The pearl of Missouri, hospitable and attractive Kansas City, is famous for delicious barbecue, jazz and original museums. Its business card has become fountains, the number of which it is second only to Rome. In terms of the variety of attractions and entertainment, KC successfully competes with the larger and more famous cities of the Midwest. Those who come to Kansas City for a weekend or vacation will find a lot of interesting activities. You will study contemporary art in the best galleries of the USA, take a tour of the largest farmer’s market in the region, learn how American jazz was born, you will be able to ride extreme rides and a real racing car. For those who are planning a trip to the Fountain City, we have described the 26 best activities in Kansas City.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is the first and largest museum of contemporary art in Missouri. Its permanent collection contains more than 1,400 exhibits dating from the 1900s to the present day. The halls feature works by famous artists — Jackson Pollock, David Hockney, Georgia O’Keefe, Dale Chihuly, Willem de Kooning, as well as a collection of photographs by Nan Goldin. In addition to the main exhibition, 10-12 temporary exhibitions are held annually in the museum. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art building was designed by architect Gunnar Birkerts, who is known for innovative work with technologies and materials. A huge spider figure is installed next to the entrance. You can visit the museum for free.
Historic Union Station
If you don’t know where to spend a rainy day in Kansas City, head to Union Station. This railway station, which is more than 100 years old, is the most famous historical landmark of the city and the most popular place for family holidays. First admire the stunning interior of the Great Hall, its ornate ceiling, huge chandeliers and antique clocks, and then go explore the local attractions — shops, restaurants, exhibitions and entertainment areas.
The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium is located in the Kansas City Union Station building, offering guests astronomical programs, as well as spectacular laser and light shows with the participation of favorite musicians and bands. In the Extreme Screen Theatre with the largest screen in the region, you can watch not only popular blockbusters, but also educational documentaries with amazing special effects. Dramas, comedies and musicals are staged daily at the City Stage Theatre. Another amazing place is the Gallery of model trains, where more than 80 miniature trains run.
The most popular family attraction of Union Station is Science City. This is an interactive museum that will introduce you to the amazing world of science in a playful way. After exploring 26 thematic zones located on two levels, you will learn about alternative energy sources, visit space, participate in archaeological excavations and study the laws of the universe. Exciting discoveries, scientific experiments and many other entertainments are waiting for you.
Kansas City Power & Light District
Kansas City Power & Light District is a popular entertainment district in the city center. It consists of eight blocks, where more than 100 bars, restaurants and shops are concentrated. The T-Mobile Center stadium, the College Basketball Experience basketball club and the city’s only cinema with IMAX technology B&B Theaters Mainstream KC are also located here. The whole block is occupied by the entertainment center KC Live!. On its two levels there are popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and in the courtyard there is a concert venue, where many events take place throughout the year. Dirks Bentley, Vance Joy, The Commodores, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, The Lumineers and many others have performed on the local stage.
Kansas City Power & Light District restaurants will satisfy the most demanding gourmets. Bristol offers delicious dishes made from fresh seafood. The Mixx, which specializes in healthy food, will prepare a delicious and healthy salad right in front of you in 30 seconds. The BRGR KITCHEN + BAR serves the best burgers in the city, and the Blue Sushi Sake Grill offers a large assortment of sushi, maki, sashimi and nigiri.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a whole world created from Lego constructors. The indoor family attraction located in the Crown Center includes interactive playgrounds for the whole family, the LEGO 4D Cinema, the LEGO NINJAGO training camp, The Great LEGO Race virtual reality zone, as well as a cafe and gift shop. Here you can unleash your imagination by creating masterpieces for the LEGO gallery, participate in races on self-built cars, defeat trolls and a dragon to save the princess, and enjoy exciting movies with stunning special effects.
One of the most interesting places in LEGOLAND Discovery Center is MINILAND. Here you can see replicas of Kansas City’s most popular attractions made from 1.5 million Lego bricks. It took a team of 15 people more than 5,000 hours to create it.
Crown Center District
Crown Center is one of the best places to see in Kansas City. The entertainment district, located near the historical center of the city, contains the most popular tourist attractions. There is a huge three—level shopping center Crown Center with many restaurants and shops, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Hallmark Visitor Center, Kaleidoscope children’s Studio, as well as 2 theaters – Coterie Theater and Music Theatre Heritage. If you come to Kansas City in winter, be sure to skate on the Crown Center ice terrace – the best public skating rink in the city.
It will take you a few days to explore everything Crown Center has to offer. And in the neighboring area are the Union Station, the National Museum and Memorial of the First World War and the Museum of Money. If you book a room at The Westin or Sheraton, all the best in Kansas City will be within walking distance.