I remember watching fireworks at Corporate Woods’ Star Spangled Spectacular with my family growing up. When the show began, my mom would clap enthusiastically after each burst, declaring that the most recent set was the most beautiful yet. I used to wonder why she did that. But now that I’m grown, I catch myself doing the exact same thing — clapping and exclaiming with joy throughout the show. I can’t help but wonder if my daughters will carry on this unintentional tradition one day.
Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth for the first time or the hundredth, Kansas City is bursting with all-American fun. Here’s your guide to festive family outings, hometown parades and meaningful ways to celebrate with kids this summer.
Festivals
Fourth at the Farm at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Deanna Rose’s annual Fourth at the Farm is a family favorite. Bring your American spirit and participate in old-fashioned games, contests and patriotic lessons. There is even a bike parade for little ones and live entertainment from 10:00-2:00.
Community Celebrations
Local favorites like Gardner’s Celebration in the Park, the Spirit of Kansas Fourth of July Celebration and Parkville’s all-day celebration deliver big fun in small-town settings. Over the past few years, our family has made a tradition of attending the Old Town Lenexa Community Days Parade — a charming celebration of local pride with festive floats and familiar faces from around the community. We always start the morning at the pancake breakfast at the Lenexa United Methodist Church, where we fill up on a hearty meal, snag great parking and enjoy a spot right along the parade route. Win-win!
Star-Spangled Night at Worlds of Fun
Celebrate Independence Day with thrill rides, live entertainment and a dazzling fireworks show during Star-Spangled Night at Worlds of Fun. The park goes all-out with patriotic music, festive food and red, white and blue decor. It’s a high-energy way to wrap up a summer day — and kids of all ages will love ending the night with fireworks lighting up the sky above the roller coasters. Just be sure to stake out a good viewing spot before the show begins!
Patriotic Picnics
Nothing says summer quite like a picnic in the park. Add red, white and blue napkins, watermelon stars and firecracker popsicles for a festive touch.
Family-friendly spots to spread a blanket:
Stars and Stripes Picnic
The lawn at the National World War I Museum and Memorial opens at 3:00 for picnicking, and dozens of vendors from the Strawberry Swing pop-up craft fair are available to browse. Stick around into the night for live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show.
Overland Park Star-Spangled Spectacular
Held annually at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park, this beloved event features live music, food trucks and a massive fireworks display. Families bring blankets, snacks and patriotic spirit to enjoy one of the metro’s most well-attended shows.
Lee’s Summit Legacy Blast
Plan an early evening at Legacy Park, where bounce houses, concessions and festive performances keep kids entertained before the grand finale lights up the sky.
Pro Tip: One of our favorite Fourth of July recipes is Patriotic Fruit Pizza! Use a pre-made sugar cookie crust (or bake your own on a sheet pan) and top it with a spread of whipped cream cheese and powdered sugar. Let the kids help decorate with strawberries, blueberries and banana slices (or mini marshmallows) to create flag stripes or star patterns. For extra fun, set up a DIY station and let everyone design their own mini pizzas using sugar cookies as the base. Perfect for picnics or post-fireworks snacks!
Patriotic and Educational Experiences
National WWI Museum and Memorial Located in Kansas City, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an engaging experience for families. Children can explore "The Little War" exhibit, which explores the lives of young people during World War I and provides a relatable perspective on history. Interactive features like scavenger hunts and a family gallery guide make the visit educational and fun for all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to walk across the glass bridge above a field of red poppies, each of which represents 1,000 combatant deaths. It’s a poignant tribute to those who served.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
Located in Independence, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a meaningful way to connect kids with American history. Explore interactive exhibits about Truman’s life, World War II and the presidency, plus a replica of the Oval Office. The museum is newly renovated, bright and engaging — even for younger learners — and it’s a great spot to spark conversations about leadership, freedom and the values we celebrate on Independence Day.
Flags for Freedom
Each summer, Downtown Merriam transforms into a breathtaking display of patriotic pride during the Flags for Freedom event. Volunteers place hundreds of American flags in perfect rows along Merriam Drive, Johnson Drive and at the Merriam Marketplace, creating a moving tribute to our nation and those who have served. Walking through the flag-lined streets is a peaceful and powerful experience that provides an opportunity for families to experience the spirit of the Fourth in a meaningful way. I took my toddler a few years ago and she happily ran through the field of flags, weaving between the rows. Whether you visit on a quiet morning or attend the festive concert on July 4, it’s a striking visual reminder of the freedom we celebrate.
Celebrate at Home
When you’re not out chasing fireworks or parades, try these easy at-home ideas to keep the patriotic fun going:
Neighborhood bike parade — Invite neighbors to decorate bikes, scooters and wagons for a morning ride.
DIY flag craft — Use handprints, sponge stamps or dot markers to create a kid-friendly version of the stars and stripes.
Water play — Celebrate with red, white and blue water balloons; squirt-bottle painting; or a backyard splash bash with patriotic tunes.
Memorize the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allegiance — Set the scene with a small flag, play a recording and take time each day to practice the words together. It’s a great way to build memory skills while helping kids connect with the meaning behind the holiday.
Patriotic Day Trip Through KC
Turn your Fourth of July week into a red, white and blue adventure with a quick city tour that hits several meaningful and photo-worthy spots.
Start your morning at Liberty Memorial, where the sweeping views of the skyline and towering flag make the perfect backdrop. From there, take a short walk or drive to City Hall, where you’ll find statues of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson facing each other on either side of the street — a great opportunity for a mini history moment with the kids. Then, head just a few minutes east to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence to snap a picture in front of the Liberty Bell replica and stroll through the museum’s beautiful grounds.
If you’re up for one more stop, make your way north to North Kansas City High School to see one of KC’s two miniature Statues of Liberty — a surprising and fun find for kids! Finish with lunch or a treat nearby and call it a festive, educational and very photo-worthy day.
However you celebrate, remember this: Whether you're marveling at fireworks, splashing at the park or simply waving flags in the driveway, the best part of patriotic fun in Kansas City is creating new memories with your crew. Happy Independence Day, KC families!