34 Things to Do in Kansas City During Your Next Trip

PREPARE FOR YOU NEXT TRIP TO THE MIDWEST BY READING UP ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KANSAS CITY.

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri. It also ranks as the 29th most populated city in the United States, with over 500,000 residents.

Typically, you can find them scattered around the 100 barbecue restaurants located around the city, admiring its 200 some fountains, or soaking up some local jazz. Fun fact: The city boasts its own special musical style. Back in the 1920s, "Kansas City Jazz" emerged out of the big band tradition, eventually transforming into the bebop rhythm we recognize today.

The city also contains even more fountains than Rome, which is why many have come to call it the City of Fountains. If that's not enough to make you curious about the popular travel destination, then be sure to keep reading below. We've collected a list of the very best things to do in Kansas City!

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Best Things to Do in Kansas City

Whether you're traveling with kids, as a couple, or doing some solo adventuring, there are plenty of things to do in Kansas City, MO. Refer to the list below when putting together your itinerary.

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
Shutterstock / Ganeshkumar Durai

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art was first opened back in 1933 with funds donated from the combined estates of William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins. In the time since, the museum has centered its mission around the inclusivity of "all groups, all races, all creeds." The institution is now home to over 42,000 pieces of art, including creations that date back over 5,000 years.

Sea Life Kansas City
Twitter / @SEALIFEKC

Sea Life Kansas City accounts for the metropolis' only aquarium. There, you'll find 11 breathtaking exhibits and over 5,000 sea creatures—some of which you'll even have the opportunity to feel and touch!

The aquarium also contains the city's only ocean tunnel, which provides a 180-degree underwater experience. Visitors have the opportunity to come "face to fun" with sharks, rescued sea turtles, and countless species of fish. They even offer an "activity trail" for anyone aged 3+, so bonus points if you're traveling with kids!

Legoland Discovery Center
Twitter / @LDCKansasCity

Speaking of things to do with kids, the aquarium also connects to Legoland Discovery Center, which contains a massive indoor playground. You can even buy combo tickets to both attractions to save on costs. The Discovery Center also contains a 4D cinema, Virtual Reality experiences, rides, and a replica of the city built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks!

Downtown Kansas City
Shutterstock / Panupong1988

Be sure to take a break from formal attractions to explore downtown Kansas City. Voted one of America's "best downtowns" by Forbes, the region is home to some amazing skyscrapers, art deco architecture, and historic districts.

Find a scenic spot and hole up at one of the metro's many eateries (if you like barbecue, you're in luck—Kansas City is home to over 100 restaurants honoring the city's signature style). There are also tons of outdoor markets for shopping and people-watching.

18th & Vine Jazz District
Shutterstock / JOHN ERIC JACKSON

While we're on the subject of historic districts, 18th & Vine is where the city's signature musical style was born. Jazz music, also known as America's only indigenous art form, first surfaced in the city back in the '20s. Residents continue to celebrate the legacy today with a slew of live music venues, jazz clubs, street festivals, and more. Some of the most talked-about places to visit include the Mutual Musicians Foundation, the Blues Room, and Jamin' at the Gem.

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American Jazz Museum
Shutterstock / Geoff Goldswain

Also located around 18th & Vine is Kansas City's American Jazz Museum. The venue celebrates the legacy of jazz through exhibition, education, and research. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits and films, along with live performances hosted within the museum's jazz club and arts center.

Since opening its doors back in 1997, the museum has hosted thousands of students, scholars, musicians, and fans for over 200 performances, education programs, exhibitions, and community events.

Airline History Museum
Shutterstock / EQRoy

Adding to the list of Kansas City's many museums is the Airline History Museum. There, you'll be able to inspect both operational and retired aircraft, as well as flight simulators. Save time for the interactive exhibits as well. That way, you'll walk away with plenty of new information on how the aviation industry influenced the city's development.

Some of the most impressive vessels housed at the National Airline History Museum include the TWA Moonliner (a passenger rocket concept), the Lockheed L-1049 Constellation, and the KC Eaglet.

Union Station
Shutterstock / APN Photography

For those who haven't yet heard, Union Station has been nicknamed Kansas City's "visual voice." First opened in 1914, the railroad also contains over 100 years of history and attractions designed for all ages.

This is also where Science City takes place, which consists of over 300 interactive exhibits and STEM-based events. Other attractions include a planetarium, movie theater, and a live performing arts center. Union Station also contains plenty of shopping activities and restaurants to enjoy.

Boulevard Brewing Company
Twitter / @Boulevard_Beer

Speaking of great places to eat, the Boulevard Brewing Company is a popular place to come for some fresh, local brews. The beer hall also offers tours for groups interested in learning more about the warehouse.

Founded in 1989, the Boulevard Brewing Company is now recognized as one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest. Inspired by a trip to Europe, the company founder prefers using a combination of old and new brewing techniques. According to him, it's the only way to bring out the flavor, aroma, and body that beer lovers crave.

Kansas City Public Library
Shutterstock / PhotoTrippingAmerica

Often celebrated for its lavish exterior, the Kansas City Public Library contains enough resources to serve all 1.7 million metropolitan residents of greater Kansas City. First established back in 1873, the institution now serves as a cultural center for the city and is often recognized for helping transform KC from a country town into a thriving metropolis.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Twitter / @NermanMuseum

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art contains an internationally recognized collection of emerging and established artists. Each year, over 100,000 visitors come to admire its many sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and photography.

The art museum is also located on the campus of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, allowing for classrooms, preparation areas, and an impressive auditorium. In total, visitors will get to explore 11 expansive galleries dedicated to its temporary exhibitions and permanent collections.

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Country Club Plaza
Shutterstock / Mike Mahin

We told you Kansas City was the city of fountains, and this is where we deliver! Country Club Plaza is the city's shopping mecca, consisting of 15 blocks of shops, restaurants, art exhibits, and more. It also houses one of the city's most recognizable landmarks: the fountain in Mill Creek Park. The structure was actually built in Paris back in 1910 and brought to Kansas City a few decades later in 1951.

The fountain depicts four heroic horsemen who supposedly represent four of the world's most powerful rivers: the Mississippi River (fending off an alligator), the Volga River (with the bear), the Seine, and the Rhine. It also contains four smaller moldings of children playing on fish. These figures are often referred to as "dolphins."

Kansas City Zoo
Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

The Kansas City Zoo first opened its doors back in 1909, with four lions, three monkeys, a wolf, a fox, a coyote, a badger, a lynx, and an eagle, along with a few other birds. Today, the zoo is recognized as one of the top 60 zoos in the nation. The 202-acre nature sanctuary even features cameras that allow individuals to get a glimpse of animals from home!