Kansas City is well known for its museums and stadiums, but locals know the area is also rich in natural beauty. Here are some of the most beautiful nature trails and gardens you can explore with your family.
Weekend Getaway in KC
Kansas City. Home to Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, World Series champion Kansas City Royals, world-famous Kansas City barbecue and world-class family fun!
If you are looking for an incredible weekend getaway, packed with unique and fun family-friendly experiences, look no further than the Crown Center District in downtown Kansas City! It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and have some fun with your loved ones!
Convenience
Between the Skylink and the KC Streetcar, you can park your car and leave it!
The Skylink connects Crown Center, Union Station and the Sheraton via an elevated pedestrian walkway, completely protected from the elements. In the words of my niece, “You can cross the street without holding hands!” The KC Streetcar runs from Union Station to the River Market with 16 stops in between.
Where Should You Stay?
I highly recommend staying at either the Sheraton Crown Center or the Westin Crown Center. They both have fantastic views of the Kansas City skyline, offer spacious and comfortable rooms and are connected via the Skylink.
The Westin is located above the Crown Center itself, right in the heart of the Crown Center District. It is closer to the activities, shops and restaurants, including Union Station.
The Sheraton is located just north of Crown Center and is a very manageable walk via the Skylink to Crown Center and then to Union Station.
What Should You Do?
The options for fun in the Crown Center area are limitless! Between Crown Center, Union Station and the neighborhoods connected by the KC Streetcar, you will have more than enough to keep you busy!
Crown Center
Crown Center is a bustling shopping center, containing shops and restaurants. One of the local favorites is Fritz’s. This train-themed restaurant delivers burgers and fries to your table with model trains!
Additionally, Crown Center houses the Coterie Theater that offers shows with a young audience in mind. It also offers limited-time attractions throughout the year, so make sure to check out the schedule.
Two major attractions located in Crown Center are Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium. Legoland contains 12 interactive, Lego-themed play zones. Geared for children ages 3-10, the wide range of activities will be enjoyed by the whole family! Sea Life will transport you to an underwater world where you can discover the beauty and wonder of ocean life. Typically, you can purchase tickets to both attractions for a small discount.
Union Station
Just a short walk on the Skylink will take you to Union Station. Built in 1914, it is a beautiful building with many traces of the Railroad Age. With the historic background and the numerous entertainment opportunities, you can easily spend an entire day here!
Catch a movie at the Extreme Screen Theater or the Gottlieb Planetarium, explore and interact with the scientific world at Science City, enjoy watching the model trains or even learn about a unique subject from a national traveling exhibit.
KC Streetcar
If the weather is nice, plan on a day exploring the KC Streetcar route! Take the Skylink to Union Station and head outside to the Streetcar stop. A streetcar leaves Union Station every 10-15 minutes, so you never have to wait long.
Of the 16 platform stops between Union Station and River Market, several that offer great destinations for families! One is at the Kauffman Center. If you are interested in a live show, make sure to see what is playing at the Kauffman Center. It is a beautiful building with an incredible view of the Kansas City skyline. An evening here will certainly not disappoint!
Further down the line is the famous Power & Light District. Known for its nightlife, it is also a fun area to explore during the day. The rooftop of Cosentino’s Market at this stop is a great place to grab some lunch and enjoy KC life.
Another great stop for families is the Downtown Library. If your family loves books, you will love this library!
The streetcar line ends at City Market. The farmers market here on Saturday mornings is an event! The stalls are filled with fresh foods, yummy baked goods and sometimes live entertainment. Some shops and restaurants are open daily, while others are strictly open on Saturday. Additionally, you can tour the Arabia Steamboat Museum and learn some local history!
When you are finished exploring, hop on the streetcar and head back to Union Station!
Tip of the Iceberg
This is just a small sampling of the fun you can have in a weekend in downtown Kansas City!
Joy Oufnac loves vacationing with her husband and four children! She is a travel specialist with 3D Travel Company and would love to help you plan a special family vacation. Contact her at joy.oufnac@3dtravelcompany.com to start dreaming!
FREE and Cheap Fun in KC
Visiting Kansas City or planning a staycation on a budget? The city offers abundant opportunities to explore and enjoy—without breaking the bank!
Stop by one of the city’s many nature centers for a peaceful (and free) escape from reality. If you’re planning a nature-themed staycation, you won’t want to miss Ernie Miller Nature Park (Olathe), Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Center (Liberty), Parkville Nature Sanctuary (Parkville – waterfall pictured above), George Owens Nature Park (Independence), Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (Blue Springs) or Prairie Park Nature Center (Lawrence). You’ll also find the Overland Park Arboretum, with its 300-acre botanical garden, to be a beautiful and peaceful respite from the weariness of day-to-day life. Arboretum admission is $1-3.
Fans of history will have a blast exploring many historical sites! A few unique spots to visit for free include the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (Leavenworth, $6 per carousel ride), Legler Barn Museum (Lenexa) and Oxford Schoolhouse (Leawood).
Want to enjoy the arts scene without spending a dime? Make your way around the metro on a fountain scavenger hunt—there are more than 200 to find in this “City of Fountains!” The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free to visit (aside from parking), and the shuttlecocks and maze on the front lawn make this popular spot worthy of an Instagram post or two!
Downtown, you can hop on the KC Streetcar for a free ride from the River Market to Union Station! There are 16 stops along the 2-mile streetcar route where you can disembark and explore the city. If your ride takes you to or from Union Station, plan to spend a little time exploring the beautiful structure that’s been part of KC since 1901. Admission to Union Station itself is free; the additional experiences offered inside will vary in price.The B&B Twin Drive-In movie theater (Independence) is bringing the magic of the movies back with vintage, socially-distanced style! The whole family can enjoy a movie night under the stars ($20/car).
If the kids are touring KC with you, check out the extensive list of parks and playgrounds throughout the metro. Penguin Park (Kansas City), with its giant animal figures, is a must-see for every kid. Meadowbrook Park (Prairie Village) features a treehouse-themed play area that kids love! McCoy Park (Independence) offers a Western town-themed inclusive playground. See if you can find the creek at Charles David Hartman Memorial Park (Lee’s Summit)! And, if the weather ruins your outdoor plans, check out Superkidz Club (Mission) or My Play Café (Lee’s Summit) for indoor play areas that are just for kids (prices vary). The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City is a great educational option ($12).
If you just need a quick break from reality, there are still plenty of free options! Go for a leisurely stroll around the Country Club Plaza, picnic on the lawn by the National World War I Museum and Memorial or take selfies with blooms at the Kauffman Memorial Gardens!
Where will your sense of adventure take you?
Julie McKinley is a single homeschooling mom, freelance writer and theater teacher. She lives with her two cats and two kids in Lee’s Summit.
Gems of Kansas City
Kansas City may be located in “flyover country,” but don’t let that convince you there isn’t a rich cultural history that exists here. From towering memorials, testaments to love and charming green spaces, Kansas City has a little something for everyone. The following are some of KC’s brightest gems.
Top of Liberty Memorial
The Liberty Memorial is one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks. Anyone who’s lived in KC is familiar with the sky-high structure that overlooks the entire downtown landscape. Built in 1926, the memorial was dedicated by the U.S. Congress as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Liberty Tower stands over 200 feet above the museum below and features an observation deck atop. An elevator ride and a climb up 45 stairs will offer a stunning perspective of downtown and miles beyond.
14th Street (between Main & Grand)
Warm weather brings lots of activity to Kansas City’s Power & Light District. On weekends, 14th Street, between Main and Grand is often blocked off to traffic and is opened up to pedestrians. Visitors will find outdoor dining options, live music and plenty of places to sit and enjoy sights and sounds. The two-block stretch is also lined by twinkling lights, creating a lovely summertime ambiance.
Made in KC Trolley Cafe
Made in KC Cafe is everything it says it is. Every bean, donut and breakfast sandwich is made right here in Kansas City. There are multiple locations around the metro, but perhaps the most unique shop is located in the River Market. Locals may be familiar with the old streetcar resting at 426 Delaware St. It served as an interesting bit of Kansas City’s trolley history but over the years became overlooked. MIKC ownership purchased the trolley in 2020 and converted it into a full-service cafe and mini gift shop. They also built a handicapped-accessible wooden patio with tables, chairs and sun umbrellas. Patrons are also welcome inside the trolley to escape the weather. Charm perfectly describes the Made in KC Trolley Cafe, and if you linger there long enough, you’ll see and hear the new KC Streetcar honk and rumble by.
Made In KC Parklet (Baltimore Avenue)
The next-best alternative to downtown cafe charm is the Made in KC parklet on Baltimore Avenue. Located between 12th and 11th streets in the Central Business District, the Baltimore MIKC location features a beautiful outdoor seating area inspired by outdoor dining restrictions this past year. The parklet features several seating options, beautiful plants and the hum of passing traffic. On cooler days, MIKC offers gas-powered heat lamps. One of the most impressive background features is located on the south side of the parklet: One Kansas City Place, Missouri’s tallest building.
Westside Storey
One of Kansas City’s most unique retailers is located in the Crossroads at 1701 Summit St. Westside Storey is full of well-preserved, vintage products that pay homage to Kansas City’s cultural history. From old-school Chiefs and Royals jerseys, to vintage home decor, one can find just about anything to fit wardrobe and home with everything Kansas City. One can also find new threads with a call-back to the past.
Crossroads Murals
The Crossroads is one of Kansas City’s finest artistic gems. A myriad of art galleries occupy the district’s historic blocks, and a broad range of eateries and coffee shops fill the air with a sweet and savory aroma. The buildings in the Crossroads also reflect the area’s creative spirit. First Fridays during the warm weather months are a perfect opportunity to walk the blocks and admire the hundreds of murals expertly painted on building walls. From realism to psychedelic, Crossroads murals cover the gamut of creative expression.
Love Locks Bridge
The Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge is located on the north side of downtown KC’s River Market. Nearly 700 feet long, the bridge is friendly to pedestrians and cyclists alike. Along the way, visitors can learn about the early history of Kansas City from the multiple alcoves and informational signs. The nearly 200-yard bridge is capped by a gated outlook, high above the Missouri River. The gate is adorned with hundreds of locks dedicated to loved ones and lovers alike.
RoKC
Rock climbers have plenty of options in the KC area, but perhaps the most unique is nestled north of the river. RoKC is housed in a nondescript building in North Kansas City; the inside, however, is anything but. Climbers of all abilities can scale simple and challenging courses. Not for the faint of heart, RoKC’s tallest wall is 40 feet high. In addition to a myriad of climbing options, RoKC offers a yoga and fitness studio at its North KC location.
Top of KC Library
The Central Library is the crown jewel of the Kansas City Public Library system. Located in the aptly named Library District downtown, Central Library features stunning architectural features, a movie theater housed in an old bank vault and the Missouri Valley Room, filled with local historical artifacts. On nice days, visitors can grab refreshments from the in-house coffee shop and bring them up to the rooftop terrace. The outdoor area includes plenty of seating options, an urban garden, a life-sized chess board and informational signs detailing Kansas City’s architectural history.
Eli Anderson is a Kansas City native and professional photographer with an eye for finding the sparkle in our city’s many gems.
Touring KC’s Sweet Treats
Ice cream and cookies and cakes … oh my! If you’ve been in the KC metro for long, you know we are not short on places to grab a yummy sweet treat. The area is filled with fun and unique sweet spots to keep you smiling all summer long!
If you happen to be in Belton splashing around at the outdoor water park, why not stop by One More Scoop afterward? New to the sweet treat scene in 2019, One More Scoop is quickly gaining a following thanks to their homemade ice cream. You certainly can find old standby flavors like vanilla bean and strawberry, but also more unique options like Panther Tracks and Mama’s Texas Sheet Cake. Keep in mind flavors are switched up regularly, so something you are craving may not be offered. But hey, the worst that happens is you have to go back, right?! They even have gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free options too!
The Scoop at Martin City is another great option if you are out south, maybe having some pizza at Minsky’s or grabbing a bite at Dos De Oros (featured in our taco tour last fall!). Offering vegan and dairy-free options, this shop is sure to offer something to suit your taste buds. Located in a stand-alone shop in the parking lot of KC Running Company, this is the perfect outdoor place to try the “delicious ever-changing flavors,” as my friend Krista put it! Join the Scoop club and receive exclusive offers like two-for-one deals … and who doesn’t love two-for-one ice cream?!
If you haven’t been to the new Wonderscope yet, how about doubling your pleasure and treating yourself to Cookies and Creamery right after? Cookies and Creamery is Kansas City’s newest “sweet spot,” set to open late spring or early summer. With a totally different concept than anything else we’ve seen in KC, this is a place you won’t want to miss. Owners Steve and Kiffany Bosserman want to showcase local treat-makers, as well as women and minority owned businesses. Steve shares, “Cookies and Creamery is a spectacle of an ice cream shop … like a Made in KC, but for sweets.” The shop will feature locally made Sylas and Maddy’s ice cream, Mary’s Mountain cookies, Shatto milk, Popculture popcorn and Cottontale KC cotton candy (their sister company). The signature item, Creamwiches, will be offered on menu and as a build-your-own option too. Check their Instagram @cookies_and_creamery for news on pop-ups around the metro and their official opening!
I Am Frozen Dessert Cafe, located in Overland Park, is just the place to hit after bouncing at Urban Air or walking around Deanna Rose for an afternoon. Named as one of the top 33 ice cream places in the United States by Thrillist, I Am serves shaved ice cream and honey toast. Ann, one of the owners, says, “What makes I Am unique is combining the snowy texture of shaved ice and the creaminess of ice cream into this perfect eye-popping frozen treat.” I Am is as aesthetically pleasing as it is yummy, with a relaxing and calm atmosphere and “eye-pealing” treats. If you haven’t tried I Am Frozen Dessert Cafe, add it to your list of “must go” places!
Sweet Caroline’s, located in Stanley Station, is the perfect stop after hanging out at the Overland Park Arboretum, Leawood Nature Center or the Blue Valley library branch. Local and family owned, this little hot spot makes their own fudge, hand-dipped caramel apples, chocolate treats, cocoa bombs and large hand-dipped strawberries (only available Valentine’s week). They carry popular bulk candy, nostalgia candy and chocolate dipped cones for their ice cream, which is locally made. Jenna, an Overland Park mom of two, says, “They have amazing caramel apples. A huge variety—my favorite is the ‘apple pie’ caramel apple. Such good ice cream flavors too—Kansas Twister is one of my favorites!”
While shopping downtown Overland Park or checking out the newly renovated Thompson Park, stop into chef-owned Popculture Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream. Popculture offers traditional flavors of popcorn like kettle corn, butter and caramel, but also unique gourmet flavors such as Dr. Pepper with Vanilla, Wing Night and Ranch, and KC Tailgate. Kudos to Popculture for vegan, gluten, and dye-free options of popcorn too! But it doesn’t stop there—Popculture also has up to 20 different ice cream flavors. With names like Milky Way and Smurf, how could your interest not be piqued?!
If you happen to be playing at Lake Olathe or Ernie Miller Nature Center this summer, pop into Sweet Thang and Cafe, located in west Olathe. Serving ice cream and sundaes, as well as warm sandwiches, they have lots of tasty things to order. Upon browsing their flavors, I saw more than 40 offered, with delicious temptations like Cherries N Cream or Nutella Hazelnut, along with some other unique options like Fun Dough and Garbage Can. “The kids and I try a different ice cream every time we stop in. We’ve liked them all! The Mama’s Italian sammie is good too!” says Lynsey, an Olathe mom of three. Sweet Thang is open for in-shop purchases, or, if you’d rather, you can also order online for pickup or delivery.
Looking to get those creative juices flowing? Head into Creative Culture for a little DIY project and a gourmet milkshake. Featuring flavors like Key Lime Pie, Birthday Cake and Smores, they serve a milkshake like no other! All shakes are served in a mason jar that you get to take home, along with whatever DIY project you choose. Many options are available for different ages and price points. Drop in the next time you are downtown or check out the newest location at Prairefire!
Julie Collett is a mom of four, and yummy sweet treats are just one of the ways to her heart!
Our Favorite STEAM-Inspired Field Trips
Cultivate a love of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) on an outing to one of these local attractions.
The Linda Hall Library
The world’s largest privately funded library of science, technology and engineering is located right in the heart of Kansas City, MO, on UMKC’s campus. The Linda Hall Library, situated atop a picturesque 14-acre urban arboretum, was gifted by the late Herbert & Linda Hall. Within its walls, patrons can expect to find one of the most comprehensive collections of physical science, life science, engineering and technology collections, as well as educational programs and ongoing lecture series, exhibits and events. As a nonprofit institution, the library offers free admission to the general public.
Tips: In addition to standard library services, guests are welcome to visit the adjacent William N. Deramus III Cosmology Theater. The theater features View Space, a Space Telescope Science Institute educational series on space-based research, as well as various segments that highlight our planet, its environment and natural disasters. Presentations are approximately 10 minutes in length and use state-of-the-art technology, including a 114-inch display screen, a 1080i projector, as well as a stunning new sound system. Visitors are welcome to come and go at any time during standard library hours. In addition, guests may enjoy the urban arboretum which boasts more than 300 trees (including 12 Champion Trees) and a peony garden. Picnics and lawn chairs are prohibited, but leashed pets are allowed. The arboretum is open from dawn until dusk.
The KC Zoo
Sprawled out over 200 acres, the Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals, making it one of the largest and most affordable forms of family edu-tainment. Guests can take a trip around the world without ever leaving town as they explore the Asia, Africa and Australia complexes within the zoo’s grounds. Walking isn’t the only way to take in the sights and sounds! Hop aboard a tram or a train ride, take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel, or fly high above the Serengeti on a Sky Safari. Get an up close and personal view of both curiously cuddly and ferociously fierce animals at the Polar Bear Passage, Stingray Bay, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and the Discovery Barn. And don’t forget to check out the shows! Sea lions strut their stuff at Sea Lion Splash, while feathered friends put on a dazzling display at Flights of Fancy!
Tips: Wear a pedometer to track all those steps you’ll get in, sport comfortable walking shoes (your feet will thank you!), don a baseball cap or sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen! Bringing a little one? Don’t forget to pack a baby carrier or stroller. If you want to pack light, you can rent a stroller at guest services. Visitors are welcome to bring their own sack lunches, snacks and water bottles; the zoo simply asks that you do not bring glass containers or alcoholic beverages. There are various outdoor picnic areas to enjoy your meal. Those looking for a special dining experience, or a simple pick-me-up snack, can choose from one of eight delectable dining options found onsite.
Cosmosphere
Visitors from around the globe have been making their way to Hutchinson, KS, to visit the Cosmosphere since it’s humble beginnings in 1962. This international science education center and space museum holds the largest collection of Russian artifacts outside of Moscow, as well as the second largest collection of U.S. space artifacts outside of the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum. Combined, this world-class collection unpacks the incredible story of the Space Race in an immersive experience unlike any other. The Cosmosphere is home to the recently renovated Justice Planetarium, Dr. Goddard’s Lab (where live science demonstrations take place daily), as well as the Carey Digital Dome Theater.
Tips: The Cosmosphere is a proud participant in the Blue Star Museum program, which enables active-duty military and their family (up to five members) to receive free admission to the Hall of Space Museum from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. ASTC members also receive free admission to the Hall of Space Museum. Travelling with your furry friend? Apple Lane Animal Hospital hosts free boarding for your feline friend or canine companion during your Hutchinson visit. (Spots are not guaranteed, so make sure to call ahead.) After your visit, hold onto your ticket! An all-access mission pass at the Cosmosphere entitles you to a $5 discount at Strataca, Kansas’ underground salt museum.
National Museum of Toys & Miniatures
In 1982, Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Hall Marshall opened the Miniature Museum of Kansas City at the historic Tureman Mansion within UMKC’s campus. The original museum was 7,500 square feet and operated by two full-time staffers. Over the course of the next three decades, the museum grew more than 33,000 square feet, with the collection amassing over 72,000 articles. From 2012 to 2014, the museum conducted a capital campaign and renovation process that ultimately resulted in the opening and renaming of the National Museum of Toys & Miniatures in August of 2015. One of the nation’s largest historic toy collections on public display, T/m now showcases more than 86,000 objects.
Tips:
The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures (T/m) provides ongoing programs and events throughout the year. From July 5 to Sept. 21, visitors can explore Bridging the Gender Divide: Toys That Build Stem Skills. This unique exhibit will showcase how toys have been preparing children both in the past and present for pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Discover the evolution of toys, primarily marketed to boys, from construction to chemistry sets. Interactive components include an arcade, HO working model train and a game that highlights female accomplishments within the STEM field over the last two centuries.
Lauren Greenlee is a homeschooling mom who loves nothing more than hands-on learning and day trips. She writes from her Olathe home.