Kansas City should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a great destination, somewhere that offers fun, culture and great food for all the family. Kansas City is a bustling metropolis rich with history, a vibrant art hub, and a diverse and delicious culinary scene that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters! A weekend trip to Kansas City means a full itinerary that’s packed with a variety of activities that parents and kids will love!
If you’re a family on a budget, don’t worry! Families can quickly find competitive flights using Skyscanner and easily plan their getaway without breaking the bank. Kansas City offers a wide range of activities and entertainment suitable for all kinds of budgets and family sizes, which means you can still make some amazing memories without emptying your wallet. Let’s take a look at how you could spend a family weekend in the City of Fountains and keep everyone entertained.
Explore Art and Science Together
Start your first morning in Kansas City together by exploring its vivid art scene and take a trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission is free for everyone (although there might be additional charges for certain specific events or exhibits). The kids can keep themselves entertained by exploring the interactive exhibits, while the grown-ups can take in the world-class art that the Museum is renowned for.
You can also head outdoors and let the kids see how many sculptures they can find in the Kansas City Sculpture Park. Located just outside the Museum, everyone will love taking in the iconic installations and you may find some kid-friendly tours or workshops available on certain days.
Next, why not explore a little science? A visit to Science City and Union Station is a hands-on experience with more than 300 interactive exhibits for both kids and adults alike. Learning through play both indoors and outdoors, everyone will love discovering how the world around us works! You can even stop for lunch at Union Station which boasts a huge variety of dining options including Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant where everyone can marvel at their dishes arriving at their tables by miniature trains!
Live Shows or Something More Relaxed
If you have older children who’ll sit through a live show, then why not head to the family theatre at the Crown Center to catch a family-friendly show? Or if you prefer something more familiar, there are plenty of movie theatres in the area where you can enjoy a full movie experience. For those who want to wind down after a busy day then you can take a stroll around Crown Center and marvel at the famous fountains and light displays together before heading back to your accommodation. They don’t call Kansas City the City of Fountains for nothing!
Discover Street Art and the Food Scene
For more art and culture, families could head to the Crossroads Art District where you’ll find an area that is positively brimming with art galleries, street art and all kinds of creativity. Walking around these open-air exhibitions is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the world of street art and the importance of supporting up-and-coming artists, whatever their medium might be! If you happen to be visiting the city on the first Friday of the month, then you’ll be able to experience the city’s First Friday Art Event, where galleries are open until late, street performers are in abundance and the streets are lined with vendors, food trucks and artists!
Feeling hungry? Now is a really good time to explore the culinary delights of Kansas City. Head to the City Market – a busy spot that is family-friendly and the perfect spot for a light lunch. You’ll find a diverse range of food and cuisines available here from barbecue offerings and international dishes to local bakeries, wagyu beef plates, bistros, burrito bars and so much more. There’s certainly something for everyone here. After you’ve eaten, take some time to soak in a little bit of local culture and explore the stalls, produce stands and artisan shops, the Farmers’ Market can even be an educational experience for the kids.
Experience Some Outdoor Adventures
If you want to learn a little more about the local history of Kansas City, then a visit to the National World War I Museum and Memorial should be on your itinerary. There are plenty of interactive exhibits for parents and children to explore, from simulations to hands-on artefact handling – learning about history together will certainly build fond memories of this trip. Bring a picnic with you and you could enjoy some lunch in Penn Valley Park after spending the morning at the museum.
Of course, we haven’t forgotten about the animal lovers! Kansas City Zoo is an absolute must for any family, whether you have teens or toddlers in tow! Naturally, you’ll find a plethora of animal exhibits including orangutans, African elephants, Alligators, Black Rhinos and more, as well as animal encounters that you can book for an extra fee, behind-the-scenes tours and educational talks. The zoo is very accommodating to families with features like the tram, train and boat rides making it easy and fun to travel between the exhibits.
When evening arrives, families could head to the Power & Light District where you’ll find a wide variety of family-friendly dining options. With plenty to keep you entertained as well as child-friendly menus that keep even the fussiest of eaters happy!
Final Thoughts…
This is just a snapshot of what Kansas City offers for families. The balance of art, culture, history and the great outdoors means that there is something for everyone and every family member will be able to take away special memories of this totally unique city. Always remember to check for seasonal events that might be happening in the area during your visit and consider planning ahead as much as possible so you can make the most of your time and your budget!
Happy Travels!