What to do in Kansas City, MO

Activities, attractions and tours

Union Station showing landscape views, a city and a park
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts featuring modern architecture and interior views
Starlight Theatre featuring heritage architecture and theatre scenes
Kansas City showing a bridge, a garden and a river or creek
Liberty Memorial showing night scenes

Kansas City Attractions

Kansas City is rich with resources, not the least of which are barbecue and the blues. Things to do in Kansas City range from the culinary to the athletic, and you can pack lots of things into one trip to Missouri with a carefully planned itinerary. Stop by the famous KC Fountains, eat your way through The Northland, and see historic homes with plenty of charm. Attractions in Kansas City are meant to welcome all kinds of travelers, so you should head to this Midwest destination whether you are on a family vacation, couples trip, or solo adventure.

Areas & Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods in Kansas City are filled with diverse people and attractions. While you might associate the Midwest with meat and potatoes, you will also find an exciting assortment of cuisine in KC. In fact, there is a neighborhood here to satiate just about any type of travel appetite.

Downtown — Journey downtown to the Power & Light District, often called simply P&L, to see some of the most vibrant blocks in all of the city. Fun things to do in the Kansas City P&L District include shopping, dining, and indulging in a nightcap at a trendy lounge.

The Crossroads Art District — This proudly eccentric district is teeming with former warehouses now filled with a bohemian spirit, paintings, and more. On the first Friday of every month, the streets are flooded with food trucks, art vendors, live music, and other entertainment.

Village West — Village West is typically crowded, but that doesn’t mean you should take it off of your travel itinerary. This part of Kansas City has sports venues like the CommunityAmerica Ballpark, plenty of eateries, and the Legends Outlets shopping center.

Of course, day trips from Kansas City allow you to explore even more regional neighborhoods on both sides of the state line.

Things to See in Kansas City

Kansas City is home to a long list of historical landmarks, including the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial and Battle of Westport museum. A visit to these locations is good not only for photo opportunities, but also to gain a fuller understanding of some of the nation’s most important history. If you’re keen to snap some pictures of the great outdoors, stop by the 74-acre Loose Park to grab some postcard-worthy images in the rose garden. Of course, if your idea of “Things to See” is a list of local shows, the Kansas City theater scene is teeming with Broadway shows and other live performances at venues like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Things to Do & Attractions in Kansas City

Stop by the Kansas City Speedway to get some excitement, spend your afternoon singing along at a local jazz club, and dive into some comfort food for dinner. The diverse list of attractions in KC can appeal to anyone. Some of the most popular things to do in Kansas City, MO include a visit to theme parks. Kids of all ages (even just the young at heart) can enjoy time at local amusement parks like LEGOLAND®. No matter the nature of your travel, Kansas City makes for a worthy destination.


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What to do in Kansas City


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Explore areas of Kansas City

Union Station showing landscape views, a city and a park

Downtown Kansas City

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Immerse yourself in rich arts culture, marvel at numerous fountains, and indulge in upscale shopping and local cuisine. Explore the Power and Light District, Crossroads Arts District, and River Market, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.

Downtown Kansas City
Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza

Designed in Baroque Revival and Moorish Revival style, this upscale shopping center boasts high-end stores like Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors, alongside European-inspired architecture, statues, and fountains. Luxury hotels and hidden parking add to the experience.

Country Club Plaza
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Power and Light District

Dive into a vibrant entertainment hub with the renovated Midland Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet Cinema, and Kansas City Live! featuring bars, restaurants, and a concert venue. Explore nearby T-Mobile Center and the iconic art deco Power and Light Building.

Power and Light District
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South Kansas City

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in South Kansas City, Swope Park and Bay Water Park are top sights worth seeing.

South Kansas City
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts showing theatre scenes and interior views

Crossroads Arts District

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Crossroads Arts District. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Crossroads Tram Stop or Kauffman Center Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Crossroads Arts District
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which includes a garden

Midtown - Westport

Unique features of Midtown - Westport include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Uptown Theater or Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art while you're exploring the area.

Midtown - Westport

 

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Day trip destinations from Kansas City