15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Lee's Summit

Kansas City, Missouri, is a destination filled with a variety of activities to suit diverse preferences. The city’s extensive cultural heritage is evident in its notable landmarks, historic landmarks, and entertainment spots.

The 18th and Vine District, known for its jazz heritage, houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a treasure trove of history. Meanwhile, the River Market District provides a vibrant scene, with its farmers' market and unique shops.

Fans of the arts may explore performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which presents a wide range of theatrical events. Sports fans won’t want to miss games at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or cheer at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs play.

For food lovers, the city’s legendary Kansas City–style barbecue is a must-try, with many eateries serving this signature dish.

Outdoor visitors may explore Swope Park, which provides ample green spaces for relaxation. Meanwhile, shoppers may visit the Country Club Plaza, famous for its Spanish-inspired architecture and a diverse mix of dining and retail experiences.

Whether your interests lie in history, music, sports, or food, Kansas City provides a multitude of attractions to enjoy.

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Kansas City, located in Missouri, is known for its vivid cultural tapestry and storied significance, drawing in visitors from around the world. Called the "City of Fountains," Kansas City boasts iconic landmarks and a dynamic arts scene.

One of the city’s must-visit areas is the 18th and Vine District, celebrated for its important contributions to jazz music. This heritage-rich district also houses the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a renowned museum preserving the history of African-American baseball. The River Market District, on the other hand, provides a lively atmosphere with its thriving farmers' market and distinctive shops that cater to a variety of tastes.

For art enthusiasts, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a beacon of creativity, presenting world-class performances in musical arts and theater. Sports fans will relish the excitement at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or at Arrowhead Stadium, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs delight fans.

Kansas City is celebrated for its signature barbecue, a culinary tradition with international acclaim. Restaurants throughout the city present flavorful Kansas City–style barbecue, featuring smoky, flavorful dishes that highlight the city's gastronomic heritage. For outdoor recreation, Swope Park offers large green spaces ideal for relaxation and family activities. The Country Club Plaza offers a unique shopping experience with its Mediterranean-style architecture and wide retail and dining options.

Whether learning about its heritage, experiencing creative performances, or savoring world-class cuisine, Kansas City, Missouri, provides an unmatched experience for visitors.

Things To Do When Bored At Night In Kansas City MO

Kansas City offers a vibrant entertainment scene with options for everyone. Here are some highlights:

Live Music and Performances

  • Kansas City Jazz District: Visit the 18th & Vine Historic District for live jazz at The Blue Room or the American Jazz Museum.
  • Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: Home to the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, and Lyric Opera.
  • Knuckleheads Saloon: A unique live music venue featuring blues, rock, and country performances.

Sports and Gaming

  • Arrowhead Stadium: Catch a Kansas City Chiefs game.
  • Kauffman Stadium: Watch the Kansas City Royals in action.
  • Kansas Speedway: Experience NASCAR and other racing events.
  • Power & Light District: Features bars, restaurants, and live music, great for game-day gatherings.

Theater and Arts

  • Starlight Theatre: An iconic outdoor theater hosting Broadway shows and concerts.
  • Folly Theater: A historic venue for classical music, jazz, and special performances.
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Free admission and an impressive collection of art from around the world.

Family-Friendly Fun

  • Kansas City Zoo: Explore wildlife exhibits and animal encounters.
  • Legoland Discovery Center: Great for kids with interactive LEGO-themed attractions.
  • Science City at Union Station: Hands-on exhibits for curious minds.

Nightlife

  • Westport: A trendy area with bars, live music, and dance clubs.
  • Crossroads Arts District: Known for its First Fridays art walk, unique bars, and food trucks.

Food and Drink

  • BBQ Scene: Sample Kansas City’s legendary barbecue at spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, or Arthur Bryant's.
  • Craft Breweries: Boulevard Brewing Co. offers tours and tastings.
  • Speakeasies: Check out hidden bars like The Green Lady Lounge for cocktails and jazz.

Festivals and Events

  • Boulevardia Festival: Celebrating craft beer, music, and food.
  • Kansas City Renaissance Festival: A seasonal event full of entertainment, crafts, and themed activities.

Kansas City’s mix of music, art, sports, and food ensures a memorable experience for all tastes. Let me know if you'd like more specific recommendations!

Things To Do When Bored At Night In Kansas City MO
What To Do In Historic Kansas City MO

What To Do In Historic Kansas City MO

Kansas City boasts numerous family-friendly parks perfect for outdoor adventures, picnics, and playtime. Here are some of the top picks:


1. Loose Park

  • Location: Midtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A 75-acre park with a large pond, walking trails, and the iconic Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden.


  • Kansas City strip steak

    1. Clay County
    2. Liberty
    3. Missouri–Kansas state line
  • Why Families Love It: Kids enjoy open spaces to run and play, while parents can relax in the scenic surroundings.

2. Swope Park

  • Location: South Kansas City.
  • Highlights: One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the Kansas City Zoo and Starlight Theatre.
  • Why Families Love It: Offers activities for all ages, including hiking trails, fishing, and golf courses.

3. Penguin Park

  • Location: Northland area.
  • Highlights: A whimsical playground with giant animal sculptures, including a penguin, kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Why Families Love It: Unique play structures and shaded picnic areas make it ideal for kids.

4. Jacob L. Loose Park Playground

  • Location: Inside Loose Park.
  • Highlights: A large, colorful playground with slides, climbing structures, and swings.
  • Why Families Love It: Safe and spacious for kids to play while parents enjoy nearby walking trails.

5. Shawnee Mission Park

  • Location: Shawnee, Kansas (short drive from KC).
  • Highlights: A 1,600-acre park with a lake, trails, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park.
  • Why Families Love It: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and a large playground provide endless family fun.

6. Antioch Park

  • Location: Merriam, Kansas.
  • Highlights: Features the "Dodge Town" play area, two fishing lakes, and picnic shelters.
  • Why Families Love It: The imaginative play structures and serene lake views make it a favorite for families.

7. Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

  • Location: Blue Springs, Missouri.
  • Highlights: A conservation area with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
  • Why Families Love It: Kids can learn about nature while exploring the trails and interactive exhibits.

8. Ernie Miller Nature Center

  • Location: Olathe, Kansas.
  • Highlights: Nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and seasonal family programs.
  • Why Families Love It: A great spot for hiking and connecting with nature while educating kids about local wildlife.

9. Waterfall Park

  • Location: Independence, Missouri.
  • Highlights: A picturesque park with walking trails, playgrounds, and a serene waterfall.
  • Why Families Love It: Beautiful scenery and play areas for kids make it perfect for a family outing.

10. English Landing Park

  • Location: Parkville, Missouri.
  • Highlights: Located along the Missouri River, this park features trails, a playground, and scenic picnic spots.
  • Why Families Love It: The river views, spacious play areas, and nearby shops in downtown Parkville create a memorable experience.

11. Macken Park

  • Location: North Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Sports fields, playgrounds, and paved walking trails.
  • Why Families Love It: A great spot for active families to enjoy soccer, baseball, or a leisurely stroll.

12. Mill Creek Park

  • Location: Country Club Plaza area.
  • Highlights: A central fountain, walking paths, and open green spaces.
  • Why Families Love It: Perfect for a relaxing afternoon near the iconic J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain.

13. Longview Lake Park

  • Location: Southeast Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A lake offering boating, fishing, and trails, along with playgrounds and picnic areas.
  • Why Families Love It: Water activities and expansive spaces for outdoor fun.

6 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

During Prohibition (1920–1933), Kansas City played a significant role as a hotspot for illegal activities, jazz, and nightlife, thriving as an "open city" where the enforcement of Prohibition laws was notoriously lax. This era shaped the city’s cultural and musical identity, particularly its connection to jazz.


Key Roles and Characteristics of Kansas City During Prohibition

1. "Wide Open" under Tom Pendergast



    Lee's Summit

    1. Lee's Summit
    2. Missouri River
    3. Kansas City strip steak
  • Tom Pendergast, the influential political boss, controlled much of Kansas City’s government and police force during this time.
  • Under Pendergast’s leadership, the city largely ignored Prohibition laws, allowing speakeasies, gambling halls, and other illicit establishments to operate openly.
  • This "wide-open" policy made Kansas City a destination for people seeking alcohol and entertainment.

2. A Hub for Speakeasies and Nightlife

  • Speakeasies flourished throughout the city, particularly in areas like the 18th & Vine Jazz District and downtown Kansas City.
  • Venues like the Reno Club became infamous for their live music, dancing, and flowing alcohol, attracting crowds despite Prohibition.
  • The city gained a reputation as a haven for vice, where liquor was easily accessible, and authorities turned a blind eye.

3. Birthplace of Kansas City Jazz

  • The relaxed atmosphere during Prohibition fostered a vibrant nightlife that gave rise to Kansas City jazz, a distinctive style known for its bluesy, riff-driven sound and improvisation.
  • Musicians like Count Basie, Bennie Moten, and Charlie Parker emerged from this era, performing in clubs fueled by the city’s thriving underground economy.
  • Kansas City became a major stop on the jazz circuit, rivaling cities like Chicago and New Orleans.

4. Organized Crime and Bootlegging

  • Kansas City was a key distribution point for bootlegged liquor, facilitated by its central location and strong railroad network.
  • Organized crime flourished, with gangs controlling the smuggling and distribution of alcohol.
  • The city’s criminal underworld and political corruption were intertwined, creating an environment where illegal activities thrived.

5. Economic Growth and Cultural Impact

  • Despite the illegal nature of its activities, the Prohibition era brought economic growth to Kansas City, as nightlife and entertainment drew visitors from across the country.
  • The city’s reputation as a cultural hub grew, with jazz music becoming a defining feature of its identity.

Legacy of Prohibition in Kansas City

  • The 18th & Vine Jazz District remains a symbol of this era, showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage.
  • Kansas City’s role as a center for jazz and nightlife during Prohibition left a lasting mark on its culture, influencing music, entertainment, and tourism.
  • The city’s lax enforcement of Prohibition laws contributed to its reputation as a rebellious and culturally vibrant destination.

Kansas City’s role during Prohibition is a fascinating chapter in its history, blending vice, politics, and culture to create an enduring legacy. Let me know if you’d like more details about this era or its influence on the city today!

Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

6 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO
Attractions And Entertainment Kansas City
Attractions And Entertainment Kansas City

ansas City is a cultural hub, seamlessly blending music, art, sports, and food to offer something for everyone. Here's a snapshot:

Music

  • Known as the "Home of Jazz", Kansas City boasts legendary venues like the Blue Room and the American Jazz Museum in the 18th & Vine Jazz District.
  • From live rock at Knuckleheads Saloon to classical performances at the Kauffman Center, the city's music scene is diverse and thriving.

Art

  • The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is iconic, with free admission and a world-class collection.
  • The Crossroads Arts District comes alive during First Fridays, featuring local galleries, street art, and performances.

Sports



Missouri River

  1. Jackson County
  2. Kansas City Royals
  3. Blue Springs
  • Diehard sports fans flock to Arrowhead Stadium for Kansas City Chiefs games and Kauffman Stadium for Kansas City Royals baseball.
  • The city also hosts thrilling NASCAR events at the Kansas Speedway.

Food

  • Kansas City is famous for its barbecue, with legendary spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39.
  • Craft beer enthusiasts will love Boulevard Brewing Co., and the city's growing farm-to-table movement showcases local flavors.

From its rich jazz history to modern culinary delights, Kansas City’s cultural mix makes it a vibrant and unforgettable destination. Let me know if you'd like tailored recommendations!

Things To Do When You're High In Kansas City MO

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  • Learn about the City of Olathe's achievements and partnerships in the Kansas City area. Source
  • Find information about the Kansas City Immigration Court, including contact details and location. Source
  • Explore transportation and road information in the Kansas City region with KDOT. Source
  • Access resources and support from the Kansas City Area Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Source
  • Discover the initiatives of the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition in promoting energy-efficient transportation. Source

16 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Things To Do When You're High In Kansas City MO

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City has a thriving music scene, particularly known for its contributions to jazz. The city has numerous jazz clubs, and the annual Kansas City Jazz Festival is a major event. There's also a growing indie music scene in the city.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit Kansas City, thanks to the mild weather and numerous festivals. However, summer and winter also offer unique attractions, including summer concerts and winter holiday lights.

Families can enjoy the Kansas City Zoo, the Science City at Union Station, the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, and Worlds of Fun amusement park.