Family Friendly Day Trips from Kansas City
If you’re in the mood for an off-the-beaten path adventure, Kansas City is surrounded by small towns with rich histories just waiting to be explored.
Tip: Search the name of the town on KCParent.com for more tips for each destination.
Not Too Far (30-45 minutes):
Sibley, MO: Lewis & Clark and the Mighty MO
More than 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark arrived in Sibley. It is there they met the Osage Tribe. Today you can travel 45 minutes from Kansas City and two centuries back in time with a visit to Sibley.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Fort Osage National Historic Site is a living history museum and attraction. In 1808, Fort Osage was built to protect the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and establish trade with the Osage. Today, visitors learn about the Native Americans who originally lived in the area and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Lunch Break: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park, then make a stop at Sibley Orchards for a snack.
Lee’s Summit, MO: Celebrating 150 Years
Founded in 1865, Lee’s Summit is celebrating its 150th Birthday this year. To celebrate, families will enjoy fun events all year (details at www.Truly150.com).
Best Place to Go with Kids: Spend a day exploring Historic Downtown Lee’s Summit with a visit to their history museum located in an old train caboose, and a day of shopping and exploring local boutiques and businesses. Head over to Paradise Park to burn off energy with miniature golf, go-karts, arcades, and more fun to explore.
Lunch Break: Downtown Lee’s Summit is home to many great locally owned restaurants and diners. Treat yourself to dessert at Poppy’s Ice Cream shop.
Atchison, KS: Many Stories to Tell
Atchison, situated on the bluffs of the Missouri River, defies the stereotype of Kansas prairie land with its rolling hills and beautiful trees. Amelia Earhart is Atchison's most notable claim to fame, but her story is just one of the many Atchison has to tell.
Best Place to Go with Kids: The 45-minute trolley tour is great fun as you learn about mystery, Atchison’s namesake who was president for one day and the town’s place in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. You’ll learn about area attractions, including Amelia Earhart’s childhood home.
Lunch Break: Enjoy indoor (or, if the weather is terrific, outdoor) dining at Ruby’s Landing, a quaint restaurant with a great view of the river. Eat a sandwich or barbecue and don’t pass up the sweet potato fries.
Farther (45-75 minutes)
Lawrence, KS: An Eclectic Day Trip
Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas and famous “Mass Street,” where shoppers love to browse for antiques, clothes, toys, candles, books and European groceries.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Visit the KU Natural History Museum, where one of the highlights is the mosasaur, the largest known lizard ever to have lived.
Lunch Break: Visit one of the many locally-owned restaurants on Massachusetts Street. You’ll find something for everyone. Be sure to save some room for homemade ice cream from Sylas and Maddy’s!
Topeka, KS: Lions, Tigers, Bears and Tornadoes in the Land of Oz
The state capital of Kansas is home to several historic attractions and sites worth a visit. A tour of the capitol building or visit to Old Prairie Town is educational and interesting. There is a lot to see and do in Topeka, so check out www.visittopeka.com before your visit.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Gage Park is home to the Topeka Zoo and the Kansas Discovery Center, as well as a charming play area with a miniature train ride and carousel. The zoo is small enough to see all in a day, and you can feed giraffes, watch black bears and enjoy a great petting zoo. The Kansas Discovery Center is a wonderful interactive children’s museum with an incredible outdoor learning area, as well as indoor exhibits.
Lunch Break: Bobo’s Drive-In was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and it truly is a classic American diner. You’ll enjoy burgers, fries, shakes and old-fashioned atmosphere at this delicious local landmark.
Farthest (1 ½-2 ½ hours)
Jamesport, MO: Spending the Day in Amish Country
Imagine a day eating horse-churned ice cream, sitting on hand-crafted furniture, riding buggies, enjoying homemade bread and noodles, feeding Jersey calves with a bottle and taking a break from cell phones, credit cards, Internet and movies. A trip to Jamesport (www.jamesport-mo.com), Missouri’s largest Amish community, is a visit to one of America’s most interesting subcultures. The Amish life is full of tradition, the people are welcoming and friendly and the trip feels like visiting a simpler time.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Plan ahead to visit the most interesting shops and businesses. Our favorite is the Homestead Creamery where you can watch cheese-making and explore a living dairy farm.
Lunch Break: Gingerich Dutch Pantry serves delicious home-cooked meals and made-from-scratch pies!
Farthest (2-1/2 – 3 hours)
Omaha, NE: Wild Animals and Family Fun
Omaha is a great vacation destination for families, with one of the best zoos in the nation, an incredible water resort at CoCo Key and array of other fun attractions. Explore interactive exhibits at the Omaha Children's Museum, visit the Durham Museum, housed in Omaha’s restored Union Station, or take a trip to the Lauritzen Gardens, a 100-acre botanical garden with an exquisite Victorian garden.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Visitors love the Omaha Zoo, where you can ride the Skyfari for a view
overlooking animals in world-class exhibits. Walk on the wild side in the Lied Jungle and marvel at the Scott Aquarium with a 70-foot-long underwater walk-through tunnel wth sharks, stingrays and
oceanic life.
Best Place to Stay: The most fun place to stay is CoCo Key, an indoor water resort with an Olympic-sized pool, beach entry pool, waterslides, Parrot’s Perch, a giant water playground, Dip In Kiddie Pool, a lazy river and more, all housed in a luxurious hotel.
Lunch Break: Old Spaghetti Works in the Old Market district is a fun family-friendly restaurant everyone enjoys.