Location: Kansas City
Top Things to do in Kansas City
- 1. National World War I Museum and Memorial
- 2. Sporting Park
- 3. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- 4. Kansas Speedway
- 5. The Legends at Village West
- 6. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- 7. Arabia Steamboat Museum
- 8. The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
- 9. Kauffman Stadium
- 10. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
What to do and see in Kansas City, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Kansas City is the third-largest city in the State of Kansas, the county seat of Wyandotte County, and the third-largest city of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Kansas City, Kansas is abbreviated as "KCK" to differentiate it from Kansas City, Missouri, after which it is named. It is part of a consolidated city-county government known as the "Unified Government". Wyandotte County also includes the independent cities of Bonner Springs and Edwardsville. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 145,786 residents. It is situated at Kaw Point, which is the junction of the Missouri and Kansas rivers.
Restaurants in Kansas City
1. National World War I Museum and Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America's official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National World War I Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.
Reviewed By Windsurferguy01 - Churchville, Maryland
This is a great museum and very well curated. It really is two parts. The inside museum which is excellent and the actual outside memorial which is impressive and if you have not been to Kansas City before, the view of the city is great. This is a must see if you visit Kansas City. parking can be a little tough on the loop road in front of the museum, but it is a nice walk if you can't find a spot. Don't miss the café, great food, wonderful personal service
2. Sporting Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By Beachlvr83 - McKinney, Texas
My husband and I visited Children’s Mercy Park for our Alma Mater’s Division II Football Championship, Texas A&M-Commerce and what an incredible place and weekend it was!! State of the facility, chairs were SO comfortable, even though we barely sat down during the whole game, restrooms and concessions were all very clean, a very nice pro shop to buy t-shirts and hoodies, and parking was very close for tailgating. All of that made our experience of winning the national championship that much sweeter!! Plus the big video screens at both end zones and the amazing fireworks when we won!! Epic!!! Great job Sporting Park!!
3. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Drop in for an hour, come for lunch, or spend the entire day wandering through world-class galleries. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the cultural jewel of Kansas City and just three blocks from the Country Club Plaza, and admission is free. The Nelson-Atkins, recognized as one of America’s finest art museums, strives to be the place where the power of art engages the spirit of community. With 40,000 works of art, the Nelson-Atkins is best known for its new Bloch Galleries, featuring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, plus its Asian art, photography, American paintings, American Indian and Egyptian galleries. The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, a beautiful setting for a walk or picnic, is an oasis in the city and home to notable sculptures.
Reviewed By DMartin216 - Chicago, Illinois
We chose to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum because they were hosting an exhibit entitled “Through the Eyes of Picasso.” The exhibit examined Picasso’s influence by and use of African and other aboriginal images, especially tribal masks. In some cases, a specific mask was shown alongside a Picasso painting, making it undeniable that this was the source. We began to think about some of Picasso’s works that were already familiar to us and suddenly began to see the aboriginal influence. It was a terrific exhibit that will forever inform our appreciation of the works of one of our favorite artists.
The museum also had a Chinese exhibit called “Dreams of the Kings,” a collection of art and other items from the Han Dynasty, including an entire full-body suit of jade. It took about 90 minutes to see both exhibits and take the requisite photos outside by the giant shuttlecocks.
4. Kansas Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Winston C - White Bear Lake
Visited on a NASCAR weekend and found this Speedway to be particularly fan friendly from the standpoint of ticket prices, food costs, access to seating, visibility to entire track, and especially access to infield area and activities. Just 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City, MO but with plenty of accommodations in the immediate area as well.
5. The Legends at Village West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Large retail, lodging and entertainment complex features a wide range of tourist venues including Cabela's, Nebraska Furniture Mart, The Great Wolf Lodge and the Community America Ballpark.
Reviewed By Michael G - Lansing, Kansas
This is a pretty nice outdoor mall. Lots of shops and pretty nice place. Security is kind of annoying (my wife works in the mall and they wont let me sit in the parking lot to wait for her to get out). Not a lot of shade in the hot summer. Gets very busy.
6. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By Vetskidog - Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Went here to see The Color Purple-The musical. The facility is very nice. The acoustics are good. However, it was a bit tricky to get from the parking garage to our seats but they had guides all along the way directing you. Very nice.
7. Arabia Steamboat Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a favorite Kansas City attraction, a history museum housing 200 tons of cargo from life on the American frontier in 1856.
Reviewed By Les R - Kansas City, MO
I sometimes find museums a little boring, but I found this museum extremely interesting! Its the cargo from an 1850s steam boat that went down just north of Kansas City in the Missouri river. I was surprised by all the goods from the boat that are so well preserved. It feels like a step back in time. There is also some pieces of the boat itself. The tour guides are very knowledgeable! There is a short film near the beginning. We were amazed that two of the men from the original excavation were on site and made a point of coming by and speaking with us and answering questions. Its obvious they love the project and the museum. We spent just short of two hours here but easily could have stay longer.
8. The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 225 reviews
This 2-acre garden is part of the Kauffman Legacy Park in the heart of Kansas City. Powell Gardens, in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, manages and maintains the garden.
Reviewed By Les R - Kansas City, MO
This beautiful garden is FREE and very convenient to many popular KC locations...(its by the Plaza and UMKC, minutes from Loose Park, Brookside, Westport, and even downtown)...if you love the outdoors and especially plants and flowers this garden is a must see. Its not that large, you feel like you are in the private garden of royal estate. Its always immaculately maintained. Of course the plants change dramatically with the 4 seasons in KC. In additional to all the wonderful plants and flowers there are several stunning fountains, quaint seating areas, a solarium with restrooms, brick sidewalks that are artwork in themselves, and a large beautiful brick wall surround with iron gates. There is a wonderful blend of plants, flowers, stone, brick, stucco, iron, and wood. If you are in a rush you can see the garden in minutes...but it would also be easy to spend all afternoon at the garden!
9. Kauffman Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Rodger R
Not a real big baseball fan but I love visiting Kauffman Stadium whenever the Royals are playing. Love the fans and the great atmosphere during the game. Very entertaining!
10. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, formerly the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City, reopened on August 1, 2015 after an $8 million renovation. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures features one of the nation's largest collection of antique toys and the world's largest collection of contemporary, fine-scale miniatures.
Reviewed By Kevin K
We spent about two hours browsing this unusual and educational museum. The miniatures were the highlight for us, seeing how intricately-made and incredibly precise each piece of art really is. One can learn some the history of miniature-making and explore the worlds of miniature doll houses, furniture, musical instruments, and household items to name just a few. A docent was explaining to another guest about the miniature harpsichord to your right as you enter the first room. Not only an exact replica, but it makes actual music when played! One would need miniature fingers, of course!
The toy museum brought back many childhood memories as toys from grandpa’s generation were displayed as antiques! I haven’t seen Cooties in 55 years. Yikes! Be sure to watch the video on how wooden horses are made on a lathe, cu out, carved, stained, and painted. Fascinating!
If you have a couple hours be sure to visit this fascinating museum on the UMKC campus. Ample parking.
TAGS
