? I’m glad you asked. Kansas City sits on both sides of the Missouri and Kansas state lines. Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, are technically two different cities, but they both reside in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

It’s a quintessential city in America’s heartland, known for BBQ and multiple Super Bowl wins (Go Chiefs!). In this guide, I share the best things to do on both sides of the state line.

But before you read on, bookmark my guide to where to stay in Kansas City to read next.

Best Things to Do in Kansas City

KC Live! Block At Kansas City’s Power and Light District

For the best live events and nightlife, KC Live! Block is a must-visit.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 816-842-1045 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 3 am Daily | Entrance: 21+ Only, Free Admission. Cover charges vary by bar

KC Live! Block is a walkable, outdoor venue in Kansas City. With 10+ bars and nightclubs across two stories, there is something for anyone (21 and older, of course).

No matter the season, you can catch a Kansas City sports or college game on a 40-foot LED TV or attend a concert in the summer months. From May-August, I recommend breaking out your cowboy boots for Hot Country Nights every Thursday night.

Also, be sure to check out Howl at the Moon if you are looking for a country bar, Mosaic for an EDM nightclub, and Pizza Bar for delicious pizza and a beer.

Crown Center

Explore family-friendly shops, dining, and interactive events at the home of Hallmark Cards. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 274-8444 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Free Admission

Crown Center is one of the best places in Kansas City for families. It’s home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, a shopping center, two hotels, the Crown Center Square Fountain, and a residential community. Crown Center was founded by the creator of Hallmark, Joyce C. Hall, and his son, Donald J. Hall.

Kids can draw at the Crayola Store, make crafts at Kaleidoscope, build with LEGO® bricks at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, or meet aquatic creatures at Sea Life, the only aquarium in the state of Missouri. 

Restaurants such as Topsy’s Popcorn and Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, shops like Amy’s Hallmark and Shop Local KC, and live shows at the Music Heritage Theatre and Coterie Theatre are fun for visitors of all ages. 

Union Station

Visit Historic Union Station for family-friendly fun.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 460-2000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am Daily | Entrance: Free Admission, Attraction Fees Vary

Union Station is an over 100-year-old train station located in Downtown Kansas City and a 3-minute walk from Crown Center. Here, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and attractions such as Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Regnier Extreme Screen Movie Theatre, and City Stage Theatre. 

It’s a staple of Kansas City history and is on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.

Country Club Plaza

Spend the day shopping at the Plaza.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 753-0100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 6 pm Sun

The Country Club Plaza (called “the Plaza” by locals) is a must-see for visitors of all ages. It’s home to several of the best local, national, and upscale restaurants and shops.

The Plaza is also home to Mill Creek Park, a popular outdoor community spot with 11.43 acres of land. A few minutes south of the Plaza is Loose Park, a park with a 1.4-mile loop trail spanning 75 acres.

If you are visiting in the fall, I highly recommend checking out the Plaza Art Fair. Specifically, around Thanksgiving, you can’t miss the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. During this ceremony, all of the Christmas lights are turned on across the Plaza, officially marking the start of the holiday season in Kansas City.

River Market

Shop antiques and Kansas City’s best farmers market.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Located north of Downtown and bordering the Missouri River, the River Market is a great place to spend a weekend morning if you love vintage finds, local goods, and farmers’ markets. 

The River Market is best known for antiques and multi-cultural restaurants located in an outdoor market called the City Market. On the weekends, the City Market turns into the area’s largest farmers market (days vary by season). 

On Sundays from April to October, make sure to check out the River Market Vintage Flea to find the best retro pieces and Art Garden KC to shop the best selection of handcrafted items from local artists and makers.

The Legends Outlets at Village West

The best place for sports fans and discount shopping lovers.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 788-3700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun (Restaurant and Store Hours May Vary)

Across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas, Legends Outlets is the largest and only outlet mall in the Kansas City area. Legends is the perfect spot for shoppers looking for the best deals from popular high-end stores like Michael Kors and Coach.

For sports fans, Village West is home to the Kansas Speedway (which hosts several NASCAR races), Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City’s Men’s Soccer Team, Sporting KC, and the Legends Park, where Kansas City’s minor-league baseball team, the Kansas City Monarchs, plays.

Entertainment options include the AMC Legends 14 movie theater, Dave and Buster’s, and Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium

Cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs at the loudest stadium in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 920-9300 | Website | Hours: Varies | Tickets: Prices Vary

Arrowhead Stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium in the world. For an authentic Kansas City local experience, attend a tailgating party with Kansas City barbecue and cornhole – if you’re visiting during football season of course.

The Kansas City Chiefs have won 4 Super Bowls since the Super Bowl began in 1967. After their first win in 1970, they had their second Super Bowl victory 50 years later in 2020. Since then, the Kansas City Chiefs have won again in 2023 and 2024. 

American Jazz Museum

Learn about America’s rich Jazz history. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 474-8463 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Adults – $10, Seniors (60+) – $9, Youth (6-18) – $6, Children (5-and-under) Free, Military With ID $4, Students & Educators (19+ with ID)- $8

The American Jazz Museum is located in The Museums at 18th and Vine alongside the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The jazz museum teaches you about the rich history of jazz in America, particularly Kansas City’s influence on jazz music from the 1920s to the 1940s.

Visitors can attend the Blue Room, which is the American Jazz Museum’s jazz room. It’s open to the public on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I also recommend the Gem Theater for live concerts and community events.

Kansas City Zoo

See over 100 animals at the Kansas City Zoo.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 595-1234 | Website | Hours: Varies by Season | Entrance: Adults $25, Seniors, Children 3-11 $22, Children under 2 FREE

The Kansas City Zoo is in Swope Park, near the Starlight Theatre. It’s considered to be one of the Top 60 Zoos in the United States. With over 200 acres of land and more than 1,000 animals, the Kansas City Zoo is an all-day activity that is fun for the whole family.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Spend the day exploring over 5,000 years of art history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 751-1278 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, 10 am – 9 pm Thu & Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Tue & Wed | Entrance: Free

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (referred to as “The Nelson” by locals) is one of my favorite places in Kansas City. With over 40,000 pieces of art encompassing 5,000 years, The Nelson is a great place for art history buffs and casual visitors alike. 

The Nelson has free admission, making it accessible to all travelers, and paid rotating exhibits that are free for children under the age of 12. 

Kansas City Coffee & Tea

Mildred’s Food + Drink

Have brunch at this amazing coffee shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 507-6837 | Website | Hours: Varies by Location

Mildred’s is a coffee shop with 3 locations in Kansas City: the Crossroads Art District, South Plaza, and the Historic 9th Street District in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. My go-to location is in the Crossroads. In my opinion, they have some of the best biscuits and gravy in the city!

Café Corazón

 Try the only Yerba Mate in the Midwest. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 301-7480 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun

Café Corazón is known for its Latin American and Indigenous coffee, espresso, food, and Yerba Mate.  

Yerba Mate is a traditional South American tea with numerous health benefits. Café Corazón is the only café in the Midwest and one of the few cafés in the United States that serve traditional Yerba Mate.

Café Corazón has two locations in Kansas City; one in the Crossroads and one in Westport. Aside from their Yerba Mate, I highly recommend their Mocha Sevilla, Mocha Azteca, and chorizo burrito.

Crows Coffee

The perfect spot for business travelers, students, and remote workers alike.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 912-2483 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 7 pm Daily

Crows Coffee is a local favorite, particularly for students and remote workers. Crows Coffee has three locations in Kansas City; next to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in the South Plaza, Waldo, and Red Bridge. 

Crows Coffee has patio seating in the warmer months. It is the perfect place for visitors looking for a cozy atmosphere to work, read, or chat. 

Front Range Cafe

Have an incredible breakfast on both sides of the state line.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 620-3343 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm Tue-Thu, 7 am – 11 pm Fri & Sat, 7 am – 6 pm Sun & Mon

Front Range Cafe is a mountain and Western-themed coffee shop with yummy drinks, pastries, breakfast, and lunch options. This cafe is located on both sides of the state line in the Brookside/Waldo neighborhood in Missouri and in Fairway, Kansas (minutes away from the Plaza).

They serve the freshest breakfast and pre-packaged sandwiches I have ever had.

Take Care by OLEO

Experience Midwestern hospitality at Take Care by OLEO. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 1 pm Daily, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Take Care by OLEO is a farm-to-consumer coffee shop in the Crossroads with a rustic, Midwestern aesthetic. 

There are no middlemen at Take Care by OLEO; the owners directly source their beans from farms across Latin and South America. They are a no-tip coffee shop and pay their employees a fair wage.

Take Care by OLEO prides itself on having friendly staff and excellent customer service. I recommend their chai latte and lemon olive oil loaf.

Three Bees Pottery and Coffee Shop

Tamales, coffee, and pottery can be found in this unique coffee shop on the Kansas side.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 703-7229 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Tue-Sat, 8 am – 2 pm Sun, Closed Mon

Kansas City, Kansas is known for having some of the best, most authentic Latin American restaurants and coffee shops in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Three Bees Pottery & Coffee is no exception. Located in the Rosedale neighborhood on Southwest Boulevard, this is an excellent spot to start your morning. They have a gorgeous pottery collection and are supportive of local makers. 

Three Bees Pottery & Coffee recently put on their first Vendor Market, where I had the opportunity to sell my jewelry as a vendor.

Kansas City BBQ

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q

Joe’s BBQ is the pinnacle of KC barbeque.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 722-3366 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun

Formerly called Oklahoma Joe’s, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que isn’t just one of Kansas City’s premier barbecue restaurants, but it’s also one of the best barbecue restaurants in the world. 

Joe’s BBQ was mentioned on Anthony Bourdain’s list of the “13 Places to Eat Before You Die.” If you come on the weekends, expect the line to be out the door, but it is worth the wait.

Joe’s BBQ burnt ends with a side of baked beans and potato salad is my go-to order.

Gate’s Bar-B-Q

“Hi, may I help you?” is the first thing you’ll hear when you walk in.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 531-7522 | Website | Hours: Varies By Location

Gate’s Bar-B-Q has been a Kansas City favorite for over 60 years. This iconic restaurant is best known for its BBQ sauce that can be found in grocery stores across America. But you have to come to Kansas City to experience the real thing.

Char Bar – Westport

Westport’s Best BBQ.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 389-8600 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thu, 11 am – 12 am Fri, 10 am – 12 am Sat, 10 am – 10 pm Sun

Char Bar is one of my favorite places to get barbecue in the Midtown area. Located in Westport, it has a lively indoor and outdoor environment, making it the perfect spot to watch a Kansas City Chiefs or Royals game. Stop by for a delicious lunch, dinner, or brunch on the weekends.

BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ

Experience Blues and BBQ at BB’s Lawnside.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 822-7427 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Tue-Thu, 11 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 8 pm Sun, Closed Mon

BB’s Lawnside Blues & BBQ is equal parts live music venue and BBQ joint. Kansas City has strong jazz, blues, and BBQ roots, and BB’s shows off the best features of the city at this local dive.

Catch local legend Mama Ray singing the blues every Saturday for an authentic BB’s experience. 

LC’s Bar-B-Q

This hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint is a must-visit. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 923-4484 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Daily, Closed Sundays

LC’s Bar-B-Q is a hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurant off of Blue Parkway in South Kansas City.

This place is known for sweet and savory barbecue sauce, and it’s the only sauce they serve. They have a three-tier smoker behind the counter, so you can see your food being made.

Slap’s BBQ (Squeal Like a Pig)

Cross over to Kansas to try out this incredible BBQ restaurant.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 213-3736 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Daily

Slap’s BBQ (Squeal Like a Pig) has quickly become a Kansas City barbecue favorite since opening in 2014. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, Slap’s BBQ is considered a staple of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, west of I-70 and Central Avenue. 

They are best known for their ribs and burnt ends. Make sure to come early because they typically sell out each day.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kansas City

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center-Kansas City

Discover incredible LEGO® displays and activities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 471-4386 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2:30 pm daily | Entrance: vary by date & time slot

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center at Crown Center is an amazing feat of talent to see. Guests of all ages can explore all of the intricate LEGO® creations, enjoy LEGO® themed rides, and children can play with LEGO® bricks while there.

Note that adults cannot attend LEGOLAND® Discovery Center without a child present, except on their Adult Nights. 

Science City at Union Station

Become a scientist at Science City.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 460-2000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $17 General Admission

Located inside Historic Union Station, Science City is recognized as “Kansas City’s Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Best Family Fun.” 

With over three floors, there are over 300 science-related indoor and outdoor interactive and immersive activities. It’s entertaining for all ages and even features spacious play areas and rotating exhibits.

KC Wheel

Take a ride on the KC Wheel.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 608-6918 | Website | Hours: 5 – 9 pm Mon-Thu; 12 – 10 pm Fri-Sat; 12 pm – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Ticket Prices Vary

West of I-35, near the Crossroads Art District, the KC Wheel is a new addition to the city, but it has quickly become a favorite amongst locals and tourists. 

The KC Wheel stands 150 feet tall and offers riders the perfect view of Kansas City’s skyline. After riding the KC Wheel, visitors can play a game of mini golf at the Pennway Putt. 

The Rabbit hOle

Revisit your favorite childhood stories in this immersive children’s museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 492-7915 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $16, Under 2 years old: Free

The Rabbit hOle is a children’s museum in North Kansas City, which brings the best children’s books to life through curated rooms and displays. However, this museum is also fun and nostalgic for adults who grew up reading the featured books. 

The Rabbit hOle also has story hours, family workshops, and 21+ nights. 

The Arabia Steamboat Museum

Explore the remains of this sunken steamboat.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 471-1856 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Adults – $16.50, Seniors (60 and older) – $15..50, Children (ages 4 – 14) – $6.50, Children (3 and under) – Free

The Steamboat Arabia was a cargo ship that sank in the Missouri River in 1856 and was excavated 132 years later.

Over 200 tons of cargo in the Steamboat Arabia were found, making it the largest single collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world. Now, those items are on display in the Arabia Steamboat Museum in the City Market area of the River Market.

Kansas City Museums & Culture

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore some of the best contemporary art in Kansas City.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 753-5784 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed, 10 am – 9 pm Thu, 10 am – 4 pm Fri-Sun, Closed Mon & Tue | Entrance: Free 

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (located next to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) has over 1,500 pieces of contemporary art in its permanent collection. They have a rotating display of 8-10 exhibits each year. 

The Kemper Museum has two restaurants, Cafe Sebastienne and Oil on Linen. Admission to the museum and exhibits is free for all visitors.

The National World War I Museum and Memorial

Pay tribute to our fallen heroes at The National World War One Museum and Memorial.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 888-8100 | Website | Hours: Varies by Season | Entrance: $19.50, adults, Seniors (Ages 65+ $15.50, Military (Veterans and Active Duty): $15.50, Youth (Ages 6-15): $11.50, Children (Under 6): Free

The National WWI Museum and Memorial has been designated as the official World War I museum in the United States by Congress. Learn about important World War I history through their extensive collection and exhibits. 

Although the Liberty Memorial Tower is closed until after Memorial Day weekend, if you are not afraid of heights, I recommend taking the elevator to the top of the tower. It stands at 217 feet from the courtyard to the top, and will give you one of the best views of the city. The courtyard also provides an amazing view.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Visit the only Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 221-1920 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat; 12 – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Adults: $10.00, Seniors: $9.00 Each (65+ Years), Kids: $6.00 Each (5 – 12 Years), Kids: FREE (0 – 4 Years)

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum shows the history of the Negro National League (NNL), which was created in Kansas City, Missouri in 1920. The NNL was created due to the segregation between Black and white baseball players in the early 20th century.

Black baseball players were not allowed to play Major League Baseball (MLB), so talented Black players created their own league. It was not until 1947 when Jackie Robinson of the NNL team, the Kansas City Monarchs, became the first Black baseball player allowed to play in the MLB. 

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was dedicated by Congress as “America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum” and is the only museum in the world to preserve the history of the United States Negro Leagues.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

See the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 235-8000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Sun, Closed Tue | Entrance: General Adult Admission (Ages 18-64): $12, Age 65+: $10, Active Duty and Retired Military (With ID): $6, Ages 6-17 and College Students (With ID): $5, Age 5 and Under: Free

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, located next to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is home to over 66,000 toys and over 22,000 miniatures. 

This museum is known as the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures, as well as being one of the largest collections of historic toys that is available for public viewing.

Fun & Unique Things to Do in Kansas City

Up-Down Arcade Bar

Enjoy a drink and vintage arcade games.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 982-9455 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 1:15 am Mon-Fri, 11 am – 1:15 am Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free Admission, 21+

Up-Down Arcade Bar is a staple of the Crossroads neighborhood. 

Part bar and part arcade, UpDown has dozens of vintage arcade games, as well as basketball hoops, Mario Kart, and Skeeball. With an upstairs and downstairs outdoor patio, two levels of games, and a photo booth, there’s something for all arcade lovers 21 and older.

In the summer, there is giant Jenga and cornhole on the patio. Also, be sure to try the mac and cheese pizza!

Screenland Armour Theatre

Catch a movie or trivia night at Screenland Armour.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 994-7380 | Website

Screenland Armour Theatre is one of the Kansas City metropolitan area’s locally owned movie theatres. 

Alongside playing new movies, what makes Screenland Armour unique is that it frequently plays popular previously released movies and lesser-known films. They also have multiple cinematic and pop culture-related events and trivia throughout the year.

Rewind Video and Dive

A cozy bar with a video game theme.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 11 pm Tue-Thu, 6 pm – 12:30 am Fri, 6 pm – 1 am Sat, 3 – 10 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Admission: Free, 21+ Only

Located in the downstairs of Screenland Armour is Rewind Video and Dive. If you prefer to have a drink at a cozier place than a nightclub and love old-school video games, Rewind Video and Dive is the bar for you. 

It’s designed to look and feel like a basement in the 1990s, complete with video games and board games you can check out to play with family and friends. Rewind also has a large selection of VHS tapes and DVDs you can peruse or even rent out.

Prospero’s Books and Media

Spend hours reading at Prospero’s.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 531-9673 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun

Prospero’s Books and Media is one of my favorite independently owned bookstores in the Kansas City area. 

Located in Midtown in the 39th Street neighborhood, Prospero’s has 3 floors and over 50,000 combined books, vinyl records, CDs, and films. They frequently host events such as live readings and even live music. 

Winnwood Skate Center

Break out your rollerskates at Winnwood Skate Center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 452-1171 | Website | Hours: Vary

Winnwood Skate Center is a throwback to skate centers of the 1970s. It is a great place for adults and children to rollerskate to fun music. Events include gospel skate night, family skate night, and an adults-only skate night.

👉 Local Tip: Winnwood has very advanced skaters, especially during their adult nights. If you are a newbie, go inside the circle for a slower pace. 

Green Lady Lounge

Spend an evening at one of Kansas City’s best jazz clubs. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 215-2954 | Website | Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5 pm – 3 am, Fridays & Saturdays: 11 am – 3 am | Entrance: $10, 21+ Only 

Green Lady Lounge is an effortlessly cool live jazz club in the Crossroads Art District. It is an immersive experience with red mood lighting and no television screens. Grab a cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the best of Kansas City’s jazz tradition in a club that is reminiscent of days gone by.

Seasonal Things to Do in Kansas City

Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium

Root for the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 921-8000 | Website | Hours: Vary | Tickets: Prices Vary |👉 Book 90-Minute Walking Tour in Kauffman Stadium tour on Viator 

From the end of March to the end of September, make sure to visit Kauffman Stadium to cheer on the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City’s Major League Baseball team. During the seventh inning stretch, you can even cheer on your favorite condiment in the Hot Dog Derby. 

Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium

The First Women’s Professional Sports Stadium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 374-0233 | Website | Hours: Vary | Tickets: Prices Vary

Kansas City made history in March 2024 by unveiling the first stadium in the world built for a professional women’s sports team. Kansas City Current is Kansas City’s professional women’s soccer team that plays out of the CPKC Stadium in Berkeley Riverfront Park (near the River Market). 

If you’re in Kansas City in the months of March-November, make sure to add a Kansas City Current game to your itinerary. However, be aware that they do take a break the last week of June and the entire month of July. 

First Fridays at Crossroads Arts District

Celebrate art in Kansas City.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free 

If you’re in Kansas City during the First Friday of the month from April to October, First Fridays is a super fun & free event. 

On the First Friday of the month, Kansas City hosts a block party dedicated to the arts. On First Fridays, you’ll find dozens of art galleries, artists, live musicians, and food truck vendors in the Crossroads Art District. This event takes over the entire Crossroads, so it’s recommended to take the streetcar if you’re staying near a stop.

First Fridays is also a great time to check local bars and restaurants. I recommend Percheron, Parlor, and King G’s. 

Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Spend a summer or fall day at Worlds of Fun or Oceans of Fun.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (816) 454-4545 | Website | Hours: Varies By Season

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are Kansas City’s amusement and water parks. Located north of the Missouri River, this is the best way to spend a trip to Kansas City in the summer and fall. 

Worlds of Fun is home to over 100 rides, including the Detonator, Patriot, and Mamba. Oceans of Fun has some super fun water park rides. Honestly, visiting Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun is the best way to spend a summer vacation. 

In the fall, there are lots of fun Halloween activities for adults and kids.

Louisburg Cider Mill

Have the perfect fall day at Louisburg Cider Mill.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (913) 285-5300 | Website | Hours: Varies by Season

Louisburg Cider Mill is an apple orchard located about 40 minutes south of Kansas City, Missouri in a town called Louisburg, Kansas. 

It’s considered a favorite spot amongst Kansas Citians, particularly for its fall activities such as a pumpkin patch, outdoor shopping, and hayrides. Most importantly, I love their apple-based products like apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple butter, and jams. They even have Honey Crisp Apple-flavored BBQ sauce!

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Thanks for reading my article on the 42 best things to do in Kansas City! Next, make sure to check out my article on the best places to stay in the Kansas City area.