Kansas City Indoor Activity Guide for Babies and Toddlers

By
Julia Willhite
-

If you have a baby or toddler and are looking for fun outings and enrichment opportunities, we’ve compiled a huge guide to help. From free activities to music classes and open gyms, there are dozens of ways to get out and have a fun day with your little one when the weather isn’t great for a trip to the park.

Mom Pro Tips

  • Many programs only run during the school year and take a break over the summer.
  • Be aware that on days school is out, toddler times may be cancelled.
  • If you want to try a class but aren’t ready to commit, ask if you can do a free trial first.
  • Double check times and prices as they are all subject to change.
  • Consider getting a membership, punch card, or POGO pass to save money.

Free Activities for Babies and Toddlers in Kansas City

Library Storytimes

Free Indoor Playgrounds

  • Open Gym at Kaw Prairie Community Church in Lenexa, KS. The indoor play structure and gymnasium are open Monday – Thursday from 9 A.M. – noon and you can come play for free. There are some balls and toys available in the gym but you can also bring your own from home.
  • Foundry Church in Lenexa, KS has a coffee shop and a small indoor play area best for
    Foundry Church Coffeehouse

    toddlers and a large gymnasium perfect for kids of all ages. Make sure to bring your own balls, scooters, and ride on toys for the gym.

  • Scheels in Overland Park has a play structure in the back by the cafe. Also, make sure you walk around and look at the aquarium, stuffed animals, and for $1 each you can ride the ferris wheel or play mini-bowling.
  • Explorer Room at Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park. This may be too advanced for small toddlers, but if your toddler is independent and loves climbing, it’s worth checking out!
  • Mall Play Places. Oak Park Mall recently removed their play area and carousel but reports are that they will eventually be replaced. Independence Center still has a play area for small kids available.
  • Indoor play places at spots like McDonalds, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A. Not all are super accessible for small children.

Free Events and Exhibits

  • Jazz Storytelling at the American Jazz Museum in KCMO. First Friday of the month at 10 a.m.

    Rotating exhibit space at Crown Center
  • Crown Center typically has two different rotating exhibits come through per year, plus Santa’s Gingerbread Station around the holidays. The exhibit is on the first level of Crown Center back by the Coterie theater. Journey to Oz is returning in spring 2024. You can see our review of the exhibit from 2019 here.
  • Kaleidoscope at Crown Center may be too advanced for some toddlers, however if your child likes coloring they will probably enjoy the 50-minute free session. Be sure to check out our Mom’s Guide to Kaleidoscope before you go.
  • The Model Train Gallery at Union Station is perfect for the train-lover in your life. The exhibit is free but does take donations. Be aware parking at Union Station is not free but you could park elsewhere and ride the KC Streetcar (free) down to Union Station. Or take The Link over from Crown Center.

Nature Centers

There is so much indoor exploration to be had at one of the many area nature centers. Make sure to check out our full guide to Kansas City area nature centers.

Play Cafes

  • Nana’s Tiny Town in Spring Hill, Kan. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (hours vary on
    My Play Cafe in Lee’s Summit

    Saturdays). Day passes are $10.99 per child.

  • Inspired Play Cafe in Overland Park. Open daily with 2-hour play sessions. Hours may vary on weekends due to party bookings. Session passes are $19 for the first child and $10 for additional children.
  • Rough and Bumble in Bonner Springs, Kan. Open daily and $14 per child for an all day play pass. Babies 0-8 month olds free with a paid sibling.
  • Up and Away Indoor Play in Lawrence, Kan. Open Tuesday-Saturday and some Sundays. $11 for all day play, $9 for siblings. Babies under 1 are free.
  • Busy Bean Play Cafe in Liberty, Mo. Offers three different 2-hour sessions on weekdays and morning sessions on weekends. Cost is $13 for the first child and $7 for additional children.
  • MY Play Cafe in Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Gardner, Kan. (New location coming to the Northland in 2024). Offers three different 2-hour sessions on weekdays and Saturdays. Cost is $12 per child.
  • Coming soon: Humanette in Brookside, MO.

Indoor Play Places with Toddler Areas and Toddler Time

Kansas Side

  • Jumperoo at Urban Air in Overland Park. The park is only open for kids 7 and under during this time. Offered on Fridays from 9 a.m. – noon and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Cost is $10.99 per child, and adults are free. Kids are FREE under 2. Urban Air socks are required. Not offered in the summer or when school is out.

    Toddler area at Urban Air
  • Jumperoo at Urban Air in Lenexa, Kan. The park is only open for kids 7 and under during this time. Offered on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – noon and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Cost is $10.99 per child and adults are free. Kids are FREE under 2. Urban Air socks are required. Not offered in the summer or when school is out.
  • Little Leapers at Sky Zone in Shawnee, Kan. The park is only open for kids 7 and under during this time. Offered on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $12 per child and adults are free. SkySocks are required.
  • Superkidz Club in Shawnee, Kan. They are open every day but Tuesday and have several 2-hour time slots available for open play. There is an area just for children 4 and under as well as a large ball pit. Kids under 1 get in FREE. Toddlers age 1-3 get in for $12.99 and adults are free. Spots are limited so make reservations online. Grippy socks are required for kids and adults.
  • Kids Empire in Olathe, Kan. has an area for kids under 4. Admission is $20 per child and adults are free. Kids Empire is one of the only spots that allows you to leave and re-enter the same day with your receipt. They are open daily at 10 a.m. Socks are required.
  • Rainbow of the Heartland in Olathe, Kan. offers open play on weekdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $7.50 per child (cash/check) or $8 (card). The showroom is open, and kids can play on the playsets, swings, and trampolines.

Missouri Side

  • Little Leapers at Sky Zone in Lee’s Summit, Mo. The park is only open for kids 7 and under during this time. Offered on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. $14 per child and adults are free. SkySocks are required.
  • Toddler Time at Above All Trampoline Park in Liberty, Mo. The park is only open for kids 6 and under during the first hour. Offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – noon. It is $7.99 per child and a parent is included. Jumping opens to all at 11 a.m. Above All socks are required.
  • Toddler Time at Get Air in Independence, Mo. The park is only open for kids under 46”. Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Cost is $11.99 per child, and one adult jumps free. Special socks are required.
  • Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter in Independence, Mo offers all day play. They are open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. There is a separate area just for toddlers. Babies under 1 get in FREE and toddlers have a discounted entry at $10.49 per child. Adults are free. Make sure to bring socks!
  • Toddler Time at Fun Run in Blue Springs, Mo. Offered on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Exclusive play time for kids 6 and under until 10 a.m. when they open to the public. Admission is $6.99 per child, babies under 1 are FREE.
  • Toddler Time at Fun Run in Liberty, Mo. Offered on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Exclusive play time for kids 6 and under until 10 a.m. when they open to the public. Admission is $6.99 per child, babies under 1 are FREE. Socks are required.

Open Gyms for Toddlers

Kansas Side

  • Preschool Playground at Olathe Community Center on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. For kids age 9 months to 6 years. $5 per child and you must pre-register online.
  • Gym for Me at Lenexa Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. from September – May. Offered only on Wednesdays during the summer. $2 per child. 5 and under only.

    Preschool Playground at Olathe Community Center
  • Gym for Me at Lenexa Rec Center on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. from September – May. $2 per person. 5 and under only.
  • Open Gym at 360 Gymnastics in Olathe on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon – 1 p.m. $5 per child, must pre-register.
  • Indoor Playground at Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center in Mission. Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $4 per child.
  • Parent-Tot Open Play at Emerald City Gymnastics in Overland Park on Monday – Friday from 11. a.m. – noon and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. $8 per child on weekdays, $12 per child on Sundays. For children walking – 5 years old.
  • Gymnastics Open Gym at Fairway City Hall on Monday – Thursday from 10. a.m. – noon. Must pre-register as there are only 10 slots available. $3 per child.
  • Open Playground at Mill Creek Activity Center in Shawnee on Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. – noon. $6 per child and must pre-register. For kids walking – 5 years old.
  • Open Gym at Blue Valley Rec in south Overland Park. This is offered at various times throughout the week and open to all ages but during school hours it will mostly be younger kids. $7 per child.
  • Indoor Play Park at New Century Fieldhouse in Gardner. Offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. For children walking to 5 years old. $3 per child.

Missouri Side

  • Toddler Fun at Gage Center in Blue Springs on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. For kids walking to 5 years old. $6 per child if purchased online, $7 at the door.
  • Open Gym at Xtreme Gymnastics in Lee’s Summit on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Kids age 2-5 are $10 and kids under 2 get in FREE.
  • Power Hour at Mercury Gymnastics in north KCMO on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Separate play area offered for kids 5 and under. $10 per child and it is cash only.
  • Open Gym at Edge Gymnastic in Riverside and Smithville on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $6 per child.

Baby and Toddler Swim Times

Mom Pro Tip: Swim diapers only contain No. 2, not No. 1! So don’t put on the swim diaper til you are at the pool.

  • Splash with Me at Lenexa Rec Center. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. $2 per person.
  • Preschool Splash at Olathe Community Center. Offered Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Access is only allowed to the zero-depth area. Day pass for preschool splash is $10 for adults and two kids 5 and under are included with that.

    Olathe Community Center
  • Tot Time Swim at Powell Community Center in Mission, KS. Check schedule to see which mornings the program is offered. Day passes are $5 for kids and $7 for adults.
  • Aqua Toddler Swim Time at Merriam Community Center. Program runs several weekday mornings. Kids under 2 get in FREE. Day passes for adults and kids vary for residents and non-residents.
  • Open Swim at Tony Aguirre Community Center in KCMO. Days and times vary so check current schedule. Fees are $2 for children and $5 for adults.
  • Open Swim at Liberty Community Center. Days and times vary so check current schedule. Infants 2 and under get in FREE. Day passes for kids are $9.50 and adults are $12.50.

Classes and Lessons for Babies and Toddlers

Mom Pro Tip: Many parks and recreation departments offer “me and mini-me” or “parent-tot” classes at a low price for city residents.

Art Classes

Dance and Gymnastics Classes

My Gym in Overland Park
  • Check out our full guides to dance studios and gymnastics classes and explore classes at the below facilities that specialize in classes for babies and toddlers.
  • Tippi Toes offers dance classes for toddlers at several community centers in the metro area.
  • My Gym in Overland Park offers a variety of weekly classes for kids 3 months and up.
  • The Little Gym has locations in Prairie Village, Kan. and Parkville, MO offering weekly classes for kids 4 months and up.
  • KidStrong in Olathe, Overland Park, and Blue Springs offer weekly classes for kids 14 months (and walking) on up.

Music Classes

Mom and Me Fitness

Swimming Lessons

Check out our full guide to swimming lessons in Kansas City.

Recreational Sports

Check out our full guide to recreational sports in Kansas City. Many have indoor options for young kids.

Museums with Areas for Babies and Toddlers

Julia Willhite
Julia Willhite
I'm Julia and I live in Olathe with my husband of 16 years, my 10 and 6 year old daughters, and our rescue pug Mabel. I’m a social worker turned SAHM and love Dr. Pepper, thunderstorms, and talking to other adults. I hate coffee, diet culture, and washing dishes. I'll talk your ear off about the best local parks and which restaurants have wronged me by changing their long-standing menu items. I try to walk the line between knowing a lot of stuff and not being a know-it-all. Some days I'm better than others.
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