Fun Food Experiences
It’s no secret that Kansas City has a lot to offer. Maybe you are a pro at locating all the cool parks and trails or the best pools to hit in the summer. But did you know KC also offers some fun food experiences for kids and families? Read on to find a new place to try with your family!
Creative Culture: Stop in for a little DIY project and a gourmet milkshake while you’re at it! Featuring flavors like cookie dough, brownie fudge or birthday cake, as well as a variety of seasonal and holiday flavors, Creative Culture crafts a milkshake like no other! All shakes are served in a mason jar you get to take home, along with whatever DIY project you choose. Many options are available for different ages and price points. Check out the downtown or newest Prairiefire location!
Chicken N Pickle: With a mission “to provide an atmosphere that fosters fun, friendship and community for all ages” is a treat waiting for you to experience at their newest location by Prairiefire. Overland Park mom of three Christy Bennett shares, “We had so much fun as a family because there were many entertaining options … shuffleboard, ping pong and foosball just while we waited for food (which was tasty too!). The ice-skating option is great too. The rink is nice sized (similar to Park Place) with the option to come back after eating.”
Strawberry Hill: Made in KC since 1903, Strawberry Hill’s povitica (po-va-teet-sa) is a treat to watch being made, and you can even score a free sample! This family’s secret recipe from Croatia has been around for more than a century. You can even schedule a free bakery tour for groups of 10 or more. Tours are appropriate for ages 6 and up and last approximately 30-45 minutes.
Dewey’s Pizza: With locations only in KC, St. Louis and Ohio, Dewey’s is something special! Located in the Ranchmart Plaza at 95th & Mission, Dewey’s Pizza has a fun family atmosphere. The large pizza viewing window is fun for kids, and with conveniences like ordering online or placing a reservation, parents love it too. The menu boasts some yummy sounding specialty pizzas (including some gluten-free options) but if that doesn’t suit your fancy, you can make your own, too! Amy Edmonson, Overland Park mom of three, says, “They have a window when you walk in where my kids love watching the pizza being made. The chefs even interact with the kids and will throw flour at the window which they think is pretty funny. Plus, the pizza is delicious!”
Fritz’s: If you have lived here for long, you know Fritz’s is a Kansas City icon! Whether or not you have a train lover, watch the wonder on your child’s face as food is delivered right to your table by a tiny train! You even place your order by “calling” the kitchen from a little phone at your table, which kids think is pretty cool too. Fritz’s is still family owned and operated, having recently celebrated its 65th anniversary. Woooo-woooo!
Freezing Moo: Rolled ice cream?! Say what?! I must say, the first time I heard about this unique take on ice cream, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Freezing Moo actually features Thai fried ice cream rolls, which are handmade and then poured onto an “iced grill” where you can have fun and yummy treats mixed in. When I took our daughter, she was able to pick her flavor from one of their many options then watch behind a glass window as they made it right in front of her. The best part about the whole experience (aside from eating the ice cream, of course!) was seeing them write her name in chocolate sauce on top of her ice cream! Her eyes lit up! Kansas City currently has two locations, one in Olathe and one by Oak Park Mall. This sweet spot offers dairy-free and vegan options, so you are sure to find something for everyone here!
Magic Noodle: Located in Overland Park on 159th just east of Antioch Road, Magic Noodle is new to the restaurant scene having just opened in April 2021. Catelin Corn, Overland Park mom of three, says, “Magic Noodle has an open kitchen and makes their Chinese hand-pulled noodles right in front of you, which is absolutely mesmerizing for kids (and adults). Your food is delivered using a large robot that navigates between the tables and booths. We ordered a few more items just to have the robot come back! It’s such a new concept that our entire family had a blast!”
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: This Overland Park restaurant may not be on your radar for family fun, but it should be! Leawood mom of three Krista Gordon, says, “Although a bit pricey, the lively atmosphere and fast service make this a fun family outing. The food comes out in shifts to keep kids busy, which is helpful that there isn’t much lag time. The small grill in the middle of the table is entertaining, and with a little bit of coaching (and supervision of course!) kids can manage independently. Definitely a different food experience where kids don’t mind putting down their phones!”
Julie Collett is a mom of four whose kids love Fritz’s but are looking forward to trying something new this spring!