Need to get out of town for a day or two or more? Kansas City, KS/MO is three hours away and there are great family attractions. We visited over LPS spring break last year and crammed in as much as we could in two days: Legoland, Sea Life and Science City. I'm hoping to go again this year and if we do we will go to new places but one place that we will definitely go to again is Science City!
Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit:
- Science City
- Legoland
- Kansas City Zoo
- Crowne Center
- Fritz's
- Sea Life Aquarium (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Aquarium is comparable)
- IKEA (FREE-technically it is ;)
- WWI Museum
- Kaleidoscope (FREE)
- Money Museum at Federal Reserve Bank (FREE)
- College Basketball Experience
- Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (FREE)
- National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
- Deanna Rose Children's Farm
- Wonderscope-Children's Museum of Kansas city
Science City
I have been to a lot of museums and this is one of the best museums that we have ever been to. It is hands-on, engaging, interactive, and for all ages: toddler to great grandma. If I didn't have kids I would still go to this museum and have a great time. Science City is at Union Station, about 3.5 hours away and should be added to all Kansas City weekends. I would plan at least half a day but you could easily spend an entire day. The cost to visit Science City is $14.25 for everyone 3 and up (including seniors). Under 3 is FREE. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. We visited on a Saturday and despite it being a weekend it didn't feel super crowded because the space is airy, bright and open. We had such a great time! I recommend it. You can learn more about Science City on their website, Instagram and on Facebook.
If you belong to Morrill Hall, the Edgerton Explorit Center or the Omaha Children's Museum-you get into Science City for FREE. Bring your card with!
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Legoland
| Legoland Discovery Center-If you have a kid that loves Legos then this will blow them away. Inside you will find a miniland, two rides, a 4D cinema, an art gallery, Lego Friends Heartlake City, Earthquake tables, Lego Racers Build, a huge indoor playground and Test and Duplo areas. |
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Overall, we really enjoyed our time at Legoland. Here are my Top 5 Takeaways:
#1: Don't go on a crowded day if possible. We went on one of the busiest days of the year (their spring break). The lines to go on the two rides were almost an hour. If you can go on a weekday when school is in session, I would do that. I had read reviews from other parents who said that it was warm and they were right. It is warm so dress your kids in short sleeved shirts. They will be moving a lot.
#2: Plan for at least four hours to do everything and get your money's worth. It is between $20-$40/person depending upon the time/day/attractions that you want to see.
#3: Book in advance. Go online and book your ticket and choose the time that you will be at Legoland. They work to make sure it isn't really crowded so you will choose an entrance time. You can stay as long as you want but you can't go in at 9:00 AM if your entrance time is 1:00 PM.
#4: So much to do! Take your time and enjoy it. The space isn't huge but there is a lot in it. It is designed well with good sight lines so you can watch more than one kid if needed to.
#5: The whole family can enjoy Legoland. My husband and I had a competition to build the best earthquake proof tower, my youngest was happy to build with the large Lego blocks and my 6 and 8 year old could have spent all day there. It is a day trip that every age will like.
Legoland is in the Crown Center at 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108. They are open Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM and Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.
The Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is located in Swope Park. Swope Park is enormous and covers 1,805 acres. It is home to not only the zoo but a disc golf course, golf courses, a playground, equestrian stables, hiking and biking trails, a theater and numerous shelters. It is open year round from 8:00-4:00 on weekdays and 8:00-5:00 on weekends. The Kansas City Zoo is a 4-5 hour excursion to do everything but little legs would probably get tired at around hour 2.5 or 3.
If you are a member of the Lincoln Zoo make sure to bring your membership card. The Lincoln Zoo and Kansas City Zoo have reciprocity.
