Hot Tips for the Best Day at Crown Center

If you're looking to spend a day of fun locally without spending much money, Crown Center is a great outing. However, it is often CROWDED and these crowds sometimes deter moms from making the trip. Over the years, we've learned the tips and tricks to having the best experience at Crown Center.

• Plan on attending the earliest session at Kaleidoscope possible. In the summer, we're all tempted to enjoy lazy mornings, so Kaleidoscope's FREE Walk-In Sessions for ALL Ages (perfect if you have three children with a span of ages as we do), tend to have the smallest crowds at the earliest sessions. On Mondays, they are starting sessions at 9:40am... our experience has been that these sessions have the smallest attendance because they are early, it's Monday (many moms stay in on Mondays after being out over the weekend), and the shops aren't open until 10am, so many people don't think of heading to Crown Center until then. Find the complete Kaleidoscope Calendar. If the sessions aren't crowded, they'll let you walk in a few minutes late or early and they won't require you to leave at the end of the session (this depends on the size of the crowd). So, last Monday when we were one of few families at Kaleidoscope, we enjoyed the art center for almost an hour (more than the 40 minute session) and my kids took their time creating projects.
• Visit the Hallmark Visitor's Center next door to Kaleidoscope, another FREE attraction and one of our favorite "Watch it Made in KC" attractions. Children are given a scavenger hunt to follow, artists demonstrate their craft (last week we watched as an engraver prepared designs for greeting cards and watched the machines that assemble the cards), kids make their own bows with the press of a button, and the self-guided walk through tour almost always ends with a gift (frequently these are the music playing cards for the upcoming holiday, but last week we were delighted to receive FREE recordable books for grandfather's gifts for Father's Day - a $29.95 retail value). The Visitor's Center is especially nice if you are visiting with multiple generations (it is a favorite when grandparents are in town visiting) and you're able to enjoy it at your own pace.
• Bring a Camera to the Rain Forest. This summer, Crown Center's FREE indoor exhibit on Level One (near the Coterie Children's Theater) is the Rain Forest Adventure and it is as educational as it is fun! The exhibit is open during shop hours, but just like Kaleidoscope we recommend getting there early (whether you visit Kaleidoscope or the Rain Forest first, I recommend starting with one then heading directly to the other for the smallest crowds). The exhibit is open when shops are open. Learn more about the Rain Forest Adventure here.
• Enjoy more "Watch it Made" fun at Chip's Chocolate Factory. From the delicious aroma of warm chocolate to the tasty samples, to the beautiful artistry of fudge makers preparing handmade confections in copper kettles and forming it on marble slabs, Chip’s is a delight for all ages. Demonstrations and samples are free. Learn more about Chip's here.
• Shopping and Dining! Kids LOVE eating at Fritz's where trains deliver food to your table, but my personal favorite at Crown Center is d'Bronx Pizza. Street Car Named Desire also offers affordable lunches, and Panera (across the street in the Crown Center Square near the fountain) is another favorite. Zoom Toy Store, the Crayola Store, Hallmark, the Best of KC, and other shops are fun for everyone. Set a budget and rules before you head out. If you're in the mood for a picnic, there are outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas surrounding the fountains in the Square.
• FREE Parking! Parking is FREE at Crown Center on the weekends, and you get 3 hours free with validation on Weekdays (available at any Crown Center shop or attraction, including Kaleidoscope). If you need more time, you can go to Customer Service and have FREE parking all day long with $25 in purchases at Crown Center Shops (which is easy to achieve if you do eat, shop, or attend a show at The Coterie). The most important thing is that you remember to get your ticket validated and that you don't lose your ticket. If you do lose a ticket, go to Customer Service and they'll help you out (and you'll still get free parking with receipts).
• Pack Towels for the Fountains. Kids LOVE to play in the fountains at the Crown Center Square (another FREE attraction). Plan ahead and bring swimsuits and change in the restrooms or let the kids wear them under their clothes, but don't forget beach towels and sun screen... and the camera!
• Walk to nearby Attractions. Still looking for more fun? Walk the Link and head over to Union Station, or walk up the hill to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial where they are presenting Hands-On History all summer (June 13 - September 5: Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Ever wonder what the objects behind the glass feel like or how heavy they are? Spark your child’s imagination and help bring history to life! Great War artifacts will be available to see and touch in the Museum gallery. This summer event is included with regular Museum admission.) , or the National Archives in the Union Station parking lot where they always have FREE history exhibits and learn something new.
• ALWAYS Check the Crown Center Calendar. Throughout the summer, Crown Center offers many terrific events for families including FREE Puppet Shows, Concerts, Movies, and fantastic festivals like Ice Cream Dreamery this weekend. Also, consider a $3 Family-Friendly movie at the Screenland showing every Thurs-Sun in June & July (discover more FREE/Cheap Summer Movies in KC). Check the Crown Center Calendar before you head out to make the most of your fun!

Crown Center is just one of our FAVORITE places for FREE Summer Fun in KC! Tell us about your favorite ways to spend Summer Days in KC.