Here a list of free fun in Kansas City you can experience this summer with your family. These are great ideas to use to create your summer bucket list!
Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
This is a fun, short walk-in, and self-guided tour to do with your kids. You can go through different
exhibits, lift a real gold bar, and learn about the US economy. You can also take home a free souvenir bag of shredded U.S. currency. As part of their summer offerings, the Museum will have 30-minute free walk-in pop-up tours. The tours will be every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Check their website as the Museum open days and times can vary. Since it is a federal building, all visitors must go through airport-style security screening at the entrance. Guests over 18 years old are required to show a valid government-issued photo I.D. Parking is also free at the visitors lot off Wyandotte Street.
After visiting the Money Museum, consider walking to the Liberty Memorial, and enjoy my favorite Kansas City skyline view.
Kaleidoscope
At Kaleidoscope, kids can let loose their creativity. They can create all sorts of art with Hallmark materials and Crayola supplies in the different stations available for them. Creative sessions are timed for a better flow, your family will have 50 minutes to create, explore and have fun. And then you can take home all your creations. Make sure you visit their website to make reservations as that is the only way to guarantee your entrance. When planning your visit, take into consideration that they are closed Sundays and Mondays. Kaleidoscope is ideal for kids 14 and under and is in Crown Center.
Hallmark Visitor Center
During your visit, you will learn about Hallmark history, see interactive displays, exhibits, and watch a film that highlights Hallmark history. My daughter loved the bow making machine and the scavenger hunt sheet they provided us at the entrance. The Hallmark Visitor Center is open Tuesday to Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can easily combine this visit when you visit Kaleidoscope as they are next to each other. It will take around two hours to do both.
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
If your family enjoys outdoors, then you must visit this center. Located in Kansas City southwest of Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard and Troost Avenue, this center has eight acres of natural areas. During your visit you can enjoy nature trails, a children’s nature play area, indoor exhibits, bird watching and more. They also offer free nature programs regularly. Check their website for more details.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum is a leading presenter of global modern and contemporary art in the region. With nearly 1500 artworks in their permanent collection, you can fill many hours of fun and learning. In addition, each year the museum offers eight to ten exhibitions and major projects. Kemper Museum admission, parking, and public programs are free. Schedule your visit for this summer, but keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Kemper Museum offers programs and tours tailored for kids only, to learn more about these opportunities visit their website.
Shoal Creek Living History Museum
It’s a great option for families that want to be in contact with nature while learning about Missouri history. Located in Hodge Park with around 80 acres, this property has walking trails, a pioneer village recreation, civil war era buildings and it’s great for a picnic. The museum is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours. While you are there, catch a glimpse of the bison near the entrance of the museum.
KC Streetcar Route
Another fun activity that our family enjoys is riding the streetcar and exploring the 2.2 miles route that runs from River Market to Union Station. With 16 stops, you will find many areas to discover and places to visit. Stop at the Kansas City Public Library and snap a picture in front of their beautiful parking garage. Get your art fix at 21c Museum Hotel for rotating art exhibitions. Venture around the Power and Light District, and admire the many beautiful murals you will find on the route. If you go do this before July 4th, make sure you find the hearts sculptures (Parade of Hearts) and snap a picture with them. Bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on the streetcar.
To add to your family fun this summer don’t forget the many public parks, playgrounds, splash pads and library programs our city has to offer.
Kansas City sure does have a wide variety of places for families to fill their days with fun and memories you will treasure forever, make sure to take advantage of them all.
