The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Looking for the perfect staycation location for your family? The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is a must-see spot! It’s home to Kansas City’s largest heated outdoor pool; it provides access to The Link, which connects The Westin and Union Station; and it’s just a short walk from other fun family activities like Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center. For these reasons and more, The Westin is a top contender for a memorable and easy staycation in Kansas City. With spacious rooms offering the best Kansas City views, The Westin creates a relaxing space for families!
Why Kids Love It:
The Westin is within walking distance of many fun family activities, restaurants and history. Crown Center is home to many activities that kids will be excited about!
And for Mom and Dad, you can plan a weekend of fun without having to drive anywhere! Walk The Link to Union Station and learn about the history of KC and trains, explore Science City or catch a show at The Coterie Theater in Crown Center! Staying at The Westin Kansas City allows for an easy one-stop staycation full of adventure.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby:
- Science City
- Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Kaleidoscope
- The Coterie Theater

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
A brand-new, perfect island getaway is waiting for you and your family — right here in Kansas City! Just opened in June, Margaritaville Hotel is a resort-style vacation spot that offers a tropical vibe with a variety of activities, restaurants and indoor and outdoor pools. Step into this tropical staycation, sit back, relax and make family memories to last a lifetime!
Why Kids Love It:
With activities and restaurants for all ages on the property, there’s no need to leave! What kid doesn’t love to swim all day? Margaritaville has an outdoor resort-style pool with a waterslide and waterfall! The indoor pool has an obstacle course and rock climbing wall to keep kids entertained for hours while Mom and Dad relax by the pool.
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby:
- Free movie nights on The Lawn (Legends Outlets)
- KC Monarchs baseball
- Sporting KC soccer
- National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame
- Dave & Buster’s arcade (Legends Outlets)

Great Wolf Lodge
Home to Kansas’ best indoor waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge is a fun getaway for the whole family! Between the indoor waterpark and outdoor pools, you can keep splashing all year round. There are other attractions inside the Lodge, including an arcade, a mining sluice and MagiQuest adventures! Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just need a quick escape, Great Wolf Lodge is a perfect place to create family memories to last a lifetime.
Why Kids Love It:
With three giant waterslides and tons of other water features and fun, this is every kid’s dream! In between splashing in the waterpark or completing a MagiQuest game, there are events throughout the day like yoga, arts and crafts, dance parties and more! There’s even a candy store to explore!
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Legends Outlets
- Kansas Speedway
- The Lawn at the Legends Outlets
- Lansing Historical Society and Museum’s Kansas State Penitentiary Tour

Worlds of Fun Village and Campground
Worlds of Fun Village offers a perfect destination for family fun! Along with RV campsites, the Village features 42 cottages and cabins to rent — all just a short walk from the parks. The cottages provide modern and convenient amenities and peaceful views.
Why Kids Love It:
The campground has a seasonal swimming pool that is perfect for cooling down after a long day at the park! The campground is just steps away from the entrance to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, so the festivities can begin without driving anywhere!
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby:
- Penguin Park
- Arabia Steamboat Museum
- The Rabbit hOle
- KC Wheel
- Shoal Creek Living History Museum

The Inn at Meadowbrook
This boutique hotel is the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation for families! Comfort and luxury are in perfect balance; this is essential for a weekend getaway! The Inn’s amenities —including an outdoor pool, fire pit, views of the lake, and a restaurant and a cafe on the property — make it a “one-stop” stay.
Why Kids Love It:
The Inn at Meadowbrook offers a family suite with a bunk-bed room just for kids! This cute hideaway gives kids a sense of privacy. The Inn is also just a short walk from Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village, which has multiple playgrounds, pickleball courts, three lakes and over three miles of paved trails to enjoy!
Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby:
- Corinth Square Shopping
- Meadowbrook Park
- Johnson County Heritage Museum
- New Theatre & Restaurant
- Topgolf Overland Park

Bonus: Want to head out of town and try something new? Check out the new OKANA Resort & Waterpark that opened earlier this year in Oklahoma City. It features an indoor waterpark with 15 waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool and luxury cabanas. The outdoor waterpark features a lagoon, a zip line, waterslides and an inflatable obstacle course. The resort offers diverse dining venues and family amenities like a full-service spa and arcade.
A Kansas City native, Grace Parks is a senior at K-State pursuing a degree in journalism. In addition to interning at KC Parent Magazine, she serves as the multimedia editor for the Kansas State Collegian.