Top Things To Do In Kansas City

As the nation’s most centrally located city, Kansas City ought to be called the heart of the United States. While the name itself evokes cornfields and rolling hills, this city is also known as the “cradle of jazz” in the north. The unique culture of Kansas City can be seen at its many museums, live music venues, and hometown eateries. Visitors come from across the country and arrive by car, by plane, and by train. Kansas City’s famous Union Station sits atop an Amtrak line that runs east to St. Louis and Chicago and west all the way to L.A. Keep scrolling to discover all you need to do on a stop through this friendly city.

As the nation’s most centrally located city, Kansas City ought to be called the heart of the United States. While the name itself evokes cornfields and rolling hills, this city is also known as the “cradle of jazz” in the north. The unique culture of Kansas City can be seen at its many museums, live music venues, and hometown eateries. Visitors come from across the country and arrive by car, by plane, and by train. Kansas City’s famous Union Station sits atop an Amtrak line that runs east to St. Louis and Chicago and west all the way to L.A. Keep scrolling to discover all you need to do on a stop through this friendly city.

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The best of Kansas City walking tour
The best of Kansas City walking tour
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$447.46
The best of Kansas City walking tour
Admission for Two or Four People, or Donation to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (Up to 35% Off)
Up to 35% Off Admission to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City1.1 mi
4.8
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1,249 ratings
$5 $5.25
Single-Day Admission for Two
Two 10-Minute Games of Laser Tag for Two, Four, or Six at Jaegerz Laser Tag (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off at Jaegerz Laser Tag
9300 Northeast Underground Drive, Kansas City7.2 mi
4.8
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1,056 ratings
$28 $17
39% discount_off
Two 10-Minute Laser Tag Games for Two
Take Your Aim and Get a Bullseye During an Axe Throwing Session at Go Ape Kansas City (Up to 30% Off)
ᚹ Hit the Bullseye with an Axe at Go Ape Kansas City
7331 Oakwood Drive, Kansas City8.4 mi
4.8
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2,112 ratings
$19.95 $14
30% discount_off
Axe Throwing Session for One Person
Arcade or Escape Room at Double Tap Kc (Up to 20% Off ) Four Options Available
Arcade or Escape Room at Double Tap Kc
310 Oak Street, Kansas City0.7 mi
4.8
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12 ratings
$50 $40
20% discount_off
Virtual Reality Escape Room: Two Headsets; Valid Monday to Thursday
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show with Howard Jones and Berlin on August 8 at 7 p.m.
Boy George & Culture Club w/Howard Jones - Up to 38% Off
4600 Starlight Rd., Kansas City
$51.55 $32
38% discount_off
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show on August 8 at 7 p.m.
60+ bought
Admission to Museum of Illusions Kansas City (Up to 27% Off). Six Options Available.
Up to 27% Off Admission at Museum of Illusions Kansas City
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City1.1 mi
4.1
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769 ratings
$10.96 $8
27% discount_off
Admission for One Adult (Ages 14+); Valid Any Day
2, 3, 4, 6, or 12 Paintball Passes with Safety Gear and Gun Rental from Paintball USA Tickets (Up to 90% Off)
Paintball USA Tickets — Up to 90% Off
5 Locations7.2 mi
4.3
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11,168 ratings
$70 $9
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Two Open-Play Passes with Safety Gear and Gun Rental for Two People

Sophisticated streets and expansive boulevards make it easy to get to the variety of places to visit in Kansas City. If Crossroads District feels crowded, visit Westport for a more laid back atmosphere.

The best activities do near Kansas City include:

  • Bring the kids to Worlds of Fun Theme Park to explore over 235-acres of amusement park attractions
  • Learn about Asian calligraphy, global costume design, and African history through art at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Make friends with the toucans at Kansas City Zoo
  • See a planetarium show inside Kansas City’s Union Station, which also houses permanent & temporary exhibits
  • Explore the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

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Admission for Two or Four People, or Donation to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (Up to 35% Off)
Up to 35% Off Admission to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City1.1 mi
4.8
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1,249 ratings
$5 $5.25
Single-Day Admission for Two
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show with Howard Jones and Berlin on August 8 at 7 p.m.
Boy George & Culture Club w/Howard Jones - Up to 38% Off
4600 Starlight Rd., Kansas City
$51.55 $32
38% discount_off
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show on August 8 at 7 p.m.
60+ bought
Admission to Museum of Illusions Kansas City (Up to 27% Off). Six Options Available.
Up to 27% Off Admission at Museum of Illusions Kansas City
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City1.1 mi
4.1
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769 ratings
$10.96 $8
27% discount_off
Admission for One Adult (Ages 14+); Valid Any Day
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour on August 18 at 7 p.m.
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour – Up to 29% Off
4600 Starlight Rd., Kansas City
$42.34 $30
29% discount_off
KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour at Starlight Theatre on 08/18/23 at Starlight Theatre on August 18, 2023
200+ bought
Three Attraction Pass For One, Two, or Four at Cool Crest (Up to 45% Off)
Up to 45% Off Attraction Pass at Cool Crest
10735 East US Highway 40, Independence7.6 mi
$24.99 $17
32% discount_off
Three Attraction Pass For One
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Admission to Titanic Branson
Up to 29% Off Admission to Titanic Branson
3235 West 76 Country Boulevard, Branson
4.7
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6,802 ratings
$39.66 $28.33
29% discount_off
Titanic Branson Admission
SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 50% Off)
Up to 50% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,506 ratings
$132.99 $67.99
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SeaWorld Orlando Single Weekday Admission Ticket: Valid 365 days from purchase
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,444 ratings
$48 $33
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Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)

NFL fans should snag a ticket to Arrowhead Stadium to see the Kansas City Chiefs. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Plaza Art Fair which features artists from across the United States.

Popular attractions near Kansas City include:

  • After wandering through the exhibits at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy contemporary cuisine at Café Sebastienne
  • Walk the trails that wind through woodlands in Swope Park before exploring the treetop adventure park
  • Sip a local brew inside the tasting room at Boulevard Brewing Company
  • Bike the pathways that parallel the winding Missouri River at English Landing Park in nearby Parkville
  • See a thrilling Broadway show at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Kansas City is home to Verrückt, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the world’s tallest water slide. Try ascending those 264 steps before taking the plunge.

Exciting activities happening near Kansas City today include:

  • Venture through the wooded hills and limestone outcroppings at Roanoke Park
  • Explore the colorful botanic garden at Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden  
  • Uncover a treasure trove of information at the Money Museum
  • Learn about the historic settlement of the American West at the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, MO
  • Tour the Vaile Mansion, a perfectly-preserved Victorian mansion with themed rooms

This jazz-lovin’ city offers a unique variety of nightlife activities. See a live band perform downtown, or sample locally distilled spirits after enjoying a play at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Nighttime attractions near Kansas City include:

  • Visit the first legal distillery in Kansas City since prohibition at Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
  • Play retro arcade games while sipping cocktails inside the funky Up-Down KC arcade bar
  • See a contemporary play inside Unicorn Theater, which produces play never before seen locally
  • Catch a blockbuster movie showing at the B & B 1-70 Drive-In
  • Tickle your funny bone at a local comedy show at ComedyCity

Find fun for all ages at one of Kansas City’s many kid-friendly attractions. Parents and kids can learn something new at Science City before putting the world under a microscope at the Miniatures Museum.

Family-friendly things to do near Kansas City include:

  • Visit Science City at Union Station to experience a variety of interactive science exhibits
  • Splash around at Oceans of Fun Water Park after visiting Worlds of Fun next door
  • Stretch your imagination inside the Lego Ideas Studio at Legoland Discovery Center
  • Attend a kid-friendly creative arts & crafts session for free at Kaleidoscope
  • Explore a miniature world, from jewelry to furniture, at the Toys and Miniatures Museum

When going outside doesn’t fit the mood, Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa touts 1,500 slot machines and 37 tables games. After hitting it big, visit a winery or the public library to unwind.

Things to do indoors near Kansas City include:

  • Lounge amongst the books at Kansas City Public Library
  • Tour the Harley Davidson Factory and learn all about the history of the motorbike
  • Sip wine inside Amigoni Urban Winery
  • Embark on a quest for hidden art on a scavenger hunt of the Nelson-Atkins Museum
  • Wander amongst American relics inside the National Archives building

Outdoor attractions beckon locals and travellers alike to Kansas City. Golf at one of the city’s premier golf courses. Then, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through downtown proper.

Outdoor activities in Kansas City include:

  • Rent a bike near J C Nichols Memorial Fountain and explore the area
  • Swim in Lake Jacamo, a 970-acre freshwater reservoir located near blue Springs
  • Relax on the park benches nestled along the trails at Parkville Nature Sanctuary
  • Explore the colonnade before playing disc golf at Kessler Park
  • Tee off on the green at Swope Memorial Golf Course

FAQs about things to do in Kansas City:

What are some popular tourist attractions in Kansas City?

  • Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: This popular museum, located in the heart of Kansas City, is home to a collection of over 35,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
  • Explore the Kansas City Zoo: This popular zoo, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is home to a variety of animals, including gorillas, lions, and polar bears. The zoo also has a number of special exhibits, including a rainforest and a desert.
  • Take a stroll through the Kansas City Country Club Plaza: This popular shopping and dining district, located in the heart of Kansas City, is a great place to spend a day exploring. The Plaza is home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and other attractions.
  • Go for a hike at the Loose Park Rose Garden: This park, located in the southern part of Kansas City, is home to a beautiful rose garden and a variety of hiking trails. The park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
  • Visit the City Market: This popular market, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays, is a great place to find locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and other goods. The market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great way to support local businesses.
  • Check out the Kansas City Symphony: This professional orchestra, which is based in Kansas City, performs a variety of classical and popular music. Attending a concert is a great way to experience the city's thriving arts scene.

Are there any good places to go shopping in Kansas City?
Kansas City has several good shopping options, such as the Country Club Plaza, which is an outdoor shopping center featuring upscale retailers and dining options, and the West Bottoms, which is home to a number of antique shops and vintage stores.

What are some fun activities to do in Kansas City?
Some fun activities in Kansas City include visiting the Kansas City Power & Light District for dining, entertainment, and nightlife, taking a tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company, and visiting the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which features artifacts from a steamboat that sunk in the Missouri River in 1856.

Are there any good options for outdoor activities in Kansas City?
Kansas City has several parks and outdoor spaces for activities such as Loose Park for a stroll, biking or picnics. The Kaufman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals baseball team and Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs football team are also popular options for sports fans. The American Jazz Museum, showcasing jazz music of the 20th century also there.

What are some good options for dining in Kansas City?
Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and there are many restaurants that serve delicious barbecue dishes. Other popular dining options include steakhouses and farm-to-table restaurants, as well as a variety of international cuisines such as Mexican and Mediterranean.