If there’s one thing my daughters can’t get enough of, it’s animals. Whether we’re at the zoo or a nature center or even just out for a walk, they’re constantly asking questions like, “What do giraffes eat?” or, “How do snakes sleep?” Their fascination with learning about new creatures is endless, and it’s become a special part of our daily life. Living in and around Kansas City, we’re lucky to have so many incredible places where we can nurture that curiosity. From hands-on animal encounters to opportunities for up-close learning, there are countless ways for families to discover the wonders of wildlife together.
Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe
Ernie Miller Nature Center is a fantastic wildlife destination for families, offering numerous live animal encounters and hands-on learning opportunities. On one recent visit we explored exhibits featuring native Kansas wildlife like snakes, turtles and birds of prey, while interactive displays taught my daughters about ecosystems and conservation. We then headed outside to enjoy the 116 acres of natural habitat, where we spotted deer, rabbits and birds along the family-friendly trails. It was a perfect mix of fun and learning, and we left with new knowledge and great memories.
Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, Mo.
Who can resist the excitement and adventure of the Kansas City Zoo? Use these tips to engage with wildlife more closely than ever!
Attend an Animal Chat: Animal chats, scheduled throughout the day, are a fantastic way for families to learn directly from zookeepers. These sessions often feature live demonstrations or feedings at popular exhibits, offering an up-close look at the animals. During one especially exciting chat, we watched the zookeepers feed the polar bear. He enthusiastically splashed into the water to retrieve his food, swimming right in front of us. The kids were completely mesmerized — it was a moment we’ll never forget!
Visit the Animal Encounters: For the most interactive experiences, head straight to the animal encounters. During the penguin encounter, we had the chance to see the birds waddle right past us. We couldn’t stop laughing as some hurried along while others lingered, with the zookeepers patiently following behind. After several visits to Stingray Bay, my oldest finally found the courage to reach deep into the water and feel the smooth glide of a stingray beneath her fingers — it was a proud moment! Other favorites include hand-feeding lettuce to giraffes, offering pellets to camels and giving nectar to colorful lorikeets. Don’t miss Billy Goats Gruff Yard, where kids can feed the goats and watch them trot across the overhead bridge. It’s always a hit!
With these engaging activities and encounters, the Kansas City Zoo offers endless opportunities for family fun and unforgettable memories!
Pro Tip: For the first time ever, dinosaurs are coming to the KC Zoo! Visit the Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit from May to August to get up close and personal with life-size, moving replicas of the mighty T-Rex, gigantic Spinosaurus and more!
Sea Life Kansas City and Sobela Ocean Aquarium in Kansas City, Mo.
Kansas City is home to two incredible aquariums: Sea Life at Crown Center Plaza and the Sobela Ocean Aquarium inside the Kansas City Zoo, both of which offer immersive underwater experiences.
Sea Life features over 250 species of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays and mesmerizing jellies. A standout moment for our family was visiting the Sea Turtle Rescue Center, where we met Shawny and Lou, the aquarium’s rescued sea turtles.
Sobela Ocean Aquarium is the city’s newest aquatic gem, included with zoo admission and open year-round. The aquarium takes visitors on a journey through 34 unique habitats, showcasing how ocean currents connect marine life across the globe. Our family’s favorite spot is near the end, where the giant Pacific octopus resides. Each time we’ve visited, he’s been fully visible, his large body swaying hypnotically in the water as his powerful, sucker-covered tentacles anchor him to the glass. Seeing him up close is awe-inspiring — no picture book compares to experiencing this incredible creature in real life!
Together, these aquariums bring the magic of the ocean to Kansas City!
Leland Gebhardt Photography
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is the perfect place to immerse kids in farm animals and rural life. This charming attraction is packed with hands-on opportunities to interact with animals of all kinds. For our girls, the highlight is bottle-feeding the baby goats. These little ones are always eager (and a bit pushy!), so we’ve learned to either stand our ground or feed them through the fence for a calmer experience. Afterward, we head to the fishing pond with old-fashioned cane poles. It’s unlike any other fishing experience—these fish bite so quickly that the girls are almost guaranteed to catch one with every cast! On special occasions, we’ve treated ourselves to a scenic wagon ride around the farm, pulled by the majestic Belgian draft horses. Seeing these gentle giants up close is always amazing!
Pro Tip: We never visit Deanna Rose without packing our coin purses! The kids love dropping quarters into the feed machines to get pellets for the goats, ducks and fish. It’s always a hit, and we’ve learned to bring plenty so we don’t run out. Afterward, we make a stop at Vic's General Store to spend a few more quarters on some delicious saltwater taffy — it’s become a fun little tradition for our family!
Shatto Milk Company in Osborn, Mo.
Shatto Milk Company is a small, family-owned dairy farm located just north of Kansas City, known for its unique milk flavors like root beer, cookies and cream, banana and cotton candy. The farm offers interactive tours where visitors get a firsthand look at life on a working dairy farm. During the tour, guests see where the cows eat and sleep, learn how they’re milked and even have the chance to try milking a cow or bottle-feeding the adorable baby calves. There’s also a tour of the processing plant that shows how the milk is bottled and prepared for sale. The best part? Sampling their delicious cheeses, butter and signature milk flavors. The farm is especially lively in the spring and summer, making it an ideal time to visit.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on a blanket after the tour. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the peaceful farm surroundings. And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to take home some farm-fresh treats!
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. and Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Wichita, Kan.
These two destinations offer incredible wildlife encounters and are perfect for a day trip.
Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Mo., features high-quality exhibits that make guests feel as though they’ve stepped into the wild. The museum combines a massive aquarium with interactive wildlife exhibits and educational experiences that appeal to all ages, making it a must-visit destination. Start with the Wildlife Galleries, where there are lifelike dioramas of global habitats, impressive taxidermy displays and live animal encounters with penguins, reptiles and other fascinating creatures. Then, dive into the aquarium adventure, home to thousands of aquatic species. Located only a few minutes away is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a wildlife retreat in the beautiful Ozark Mountain region. There, families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding and more. There is so much to see for any animal enthusiast!
Another incredible wildlife experience just three hours from Kansas City is Tanganyika Wildlife Park, located outside Wichita, Kan. Known for its hands-on animal encounters, Tanganyika allows visitors to get up close to wildlife in a way traditional zoos can't. On my first visit to Lemur Island, lemurs climbed right onto me and I pet kangaroos while walking through their enclosure. I even fed a giraffe right out of my hand and was surprised by its long, rough tongue. The park also has a splash park and a safari playground with shaded seating so parents can relax while kids enjoy the activities.
For families like ours, wildlife encounters spark curiosity and create lasting memories, all while inspiring a love for nature in our children. So the next time your little ones ask about an animal fact, take them on an adventure to one of these amazing spots — there’s always something new to discover!