So Many Kid Friendly Activities in Kansas City 
When it comes to a place, the whole family will love to visit, there are, no doubt, many things on the list to keep everyone happy. You want a place that is welcoming to the younger family members with plenty that will keep them occupied, a good mix of hands-on activities and things to look at and maybe a few historical places where you can lose yourselves in times past. One place that ticks all those boxes has to be Kansas City, Missouri. I am very grateful that I got to experience many of these attractions first hand as part of the TMS Family Travel Conference.
Being the largest city in the state of Missouri, Kansas City, or KC, certainly has a lot to offer. When you arrive in town, settle yourself into your accommodations (I stayed at the Westin Kansas City). There are plenty of options for any budget, so draw up a list of all things you would love to do. Make sure you allow plenty of time for each activity as KC is so vibrant it's easy to meander from one attraction to another and then suddenly a day has gone by!
So what are the must-sees? Let's start with some kid friendly activities in Kansas City . There are plenty of things to see and do in the vicinity that is low cost, and there are even some that won't cost you a dime, ideal for families on a tight budget. The Children's Peace Pavilion in Independence, MO, is well worth a visit and teaches youngsters the true value of peace. If they've got an allowance to spend, they can spend many happy hours strolling through the River Market. If after all that there is still energy to burn, a visit to Penguin Park is a must. The park is the perfect place to let off steam while a 26-foot kangaroo and a 23-foot penguin really capture the imagination.
If you've got a few dollars to spend, there are plenty of other kid-friendly activities in Kansas City. Legoland Discovery Center will top the list for many. The Lego factory tour will show you how they make all those legos. Also, you can experience the latest in sensational entertainment in the Lego 4D cinema where you can reach out and touch the stars, and if you are a speed demon, you'll love building a Lego racer. Hop onto the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride and beat the baddies before having lunch in the café. After refueling, you can play for hours in the Lego City Play Zone. If it all gets too much, you can recharge your batteries in the Quiet Zone before heading back in for more serious play.
And on the subject of play, are you up for some serious fun? Worlds of Fun boasts an incredible 235 acres of full-on fun. There are gentle family-friendly rides in their Planet Snoopy area and white-knuckle rides for the serious thrill-seeker. You can also get up close and personal with dinosaurs at Dinosaurs Alive and continue your pre-historic adventures into the night with Dinos After Dark. Don't forget your bathing suits and towels! With Oceans of Fun right next door, you'll want to cool off on those hot summer days and have even more fun in this spectacular water park.
Where to next? Well, no matter what part of the world you call home you will definitely have received a Hallmark greeting card at some point. Why not pay a visit to the Hallmark Visitors Center and take a trip down memory lane? There are plenty of free exhibits and interactive displays and the chances are you'll come away with a keepsake or two. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the real Emmy that’s on display while you’re there.
Nothing captures the imagination like the ocean, so don't miss a visit to SEA LIFE Kansas City where you can get nose-to-nose with a shark, fall in love with majestic sea-horses, be awestruck by the octopus and learn all about vital conservation work. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the youngest family members to get hands-on at the touch pool!
Sport-lovers are well catered for at KC and a great night out has to be courtside taking in a game of college basketball. The College Basketball Experience at Sprint Center offers so much to lovers of the game. There's the hall of fame of course and plenty of interactive activities. Was it ever your dream to be a sports announcer and call the big game? Well, here's your chance. Or maybe you see your big moment playing out on the court — you can do that too. Make sure you allow time for a visit to the Hoop Shop; you'll be wanting to take home a souvenir or two from here!
Once you've caught your breath maybe take in history. The Museums at 18th & Vine provide a living history of jazz and black America. You can lose yourselves for many hours in the culture and atmosphere of the place and enjoy a feast of fine dining, cool blues and hot jazz at the interactive American Jazz Museum. Then learn about the history and heroes of the Negro leagues and baseball’s past at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Still, with museums, don't leave the National World War I Museum and Memorial off the list. A visit to the museum is a poignant reminder of the Great War, those who lived through it and those that died fighting it. The main gallery features objects and artifacts from World War 1 which, along with video, recreated trenches and interactive tables, create a comprehensive picture of the war and its effects.
The war memorial is a place for reflection.
The impact of war can be felt here and the memorial provides an opportunity to quietly sit and contemplate those that gave their lives for the sake of peace and liberty.
After a full-on day exploring, what better way to unwind than with a trip to the theater? The Coterie Theatre was established back in 1979 by theater students from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Thousands of shows and thousands of audiences later, the theater is still going strong and has plenty of family-friendly shows to enjoy. Family members of all ages will enjoy this theater experience, so be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Phew! What a trip! And there's still plenty more to see and do, but that's OK. You'll be welcomed back anytime for another visit to family-friendly Kansas City. Check out more images from Kansas City below:
Have you ever visited Kansas City? What are your favorite kid-friendly activities in Kansas City?