Best of Kansas City 2026!
iFamilyKC Reader’s Favorites
Official WINNERS:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Educational/Enrichment Center | Science City |
| Best Workout/Fitness Center | Planet Fitness |
| Best Library | Mid-Continent Library |
| Best Swimming Lessons | YMCA |
| Best Cheer & Tumbling Program | KC Cheer |
| Best Gymnastics Gym | Elite Gymnastics |
| Best Dance Studio | The Culture House |
| Best Horseback Riding Lessons | Sunset Trails Stables |
| Best Sports Programs for Kids | YMCA Youth Sports |
| Best Tutor | Sylvan Learning |
| Best Martial Arts Programs | Ko Martial Arts |
| Best Music Lessons | Meyer Music |
| Best After School Activity | YMCA |
| Best Drama/Theater Program | The Culture House |
| Best Art Classes | Potter's Cottage |
| Best Mommy & Me Class or Playgroup | Mid-Continent Library Programs |
| Best Private School | Pembroke Hill |
| Best Daycare | Holy Cross ECC, Englewood |
| Best Drop-in Daycare | YMCA |
| Best Mom's Day Out/Preschool | YMCA Mom's Day Out |
| Best Montessori School | Clay - Platte Montessori |
| Best KC Attraction | KC Zoo |
| Best Children's Museum | Science City |
| Best Science or Interactive Museum | Science City |
| Best Sports Summer Camp | Sporting KC Academy Camps |
| Best Art Summer Camp | Paint Glaze & Fire Camp ARTrageous |
| Best Theater Summer Camp | Coterie Theater Camp |
| Best Educational Summer Camp | YMCA Educational Camp |
| Best Birthday Cakes | McLain's Bakery |
| Best Birthday Party Venue | Main Event |
| Best Birthday Entertainment | Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics and Coffeehouse |
| Best Indoor Play Place | UrbanAir |
| Best Play Cafe/Parent Work Spot | My Play Cafe Northland |
| Best Movie Theater | AMC Kansas City |
| Best Live Show Venue for Families | Starlight Theater |
| Best Bowling Alley | Main Event |
| Best Ceramic or Pottery Studio | Potter's Cottage |
| Best Trampoline Park or Indoor Adventure Center | UrbanAir |
| Best Escape Room | Escape Room KC |
| Best Family Adventure Center (go karts, mini golf, zip line) | Prehistoric Putt |
| Best Playground | Antioch Park |
| Best Park or Trail for Families | Shawnee Mission Park |
| Best Pool, Splash Pad or Sprayground | Oceans of Fun |
| Best Pumpkin Patch | Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch |
| Best Apple Orchard or U-Pick Farm | Red Barn Farm |
| Best Hiking Spot or Nature Center for Kids | Powell Gardens |
| Best Holiday Lights or Drive Thru Lights | Christmas in the Park Longview Lake |
| Best Place for Photos with Santa | Crown Center |
| Best Place to See Fireworks | Union Station/Liberty Memorial |
| Best Haunted House | GlowWild at The KC Zoo |
| Best Farmer's Market | KC River Market |
| Best Family Restaurant | Texas Roadhouse |
| Best Brunch | The Big Biscuit |
| Best Burger in KC | Town Topic |
| Best Mexican Restaurant | Margarita's |
| Best BBQ Restaurant | Joe's BBQ |
| Best Asian Restaurant | JoyWok |
| Best Italian Restaurant | Garozzo's |
| Best Fried Chicken Restaurant | Stroud's |
| Best Donuts | Lamar's Donuts & Coffee |
| Best Bakery | McLain's Market |
| Best Pizza | Minsky's Pizza |
| Best Kids Eat Free | Red Robin |
| Best Ice Cream or Frozen Treats | Betty Rae's Ice Cream |
| Best Brewery (family friendly) | Red Crow Brewing |
| Best Doggie Daycare | Camp BowWow |
| Best Veterinarian | Gladstone Animal Hospital |
| Best Dog Trainer | Noble Dog Training |
| Best Dog Groomer | PetSmart Grooming |
| Best Pet Sitting/Boarding | Camp BowWow |
| Best Place to Give Birth | St. Luke's Health System |
| Best OB/GYN Practice | Rockhill Women's Care |
| Best ER/Urgent Care | Children's Mercy Urgent Care |
| Best Pediatric Practice | Children's Mercy Pediatrics |
| Best Chiropractor | The Joint Chiropractic KC |
| Best Speech Therapist | Children's Mercy Speech |
| Best Doula | My KC Doula |
| Best Pediatric Dentist | Sweet Tooth Dental |
| Best Orthodontist | Fry Orthodontics |
| Best Family Photographer | Simple Treasures Photography |
| Best Kids Hair Salon | Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids |
| Best Spa | Briarcliff Day Spa |
| Best Nail Salon | VIP Nails KC |
| Best Pop-Up Kids Consignment Sale | Just Between Friends Overland Park Sale |
| Best Toy Store | Fat Brain Toys |
| Best Children's Boutique | Once Upon a Child |
| Best Sporting Goods Store | Scheels |
| Best Resale/Thrift Store for Kids Gear & Clothing | Once Upon a Child |
| Best Plumber | Anthony Plumbing Heating & Cooling |
| Best AC Repair | Hamilton HVAC |
| Best Lawn Care | Weed Man KC North |
| Best Mechanic/Auto Repair | Mike's Service Center |
| Best Car Wash | Club Car Wash |
| Best Real Estate Agent | Rachel Hunt (Reece Nichols) |
| Best KC Hotel | The Elms Hotel & Spa |
| Best Date Night Spot | Cheesecake Factory |
| Best Place for Family Staycation | Great Wolf Lodge KC |