Are you looking for budget-friendly ways to explore Kansas City? Whether you're local or just visiting, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Downtown
Downtown Kansas City, Mo., offers plenty of free and inexpensive experiences. The Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope and the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City provide fun for all ages at no cost. Be sure to take advantage of the free KC Streetcar to easily get from one place to another.
If you're exploring with children, stop by the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch. The children’s floor offers a fun and engaging space, and the rooftop terrace has a stunning view of the city. Farther south, Union Station offers free admission, and while many exhibits require paid tickets, the Model Train Gallery is entirely free. Afterward, head to the lawn at the National WWI Museum and Memorial for one of Kansas City’s most iconic views.
Need a caffeine break while you’re downtown? Stop by The Roasterie on 27th Street. While you’re there, take a $5 factory tour to see how their coffee is made.
Plaza
If you’re looking for a great shopping experience in addition to beautiful architecture, make sure to visit the Country Club Plaza. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission and includes a beautiful outdoor sculpture park featuring the iconic shuttlecocks. Less than a 10-minute drive from the Nelson is Jacob L. Loose Park, which has a walking trail, a playground, fountains, the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden and more! For even more beautiful nature, head over to Kauffman Memorial Garden, where you can see a wide variety of beautiful blooms.
Northland
If you’ve ever wanted to see live bison, make sure you visit the Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Liberty, Mo., which is open daily with free admission. The museum is nestled in Hodge Park, so you’ll be close to a walking trail and a playground.
In North Kansas City, Mo., Macken Park offers a one-mile walking trail and two playgrounds. In the heart of the Northland, Zona Rosa has several restaurants and shops, as well as free seasonal events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and rallies. During the summer, kids can also enjoy their splash pad for free.
For a quaint small-town experience, visit Historic Downtown Parkville, Mo., or Historic Downtown Liberty. Both areas are perfect for strolling, window-shopping and enjoying local restaurants. If you’re in Parkville, you have to visit the free Parkville Nature Sanctuary or English Landing Park, which features three miles of walking trails, a playground, sand volleyball, pickleball courts and a disc golf course.
Johnson County
If you find yourself in Johnson County, one of your first stops should be Scheels in Overland Park, Kan. You’ll find a little bit of everything there, including a free play area for kids and a Ferris wheel that only costs $1 to ride.
Afterward, enjoy some fresh air at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which is free for adults on the first Tuesday of each month and free for children under 5 daily. If you’re looking for another nature experience, visit the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe, Kan. You’ll have the opportunity to see a 500-gallon aquarium, learn about a variety of plants and watch birds as they come to the feeders. They even offer preschool story times for $3 per person and a Sunday family nature series for $5 per person.
Do you want to see some adorable animals? If so, make a trip to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, where admission only costs $5 per person for ages 3 and up and is free for children under 2. If you happen to be there in the afternoon Mon.–Thurs., admission is free for everyone after 2:00.
If you’re looking for an indoor spot to visit, head over to the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. For $4–6 you can walk through the 1950s All-Electric House or check out the KidScape area where children can have several pretend play experiences.