12 Things To Do in Kansas City With Kids

Hannah Scott:  Cheer on the Boys in Blue at a Kansas City Royals baseball game! A variety of kid-friendly "Outfield Experiences" are also available, such as playground, a carousel, mini golf, base running, batting challenges, and a pitching mound.

Cost: Tickets from $23

Hannah Scott:  The Kansas City Zoo may be smaller than many other zoos across the country, but that actually creates a more intimate experience as you are able to see a greater majority of the exhibits in one day (including 9 indoor exhibits to get a break from the heat in the summer months). One thing you MUST try is the African Sky Safari, a ski-lift type ride that takes you up and over the African exhibit ($5 per round trip ride). Strollers and wagons are available for rent, and a Mother's Room is located in the Penguin Plaza for nursing mamas.

Cost: Tickets from $16 (ages 12+), $13 (3-11)

Hannah Scott:  If anyone in your family is into college basketball, you can't leave Kansas City without checking out the CBE! Each area features a different interactive experience -- like a slam dunk court, a buzzer beater court, an opportunity to see yourself on TV as a basketball commentator, and much much more! The CBE is also home to the National College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Full disclosure: I am not a sports fan in the slightest, and I still had a blast at the CBE!

Cost: $15 adults, $12 (ages 4-17)

Hannah Scott:  While public transportation may not seem like an "attraction," it's certainly worth mentioning on this list because it's completely free to use and can make your visit to Kansas City a bit more convenient with stops at all of the major downtown attractions! Kiddos who love the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood TV show may also love comparing the streetcar with Daniel's trolley....so maybe we CAN call this an attraction!

A Route Map is available to help you plan.

Cost: free

Hannah Scott:  Explore the creatures of the deep with a variety of exhibits, including Stingray Bay, Coral Reef, Tropical Ocean, Jellies, Interactive Rockpool, and more. Located in the same building as LEGOLAND Discovery Center, combo tickets are available to maximize your time and money!

Cost: Tickets from $14

Hannah Scott:  This burger joint is a greasy KC favorite your family will love. Their menu features diner staples like burgers, fries, chicken fingers, onion rings, and milkshakes. Order a skyscraper milkshake (the cherry flavor is the BEST), and it will be served in a giant vase. Needless to say, it's big enough to share with the whole table!

Hannah Scott:  The Country Club Plaza is 15 blocks of restaurants, shopping, a movie theater, street performers, and annual events, all against a backdrop of beautiful buildings, statues, and famous Kansas City fountains. If you happen to be visiting during the holiday season, the Plaza Lights are a must-see as the entire district is covered in festive decorations.

Hannah Scott:  Also a historic battlefield location, Loose Park is a local favorite for its open grassy area, beautiful ponds and trees, extensive rose garden, swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and splash pad. Pick up some food from local favorite Minsky's Pizza around the corner and plan a picnic!

Cost: free

Hannah Scott:  Tomfooleries is an eclectic restaurant located in the Plaza district. Their Sunday brunch is hugely popular, but their regular menu is equally delicious with a wide range of burgers, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and more -- all with quirky flavor combinations. (Don't worry if you have picky children, as a kids' menu is available too!) For a real treat, order the Dirty Dump Truck for dessert. It's an ice cream sundae with all the fixings for the table to share.....served in the back of a Tonka dumptruck.

Hannah Scott:  Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is a hidden treasure tucked away just outside Kansas City. You'll discover endless possibilities for exploration, including a butterfly garden, turkey coop, dairy barn, water play area, fishing pond, farm animals, duck pond, blacksmith shop, mining camp, wagon rides, and more (if you can believe it!)

Hannah Scott:  Wonderscope is an interactive learning center designed to encourage curiosity and a love of learning. Of course, kiddos only notice how much fun they're having with exhibits like the golf ball raceway, baby nursery, farmer's market, Tikerspace, water room, and outdoor garden.

Cost: $8 (Free under 2)

Hannah Scott:  The Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate indoor water park -- and then some! Your family will enjoy plenty of water fun with pools and slides, but that's just the beginning. Great Wolf Lodge also boasts bowling, arcade games, a spa (for adults AND kids), pajama parties, glow golf, and more!