12 Not-to-Be-Missed Attractions for Your Spring & Summer in KC

2016 Edition

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Koalas at the Kansas City Zoo A pair of koalas will be spending the spring and summer at the Kansas City Zoo as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to further conservation and animal education.

The Kansas City Royals The 2015 World Series champions will celebrate their 44th season at Kauffman Stadium, beginning with their home opener on April 3 against the New York Mets.

New Rides at Worlds of Fun in 2016 Five new family rides will join an expanded Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun, including Woodstock Gliders, where young guests control their own flight with moveable, stationary wings; Flying Ace, where riders get their aviator glasses ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy; and Snoopy Space Buggies let riders defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back. On the Linus Launcher, experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling, then all aboard for Snoopy Junction, where Snoopy the conductor leads kids on a railroad adventure.

Races at Kansas Speedway May 6 is the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Toyota Tundra 250, and May 7 is the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Go Bowling 400. Parking at Kansas Speedway is free, and fans can bring in a soft-sided cooler filled with their favorite food and beverages.

Jurassic Garden at Powell Gardens From May 21 to Oct. 3, journey back to the prehistoric world to encounter more than 20 dinosaurs and oversized ancient insects. Discover the plants and animals of the prehistoric world through an exhibit created by Missouri's own Guy Darrough. With amazingly accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, a new life-size dinosaur dig and many things to see and do, it's an adventure you won't want to miss. 

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures reopened in 2015 with new exhibits and interactive experiences showcasing the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of antique toys. 

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is one of the most respected history museums in the nation. With tremendous state-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of World War I and, more importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era—their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions. 

Operation Laser Tag at Paradise Park Opening spring 2016, this is Jackson County’s first tactical laser tag.  The new indoor arena and equipment bring the modern video game to life through an exciting tactical laser tag experience suitable for players 8 and older. 

Swim at Schlitterbahn Families enjoy shared experiences, such as an interconnected river system that takes them through more than a mile of rapids, currents and tidal waves. Guests enjoy a thrilling water coaster, then ride the wave on the Boogie Bahn surf ride. Kids splash and play on 13 mini slides. Relax on beaches, in private cabanas or in a heated pool with a swim-up refreshment bar.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum At home in Kansas City’s famous 18th & Vine district, this museum tells the rich story of African-American history and celebrates Kansas City’s most beloved players, including Buck O’Neill. The American Jazz Museum, the Blue Room and Gem Theater are other favorite attractions in the neighborhood.

Union Station has been one of Kansas City’s most recognized landmarks for 101 years. Today, visitors explore Science City, watch shows at Gottlieb Planetarium and the Extreme Screen and dine at restaurants. World-class traveling exhibits appear seasonally and this summer’s exhibit promises to be another visitor favorite.

Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS is Kansas City’s premier outdoor shopping and entertainment center and the only designer outlet center in the market. With a diverse and exciting tenant lineup satisfying every style, every age and every price range, Legends Outlets is a true shopping destination—and nearly half of the stores and restaurants have their only location in Kansas City at Legends Outlets.

 

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