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A Kansas City Spring Break Staycation

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Make memories together in Kansas City this spring break by exploring favorite landmarks and attractions the whole family will love.

Three Ideas Especially for Kids

Crown Center/Union Station

Bricktionary: The Ultimate LEGO® A-Z photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com

Fun: Enjoy a day at Union Station. Explore Bricktionary, the feature exhibit focused on giant Lego sculptures. Science City at Union Station overflows with indoor and outdoor fun. And, while you’re there, take in a show at Gottlieb Planetarium. UnionStation.org

Food: There are many great restaurants at Crown Center, where you can also enjoy shopping and visiting Legoland and Sea Life. Unforked is known for using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to serve delicious burgers, tacos and more. SPIN! Pizza is a crowd-pleaser with delicious pizzas. Empanada Madness is famously the favorite of Royals catcher Salvador Perez. CrownCenter.com

Free: Journey to Oz is the newest free exhibit at Crown Center. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, the exhibit invites families to enter the enchanting world of the Munchkins and follow Dorothy and her friends on the Yellow Brick Road. (CrownCenter.com) Also, make reservations for Kaleidoscope, KC’s free hands-on art center for children. This whimsical space inspires kids to make masterpieces with materials donated by Hallmark. HallmarkKaleidoscope.com

Lenexa

Fun: Urban Air Adventure Park (locations in Overland Park and Lenexa) is our favorite local trampoline park. Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day! Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. UrbanAir.com

Food: Lenexa Public Market (across from Lenexa Rec Center, our favorite indoor pool!) is a local food court featuring a variety of locally-owned eateries all in one location. This is perfect for families when you can’t agree on what to eat or want to try something new. LenexaPublicMarket.com

Free: The Lenexa City Center Library offers a variety of excellent reading spaces, including our favorite, a balcony outdoor area with comfortable seating, charging stations and Wi-Fi. The library also offers drive-through service, a holds lobby and a charging counter making it accessible for everyone. JoCoLibrary.org

Kansas City, Missouri

Fun: Check out the new Sobela Aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. With a sea turtle, orange lobster, sharks, thousands of fish and a multitude of other sea life, this aquarium is truly world-class. While you are at the zoo, take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel, ride the train, then continue your journey on the tram to the award-winning Africa exhibit. Visit Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn and Stingray Bay. Stroll down Tiger Trail and get nose-to-nose with primates, orangutans and a tiger—and be sure to explore Australia too. KansasCityZoo.org

Food: Pack a picnic to bring to the zoo (food and drink are permitted) or indulge in burgers, fries and pizza at the Tuxedo Grill across from the Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

Free: For animal lovers looking for a free, low-key outing, Lakeside Nature Center is an urban oasis and home to native animals in need of care. Children will learn about conservation and the needs of the animals. Enjoy hiking trails around the center and coming face to face with birds, reptiles, fish and mammals. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Three Ideas Especially for Tweens and Teens

Midtown/Plaza

Fun: The Escape Game at the Plaza is one of the newest escape room destinations in the area with excellent themed escape games enjoyed by all ages. Gold Rush sends players on a quest for gold and adventure, Timeliner is a train trip through history, and Prison Break is set in a jail cell. These are just a few of their fabulous games to try. TheEscapeGame.com

Food: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is the coolest new restaurant at the Country Club Plaza. Customers pay by the plate after selecting dishes as they float by on the signature revolving sushi bar. Every plate is the same price, so the only decision to make is which roll you want to try. KuraSushi.com

Free: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission and much to discover. With world-class exhibits featuring art from around the world, you can enjoy simply exploring the galleries or take a self-guided tour with resources from the Nelson’s info desk. Nelson-Atkins.org

Overland Park

Fun: Ceramic Cafe is a local paint-your-own pottery shop with a vast selection of ceramics to paint. Additionally, they offer glass fusing and special themed events. You pay per piece and can spend as much time as you need to complete your creation. This is a favorite spot for creative teens. CeramicCafeKC.com

Food: K-Street Hotdog at 103rd & Metcalf makes Korean corn dogs. Unlike American corn dogs, these hot dogs are dipped in a batter of panko, potato or ramen and deep-fried with add-ons. You’ll find savory, spicy and sweet combinations. K-StreetHotdog.com

Free: Cardboard Corner Cafe is a fun home away from home where you can gather with friends, enjoy tasty food and choose from a selection of hundreds of fun board games, card games and role-playing games to elevate game night. It’s free to play, but you can also enjoy the cafe’s delicious menu for a full meal or snacks—or purchase games to take home. CardboardCornerKC.com

Northland

Fun: Play is the name of the game at Main Event. This family fun center offers bowling, billiards, laser tag, a gravity ropes course and more. The arcade is a favorite for all ages, with dozens of games to choose from. Main Event also offers a full restaurant and bar, so you can spend an entire afternoon or evening at this attraction. Main Event has three area locations, including North KC, Olathe and Independence. MainEvent.com

Food:  Draftcade is an arcade restaurant located in Zona Rosa. After a day of shopping and ice-skating, this is a great hangout in the Northland. Unlimited game bands are affordable, and you can enjoy retro arcades while you eat sandwiches, burgers, wings and more classic pub food. Draftcade.com

Free: The Kansas City Museum, in the historic northeast area of the metro, offers free admission to visitors. The museum is housed in Corinthian Hall and features exhibits on local history. The recently renovated museum tells the story of Kansas City through exhibits on the past, present and future of the city. KansasCityMuseum.org

Kristina Light writes about family fun in Kansas City on KCParent.com all year long.

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