Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is situated on the western edge of the state of Missouri. The city offers a myriad of attractions that are sure to captivate visitors.

Renowned for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and, notably, its fountains—of which there are over 200—Kansas City is a must-visit destination in the Great Plains region.

Beyond its iconic landmarks, Kansas City boasts exceptional museums and exhilarating amusement and water parks. Additionally, it features charming neighborhoods that provide a delightful atmosphere, enticing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s culture for at least a week.

Here are the most engaging activities in Kansas City:

1. Visit the National World War 1 Museum

The National World War 1 Museum is acclaimed nationally as one of the finest establishments of its type. The museum is constructed within a contemporary building that features a glass walkway above a field of red poppies, serving as a poignant symbol of the trench warfare of the First World War.

While many Americans may overlook World War I, this museum, with its extensive informative displays and exhibitions of weaponry and uniforms, addresses this historical oversight effectively.

Be sure to visit the museum’s Liberty Memorial for breathtaking panoramic views of Kansas City.

2. Get your thrills at Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun theme park sprawls across an impressive 235 acres, offering rides suitable for all ages, including the renowned Mamba roller coaster, which is renowned for being one of the fastest and most adrenaline-inducing globally.

The park also features the Dinosaurs Alive attraction, showcasing life-size dinosaurs that are sure to excite both children and adults.

3. Learn about African American Baseball

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum stands as one of the few institutions in the United States dedicated to the exploration of baseball during the era of racial segregation.

It chronicles the existence of exclusively African American teams, such as the New York Black Yankees, while providing an in-depth examination of the sport’s segregation and subsequent integration.

The museum is situated within the 18th and Vine Complex in Downtown Kansas City.

4. Go Wild at the Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo, established in 1909, continues to draw significant crowds. The zoo spans over 200 acres and is particularly renowned for its Kenya and Tiger Trail exhibits.

Recently, the addition of koala bears has enhanced its already impressive array of animal exhibits. Visitors should anticipate extensive walking, hence it’s advisable to dedicate a full day to explore the zoo.

5. Shop at the Country Club Plaza

The Country Club Plaza is recognized as the premier shopping destination in Kansas City, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the area’s stunning Spanish architecture. Completed in the 1920s, this district has remained a commercial hub over the decades.

Walking tour brochures are available to guide visitors through the various attractions, highlighting significant points of interest, including notable sculptures.

Among the highlights are the bullfight mural located on Central Street and the impressive Neptune Fountain.

6. Get funky at the American Jazz Museum

Another notable museum located downtown at the 18th and Vine Complex is the American Jazz Museum. This institution provides an enriching exploration of jazz history in the region, detailing various styles, instruments, and the legendary musicians who once lived in Kansas City.

One such luminary, Charlie Parker, resided and performed in this very neighborhood.

The museum is characterized by its contemporary display format, providing an interactive experience for visitors.

7. Appreciate Art at the Nelson Atkins Museum

The Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City is renowned not only for its remarkable collection of art but also for its stunning architectural design.

The building features impressive neoclassical architecture, evoking the appearance of a chandelier emerging from the lush surroundings.

The museum’s collection encompasses an array of paintings and photographs from Europe, in addition to a vast and distinguished collection of Asian art from various eras.

8. Experience College Basketball

The College Basketball Experience is essentially a Hall of Fame for the sport, housing an extensive array of memorabilia that will excite any basketball enthusiast.

Even those who may not identify as basketball aficionados can enjoy attempting free throws and commentating on others’ shots.

In addition to exploring the museum, visitors can also check out the adjoining T-Mobile Center, which is currently hosting concerts, with aspirations of acquiring its own franchise.

9. Learn about steamboats

The Arabia Steamboat Museum, located on Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, is a unique establishment housing an astonishing 200 tons of salvaged artifacts, which some may consider treasure while others might view them differently.

These items were recovered from the Missouri River after a steamboat sank in 1856. Despite the river claiming many vessels throughout history, no other museum has matched this institution’s capability of recovering lost goods and showcasing them.

10. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Conveniently located on Warwick Boulevard, near the Country Club Plaza, this museum is recognized for showcasing contemporary artwork from emerging artists worldwide. The exhibitions frequently change to maintain a fresh appeal.

Free guided tours are offered and provide an excellent opportunity to engage with the artwork while gaining a deeper understanding of it. The museum’s café, Cafe Sebastian, has received accolades as one of the top dining establishments in the country, making it worth a visit if you have time and resources.

11. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Although visitors may not be able to interact with the toys, the collection exhibited in this museum comprises some of the world’s most valuable and rare items.

The collection originated in 1982 when two collectors collaborated. Initially covering 7,000 square feet, today it spans 33,000 square feet and houses 72,000 objects.

This museum hosts one of the largest public displays of antique toys.

12. Swat up at the Public Library

The Kansas City Public Library is readily identifiable thanks to the Community Bookshelf outside its main building.

This Community Bookshelf features model book spines, each measuring 25 feet, showcasing selections that have been recommended by local readers.

The Central Library currently houses an exhibition dedicated to Shakespeare’s formative years, including one of his first folios, believed to be among the rarest and most valuable books globally.

13. See Kansas City’s Crown Jewel

Known as Kansas City’s Crown Jewel, Kauffman Stadium serves as the home for the Kansas City Royals, a Major League Baseball team.

Since its inauguration in 1973, the stadium has welcomed a remarkable 77 million fans. Tours of the facility grant access to the Royals Hall of Fame, an up-close look at the largest HD screen in any baseball stadium, and an interactive children’s area.

A stadium tour is a rewarding experience for Royals fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.

14. Visit another of Kansas City’s Crowns

Another noteworthy attraction in Kansas City is Crown Center, located in the downtown area. The main draws within the center include the Sea Life Aquarium, which is home to 5,000 marine creatures, and the Legoland Discovery Center, offering an engaging interactive Lego experience and an impressive Lego store. The Center also hosts performances through the nationally recognized Coterie Theater and Musical Theater Heritage.

15. Drink the Nectar of Kansas City

The Boulevard Brewing Company has evolved from a small local brewery to become the largest and most recognized brewery in the Midwest. It specializes in an extensive range of fresh and flavorful beers made from locally sourced ingredients.

Free tours of the expansive facility last approximately forty minutes and delve into the company’s history, the brewing process, and, naturally, include a tasting session of their finest offerings.

There are specialized tours available for those interested in deeper insights and more extensive tastings.

16. Visit the Kauffman Centre for the Performing Arts

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City resembles the Sydney Opera House and is equally iconic within the city.

This distinctive structure began as a conceptual sketch on a napkin and currently spans 285,000 square feet.

It serves as one of the premier venues for musicals and theater productions in Kansas City, while the on-site restaurant, offering Modern-American cuisine, is also highly regarded.

17. Chill out in Loose Park

Loose Park may be the third largest park in Kansas City, yet it is arguably the most beloved. Located on 51st Street, it encompasses a lake, water park, picnic area, and a stunning rose garden featuring over 4,000 roses.

The park also contains markers commemorating the Civil War, indicating where General Sterling Price positioned his troops.

Its central location makes it an ideal spot for rejuvenation and relaxation amidst natural beauty.

18. Learn about the history of flight

This impressive aviation museum, located in hangar 9 of the Missouri Downtown Airport, emerged from the curiosity of two enthusiasts seeking to restore an aircraft.

Over the past thirty years, the collection has expanded significantly and now features various aviation-related vehicles, both operational and historical.

Visitors can also experience several flight simulators, providing a fascinating look into the training of past and present pilots.

19. Visit two house museums

The Wornall House Museum in Kansas City was the residence of John Wornall and his family. It operates as a public museum, having been furnished to provide a glimpse into life during the American Civil War.

The neighboring Majors House, formerly the home of Alexander Majors, constructed in 1856, occupies 300 acres of farmland.

It consists of nine rooms and is open to the public, similarly decorated to represent the period.

20. Feel the need for speed at Kansas City Speedway

If you’re looking to add some high-speed excitement to your Kansas City experience, consider visiting the Kansas City Speedway. The Richard Petty Driving Experience allows you to take control of a 600-horsepower vehicle for an exhilarating 50 laps around the track.

If driving a powerful machine such as this is daunting, there’s always the option to have a skilled professional take you around the track.

21. Visit a Temple

Just east of Kansas City, in Independence, stands the Independence Temple, completed in 1994.

This unconventional and striking edifice resembles a structure from a fairytale, serving as both a place of worship and education while dominating the local skyline. It operates as the headquarters for the Community of Christ.

22. Go to a biker bar

One of the most popular bars in Kansas City is Knuckleheads Saloon, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

This establishment serves classic American cuisine and regularly hosts various bands, including a number of Elvis impersonators.

It represents a genuine biker bar experience without venturing into less reputable areas.

23. Escape from the Union Station

The Union Station building once served Kansas City and its surroundings until its closure in 1985. However, it remains a functional space filled with attractions that merit inclusion in your Kansas City itinerary.

Current offerings include an Escape Room experience, where participants work together to escape by solving a sequence of puzzles.

Additionally, there is a Da Vinci Exhibition and events throughout the year such as the Kansas City Makers Fair.