Top Ten Hot Spots to Visit Animals in Kansas City
As a mom, many of my favorite memories with my girls are visits to see animals. I remember taking Emily to the zoo when she was 2 years old. We visited the tiger and Emily stood by the cage and said, “Tigger, bounce please. Please bounce.” She was convinced the tiger was in fact her favorite character from the Hundred Acre Wood. This year, our 1-year-old Kayla is learning her animal sounds and we caught many Kodak moments as she imitated their sounds and gestures on our trip to the Deanna Rose Farmstead.
In Kansas City, we’re fortunate to have many terrific field trip opportunities to visit the animals. You can take a short trip to feed the ducks, or make it a day trip and learn about dairy farms. Check out our Top 10 List of Animal Hot Spots in Kansas City:
- Party with the Animals… The Kansas City Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary with the opening of an all new Tropics Exhibit. This exhibit is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers as it features swinging tropical monkeys and busily flitting birds. Little people have a great view—even from strollers and toddler height—and love watching the active animals scampering about overhead and all around. Africa also features all new observation decks so you can see the animals up close and personal, and an air-conditioned observation room to make visiting the lions more comfortable on a hot day. The Kansas City Zoo (6700 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.5700)
- Take City Kids to the Farm… The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is one of Kansas City’s best FREE field trips for families. The farmstead showcases a variety of farm animals: goats, longhorn steer, cows, horses, chickens, mules, sheep, bison, prairie dogs, a koi pond, and even some rescued animals--our favorite being the Bald Eagle. Kids enjoy feeding the fish and the goats, riding ponies or a horse drawn wagon, learning about cows in the dairy barn and riding miniature John Deere tractors. The farmstead is beautifully maintained, well shaded and full of wonderful hands-on fun for the entire family. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (138th & Switzer, Overland Park, KS, 913.897.2360). NOTE: 2010 Update, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is still FREE Mon-Thurs, but now charges $2/person admission Fri-Sun.
- Milk a Cow... Children love a day trip to tour the Shatto Dairy Farm in Osborn, Mo. At Shatto, children visit baby calves (and may even get to bottle feed one), milk cows, learn how milk is processed and bottled and sample Shatto Milk’s variety of products (try the strawberry milk). Children 2 and under are free; regular admission is $5/ea. Call to schedule a tour, or participate in one of their special events. Shatto Dairy Farm (9406 N. Hwy. 33, Osborn, MO, 816.930.3862)
- Find out where the Lion Sleeps at Night... Cedar Cove protects and cares for endangered Big Cats. You can visit a Siberian tiger, African spotted leopard, mountain lion, Bengal tiger and cougar. Children 5 and under are free; adults are $5. Cedar Cove Exotic Feline Sanctuary (3783 Highway K68, Louisburg, KS, 913.837.5515)
- Feed the Ducks... Save your stale bread and crackers and make a trip to feed the ducks. Loose Park is home to a beautiful duck pond, walking trails, a terrific playground and Kansas City’s largest Rose Garden. Don’t forget the camera when you play at one of Kansas City’s most beautiful landmark parks. Loose Park Duck Pond (Wornall Rd. & 51st St., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.7500)
- Feed the Fish... Not a fan of ducks, or want something new? Take the stale bread treats, cereal or dog food to the marina and feed the carp. Children are fascinated by the large fish splashing and fighting for their piece. Follow the guidelines at the marina and feed only in designated areas. Just down the road from the marina you’ll find the Longview Swim Beach, great for a family day of swimming and playing in the sand. Longview Marina (11100 View High Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.966.0131)
- Visit Native Animals... Missouri and Kansas both are home to many nature centers with terrific animal exhibits, nature trails and hands-on activities for young children. Our nature centers are free, and several of them offer special programs all summer long. For a complete guide to local nature centers, click here.
- Visit the Butterfly Garden... Lowenstein Park in Lee’s Summit is a beautiful park with walking trails, playground and a butterfly garden. Lowenstein Park Butterfly Garden (1901 NW Lowenstein Dr., Lee's Summit, MO).
- Find out where the Buffalo Roam… Have you ever wanted to look a bison in the eye? Visit the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park where you can watch white-tailed deer, elk and bison eat and play. Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure (8010 E. Park Rd., Lee's Summit, MO, 816.229.8980)
- Hear the Buzzing of the Bees… My children love honey almost as much as Winnie-the-Pooh does. To learn about bees and how honey is made and processed, visit the Agricultural Hall of Fame. They feature an exhibit on the entire honeymaking process! Agricultural Hall of Fame (630 North 126th Street Bonner Springs, KS. 913.721.1075).
KCMO mom Kristina Light enjoys introducing her two daughters to many different types of animals around town.