Top 27 Places to Visit and Things to Do in Kansas City, MO

A place of adventure and enigma, Kansas City in the state of Missouri, is known for its jazz heritage, intricate architecture, delicious barbeque, parks, and beautiful fountains. It also houses some of the most exhilarating places and works of art and culture. These include monumental structures such as the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, National Airline History Museum, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, etc

Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun indeed presents an opportunity for you to enjoy in the world of fun. That is perhaps why it is one of the best public things to do in Kansas City with kids. After all, Worlds of Fun is not just a mere amusement park. Instead, it boasts of an enormous collection of some of the most enthralling rides and exhibits you will have the chance to experience.

Whether you are here with your family or your friends, we are certain you will find something fun to do as Worlds of Fun offers an endless mix of adventures spread across 6 distinct areas. These areas all come with their own unique characteristics and features. They are respectively known as Scandinavia, Africa, Orient, Americana, Planet Snoopy, and Europa.

Boomerang at Worlds of Fun (22696927983).jpg
By Robert Herschede, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/22JTxNskuTxqdtuS7 | Phone Number: +18164544545

National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is a premier building in the United States of America. A place of national importance, the building is entrusted with the responsibility of looking into the remembrance, interpretation, and understanding of the Great War. Located about five to ten minutes from the downtown Kansas, the National World War 1 Museum provides a war-based educational and enthralling experience for the entire family.

To gain the full war experience from the time you spend at this Museum, it is best to begin your journey of exploring the war from the giant timeline in the East Gallery. It makes for a great starting point as it gives you a chance to explore and understand the chronology of the war from the very beginning of the war.

National World War I Museum and Memorial external photo.jpg
By National WWI Museum – National WWI Museum, CC0, Link

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KWxiNb5owWacGrmd7 | Phone Number: +18168888100

Kansas City Zoo

If you are wondering what to do in Kansas City, this is it. Located in the heart of the historic district of Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo stands proudly as a family attraction and an enthralling activity for people across various age groups. The zoo presents an adventure like no other with its unique collection of flora and fauna that span over more than seventeen hundred animals.

These are all spread across more than two hundred acres and play an integral role in the development of the Kansas City Zoo as one of the most important things to do in Kansas City. And if you are unable to physically go and visit the zoo in all its glory, the Kansas City Zoo also hosts videos for a variety of animals. Here, you can look over the day-to-day activities of the zoo with the help of a video camera that is recording the screen live at all times.

KCMO Zoo Nima 09.JPG
By Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132, United States | Timing: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/kansas-city-zoo-kansas-city?share | Phone Number: +18165951234

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

A building of monumental importance and one of the most significant Kansas City attractions, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, is more than just a BBQ stand or a mere restaurant. Instead, it is a place of hope, dreams, and aspiration.

To give you more insight, this is how the team describes their story – ‘In Kansas City, where barbecue is a way of life, it is understood that smoke has mystical properties. Smoke has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It can transform the least desirable cuts of meat into the most delectable’. Plus, add to that the fact that they make some of the meanest grills around town and you have got a killer evening on your hands.

Joes Kansas City Bar-B-Que.png
By Whoisjohngalt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103, United States | Timing: Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xPzgeCMZTpUHjgbd9 | Phone Number: +19137223366

American Jazz Museum

The American Jazz Museum is one of the most characteristic Kansas City things to do. The building is nestled amidst the 18th and Vine Jazz District in the heart of Kansas City. The American Jazz Museum enjoys its position as one of the most fun things to do in Kansas City. After all, the American Jazz Museum brings to light the music and razzmatazz the world of jazz has to offer.

That is done using interactive exhibits, intriguing films, a beautiful Changing Gallery exhibit space, and two unique attractions i.e. The Blue Room and Gem Theater all put together in the American Jazz Museum

The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City.jpg
By Iknowthegoods at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States | Timing: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/americanjazzmuseum?share | Phone Number: +18164748463

Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza! The Country Club Plaza presents Kansas City’s favorite shopping district with more than 15 blocks that are adorned with numerous excuses and wonderful reasons to shop and dine till your heart’s content. Located in the heart of Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza indeed takes the heart away with its wide array of shopping and dining buildings.

The Country Club Plaza consists of more than 100 stores, 30 restaurants, beautiful houses, and a plethora of other amazing things all wrapped up in a beautiful package of a neighborhood. That is how the Country Club Plaza is designed with fine architecture, intricate interiors, and high-end buildings.

Country Club Plaza 1 Kansas City MO.jpg
By charvex, Public Domain, Link

Address: 4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/q4MsUi5hm61oMkF56 | Phone Number: +18167530100

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art presents an inspirational journey from the moment you visit their website to when you finally walk through the paths and explore the different things the Nelson Atkins Museum has to offer whether in terms of art, culture or even just some motivation. And that certainly reflects in every facet of the Nelson Atkins Museum right from their mission statement i.e., to be a gathering place for people to share and contemplate the greatest creations and artwork of humankind.

Nelson atkins museum of art Kansas City.jpg
By Trinity, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States | Timing: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GTUYDwe85Z3inU2T8 | Phone Number: +18167511278

Leila’s Hair Museum

A hair museum? For real? Yep, as surprising as it may be, Leila’s Hair Museum presents a museum of opportunities that houses everything in the world of hair. And it is honestly beautiful because they bring these stories to light in the most beautiful manner. That is because they talk about stories of love, of friendship, of art, and of family and how hair played an integral role in the working out of all these stories. Certainly, makes for an intriguing visit, doesn’t it? So, hop on in and check out one of the most intriguing Kansas City things to do.

Address: 1333 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WeUFdndc3Dv12n5n6 | Phone Number: +18168332955

Arabia Steamboat Museum

As the team describes this enthralling escapade, ‘the Arabia Steamboat Museum is a unique Kansas City attraction: a time capsule of life on the American frontier in the mid-19th century.’ It is a renowned historic attraction that is frequented by the public across the span of the entire year. And for good reason! This national monument houses some timeless pieces that range from French perfume to buttons to even coffeepots.

Arabia Steamboat Museum, Kansas City, Missouri

Address: 400 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/arabia-steamboat-museum?share | Phone Number: +18164711856

Go Shopping at City Market

The Historic River Market KC has been a premier Kansas City building for all those who come on and look for things to do in Kansas City MO. Here, people are welcomed by the most exquisite sights and brilliant deals. You can choose from a variety of fresh produce, local goods, and worldly restaurants. This exuberance and vibrance have played a leading role in ensuring that City Market maintains its position as one of the best markets in Kansas City for more than 160 years.

City Market Kansas City MO.jpg
By Charvex, Public Domain, Link

Address: 20 E 5th St #201, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States | Timing: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/phTivfJhiiepWB1A9 | Phone Number: +18168421271

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

As the name suggests, the American National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a museum dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and representation of toys and miniatures. And yep, it is every bit as amazing as it sounds. After all, it houses a delightful collection that brings together unique, intriguing, and exclusive toys and other objects from across the world. And before you begin guessing, the quantity of these toys is more than 86,000. Like we said, absolutely amazing. Be sure to check them out on your trip to Kansas City, Missouri.

NationalToyMiniatureMuseum.jpg
By Sandover, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/toyandminiaturemuseum?share | Phone Number: +18162358000

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum that is constantly bustling with a sense of vibrancy and exuberance that transcends across all the public it receives every day. That is perhaps what has helped this beautiful art museum gain a name for itself across the years that have passed. Although the art museum is relatively new as it came into being in the year 1994, it has successfully managed to accumulate a loyal following with people who come here to soak in the American museum’s natural exuberance and immersive artwork.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 2

Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JojLs27sgJQUBFS48 | Phone Number: +18167535784

Enjoy First Friday Events

Want to explore Kansas City events this weekend? The Crossroads Arts District is one of the most intriguing event spaces found in the entirety of Kansas City, and the unique First Friday events are one of the major reasons why you should go. Each of them is filled with an enchanting enigma that captures the attention of all the onlookers.

Here, you will come across a variety of different personalities, acts, and exhibits all partaking in their passion for the arts. You will be greeted by the harmonious sounds of smooth jazz and soulful ballads, the lovely flavors of the many food trucks found here, and the unorthodox sights of the plethora of art pieces that First Friday presents.

The Crossroads at Night

Address: 200 E 1st St N Ste. #204, Wichita, KS 67202, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/myHigmzc9KhaDffH8

Kansas City Public Library

The renowned Kansas City Public Library is a public system housed out of its headquarters building in the Central Library in Kansas City, Missouri. It serves as an optimum point of focus for neighborhood librarians and keeps them connected with noteworthy literature spread across an adept working system.

KC Main Library1.JPG
By Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Boulevard Brewery

A brewery of the ages, the Boulevard Brewing Company came into being in the year 1989. Across the years that have passed, the building has grown in leaps and bounds to leave a lasting impression on the people of the Midwest. Now, the Boulevard Brewing Company presents the heart and charm of the city of Kansas. And for good reason! Not only is it a characteristic favorite of the public who visit the area but also the largest specialty brewer in the state area of the Midwest.

Boulevard Brewery Plant (10713075793).jpg
By Tech.Co, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States | Timing: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/o71hmZvbTH2r1TxC8 | Phone Number: +18164747095

Explore the neighborhood of Crown Center

A city within the city, Crown Center presents an interactive hub that is one of the most unorthodox Kansas City attractions. Crown Center has something for all types of public. At Crown Center, you have the freedom to explore the realm of your imagination and immerse yourself in intriguing situations that challenge you to develop innovative and unorthodox solutions.

What do we mean? To give you a true insight, let us take you through some of the activities Crown Center has to offer. That includes a hands-on Lego experience, the very first aquarium in the city, a Hallmark-run creative space, and a premium boutique and department store. So, tons of fun guaranteed at Crown Center.

Crown Center Fountain All-Star Break.jpg
By Aaron Wagner, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ciZHw9B7L1NbNnPa8

Loose Park

One of Kansas City’s best kept secrets, Loose Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of the American city. The park is constantly bustling with a sense of energy and enigma that fills everyone with peace, bliss, and serenity as they look upon the park.

Loose Park Duck Pond.jpg
By Brit By Birth, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 5200 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NTZnzddUFKcp4VCh9 | Phone Number: +18165138590

Ernie Miller Nature Center

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District came together to develop and construct the well-known Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center. Backed by their support and perseverance, the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center has grown to accumulate a space of over 116 acres that consist of a variety of unique and exclusive green park foliage. The park is made up of moors, meadows, tall grass prairies, forest, and an attractive brook in the park that you can explore with your family or friends.

Address: 909 North, KS-7, Olathe, KS 66061, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/ernie-miller-park-nature-center?share | Phone Number: +19138262800

Watch Your Favorite Game at a Bar Arcade

A sign of the times, Bar Arcades truly present a walk back in time. And what better way to celebrate that than with the house of bar arcades? Yep, you heard that right. The culture and thrill of bar arcades certainly took off in Kansas City and grew in leaps and bounds to present an entertainment option that set to define the character of an entire era.

Retrovolt Arcade 2017 - Arcade Machines 1.jpg
By Arcade Perfect, CC BY 2.0, Link

National Airline History Museum

The National Airline History Museum is one of the most culturally significant Kansas City attractions in Missouri. After all, it is a monumental place of attention that deserves all the respect and admiration it commands.

Airline History Museum Kansas City.jpg
By Charvex, Link

Address: 201 NW Lou Holland Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116, United States | Timing: Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2DJwxi3PCyBWqPPEA | Phone Number: +18164213401

Westport Flea Market

The Westport Flea Market is Kansas City’s quirky, funky dining institution that has been a part of the culture and history of the city for over 30 years. That is exactly why the Westport Flea Market stands proudly as one of the most unorthodox and cultural things to do in KC.

Exterior

Address: 817 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States | Timing: 9:00 am to 11:15 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/m6CDbhZ6B1jQpinZ9 | Phone Number: +18169311986

Kansas City Speedway

The Kansas Speedway is a globally renowned, critically acclaimed tri-oval racetrack that is popularly used to host a variety of racing events and sports. That is a strong contender as to why Kansas Speedway consistently ranks highly among the best things to do in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Kansas Speedway.jpg
By Balaji, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Address: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bCDaRi2vouEN61zM7 | Phone Number: +18664607223

T-Mobile Center

As they say on their website, ‘An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City is known for live entertainment, enthusiasm for sports & eclectic cuisine including world-famous barbecue, thriving arts scene, jazz heritage, and fountains.’ We certainly think T-Mobile Center complements this eclectic city and holds its position as it houses ‘sports, concerts, family shows, collegiate competitions, special events’.

Sprint Center Kansas City Missouri.jpg
By Charvex, Public Domain, Link

Address: 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/tmobilecenter?share | Phone Number: +18169497100

J. C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

For more than 60 years, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain has been a fixture in Kansas City and one of the most monumental things to do in KC. And in the years that have passed, it has grown in leaps and bounds both in terms of popularity and following.

JC Nichols Memorial Fountain in Kansas City.JPG
By Starfire1118, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 47th Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uNB1zBJD8boUf2XZ6 | Phone Number: +18168422299

39th Street

39th Street is one of the most happening and most characteristic Kansas City things to do. It presents a mélange of culture and cuisine which overlaps some of the most fun things to do in Kansas City, Missouri.

Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain Kansas City MO.jpg
By User:CharvexOwn work, Public Domain, Link

Address: W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XBz7PQyaDW3jAsAJ7

Union Station Kansas City

Established in the year 1914, the American Union Station Kansas City is an architectural masterpiece that brings life to the years that have passed through us. It presents a great adventure in the heart of Kansas City for all those who are looking for something truly effervescent. That is perhaps why Union Station Kansas City receives considerable public attention from people who marvel at its state-of-the-art architecture, timeless documentation across miles, and all the magical moments it presents.

Kansas City Union Station.jpg
By Linanster, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States | Timing: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/UnionStationKCMO?share | Phone Number: +18164602000

Arrowhead Stadium

Welcome to the world of football – Arrowhead Stadium! Arrowhead Stadium is a leading football stadium based out of the heart of Kansas City in Missouri. It houses the globally renowned football team the Kansas City Chiefs. It houses and serves as the home venue for this national team that puts up some great shows as a part of the National Football League.

Arrowhead Stadium 2010.JPG
By Conman33, CC BY 3.0, Link

Address: 1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/amy5pnTsT7QDXHXS7 | Phone Number: +18169209300

And there you have it, Kansas City is truly a characteristic city that is ever bustling, ever so refined, and ever so popular. We mean, there must be a reason why people love their experience at Kansas City so very much. So, go and try this out for yourself!