Kansas City Activities
The Kansas City metropolitan area in modern times is known for its sprawl, plentiful highways, suburban areas with great public schools and quality of life and a low cost of living. While this looks good on paper, it’s easy for lifelong residents of the area to forget about some of the history, culture and fun activities the city has to offer. These residents instead opt to stick close to their homes in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit or Olathe. After wrapping up our lives as students in Lawrence, KS, we both wanted to take full advantage of what Kansas City has to offer. In the late 2000s through the 2010s, the creation of the Sprint Center (now T-Mobile Center) and the rejuvenation of downtown and the Crossroads prompted many locals to get out and get out and venture to parts of the city they had never explored. Many of the highlights below have been part of the city all along.
Museums
Nelson Atkins Museum & Sculpture Park
The Nelson Atkins is our favorite museum in the city. Some of the galleries it features includes modern art, impressionism, Ancient Egyptian art, Greek/Roman pieces, Native American artwork, Ancient Asian art, and photography. It truly has something for everyone. Be sure to spend some time outside wandering the sculpture park including the famous shuttlecocks on the front lawn. Bonus admission is free!
National WWI Museum& Memorial
The Liberty Memorial was built in 1926 as a monument to the men and women who served in World War I and then later was expanded in 2006 to include an official museum below the monument. Designated as the nation’s official World War I Museum, it boasts a wealth of historical galleries and information about the Great War. The area outside the museum is also fun to explore with beautiful stonework and sculptures and for breath-taking views of the city. If you are looking for an even more iconic view take the elevator and some stairs to the top of the Liberty Memorial’s observation deck. Admission prices range from $11.50-19.50 depending on age.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
If you don’t have much time, but would still like to explore a museum the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is a great pick! It is small, but features some gorgeous modern artwork providing a space for art from emerging artists to renowned artists and anyone in between. This museum also has free admission.
American Jazz Museum
Kansas City has deep roots in the Jazz scene, so of course we have a museum dedicated to this musical genre. Featuring historical artifacts, interactive exhibits and films this museum highlights the history of Jazz in Kansas City, the country and the rest of the world. Admission prices range from $4.00-10.00.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
As the nation’s only museum dedicated to African-American baseball history, it is rich with galleries featuring informational panels, photographs, artifacts and film exhibits for the true baseball fan. Admission price is $10.00.
The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures
For some child-like wonder and nostalgia be sure to visit the National Museum of Toys & Miniatures. You will get to see and explore toys going back all the way to 1690 to present day as well as miniatures (rooms, structures, individual items) created by skilled artists. This is truly a unique and fun experience for all ages. Admission prices range from $6-12.
Outdoor Activities
Loose Park
Beloved for its iconic rose garden, Loose Park is one of the most popular parks amongst Kansas Citians. You’ll want to stop here especially in spring when the roses are at their peak. Stroll amongst the 3,000 roses, visit the Japanese garden, or sit by Loose Lake.
Swope Park
With 1805 acres (twice the size of Central Park), Swope Park is Kansas City’s largest park. The park hosts a variety of attractions including the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theatre, and the Lakeside Nature Center. Put your hiking boots on and hike one of the many trails in Swope Park, go for a leisurely stroll or visit some animals at the zoo. Make sure to check out Thomas H. Swope Memorial while you are there for an epic view of the park, beautiful sculptures and fountain.
The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
This botanical garden is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic. This garden boasts five different designs including lines of Peking Tree Lilacs, Gardenias, Magnolias, sculptures and water features.
City Market
Located in the River Market, City Market is a small open-air market with shops, restaurants and produce. Venture here on a weekend and you will find the center bustling with stands selling fresh produce, fruits, flowers, and local goods. After you’ve worked up an appetite from shopping around, head over to Pigwich for some unique sandwiches.
Tours
Boulevard Brewing Company Tour
Boulevard Brewing Company is Kansas City’s largest and most well known brewery. You are likely to find it sold across the country, we’ve even stumbled upon it in our travels in Europe. It is well-known for good reason and brews up some solid beers. Their tours are definitely worth checking out as you tour the facilities including samples in their Tasting Room. After your tour head to the Boulevard Beer Hall for some more tastes - the atmosphere is lively and you’re sure to find a good spot to people watch or enjoy the weather on the patio. Try the Space Camper Cosmic IPA for some hops, the Southwest Boulevard for an easy sipper or one of their Quirks (hard seltzers) to quench your thirst.
Rieger Distillery Tour
Rieger has roots going back to 1887, but was closed due to Prohibition. Luckily, it was revitalized in 2014 into a fantastic distillery serving up whiskey, gin, vodka, and caffe amaro. The space greets you with a small gallery with their history and includes several different bar experiences including the speakeasy style Hey Hey Club, Electric Park Garden Bar, and the classic Monogram Lounge. Take one of their tours to learn more about the history and sample the different spirits then head to one of the bars for a delightful cocktail. At the end of your visit, be sure to take the fun route back down to the lobby - a large whimsical slide.
The Roasterie Tour
Before the coffee boom, the Roasterie was Kansas City’s answer to Starbucks. Though there have never been enough Roasterie cafe locations to compete with Starbucks, their coffee beans could be found at nearly every grocery store in the area. The Roasterie was selling a variety of fair-trade beans and seasonal flavors long before the craft coffee boom started in the early 2000s. Today, you’ll find small business coffee houses and roasters in nearly every corner of the city. But if you’d like to see a large scale coffee roasting operation up close and personal, you won’t do any better than the Roasterie’s flagship location on Southwest Boulevard. It’s easy to find. Just head up (or down) the boulevard and look for the airplane suspended in mid above the factory (an old Douglas DC-3).
Sporting Events
Kansas City Chiefs
Love them or hate them, you can’t deny the Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most entertaining teams over the last decade. That was not always the case. From the 90s through most the 2010s, the Chiefs were just… sort of good. After a decade of mediocrity in the 1980s, the Chiefs became about as consistently decent as a team could be. They were always just good enough to maintain a rabid fanbase and a tailgate culture that’s second to none. Even as plans progress to replace Arrowhead Stadium, the venue is still a pleasure to attend a game at.
KC Current
Aptly named for its proximity to rivers (both their home stadium and training facility are a few kicks away from the Missouri River), the Current are breaking new ground (both literally and figuratively). CPKC Park is the first purpose build women’s professional soccer stadium. Though still a relatively new franchise, it’s hard to tell. With a stadium location close to downtown that will soon be accessible by the Kansas City Streetcar, the Current is the city’s first professional sports team since the NBA’s Kansas City Kings to make their home close to downtown.
Sporting KC
For millennials returning home to Kansas City from major state schools in Kansas and Missouri, the rebirth of Kansas City’s MLS team couldn’t have come at a better time. A state of the art soccer stadium, great new branding and a very local flare made Sporting KC’s home stadium (Children’s Mercy Park) the place to be in the early 2010s. It was inexpensive and better yet, the team won three trophies through the 2010s. Recently, the local flare has died down alongside the team’s success. Even so, a match at Children’s Mercy Park is always a fun experience.
Kansas City Royals
In 2014, the Royals introduced young Kansas Citians to the magic of October baseball. Attending a Royals game has always been a budget and family friendly event for locals but the two year run from 2014 to 2015 re-ignited the city’s passion for baseball to a certain degree. Though not exactly a contender in recent years, the Royals continue to be a beloved part of the city. Momentum is building to relocate the team to a new stadium close to downtown. While not universally supported, the relocating of the Royals to a new stadium would further cement the Royals as a Kansas City staple.
Music
Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts
From the gorgeous halls to the panoramic view of the city, this concert hall is an experience. The Kaufman Center hosts a variety of performances including symphonies, ballet, opera, and modern performances there is truly something for everyone.
Jazz Clubs
18th & Vine in Kansas City is one of a handful of American historical sites for origins of Jazz. During Prohibition this area became the scene for blues-influenced Jazz and still honors that legacy today. You will find many great jazz clubs to explore here. We recommend The Green Lady Lounge, The Black Dolphin and The Phoenix. You should also check out The American Jazz Museum located in this district.
Grinders KC
Located in the heart of the Crossroads, this venue is in the heart of the action. This venue hosts a variety of musical acts in an outdoor setting. Get ready to enjoy a nice evening outdoors listening to some great music. Pop into Grinders Pizza before the show for some New York style pizza or their beloved Philly Cheesesteaks.
Knuckleheads
This music venue has four different stages including both indoor and outdoor stages that can all have performances going at once. Live music events occur 5 days a week from Wednesday-Sunday. With a variety of stage sizes, Knuckleheads can host different levels of performances from newcomers to well known acts.
Landmarks & Events
Union Station
After a historic flood in 1903, Kansas City decided to build a new train station on higher ground. The new station opened in 1914 as a hub for train transit through the area and traffic boomed from 1914 through the 1940s. As air travel increased, the station struggled and eventually closed in the 1980s. Luckily, Union Station was redeveloped and reopened in 1999. Today, it is an iconic city landmark. There is so much to explore here, so don’t just stop to see the iconic view of the station. There is beautiful architecture inside as well as a variety of shops, restaurants and exhibitions. You could spend all day here if you wanted and have the time. Some highlights include Science City, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, and a rotating touring exhibition. Hidden gem is definitely the Model Train Gallery showcasing 8,000 square feet of model trains.
West Bottoms for First Weekends
The first weekend of the month, the West Bottoms comes alive with antique stores opening their doors. Most of these shops only open this one time a month, so the area is crawling with shoppers on the hunt for vintage pieces. There are also usually some outdoor booths and food trucks to keep you full and busy. Be sure to stop in our favorite antique store, Bella Patina. Three full floors of vintage finds, you are sure to get lost in time.
Country Club Plaza
If you are looking to do some shopping, the Country Club Plaza is a the place to be. Spreading over 14 blocks, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to duck into. Spend some time wandering the blocks and admiring the Spanish-style architecture as well as sculptures and fountains dispersed through the area. For some local KC goods and apparel, be sure to stop in Made in KC and Charlie Hustle.
First Fridays in the Crossroads
If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, make sure to head down to the Crossroads. Here you will find art galleries, food trucks and live music. Just walk around, take in the sights, and poke around the many art galleries that are open. Being in the Crossroads, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars to head to before or after your art perusals.
