Looking for a screen-free activity that encourages creativity, handwriting and real-world connections? Letter writing remains one of the most rewarding educational activities for kids, and there are plenty of people, places and even animals that will write back.
Whether you’re helping a preschooler learn their address, encouraging an elementary-age child to practice penmanship or simply searching for unique family activities in Kansas City, these destinations offer memorable opportunities to send a letter and potentially receive one in return.
Kansas City Attractions That Respond to Kids’ Letters
From amusement parks to zoos, these attractions welcome letters from curious young writers.
Worlds of Fun
Attn: Guest Services — Letters from Around the World
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64161
Guests are invited to share favorite park memories, ask questions or write about their travels. Letters can be addressed to iconic characters from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days—Phileas Fogg, Passepartout or Aouda.
Responses will be personalized and inspired by the story’s adventurous world.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Watch Worlds of Fun’s social media channels for additional details.
Zoo Letters for Animal Lovers
Kids who constantly ask animal questions or create wildlife-inspired artwork may enjoy writing directly to zoo educators and animal experts.
Topeka Zoo Education Department
635 SW Gage Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66606
Sedgwick County Zoo
5555 W. Zoo Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67212
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
3701 S. 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68107
For the best chance at a detailed response, encourage children to ask specific questions about animals, habitats or conservation efforts.
Museums and Historic Sites That Answer Children’s Letters
Many museums and historic attractions incorporate letter writing into their educational outreach programs.
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
1200 E. Kansas City Rd.
Olathe, KS 66061
Just as stagecoaches once delivered mail, Mahaffie welcomes letters and artwork from children.
Visitors can write to members of the farm’s animal family, including Burt, Lady, Goliath, Sarah, Dobbin and Corey from the horse herd; Smoothie, Daisy and Petunia from the sheep flock; or even a member of the chicken coop. The animals “respond” with assistance from staff members who help take dictation.
This is a particularly fun opportunity for beginning writers to practice postal etiquette.
Tom & Becky Program
c/o Mark Twain Museum
120 N. Main St.
Hannibal, MO 63401
Mark Twain’s famous characters Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher come to life through Hannibal’s Tom & Becky Program.
Each year, the museum selects and trains five pairs of eighth-grade ambassadors who portray the beloved literary characters. Children who write letters will receive responses written in character.
Families visiting Hannibal may even meet Tom and Becky in person. From spring through fall, they stroll Main Street on weekends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Extend your day trip with an overnight stay at The Traveler’s Rooming House, a historic downtown property built in 1868. Reservations are highly competitive.
Additional Museums and Historic Sites
Kansas Aviation Museum
3350 S. George Washington Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67210
The Kansas Aviation Museum is especially known for enthusiastically engaging with young visitors through its Little Aviators program and summer camps.
Harry S. Truman Library
500 W. US Hwy 24
Independence, MO 64050
Jesse James Museum and Birthplace
21216 Jesse James Farm Rd.
Kearney, MO 64060
Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum
3060 Hwy. A
Mansfield, MO 65704
KC Parent Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph. Its historic stable and immersive exhibits make it a memorable destination for young history enthusiasts.
How to Write Fan Mail to Kansas City Sports Teams
Want to help your child connect with local athletes?
Including a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) significantly improves the chances of receiving a response.
Trading cards are often mailed to players and coaches for autographs, but personalized letters that include your child’s name, age and return address can help fan mail stand out.
Kansas City Mavericks
Attn: Fan Mail
Cable Dahmer Arena
19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.
Independence, MO 64055
Sporting KC
Attn: Sporting KC Communications
300 Wyandotte St., Ste. 300
Kansas City, MO 64105
Kansas City Authors Who Love Hearing From Young Readers
Local authors and illustrators often welcome letters, fan mail and artwork from children.
Nadine Brandes
P.O. Box A
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Ann Ingalls
9016 N. Hunter Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64157
Daniel Miyares
7935 Greenwood St.
Lenexa, KS 66215
KC Parent Pro Tip: Pair letter writing with epistolary books, including The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, XO, OX: A Love Story by Adam Rex, Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary and The Naked Mole-Rat Letters by Mary Amato.
Famous Places Outside Kansas City That Write Back
Mail can travel far beyond Kansas City. These destinations have become popular with families hoping to receive a special reply.
Write to Santa Claus
Santa Claus
P.O. Box 1
Santa Claus, IN 47579
Children should mail letters by early to mid-December to give Santa’s helpers time to respond before Christmas.
Write to Disney Characters
Walt Disney World Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 S. Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA 91521
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy are among the Disney characters most likely to respond with postcards or notes. Disney princesses have also been known to answer thoughtful letters.
Write to the White House
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
The power of letter writing can lead to unexpected opportunities.
The bestselling book Love Does tells the story of three siblings who wrote letters to world leaders after their father challenged them to ask meaningful questions about life, hope and current events. Their efforts resulted in 29 invitations from world dignitaries and inspired global family adventures.
Why Letter Writing Still Matters
In a world filled with screens and instant communication, writing a letter helps children develop communication skills, practice handwriting and learn patience.
Whether they’re writing to zoo animals, historical characters, sports teams, authors or even Santa Claus, every letter encourages curiosity, creativity and connection.
Sometimes all it takes is a stamp to create a memorable experience.
Try other screen-free activities this summer: