Activities to Enjoy Without Spending a Dime in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that won't break the bank. Here's a curated list of ten engaging and affordable experiences for families visiting the vibrant city.
1. **Kaleidoscope at Crown Center** - Embrace your creative side at this free children's art studio, where hour-long creative sessions are available for children and families.
2. **KidScape at the Johnson County Museum** - Located in Overland Park, just outside Kansas City, this interactive play space offers free admission on certain days or a very low entry fee for families.
3. **The HOFF Free Arts & Crafts Events** - Catch these free family-friendly arts and crafts sessions, often hosted in Olathe, KS, a short drive from central Kansas City.
4. **Kauffman Memorial Garden** - Discover beautiful flower gardens and walking paths, open to the public for free exploration.
5. **Union Station Science City Plaza** - While the main Science City exhibit is not free, the public area and model trains in the lobby are accessible at no cost.
6. **Kansas City Public Library – Central Branch** - Marvel at large, whimsical bookshelf sculptures in this free-to-visit library.
7. **Loose Park** - Enjoy a day out with the family at this large park, featuring playgrounds, walking trails, and a rose garden.
8. **City Market** - Explore the historic market, with free admission and often free events or performances.
9. **Boulevard Brewing Company** - Located in Kansas City, this brewery is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
10. **Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Seasonal Free Nights)** - Offering free admission after 2pm on Mondays through Thursdays during the warm season, this Overland Park, KS, attraction features farm animals, gardens, apple orchards, and various activities.
While not all of these activities are strictly within Missouri state lines (some are in Kansas, which is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area), they are all accessible for families visiting Kansas City and are often featured by family activity bloggers.
For those seeking more specific recommendations from family craft bloggers like Sugar Bee Crafts, a list tailored to their style may not be readily available. However, the above activities reflect what is typically shared by similar family craft and activity sites.
In addition to these activities, families can also enjoy the 1.88-mile Lakewood Greenway Trail, which runs through Penguin Park, or visit Penguin Park itself, a fun and playful park for kids that has been entertaining children since 1957. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, known for its Shuttlecocks and sculpture garden, is also a must-visit, although it is closed on Mondays.
It's worth noting that the Harley Davidson plant in Kansas City is closed during the summer of 2019, and the Crown Center Fountain is a free attraction in the city. Deanna Rose Farmstead, a free 12-acre park featuring farm animals, gardens, apple orchards, and various activities, has some activities that may cost extra.
No matter your family's interests, Kansas City promises a wealth of engaging and affordable experiences for a memorable and fun-filled trip.
- For families interested in home-and-garden activities, they can explore the Kauffman Memorial Garden, a beautiful and free-to-visit flower garden in Kansas City.
- To incorporate travel and crafts into a family's trip, they can check out the HOFF Free Arts & Crafts Events, which often take place in Olathe, KS, just a short drive from central Kansas City.
