29 Museums in Kansas City: Famous & Free Spots to Visit
KC is known for many things, but did you know there are fun Kansas City museums you can visit year-round?
Whether your family is into American history, the history of clothing & garments, or baseball history, there are a ton of fabulous museums in Kansas City. truly something for nearly everyone.
Check out the best museums in Kansas City now for fun summer activities with kids. You’ll also find free museums you can explore without breaking the bank.
Top Museums in Kansas City
There are SO many Kansas City Museums to Choose From!
There are TONS of Kansas City museums for kids to explore! Use the 2023 KC Museum Guide to help you navigate the best museums in Kansas City.
So, head out to learn something new with your kiddos & explore KC!
Many museums offer free admission too – jump down below if you’re looking to save money. And of course, we have more resources for deals and steals in KC, as well as more things to do with kiddos in KC too!
National World War 1 Museum in Kansas City
2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City | MO 64108-4616
Steeped in history, the National World War 1 Museum and Memorial features interactive displays, thought-provoking films, and eyewitness testimonies.
These exhibits help guide visitors through one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world.
From the first shots fired in 1914 to the last attempts at peace in 1919, this award-winning museum offers a global perspective of โThe War to End All Wars,โ and includes firsthand accounts from the battlefield and home front alike.
Plan your visit to the National World War 1 Museum today, and learn why the First World War wasn’t the last.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St. | Kansas City, MO 64111-1818
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is filled with interesting exhibits & art pieces.
Free admission gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts. So, head to the Nelson with your family this weekend!
Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64123-1199
The Kansas City Museum recently updated Stage I and Corinth Hall (the mansion). The Kansas City Museum shines a light on the spirit of KC, history, and pride. Admission to the museum is free and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Come learn more about our hometown today!
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
5235 Oak St (Across from Univ of Kansas City) | Kansas City, MO 64112-2877
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures inspires & delights adults and children. There are SO many toys to be seen – through the museumโs collection and preservation of toys and miniatures.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64111-1821
Kansas Cityโs acclaimed, FREE contemporary art museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely worth a visit! It’s a favorite for locals and tourist, one of the most loved museums in Kansas City.
The Museum boasts a rapidly growing Permanent Collection of modern and contemporary works of art from around the world and hosts exhibitions, installations, film and video series, lectures, concerts, workshops, and other creative programs.
American Jazz Museum
1616 East 18th Street | Kansas City, MO 64108-1610
Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of history and jazz through interactive exhibits and films, the Changing Gallery exhibit space, Horace M. Peterson III Visitors Center, Blue Room jazz club and Gem Theater. The museum is open daily.
Negro League Baseball Museum
1616 East 18th Street | Kansas City, MO 64108-1610
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990 in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a privately funded museum dedicated to preserving the history of Negro League baseball in America. The museum is open daily and right next to the American Jazz Museum!
Arabia Steamboat Museum
400 Grand Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64106-1111
When the mighty Steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City on September 5, 1856, she carried 200 tons of mystery cargo. Lost for 132 years, its recovery in 1988 was like finding King Tutโs Tomb of the Missouri River. Remarkably preserved clothes, tools, guns, dishware, and more. The discovery was truly a modern-day treasure-hunting story at its best. The museum is open daily, however hours are subject to change. It is recommended to contact the museum to confirm.
Union Station
30 West Pershing Road | Kansas City, MO 64108-2410
The 100-year-old Union Station is a hub of culture, education, and entertainment and it’s one of the absolute best museums in Kansas City. Visit traveling national exhibits, 3D movies on the Extreme Screen, explore our world in Science City or enjoy a cup of coffee or a special meal in this beautiful, historic building. Union Station has something for everyone in the family.
Wonderscope Children’s Museum
433 E Red Bridge Road | Kansas City, MO 64131
Wonderscope features fun, interactive exhibits and programs for kids to enjoy year-round. There are 30,000 square feet to explore! Wonderscope is open Tuesday through Sunday and members are always FREE.
Wonderscope participates in The POGO Pass Kansas City โ 23 kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.99 with code โiFamilyKC.โ This is a steal.
National Airline History Museum
201 NW Lou Holland Dr | Kansas City, MO 64116-4223
We hope you can find time to visit our Museum with your friends and family in the near future to see whatโs happening at Hangar 9. The heart of Kansas City plays host to our piece of history and we encourage you to keep an eye on our events schedule above to know whatโs going on at Hangar 9. This museum is currently closed and in need of your support. Consider signing the online petition to help them out.
National Agricultural Hall of Fame
630 N 126th St. | Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Explore farming & agriculture at the National Ag Hall of Fame. Their facility in Bonner Springs is a fun museum for kids to learn about agriculture, so check it out! They even have themed story and adventure series for kids.
Kansas City Garment District Museum
801 Broadway Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64105-1596
The KCM@HGD provides 3,300 square feet for exhibitions, programs, and events, and it is adjacent to Garment District Place Park. In addition, the KCM@HGD is across the street from the Historic Garment District Museum, a 1,000-square-foot space located at 801 Broadway in the historic Poindexter Building at the northeast corner of 8th St. and Broadway Blvd.
Shoal Creek Living History Museum
7000 NE Barry Rd | Kansas City, MO 64156-1278
Nestled quietly on 80 acres out of the 1,000 acres that make up Hodge Park. The museum has 21 structures with 17 authentic 19th-century buildings dating from 1807-1885. Our historic log cabins and homes were relocated from surrounding counties to create a village setting.
Museum at Prairiefire
5801 W. 135th Street | Overland Park KS 66223
The Museum at Prairiefire features rotating natural history-based exhibitions, curated by the world-renowned scientists of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. Museum at Prairiefire exhibitions rotate semi-annually and feature fossils, historical artifacts, and state-of-the-art interactives for visitors of all ages.
Johnson County Museum
8788 Metcalf Ave | Overland Park, KS, 66212
The Johnson County Museum began as an all-volunteer organization in 1967 with the mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Johnson County with its community. Originally located in Shawnee in the 1,500 square foot 1927 Greenwood School, the museum expanded at the site to a 20,000 sq. ft. facility. Visit them online to take a look at their free days for 2023
Belger Arts Center
Belger Building, 3rd Floor 2100 Walnut Street | Kansas City, MO 64108-1885
The John and Maxine Belger family created a 501C3 foundation to educate the public regarding the work of artists including, but not exclusive to William Christenberry, Terry Winters, Robert Stackhouse, William Wiley, Terry Allen, Renee Stout, and Jasper Johns. The Collection spans their careers allowing the study of their work and their creative processes. The Collections are available for loan to art institutions and museums throughout this country and abroad. In addition to sharing the collection, we curate new exhibitions throughout the year. All of this is free to the public. We also use our facilities to partner with other art-related organizations for their art-related events. We are conveniently located in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District.
American Royal Museum
1701 American Royal Court | Kansas City, MO 64102
American Royal Museum and Visitors Center. Hands-on, an interactive museum of agricultural history. The American Royal is Kansas City’s famed barbecue, rodeo, horse, and livestock show venue.
Grinter Place State Historic Site
1420 S 78 St. | Kansas City, KS 66111
Explore this beautiful state farmstead historic site. The house overlooks the Kansas River, with scenic views throughout! There are also exhibits inside that include family photos, Grinter family creations, and furniture as well as programs & special events, like Second Saturdays.
Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio State Historic Site
3616 Belleview Ave. | Kansas City, MO 64111
This state historic site was the home and studio of Thomas Hart Benton, Missouri artist. You can learn more about this historic family in Kansas City, as well as see his paintings and artwork if you visit!
Gardner Historical Museum
204 W Main St. | Gardner, KS 66030
You can visit the Gardener Historical Museum and The Bray House in one visit!
It was founded in 2020 after they purchased the historic home where the museum stands today. You can explore the history of Gardner and Kansas in each room. They usually have one primary exhibit and then secondary exhibits for you to explore as well.
National Silk Art Museum
423 Main St. | Weston, MO 64098
There are TONS of different silk art exhibits for you to explore within the museum. It opens at 11:30 am each day for you to check out the 500+ artworks from English & French artists.
Most works are from the 15th century to the 20th century, so there is a wide variety of artist types. It is known as one of the most extensive collections of silk tapestries and textiles in the world (according to their websites, so check it out).
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
1101 Delaware St. | Lexington, MO 64067
This state historic site became famous after the Civil War battle in 1861. You can even walk through the house to see bullet holes from the Battle of Lexington! Be sure to stop by the visitors center to get a full look at the site, including the gardens & orchards, battlefield & more.
Constitution Hall State Historic Site
319 Elmore | Lecompton, KS 66050
This museum exhibit is about antislavery and the protests during the 1850s. You can explore exhibits, as well as programs & special events. This historic site is open Wednesday through Sunday.
TWA Museum
10 Richards Rd #110 | Kansas City, MO 64116
The mission of the TWA Museum is to provide information to the public emphasizing the story, history, and importance of the major role TWA played in pioneering commercial aviation. From the birth of airmail to the inception of passenger air travel, to the post-WWII era of global route expansion, TWA led the way for 75 years.
Money Museum
1 Memorial Drive | Kansas City, MO 64198
The Federal Reserve has a free unique museum in the heart of KC. The Money Museum has interactive exhibits, history, and the legacy of the Harry S. Truman Coin collection. The Money Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am- 4:00pm.
The College Basketball Experience
1401 Grand Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64106
The College Basketball Experience (CBE) in Kansas City is the ultimate destination for college basketball fans. This state-of-the-art facility offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of college basketball, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are fun for the whole family.
Free Museums in Kansas City Metro
With all the museums Kansas City has to offer, itโs not hard to find one your family will enjoy. This guide is full of the best FREE museums and exhibits around town. Most of these free museums in KC are open daily but some do require an appointment for weekends or groups. Make sure you check your museumโs hours before heading out.
Check out this list of free museums and start planning a day of learning, culture, history and so much more.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111-1818
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is filled with interesting exhibits & art pieces.
Free admission gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts. So, head to the Nelson with your family this weekend!
Union Station
30 West Pershing Road Kansas City, MO 64108-2410
The 100-year-old Union Station is a hub of culture, education, and entertainment. Visit Union Station and the Model Train Gallery for free daily. They also have paid exhibits and attractions to visit all week long as well.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick Blvd Kansas City, MO 64111-1821
Kansas Cityโs acclaimed, free contemporary art museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely worth a visit! The Museum boasts a rapidly growing Permanent Collection of modern and contemporary works of art from around the world, and hosts exhibitions, installations, film and video series, lectures, concerts, workshops, and other creative programs.
Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone Blvd Kansas City, MO 64123-1199
The Kansas City Museum recently updated Stage I and Corinth Hall (the mansion). The Kansas City Museum shines a light on the spirit of KC, history, and pride. Admission to the museum is free and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Come learn more about our hometown today!
Kansas City Garment District Museum
801 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64105-1596
The KCM@HGD provides 3,300 square feet for exhibitions, programs, and events, and it is adjacent to Garment District Place Park. In addition, the KCM@HGD is across the street from the Historic Garment District Museum, a 1,000-square-foot space located at 801 Broadway in the historic Poindexter Building at the northeast corner of 8th St. and Broadway Blvd.
Shoal Creek Living History Museum
7000 NE Barry Rd Kansas City, MO 64156-1278
Nestled quietly on 80 acres out of the 1,000 acres that make up Hodge Park. The museum has 21 structures with 17 authentic 19th-century buildings dating from 1807-1885. Our historic log cabins and homes were relocated from surrounding counties to create a village setting.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
1101 Delaware St. Lexington, MO 64067
This historic state became famous after the Civil War battle in 1861. You can even walk through the house to see bullet holes from the Battle of Lexington! Be sure to stop by the visitors center to get a full look at the site, including the gardens & orchards, battlefield & more.
Money Museum
1 Memorial Dr. Kansas City, MO 64198
The Federal Reserve has a free unique museum in the heart of KC. The Money Museum has interactive exhibits, history, and the legacy of the Harry S. Truman Coin collection. Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am- 4:00pm.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
12345 College Blvd Overland Park, KS 66210
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art has a variety of collections available for viewing as well as special exhibits. This free museum is beautiful and great for the whole family to explore.
Legler Barn Museum and Depot
14907 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66215
The Leglar Barn Museum is free and features Lenexaโs history through the decades. The Train Depot also includes a retired caboose and railroad artifacts.
Atkins- Johnson Farm and Museum
4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd Gladstone, MO 64119
This historic building in Gladstone has been transformed into a beautiful museum that features family heirlooms and artifacts from the 1800s.
Richard L. Sutton Jr. Geosciences Museum
Miller Nichols Library 800 E. 51st Street, Room 329 Kansas City, MO 64110
From fossils to Cephalopods, this free museum located at UMKC is open to the public daily. This is one museum that is so unique and perfect for science lovers.
Black Archives of Mid-America
Horace M. Peterson III Building 1722 E. 17th Terrace Kansas City, MO 64108
The Black Archives in KC is a rich museum full of history, artifacts, and immersive exhibits. Black Archives is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday.
Hallmark Visitors Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Stop in this iconic visitor center to explore the history and the story of how Hallmark began. This museum is always free and open to all ages.
Have you been to any of these museums yet? If not, grab those calendars and start planning a visit with your family, class, homeschool group, and more.
This year, Free Museum Day with the Smithsonian has been paused with plans to return in 2024. Throughout the year, many of the above listed museums offer a Free day or special events that are free to the public. We recommend following along with your favorite museum for special announcements.
Other Fun Online Resources & Activities:
- The Best Subscription Boxes for Kids – cooking, art, science, sports & more.
- Best Homeschool Programs & Curriculum (most online)
- Free Disney Imagineering Course for Kids – Build your own theme park!
- Library programs for families – all free!
- Free Educational Websites for Kids to Practice STEM Concepts. You can find educational companies here too.
This a quick reminder to always check ahead of time for hours, pricing, and any FAQs you may have.
We hope you found this guide to museums in Kansas City helpful when planning your next family outing!
And check out our 33 Things to do with Kids in KC, lots of the ideas are free. And our Staycation Guide has even more great resources and inspiration for family fun in KC.
For more educational things to do in Kansas City, sign up for the scoop by clicking the image below. You’ll get everything Kansas City kids sent straight to you!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.