Kansas City Day Trips
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 that 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: Check out Fort Osage! In 1808, Fort Osage was built to protect the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and establish trade with the Osage.
Lunch Break: Make a stop at the Sibley Orchards! If you choose the right time of year, you can pick your own fresh produce or enjoy a hayride. Be sure to pack your picnic for the outing.
Read our Sibley Day Trip Diary for More!
Bonner Springs, KS: Be a Kid for a Day
One of the best ways to bond as a family is to play together, and Bonner Springs is a great place to play! From toys to trains, tea parties to treasure, you’ll find all kinds of things in Bonner Springs to help you "be a kid again!"
Best Place to Go with Kids: Pop into the Moon Marble Company where you can watch marble making, then play with marbles and nostalgic toys that invite you to “Try Me!”
Lunch Break: Visit Madame Hatter’s Tea Room where you are invited to play “dress up” in Grandma's hats and scarves and enjoy an old-fashioned tea party. Note: Madame Hatter's announced that they are closing on June 16, 2011. Discover more Tea Rooms in Kansas City here.
Read our Bonner Springs Day Trip Diary for More!
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: A trolley ride is great fun where 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.
Lunch Break: How often do today’s children eat lunch at the local drug store? That’s why we recommend the lunch counter at Ball Brother’s Drug Store. Eat at this old fashioned soda fountain, where your can enjoy sandwiches, ice cream treats and drinks.
Read our Atchison Day Trip Diary for More!
Farther (45 - 75 Min)
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. See our Guide to Dinosaur Fun in KC for more Dino Ideas!
Lunch Break: Visit Planet Sub. Although we have locations around town, this chain began in Lawrence as Yellow Sub. Be sure to save some room for ice cream from Sylas and Maddy’s! Read our Lawrence Day Trip Diary for more ideas.
Lexington, MO: Sightseeing in a Surrey with a Fringe on Top
Lexington, a small historic town overlooking the Missouri River, was the site of one of Missouri's bloodiest Civil War battles. It is now home to Wentworth Military Academy, the Battle of Lexington Historic Site, wineries, orchards and a historic shopping district.
Best WAY to Go with Kids: The best way to see Lexington is aboard a surrey operated by the Brownings.
Lunch Break: Enjoy Irish fare at O’Riley’s and learn the legends of Lexington as the restaurant owners and staff share a rich history of the town dating back to the Pony Express.
Read our Lexington Day Trip Diary for More!
Topeka, KS: Lions, Tigers, Bears and Tornadoes in the Land of Oz
Discover lions, tigers and black bears at the Topeka Zoo, a charming zoo that is “just the right size” for young children.
Best Place to Go with Kids: Explore Old Prairie Town and learn about famous Kansans. Be sure to enjoy a phosphate at the authentic soda fountain.
Lunch Break: We love Spangle’s, the local hamburger joint where the ice cream specialties include the “Cyclone” and “Tornado”-- delicious shakes with mix ins.
Read our Topeka Day Trip Diary for More!
Farthest (1 ½-2 ½ Hrs)
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, 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: Visit the Homestead Creamery where you can watch cheesemaking and explore a living dairy farm!
Lunch Break: Gingerich Dutch Pantry serves delicious home cooked meals and made-from-scratch pies!
Read our Jamesport Day Trip Diary for More!
Carthage, MO: Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Carthage is on the famous Route 66 where you can still eat at old diners and travel the scenic “Mother Road.” You can even travel just 20 minutes more to Joplin, where you’ll discover the state’s largest continually flowing waterfall.
Best Place to Go with Kids: In Carthage, visit the Precious Moments Visitor’s Center created by Missouri artist Sam Butcher, with animated characters and a chapel telling Bible Stories through Precious Moments characters.
Lunch Break: Iggy’s Diner is a famous Route 66 joint serving juicy burgers, delicious shakes and curly-q fries! Read our Carthage Day Trip Diary for more!
Kristina Light loves exploring new places on Day Trips with her family.