The Crown Center District is one of Kansas City’s favorite destinations for summer fun for tourists and locals alike. With a variety of attractions for the family at the Crown Center Square, and more accessible with a walk across The Link (the enclosed walkway connecting Crown Center to Union Station), or a short walk or drive for a few blocks… there is much to see in the district.
Crown Center is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions including Sea Life, Legoland Discovery Center, Kaleidoscope, and Coterie. Union Station is home to Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, the Extreme Screen, and traveling exhibits. Both attractions are connected via The Link and easily accessible for a day-long or weekend-long adventure.
Crown Center also offers two world-class hotels if you want to make it a getaway!
So, what are our tips to make the most of the day?
- FREE Parking: Crown Center offers 2 hours free parking with validation from any shop or restaurant. If you attend a show (Coterie, MTH, etc), or visit a major attraction (LEGOLAND, Sea Life), they give you 6 hours free parking. You may have 5 hours of free parking with a purchase of $50 or more, just take receipts to Customer Service for a validation slip. Be sure to get your parking validated before you leave the lot. They do offer electric charging stations as well.
- FREE Fun: This summer, visit Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood®: A Grr-ific Exhibit a FREE hands-on exhibit in the Showplace at Crown Center Shops, Level 1 thru Sept. 2, 2024. Step into Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ‘ where Daniel and his friends help young children navigate their world, and parents guide their journey. Play, sing, explore, and pretend in some favorite and familiar places from the Neighborhood. Open Monday ‘ Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, noon to 5pm. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, 10am to 5pm.
- Where to Park: Bringing a stroller or wheelchair? Park in one of the Crown Center Garages. Each level with an A in the name (2A, 3A, etc) offers handicapped-accessible spaces and direct entry into the shopping center without the use of stairs. In my stroller days, I always made certain to park on a level with handicapped spots – 2A for instance, so I would not have to work with stairs to enter the shops with little ones.
- Use the Link: You can visit all of the Crown Center and Union Station attractions on rainy days without going outside… simply use The Link connecting the buildings. For tips on how to navigate The Link if you’re unfamiliar, Guest Services at Crown Center is always glad to help.
- Disney100: The Exhibition: Head to Union Station for the exhibit of the summer! Your most Magical Disney experience awaits. The Walt Disney Archives has opened its Vault of Treasures, showcasing hundreds of objects ‘ more than 250 Artifacts and Works of Art, Costumes and Props, and Incredible Memorabilia. Enter to win FREE tickets from KCParent.com!
- Kaleidoscope: Kaleidoscope offers 5 studio sessions each day, Tuesday ‘ Saturday. Check the schedule for session times. Families are welcome to join on a first-come basis (we suggest arriving 10 minutes before your preferred session start time). Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more Tuesday ‘ Friday. Reservations are not available on Saturdays.
- Dining: Enjoy lunch at Crown Center. You’ll find many great choices. Kids always love Fritz’s, the restaurant where toy trains deliver food straight to your table. They serve a variety of diner-style burgers and sandwiches. Another crowd-pleaser is Spin Pizza where you can order pizza and delicatessen sandwiches. I’m partial to Unforked, where the tacos and burgers are made using local ingredients. The Tilapia Tango taco is my favorite, but my husband and kids also love their burgers. And, everyone loves a treat at Sheridan’s for frozen custard. There are other great options as well including Barbecue, Mexican, and sandwiches on level 1 of Crown Center shops.
- Pack a Picnic: You can bring lunch and eat at “Lunchland” near Kaleidoscope or at a picnic table outdoors in the Courtyard.
- Loads of Fun: There are often special things happening at Crown Center. For instance, Chip’s Chocolate Factory offers fudge-making demonstrations. Local groups perform live music or puppet shows on the Level 1 stage, and festivals happen often. Check the calendar for information.
- Save those memories: Take pictures of your great day!
- Must See KC: Visit these favorite attractions in the Crown Center District: