Wizard of Oz Fun in Kansas City
Wizard of Oz Fun in Kansas City
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The movie The Wizard of Oz is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and KC families can share in the festivities in many ways.
Through May 4, Crown Center visitors can trace Dorothy’s footsteps through the Land of Oz, courtesy of an exhibit, “75 Years of Oz, Oh My!” Families can visit Munchkin Land, meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, see the Wizard in the Emerald City, and—if they dare—sneak through the Wicked Witch’s castle. Oz memorabilia from local collector Jane Albright is on display as part of the exhibit. The best part? Everything is free!
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1
2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
816.274.8444
Kansas City’s beloved outdoor theatre is showcasing a stage production of The Wizard of Oz June 10-15. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the classic tale features all the favorite songs from the movie, plus a few new tunes by Webber. Families can expect the familiar characters and iconic moments from the MGM flick, with a few surprises along the way. Enjoy a summer evening under the stars as you’re transported to the magical Land of Oz!
4600 Starlight Dr.
Kansas City, MO
816.363.7827
Everyday Oz Magic in KC
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center features Oz in its Miniland section, where even the smallest visitors will feel like giants. Dorothy’s farm, Munchkin Land, the Emerald City and more are featured.
- The Legends Shopping Center has a Yellow Brick Road for visitors to follow.
- Many local shops, including Kansas Sampler/Rally House, The Best of Kansas City and Barnes and Noble offer Wizard of Oz collectibles and books.
Up for a road trip with your family? Check out these Oz attractions a little farther down the road.
Located northwest of Topeka, the Oz Museum was built with a grant from the State of Kansas and the generosity of the people of the small town of Wamego. The museum houses more than 100 years of Oz history, including books by Frank Baum (the writer of the 1900 book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), memorabilia from the 1939 film, board games and other collectibles—more than 2,000 items in all. Auntie Em’s Gift Shop offers many unique Oz items for visitors to purchase.
From Kansas City, take I-70 West to exit 328 (KS 99) and go 9 miles north to Wamego.
511 Lincoln Ave.
Wamego, KS 66547
1.866.458.TOTO
Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz | Liberal, KS
Located in southwest Kansas, Liberal is too far for a day trip from Kansas City, but it might be worth a visit if you’re looking for a longer family road trip.
A house built in 1907 has been restored to mimic the Gale farmhouse from the movie. Dorothy walks visitors through the house before leading them to a 5,000-square-foot animated Land of Oz. Guests see flying monkeys, apple trees, Munchkins and all the characters from the movie, including the wizard, before ending up back at the farmhouse. Unique memorabilia is on display, including the actual model of the house used in the famous tornado scene.
567 E. Cedar
Liberal, Kansas 67901
620.624.7624
Did You Know?
Here’s some fun Oz movie trivia:
- The horses in the Emerald City palace were colored with Jell-O crystals. The scenes had to be shot quickly, before the horses started to lick it off.
- The Cowardly Lion’s costume weighed 90 pounds and was made from real lion skin. Bert Lahr, the actor who portrayed the Lion, sweated so profusely on the 100-degree set that the suit was soaked at the end of each day.
- Shirley Temple was considered for the role of Dorothy, but her vocal talents were deemed by producers to be inadequate.
- Frank Morgan played five roles in the movie: Professor Marvel, the Wizard of Oz, the gatekeeper, the carriage driver and the guard.
- The shot of Dorothy's house falling from the sky was achieved by filming a miniature house being dropped onto a sky painting on the stage floor, then reversing the film to make the house appear to fall toward the camera.
- Dorothy's red slippers are housed at the Smithsonian Institution and are so popular that the carpet in front of the attraction has been replaced numerous times due to wear and tear.
Belton mom Tisha Foley has loved The Wizard of Oz since she was a kid.