Kansas City has so many kid-friendly field trip destinations that make it easy to spark curiosity, encourage play and give little ones hands-on experiences they’ll never forget. Take a look at these options to see which field trip will be the best fit for your preschoolers.
Animals and Farm Fun
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, Mo.
The zoo offers a wide variety of learning opportunities for little ones and can tailor your visit to support what you’re learning about at school. If you’re bringing lunches, you’ll find designated picnic tables throughout the zoo where your group can take a break.
Cost for Jackson and Clay County students: Free once per school year with advance reservation
Cost for students outside Jackson and Clay County: $12 per person
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park
My preschool-age son always has the best time at Deanna Rose. From the hands-on animal experiences to activities throughout the farmstead that keep little ones engaged and learning, there is so much to enjoy.
Cost: $5 per person for anyone 3 years old and up; teachers are free with group reservations; Title 1 scholarships are available Monday through Thursday
Nature and Outdoor Exploration
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park
The arboretum offers a peaceful outdoor experience where kids can explore trails, wildlife and plants at their own pace. Groups must reserve in advance to avoid overcrowding with other visiting schools.
Cost: Children under 5 are free, $3 per person ages 6-17; $7 per person ages 18 and up; Title 1 schools in Overland Park may qualify for free admission
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
Anita B. Gorman offers a special 45-minute program designed just for preschoolers. Students learn about trees through a story, hands-on exploration and outdoor play. Since some of the program takes place outside, families need to make sure their kids are dressed for the weather. If it rains, staff will provide an indoor activity as an alternative.
Cost: Free
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area | 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs
Burr Oak Woods has multiple preschool-specific programs that use puppet shows, trail hikes and interactive games to help little ones learn about their senses and the world around them. There are outdoor picnic areas available, but be sure to bring your own trash bags in order to follow their trash-in, trash-out policy.
Cost: Free
Hands-On Learning and STEAM
Kaleidoscope | 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Kaleidoscope is a dream for kids who love coloring, crafting and creating. Groups of 15 or more can reserve private creative sessions Tuesday through Friday.
Cost: Free
Legoland Discovery Center | 2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Legoland is a fun spot to introduce STEM concepts through play as students build, explore and use their imaginations. Kids are guaranteed to have a great time participating in the hands-on activities.
Cost: $8 per student; $10 per adult (one free adult per five students); Title 1 and tax-exempt schools have access to special booking options
Wonderscope Children’s Museum | 433 E. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Wonderscope offers three types of field trips: Exploration (90 minutes of exhibit play), Playtime (for homeschool and play groups), and Adventure (a themed, staff-led program plus playtime). No matter what you choose, kids get to play and learn through engaging experiences. Reservations for each academic year open Sept. 1.
Cost: Starts at $8 per child (ages 2 and older)
Science City | 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Science City offers the ultimate hands-on STEAM experience for preschoolers. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance, and lunchroom rentals are available if your group needs a place to eat.
Cost: $11 per person (groups of 15 students or more); one free adult per 5 students
Movement, Indoor Play and Open Gyms
If you want to get your preschoolers moving, check out one of these spots where kids can run, jump and play. These open-gym-style field trips are perfect for little ones to burn their energy.
Impact Gymnastics | 9063 Bond St. #101, Overland Park
Cost: Varies based on what you choose to reserve
Urban Air | 8554 Maurer Rd., Lenexa • 14401 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
Cost: Varies; fill out their Event Request Form for more details
Sky Zone | 6495 Quivira Rd., Shawnee • 2801 NE McBaine Dr., Lee’s Summit
Sky Zone offers special rates for groups of 25 or more.
Cost: Varies; fill out their Group Request Form for more details
Fun Run | 2501 NW S. Outer Rd., Blue Springs • 1919 Industrial Dr., Liberty
Fun Run requires a group of at least 20 children (60 kids maximum) to qualify for discounted field trip admission and offers 90 minutes of playtime.
Cost: $9 per child
Libraries and Literacy
Local libraries make wonderful field trip destinations and offer preschoolers the chance to explore books, practice literacy skills and enjoy hands-on play spaces.
Johnson County Libraries | Various branches
Johnson County Libraries are wonderful destinations for preschoolers, offering a variety of story times, toddler and preschool sessions, family events, Moovin’ and Groovin’ Rhyme Times and even open-ended Play Labs for drop-in play.
Kansas City Public Library: Central Branch | 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, Mo.
This downtown library is a great spot for preschoolers to play, explore and grow their love of reading. Staff can help customize your visit based on your group’s age range and size.
Mid-Continent Public Library | Various branches throughout the metro
MCPL offers two field trip options: your group can visit your local library, or the library can come to you. Families also have the opportunity to sign up for a library card so that even the youngest kids can start checking out books right away.