26 Family Fun Staycation Activities in Kansas City (Family-Friendly Spots)
If you want to get away from the suburbs, or if you’re looking for a cheap alternative to a family vacation… a staycation in Kansas City is perfect!
A fun staycation in downtown KC is just what your family needs. We’ve gathered ideas and destinations for downtown, and beyond.
So, spend a few days exploring some of the incredible opportunities available to your family in the heart of the metro area: Downtown Kansas City.
26 Things to Do on Staycation in Kansas City: Your Staycation Guide
While many of us would love to get away for a few days of Spring Break, the time off from school seems shorter – Not to mention Spring Break travel gets expensive.
A few days off from school provides the ideal opportunity to take a (very) short road trip to downtown Kansas City to explore the sights and scenes of our city.
Fun Attractions | Outdoor Activities | Unique Experiences | Educational Things to Do | Restaurants
Extra Tips:
You can even book a hotel to make it feel a little more like a vacation! Also, find things to do in KC or Day Trips near KC for even more family fun. If you are looking to save $$, explore the Deals, Discount Codes & Money Saving Tips guide for KC.
Be sure to also check out these resources for outdoor fun in and around KC too:
Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC
Plus, we’ve got your guide to where you can enjoy a family dinner on the CHEAP with these places kids eat free every night of the week in KC!
Fun Attractions for a Family Staycation in KC:
Explore the fun attractions…
Kaleidoscope
2500 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
Kaleidoscope is a place where children and their families are invited to be creative, have fun, and feel good about their own special ideas using Hallmark materials to design unique projects.
Check their website for family art session availability, groups, and reservations.
Also, make sure to stop by the Hallmark Visitor Center where you can see exhibits about the Hall Family and the development of Hallmark Cards, as well as some of the past ornament collections and vintage cards.
Savings tip: This activity is FREE for families!
Science City
30 W Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO
Located inside Union Station, Kids of all ages will experience the amazing world of science first-hand through fun and engaging exhibits and programs.
Savings Tip: Be sure to check the events calendar so that when you stop by Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm or on Sundays 12 pm – 5 pm, you’ll get the most bang for your buck by attending the activities that most spark your interest.
Plus, Buy a POGO Pass for UNDER $50 & get access to this children’s museum included!
Crown Center
2450 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO
Crown Center is a staple of any KC experience. With exciting events and unique attractions, the Center is full of locally owned shops and restaurants – a particular area that is a must during all seasons, but especially in the warm weather months.
Savings Tip: Check out their website for FREE movies and music on the weekends this summer!
Art Golf Course at Nelson Atkins
4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO
This summer, your family can golf together on the front lawn of Nelson Atkins! Their Art Course is a fun, themed mini golf course that you can enjoy.
Each hole of the mini golf course features different art pieces from the museum. You don’t want to miss this unique experience in Kansas City.
Savings Tip: Explore the Nelson Atkins Museum after…for free!
Explore City Market
20 E. 5th St. Suite 201, Kansas City, MO
Whether it is time to relax or engage all your senses and experience something old or new, the City Market area is the place to be all year round.
You can eat, pick up local produce, shop or experience a unique event – check out the calendar for things to do on your Staycation!
Savings Tip: Purchase yummy produce at the market, then head home to make lunch or dinner together.
PLACES TO STAY DOWNTOWN KC:
Super cool loft in Downtown Kansas City
Westin at Crown Center – easy access to Crown Center & Union Station without even going outside!
The Ambassador Hotel – oozes with charm while boasting updates galore.
21C Museum Hotel – This great hotel incorporates art in a unique way.
Cooking Classes Together
5336 151st St. Leawood, KS 66224
TasteBud’s Kitchen offers family cooking classes so you can make yummy treats together! There are many different classes available, so check their online schedule to find the perfect Staycation activity for you…
Whether you already know how to cook or you know nothing, their cooking classes are fun for families.
Coterie Theater
2450 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO
This non-profit located inside Crown Center is dedicated to providing professional classical and contemporary theatre and serving the community with educational outreach about theatre.
Check their website or call 816-474-6552 for showtimes this Spring and Summer.
Museum at Prairiefire
5801 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Children and adults can explore the natural history of the Prairie in fun and interactive exhibits at the Museum at Prairiefire! They also have regular events, clubs, discovery rooms, and a virtual reality experience that brings it to life.
Top Golf (Temporarily closed in June)
10611 Nall Ave. Overland Park, KS 66207
Top Golf is a fun place to take the kiddos during your Staycation in Overland Park. Your family can practice their golf swing while enjoying yummy food & fun times. You’re sure to have a laugh together! You rent space by the “bay” instead of by the person, so the more people you have the cheaper it will be!
Savings Tip: Bay reservations are cheapest in the mornings (before Noon). It can be as little as $5 per person!
PLACES TO STAY IN SOUTH OVERLAND PARK:
Entire residential home with theater room & fire pit!
Element Hotel in south Overland Park, indoor pool & breakfast!
This one’s pet-friendly with free wifi
KC Zoo
6800 Zoo Drive Kansas City, MO 64132
Don’t forget about our own Kansas City Zoo. Visit the home of over 1,700 animals and meet them in person!
Buy a POGO Pass for UNDER $50 & get access to the Zoo included!
Wonderscope
433 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131
The new Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City is a great place to get lost in exploration. There is so much to see and do at Wonderscope. If you’re planning a Staycation with kids, this is the perfect activity to add to your list!
Worlds of Fun
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161
While this is more of an all-day activity, World’s of Fun is still an awesome attraction in Kansas City. It’s the perfect staycation spot – especially considering they have cabins on-site so you never even have to leave the grounds!
There are different rides for all ages – from the Mamba to Snoopy Land – there is something for everyone in your family. You can even cool off at Oceans of Fun while you’re there.
Legoland Discovery Center & Sea Life
2475 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO
A fun Crown Center Attraction, Legoland Discovery Center has more to offer than meets the eye. Crown Center is a hot spot for staycations – Sea Life also calls the Center home. Sea Life Aquarium has tons to do and tons to SEE!
From building and testing Lego racers to playing at the Train Station Adventure, your kids will be in Lego heaven – especially if you go during a special exhibit or themed week!
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday – Saturday 10am-6pm
Savings Tip: Take advantage of group discounts and combo rates!
Outdoor Activities for a Family Staycation in KC
Get moving with these fun things to do outside…
KC Watersports
25825 Edgemore Rd, Paola, KS 66071
If you’re looking for an adventurous activity, you can wakeboard at KC Watersports‘ cable lake! It’s a unique activity that also gets you moving. Even if you don’t know how to wakeboard, come out!
You can enjoy the small beach to cook off and get your toes wet in the water!
There is also a kid’s cable lake that is easier for them to get started on, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones out on the big lake. Once they’re ready, they can try the larger lake.
Ya Ya’s Alpaca Farm
30200 E. 275th Street Garden City, MO 64747
For a more up close and personal animal experience, take the short drive to Ya Ya’s Alpaca Farm. Animal lovers will love this happy place!
Plus, you can interact with the alpacas, which is fun for everyone…
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
8909 W 179th St. Bucyrus, KS 66013
If your family loves to explore the outdoors, the Overland Park Arboretum is a fun place for an adventure!
Explore 300+ acres of nature with your family as you walk the pathways & trails that venture to different areas. There are 5 gardens within the arboretum, including a Children’s Discovery Garden & Train Garden. You can also enjoy bird watching, hiking, butterfly habitats, thousands of plants, limestone bluffs, and vast prairie. Children 6 to 17 years old are $2 & anyone older than 17 is $5.
Hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on some holidays.
Bike Around KC with RideKC Bike
Throughout downtown, North Kansas City, Johnson Co Kansas, and Lenexa, KS
RideKC Bike Program allows you to rent bikes, both e-bikes and traditional pedal bikes, throughout downtown KC, and some suburbs too. You can explore by bike. And the BikeWalkKC website has ideas and tours.
You need to 1. Download the RideKC Bike App in order to unlock the bikes when you want to use them. You can also use the app to find bike stands around KC. You can also bike at the different parks in Kansas City…
2. Create an account and select your membership option
- Walk-up registration: E-bikes are $1.00 to unlock and 15 cents per minute. Classic bikes are $1.00 to unlock and 10 cents per minute.
- 24-hour pass: $15, take unlimited rides, each up to 4 hours. Unlock fees are waived. Additional minutes are charged at the same rate as pay-as-you-go trips. Expires 24 hours after purchase.
- 30-day membership: $39. No unlock fees. Includes 80 minutes of free riding time per day.
- 90-day membership: $99. No unlock fees. Includes 80 minutes of free riding time per day.
- Annual membership: $149. No unlock fees. Includes 80 minutes of free riding time per day.
3. Use the app to find a bike and unlock it.
4. Adjust the seat to a safe and comfortable height using the seat post lever, and hop on and pedal away!
5. When you reach your destination, use the cable lock to secure your bike.
Explore the Best Parks in KC
There are tons of parks in Kansas City great for families! Plus, there are unique playgrounds to enjoy for free things to do.
If you need to get outdoors during your staycation, explore these KC parks & playgrounds…
Go Ziplining
12829 Loring Rd. Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Zip KC offers zip lining and hiking tours in Bonner Springs. Soar high above the bluffs of the Kansas River on one of 9 zip lines or play in the woods on the Ninja Training Obstacle Tour! Family fun awaits! Book your adventure now! Another great place to visit is GoApe KC.
Chicken N Pickle
1761 Burlington North Kansas City MO 64116
Great food and good fun at Chicken N Pickle‘s courts and outdoor games! Grab a bite to eat at this family-friendly establishment that offers pickleball courts (outside and inside) as well as other outdoor games!
Unique KC Staycation Experiences:
Ride the Street Car!
Since all sixteen spots are located downtown, you can ride the free KC Street Car to avoid extra parking costs! This a fun way to see downtown with your family, while avoiding traffic headaches.
It runs from Union Station to City Market, so you can intertwine some other fun stops along the way… Stop at the City Market, Science City, or WW1 Museum!
Savings tip: This is free!
KC BBQ Tours
If you can spend a little more money (or room in your tummy) try a Tour of the Best KC BBQ! We’ve gathered a list of Kansas City’s favorite BBQ spots and have them mapped out for you.
It’s a unique experience in KC where you get to sample some of our city’s best spots offer. KC BBQ restaurant exploration is one of the most FUN staycation activities in Kansas City!
StoneLion Puppet Theatre
2400 E. Truman Road Kansas City, MO 64127
You can enjoy world-class puppetry featuring many styles including marionettes and rod puppets. StoneLion Puppet Theatre offers original and educational entertainment for the whole family!
Educational (& Fun) Things to Do on Your Staycation:
Museums & more
WWI Museum
2 Memorial Dr. Kansas City, MO
The Museum and Memorial is a place where your family can relive an influential time in history. The Museum has lots of different exhibits that are always changing and being updated, plus educational programming is provided too.
Hours: 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays and daily during the summer.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO
Maybe Art is more your group’s thing. The Nelson-Atkins is more than just a gallery. It is a location that hosts must-see exhibits, classes for kids & groups of all kinds, and family-friendly events.
Hours:
Mon: 10 am-5 pm
Tues-Wed: Closed
Thurs-Fri: 10 am-9 pm
Sat-Sun: 10 am-5 pm
Savings tip: Admission to the museum is FREE.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri 64111
For a fun, free Staycation activity, check out the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Each year, up to 12 exhibits are on display at the museum, so you can visit multiple times and see different things! Explore the current exhibits online to get a taste of their current activities.
The museum is closed on Mondays, but open at 10 am any other day. They close at different hours each day, so check online.
National Toys & Miniatures Museum
5235 Oak St. Kansas City, MO
This destination makes our list because it’s actually one of the nation’s largest antique toy collections on public display.
The museum also hosts a variety of events for kids & families – this March, it’s all about marbles! You can also explore other fun workshops and new exhibits to enjoy.
It’s closed on Tuesdays but open 10 am to 4 pm every other day of the week.
Museum at Prairiefire
5801 W 135th St. Overland Park, KS 66223
If you’re looking for staycation ideas in Overland Park, the Museum at Prairiefire is a fun activity for kids. You can explore the natural history of the Midwest through science, activities & natural history exhibits.
There are full-size dinosaur bone exhibits & virtual reality experiences to discover places like Stonehenge. You can even explore space here!
Money Museum
1 Memorial Dr. Kansas City, MO
The Money Museum provides a walk-in experience filled with exhibits, a Cash Processing and Vault viewing area, and an audio tour and iPad scavenger hunt are available for use.
Located inside the Crown Center District, it’s walking distance from the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial and Union Station. We think this spot is a great way for those of all ages to learn about the economy in a hands-on way!
Open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Closed on the weekends.
Savings tip: Admission is FREE!
Kansas City Jazz Museum & Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Grouped together because of their close proximity on 18th & Vine, both places are unique to Kansas City.
The Kansas City Jazz Museum has interactive exhibits that tell the history of America’s classical music. Visitors can listen to jazz performances and tour exhibits that tell the story of Jazz legends.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum visually displays the history of the Negro Leagues from start to finish, while also highlighting the cultural impact the League has on today’s sports. Additionally, visitors will learn about the Civil Rights movement through the context of sports.
Both spots are equally worthy of a visit – plus you’ll definitely walk away having learned something new.
Visit the Downtown Library
14 W 10th St. Kansas City, MO
We know that for kids, the library isn’t always the first thing they want to do when you say “fun activity.”
However, at the Kansas City Public Library, there is always something going on – clubs, film screenings, special events, story time – you name it! Be sure to keep tabs on the event calendar!
Hours:
Mon-Wed 9:00am-7:00pm
Thu-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm
Sun 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Or, visit your local library! Check out our Library Programs Guide to find the best library programs in your area.
Tasso’s Greek Restaurant
8411 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 64114
Established in 1976, Tasso’s is a family-owned Greek Restaurant offering so much more than dinner. Live music, authentic professional belly dancing, and breaking dishes provide an unforgettable dining experience you are sure to enjoy! If you’re looking to try new foods, this is a great place that feels like a faraway country…
Fun Restaurants for Your Staycation in Kansas City:
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
3 KC metro locations
Get your food delivered by a train at Frit’z Railroad Restaurant! The Crown Center restaurant is the perfect lunch or dinner spot after you explore downtown on your staycation. Plus, it’s near a lot of the fun attractions on our list…
They serve dinner food – burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings…it’s all yummy.
Minsky’s
If your kids love pizza, Minsky’s is a KC favorite. In many of their locations, you can still draw on the table while waiting for your food too! An added bonus if you have restless little ones…
Donutology
Create your own unique donut using one of over 40,000 possible combinations of icings, toppings, and drizzles at this magical donut factory! This small business supports other local businesses by using and selling fresh local ingredients. They also give back and support local charities and organizations to make Kansas City a better place!
Stroud’s
Oak Ridge Manor or Overland Park
If you love fried chicken, Stroud’s has to be on your list of Staycation restaurants to try…
There are 2 locations in KC, so no matter what part of town you’re in you can enjoy their yummy food.
Jack Stack
Now it’s not Kansas City without BBQ. And what BBQ is better than Jack Stack? While that answer may depend on you, one of our favorite BBQ restaurants is Jack Stack. There’s something yummy for everyone and it’s not cheap, so it is a treat for our large family!
Opera House KC
500 Walnut Kansas City, MO 64106
For unique & yummy food, check out the Opera House KC. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner with family-friendly options so everyone can find something they like.
It’s near the City Market, so head out for a bite after you shop around!
Lulu’s Noodle Shop
If you’re looking for Asian food to fill you up, don’t miss Lulu’s Noodle Shop! They’re located downtown, near Union Station, Crown Center & Science City, so if those staycation attractions are on your list, Lulu’s is just down the street!
Bonus: Book a Hotel for an Added “Vacay” Feel
If you want to trick yourself into feeling like you’re on vacation…consider booking a hotel.
There are lots of fun, affordable hotels in Kansas City!
Aside from all of these downtown destinations, the metro area is full of tons of other incredible activities to fill your time off.
Plus, there are fun Summer Camps to fill the rest of your family’s time off. And check out our complete Guide to Things to Do With Kids In KC too. Many of them are free, which makes a staycation in KC even more appealing!
As always, be sure you and your friends sign-up for The Scoop to receive our Weekend Planner each week, filled with things to do teach weekend, month, and beyond. Never search for things to do or local deals again – we’ve done it all for you!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
