A) Art: Create a baby handprint keepsake at Ceramic Cafe or paint pottery during their Toddler Time and Storytime weekly events.
B) Bike Indoors: The Foundry Church has a coffee shop and a gym where toddlers can bring their own bikes or scooters to burn off a lot of extra energy, and mom can enjoy her favorite latte.
C) Coffee: Get the stroller and grab a friend to visit one of Family Tree Nursery’s coffee shop where blooming plants and koi fishponds will brighten a winter day.
D) Dine Out: Take advantage of Kids Eat Free offers at local restaurants. Find listings here.
E) Enjoy the Zoo: The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round. Visit indoor exhibits like the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium on a mild day and pack a lunch for a mini adventure.
F) Ferris Wheel: Walk around Scheels and look at the aquarium or ride the ferris wheel or play mini bowling for just $1 each. You can even grab lunch at the cafe and play at the indoor climbing structure.
G) Go to Science City at Union Station: Enjoy their water play table, sensory play areas, and infant/toddler-friendly exhibits.
H) Hang out at the Library: Explore a new library or a new section of your local library. Check their online calendars for the fun toddler events and upcoming story times.
I) Investigate the Outdoors: Get some fresh air and take a winter walk on one of our warmer winter days. KCParent.com has a whole list of Winter Nature Walks for you and your tot.
J) Jump and Jump: Take the kids to Urban Air (Lenexa & Overland Park locations) for climbing, crawling, and sliding fun, especially during Jumperoo sessions for little ones.
K) Kid-Sized Fun: Visit KidScape, a child-sized village at Johnson County Museum, a perfect play area for toddlers and preschoolers.
L) Locomotive Lunch: At Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant place an order through the old-fashioned phone and it will be delivered to your table by an overhead train. Perfect for any locomotive-loving tot!
M) Marvel at Art: The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is perfect for tots and very stroller friendly! Grab a scavenger hunt at the front desk to navigate the world of art.
N) New Shows: Check out KC Parent's Kansas City events calendar on for fresh ideas and seasonal shows at The Coterie and other kid-friendly theaters.
O) Open Gym: Kaw Prairie Community Center has an indoor play structure open most Monday – Thursday mornings for free fun with balls and toys, not to mention a coffee shop with delicious drinks for you and snacks for the kids.
P) Pet Furry Friends: Stop by a local pet store to enjoy watching animals. Visit Pet Stop in Shawnee to interact with Frankie, the Capuchin monkey. Or visit a pet adoption center like Wayside Waifs.
Q) Quest for Books: Explore The Rabbit Hole, KC’s newest exhibit, is an immersive museum featuring 14 exhibits based on classic children’s books.
R) Remain at Home: Stay cozy indoors by making your own playdough or crayons, or even some snow ice cream – find craft ideas and recipes at KCParent.com.
S) Splash and Swim: Enroll your child in swim lessons at local community centers or specialized places like Emler or Goldfish. Or just splash around at Lenexa Rec Center with its toddler play structure and spray features.
T) Treat the family to a movie: 30 minutes before the showtime, head to B&B Theaters in Shawnee or in Overland Park for Screen N’ Play and let your little ones climb on the indoor play structure and catch a flick in the colorful movie room.
U) Under the Sea: View majestic sharks, graceful stingrays and colorful tropical fish at Sea Life Kansas City and marvel at their 5,000+ sea creatures.
V) Visit Wonderscope: Explore through the 30,000 square feet of indoor exploration. Your tots will love the WaterWorks area where they can splash away and the Tot Spot play area.
W) Walk around Oak Park Mall: Grab the stroller and walk indoors. Let the little ones burn off some energy at the play area or take a ride on the carousel located outside of Dillards.
X) eXplore a Nature Center: Visit Burr Oak Woods or Lakeside Nature Center for engaging animal exhibits and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
Y) Yummy: Date nights enrich relationships! KCParent.com has a whole date night section, with fun, new ideas and unique restaurant suggestions. Or head to The Culinary Center and take a cooking class together!
Z) Zoom: Grab the stroller and meet a friend at the free Model Train Gallery at Union Station where tots will love watching 8,000 square feet of model trains zoom by.
Allie Cole, a Kansas City native, lives in Lenexa with her husband and two girls. She enjoys exploring Kansas City, and as her daughter puts it, she loves doing a hundred fun things every place she goes!