We are overjoyed at the return of Parade of Hearts across Kansas City, and this year’s hearts are better than ever. As you explore the hearts around KC, be on the lookout for these showstoppers:
#1) Beneath the Waves at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Wow factor: This spectacular heart celebrates the new Sobela Aquarium. The three-dimensional design showcases the octopus, sea turtle, fish and stingrays that are now at home at the zoo.
Nearby attraction: Located at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, this heart is a fun photo-op as you spend a day at Swope Park. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the zoo, riding the train and African Safari, take pics with the elephants and penguins and explore the new aquarium.
#2) Going to Kansas City via Streetcar at the Country Club Plaza
Wow factor: This whimsical heart features beloved Kansas City celebrities, from Disney characters and athletes to musicians and local icons. This is a veritable who’s who of KC. Spend time finding favorite folks and trying to guess names.
Nearby attraction: Spend the day exploring the Country Club Plaza, where you’ll enjoy fountains, architecture inspired by Seville, Spain, and numerous restaurants. The Escape Game on the Plaza is one of our favorite local escape rooms, perfect for a family outing.
#3) A Part of the Heart at Children’s Mercy Park
Wow factor: This cheerful artwork depicts a young man using a wheelchair and signing the letters “K” and “C” in American Sign Language. Honoring the region’s more than 30,000 people with a developmental disability or a family member with one, the heart recognizes this part of our community.
Nearby attraction: Children’s Mercy Park is home to Sporting KC and near Legends Outlets. Head to the shopping center for a movie, lunch, snacks or window shopping. Families love to gather on The Lawn at the Legends Outlet for outdoor games and summer concerts and movies. Find these events on the calendar on KCParent.com.
#4) Guardian of the Heartland at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Wow factor: This heart features a three-dimensional dragon and celebrates the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s vast collection of Chinese art.
Nearby attraction: In addition to exploring the galleries at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, this summer you can enjoy a film at the museum at the Tivoli theater or play miniature golf on the lawn at Art Course. A few blocks away, head to Kauffman Memorial Gardens, a free botanical garden in the heart of the city.
#5) Illuminated Heartland Vista near Prairiefire
Wow factor: This stained glass heart celebrates both our city’s future and its past. As you look at the glass, you’ll find The Scout and other local icons glowing with light.
Nearby attraction: Close to Prairiefire, you can enjoy pickleball at Chicken N Pickle, puzzle-solving at Brkthrough, bowling and bocce at Pinstripes, a movie at AMC or a day of dining and shopping.