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Kansas City, Missouri Attractions
The rich tapestry of Kansas City is made up of a motorcycle factory open for tours; a world-class art museum; a restored train station; and a jazz and blues district with a complex devoted to the contributions of African- Americans. For information on lodging and dining and other attractions, visit VisitKC or call 800/767-7700, 816/221-5242.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo Drive in Swope Park
Kansas City, MO 64132
816/513-5700
“It’s all happenin’ at the zoo,” and it’s located in America’s second largest urban park. Visit with over 1,000 exotic animals from all over the world on over 200 acres of naturalistic settings. Hop aboard the zoo train, tram or boat, ride a pony, or even a camel. You can also take the kids to the "Discovery Barn," an area just for kids and families where you can see animals up-close and participate in the interactive learning.
Kaleidoscope
2501 Grand Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
816/274-8301
A favorite area of the Hallmark Visitors Center at the Crown Center, Kaleidoscope is a unique creative art workshop for kids, offered free of charge. Mountains of materials are available from recycled items from Hallmark’s card manufacturing process, and kids are encouraged to let their imaginations go wild. Call ahead for a schedule of sessions and workshops at this terrific and unique attraction.
The Toy and Miniature Museum
5235 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
816/333-9328
Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, this museum features the private collections of three long-time Kansas Citizens who, due to their extensive holdings, were often told that “they should start a museum.” Currently occupying 33 rooms of a former private home dating from 1911, the museum has been expanding since its inception in 1982. The collections include more than 100 furnished dolls’ houses and room settings; a transportation room showcasing trains, toy cars and planes; displays of 19th century German toys and examples of many American toy manufacturers; a collection of Russian lacquer boxes; and contemporary toys from the 1950s through the present.
Paul Mesner Puppets
1006 Linwood Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64109
816/756-3500
Every season, this puppet theatre presents productions of classic and contemporary shows such as "St. George & the Dragon," "Anansi Returns," "Cinderella," and more. Kids can also attend workshops and create sock puppets, marionettes and rod puppets.
Puppetry Arts Institute
11025 East Winner Road
Independence, MO 64052
816/833-9777
If you plan a side trip to the Harry S. Truman sites in the nearby town of Independence, your younger kids will appreciate a stop here to take in a puppet show, view displays of puppets from Asia and Europe, and attend a puppet-making demonstration or workshop. Puppet appraisal and repair is also available.
Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.
502 East Walnut St
Belton, MO 64012
816/331-0630
Located about a 30 minute drive from downtown KC in Belton, a town built by the railroad, this all-volunteer operation recreates small town railroading from the 1930's through the 1950’s. Hop aboard such cars as a 1920's open window coach, a 1960's open-air flatcar with picnic tables and a 1970's red caboose pulled by a 1957 diesel-electric locomotive, and enjoy a 45-minute round trip excursion to the past.
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