Visit Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri’s gem of a green space that is even larger than New York’s Central Park. Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium where you can enjoy the new world-class aquarium featuring thousands of animals. Be sure to visit the camel feeding deck and Polar Bear Passage, touch stingrays and explore the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Billy Goats Gruff, Sumatran tiger exhibit, Australia and the massive Africa exhibit. Ride the train, carousel, boat, tram and Sky Safari to enjoy terrific views of the animals. Another favorite attraction at Swope Park is Lakeside Nature Center, a free nature center with exhibits.
The Country Club Plaza, with beautiful towers, sculptures, paintings and mosaics inspired by Seville, Spain, is one of the prettiest places in Kansas City and home to many of the city’s most beautiful fountains. The holiday season is not complete without a visit to the Plaza to enjoy the Christmas lights. Nearby, visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The museum houses a charming world of toys with interactive exhibits that take visitors on a stroll down memory lane. Also, take some time to visit the free Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden where something is always in bloom.
Kansas City boasts many remarkable art galleries, with some of the finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. The Sculpture Garden on the lawn is a favorite place for outdoor photos and a walk through art history. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.