A few weeks back, a reader asked me for suggestions about where to eat in Kansas City when they came to visit, and it got me thinking that I wished I had a post to refer them back to with all of my favorite “touristy” activities in Kansas City. I’ve lived in Kansas City almost my whole life. There was a brief seven years when I moved to Michigan for college, and then North Carolina for grad school, but for the most part, KC has been home.

I’m going to break this down into parts, and today, I’m going to talk my favorite kid friendly activities in KC!

Being a mom to a toddler and a baby right now, there are some activities that just don’t work for them quite yet because they’re too young to appreciate it, so I’m denoting with an asterisk next to the activities that are really more appropriate for older kids only.

Indoor Activities

Wonderscope :: An entire “museum” for kids. There’s pretend play set-ups, building stations, water play activities. It is a kids’ dream place to play and learn!

Sea Life Aquarium + Legoland :: When we’re meeting friends or family visiting from out of town, and it’s going to be rainy or cold, this is where we go. The aquarium is really well done, and a ton of fun for the kids. They love the lights, & seeing all the different animals. It’s located in the part of downtown called Crown Center. If you’re visiting in the winter, there’s a great outdoor ice rink right next to the aquarium and Legoland. And any time of year, Fritz’s diner is right next door, and delivers your food by way of electric train. Always a hit with little kids.

Kidscape at Johnson County Museum :: Think of this is a wide open pretend play space. There’s an old cabin with stove, a doctor’s office, a restaurant and store, and so many other things for the kids to pretend and play to their hearts content.

*Negro Leagues Baseball Museum :: My kids aren’t quite old enough to appreciate the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum yet, but we went many times growing up. I enjoyed it every time – always learning something new!

Outside Activities

Kansas City Zoo :: We LOVE going to the zoo. It’s broken up into two major parts: Africa and Australia. Our favorite is definitely Africa! If you’re needing to get back to the hotel before afternoon naps, you really only have time to do one side of the park – either Africa or Australia – so pick one, and do that one to the fullest!

Deanna Rose Farmstead :: If the zoo wasn’t enough animals for you, the Farmstead is such a fun place to go with little kids! You can pet animals, feed baby goats bottles, and take a pony ride. It’s a kids’ paradise!

KC Royals or Sporting KC game :: Both stadiums are awesome and super kid friendly! If you’re in town, and Sporting or the Royals are playing, spend the night at the ballpark or at a match! You won’t regret it!

*Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun :: I love these both growing up, and even though we haven’t taken the boys yet, I know they’re going to flip their first time to these amusement parks too. I have fond memories of riding my first roller coaster at Worlds of Fun, spending the whole day floating in the wave pool and the lazy river at Oceans of Fun. It’s a great place to spend a day and wear off a lot of energy!

Those are my favorite picks for kids in KC! Tell me, did I miss anything that you would have added?

*Not suitable for younger kids (i.e. babies and toddlers).