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Top 15 Things to do in Kansas City

Kansas City sits on Missouri’s western edge, straddling the border with Kansas. It’s known for its barbecue, jazz heritage and fountains. Modern Kansas City encompasses 316 square miles (820 km2) in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass and Platte counties.

The 18th and Vine Neighborhood gave birth to the musical styles of Kansas City jazz and Kansas City blues. It is also known for Kansas City-style barbecue. The area is infamous for the Border War that occurred during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Westport and Bleeding Kansas. Large suburbs include Independence and Lee’s Summit in Missouri and Overland Park, Olathe and Kansas City in Kansas.

Besides the stand-out sights, top-class museums and thrilling amusement and water parks, the Kansas City vibes are addictive. Here are the top 15 things you can do while in Kansas City.

1. Visit the National World War 1 Museum

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The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri was opened in 1926 as the Liberty Memorial. In 2004, it was designated by the United States Congress as the country’s official war memorial and museum dedicated to World War I.

The Museum is renowned throughout the country for being one of the best of its kind. The museum is housed in a rather modern building with a glass walkway over a field of red poppies: a powerful reminder of the combat in the trenches in the First World War.

The museum, with its vast informative displays and cabinets full of weapons and uniforms, preserves for Americans the memories of WW I for posterity. Visit the museum鈥檚 Liberty Memorial for some of the best panoramic views of Kansas City.

Practical Information

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

Phone: +1 816-888-8100

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sun          10am 鈥� 5pm

2.  Shout Your Voice Hoarse for Local Kansas City Teams

The Kansas City area is home to many major professional teams including Sporting KC, Kansas City Monarchs baseball club, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, all playing in vibrant and state-of-the-art stadiums. Plus NASCAR racing at Kansas Speedway and a host of parks and lakes, hiking and biking trails, and exciting events. The schedule is jam-packed no matter what the season.

If you love pro sports, then will love living or visiting in Kansas City! Whether you鈥檙e a football, baseball, hockey, or soccer fan, KC has the perfect professional team for you. Cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) at Arrowhead Stadium. Root for the Kansas City Royals (MLB) at Kauffman Stadium. Catch the Calgary Flames鈥� affiliate Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Or hold up your scarf for Sporting KC (MLS) at Children鈥檚 Mercy Park.

3. Watery fun at Kansas City鈥檚 Famous Fountains

Meyer Circle (“Seahorse”) Fountain, Kansas City, Missouri.Image by User: Charvex from

Kansas City鈥檚 love affair with fountains started much earlier. A vision by city leaders in the late 1800s to create 鈥渕ore boulevards than 麻豆APP, more fountains than Rome鈥� led to the first few, which were used primarily as watering holes for both residents and animals.

Kansas City is known as the 鈥淐ity of Fountains鈥� and is said to have more fountains than Rome. The unique water sculptures and statues celebrate generations of Kansas City natives. There are 200 officially registered fountains in the metropolitan Greater Kansas City area. And that number excludes the many fountains at corporation and sub-division entrances, office atriums, private gardens and homes.

4.  Makes ‘Cents’ with a tour of  the Money Museum

The Money Museum鈥檚 interactive exhibits teach visitors about the Federal Reserve鈥檚 role in the economy. Visitors can also see the region鈥檚 largest cash vault, lift a 27-pound gold bar and view President Harry S. Truman鈥檚 extensive coin collection. Bonus: all visitors leave with a bag of shredded currency.

Visitors to Kansas City, Missouri need to check out the Money Museum. The city鈥檚 Federal Reserve Bank provides a great chance to learn about money and its role in society. 

At the Money Museum, you鈥檒l be educated on how currency has taken shape over the years, from gold bars to the evolution of paper currency. You will appreciate the artistry that鈥檚 found in money.  You can walk into the museum during normal business hours without any need for a reservation.

Practical Information

Address: 1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64198, United States

Phone: +1 816-881-2683

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Fri            9:30am 鈥� 4pm  Sat 鈥� Sun             Closed

5. Kansas City Zoo

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On 202 beautiful acres in Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals. Voted one of America’s best zoos, it’s also ranked number one in the nation for African Animals Exhibits. Open year-round with free parking, there is nothing that beats a day at the Zoo.

The zoo has a Friends of the Zoo program and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is one of the best places to visit with the kids. Having previously been ranked as one of America’s top zoos there are frequent special events and programs to engage children鈥檚 imagination. From safari boat rides and stingray feedings to nocturnal safaris and fascinating discussions with zookeepers, Kansas City Zoo offers kids a remarkable introduction to wildlife conservation.

Practical Information

Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132

Phone: +1 816-595-1234

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sun          9:30am 鈥� 4pm

6. Non-Stop Thrills at Worlds of Fun

The Worlds of Fun theme park covers a whopping 235 acres and has rides for all ages including the legendary Mamba rollercoaster which, like the snake that shares its name, is one of the fastest and scariest in the world. The park is also home to the Dinosaurs Alive attraction which features life size dinosaurs that will thrill children and adults alike.

There鈥檚 also a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit, where you can stock up on refreshing drinks and sugary treats. The price of admission also grants you access to Oceans of Fun, a massive waterpark that shares the same location. The Riptide Raceway, the world鈥檚 longest mat-racing waterslide at 148 metres is available for the bold.

Practical Information

Address: 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161

Phone: +1 816-454-4545

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sun          9am 鈥� 5pm

7. Learn about Sports and Civil Rights at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

In the face of harder economic times, the Negro National League folded after the 1931 season. Some of its teams joined the only Negro league then left, the Negro Southern League. On March 26, 1932, the Chicago Defender announced the end of Negro National League.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the place to learn the history of African-American baseball. Located in the heart of Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, it鈥檚 dedicated to this once-forgotten sporting period.

At the museum, you’ll discover how baseball played a major role in the American civil rights movement. From the 1800s military and college teams where African-American baseball began, it explores how landmark figures like Jackie Robinson eventually became headline players in Major League Baseball.

Practical Information

Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: +1 816-221-1920

Working Hours: Mon      10am-2pm       Tue 鈥� Sat   9am 鈥� 6pm         Sun        Noon-6pm

8. Fall in Love with Kansas City BBQ

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If there鈥檚 one thing you can count on in Kansas City, is its barbecue. Though cities like Austin and Memphis claim to have the best BBQ, KCMO residents would argue in favour of their hometown.

Since Henry Perry, the self-styled father of Kansas City barbecue, opened his first lunch stand in 1908, locals and tourists have been trying to pin down what exactly defines the KC barbecue style.

Many think that thin-sliced brisket and tomato sauce sweetened with molasses are requirements of the genre. Others point to burnt ends, one of the city鈥檚 proudest inventions: fatty, smoky cubes of beef brisket with a crunchy, caramelized bark.

9.  Feel the notes at the American Jazz Museum

Hardly any type of music is as distinctly American as jazz. Any visit to Kansas City is not complete without a visit to the American Jazz Museum. This museum is one of the best parts of KC because it celebrates the rich musical diversity of jazz like hardly any place else.

Jazz lovers and those unfamiliar with the genre will learn a lot from this museum, located in legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker鈥檚 old neighbourhood. Exhibits are focused on the sensory and interactive, so you鈥檒l really be able to experience why jazz is so beloved. It鈥檚 a great place for families and admission for children four and under is free.

Practical Information

Address: 1616 E 18 St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: +1 816-474-8463

Working Hours: Mon     10am-2pm   Tue 鈥� Sat        10am 鈥� 5pm      Sun        Noon-5pm

10. Let’s go to Legoland Discovery Centre

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Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City is an indoor family entertainment centre located in the Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The attraction includes Lego rides, a soft play area, a 4D cinema and a gift shop. 

Legoland Discovery Center is a must-visit destination for those who love playing with the famous coloured bricks. There are 12 different sections to explore, with the 4D cinema representing a clear highlight as you can catch screenings of your favourite Lego movies.

Other popular sections include the Kingdom Quest laser ride, Merlin鈥檚 Apprentice ride and DUPLO Village, while Miniland is where you’ll find an outstanding model of Kansas City built from 1.5 million Lego bricks. If you want to learn how to build bigger and better structures, both kids and adults can take part in a 30-minute Master Model Builder workshop.

Practical Information

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone: +1 816-471-4386

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sun          10am 鈥�4pm

11.  Explore Kansas City鈥檚 Dynamic Art and Gallery Culture

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Kansas City is made up of more than just fountains and barbecue joints. But the Kansas City art scene offers another great reason to visit. The city is home to colourful murals, adorning its historic brick buildings downtown to parks and other public spaces in its suburbs. Most of the murals showcase the best of artists鈥� talents and many offer a poignant message.

One of the most exciting things about Kansas City is that its cultural landscape is an ever-evolving experience. From incredible fine art galleries and studios to contemplative public art installations and multi-dimensional art-related events.

12.  First Weekends in the West Bottoms

Widely known for its immersive haunted houses, the historic West Bottoms district is also home to the largest collection of vintage and antique markets in the U.S. Experience the best of their offerings during a free street festival that takes place the first weekend of every month.

Every first Friday- Sunday, head over to the West Bottoms for First Fridays Weekend. Every first weekend of the month the doors to local shops located in the beautiful brick warehouses located in the West Bottoms are open for you and your family to see what hidden gems they have to offer.

Practical Information

Address: 1401 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64102

Phone: +1 816-842-4280

Working Hours: Fri 鈥� Sun              From 5 pm

13.  Shop at Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza, Kansas City. Image from

Kansas City鈥檚 premier shopping centre, Country Club Plaza is the place to be, whether during the holidays for the Plaza Lighting Ceremony, over the summer for a gondola ride along Brush Creek, or come fall when it hosts the Plaza Art Fair (free admission).

The 15-block destination, filled with Spanish-inspired architecture, is also an appealing place to shop any time of year. Here, you鈥檒l find high-end stores like Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and Charlie Hustle, as well as singular boutiques and spots like Made in Kansas City, where you can pick up locally made items like hats, candles and drinkware.

Practical Information

Address: 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112

Phone: +1 816-753-0100

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sat           10am 鈥� 7pm      Sunday 10am-5pm

14.  Kauffman Memorial Garden

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The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is a 2-acre botanic garden and part of the Kauffman Legacy Park, located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is maintained in a collaborative effort by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Powell Gardens.

Named in honour of beloved Kansas City husband and wife philanthropists Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, the Kauffman Memorial Garden is one of the best places to visit in the city. So much fun can be had as you see all the lovely plants. Included with the free admission are also marvellous bronze statues. The Kauffman had such a positive influence on Kansas City.

Practical Information

Address: 4800 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110

Phone: +1 816-932-1200

Working Hours: Mon 鈥� Sun          8am 鈥� 7pm

15.  Sip a Tipple in Vintage Old Distilleries

Thanks in part to corrupt political boss Tom Pendergast, Kansas City maintained a thriving drinking scene during Prohibition. Bootlegging flourished and the city was full of speakeasies, gambling dens, and even a red-light district, earning it the nickname 鈥渢he 麻豆APP of the Plains.鈥�

This devotion to good drinks remains today, evidenced by several top-notch distilleries around town. Founded in 1887, J. Rieger & Co. produced more than 100 alcoholic products before being forced to close in 1919 with the advent of Prohibition.

Ninety-five years later, it reopened in its original location in the Electric Park district of the East Bottoms and now distils whiskey, dry gin, wheat vodka, and other spirited products. Open to visitors Wednesdays through Sundays, it also offers facility tours, spirit tastings ($20 for adults), and the Monogram Lounge, where you can sip cocktails overlooking the distillery production floor.

Spread throughout its numerous vibrant districts, Kansas City has countless family-friendly attractions and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re wandering the busy city streets or heading out into the surrounding countryside, you can be sure there’s an engaging destination to spend a morning or afternoon