KC Kid Picks

Little ones will enjoy the KidScape exhibit at the Johnson County Museum, a hands-on child-sized suburban streetscape, where children role-play as community figures in educational environments.

It’s no coincidence that our readers always rate Kaleidoscope as one of the best kid-friendly destinations in Kansas City. Imaginations know no limit as kids create jigsaw puzzles, glow-in-the-dark art, crowns and more at this hands-on art center.

For traditional family fun, visit one of Kansas City’s family fun centers. Miniature golf, go-karts and arcades are all the rage at Cool Crest. At Paradise Park your family will enjoy bonding as you fire foam balls at one another with air-compressed machine guns in the Foam Factory! While you’re there, climb a rock wall or explore the Children’s Edutainment Center, with everything from a miniature grocery store and bank, to an indoor water play exhibit and art center with face paints and special projects for kids. For more great indoor play, visit Monkey Bizness, Little Monkey Bizness or Amazing Play indoor fun centers, with great play equipment for children to enjoy. Sky Zone in Shawnee is an indoor trampoline park with special play hours and packages for all ages from toddlers to teens.

Wonderscope Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits for young kids. The Lego Ocean Adventure includes a Lego submarine inside which children can play. Other exhibits include H2O Water Play, a child-sized grocery store, raceways where children race golf balls on wooden tracks and much more.

Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo, where Nikita and Berlin, Kansas City’s resident polar bears, and the new penguins especially love winter weather. The zoo is open DAILY except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The animals are more alert and active in the autumn and winter months when the weather is cool, and another bonus is that the zoo is less crowded.