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Exploring the Crown Center District with Kids

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The Crown Center District is one of Kansas City's favorite destinations for summer fun for tourists and locals alike. With a variety of attractions for the family at the Crown Center Square, and more accessible with a walk across The Link (the enclosed walkway connecting Crown Center to Union Station), or a short walk or drive for a few blocks... there is much to see in the district.

Crown Center is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions including Sea Life, Legoland Discovery Center, Kaleidoscope, and Coterie. Union Station is home to Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, the Extreme Screen, and traveling exhibits. This summer, you can see the exhibit Stonehenge. Both attractions are connected via The Link and easily accessible for a day-long or weekend-long adventure.

Crown Center also offers two world-class hotels if you want to make it a getaway!

So, what are our tips to make the most of the day?

  1. Crown Center offers 3 hours free parking on weekdays and free parking on weekends. If you attend a show (Coterie, MTH, etc), they give more time. You may have all day free parking with a purchase of $25 or more. Be sure to get your parking validated before you leave the lot. They do offer more than 1,000 electric charging stations as well.
  2. Bringing a stroller or wheelchair? Each level with an A in the name (2A, 3A, etc) offers handicapped-accessible spaces and direct entry into the shopping center without the use of stairs. In my stroller days, I always made certain to park on a level with handicapped spots - 2A for instance, so I would not have to work with stairs to enter the shops with little ones.
  3. You can visit all of the Crown Center and Union Station attractions on rainy days without going outside... simply use The Link connecting the buildings. For tips on how to navigate The Link if you're unfamiliar, Guest Services at Crown Center is always glad to help.
  4. Bring a tote bag for Kaleidoscope bags (they give each child a paper sack to keep their art projects, one tote bag for mom to contain all art bags is helpful. Also, if planning to spend an entire day in the district, water bottles are handy if you'll be walking a lot.
  5. Lunch at Crown Center offers many great choices. Kids always love Fritz's, the restaurant where toy trains deliver food straight to your table. They serve a variety of diner-style burgers and sandwiches. Another crowd pleaser is d'Bronx where you can order New York style pizza and delicatessen sandwiches. I'm partial to Unforked, where the tacos and burgers are made using local ingredients. The Tilapia Tango taco is my favorite, but my husband and kids also love their burgers. And, everyone loves a treat at Sheridan's for frozen custard. There are other great options as well including Barbecue, Mexican, and sandwiches on level 1 of Crown Center shops.
  6. You can bring lunch and eat at "Lunchland" near Kaleidoscope or at a table in the food court section of level 1.
  7. There are often special things happening at Crown Center. For instance, on Saturdays from Noon-2pm, Function Junction, the kitchen and cooking shop, offers cooking classes and demonstrations. Chip's Chocolate Factory offers fudge making demonstrations. Local groups perform live music or puppet shows on the Level 1 stage, and festivals happen often. Check the calendar for information.
  8. Take pictures of your great day!
  9. Check the listings below for coupons and savings on your adventures!

These are our favorite attractions to enjoy with kids in the area:

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