Looking for a fun and affordable family getaway? A great vacation may be closer than you think! A family staycation offers a wonderful opportunity to bond, relax and create lasting memories without the stress of travel.
While it’s easy to take them for granted in the midst of our daily routines, Kansas City offers a variety of activities and attractions for families with kids of all ages.
The key to a successful staycation is planning ahead! Here are some suggestions to inspire your next family staycation:
Crown Center: Crown Center is full of great staycation attractions, and The Coterie Theatre is a family favorite. Their upcoming show is Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale (March 19–May 4), a contemporary Latin American twist on the classic story. For a dose of interactive fun, check out Snoopy and the Red Baron (Feb. 8–May 4), an exhibit for all ages featuring Peanuts artwork and activities for children. Afterward, delight the whole family with a meal at the ever-popular Fritz's Railroad Restaurant!
KidScape: Your kids will love playing and learning at this interactive children's museum located inside the Johnson County Museum. They can explore different career paths, shop at a grocery store and even build a house in the hands-on exhibits!
Urban Air Adventure Park: Whether you want to soar through the air on trampolines or conquer challenging obstacle courses, Urban Air has something for everyone in the family. The park offers a diverse range of activities, including climbing walls, laser tag and virtual reality experiences. With two locations in the metro (Overland Park and Lenexa), it’s a great option for indoor play.
Read about our day at Urban Air in Lenexa here!
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: Home to over 1,700 animals and a diverse range of species from around the world, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the perfect destination for the animal lovers in your family. From Polar Bear Passage, to the Australian outback exhibit, to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium and more, there are plenty of opportunities for animal encounters!
World War I Museum: For an outing with an educational bent, check out the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. With exhibits that delve into the causes, consequences and human impact of the Great War, the museum appeals to all ages, but kids will especially enjoy the Hands-On History program (Saturdays, 11:00), in which visitors are invited to handle Great War artifacts.
Dan Videtich
WWI, World War I Museum, Memorial Day
Sea Life Kansas City and Legoland Discovery Center: Take the family on an underwater adventure and encounter over 250 marine species at Sea Life. The highlight of the aquarium is the 180-degree ocean tunnel, where you can watch sharks and other sea creatures swimming overhead. Right next door at Legoland Discovery Center, you can ride thrilling rides, explore interactive play zones and, of course, build with Lego bricks! Kids can even learn building techniques from Lego experts at the Master Builder Academy.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: As both a Kansas City landmark and a cultural hub, Nelson-Atkins a must-visit for families. Kids and adults alike will enjoy discovering 5,000 years of art, including ancient artifacts, European masterpieces and contemporary works. Make a day of it by taking a picnic to the Sculpture Park outside—it’s the perfect spot to relax while letting the kids burn off some energy.
Crossroads Arts District: Beyond the Nelson, check out KC's local arts scene by exploring the Crossroads’ numerous galleries, studios, and shops. The best time to do this is on First Fridays, when you can enjoy live music, food trucks and special exhibitions. To avoid the stress of finding on-street parking (and to make the whole experience even more fun), ride the KC Streetcar to the Crossroads stop!
Parks: Make your staycation complete by getting out in nature via one (or more!) of KC’s beautiful parks and green spaces. For example, Loose Park contains a wide range of family-friendly amenities, such as a playground, sprayground and historic monuments from the Battle of Westport (including a Civil War cannon). If you’re planning a walk or a family bike ride, check out Riverfront Heritage Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Missouri River.
Check out some more of our favorite park recommendations here:
The 5 Best Parks for Birdwatching
Bonus Staycation Ideas:
- Choose a theme, such as a favorite movie or historical period, to add excitement to your staycation.
- Create a loose schedule to help you plan activities and avoid boredom.
- Clean and declutter your home to create a serene and inviting atmosphere for your “getaway.”
- Create a spa day at home by preparing soothing baths, creating DIY spa treatments and practicing mindfulness activities.