Bill Cobb
City Skyline featuring Union Station
10 Free & Cheap Ways to Explore Downtown KC
- Walk the Country Club Plaza and admire the art and fountains of the city’s original landmark.
- Share a Skyscraper, a giant ice cream soda meant for sharing, at Winstead’s, Kansas City’s original burger joint.
- Stroll through the free Kauffman Memorial Gardens where something is always in bloom.
- Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission is free; there is a fee for parking. The world-class museum is open regularly until 5:00 but remains open late on Thursdays and Fridays for many special events throughout the year.
- Discover a masterpiece and take a photo with the giant spider at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Enjoy wildflowers and play among the trees at the Anita Gorman Discovery Center, a free nature center with an imaginative outdoor playground and hands-on exhibits.
- Get free (shredded) money at the Money Museum.
- Ride the KC Streetcar and visit the FREE KC Rail Experience at Union Station, then ride to the Power & Light District where you’ll find a variety of dining and entertainment options or go on to River Market to explore shops and restaurants.
- Visit the National Archives of Kansas City and explore their free exhibits.
- Tour the FREE Hallmark Visitors Center. Then, enjoy a bit of shopping and dining at Crown Center. The district is also home to live theater and attractions.
Discover more ideas with the geo-based search in our Going Places guide on KCParent.com.
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
-
1
Country Club Plaza
41st and Wyandotte, Kansas City, MissouriWalk the Country Club Plaza and admire the art and fountains of the city’s original landmark.
-
2
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Admission is free; there is a fee for parking. The world-class museum is open until 9:00 Thursdays and Fridays and offers many special events throughout the year.
-
3
Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
Enjoy wildflowers and play among the trees at the Anita Gorman Discovery Center, a free nature center with an imaginative outdoor playground and hands-on exhibits.
-
4
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Discover a masterpiece and take a photo with the giant spider at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
-
5
Kauffman Memorial Gardens
The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is a privately-owned garden that is run in cooperation with Powell Gardens. The garden is free and open to the public.
-
6
-
7
Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MissouriThen, enjoy a bit of shopping and dining at Crown Center. The district is also home to live theater and attractions.
-
8
Kaleidoscope
At Kaleidoscope, children use their imaginations to make art with left-over materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. Some materials are cut into shapes, while others are left just as Hallmark sends them.
-
9
-
10
KC Streetcar
30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MissouriRide the KC Streetcar and visit the free KC Rail Experience at Union Station, then ride to the Power & Light District where you’ll find a variety of dining and entertainment options. Or go on to River Market with shops and restaurants.
-
11
dszc Getty Images/iStockphoto
Union Station
A place for great adventure. Where Kansas City Connects. All of these phrases – and more – are regularly used to describe Union Station. Visitors of all ages, from all places and for all reasons tie Union Station to special and magical moments.
-
12
Kansas City Power & Light District
Between Baltimore and Grand Blvd. and 12th Street and Truman Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64105The Kansas City Power & Light District is a dynamic, nine-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown Kansas City, with more than 50 restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues! The Power & Light District is the Midwest's premier entertainment
-
13
City Market Kansas City
City Market
Open daily and featuring an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, entertainment, and attractions in a unique open-air setting, the City Market offers visitors a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, specialty groceries, flowers, and gift items.
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)