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Walkin’ (or Drivin’) in a Winter Wonderland

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There is an updated verison of this article here: https://kcparent.com/kc’s-best-christmas-lights_2024/

Stroll, or drive, through outdoor and indoor holiday winter lands with the magic of candlelit trails, beautiful music, and unforgettable holiday traditions at Kansas City’s local gardens, attractions and parks. This year’s guide includes both walk-thru and drive-thru events where you’ll enjoy holiday lights and scenery.

Tip: Enter to win FREE Tickets to Winter Magic on Cliff Drive or Holiday Lights & Magic Near Legends Outlets!

All Aboard: Train Rides in KC

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Screaming in the tunnels, listening to the rhythm of the tracks and waving at passersby €¦ memories of train rides are a highlight of childhood. Kansas City is home to several affordable train rides and attractions for families. Celebrate National Train Day on May 13 with one of these ideas.

100 Ideas Under $10 to enjoy in Kansas City this Summer

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Olivia Bock updated this on 5/24/25 to reflect that the Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit at Crown Center has now been replaced by the Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails exhibit. For the latest version of this article, visit kcparent.com/things-to-do-in-kc/ideas-under-10-to-enjoy-in-kansas-city-2024.

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

FIFTY IDEAS for FREE FUN in Kansas City

    1. Play at Crown Center’s Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! Exhibit. (As of 2025, this exhibit is now Thomas & Friends:  Explore the RailsTM  )
    1. Attend a free summer concert, especially Sunset Music Fest: Town Center, LIVE at the Legends, Olathe LIVE! Summer Concert Series.
    1. Watch a free movie in the park.
    1. Attend a Kansas City areaannasummer festival.
    1. Attend a free family fun night on Thursdays in June and July atannaMahaffieannaStagecoach Stop.
    1. Play at one of theannabest parksannain Kansas City.
    1. Visit Kaleidoscopeannaa 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).anna
    1. Ride theannaKC Streetcarannaand participate in our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt on KCParent.com.
    1. Union Station’s 7th floor is now Graffiti Attic, the largest “Free Wall” in Kansas City! They welcomeannaamazing street artists to come to paint up the 1/4 mile of wall space!
    1. Goannafishing.
    1. Splash and play at a Kansas City areaannasprayground.
    1. Tour the Truman Home in Independence and learn about President Truman and his wife Bess.
    1. Stroll throughannaKauffman Memorial Gardens.
    1. Participate in one of our local library’sannasummer reading program.
    1. Visit a newannalibrary. Kansas City is rich with exciting local libraries, try one beyond your neighborhood location.
    1. PreK to 12th Grade Students and their Parents/Guardians are Eligible forannaFREE AdmissionannatoannaTheatre in the Parkannaand theannaJohnson County Museumannawith the Sunflower Summer program!
    1. Play “I Spy” atannaLakesideannaNature Center.
    1. Marvel at modern art at theannaNermanannaMuseum of Contemporary Art, where admission is free.
    1. Pack a picnic at one ofannaFive “Secret” Places to Picnic in Kansas City.
    1. Visit bison and elk at theannaNativeannaHoofedannaAnimal Enclosure at Fleming Park.
    1. Watch as marbles are made atannaMoon Marble.
    1. Stop and smell the roses atannaLoose Park.
    1. SpendannaFirst Fridays in theannaCrossroads.
    1. Take a tour of the Kansas City MissouriannaCity Hall.
    1. Hike atannaErnieannaMiller Nature Center.
    1. Photograph friends in front of one ofannaKansas City’s 200annafountains.
    1. Get free money at theannaFederal Reserve Bank &annaMoney Museum.
    1. Enjoy one of KC’s Best FREE Hiking Trails.
    1. Bring binoculars for bird watching atannaBurroughsannaAudubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary.
    1. Watch chocolate or fudge-making demo atannaChip’s Chocolate Factory.
    1. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail atannaCave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center.
    1. Discover the waterfall atannaParkvilleannaNature Sanctuary.
    1. BikeannaTrolley Trail.
    1. Take a free class atannaBurr OakannaWoods Nature Center.
    1. VisitannaWaterfalls in the Midwest.
    1. Enjoy hands-on exhibits atannaPrairie ParkannaNature Center.
    1. Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork atannaLegendsannaOutlets Kansas City.
    1. Learn about nature at theannaAnita B.annaGormanannaDiscovery Center.
    1. Imagine you’re in the Wild West atannaAntioch Park.
    1. 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.
    1. Visit the free National Archivesannaat Kansas City and learn about local history through their exhibits.
    1. Enjoy FREE outdoor theater at GladstoneannaAmphitheatreannaTheater in the Park showing Legally Blonde: The Musicalanna(July 8-10) and Li’l Abneranna(Aug. 12-24)annaannaor Leawood Stage Company’s free showing of TheannaAddamsannaFamilyanna(July 14-21), or Romeo & Juliet at Southmoreland Park (July 14-July 3), or Belton Theater in the Park’s Shrek: The Musical (June 17) or Cinderella (June 18).
    1. Discover a masterpiece at the free KemperannaMuseum of Contemporary Art.
    1. Hike the trails at the Kansas City Kansas Public Library – F. L.annaSchlagleannaBranch and nature center.
    1. Learn about your family history atannaMidwest Genealogy Center – MCPL.
    1. On Friday mornings, visitannaFarms at Colonial Gardens | Livestock Feeding Experience.
    1. Walk the trail around Lenexa’s legendary dam atannaBlack Hoof Park.
    1. Book a tour atannaKC Strings.
    1. Discover the natural bridge atannaCarl Chinnery Nature Trail.
    1. And remember to searchannaFree Events on our Kansas City calendar, where there are free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.

TWENTY IDEAS $5 or less per Person

    1. Watch a film on the Extreme Screen atannaUnion Stationannawhere you can catch summer blockbusters and documentaries.
    1. Imagine and play at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum, a pint-size play village for young children.
    1. Step back in time at Shawnee Townanna1929annaduring theirannaTime Travelers Summer Series.
    1. The Lake OlatheannaParkannaMarina has canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats available to rent for $5/30 minutes.
    1. Search our daily calendar where you’ll always find affordable options.
    1. On rainy days, play inside atannaBackyard Specialists Pay For Play.
    1. Ride the KC NorthernannaRailroad, just 75 cents on Saturdays and Sundays.
    1. Learn about gardening at the BeanstalkannaChildren’s Garden.
    1. Visit theannaHistorical Society of Lee’s Summit & Museumannaand explore Downtown Lee’s Summit.
    1. 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.
    1. Rent a Stand Up Paddleboard or Canoe atannaLegacy Park.
    1. Tour the WatkinsannaWoolen Mill State Park and learn about the 1860s woolen mill and grist mill.
    1. Share a Skyscraper at Winstead’s.
    1. Feed animals at DeannaannaRose Children’s Farmstead.anna
    1. Really hot outside? Treat the kids to a sweet treat at one ofannaKC’sannaBest Ice CreamannaShops.
    1. Visit the Shawnee IndianannaMission and learn about the school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862.
    1. Join a summer movie club at your local theater (see our KC Summer Movie Guide).
    1. Participate in a stargazing event on Saturdays at Powell Observatory and look at the night sky through the largest telescope in the region.
    1. Learn about Kansas’ farming heritage at the fun and interactive National AgriculturalannaHall of Fame.
    1. Buy a slushie at Quik Trip.

THIRTY Ideas $10 or less per Person

    1. Catch a game withannaKansas CityannaMonarchsannaat Legends Fieldanna- tickets are less than $10/ea to watch from “Homerun Hill.”
    1. Learn about the Pony Express and early Missouri citizens atannaSt. Joseph Museums.
    1. Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and learn about the 33rd President of the United States.
    1. Admission to the Kansas CityannaZoo is less than $10 for Jackson and Clay County residents, and FOTZ members enjoy unlimited admission all year long.
    1. Learn about the night sky at a show at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station.
    1. Visit Powell Gardensannaand explore Fortopia.
    1. Participate inannaThursday Toddler Time at Ceramic Cafe.
    1. Play volleyball or ride a bike atannaBerkley Riverfront Parkanna(then visit the nearby City Market and purchaseannaa fun lunch orannafresh produce on weekends).
    1. Come face to face with big cats at Cedar Cove: Public Tours.
    1. Explore theannaNelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission to the museum is free, and parking is $12/car (less than $10/person if you have multiple passengers).
    1. Visit Missouri Townanna1855 and learn about the lifestyle of the area’s earliest settlers.
    1. Play arcade games atannaDave & Buster’sannaat Legends Outlets.
    1. Take a wagon ride aboard Pioneer TrailsannaAdventures and learn the history of Independence, Missouri.
    1. Pick berries at a local U-Pick Farm (you set your budget, but you’ll likely spend at least $10/person).
    1. Swim at a local outdoor pool or beach found on our guideanna(admission is typically less than $10/person).
    1. Watch outdoor theater at Shawnee Theatre in the Park.
    1. Learn about Kansas City’s baseball heritage at the NegroannaLeagues Baseball Museum.
    1. Attend a puppet show and make a finger puppet at the PuppetryannaArts Institute.
    1. Celebrate Kansas City’s jazz roots with a visit to the AmericanannaJazzannaMuseum.
    1. Tour the Strawberry HillannaMuseum and learn about immigrants from Eastern Europe.
    1. Enjoy arcades, laser tag, rides or go-karts atannaAmerica’s Incredible Pizza Company.
    1. Head to a local Farmers Marketannaand stock up on fresh produce and locally made goods.
    1. Enjoy a little “winter in the summer” and enjoy indoor ice skating at Independence CommunityannaIce.
    1. Visit the KUannaNaturalannaHistory Museum and see live-animal exhibits, the famous Panorama, and displays of fossils and Kansas wildlife.
    1. Rent a pedal boat at Shawnee MissionannaPark Marina.
    1. Visit the Overland ParkannaArboretumannaand Botanical Gardens.
    1. Tour the JohnannaWornallannaHouse Museum or AlexanderannaMajorsannaHome and learn about Kansas City’s earliest citizens.
    1. Make a Day Trip to Atchison and visitannaAmelia Earhart Birthplace Museumannato learn about the first lady of flight.
    1. Ride the rails withannaBelton Grandview and KC Railroad.
    1. Dine out and take advantage of Kids Eat Free deals.

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

40 Ideas for Free Fun in Kansas City

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Olivia Bock has updated this article on 6/8/25 to include a link to a more current version of this article: 40 Free Fun in Kansas City  

Kansas City offers fabulous fun for FREE all summer long!

    • Ride the KC Streetcar and participate in our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt on KCParent.com.
    • Take a tour of the Roasterie and learn about coffee.
    • Visit a new library.
    • Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where admission is free.
    • Take a tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall.
    • Build a free project at Home Depot on select Saturdays.
    • Sample a homemade potato chip at Price Chopper at 151st & Metcalf.
    • Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork at Legends Outlets.

BONUS: 20 more Cheap Ideas

    • Ride the KC Northern Railroad, just 75 cents on Saturdays and Sundays.
    • Step back in time at Shawnee Town 1929.
    • Explore the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
    • Learn about gardening at the Beanstalk Children’s Garden.
    • Tour the Truman Home in Independence, where admission is $5 and children 15 and under are free.
    • Visit the Overland Park Arboretum (note: Admission is free on Tuesdays).
    • Sign up for free bowling with KidsBowlFree.com or free roller skating at KidsSkateFree.com. Shoe and/or skate rental fees still apply.
    • Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission is free; parking is $8/car.
    • Imagine and play at the all-new KidScape at the Johnson County Museum.
    • Really hot outside? Treat the kids to a snow cone at Tropical Sno or Kona Ice food trucks at local attractions.
    • Participate in a stargazing event on Saturdays at Powell Observatory and look at the night sky through the largest telescope in the region.
    • Learn about the night sky at a show at the Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station.
    • Root for the Kansas City T-Bones, where tickets are under $10 for bleacher or grass seating.
    • Pick berries at a local u-pick farm (you set your budget, but you’ll likely spend at least $10), all found on KCParent.com’s Berry Picking Guide.
    • Learn about Kansas City’s baseball heritage at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
    • Enjoy a little “winter in the summer” with indoor ice skating at Centerpoint Community Ice.
    • Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and learn about the 33rd president of the United States.
    • Rent a pedal boat at Shawnee Mission Park.
    • 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.
    • Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial on Wednesdays when admission is discounted.

A History Lover’s Guide to KC

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This article includes outdated references to covid guidelines. Olivia Bock has updated this article on 6/10/25 to include an updated version of this article here.

Kansas City has much to offer those passionate about history—and to offer parents, educators and children! Some of our museums are well-known, like the National World War I Museum, but you’ll likely discover a new museum or attraction to visit with this short guide. All the places included in this list are open to the public right now, but most of them have also moved many of their programs online, so it’s easier than ever to attend a lecture or participate in an event of interest.

An iconic monument of the Kansas City skyline since 1926, the National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial boasts a world class museum dedicated to teaching the history of the First World War and its impact on our nation and the world. It should be on every history buff’s bucket list to explore this national treasure—visitors come from around the world to pay homage to the servicemen and servicewomen and all those who gave their lives. Currently, the museum has several special exhibits, including Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI. The museum now offers online exhibits as well. Take a virtual, guided tour via their website through some of the museum’s most popular attractions or exhibits. There are also virtual lectures and events to participate in via Zoom, found on the museum’s social media accounts.

A gem of the 18th & Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is another piece of Kansas City history that is a must-visit. In 2006, it was designated by the U.S. Congress as America’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It is dedicated to telling the story of Black baseball and ensuring every generation can learn its history and celebrate its importance in American sports and impact on society. It is a well-curated look into some of baseball’s most legendary players and role models who greatly shaped our history—and much of the story took place right here in Kansas City. Also located in the same historic building is the American Jazz Museum, a popular destination for both musicians and historians.

Shawnee Town 1929 is now open for the season! As usual, it has such a great calendar of events planned for the year. Be sure to check them all out online on their website. Just a few options to choose from are the History on Tap lecture series for adults that takes place in Town Hall. If you attend in person, local brews will be provided. The series will also be available to view online this year. In the town farmhouse, you can enjoy varying period food preparation demonstrations throughout the year, and weekly, on summertime Tuesdays and Thursdays, the always popular Time Travelers Children’s Program engages youngsters. Bring the kids and learn a new period craft or participate in a farm chore or special event! My favorite program on offer through the summer is the musical outdoor series Jammin’ on the Green. There is also still time to register for one of the Ukulele Beginner Workshops. The ukulele was one of the most popular instruments of the 1920s, and no experience is required to join.

The Legler Barn Museum in Lenexa, KS, is unique because it is located in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Enjoy a picnic, a playground or a walk along the paved trails before or after visiting the Barn Museum, built by Adam Legler in 1864. The museum highlights Lenexa’s early history, and you’ll even find a train depot, caboose and little train museum on the property to explore. A coffee shop, the Foundry, is within walking distance. There is something for everyone to enjoy when you visit this museum!

Another small but special museum is the Oxford Schoolhouse in Leawood, KS. Originally located at 135th & Mission, it was moved in March 2003 to its present location in Ironwoods Park. The museum is open just on Saturdays until May, and then it will be open Tuesday through Sunday during the summer months for self-guided tours. Hopes are high that school tours will be able to resume in the fall. I was part of the archeological team that worked on the original site the summer of 2002, documenting artifacts and preparing the schoolhouse to be moved, so I am especially fond of this little museum.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site is another great option for children wanting to immerse themselves in the history of our region. Since its opening as a living museum, Mahaffie has offered a plethora of living history programs to young and old alike. Visitors can take a ride on a real stagecoach and relive the days when the farmstead was a stop along the Sante Fe, Oregon and California trails to the West. Guests can also watch the blacksmith at work, or sample a meal that would have been prepared for stagecoach passengers in the cool basement kitchen that doubled as a dining hall. Mahaffie also offers many homeschool programs throughout the year, so be sure to check out the Calendar of Events on their website!

When in Lawrence, KS, both the Watkins Museum of History and the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum are historical sites not to be missed. The Watkins Museum especially has adapted to these unprecedented times by taking their impressive lecture series online. Find their upcoming programs on their social media accounts. You’ll find something intriguing for a wide variety of interests.

Perhaps the most well-known historic building in Kansas City is Union Station—and this summer, a very important exhibit will be held there on the Holocaust: Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away. Tickets are on sale now for this significant, groundbreaking exhibit.

As with all travel and businesses, check websites for updated COVID-19 information before visiting any museums or historical sites.

Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native with a passion for local history and sharing that history with her family.

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