Amber waves of grain, golden plains filled with sunflowers, tornado alley and Dorothy—this might be what you think of when you think of Kansas City – but that’s not all we’re made of! Kansas City sits in the heart of the nation and is split between Kansas and Missouri. As you crisscross state lines, get ready to experience the variety “the metro” offers for families and couples alike. Our hometown sports are second to none, but if sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry! We’ve got tantalizing BBQ, cool indoor experiences to beat the summer heat, and lots of outdoor adventures waiting for you. Welcome!
Best Places To Eat With Kids:
Fritz’s Café: All aboard for a fun food adventure! This cute cafe delivers your order to your table via little train! Burgers, fries and milkshakes make this an easy place to find something for everyone to enjoy. With several locations around the KC Metro, you can stop in and refuel for the next adventure.
KC BBQ: You can’t miss an opportunity for the famous KC BBQ! Our style is slow cooked with a thick, mouthwatering sauce. Joes’s KC or Fiorella’s Jack Stack are two of our local favorites.
SPIN! Pizza: From delicious apps, to finely paired salads and pizzas the flavor combinations will make every mouth smile. Gelato and adult beverages paired with pizzas are a fine dining experience in this family friendly eatery.
Museums & Entertainment:
Nelson Atkins: stretch out among the shuttlecocks on the lawn after touring this museum that features varying exhibits and grabbing a snack at the Rozzelle inside the museum.
Starlight Theater: music concerts, Broadway and more are offered in this outdoor venue. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your stay in KC!
Kansas City Sports: Royals, Chiefs.
The Legends Outlet shopping: This outdoor experience provides shops, dining and entertainment to satisfy tastes from little to grown. Hotels surround the area, along with an opportunity to see the Kansas Speedway--care to go for a drive?
Best Spots For Just Grownups:
Power and Light District: This downtown Kansas City site is a great place to get out for a date night! Food, drinks, music and a variety of options to hop around to are all conveniently located in one space.
KC Wine Co-is off the beaten path, in a quiet setting with lots of trivia nights and live music, beer and wine (and wine slushies!!), and snacks. Enjoy an outdoor seating area, or find your way into The Barrel Room.
Stone Pillar Winery: Nestled in the outskirts of the big city, you can walk the vines with your wine or wine slushy. Stone Pillar features a varying calendar of events with fun food trucks, live music! Can’t decide on just one to try, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered with wine flights, too!
Best Coffee Shop(s):
Sweet Teas-is located in Olathe, KS. Locally roasted coffee beans, home baked goods, tea, coffee and lemonade are among the indulgences you’ll want to try here. The fun part: you get to pick your own mug to use when you enter! Show your flair by picking the statement mug that best fits your mood.
RevoCup-with varying locations around the metro, this Ethiopian coffee shop gives back to the coffee growing community where they are “turning spare change into meaningful change.”
Places Where Active Kids Can Roam Free:
DeeAnna Rose: from free roaming paths and the one room school house, to feeding baby goats, playgrounds and cooling off with ice cream, DeeAnna Rose Farmstead has been one of my favorite budget friendly spots with LOTS to explore!
Ernie Miller Nature Center: tucked in Olathe, outside the big city, Ernie Miller offers some peaceful outdoor time to hike paths in wooded areas, visit a buttery fly garden and view a few animals indoors.
Shawnee Mission Park: This huge area can find you wandering the trails, watching the dog play at the off leash dog park, or sitting at a peaceful spot near the lake watching fishers or paddle boarders. Pack your lunch and listen to the sounds of nature from lots of different picnic areas.
Best Ways to Beat The Heat With Kids:
Ride the KC Streetcar: Take this free ride around downtown Kansas City. Explore City Market down in the Rivermarket, drive by the Power and Light District, Kauffman Center and end up at Union Station and Crown Center area.
Wonderscope: is an indoor escape with life-like experiences for toddlers to age 10. Markets, water works, cafe, and LOTS more are fun experiences from the child’s perspective.
Prairie Fire Museum: located in Overland Park, this museum offers science, art and culture for adults and children alike.
Johnson County Museum: Another child centered, fun, hands-on learning museum. An extra perk to visiting here, this document provides visuals to help families who have kids who like to know what to expect. You can print the cards and plan the visit in photos!
Science City and Union Station, Crown Center: More hands-on learning with this interactive science museum. Find your way through genetics, dino digs, levers and more with this science-based interactive museum. Union Station is a fantastic place to beat the heat and explore indoors. Touring exhibits, live or movie theater, shopping, dining, a model train gallery, and a piece of living history will be a sure spot to visit.
Photo by Daniel Thomas on Unsplash
