14 of the Best Things to Do in Kansas City

 

Blues, brews, baseball and barbecue are only a few of the many exciting things to do in Kansas City. Grab the family, ditch the car (see below!) and check out these 14 places to eat, drink and experience while exploring this living piece of history.

Stroll the Power & Light District

The Power & Light District is a hub for a variety of downtown activities.

Be one of the millions each year who head to the popular Power & Light District, which includes eight blocks of great things to do in Kansas City. In addition to a variety of delectable, taste bud-pleasing options, the district also features shopping and entertainment.

Browse 34,000+ Works of Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art itself is a work of neoclassical architecture.

Kansas City offers many ways to appreciate the arts. A must-see stop, however, is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It’s an internationally renowned artistic feast for the senses—and you can see it for free, which makes it one of the most affordable things to do in Kansas City.

Jam at the American Jazz Museum and Blue Room

The Blue Room hosts live performances multiple nights a week.

Treat the eyes and ears at the American Jazz Museum and its famous Blue Room. This staple is only one of many music-related things to do in Kansas City, offering an immersive look at the city’s jazz scene. As day turns to dusk, head back for the Blue Room’s evening musical lineup—which could even include you during the weekly Blue Monday Jam!

Ride the KC Streetcar

Take advantage of the KC Streetcar as an easy way to get to multiple destinations.

Don’t worry about parking when you visit downtown Kansas City. The KC Streetcar takes riders along two miles through the heart of downtown, and it’s a perfect way to see the city worry-free—and for free, as there’s no cost to ride! It even runs seven days a week, so it's a perfect way to sample some of the many things to do in Kansas City.

Stop and Smell the Roses at Loose Park

The roses at Loose Park generally bloom throughout the summer.

The peaceful vibe at Jacob L. Loose Park is a far cry from its former life as a site in a Civil War battle. Today, the 75-acre park offers guests a pond, playground and nearly 4,000 beautiful, blossoming roses at the right time of year. It also offers a unique cultural peek inside Japanese tea ceremonies, which are held in an on-site Japanese tea house.

Sample Local, Seasonal Fare at the City Market

Visit the City Market to get a taste of what’s in season while hunting for antiques.

Take part in history dating back to 1857 with a visit to the City Market. While it’s open daily, weekends are special—on Saturdays and Sundays, dozens of vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more at the region’s largest farmers market. A vintage sale also draws enthused collectors and unique treasure hunters on Sundays.

Journey Back in Time at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Discover how the U.S. became involved in the first World War.

World War I may have taken place across the sea, but this distinct way to remember it certainly makes our list of things to do in Kansas City. Since 1921, people have visited the National WWI Museum and Memorial to learn the story of one of the world’s most devastating events. The site also offers exhibitions and educational programs.

Get in on the KC ‘Cue Scene at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue

Sampling Kansas City’s own take on BBQ is crucial for any visit.

No list of things to do in Kansas City would be complete without mentioning the barbecue. This particular Kansas City tradition started back in 1957, and in the years since, the fame of Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue has grown across the entire nation. Several area locations allow diners to sample ribs, burnt ends or “Poor Russ” BBQ mix—the restaurant’s most popular sandwich, built of chopped brisket, hickory-smoked burnt ends and barbecue sausage.

Sip Craft Beers from Boulevard Brewing Company

Kansas City is becoming just as known for its beer scene as it’s BBQ scene.

The story of Boulevard Brewing Company is one that calls for a celebratory drink. The brewery began in Kansas City in 1989 when a local entrepreneur began brewing beer reminiscent of European flavors he sampled while abroad. Today, Boulevard is a Kansas City staple. While in town, take a tour, then grab a cold one from one of 30 tap handles in Boulevard’s beer hall.

Discover Cocktails From Another Era at Manifesto

If cocktails are your thing, then Manifesto is a must-try.

Experience another era without needing a time machine at Manifesto, a cocktail lounge inside a former speakeasy. The lounge’s ambiance—and its creative cocktail menu—offers guests a unique step-back-in-time experience. It’s a place that Esquire magazine named one of the “Best Bars in America” in 2013, and it also makes our list of the top things to do in Kansas City.

Watch the Pros Play Ball at Kauffman Stadium

Mix with the locals at one of Kansas City’s most popular past-times — a Royals game.

Fans don’t need convincing that catching a game at Kauffman Stadium is one of the best things to do in Kansas City. Kauffman is home to the Kansas City Royals, a bleed-blue spot for fans of the famed baseball team. Outfield tickets can be surprisingly affordable, and the stadium hosts special “theme” nights that offer fun activities paired with a ballgame.

Explore Science, History and More at Union Station

If you’re traveling with kids, Union Station may be one of the best places to take them in Kansas City.

Enjoy several different experiences at Union Station, a one-stop opportunity for a variety of things to do in Kansas City. The site is home to a historic train station, a planetarium, Science City, a giant-screen movie theater, traveling exhibits and more.

Seek Thrills at Worlds of Fun

The Mamba is one of the most popular rollercoasters at Worlds of Fun.

All of the other things to do in Kansas City aside, you could easily spend a whole day seeking adrenaline-filled adventure at Worlds of Fun, one of the top amusement parks in the Midwest. You’ll find both vintage-inspired and modern rollercoasters, among other rides. The Mamba, for example, pulls you up over 200 feet and then drops you to the ground at a heart-stopping 75 mph. And if you’re looking to spend the day in a bathing suit, admission includes access to the adjacent Oceans of Fun waterpark.

Watch Wildlife at the Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo first opened more than 100 years ago, back in 1909.

The Kansas City Zoo offers 200 acres of up-close viewing and interaction with animals and birds in natural habitat enclosures. Say hello to dozens of penguins splashing around in their 100,000-gallon pool at the Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Then, get a bird’s eye view of the African Sky Safari to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos and more.