Things To Do When Your Bored At Night In Kansas City MO

Things To Do When Your Bored At Night In Kansas City MO

Kansas City–style barbecue

The vibrant city of Kansas City, Missouri, boasts a wealth of attractions for diverse tastes. The city’s deep cultural heritage is evident in its renowned museums, historic venues, and entertainment spots.

The 18th and Vine District, known for its jazz heritage, is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a landmark dedicated to baseball history. Meanwhile, the River Market District offers a lively atmosphere, with its farmers' market and eclectic shops.

Fans of the arts can enjoy performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of musical and theatrical events. Sports fans won’t want to miss games at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or visit Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs play.

For food lovers, the city’s renowned Kansas City–style barbecue is iconic, with many eateries serving this beloved dish.

Outdoor visitors will enjoy Swope Park, which features spacious green spaces for relaxation. Meanwhile, shoppers should check out the Country Club Plaza, renowned for its Spanish-inspired architecture and a varied mix of dining and retail options.

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

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Things To Do When Your Bored In Kansas City MO

Kansas City, Missouri, is celebrated for its vibrant cultural tapestry and storied significance, attracting visitors from around the world. Known as the "City of Fountains," Kansas City is home to iconic landmarks and a thriving arts scene.

One of the city’s key areas is the 18th and Vine District, famous for its important contributions to jazz music. This historic district is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a significant cultural institution documenting the history of African-American baseball. The River Market District, meanwhile, features a bustling atmosphere with its thriving farmers' market and eclectic shops that offer items for a variety of tastes.

For those passionate about culture, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stands as a beacon of creativity, featuring 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 bring energy to the field.

Kansas City is celebrated for its legendary barbecue, a culinary tradition with international acclaim. Restaurants across the city serve mouthwatering Kansas City–style barbecue, featuring smoky, flavorful dishes that highlight the city's gastronomic heritage.

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For outdoor recreation, Swope Park features large green spaces perfect for relaxation and family activities. The Country Club Plaza features a unique shopping experience with its Mediterranean-style architecture and diverse retail and dining options.

Whether diving into the past, experiencing creative performances, or tasting renowned dishes, Kansas City, Missouri, delivers an unmatched experience for visitors.

10 Fun Things To Do In Kansas City MO 2022

Kansas City offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from music and theater to sports and nightlife. Here are some highlights:

Music and Live Performances

  • T-Mobile Center: Hosts major concerts, sports events, and shows. It's a go-to spot for big-name entertainers.

  • Starlight Theatre: An outdoor theater that brings Broadway to Kansas City with its summer productions.

  • The Blue Room Jazz Club: Located next to the American Jazz Museum, it's a venue for live jazz music, embodying the city's rich jazz heritage.

  • The Bird Comedy Theater: Known for its comedy shows, including improv and stand-up.

Theater and Arts

  • Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: A stunning venue for opera, ballet, symphony, and more. It's one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings in KC.

  • KC Repertory Theatre: Offers a mix of plays from classics to new works.

  • The Coterie Theatre: Focuses on theater for young audiences but has productions that appeal to all ages.

Sports Entertainment

  • Kauffman Stadium: Home to the Kansas City Royals, offering baseball games with a unique fountain show.

  • Arrowhead Stadium: Experience the energy of a Kansas City Chiefs NFL game or other major events like concerts.

  • Sporting KC: Watch soccer at Children's Mercy Park, where the atmosphere is electric during matches.

Nightlife and Bars

  • Power & Light District: A vibrant area with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, perfect for nightlife.

  • Westport: Known for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and live music spots, offering a more local vibe.

  • 39th Street: Famous for dive bars, unique shops, and a bohemian atmosphere.

Unique Entertainment Experiences

  • Union Station: Beyond its historical significance, it's home to Science City, a planetarium, and often hosts special exhibitions and events.



  • Kansas City–style barbecue

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    Worlds of Fun: An amusement park with roller coasters, water attractions at Oceans of Fun, and seasonal events like Halloween Haunt.

  • Escape Rooms: Breakout KC offers themed escape room experiences for those looking for interactive fun.

Festivals and Events

  • Boulevardia: A music and craft beer festival by Boulevard Brewing Company, showcasing local and national acts.

  • First Fridays: An art crawl in the Crossroads Arts District with galleries, street performances, and food trucks.

  • Kansas City Irish Fest: One of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., celebrating Irish culture with music, dance, and food.

Cinematic Experiences

  • Screenland Armour & Crossroads: Independent theaters known for showing both blockbuster and indie films, with special events like movie marathons.

  • Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Offers an elevated movie-going experience with food service at your seat and a no-texting policy.

Kansas City's entertainment scene is vibrant and varied, catering to all tastes from high culture to family fun, and from local haunts to international acts. Whether you're there for the music, the arts, sports, or just to enjoy the nightlife, KC has something for everyone.

10 Fun Things To Do In Kansas City MO 2022
Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Cool And Unusual 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

  • 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 You Re Bored With Friends In Kansas City MO

Kansas City offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Here are the top destinations to explore with kids:


1. Kansas City Zoo

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Over 1,700 animals across 200 acres, featuring African Sky Safari, polar bears, and penguins.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and a chance to ride the train or carousel.

2. Science City at Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and an interactive Maker Studio.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Dino Lab, Sky Bike, and the Test Kitchen offer immersive learning and fun.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, and Miniland Kansas City built entirely from LEGO bricks.
  • Why Kids Love It: Building and racing their own LEGO creations.

4. SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

  • Location: Crown Center.
  • Highlights: More than 5,000 sea creatures, touch pools, and a walk-through underwater tunnel.
  • Why Kids Love It: Interactive touch tanks and the shark and stingray exhibits.

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

  • Location: Overland Park, Kansas.
  • Highlights: A 12-acre farm with animals, pony rides, fishing, and wagon rides.
  • Why Kids Love It: Hands-on activities like bottle-feeding baby goats and petting farm animals.

6. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun

  • Location: North Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A combined amusement and water park with rides, slides, and live entertainment.
  • Why Kids Love It: Camp Snoopy for younger kids and thrilling coasters for older children.

7. Crown Center

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Shops, restaurants, and attractions like Kaleidoscope and The Coterie Theatre.
  • Why Kids Love It: Kaleidoscope offers free creative workshops, and the seasonal Ice Terrace is perfect for winter fun.

8. Powell Gardens

  • Location: 30 miles east of Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Lush gardens with seasonal family activities like the Festival of Butterflies.
  • Why Kids Love It: The Children’s Garden features hands-on gardening activities and a giant treehouse.

9. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

  • Location: Near UMKC.
  • Highlights: A vast collection of vintage toys and intricately detailed miniatures.
  • Why Kids Love It: Nostalgic toys and the chance to see dolls, trains, and action figures from different eras.

10. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  • Location: Midtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Free admission and the expansive Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.
  • Why Kids Love It: Playing near the giant shuttlecocks and exploring kid-friendly art programs.

11. Penguin Park

  • Location: Northland area.
  • Highlights: A whimsical playground featuring giant animal sculptures like a penguin, kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Why Kids Love It: Unique play structures and a family picnic area.

12. Union Station

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Historic architecture with attractions like Science City, the Model Train Gallery, and traveling exhibits.
  • Why Kids Love It: Watching the intricate model trains and exploring interactive exhibits.

13. The Kansas City Public Library

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: The Central Library’s giant "Community Bookshelf" facade and rooftop terrace.
  • Why Kids Love It: Storytime sessions and the children’s reading area.

14. Lakes and Trails

  • Lake Jacomo: Offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature trails.
  • Loose Park: Features a playground, pond, and rose garden for family picnics.

15. Starlight Theatre

  • Location: Swope Park.
  • Highlights: Outdoor performances, including kid-friendly musicals and concerts.
  • Why Kids Love It: Magical live shows under the stars.

Things To Do When You Re Bored With Friends In Kansas City MO
10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO
10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Located within the historic Union Station, Science City spans over 100,000 square feet and offers an array of interactive exhibits and activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning. It’s one of Kansas City’s top destinations for families and visitors of all ages.

Highlights of Science City

  • Hands-On Learning: Explore over 50 interactive exhibits across themes like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
  • Maker Studio: Engage in creative problem-solving and build your own projects using tools and technology.
  • Sky Bike: Test your balance and bravery by pedaling a bike along a high wire.
  • Dino Lab: Learn about paleontology and get up close to dinosaur fossils and replicas.
  • Planetarium: Experience stunning shows that explore the universe and beyond.

Why Visit?

  • Perfect for kids, teens, and adults with a love for discovery and exploration.
  • Conveniently located in Union Station, surrounded by other attractions like the Model Train Exhibit and live theater performances.
  • Offers rotating exhibits and seasonal events, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

Pro Tip:

  • Combine your trip to Science City with a visit to the surrounding Union Station attractions for a full day of fun and learning.

Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

11 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

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  • Access key services and information about Kansas City on the official city website.

    Kansas City metropolitan area

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    2. Raytown
    3. Kansas City Royals
    Source
  • Explore the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City for local news and updates. Source
  • Discover the Kansas City Area Development Council's role in business and talent relocation. Source
  • Stay informed about weather conditions and forecasts in Kansas City with the National Weather Service. Source
  • Access detailed demographic and statistical information about Kansas City, Kansas from the U.S. Census Bureau. Source

11 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

Frequently Asked Questions

Notable landmarks in Kansas City include the Liberty Memorial, Union Station, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Country Club Plaza with its Spanish-inspired architecture.

Kansas City is a unique metropolitan area divided by the Missouri River, straddling the border of Kansas and Missouri. There are two distinct cities named Kansas City: one in Missouri (the larger and more populous) and one in Kansas.

Apart from its famous barbecue, Kansas City is known for its steak, craft breweries, and a growing farm-to-table movement. Don't miss trying the Kansas City Strip Steak and local craft beers.