Go for a Nature Walk. Bundle up and hit a local trail, nature center or botanical garden such as Overland Park Botanical Garden, Burr Oak Woods, and Lakeside Nature Center. Research paw prints and scat and then be on the hunt to discover what other little critters took a nature walk in the same spot earlier. Or spice things up by going geocaching or doing a nighttime walk with glowsticks and flashlights.
Explore the Money Museum. Learn about the operations of the Federal Reserve Bank and its importance to the U.S. economy at the free Money Museum. See one of the nation’s largest cash vaults, browse coin collections from various presidential administrations and even take home a bag of shredded money!
Visit the Kansas City Zoo. Winter is a great time to explore the Kansas City Zoo, with fewer crowds and playful animals. Enjoy indoor attractions like the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Discovery Barn. All of these exhibits are conveniently located toward the front of the zoo.
Go to Science City at Union Station. Littles can enjoy their water play table, sensory play areas and infant/toddler-friendly exhibits. Older kids will love exploring the three massive floors of interactive exhibits. Plus, bring coats because their outdoor play structure is great for blowing off some energy.
Treat the family to a movie. 30 minutes before the showtime, head to B&B Theaters in Shawnee or in Overland Park for Screen N’ Play and let your kids climb on the indoor play structure and catch a flick in the colorful movie room.
Take a Daytrip. Break up the winter doldrums by heading South for the day. The Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri, has breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and wildlife from around the world.
Enjoy All Things Trains. At Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant place an order through the old-fashioned phone and it will be delivered to your table by an overhead train. Perfect for any locomotive-loving kid. While you’re downtown, be sure and visit the free Model Train Gallery where kids will love watching 8,000 square feet of model trains zoom by.
Splash Around at Lenexa Rec Center. This indoor pool delights all ages from its toddler play structure and spray features to its lazy river and two 40-foot-tall indoor water slides. Not a resident of Lenexa? You can purchase a day pass to this pool or discounted Splash With Me passes for tots.
Marvel at Art: The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is perfect outing on a cold winter day. Grab a scavenger hunt at the front desk to best navigate the world of art. In addition, kids (and adults) can take art classes or explore their outdoor Kansas City Sculpture Park, including the iconic shuttlecocks, which look magical in the winter snow.
Rediscover your Childhood Favorite Books. Explore The Rabbit Hole, KC’s newest exhibit in North Kansas City. This immersive museum features 14 exhibits based on classic children’s books like Caps for Sale, Madeline, Goodnight Moon, and more. They also host unique author and illustrator events and regular story hours.
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Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
One of the largest nature centers in the Metro, Burr Oak Woods features hands-on exhibits for children, an aquarium with Missouri fish, live animals and nature trails.
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Crown Center Ice Terrace
Enjoy ice skating at Kansas City's original outdoor rink, open annually November-March.
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Family Tree Nursery Shawnee
A beautiful, modern garden center in the heart of Shawnee! Since opening it’s doors as Family Tree Nursery in 1981, our Nieman location has grown a loyal customer base with great plants and top-notch customer service.
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Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum
Tour Kansas City’s Federal Reserve Bank and learn about the U.S. Monetary System. Children can make their own money and leave with a shredded souvenir!
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Fritz's
2450 Grand, Kansas City, MissouriOld-fashioned diner with a train theme serving American breakfasts, burgers & soda-fountain treats.
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Explore the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, with nearly 10,000 animals on 202 acres, it's the most affordable family fun for kids of all ages! Travel all over the world without ever leaving Kansas City.
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City offers a fun, highly interactive and educational 2-to 3-hour indoor experience. Based on the ever-popular Lego® brick, Legoland Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas.
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Lakeside Nature Center
Enjoy an incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish and invertebrates.
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Lenexa Rec Center
Get ready for an exciting new recreation experience in Lenexa! The 100,000-square-foot Lenexa Rec Center features cutting-edge fitness equipment, a fun-filled indoor pool, a jogging/walking track that encompasses a full-service fitness floor and t...
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Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm
Visit the only working stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail. Relive the adventures of early stagecoach passengers. Tour the home, blacksmith shop and farm. Mahaffie offers many events throughout the year, including hands-on pro...
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Sip Coffee. Grab a friend and visit one of Family Tree Nursery’s coffee shop, Cafe Equinox, where blooming plants, koi fishponds, and magical fairy gardens will brighten a winter day. Plus, they have seasonal workshops that are incredibly fun and bring out your inner creative self that will surely beat those winter blahs.
View Underwater Exploration and Millions of Lego Bricks. View majestic sharks, graceful stingrays and colorful tropical fish at Sea Life Kansas City and marvel at their 5,000+ sea creatures. Or go next door at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and enjoy the ultimate indoor Lego playground with rides, build and play zones, and even a 4D cinema. TIP: You can buy a combo ticket for both attractions.
Take a Sleigh Ride. Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails The trails played an integral part in shaping Kansas City. At the National Frontier Trails Museum you can participate in interactive exhibits as you learn about Western expansion. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop features tours of the farm home and Santa Fe Trail stagecoach stop, as well as actual stagecoach rides even in the winter.
Pet Furry Friends. Stop by a local pet store to enjoy watching animals. Visit Pet Stop in Shawnee to interact with Frankie, the Capuchin monkey – he is our favorite! Or visit a pet adoption center like Wayside Waifs.
Spin on the Ice. Enjoy Crown Center Ice Terrace and The Rink at Zona Rosa. Both are typically open daily for public ice-skating, special events and more. For more local rinks and wintery outdoor fun, search Winter Sports on KCParent.com.
Allie Cole, a Kansas City native, lives in Lenexa with her husband and two girls. She enjoys exploring Kansas City, and as her daughter puts it, she loves doing a hundred fun things every place she goes!