15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City (KS)

Kansas City in Kansas is not to be mistaken for its namesake Kansas City in nearby Missouri, and while one is undoubtedly more famous than the other, Kansas City in Kansas should not be overlooked as a place to visit. One of the best things about the city is the fact that it is packed with attractions that will delight younger visitors.

This means that if you are travelling with children, you will not be short of activities to choose from, many of which are educational in nature, whilst also being fun and engaging. If you like history, then Kansas City, Kansas won’t disappoint, and you can visit historical sites such as the point where Lewis and Clark stayed when they came to Kansas.

When it comes to natural beauty, Kansas City also delivers, and as this is the point where the picturesque Kansas and Missouri rivers meet, you can enjoy these historic waterways as well as a wealth of outdoor spaces like lush parks and nature trails.

Lets explore the best things to do in Kansas City:

1. Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is known for being one of the best water parks in Kansas City, so if you want to make a splash then you need to head here.

The park has eight waterslides as well as four different pools to choose from, and there are also two whirlpools if you fancy going for a spin.

For those who are feeling brave, there is also a tipping bucket that can hold 1,000 gallons of water.

As well as the water features, there is also an arcade and game room that sprawls over 7,000 square feet, as well as a restaurant and even a miniature golf course.

2. Kansas Avenue of Murals

Art lovers should not miss the chance to visit the Kansas Avenue of Murals while they are in town for the opportunity to see some of the city’s best public art.

The project is made up of eight colorful murals that stretch along four blocks in the historic downtown area of Kansas City.

The murals are not just works of art, but also tell the story of the culture and historical background of this city.

3. Legendary Kansas at Legends Outlet Kansas City

To learn more about some of the most famous members of Kansas City, make sure to take a trip to the Legendary Kansans exhibit at the Legends Outlet Kansas City.

Here you will find an exhibition that is dedicated to 80 of the most well known residents of the city, that come from all walks of life including sport, politics, art, and history.

The outlet stretches over 800,000 square feet and as well as the Legendary Kansans exhibit there is also a retail and entertainment park here with a whole host of dining options and stores.

4. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

If you are travelling with children then don’t miss the chance to come to Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant which first opened its doors in 1954. You can order your food here using an old fashioned telephone, and your meal is then delivered to you by a train.

The service may be quirky, but the restaurant is as well known for its dishes as for its trains, and the delicious food is said to be the reason that this restaurant has been in operation for decades.

5. John Brown Statue

In the center of the city lies one of its most famous and iconic sights, the John Brown Statue.

The statue is actually a memorial that is dedicated to John Brown, an opponent of slavery who worked tirelessly in the city to end this practice in the days of old.

Certainly not visit here is complete without making the trip out to see this statue of an amazing member of the local community.

6. Grinter Place State Historic Site

Grinter Place Historic Site was built in 1857 and is said to be one of the best examples of Georgian Vernacular architecture in the city.

The home used to belong to Moses Grinter, one of the pioneer settlers in Kansas City who is also credited with establishing the first ever ferry service to cross the mighty Kansas River.

The house is nestled on the Delaware Indian Reserve and is sad to be one of the oldest farmhouses in all of Kansas.

7. Cider Hill Family Orchard

If you want to try some of the freshest and most delicious local produce in Kansas City, then consider a trip to the Cider Hill Family Orchard where you can pick your own apples as well as blackberries, cherries, pears, and even pumpkins when they are in season.

As well as picking your own fruit, you can also ride on an old fashioned Apple Wagon as well as enjoy the Pumpkin Patch and the fishing pond.

8. Lewis and Clark Park at Kaw Point

Lewis and Clark first arrived at Kaw Point, which also happen to be the spot where the Missouri and Kansas Rivers combine, in 1804, so this is a place of extreme cultural and historical significance in Kansas City.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is known to have set up camp here and stayed for three days, and Kaw Point is still much as it would have been at that time, filled with gorgeous flora and fauna and woodlands.

There is a Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail here where you can get some exercise and also take in the majesty of the natural environment, and you can also enjoy an open air education pavilion that will fill you in on all the history of this area.

9. Old Quindaro Museum and Information Center

Come to the Quindaro Museum if you want to learn more about the historical and cultural contributions of the African American community in Kansas City.

You need to make an appointment in order to take a tour here, but it is well worth it as you travel back in time and take in exhibits that will teach you about slavery in the Kansas City area, and some of the items in the collections here even feature old fashioned shackles.

10. Big 11 Lake

Big 11 Lake sprawls over almost four acres and is the place to come in Kansas City if you like fishing and want to have a go at catching some of the local species.

There is also an amphitheater here which has shows throughout the year, and there are picnic areas if you fancy bringing a bite to eat as you fish.

The lake is a popular destination for families, so if you are travelling with children then make sure not to miss the chance to come here and savor the great outdoors in Kansas City.

11. Cabela’s

Cabela’s is a pro shop that has everything you could need in order to go hunting or fishing, but its real claim to fame is the Mule Deer Country Museum that is located inside and has the largest collection of trophy mule in the entire world.

As well as the museum, there is also an arcade on site as well as an art gallery, archery range, restaurant, and gift shop.

As if that wasn’t enough there are also other amazing exhibits such as the colorful African Diorama and there is even an aquarium that is stocked with some giant catfish.

12. CommunityAmerica Ballpark

If you want to catch an all-American baseball game then look no further than CommunityAmerica Ballpark which is also the home ground of the minor league team, the Kansas City T-Bones.

The ballpark has a capacity of over 6,000 spectators and there are different ways that you can take in a game, such as a party deck and party field.

For children, there is also a dedicated kid’s play area so that the whole family can enjoy the atmosphere and festivities.

13. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City is the host of a river that stretches for over a mile and will take you on a wild ride that passes water slides, wave pools, and water coasters.

There are 13 different slides to choose from here, as well as sand areas that make up artificial beaches and you can even rent a private cabana and relax on the sand in style.

There is also a heated pool, or you can choose to go tubing or boogie boarding.

If you get hungry, then you can always hit up the refreshment bar that is also on site.

14. Rosedale Memorial Arch

The Rosedale Memorial Arch may look familiar to some visitors as it is actually modeled on the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.

The arch is a smaller version of its famous cousin, and was designed by John LeRoy Marshall and first erected in 1923. There is also a memorial underneath the arch which is dedicated to veterans and soldiers who gave their lives in the Second World War as well as the Vietnam and Korean wars.

15. Clendening History of Medicine Museum

For a quirky day out, consider a trip to the Clendening History of Medicine Museum which has a huge collection of memorabilia dedicated to medicine.

The collection here will take you back in time and show you pieces from different cultures and you will also get the chance to see pieces of vintage equipment that would have been used during the American Civil War as well as the First and Second world wars.

If you have never seen a collection of historical medicinal equipment, then this is definitely not to be missed when you are in town, although you will need to make an appointment in advance.