Go Big: Discover Kansas City's Biggest Attractions

What will you do when it’s too hot or wet to go to your local park, but the kids must have something fun to do? Fear not—we have you covered with these big exhibits in the Kansas City area.

Union Station “The Discovery of King Tut” thru Sept. 7 (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO)

It’s only natural that Union Station would bring a momentous exhibit in to celebrate their centennial anniversary. While displaying an exhibit of King Tut would be amazing, they took it a step farther. Coming in from Europe, this 20,000-square-foot exhibit has been seen by more than 5 million people since 2008 and has rave reviews. Unlike a typical museum display, “The Discovery of King Tut” combines dramatic production effects and recreated artifacts to simulate the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Visitors explore the tomb chamber by chamber exactly as it was originally discovered. Audio headsets (included in the ticket price) narrate your journey, while creative lighting guides you artifact by artifact though the tomb. There is even a kid’s version of the audio, so that youngsters can experience the adventure on their own level. After you’ve explored the tomb, be sure to check out the additional objects outside the tomb for closer inspection.

Arabia Steamboat (400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO)

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is one of the Midwest’s most popular attractions. It’s easy to see why—when the steamboat sank in 1856, she took nearly 200 tons of treasure to the bottom of the Missouri River with her. The treasure was discovered in 1987 and turned into a large museum featuring the most extensive collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world. Tour guides take you through part of the museum and even show a short film about how the artifacts were recovered. From there you can explore the rest of the museum on your own.  As the process of cleaning and preserving found artifacts continues, visitors can expect new displays and items to be added on an ongoing basis.

National World War I Museum (100 W. 26 St., Kansas City, MO)

The use of interactive displays and films to share the stories of those who lived through World War I sets this museum apart as one of Kansas City’s top attractions. Featuring the largest collection of artifacts from this time period, it is sure to have something to interest everyone in your family. The newest exhibit, “On the Brink,” opened March 15 and explores events that sparked the First World War. Featuring artifacts from nine nations, this exhibit uses newspaper articles, quotes, and photographs to create a journalistic and documentary-style presentation. Admission to “On the Brink” is included with your regular admission.

Prairie Fire Museum (5801 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS)

The brand new Prairie Fire Museum in Overland Park opens May 1 with the exhibit “Water: H2O = Life.” The exhibit features live animals and more than 90 artifacts and models displaying how important water is to our planet. In addition, children have a blast with the interactive stations and touchable sculptures. Dinosaur lovers will be amazed at the dinosaur display in the great hall. Other features of the new museum include a discovery room for children to experience a hands-on look at science with specimens, artifacts, puzzles and scientific challenges (separate admission fee required to enter the discovery room). If the weather is agreeable, be sure to check out the 1.5-mile wetlands trail for hiking or biking and the butterfly garden.

Money Museum (1 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.881.2683)

Experience a free, up-close look of the nation’s financial system in action. As the nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve is a vital part of what makes the economy work. At the Money Museum, you can learn about the Fed through interactive exhibits that explore banking, how people pay for things and how monetary policy decisions impact your family’s bottom line.

Micah Moore is a lifelong Kansas City resident and writer who loves finding the unique in everything.