My kids are always eager to dive into arts and crafts projects at home. Whether it’s painting, building with Play Doh or experimenting with beads, their excitement over every new craft is contagious. I love seeing their imaginations come to life in our living room, but I’ve also realized how important it is to spark their creativity outside the house. Kansas City offers so many opportunities to do just that.
From high-tech maker spaces to interactive puppetry and public art tours, our city is full of artistic adventures that bring families together. Each outing has inspired new projects back at home, and I’m thrilled to share some of our favorite experiences. Whether your family loves crafting, experimenting with new technologies or discovering colorful murals, these adventures inspire young and old alike.
Dive into this guide to find the best art adventures KC has to offer!
Black & Veatch MakerSpace: Creative Innovation
Located inside the Johnson County Central Resource Library in Overland Park, Kan., the Black & Veatch MakerSpace provides an incredible variety of tools and technology to bring your family’s ideas to life. Although my kids haven’t had the chance to try out 3D printing or digital design software yet, I was amazed by the range of possibilities. The space features everything from laser cutting and sewing machines to soldering stations and vinyl cutting tools.
The MakerSpace also hosts workshops for beginners, offering families the chance to learn skills like sewing or 3D modeling together. The staff was friendly and ready to answer questions, ensuring everyone felt welcome. MakerSpace access is free, with nominal fees for materials, making it a fantastic resource for fostering creativity and learning something new.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first visit, take a guided tour of the Black & Veatch MakerSpace to learn about all the equipment and how to use it. Don’t forget to reserve tools online ahead of time as they can be in high demand, especially on weekends. It’s a great way to maximize your creative time!
Hawaii Fluid Art: Letting Creativity Flow
My family recently discovered Hawaii Fluid Art (locations in Overland Park and Kansas City, Mo.), and it’s quickly become one of our favorite creative escapes. This unique art studio offers workshops where families can create mesmerizing fluid art pieces together. The process involves pouring vibrant, swirling paints onto canvases to create stunning abstract designs. I was amazed at how easy it was for even my youngest to participate—there’s no need for prior artistic experience.
During our visit, we each chose our own color palettes and let our imaginations run wild. My kids loved watching the paints flow and blend as they created their own masterpieces to take home. The staff was incredibly patient and guided us through every step of the process, ensuring we all felt confident and had fun. It was such a joy to see my children’s pride in their finished artwork. If you’re looking for a hands-on art adventure where the entire family can unleash their creativity, Hawaii Fluid Art is a must-visit destination.
The KC Streetcar Art Tour: A Moving Gallery
Hop aboard the KC Streetcar for a one-of-a-kind art experience that combines urban exploration with creative inspiration. The KC Streetcar Art Tour transforms your family outing into a dynamic journey through Kansas City’s vibrant public art scene. Along the 2.2-mile route, the streetcar stops at several key locations featuring murals, sculptures and installations that showcase the city’s rich artistic talent. Highlights include the stunning Crossroads Arts District, where walls come alive with colorful street art, and Union Station, home to impressive sculptures and rotating exhibits.
Pro Tip: Make the art tour even more engaging for kids by turning it into a scavenger hunt! Challenge them to spot specific details in murals or identify recurring themes, like animals or bright colors. It’s a fun way to keep them entertained while deepening their appreciation for art.
The streetcar itself often displays temporary art installations, making the ride a moving gallery. Best of all, the KC Streetcar is free, making this an accessible and enriching adventure for families looking to spark creativity and enjoy the city’s cultural heartbeat.
Puppetry Arts Institute: Bringing Stories to Life
Nestled in Independence, Mo., Puppetry Arts Institute is a magical destination where creativity and imagination take center stage. Families can enjoy interactive puppet shows, participate in hands-on workshops and even craft their own puppets to bring home. During our visit, my kids were mesmerized by a shadow puppetry performance, and they couldn’t wait to try their hand at making their own characters. This unique institute fosters storytelling and creativity, offering a variety of performances and classes for kids and adults alike.
Pro Tip: Try the $10 puppet painting workshop or the $12 take-home kit for a fun and creative experience! Experiment with different textures like fabric, yarn and buttons along with paint to make your puppet truly one-of-a-kind and spark endless imaginative play.
The Museum at Prairiefire: Art Meets Science
The Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park is a visual feast that seamlessly blends art and science. Its stunning exterior, inspired by Kansas prairie fires, glows with vibrant, multicolored glass that immediately captures your attention. Inside, families can marvel at artful exhibits that include intricate fossil displays, immersive dinosaur sculptures and hands-on activities that encourage creativity. The museum also features rotating exhibits that highlight different artistic interpretations of science, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. It’s a perfect spot for families to explore the intersection of creativity and curiosity.
Ceramic Café: Where Creativity and Fun Come Together
Ceramic Café is a paint-your-own-pottery and glass fusing studio that provides a fun, hands-on experience of art. Kids (and adults) will love choosing from a wide selection of ceramic pieces to paint, including plates, mugs and animal figurines. You can also try glass fusing projects with easy, colorful designs.
Pro Tip: Walk-ins are welcome, so this is a perfect last-minute art adventure for a rainy day.
No matter your family’s interests, Kansas City’s vibrant arts scene has something to offer everyone. From experimenting with cutting-edge technology at maker spaces to exploring public art and puppetry, these activities bring creativity to life in unique and exciting ways. I’ve cherished the moments of watching my kids’ faces light up as they discover and create.
Take the time to explore these opportunities together, and you’ll create cherished memories while inspiring your children’s imaginations.