Interactive Museums in Kansas City

All kids learn through various methods, and one of the best is through hands-on and interactive experiences. Luckily for us, Kansas City offers many children’s museums and other destinations with great hands-on activities for kids of all ages. There are more than enough locations to have a field trip each week! Check out the following hands-on highlights, then explore the Kansas City calendar of events for more events and ideas.

Let’s begin with some free locations, because who doesn’t love free?  Kidscape at the Johnson County Museum is a great place for kids to roam, play and pretend with various themed rooms. While it’s only free Monday through Thursday, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a fabulous outdoor learning experience where kids can learn about farm animals and days gone by, burn off energy on multiple playgrounds and leave with many fun memories. Ernie Miller Nature Center is another place to let kids roam and explore in nature. It’s also a great place for a picnic!  On its lower level, Crown Center hosts various kids’ exhibits that change throughout the year. These delightful exhibits are similar to Kidscape as they let youngsters learn through playing and pretending. While you are at Crown Center, make sure to check out Kaleidoscope, where children’s imaginations can run wild. Hallmark offers leftover materials from their manufacturing processes for kids to create their own masterpieces from an ever-changing array of materials. It’s very impressive that all these amazing destinations are free!  KC children and parents alike are very fortunate.

Now if you’re willing to spend a few dollars per person and looking to enjoy the great outdoors, check out Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and the Overland Park Arboretum (free on Tuesdays). Jessi Cole, Overland Park mother of three, says, “The arboretum is one of our favorites!  We like the children’s area, but a lot of times we skip it and go on nature walks on the trails. We’ve seen different types of birds, snakes, even foxes. It’s a fun switch up.”

If you’re able to spend a little more time and money, visit Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City or the Kansas City Zoo.