If your kid loves planes, trains, cars or boats, Kansas City has more to offer than you might think. From hands-on museums and experiences to themed playgrounds, there are so many exciting ways to explore all things that go around the metro.
Planes
There’s a good chance you’ve passed right by the TWA Museum on 169 Highway and not even known it. It’s located at the Wheeler Downtown Airport and is a fun destination for any plane lover in Kansas City. Not only can you learn about aviation history in a real hangar — you can also sit in a cockpit and see vintage flight gear. The museum is on the smaller side, which makes it great for young kids who may not have a long attention span.
After your museum visit, head south to The Roasterie Factory Cafe — you’ll know you’re there when you see the giant cargo plane mounted on the roof. This plane-themed coffee shop serves delicious coffee and pastries — plus, you can take a tour of the factory and watch the coffee beans roast.
If you’re looking for a day-trip destination for even more airplane fun, you have to visit the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kan. There, you’ll find the world’s largest Lockheed Electra 10-E — the same model Earhart flew. You’ll also have the chance to interact with several kid-friendly STEM exhibits throughout the museum. Make sure you check their website for hours and pricing as you plan your visit. You’ll also find information about events they host throughout the year.
Plan the ultimate date night with Top Gun: Maverick in Concert (Oct. 17-19) and hear the Kansas City Symphony performs the film’s thrilling score live alongside the blockbuster on the big screen. With pulse-pounding music and unforgettable flight scenes, this cinematic experience is the perfect way to take your evening to new heights.
Trains
I don’t know about you, but when I think “trains in Kansas City,” I automatically think of the Union Station Model Train Gallery. My son loves it when we visit — he could watch the model trains go around and around all day. The best part about the gallery is that it’s free (though there is an opportunity to leave a donation if you wish). While you’re at Union Station, head into Science City for more train fun. If your kids love trains as much as mine does, they will love the train table in the Let’s Play area as well as the build-your-own train tracks in the All Aboard exhibit. When you’re ready for lunch, you can walk right across the skywalk to the famous Fritz’s at Crown Center. Snap a picture next to the train outside the restaurant, then head in and watch the trains deliver food to tables. You can also visit Fritz’s at their Shawnee and Kansas City, Kan. locations — they both serve breakfast, too! Before ending your train-filled adventure, make sure you hop on the KC Streetcar and take a ride down Main Street.
Your train lover will be excited to explore the train-themed playgrounds throughout Kansas City. Calamity Park in Olathe and Antioch Park in Merriam both have train playground equipment. T.B. Hanna Station Park in Raymore, Mo., is one of Variety KC’s inclusive playgrounds and features a beautiful train in the sprayground (and even if the water is off for the season, you can still play around the train).
Mark your calendar for The Great Train Show coming to Kansas City Jan. 3-4, 2026. We took my son last year and he had the best time. You’ll see everything from model trains running on tracks to vendors selling fun trains and toys. While you’re making plans for 2026, make a note that the KC Northern Miniature Railroad reopens May 3 and operates through October.
Automobiles
Car-loving kids will have a blast at the Kansas City Auto Museum in Olathe. It features several rotating exhibits, meaning there may be something new to see each time you visit. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers several events throughout the year, including Cars & Coffee as well as preschool story times that are held near the end of each month.
Also in Olathe, about 10 minutes down the road, you’ll find Gateway Classic Cars of Kansas City. At the end of every month, they host a Caffeine & Cars event where they open their beautiful showroom and offer free donuts and coffee for guests. My son loved getting a yummy treat as well as browsing through the classic cars during our visit.
Boats
If you have a boat lover, he or she is in for a treat with the variety of boat-themed activities in Kansas City. Starting Nov. 8, Union Station will host a Titanic exhibit. In this family-friendly historical experience, kids get their own passenger boarding pass and can explore full-scale models of rooms on the Titanic.
If you happen to catch a nice day, visit one of the many boat-themed playgrounds around Kansas City. Tiffany Hills Park in the Northland is a Variety KC inclusive playground that features a giant pirate ship along with underwater-themed equipment. Frontier Park in Olathe and Listowel Park in Shawnee both feature boat- and pirate ship-themed equipment.
You might be worried that the boat-themed fun has to end as winter approaches — however, the Kansas City Boat & Fishing Show is coming to Bartle Hall Jan. 8-11, 2026. It will be a great activity for those cold January days as your kids get to walk around, look at boats and even pretend to drive some.