SUMMER IN KC: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN, FESTIVALS, AND FLAVORS
From family adventures and taco trails to live music, fringe arts, and record-breaking exhibitions, Kansas City is bursting with excitement for all ages this season. Here’s where to go and what not to miss.
LEGOLAND ® + SEA LIFE
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium, located at Crown Center, offer an exciting, family-friendly experience. At LEGOLAND®, children can explore MINILAND®, featuring Kansas City landmarks built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks, enjoy rides like Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice, and watch immersive 4D LEGO movies. Next door, SEA LIFE Aquarium invites guests to journey through a 180-degree ocean tunnel, encounter over 5,000 sea creatures, and participate in interactive touch pools. Combo tickets are available, making it easy to experience both attractions in one visit. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansas-city and visitsealife.com/kansas-city
ZONA ROSA
Zona Rosa in Kansas City is buzzing with summer events. Kick off with Festa Italiana (May 30–June 1), a free celebration featuring Italian cuisine, live music, a motorsports show, and the Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair. On Friday nights from June 6 to July 25, enjoy Summer Concerts in the Park at Central Park, showcasing local bands from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Movies in the Park return on third Saturdays from May to July in North Park, offering family-friendly films under the stars. Join The Coffee Club every Thursday morning from May 29 to July 31 for community gatherings. Don’t miss Summer Fest coming in July, a lively block party with a petting zoo, foam party, live music, food trucks, and local artisans. zonarosa.com
KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION
Experience a summer of community fun with Kansas City Parks and Recreation! Join the annual Dragon Boat Festival on Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza on June 21, with practice races at 8 AM, opening festivities at 9:45 AM, and races beginning at 10 AM. Celebrate the longest day of the year with the free, city-wide Make Music Day Kansas City on June 21, a global event
featuring live music in various public spaces. Enjoy Kansas City’s Lawn Party on July 20, celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month with live music, food trucks, art, and games stretching from The Nelson-Atkins Museum to Brush Creek (BYO picnic or enjoy on-site food). Finally, experience the diverse cultures of Kansas City at the 46th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival (August 1517, eeckc.org/ethnic-enrichment-fest ) with food, music, crafts, and dance from around the globe. More information on these and other events can be found at kcparks.org
KCK TACO TRAIL
Embark on a flavorful adventure this summer with the KCK Taco Trail, featuring over 60 authentic taquerias in Kansas City, Kansas. Sign up for the free digital Taco Trail Pass to check in at each location and earn rewards like decals, t-shirts, and tortilla warmers. Enhance your experience with the Taco Trail Bus Tour, offering themed monthly excursions from June through October, each spotlighting a different taco variety. Don’t miss the Tacos & Tequila Festival on June 21 at Legends Field, featuring gourmet tacos, craft margaritas, live music, and more. visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail
KANSAS CITY CURRENT
Catch a KC Current home game during the exciting second season at CPKC Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park, the first stadium purpose-built for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. This iconic venue continues to set the standard for fan experience and women’s sports. The KC Current Club remains the best way to secure 2025 single-match tickets. Be sure to visit the two-story KC Current Team Store on the north side of the stadium for the latest in fan gear and exclusive merchandise. Enjoy game day with a curated selection of Kansas City’s best local cuisine—BBQ, Thai, tacos, and more. For the full home schedule, visit kansascitycurrent.com
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS BASEBALL
The Kansas City Monarchs will launch their 2025 season on Friday, May 9, at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, facing the Lincoln Saltdogs. This marks the team’s first season opener at home since 2022. The evening promises excitement with pre-game skydivers, a limited-edition bobblehead giveaway, and post-game fireworks. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Fans can enjoy free parking, a cashless facility, and a clear bag policy. This game is the first of 50 home matches in the Monarchs’ quest for another American Association championship. monarchsbaseball.com
TERRAVOX WINERY
Escape the ordinary and discover a unique taste of American viticulture at TerraVox Winery, just outside Kansas City. Wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the familiar will be captivated by their extensive collection of over 40 North American native grape varieties. Explore a diverse palate of flavors, often distinct from European wines, while learning about a fascinating piece of American winemaking history. Enjoy a picturesque vineyard setting in Platte County and engage with a passionate team dedicated to showcasing the potential of these heritage grapes. A visit to TerraVox offers an educational and flavorful journey into the true “voice of the land.” terravox.wine
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
The Kansas City Fringe Festival 2025, the city’s largest celebration of arts and culture, returns for its 21st season from July 13 to 27. This two-week extravaganza showcases a diverse array of performances, including theater, dance, music, cabaret, spoken word, film, and visual arts, featuring local, national, and international artists. Events are held across various venues throughout Kansas City, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with innovative and experimental art forms. The festival kicks off with an Opening Night Party, where artists preview their shows, and concludes with a celebratory Closing Night Party. kcfringe.org
THE SCIENCE OF GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS AT UNION STATION
The Science of Guinness World Records at Union Station Kansas City is an interactive exhibition running through September 2, 2025. Visitors can explore the science behind record-breaking feats across seven immersive zones, including reaction time challenges, memory tests, and endurance trials. Highlights include “Plane Loco,” a 20-foot-long steampunk locomotive made from over one million matchsticks, and Willard Wigan’s tiny sculptures, viewable only through a microscope. Located in the Bank of America Gallery, the exhibit operates Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $17.50, with discounts for members and groups. unionstation.org
GKCAA MEMBERS
ANITA B. GORMAN CONSERVATION DISCOVERY CENTER
4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
816-759-7300 • mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter
ATLAS9
1100 N 98th St, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-708-8081 • atlas9.com
BAR K
501 Berkley Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64120 816-474-2275 • barkdogbar.com
BOULEVARD BREWING CO. TOURS AND RECREATION CENTER
2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-701-7247 • boulevard.com/visit
CAROLYN’S PUMPKIN PATCH
17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty, MO 64068 816-730-6518 • carolynspumpkinpatch.com
CHILLICOTHE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
100 Elm Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601 660-646-0093 • visitchillicothe.com
CITY OF INDEPENDENCE PARKS/RECREATION/ TOURISM DEPARTMENT
416 W. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 816-325-7575• visitindependence.com
CLAY COUNTY PARKS
17201 Paradesian St, Smithville, MO 64089 816-407-3400 • smithvillelakecamping.com
THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE AND (MEN’S) NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME 1401 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-949-7500 • collegebasketballexperience.com
COLONIAL GARDENS 27610 SE Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-229-1277 • colonialgardenskc.com
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
47th & Broadway Kansas City, MO 64112 816-561-3486 • countryclubplaza.com
CROWN CENTER
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-274-8444 • crowncenter.com
KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
IT’S ALWAYS A NEW ADVENTURE presented at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Explore 202 acres, home to nearly 10,000 animals. See sharks swim, watch orangutans play, touch a stingray, and walk alongside free-roaming kangaroos. Take a walk on the wild side for an experience you and your family won’t fur-get!
Don’t miss Dinosaurs Around the World, produced by Imagine, running from May 1 through August 24. Join us this summer as the Zoo’s animal residents are joined by their prehistoric ancestors! The exhibit is free with Zoo admission and Friends of the Zoo memberships. You’ll find 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs located throughout the topside of the Zoo. Guests will experience the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, gigantic amphibious Spinosaurus, bizarre duck-billed Hadrosaur and much more. kansascityzoo.org
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY MONEY MUSEUM
1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
816-881-2683 • kansascityfed.org/moneymuseum
FULL MOON HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS
1401 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64102
816-842-4280 or 816-842-0320 • fullmoonprod.com
GARMIN KANSAS CITY MARATHON 1100 Walnut, Suite 3450B, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-389-4190 • sportkc.org/marathon
GO APE TREETOP ADVENTURE - SWOPE PARK
7331 Oakwood Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 800-971-8271 • goape.com/location/missouri-kansas-city
HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM
500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050
816-268-8200 • trumanlibrary.gov
HISTORIC LECOMPTON 609 Woodson Ave, Lecompton, KS 66050 785-887-6148 • lecomptonkansas.com
HOLLADAY DISTILLERY
One McCormick Lane, Weston, MO 64098 816-640-3056 • holladaydistillery.com
HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
777 Hollywood Casino Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-288-9300 • hollywoodcasinokansas.com
HY-VEE ARENA
1800 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102 816-505-0404 • hy-veearena.com
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE ASSOCIATION (HISTORIC DOWNTOWN)
106 S Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050 816-381-7181 • indepsquare.com
J RIEGER & CO. DISTILLARY
2700 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120
816-702-7800 • jriegerco.com
JACKSON COUNTY MO PARKS + RECREATION
22807 SW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-503-4800 • MakeYourDayHere.com
JESSE JAMES BIRTHPLACE
21216 Jesse James Farm Rd, Kearney, MO 64060 816-736-8500 • jessejamesmuseum.org
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-826-2787 • jcprd.com/museum
KANSAS CITY AUTO MUSEUM
15095 W 116th St, Olathe, KS 66062 913-322-4227 • kansascityautomuseum.com
KANSAS CITY BALLET
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-931-8993 • kcballet.org
KANSAS CITY CARRIAGES
Nichols and Pennsylvania on the Country Club Plaza 816-531-1999 • kccarriages.com
KANSAS CITY CURRENT
CPKC Stadium, 1460 E Front St, Kansas City, MO 64120 913-374-0233 • kansascitycurrent.com
KANSAS CITY HELICOPTER TOURS 10 Richards Rd, Kansas City , MO 64105 816-499-3342 • kansascityhelicoptertours.com
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS BASEBALL
1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-328-5618 • monarchsbaseball.com
KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION
4600 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64130 816-513-7500 • kcparks.org
KANSAS CITY RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-721-2110 • kcrenfest.com
KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE
Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-235-2700 • kcrep.org
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 816-921-8000 • royals.com
KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 • kansascityzoo.org
KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-994-7222 • kauffmancenter.org
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
PO Box 415001, Kansas City, MO 64141 646-844-1505 • kcfringe.org
KC WINE CO AND KC PUMPKIN PATCH
13875 S Gardner Rd #1, Olathe, KS 66061 913-484-6251 • kcwineco.com and kcpumpkinpatch.com
JACKSON COUNTY PARKS + REC
NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT to do this summer? You don’t have to look far. Jackson County Parks + Rec is a short car ride away with plenty of things for everyone to do.
It’s all about fun when you spend a day with Jackson County Parks + Rec.
For the land lover, they have one of the largest park systems of any county in America.
For the water enthusiast, Jackson County is home to fantastic beaches and lakes, with the finest public marinas in Missouri. Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs, and Longview Lake offer full-service marinas and boat rentals. Blue Springs and Longview Lake both have beaches open to the public for individuals to soak up the sun and enjoy a day at the lake.
Jackson County Parks + Rec offers residents and regional neighbors nearly 22,000 acres of premier outdoor enjoyment for “getaway-from-it-all” weekends and memorable vacations. From boating and biking to hiking and horseback riding, get on the go! From softball and golf, get into the game! From beaches and campgrounds to picnics and fishing, just sit back and relax.
Make your day at Jackson County Parks + Rec this summer. makeyourdayhere.com
LEE’S SUMMIT PARKS & RECREATION
220 SE Green Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816-969-1008 • lstourism.com
LEGENDS OUTLETS
1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-788-3700 • legendsshopping.com
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER AND SEA LIFE AQUARIUM KANSAS CITY
2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-471-4FUN (4386) • legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ kansas-city and visitsealife.com/kansas-city
MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP & FARM 1200 Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS 66061 913-971-5111 • mahaffie.org
MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
8081 NW Roanridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151 816-281-2020 • mainevent.com
THE MIDLAND THEATRE
1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-283-9900 • arvestbanktheatre.com
THE MIDWEST GENEALOGY CENTER
3440 S Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055 816-252-7228 • mymcpl.org/genealogy
MIDWEST TRUST CENTER AT JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210 913-469-4450 • jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center
MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY 114 N Davis St, Hamilton, MO 64644 888-571-1122 • missouriquiltco.com
THE MUSEUM OF KANSAS CITY 3128 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64123 816-702-7700 • kansascitymuseum.org
MUSIC THEATER HERITAGE Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, #301, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-6987 • mthkc.com
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)
120 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-595-8000 • naia.org
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS / MINIATURES 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112 816-235-8000 • toyandminiaturemuseum.org
NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-888-8100 • theworldwar.org
THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 816-751-1278 • nelson-atkins.org
NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-1920 • nlbm.com
PLANET COMICON KC AND PLANET ANIME KC
Bartle Hall, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-533-3126 • planetcomicon.com and planetanimekc.com
RAYTOWN CHAMBER & TOURISM
5909 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown, MO 64133 816-353-8500 • raytownchamber.com
ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE
1799 American Royal Dr, Kansas City, KS 64102 913-620-6156 • rockislandkc.com
STARLIGHT THEATRE
4600 Starlight Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-363-7827 • kcstarlight.com
T-SHOTZ
660 NW Metro North Dr, Kansas City, MO 64155 816-702-1320 • tshotz.com
TERRAVOX WINERY
13910 NW Farley Hampton Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153 816-354-4903 • terravox.wine
UNION STATION AND SCIENCE CITY
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-460-2000 • unionstation.org
VISIT KCK/ KCK TACO TRAIL
755 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101 913-321-5800 • kcktacotrail.com
WATKINS WOOLEN MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE
26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062 816-580-3387 • mostateparks.com/park/watkins-woolenmill-state-historic-site
WORLDS OF FUN / OCEANS OF FUN
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161 816-454-4545 • worldsoffun.com
ZONA ROSA
8640 N. Dixson Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153 816-587-8180 • zonarosa.com
CROWN CENTER
FOR A COMPLETELY KANSAS CITY EXPERIENCE, Crown Center is your go-to summer destination! From local shopping and dining to family-friendly attractions, theaters, and can’t-miss events, Crown Center is where Kansas City comes to play.
Kick off the season with Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails!, a free, interactive children’s exhibit chugging in from May 24 through September 1. Then, dive into adven ture at SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and explore at LEGOLAND® Discovery Cen ter, and immerse yourself in the regional ri valries, traditions, and culture of smoke, spice, and sauce at the world’s first Museum of BBQ
As the sun sets, soak in the fun at the 10th annual Boulevardia Festival or WeekEnder, where live music, great food, and outdoor movies bring summer nights to life.
From sun-up to sundown, Crown Center delivers a completely Kansas City summer— one unforgettable experience at a time.
GKCAA ALLIED MEMBERS
CITY OF BONNER SPRINGS bonnersprings.org
CTM MEDIA GROUP ctmmedia.com and visitorfun.com
FASONE & PARTNERS fasonepartners.com
IN KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE inkansascity.com
KC GOING PLACES kcparent.com
LEAVENWORTH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU visitleavenworthkc.com
MADDEN MEDIA vacationistusa.com and maddenmedia.com
MOD OP | KANSAS CITY modop.com
PAGE COMMUNICATIONS pagecomms.com
VICTORY PYROTECHNICS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS victorypyro.com
VISIT KC visitkc.com
Greater Kansas City Attractions Association members include local attractions from throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area.
GKCAA gives away tickets and items from the most exciting venues in the Kansas City area! Simply follow the Association on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the finest attractions in the region!
@GKAAAttractions
Cuisine for every taste, entertainment for all ages, and unique finds at one-of-a-kind shops—nowhere else compares. For a completely Kansas City experience, it has to be Crown Center.
JOIN THE WORLDWIDE CELEBRATION OF MUSIC!
MAKE MUSIC KANSAS CITY VENUE S
(more to come)
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium • Lakeside Nature Center
Dunbar Park • Watt's Mill • City Market • Lemonade Park Union Station • Knuckleheads • Merriam Community Center
