17 Things to Do in Kansas City, Missouri on ANY Budget

From honoring the dead of World War I to getting to know the best local eateries, there is an incredible variety of unmissable things to do in Kansas City!

1. Taste the Best Local Food

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One of the best ways to get to know Kansas City is to experience its culinary scene! There are plenty of local restaurants, with a reputation for excellent food.

Exploring a variety of popular tourist eateries and local jaunts is a great idea! Try Global Cuisines of River Market which is based on the idea of communal eating so you sit at a table with complete strangers. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, Bella Patina’s atmospheric offering is a must.

2. Experience Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza is one of the most popular places to hang out in Kansas City! It’s a bustling square that’s home to a number of attractions.

The architecture is the main drawcard of this plaza: Spanish-style fountains, tiles, and statues are all over, making for fabulous photo opportunities! Country Club Plaza is also home to many shops and restaurants, so it’s great for grabbing something to eat or drink and soaking up the atmosphere!

3. Discover Fascinating Marine Life

Exploring SEA LIFE Kansas in the heart of downtown is one of the most fun Kansas City things to do!

The aquarium has lots of kid-friendly activities so it’s very popular with families but you definitely don’t need little ones to appreciate the space! The marine animals are mostly species that are found in the nearby Missouri River. There are daily informative talks about specific species which helps to enrich the experience!

4. Learn About World War I

The National World War I Museum is consistently ranked as one of the top places to visit in Kansas City!

The museum centers the ordinary soldiers in its exhibitions, which are designed as if the soldiers were telling the stories themselves. One of the most beautiful features is the glass bridge that overlooks a display of 9000 poppies. This extraordinary sight is a tribute to the 9 million lives lost in the war!

5. Learn How to Distill Spirits

Kansas City is home to some of the best Midwestern distilleries and Tom’s Town is certainly the most fun to visit!

Tom’s Town is named after Tom Pendergast, a liquor businessman who ensured that there was alcohol flowing in Kansas City, despite Prohibition. This distillery lives up to this spirit, making bourbon, gin, and vodka on-site. You can learn about this process, discover more interesting facts about Prohibition and taste some amazing cocktails!

6. Admire Amazing Artworks

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an art collection that spans thousands of years and over 35 000 pieces. This incredible collection is displayed in a beautiful feat of architecture, making a visit here one of the most essential things to do in Kansas City today!

The museum’s warm welcome starts with free admission. One of the highlights is the sculpture park. You’ll also find masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio and Rembrandt!

7. Try To Escape From The Escape Game!

If you are after something challenging, immersive but totally then then the Escape Game Kansas City may be just what you are looking for. The Escape Game features a variety of different rooms which participants (that’s you and your crew) must try to escape from by working as a team, solving clues and completing puzzles.

All games are designed to be suitable for everybody, from first-time players to experienced escapologists. No matter which one you decide to play, you’re sure to have an absolute blast!

With LEGOLAND and a genealogy center in town, there are some truly unique Kansas City points of interest to explore!

8. Build Lego Structures

Few people come to Kansas city for LEGOLAND but once you’re in town, it’s worth checking this attraction out!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a parallel universe made entirely of Lego! Of course, there are plenty of chances to build your own lego figures, but there are also ready-made structures to admire.

9. Trace Your Family Tree

Visiting Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the most unique things to do in Kansas City! Here, you can access amazing resources to help build your family tree.

The center offers extensive databases of records that allow you to research your family line, as well as consultations with professional genealogists. There are also weekly talks that provide tips to tracing immigrant ancestors, and much more!

10. Admire 25-foot Books

As you approach the Central Library of Kansas City, you’ll be blown away by what appears to be gigantic books outside! In fact, this is a mural that decorates the library’s parking garage and is one of the coolest things to see in Kansas City.

The mural was commissioned by the library and locals voted on which books should be represented. Amongst the 22 books, you’ll notice classics like The Lord of the Rings and Fahrenheit 451!

Kansas City, Missouri is relatively safe, although, like many other big cities in America, crime can be an occasional problem. So long as you’re aware of what’s what, you’ll be just fine!

The KCMO areas around Prospect Avenue and Troost Avenue are particularly notorious for drug-related crimes, including muggings. Try to avoid this area (especially after nightfall) and if you do go, there is safety in numbers!

Read our tips for traveling safely before you fly and always get travel insurance. Check out our roundup of the best travel insurance.

Whether its music or a hearty barbeque, there are some truly fun things to do in Kansas City for adults!

10. Experience a BBQ

Kansas City is known throughout America for its unique barbeques. That said, going to a barbeque restaurant is one of the best things to do in Kansas City!

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque is the most famous BBQ joint in town! The smoked meats are world-famous so you’re in for a first-class meal. Joe’s is another popular eatery to check out — it even featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown!

11. Enjoy Live Jazz Music

Jazz is one of the major attractions in Kansas City – in fact, it’s heavily responsible for putting the city on the map! Cocktails at a jazz bar make for a great, atmospheric night out.

For a truly epic late night, Blue Room is unbeatable. The performers are top quality and the audience is enthusiastic.

For a throwback to the heyday of jazz, Green Lady Lounge is your best bet. Leather banquettes, soft lighting, and passionate performers make it an unforgettable experience!

If you’re visiting this pretty city as a couple, don’t worry – there are some gorgeous Kansas City attractions that make for ideal dates!

12. Stroll through the City of Fountains

With more than 200 fountains, Kansas City really deserves its title of ‘the City of Fountains. Strolling around these fountains and watching them from a nearby bench are some of the top things to do in Kansas City for couples!

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is one of the grandest fountains. It was built in Paris in 1910 before moving to a New York millionaire’s mansion. Today, it’s right in the center of town on Country Club Plaza!

13. Picnic in the Kauffman Memorial Garden

The Kauffman Memorial Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kansas City! The landscape is dotted with pretty plants, shady corners, and gushing water fountains – perfect for a picnic date!

The park spans over two acres and has over 7000 plants, as well as some beautiful water features and bronze sculptures! There are some great spots for a picnic. The secluded Secret Garden behind the conservatory is particularly romantic! Having a picnic here is certainly one of the greatest outdoor things to do in Kansas City!

Wondering what to do in Kansas City that won’t dip into your budget? Kansas City is an incredibly affordable city, and many of the things to do in KC that we’ve already suggested are free! That said, here are a couple more free activities!

14. Browse the City Market

The City Market in Kansas City is the largest farmers’ market in the region, with more than 140 stalls. The hustle and bustle, alongside the great goods on sale, makes visiting one of the best things to do in Kansas City. Apart from fresh produce, there are also unique souvenir shops! During the warmer months, the market runs events like live music and art classes. This is one of our favorite things to do in Kansas City in the summer!

15. Taste Awesome Local Beer

Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest brewery in the Midwest, shipping its beers to over 30 states in America! They offer free guided tours and tastings on Wednesdays and its one of our favorite hip things to do in Kansas City on a rainy day.

The tour includes a visit to the brewery facilities, a short video on how beer is actually made, a history of the company and some samples at the end. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is one of the most entertaining Kansas City activities so get there early to secure your ticket!

Books to Read in Kansas City

Their Eyes Were Watching God – One of the most important and culturally uplifting novels for the African-American community. Told through a series of flashbacks, which occur in mostly in Slave-era Florida.

The Great Gatsby – Fitzgerald’s best book. Concerns the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatsby, his adventures, and his obsession with a woman.

Catcher in the Rye – One of the quintessential tales of growing up. Follows a young boy from Pennsylvania who runs away to New York in an open act of rebellion.

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Are you looking for fun things to do in Kansas City with kids? Don’t worry, there are some incredible activities that the whole family can enjoy!

16. Explore CoCo Key Water Resort

Coco Key Water Resort has some of the best activities in Kansas City for kids! There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, even if you don’t know how to swim.

There are water slides, a man-made river to float along in a tube, a pond where you need to keep your balance and hop from lily pad to lily pad, and so much more. There’s even a shallow wading pool with water features and baby slides — one of the best things to do in Kansas City with a baby!

17. Make Cards and Other Crafts

Kaleidoscope is our favorite place to visit in Kansas City if you have young kids! This arts and crafts center is attached to the Hallmark Visitors Center and offers free workshops.

Hallmark provides children and their families with various materials from their manufacturing process. During a 50-minute session, you can turn these materials into beautiful pieces of art. The workshops run Monday to Sunday several times daily. These art sessions are lots of fun for kids and won’t require too much work from parents!

Kansas City may have wonderful attractions but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the surrounding area. The countryside around Kansas City is breathtaking and is full of fun activities! Discover this beautiful are with our best day trips from Kansas City.

Relax at Lake Jacomo

One of our favorite things to do near Kansas City is to explore Lake Jacomo! Just half an hour out of the city, here you can enjoy the fresh air, as well as some great activities.

Surrounded by trees, Lake Jacomo is a peaceful and stunning spot. There are plenty of water-based activities to try out, such as windsurfing and boating. Fishing is also very popular. You can catch carp, striped bass and bluegill, amongst other species!

Try to come to one of the sailing regattas that the lake hosts. These are pretty, colorful sights and have a great atmosphere!

Drink Around the Somerset Wine Trail

The Somerset Wine Trail is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in America! Apart from the great wines, the trail also boasts great scenery, making it one of our favorite things to do outside Kansas City.

The trail is made up of four wineries, all of which have won awards. Somerset Ridge is the oldest and largest winery in the region. It boasts over 20 acres and 20 different kinds of wine!

The other three wineries are White Wind Farm, Middle Creek, and Night Hawk. The region is just about 30 minutes outside of Kansas City.

Overwhelmed by there being so many popular things to do in Kansas City this weekend? We understand, and have compiled the perfect itinerary to ensure you see the must-see sites with minimal walking and public transport!

Day 1

Start your day off at Country Club Plaza, an unmissable icon of Kansas City. Once you’ve strolled around the beautiful architectural features, head over the amazing art collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art! You can take a 20-minute walk or shorten the journey to eight minutes with Bus 55 or 40.

As you approach lunchtime, take the eight-minute walk from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to the Kauffman Memorial Garden. There, you can enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll through the greenery!

In the evening, sample Kansas City’s awesome jazz bars. Blue Room is on 18th Street, while Green Lady Lounge is in the heart of town on Grand Boulevard!

Day 2

First up, head to the National World War I Memorial, where you can learn about this devastating war through evocative exhibitions. Afterward,  escape the gloom by visiting colorful LEGOLAND! It’s a 13-minute walk via Grand Boulevard between the two attractions.

After LEGOLAND, it’s time to get in touch with your creative side. That means attending a workshop at Kaleidoscope. It’s literally just a four-minute walk away from LEGOLAND!

For a final attraction on your itinerary, explore SEA LIFE. The aquarium is just a four-minute walk from Kaleidoscope and is a relaxing place to get to know nature better!

Day 3

Today is all about things to do in Kansas City center. First up, admire the Central Library’s mural of shelved books. Once you’ve marveled at this optical illusion and had a peek inside, head over to the City Market. It’s just a 10-minute walk away. There, you can soak up the bustling atmosphere, catch a bite to eat and find some unique souvenirs!

Round off your day with a tour of Tom’s Town Distillery! To get there, catch the MMAX bus. It’s a six-minute ride down Grand Boulevard and then you have to walk five minutes to Tom’s Town in  Main Street.

Don’t forget your travel insurance for Kansas City

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Kansas City.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Kansas City that you’re almost guaranteed to have a good time! Add in our awesome tips and itinerary, and you’ll definitely cover the best things to do in Kansas City.

Kansas City’s vibrant atmosphere embraces all kinds of travelers so whether you’re a couple or a young family, you can have a good time here. History buffs, foodies, nature lovers — travelers with all interests, really.

Whether you’re already in town or planning an upcoming trip, don’t forget to bring our incredible list of things to do in Kansas City with you! And if you feel like adventuring further, be sure to look into some of our epic road trip ideas from Kansas City.