12 Must Sees in Kansas City
The not-to-be-missed list for your fall & winter
- The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures reopened. The museum reopened this summer 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 two-story rotating Toytisserie sculpture (on the cover of KC Going Places) features small, donated playthings.
- Folly Theater Kids Series at The Folly. The Folly, one of the city’s most majestic and regal theaters, built in 1900, hosts a variety of professional shows for children throughout the year. This year, enjoy Dog Loves Books on Oct. 27, Fly Guy & Other Stories on Nov. 13, Harriet Tubman on Feb. 9 and The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Mar. 10
- Da Vinci: The Exhibition from October 23, 2015 to May 1, 2016 at Union Station. The experience follows the genius of Leonardo da Vinci on a journey of innovation, creativity, art, science and wonder. Throughout the exhibition’s themed galleries, visitors will discover the breadth and depth of da Vinci’s advanced understanding of science, mathematics, nature, and the relationship between the three.
- Performing Arts Series at JCCC. There is something for everyone throughout the year at Yardley Hall. Some of this season’s highlights include The National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China Oct. 9, Jim Brickman Dec. 12, Blue Man Group Jan. 22-24, Danú Feb. 27, and shows with kids in mind like Elephant & Piggie on Mar. 9.
- The American Royal Sept & Oct at the American Royal Complex and Arrowhead Stadium. With horse shows and rodeos in September and the annual World Series of Barbecue in October, the American Royal is one of Kansas City’s trademark traditions since 1899 celebrating our agricultural heritage.
- KC Ballet’s 2015-2016 Season is better than ever. Enjoy The Three Musketeers Oct. 9-18, an all new production of The Nutcracker Dec. 5-24, Swan Lake Feb. 19-28, New Moves Apr. 1-9, and Rite of Spring May 6-15.
- NASCAR Race Weekend Oct. 16-18 at Kansas Speedway. The fall NASCAR weekend at Kansas Speedway is a much-anticipated event for race fans. On October 16 watch the Practice and Qualifying races, on October 17 it’s the Kansas Lottery 300 and the weekend wraps up on October 18 with the Hollywood Casino 400.
- FREE Festivals at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Celebrate different cultures, special holidays and more with a FREE Family Festival including the Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos Festival in November, Chinese New Year each winter, and the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park Celebration include art activities, family-friendly performances, in-gallery experiences and more.
- A Christmas Carol Nov. 20 – Dec. 24 at the KC Rep. A ripping good telling of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costuming, and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating – at the holidays, or any time!
- Morphos in March Mar. 11-Apr. 3 at Powell Gardens. Brilliant Blue Morpho butterflies from Costa Rica take flight during Powell Gardens’ second annual spring butterfly exhibit. Explore the rainforest habitat in the indoor conservatory filled with hundreds of dazzling blue butterflies.
- 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 - Young guests control their own flight with moveable stationary wings. Flying Ace - Get your aviator glasses ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy. Snoopy Space Buggies - Defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back. Linus Launcher - Experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling. Snoopy Junction - All aboard! Snoopy the conductor leads kids on a railroad adventure.
- Sleep with Penguins at the Kansas City Zoo. The Zoo offers penguin, polar bear, and African overnights for groups and families throughout the year. Zookeepers provide hands-on fun for an interactive and unforgettable experience.