Living in Kansas City, we’re lucky to have so many exciting options for family-friendly staycations, whether it’s a quick day trip or exploring hidden gems right in our backyard. One of the biggest perks? No long travel times with kids! Plus, having home as a base makes everything easier.
Let’s dive into six summer staycation ideas right here in KC!
1. Cheer on the Chiefs
Our family loves watching the Chiefs all season long, and honestly, we miss the excitement in the off season. If you’re like us, why not tour GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium? Public guided tours are available daily and give you an inside look at Chiefs history, plus the press box, CommunityAmerica Club Level, Hall of Honor, newly refinished locker rooms, press conference room, broadcast area and Founder’s Club. The tour lasts about 90 minutes — plenty of time for the kids to soak up all the football magic!
After the tour, head over to Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum for a bite to eat. This hidden gem has one of the largest collections of sports memorabilia in the country, including World Series and Super Bowl trophies and vintage uniforms. It’s a must-visit for any sports fan!
KC Parent Pro Tip: Have a die-hard Chiefs fan in your life? Chiefs Stadium offers gift cards for tours—perfect for birthdays, Father’s Day or a fun surprise.
2. Enjoy a DIY Day
Sometimes the best staycations happen at home with a DIY day full of creativity! A few summers ago, my girls and I made handprint stepping stones for our garden. I love seeing their tiny prints each year and noticing how much they’ve grown. We could also tie-dye T-shirts, make friendship bracelets or paracord keychains, or build and decorate a birdhouse for the backyard. The best part? No packing, no travel — just quality time together making memories and keepsakes we’ll cherish.
3. Explore Crown Center
Crown Center is one of our favorite staycation spots in Kansas City! Everything is within walking distance, there’s a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor fun, and it’s great for all ages, from toddlers to teens. If you’re looking for an easy, adventure-filled weekend with the kids, here’s the perfect itinerary!
Start the day by grabbing a fresh pastries, warm breakfast sandwich, or your favorite coffee at Panera or Starbucks—perfect fuel for the busy day ahead. Then head straight to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, where the kids can build, play, and enjoy rides in a LEGO-themed wonderland.
This summer, don’t miss the Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails exhibit—a free interactive display running through September 1.
Break for lunch with two great options: enjoy local flavor at Burnt End BBQ, Kansas City's newest barbecue spot, or treat the kids to a fun experience at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where burgers are delivered by model trains—a hit with both little ones and nostalgia lovers. Afterward, catch a mid-afternoon performance at The Coterie Theatre, then step outside to enjoy the iconic dancing fountain shows.
Want to explore more? Just across the street, you can walk to Union Station, dive into hands-on exhibits at Science City, or snap a photo with the skyline from the National WWI Museum & Memorial.
To wrap up the day, head to Spin! Neapolitan Pizza — a family favorite with plenty of options for everyone. And of course, we can’t skip dessert — their gelato is a must!
KC Parent Pro Tip: For an extra-special staycation, make it an overnight! Try staying at The Westin at Crown Center, which features a large, resort-style pool and beautiful views of the city. You can easily walk the Link (an elevated pedestrian walk way) above the street traffic to access everything in Crown Center!
4. See History In Action
A history-themed staycation is a great way to explore Kansas City’s rich past while keeping the whole family engaged. The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers powerful exhibits and hands-on experiences, from walking across the glass bridge over a field of poppies, to taking in breathtaking city views from the top of Liberty Memorial. At Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, history comes to life with stagecoach rides, blacksmith demonstrations and farm animals, giving kids a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life. The American Jazz Museum in the 18th & Vine District immerses visitors in Kansas City’s vibrant musical history with interactive exhibits, famous instruments and listening stations that highlight legendary jazz musicians.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Visit on a weekend evening when The Blue Room, the museum’s on-site jazz club, hosts live music—it’s family-friendly and a perfect way to experience jazz culture firsthand!
5. Get Outdoors
For a refreshing staycation, explore the Carl L. Chinnery Nature Trail at Unity Village. This easy 2.4-mile trail features gentle inclines, a scenic creek and a hidden natural bridge where legend says Jesse James once hid! Kids love climbing under the natural bridge, and wildlife like deer and birds add excitement along the way. Though not stroller-friendly, the gravel path is easy to navigate and offers a peaceful escape close to home. Afterward, refuel at The Fillmore Cafe with homemade pastries, fresh coffee and kid-favorite smoothies—an ideal way to wrap up a morning of nature and adventure!
KC Parent Pro Tip: If your family loves exploring nature, check out other kid-friendly KC trails, like the Overland Park Arboretum’s scenic paths and fun train garden; Ernie Miller Nature Center's shaded trails; Parkville Nature Sanctuary's waterfall and wooden bridges; and Burr Oak Woods’ wildlife-spotting opportunities. Each offers a unique outdoor adventure without a long drive!
Family hike in Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs, MO.
6. Go on Thrilling Adventures
Another family staycation idea is to go on thrilling adventures right here in Kansas City. Worlds of Fun delivers nonstop excitement with its towering roller coasters, and Oceans of Fun is the perfect place to splash and cool off.
For families who love adventure, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park offers breathtaking ziplines that soar high above the trees. Indoor skydiving at iFly lets kids and parents alike experience the rush of free-falling without having jump from a plane. At BRKTHROUGH, families can team up to tackle high-tech challenge rooms that test problem-solving skills in the most exciting ways. These action-packed destinations bring the thrill of a vacation without the stress of travel.
KC Parent Pro Tip: When Worlds of Fun opens for the day, head straight to the back of the park to ride the most popular coasters, like Mamba and Prowler, with shorter wait times before the crowds arrive!
Kansas City offers countless opportunities for families to create unforgettable vacation memories without leaving town. A staycation lets you relax, reconnect and discover all the hidden gems our city has to offer—proving that sometimes, the best vacations are right around the corner.