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KC is home to many delightful things-including a football team with back-to-back Super Bowl wins-and you won’t be disappointed when it comes to fun, eclectic, local shops either.

Made in KC

Get the full KC vibe when you stop into this shop brimming with local goodies! With approximately 10 locations in the metro, at least one location is bound to be close so you can shop all things KC-but if not, their online storefront will do the trick too! Made in KC boasts a plethora of unique and fun items, including puzzles, ornaments, books, decor, apparel and even locally made skincare items-plus much more. 

Westside Storey

Located downtown, just west of I-35 at 17th & Summit, this hip, urban shop is home to more than 50 local artists and companies €¦ all KC-themed of course! Westside Storey has a variety of clothing items, including vintage Chiefs apparel. You may remember hearing them featured in the news just a few short months ago as Taylor Swift was seen at a Chiefs game sporting a sweatshirt from the store!

Velvet Creme Popcorn

For a different KC trademark, stop into Velvet Creme Popcorn, located just a few blocks west of 47th & Rainbow Boulevard in Westwood, Kansas. This third and fourth-generation family-owned and operated business has been serving up yummy popcorn since 1937. Their flavors, including options like cinnamon, chili cheese and habanero, come packaged a variety of ways, from a decorative tin, to snack bags, to refills, to popcorn balls and lollipops.

Shop Local KC

Three locations around the area offer convenient pickup and delivery options, as well as online ordering. The shop features more than 300 local artisans selling stickers, notepads, dish towels, candles, hair accessories, chocolates and many more options. Each handmade item is created right here in KC!

Painted Tree Boutique

Located in Overland Park, Kansas, this large shop is home to various local vendors and boutiques. While there are plenty of home decor, clothing and jewelry options to choose from, you’ll also find several boutiques carrying cool KC-themed items too, such as earrings, signs, keychains, glassware, stickers, notecards and so on.

The Kansas City BBQ Store

If sauce is what you’re looking for, then look no further! Situated in Olathe, Kansas, just off I-35 & 119th Street, The Kansas City BBQ Store is home to the world’s largest selection of sauces. Don’t worry, all the local goodies are here, including Joe’s, Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, Jack Stack, Slap’s, Hayward’s €¦ and the list goes on! Sauce is not all either. They have just about any item you need to take your grilling to the next level!

Julie Collett loves supporting local businesses in Kansas City.

Seasonal Sojourns

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Kansas City is a fun destination any season of the year! Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, a cozy fall retreat, a winter wonderland escape or a spring fling, Kansas City has something to offer every season. Here’s your guide to navigating the City of Fountains throughout the year, complete with packing tips and the best ways to get here.

Summer Sun and Barbecue Fun

As summer rolls around, so do the city’s iconic barbecue festivals. Be sure to pack your appetite and some stretchy pants, as Kansas City’s barbecue scene is legendary. The weather is warm, with temperatures soaring between 80 and 90 degrees (27 to 32 C). Sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle are your best companions for outdoor activities, whether you’re strolling through the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s sculpture garden or catching a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium.

Fall Foliage and Football Fever

Autumn paints Kansas City in warm hues, making it the perfect time for a leisurely stroll through the Country Club Plaza. The weather is crisp, ranging from 40 to 70 degrees (4 to 21 C), so pack a mix of sweaters, light jackets and comfy jeans. Pumpkin patches and apple orchards abound in the Kansas City metro area, and each weekend is sure to boast numerous fall festivals. The Weston Apple Festival in Missouri and Louisburg CiderFest in Kansas are two local favorites. Make sure to enjoy some apple cider donuts! If you’re a football fan, catching a Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium is a must. Throw in a Chiefs jersey, and you’ll fit right in with the sea of red-clad fans.

Winter Wonderland and Festive Lights

Embrace the winter chill with a visit to the dazzling Country Club Plaza lights, both in Kansas City, Missouri. Head downtown to Crown Center to enjoy the mayor’s Christmas tree and magical outdoor ice-skating. Bundle up with a warm coat, hat, gloves and boots, as temperatures can drop to 20 to 40 degrees (-6 to 4 C). Don’t let the cold deter you; cozy up with some hot cocoa from one of the city’s charming cafes and explore the holiday markets for unique gifts.

Springtime Serenity

Spring in Kansas City is a breath of fresh air. The city comes alive with blossoming trees, and you won’t want to miss the stunning display of vibrant flowers at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium or Loose Park, both in Kansas City, Missouri. Pack light layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures and don’t forget your umbrella for the occasional spring shower. With average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees (10 to 21 C), the weather makes exploring the city’s numerous parks and gardens a delight-comfortable sneakers are a must!

Packing Essentials for Every Season

  • Comfortable footwear: Whether it’s exploring parks, strolling through museums or enjoying any of the city’s festivals, being on the go in KC makes comfortable shoes a must.

  • Versatile clothing: Pack layers for unpredictable weather. Kansas City’s seasons can bring unexpected changes, so be prepared for anything.

  • Rain gear: Spring and summer might bring showers, so a compact umbrella and a waterproof jacket will keep you dry and comfortable.

  • Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially during the sunny summer months.


How to Get Here

Kansas City is easily accessible by air with the brand new Kansas City International Airport (MCI) serving as a major hub. For a more scenic route, consider a road trip to experience the picturesque landscapes along the way. Amtrak also provides train service to the city, offering a relaxed and enjoyable journey. The Amtrak station is located in the heart of Downtown Kansas City inside historic Union Station, which is a treat all its own!

No matter when you plan your visit to Kansas City, each season offers a unique experience filled with delicious food, cultural events and friendly Midwestern hospitality. So pack your bags and get ready for a year-round adventure in the heart of America.

Joy Oufnac, 3D Travel Company, helps her clients enjoy their travels any season of the year.

Exhibits to See in 2024

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Union Station Kansas City

 “Disney100: The Exhibition” The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vault of treasures to showcase hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney’s “crown jewels”-more than 250 artifacts and works of art, costumes and props and incredible memorabilia. UnionStation.org

Riveting Robots in Science City  Filling almost 2,800 square feet, the eight unique exhibits invites guests to experience Robothespian, Build-a-Bot, Get a Grip, i-Sight, Mission, Race-a-Bot, Co-Operation and the Sneaker Tying Station! Each of these specially themed activities allows guests to experience robotics and learn how Science City’s very own Jarvis functions! ScienceCity.org

National WWI Museum and Memorial

“The Little War” is a special exhibit at the Downtown Kansas City museum that explores the lives of children swept up by the storms of World War I while adults were fighting on the front lines and supporting the war effort. Created for children and their grown-ups to understand the Great War from a child’s perspective, “The Little War” will use imaginative play, original toys and games, photos and other artifacts from the time period to reach all ages. TheWorldWar.org

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, will welcome several new exhibits this year. From March 9 to Aug. 4, the Melissa Shook exhibition features a singular body of work, composed of approximately 200 self-portraits, by the American photographer Melissa Shook (1939-2020).  From April 27 to July 21, the Niki de Saint Phalle exhibit features works in both two and three dimensions that will delight visitors of all ages and levels of sophistication with bold forms, bright colors and whimsical imagery. And from Sept. 21 to Jan. 5, 2025, “Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence” from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will take a new approach to the art of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) by focusing on his role as a teacher and an influencer in the art world in Japan. Nelson-Atkins.org

National Archives of Kansas City

“We, the People” is a new permanent exhibition on display at the National Archives at Kansas City in KCMO. The free exhibition is open for self-guided tours Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 to 4:00. Alongside the stories of the great and powerful, the millions of records in the holdings of the National Archives give insight into the lives of ordinary people. Archives.gov/Kansas-City

40 Free Ideas for Summer Fun in KC

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Olivia Bock updated this article on 6/2/25 to replace the concluded Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood® exhibit with Crown Center’s current summer exhibit.

Tip: You’ll find many of these free events on the calendar on KCParent.com

Play at Crown Center’s free Daniel Tiger Exhibit. (This exhibit concluded in 2024. For 2025, Crown Center is hosting the “Under the Sea” exhibit, running from May 24 through September 1.)

Attend a free outdoor concert.

Watch a free outdoor movie. (Crown Center Weekender movies pictured here.)

Attend a Kansas City area festival. (Old Shawnee Days pictured here.)

Play at one of the best parks  (Strang Park pictured here) in Kansas City.

Visit Kaleidoscope, a free hands-on art center where children use their imaginations to make art with leftover materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. Tip: Reservations required.

Ride the KC Streetcar and participate in our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt on KCParent.com.

Go fishing.

In the summer, splash and play at a Kansas City area sprayground.

Tour the Truman Home in Independence and learn about President Truman and his wife, Bess.

Visit the Kansas City Museum, where admission is free.

Stroll through Kauffman Memorial Gardens.

Visit a new library (Johnson County Library – Lenexa pictured here). Kansas City is rich with exciting local libraries. Try one beyond your neighborhood location.

Play I Spy at Lakeside Nature Center.

Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, where admission is free.

Visit bison and elk at the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park.

Watch as marbles are made at Moon Marble.

Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park.

Spend First Fridays in the Crossroads.

Take a tour of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Hall and visit the roof.

Hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Photograph friends in front of one of Kansas City’s 200 fountains.

Get free money at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Money Museum.

Enjoy one of KC’s Best free hiking trails. (Kill Creek Observation Tower pictured here.)

Bring binoculars for bird watching at Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary.

Watch a chocolate- or fudge-making demo at Chip’s Chocolate Factory.

Discover the waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary.

Bike trolley trail.

Take a free class at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Enjoy hands-on exhibits at Prairie Park Nature Center.

Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork at Legends Outlets Kansas City.

Learn about nature at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center.

Get a great view of the city at Rooftop Park on top of the building that houses Cosentino’s Market in the Power & Light District.

Visit the free National Archives at Kansas City and learn about local history through their exhibits.

Discover a masterpiece at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Hike the trails at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library ‘ F. L. Schlagle Branch and Environmental Learning Center.

Learn about your family history at Midwest Genealogy Center, part of the Mid-Continent library system.

Walk the trail around Lenexa’s legendary dam at Black Hoof Park.

Discover the natural bridge at Carl Chinnery Nature Trail.

And remember to search Free Events on our Kansas City calendar, where you’ll find free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.

Mega-Fun Guide to Ideas under $10 to enjoy in Kansas City

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Every parent loves to find ways to stretch the family budget while making the most of summer break. We’re here to help!

FORTY-FOUR IDEAS for FREE FUN in Kansas City

  1. Play at Crown Center’s free Fairy Tale Village Exhibit.
  2. Attend a free concert.
  3. Watch a free movie.
  4. Attend a Kansas City area Festival.
  5. Play at one of the best parks in Kansas City.
  6. Visit Kaleidoscope a free hands-on art center where children use their imaginations to make art with left-over materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes (tip: reservations required).
  7. Ride the KC Streetcar and participate in our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt on KCParent.com.
  8. Go fishing.
  9. In the summer, splash and play at a Kansas City area sprayground.
  10. Tour the Truman Home in Independence and learn about President Truman and his wife Bess.
  11. Stroll through Kauffman Memorial Gardens.
  12. Visit a new library. Kansas City is rich with exciting local libraries, try one beyond your neighborhood location.
  13. Play I Spy at Lakeside Nature Center.
  14. Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, where admission is free.
  15. Pack a picnic at one of Five “Secret” Places to Picnic in Kansas City.
  16. Visit bison and elk at the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park.
  17. Watch as marbles are made at Moon Marble.
  18. Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park.
  19. Spend First Fridays in the Crossroads.
  20. Take a tour of the Kansas City Missouri City Hall.
  21. Hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center.
  22. Photograph friends in front of one of Kansas City’s 200 fountains.
  23. Get free money at the Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum.
  24. Enjoy one of KC’s Best FREE Hiking Trails.
  25. Bring binoculars for bird watching at Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary.
  26. Watch a chocolate or fudge-making demo at Chip’s Chocolate Factory.
  27. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail at Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center.
  28. Discover the waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
  29. Bike Trolley Trail.
  30. Take a free class at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.
  31. Visit Waterfalls in the Midwest.
  32. Enjoy hands-on exhibits at Prairie Park Nature Center.
  33. Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork at Legends Outlets Kansas City.
  34. Learn about nature at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center.
  35. Imagine you’re in the Wild West at Antioch Park.
  36. Get a great view of the city at Rooftop Park on top of the building that houses Cosentino’s Market in the KCP&L District.
  37. Visit the free National Archives at Kansas City and learn about local history through their exhibits.
  38. Discover a masterpiece at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
  39. Hike the trails at the Kansas City Kansas Public Library – F. L. Schlagle Branch and nature center.
  40. Learn about your family history at Midwest Genealogy Center – MCPL.
  41. On Friday mornings, visit Farms at Colonial Gardens | Livestock Feeding Experience.
  42. Walk the trail around Lenexa’s legendary dam at Black Hoof Park.
  43. Discover the natural bridge at Carl Chinnery Nature Trail.
  44. And remember to search Free Events on our Kansas City calendar, where there are free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.

NINETEEN IDEAS $5 or less per Person

  1. Watch a film on the Extreme Screen at Union Station where you can catch summer blockbusters and documentaries.
  2. Imagine and play at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum, a pint-size play village for young children.
  3. Step back in time at Shawnee Town 1929 during their Time Travelers Summer Series.
  4. In the warm months, the Lake Olathe Park Marina has canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats available to rent for $5/30 minutes.
  5. Search our daily calendar where you’ll always find affordable options.
  6. On rainy days, play inside at Backyard Specialists Pay For Play.
  7. May – Oct, ride the KC Northern Railroad, just 75 cents on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays.
  8. Learn about gardening at the Beanstalk Children’s Garden.
  9. Visit the Historical Society of Lee’s Summit & Museum and explore Downtown Lee’s Summit.
  10. In the summer, sign up for free bowling at www.KidsBowlFree.com or free roller skating at www.KidsSkateFree.com. Shoe and/or skate rental fees still apply.
  11. In the summer, rent a Stand Up Paddleboard or Canoe at Legacy Park.
  12. Tour the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and learn about the 1860s woolen mill and grist mill.
  13. Share a Skyscraper at Winstead’s.
  14. April – October, feed animals at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
  15. Treat the kids to a sweet treat at one of KC’s Best Ice Cream Shops.
  16. Visit the Shawnee Indian Mission and learn about the school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862.
  17. Participate in a stargazing event on Saturdays at Powell Observatory and look at the night sky through the largest telescope in the region.
  18. Learn about Kansas’ farming heritage at the fun and interactive National Agricultural Hall of Fame.
  19. Buy a slushie at Quik Trip.

THIRTY Ideas $10 or less per Person

  1. Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and learn about the 33rd President of the United States.
  2. Enjoy playtime at Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter.
  3. Learn about the Pony Express and early Missouri citizens at St. Joseph Museums.
  4. Admission to the Kansas City Zoo is less than $10 for Jackson and Clay County residents, and FOTZ members enjoy unlimited admission all year long.
  5. Learn about the night sky at a show at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station.
  6. Visit Powell Gardens.
  7. Participate in Thursday Toddler Time at Ceramic Cafe.
  8. Play volleyball or ride a bike at Berkley Riverfront Park (then visit the nearby City Market and purchase a fun lunch or fresh produce on weekends).
  9. Come face to face with big cats at Cedar Cove: Public Tours.
  10. Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission to the museum is free, and parking is $12/car (less than $10/person if you have multiple passengers).
  11. Visit Missouri Town Living History Museum and learn about the lifestyle of the area’s earliest settlers.
  12. Play arcade games at Dave & Buster’s at Legends Outlets.
  13. Take a wagon ride aboard Pioneer Trails Adventures and learn the history of Independence, Missouri.
  14. In the spring and summer, pick berries at a local U-Pick Farm (you set your budget, but you’ll likely spend at least $10/person).
  15. Swim at a local pool (indoor or outdoor) or beach found on our guide (admission is typically less than $10/person).
  16. In the summer, watch outdoor theater at Shawnee Theatre in the Park.
  17. Learn about Kansas City’s baseball heritage at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
  18. Attend a puppet show and make a finger puppet at the Puppetry Arts Institute.
  19. In the summer, catch a game with Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field – tickets are less than $10/ea to watch from “Homerun Hill.”
  20. Celebrate Kansas City’s jazz roots with a visit to the American Jazz Museum.
  21. Tour the Strawberry Hill Museum and learn about immigrants from Eastern Europe.
  22. Head to a local Farmers Market and stock up on fresh produce and locally made goods.
  23. Enjoy indoor ice skating at Independence Community Ice.
  24. Visit the KU Natural History Museum and see live-animal exhibits, the famous Panorama, and displays of fossils and Kansas wildlife.
  25. During warm months, rent a pedal boat at Shawnee Mission Park Marina.
  26. Visit the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
  27. Tour the John Wornall House Museum or Alexander Majors Home and learn about Kansas City’s earliest citizens.
  28. Make a Day Trip to Atchison and visit Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum to learn about the first lady of flight.
  29. May – Oct, ride the rails with Belton Grandview and KC Railroad.
  30. Dine out and take advantage of Kids Eat Free deals.

And search Events on our Kansas City calendar, for even more fun things to enjoy every day.

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