There’s so much to see and do in Kansas City! Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, you’ll find activities, attractions, and experiences for every age and interest. We’ve broken some of our local favorites into seven categories below to help you explore all that the Kansas City area has to offer.
TOP 6 | MUST SEE IN KC & PHOTO SPOTS |
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- Union Station | Crown Center, Kansas City, MO – Union Station is a historic train station built in 1914 that hosts traveling exhibitions from around the world. It also houses Science City, the Planetarium, a movie theatre, live theater, shops and restaurants. More info
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- The Fountains of KC | Various Locations – With more than 200 fountains, only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City. Book a fun tour and explore the best fountains in the area! More info
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- The Jazz District | 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO – Home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. While you’re there, check out the murals around the area for Instagram-worthy shots! More info
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- City Market | River Market, Kansas City, MO – Browse an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Gather fresh and imported ingredients, bulk spices and more from specialty grocers and produce stands. All local. All year. More info
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- The Plaza | Kansas City, MO – This 15-block area is filled with high-end restaurants and shopping. The annual Plaza Art Fair in the fall brings in international artists of all mediums. In the winter, check out some of the best holiday light displays in the country! More info
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- Crown Center | Kansas City, MO – A shopping & entertainment district with a mall overlooking a plaza and ice rink. Attractions include the Hallmark Visitors Center, Coterie Theatre, Legoland & SeaLife, and Fritz’s, where the food is delivered by model train! More info
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TOP 6 | ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES |
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- Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun | Kansas City, MO – Experience attractions, food, events, and world-changing fun! Enjoy one park at a time or go back and forth between land and water rides. More info
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- The College Basketball Experience & Basketball Hall of Fame | Kansas City, MO – Slam dunk, challenge others to a full court press, or broadcast live from our ESPN-U desk. Stay and play all day among two floors of interactive exhibits. More info
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- Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | Overland Park, KS – Visit more than 250 animals and birds! Then learn about growing flowers & vegetables, experience an Indian encampment or a one-room schoolhouse, and go fish at the pond. More info
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- Urban Hikes | Kansas City Area – Urban Hikes KC offers 1.5 to 5-mile hiking experiences that mix modern sites with KC’s history. You’ll take in KC’s beautiful murals and buildings, and get a good feel for the revival of Kansas City. More info
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- Kansas City Gangster Tour | Kansas City, MO – In the 1920’s and 30’s Kansas City had it all and they tell you the full story on The KC Gangster Tour! Experience an interactive bus tour of sites of speakeasies, brothels, murders, and more! More info
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- Kansas City Zoo | Swope Park, Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Zoo showcases animals in natural habitats, and features the Discovery Barn, Zoo Learning Center, African Sky Safari, and Helzberg Penguin Plaza. More info
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TOP 6 | CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS |
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- Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, MO – The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to holding concerts for music, opera, theater, and dance. More info
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- The Museum at Prairiefire | Overland Park, KS – The Museum at Prairiefire is dedicated to learning and engagement with science, culture, art, and natural history. They also host regular events, interactive activities, and programs. More info
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- Nelson Atkins Museum of Art | Plaza Area, Kansas City, MO – Discover some of the 34,500 pieces in their world-class collection. There’s always something new to explore! Additionally, visit the sculpture garden, two restaurants, and a gift shop. More info
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- Starlight Theatre | Swope Park, Kansas City, MO – This one-of-a-kind historic theatre has been a Heartland tradition and treasure since 1951. Enjoy live Broadway musicals, Off-Broadway shows, or concerts performed under the stars. More info
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- American Jazz Museum | 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO – The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive here. This is where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, and others defined the sounds of the 1920s, 30s, & 40s. More info
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- The New Theatre Restaurant | Overland Park, KS – The New Theatre Restaurant is the largest and most successful theater restaurant facility in the United States, welcoming more than a quarter million guests annually within a typical 5-show season. More info
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TOP 5 | SPORTS TEAMS & EVENTS IN KC |
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- Kansas City Chiefs | NFL Football, Kansas City, MO – The Chiefs are one of the most successful teams in recent history, including multiple recent Super Bowl championships. They also have some very famous fans and are one of the most exciting teams in American Football! More info
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- Kansas City Royals | MLB Baseball, Kansas City, MO – The KC Royals were founded by Ewing Kauffman in 1969, aptly named for the American Royal. Games at “The K” have been a KC tradition ever since. The team has celebrated 2 World Series wins. More info
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- Sporting Kansas City | MLS Soccer, Kansas City, KS – Kansas City was introduced as one of the 10 charter members of MLS in 1995. Since then, Sporting KC’s home, Children’s Mercy Park, has seen numerous sold-out crowds in their state-of-the-art stadium. More info
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- Kansas City Current | NWSL Soccer, Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Current competes in the National Women’s Soccer League and plays at the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team in North America, located at Berkley Riverfront Park. More info
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- Kansas Speedway | NASCAR Racing & More, Kansas City, KS – Kansas Speedway is one of the premier racing facilities in the Midwest, hosting the NASCAR Cup, NASCAR XFINITY, NASCAR Craftsman Truck, and ARCA Menards races. More info
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TOP 6 PLACES | KC NIGHTLIFE – LIVE MUSIC, BARS, COMEDY & CASINOS |
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- The Plaza | Kansas City, MO – The Plaza is a 15-block district filled with high-end shopping and restaurants. This popular destination boasts the best collection of happy hours in Kansas City. More info
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- Power & Light District | Downtown, Kansas City, MO – More than 450,000 square feet of restaurants, clubs, retail, and office space in downtown Kansas City makes this the largest entertainment district in the Midwest! More info
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- Westport | Kansas City, MO – Historic Westport is an eclectic area, renowned for its vibrant nightlife. It is home to a wide variety of brewpubs, DJ bars, and retro-chic diners serving American comfort food. More info
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- The Crossroads Arts District | Kansas City, MO – In The Crossroads, once-vacant warehouses now house one of the most concentrated arts and gallery districts in the nation. Take in the arts, restaurants, breweries, and speakeasies. More info
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- Martini Corner | Union Hill, Kansas City, MO – Located at 31st Street & Gillham, we call the area “Martini Corner” in honor of the bars and restaurants that fill it. It is a hot spot for patios, happy hour, and brunch.
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- The Jazz District | 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO – Kansas City has an incredible history steeped in blues and jazz. Around 18th & Vine, you’ll find the Jazz District. Ready to get funky? Head to the Blue Room, a jazz club inside the American Jazz Museum. More info
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TOP 6 | BAR-B-QUE, BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES & WINERIES |
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- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que | Leawood, Olathe, and Kansas City, KS – The original Joe’s, located inside a gas station, has been lining people up down the street since 1995. Today you can still visit this KCK location, or Leawood and Olathe locations too. More info
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- Q39 | Midtown KCMO & Overland Park, KS – Over a lifetime of passion and 15 years in the BBQ competition circuit, Rob Magee cultivated “chef-driven BBQ.” Q39 entices with the aroma of authentic BBQ and the promise of an exceptional meal. More info
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- Boulevard Brewery | Westside, Kansas City, MO – Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Their beers, craft cocktails, and hard seltzers have become synonymous with Kansas City’s craft beverage scene. Visit the beer hall, rec deck, and gift shop, or take a tour! More info
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- BKS Artisan Ales | Brookside, Kansas City, MO – BKS Artisan Ales opened in late 2017 as the first craft brewery in Brookside. The location houses a production facility and tasting room that aims to provide quality and unique beers. More info
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- J. Rieger & Co. | East Bottoms, Kansas City, MO – J. Rieger is a historic Kansas City distillery, producing quality spirits. The distillery offers tours, a tasting room, 3 unique bars & restaurants, private event space, a historical exhibit, gift shop, and a slide! More info
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- Wineries | Various Locations – There are many local wineries in the area. A few of the most popular include KC Wine Co. and Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery in Olathe, KS; Aubrey Vineyards in Overland Park, KS; Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Paola, KS; KC Wineworks in the Crossroads Arts District, Amigoni Urban Winery in the West Bottoms; and Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO.
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TOP 5 PLACES | OUTDOOR RECREATION |
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- Dog Parks | Various locations – Dogs just want to have fun! Explore our favorite KC area dog parks, with huge open areas to run and play. More info
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- Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | Overland Park, KS – You’ll experience gardens, a variety of landscapes, wild hiking trails, and educational opportunities at this 300-acre site. Many special events are held throughout the year too. More info
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- Louisburg Cider Mill | Louisburg, KS – Come out and visit their country store! Famous for their apple cider and apple cider donuts, you can also see where and how they’re made. Stop by for fun activities and their pumpkin patch each fall too. More info
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- KC Timber Challenge & Zip KC | Bonner Springs, KS – Looking for a family-friendly adventure? Dust off your hiking shoes and come play in the woods! Train like a ninja on the obstacle course or feel the thrill as you fly through the air on their zip line tours. More info
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- Loose Park | Plaza Area, Kansas City, MO – At 75-acres, Loose Park is one of Kansas City’s most popular, beautiful, and historic parks. It includes a pond, wading pool, tennis courts, walking trails, Civil War markers, and a 1.5-acre rose garden, filled with over 3,000 roses. More info
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