Looking for KC family fun on the cheap? Celebrate the season with these free and cheap Kansas City area ideas!
- Visit the recently renovated National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Kids love to explore each room to discover toys their parents and grandparents enjoyed.
- Create a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope.
- Walk the Country Club Plaza and admire the lights on display through Jan. 17, 2016.
- Watch fish in the aquariums at Cabela’s (10300 Cabela Dr., KCKS, 913.328.0322) or Bass Pro (Olathe: 12051 Bass Pro Dr., 913.254.5200 and Independence: 18001 Bass Pro Dr., 816.795.4300).
- Visit Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (especially fun on snowy Saturdays when horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered for $3/ea - weather permitting)!
- Take a FREE tour of The Roasterie and learn about coffee.
- Appreciate art at FREE first Fridays in the Crossroads.
- Tour the Truman home in Independence.
- Pay-to-Play 10:00-5:00 Tues & Thurs at Backyard Specialists. Plan a play date with 17 play sets to enjoy, picnic tables and fun for little ones. $2/child.
- Weather permitting - take the family sledding! Click here for a list of Sledding Hills in Kansas City! Visit Snow Creek to go skiing in Weston, Missouri.
- Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- Share a Skyscraper at Winstead’s.
- Visit the animals inside at Lakeside Nature Center.
- Head to Cool Crest where you can play arcades on a winter's day.
- Step back in time at the Lanesfield School Historic Site. The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays and tells the story of a typical 20th century school day, the curriculum, and the role most schoolhouses played in the larger community.
- Savor a scrumptious bowl of KC's best soup.
- Burn off energy during FREE Open Play Tue-Thu, 8:00-8:00; Fri, 8:00-4:00; Sat-Sun, 9:00-Noon, Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church). Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse. 913.393.3000
- Pay-for-Play at Rainbow Play Systems Mon-Fri, 10:00-5:00. Enjoy indoor play on Rainbow’s play equipment. $5/child for two hours of play.
- Imagine and play at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum.
- Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where admission is free.
- Take little ones for affordable indoor play during Parks Playplace Mon, Wed & and Fri mornings, Westport Roanoake Community Center and KC North Community Center. Children run and play in the gym. Cost: $1/session. KCParks.org
- Go Roller Skating (most local rinks offer a discounted family night).
- Take a tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall and go to the roof for amazing views of downtown.
- Play at Little Monkey Bizness during their power hour from 1:00 to 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays, when guests enjoy $5 admission.
- Take a winter hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center.
- Visit the free National Archives of Kansas City and explore their free exhibits.
- Build a free project at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both offer free workshops on select Saturdays.
- Discover a masterpiece at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Get free money at the Money Museum.
- Learn about nature at the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary.
- Enjoy the chill and a frozen dessert as you test every flavor of Glace Ice Cream until you find your favorite.
- Explore the Central Branch of the Kansas City Library, because any library with a parking garage painted with classic books has to be cool.
- Tour the Harley-Davidson Factory, a favorite activity for ages 12 and up.
- Tour the FREE Hallmark Visitors Center.
- Take a free class at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.
- And remember to search Free Events on our Kansas City calendar, where there are free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.