In February 2025, Halley Zitterkopf, Digital Engagement Manager for KC Parent updated this article to include the latest updates from the KC Zoo and Aquarium.
Swope Park in Kansas City, larger than New York’s Central Park, offers a variety of attractions, including the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. In September 2023, the Zoo expanded with the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, a 650,000-gallon facility housing nearly 8,000 aquatic animals across 34 habitats, providing an immersive oceanic experience in the Midwest.
In November 2024, the Zoo announced plans for a new giraffe habitat, expected to open in May 2026. This $30 million project aims to offer year-round viewing and interactive feeding opportunities, enhancing guest experiences and animal welfare.
Looking ahead, the Zoo plans to host a dinosaur exhibit during the summer of 2025, featuring life-size replicas of various dinosaur species, offering an educational and entertaining experience for visitors.
Existing attractions continue to delight visitors, including the camel feeding deck, Stingray Bay touch tank, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, and the Sumatran Tiger Exhibit. For transportation within the Zoo, guests can enjoy rides on the train, carousel, boat, tram, and Sky Safari, each offering unique perspectives of the animal exhibits.
Beyond the Zoo, Swope Park features the Lakeside Nature Center, a free facility showcasing local wildlife and natural history exhibits. For adventure enthusiasts, Go Ape KC offers a two- to three-hour obstacle course with rope bridges, zip lines, Tarzan swings, and net bridges, providing an exhilarating treetop experience.
The Country Club Plaza, boasting beautiful towers, sculptures, paintings and mosaics inspired by Seville, Spain, is one of the prettiest places in Kansas City and is 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 taking visitors on a stroll down memory lane. Also, take some time to visit the free Kauffman Memorial Gardens, where something is always in bloom.
Kansas City boasts many remarkable art galleries, with three of her 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.