When you combine trains, technology and barbecue, the only place you can be is Kansas City. This kid-friendly Missouri town offers loads of attraction for visiting families. We’ve gathered up a slew of our favorites below and visit our Kansas City events calendar for the full scoop on events for kids during your stay.

photo: 12019 via pixabay

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Spend day wandering through world-class galleries. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the cultural jewel of Kansas City and just three blocks from the Country Club Plaza. Bonus: admission is free

4525 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO
Online: nelson-atkins.org

National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding this war and its enduring impact on the global community. The museum offers activities for kids like a scavenger hunt that will take you all over the museum.

2 Memorial Dr.
Kansas City, MO
Online: theworldwar.org

Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a favorite Kansas City attraction, a history museum housing 200 tons of cargo from life on the American frontier in 1856. This steamboat was recovered in 1988 and and serves as a time capsule of American frontier life.

400 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
Online: 1856.com

photo: Baltimore Count Public Library via flickr

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Opened in 1991, this museum is a tribute to some of baseball’s best-unknown players. The NLBM is a self-guided tour experience. The exhibition features text panels, hundreds of photographs, artifacts and several film exhibits that is integrated with a timeline of baseball and African American history. Length of tour varies but we recommend a minimum of an hour to fully enjoy the exhibit.

1616 E 18th St.
Kansas City, MO
Online: nlbm.com

The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden 
This two-acre garden is part of the Kauffman Legacy Park in the heart of Kansas City. Open year round, the park serves as a tranquil place for families to visit.

4800 Rockhill Rd.
Kansas City, MO
Online: kauffman.org

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
This museum features the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collection of antique toys on public display. Visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays and you can take an in-depth tour of one of the exhibits.

5235 Oak St.
Located on the UMKC campus
Kansas City, MO
Online: toyandminiaturemuseum.org

photo: iStock

Kaleidoscope
Provided by Hallmark Cards, Kaleidoscope nourishes the creative spirit. It is a place where all children and their families are invited to be creative, have fun and feel good about their own special ideas. Admission is free. Children use their imaginations to make art with materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. Some are cut into shapes, while others are left just as Hallmark sends them.  And Hallmark provides different materials so the projects are ever-changing!

2500 Grand Blvd.
Crown Center, Kansas City, MO
Online: hallmarkkaleidoscope.com

Science City at Union Station
See how astronauts train for space missions or discover the chemistry behind some of your favorite beverages. Kids and adults alike will be entertained for hours at this center dedicated to showing how science is a part of our everyday lives.

30 W Pershing Rd.
Kansas City, MO
Online: unionstation.org

Kansas City Zoo 
Explore the Kansas City Zoo, with more than 1,700 animals on 202 acres. It’s the most affordable family fun for kids of all ages. Hop aboard the Zoo Sky Safari for an aerial view of the park and then ride the Zebra Tram when the kids get tired.

6800 Zoo Dr.
Kansas City, MO
Online: kansascityzoo.org

SEA LIFE Kansas City
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium will transport you into an amazing underwater world! Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish, seahorses and graceful rays.

2475 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
Online: visitsealife.com

The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Kansas City
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Kansas City events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.

—Kate Loweth

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