KC Going Places 2023

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

2023

kcgoingplaces.com

637

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS

MUST-SEE KC JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER

ADRENALINE RUSH THRILLING ADVENTURES

FOUR SEASONS YEAR-ROUND MEMORIES

LOCATED JUST WEST OF WICHITA, KANSAS TWPARK.COM | (316) 553-4650

SCAN HERE TWPARK.COM/KCPARENT

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 Go See Kansas City Explore the best our city has to offer

16 Must-See in KC in 2023 New and improved attractions

18 Four Fabulous Seasons Your guide to year-round traditions

22 Adventures in Kansas City Adrenaline rushes that get you going

24 Experience History Kansas City’s acclaimed museums

26 Dining with a View Memorable culinary delights

50 The Teen Scene 62 Affordable Ideas Budget-friendly adventures

GO PLACES

HISTORIC PLACES 42

CREATIVE PLACES 30 32 33

paint, sew, make things culinary experiences art museums

FUN PLACES 34 36

amusement parks, arcades and entertainment centers children’s museums and indoor playgrounds

ADVENTUROUS PLACES 38 38 39 40

14

11

Top picks for teens

zip lines, rock walls, obstacle courses and sky diving trampoline parks and bounce houses wheels, water and sky escape rooms, mystery theater and thrills

30

history museums and tours

SCIENCE PLACES 48 48 49 49

science museums zoos, aquariums and farms gardens conservation centers

THEATRICAL PLACES 52

live theater, dance and entertainment

SPORTS PLACES 56 56 57 59 59 60

pro, semi-pro and college sports bowling pools skating sports museums complexes, batting cages and golf

40

editor’s letter Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

Welcome to my hometown— where the fragrance of barbecue is always in the air!

We love our city and we hope you do, too! As you flip the pages of KC Going Places, you’ll discover great adventures and favorite fan sites for KC sports. You’ll also get aquainted with some of our most famous citizens and historic sites and discover the newest attractions, exhibits and events.

Visitors often ask me, “If you only have a few days— what would you see?” That is impossible to answer with a one-size-fits-all solution, but we’ve collected a great multigenerational itinerary for families, top picks for kids, seasonal favorites and recommendations for visitors of all abilities.

For a “quick overview” of the city, be sure to visit downtown where you can enjoy shopping at Crown Center, playing with children at Legoland, taking a trip to the top of the tower at the National WWI Museum and Memorial and visiting Union Station. Take a ride aboard the free KC Streetcar where you can enjoy stops along the way, including the KC Power & Light District and City Market.

These are just a few of our favorite ways to explore our city. You’ll find many more as you flip through the pages of KC Going Places.

Welcome to Kansas City! We’re happy you’re here and we hope you love it just as much as we do!

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Managing Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Editor Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, email Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Hannah Berry, Kansas City Margaret Bristow, Shawnee Julie Collett, Overland Park Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Joy Oufnac, Shawnee Jessica Samuel, Kansas City Lyra Thompson, Bonner Springs Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Pinterest.com/KCParent

2023

kcgoingplaces.com

637

Kristina Light, Editor

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS

MUST-SEE KC JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER

ADRENALINE RUSH THRILLING ADVENTURES

FOUR SEASONS YEAR-ROUND MEMORIES

Worlds of Fun

6

KC GOING PLACES | 2023

KC Going Places is published one time a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Going Places’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission.

KC Going Places Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Going Places will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Going Places often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Hot Peas ‘N Butter

JOIN US FOR OUR 2023-2024 SEASON! J C C C . E D U/M TC

SCAN THIS CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards

BOX OFFICE: 913–469–4445 / MON.–FRI. / 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

What If Puppets Animal Amigos

@MidwestTrustCenterJCCC @MTC_JCCC

Sugar Free Allstars

Alice: Dreaming of Wonderland

Kadesh Flow and Dinosaur O’Dell

Sugar Skull!

GO SEE KC

Go Explore Midtown Visit Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri’s gem of a green space that is even larger than New York’s Central Park. Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo at Swope Park, where you can enjoy the new world-class aquarium opening this year. Be sure to visit the camel feeding deck and Polar Bear Passage, touch stingrays and explore the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Billy Goats Gruff, Sumatran tiger exhibit, Australia and the massive Africa exhibit. Ride the train, carousel, boat, tram and Sky Safari to enjoy terrific views of the animals. Another favorite attraction at Swope Park is Lakeside Nature Center, a free nature center with exhibits.

Country Club Plaza

Kansas City Zoo

The Country Club Plaza, with beautiful towers, sculptures, paintings and mosaics inspired by Seville, Spain, is one of the prettiest places in Kansas City and home to many of the city’s most beautiful fountains. The holiday season is not complete without a visit to the Plaza to enjoy the Christmas lights. Nearby, visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The museum houses a charming world of toys with interactive exhibits that take visitors on a stroll down memory lane. Also, take some time to visit the free Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden where something is always in bloom.

Kansas City boasts many remarkable art galleries, with three of her finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. The Sculpture Garden on the lawn is a favorite place for outdoor photos and a walk through art history. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 8

KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Go Explore Crown Center District Visit Crown Center in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, for many attractions, great shops and restaurants. Families enjoy skating at the Ice Terrace, the city’s original outdoor rink, throughout the winter. The Coterie produces professional children’s theater year-round. Kaleidoscope is a free kid-friendly art center where imaginations know no limits as kids create their own masterpieces. Sea Life features a walk-through underwater tunnel and an enthralling journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. The Legoland Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas, including a 4D cinema, classes, an exciting Lego ride and one-of-a-kind Lego exhibits.

Sea Life

Spend a day at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, exploring the interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies that help guide visitors through one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world. Then take a tour to the top of this iconic landmark, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. One of the most notable landmarks you’ll see is Union Station, home to Kansas City’s Science City with great hands-on science exhibits for children and the Gottlieb Planetarium, one of the largest 360-degree domed screens in the Midwest. Nearby, make a stop at the Money Museum, a free museum where visitors leave with a souvenir bag of shredded cash.

National World War I Museum and Memorial

At Union Station, you may board the KC Streetcar for a free ride from the iconic landmark to City Market with many stops along the way. Nearby, visit the National Archives of Kansas City that offers free history exhibits and staff on hand to assist with research projects.

Enjoy lunch at a variety of restaurants nearby. For barbecue try Jack Stack, for Italian eat at Lydia’s, and if you’re dining with kids, enjoy Fritz’s where trains deliver food to your table. Want to eat locally grown food? Try Unforked, or for steak try Pierpont’s. These are just a few favorite restaurants in the area.

KC Streetcar KCGOINGPLACES.COM

9

GO SEE KC

Go Explore Downtown KCMO One of Kansas City’s most famous historic neighborhoods is 18th & Vine. Two museums in the district celebrate the city’s past. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum showcases the history of American baseball from the Black perspective, beginning in 1863, and acquaints you with many famous local baseball stars. Measure up against the life-size bronze statues of players in midgame on the baseball diamond. Visitors also can experience Kansas City jazz in the neighborhood— celebrate some of the city’s finest musicians at the American Jazz Museum and enjoy a live concert at the Gem or the Blue Room.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Board the KC Streetcar for a free ride through Downtown. Stop in the Power & Light District to enjoy a local restaurant or live theater. Stop into Cosentino’s for fresh food or a local souvenir and take their elevator to the rooftop park to enjoy a stroll on green grass. For another great view, head to the top of KCMO’s City Hall for 360-degree views of Downtown (select weekdays). Also explore the Central Library with its famous painted bookshelf parking garage, and the River Market District where you can enjoy many tasty restaurants and fun shopping experiences.

Central Library

Kansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long with special hours, sales and events on weekends. You’ll find a complete schedule of events on KCParent.com when you search “Weekend Guide.” Top picks include First Fridays in the Crossroads, enjoyed by more than 10,000 people who head to the cultural arts district for free peeks at galleries and studios, delicious treats from food trucks and restaurants and entertainment from street performers. On a tour of the Arabia Steamboat Museum in the River Market you’ll learn about the excavation of the 1850s steamboat and its treasure on display at the 25,000-squarefoot museum.

10 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

First Fridays in the Crossroads

Go Explore Eastern Jackson County Independence, Missouri is rich with history as the starting point of the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails and home of President Harry S. Truman. You can learn about his humble lifestyle at the Truman Home in Independence and visit the newly renovated Truman Presidential Library. Visit other historic sites including Vaile Mansion, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the 1859 Jail Museum and the National Frontier Trails Museum, all hosting events throughout the year and specially decorated for the holidays. Another favorite for history buffs is a ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures that offers you the chance to take a mule-drawn wagon ride through the historic square while hearing stories of the city’s history.

Truman Presidential Library

Nature lovers enjoy a visit to Powell Gardens, home to a beautiful island garden, rock wall garden, conservatory, Heartland Harvest Garden and acres of trails with magnificent flowers, plants and prairie. Enjoy seasonal festivals and special exhibits at this botanical garden.

During the holiday season, attend the Festival of Lights, a magical holiday event. On your way, stop at Cockrell Mercantile Company, a quaint minivillage of boutique shops where you’ll find special items for the home and kitchen. For a free outing, visit Burr Oak Woods Nature Center where you can walk miles of trails.

Powell Gardens

Downtown Lee’s Summit is home to shops and boutiques, including bookstores, hobby shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, cooking stores and more. The city’s quaint weekend farmers market is a favorite for locals.

Visit Sky Zone in Lee’s Summit (additional locations available across the metro), a trampoline park with obstacle courses and games. Or entertain the gang at Main Event in Independence, where you can enjoy arcades, bowling, billiards, laser tag, obstacle courses and more family fun. All year long, you may enjoy Independence Community Ice, an indoor ice-skating rink.

Downtown Lee’s Summit KCGOINGPLACES.COM 11

GO SEE KC

Go Explore Johnson County Living history museums are a favorite local attraction, with several historic sites telling the area’s history through reenactments and hands-on education. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Johnson County brings 1850s farming to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop. On snowy Saturdays, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on the property. Shawnee Town 1929 is a slightly more modern village where families explore living history firsthand. Families also enjoy Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The 12-acre park is home to more than 200 farm animals, gardens, a dairy barn, pony rides and much more.

Shawnee Town 1929

Families love Urban Air Overland Park (additional locations), a favorite indoor trampoline park with an indoor playground and fun for all ages with obstacle courses and games. Create family keepsakes at Ceramic Cafe and more paint-your-own pottery shops.

Patrons select and paint their own ceramic masterpieces—anything from piggy banks to plates, mugs to picture frames. They offer glass fusing workshops, as well. For live entertainment, the Midwest Trust Center at JCCC offers a variety of professional shows all year long. Concerts, musicals, magic acts, dance performances and international shows grace their stage offering a variety of shows for all ages.

Johnson County Museum 12 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Urban Air Overland Park

The Johnson County Museum is one of the metro’s best resources for local history. With award-winning long-term exhibits featuring local history, including the beloved 1950s electric house and displays remembering local businesses, as well as changing exhibits, the museum is a great place to spend a day. Little ones love the hands-on play space at KidScape where they can play and imagine they are grown-ups in a pintsized village. This is a top pick for visitors who have come to town for an event at the Overland Park Convention Center. Nearby, be sure to spend an evening at Topgolf, an entertainment complex for golf enthusiasts.

Go Explore Kansas Head west to Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas, for a day of shopping and local attractions. The shopping center features tributes to local celebrities with banners, statues and artwork. You even can walk the Yellow Brick Road, a tribute to Kansas’ literary fame in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Catch a movie at the theater or listen to a concert on the Lawn. Play your favorite arcades and enjoy delicious food at Dave and Buster’s. Then, visit Nebraska Furniture Mart, the largest furniture retailer in the region, and Cabela’s, an outdoor store with an amazing aquarium and animal exhibits.

Legends Outlets

Have you ever wanted to swim with penguins? Pet a sloth? Hold a lemur?

Believe it or not, there is a magical zoo right in the heart of Kansas (near Wichita) where you can do all that and more! Tanganyika Wildlife Park is unlike any other zoo we’ve visited—this privately owned zoo is small and intimate, but every exhibit is beautiful, immaculate, and spacious and offers the most natural habitat possible for the animals. Visitors customize their park experience with the activities they book. You may elect to participate in all their “Wildly Different Experiences” or purchase the opportunities a la carte.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

The city of Topeka is just over an hour’s drive from Kansas City, making it a perfect family day trip. The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is a great way to start the day. The zoo is located in Gage Park where you’ll also find a carousel, rose garden, animal land playground and train rides. Then, head to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, a hands-on museum for young children. For a civics lesson, take a free guided tour of the Kansas State Capitol and learn the state’s history and about the legislative process. Step back in time with a visit to Old Prairie Town or visit the Kansas Museum of History (closed in 2023 for renovations).

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center KCGOINGPLACES.COM 13

GO SEE KC

Go Explore the Northland Enjoy both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, for the price of one ticket. This year brings the rebirth of the fan favorite coaster Zambezi Zinger. Additionally, Worlds of Fun boasts seven more world-class roller coasters, including the Patriot, Mamba and Timberwolf, classic carnival rides and water rides like Fury of the Nile and Viking Voyager.

Kids love Planet Snoopy where they enjoy more than 20 family-friendly rides and attractions. In addition to great rides, visitors enjoy live shows and meet-and-greets with the Peanuts gang.

Oceans of Fun offers fantastic attractions, including Aruba Tuba, Surf City Wave Pool, Buccaneer Bay, Coconut Cove and Splash Island, a 4,200-square-foot interactive water attraction.

Weston, Missouri

Oceans of Fun

Couples enjoy getaways in the Northland. Visit Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri, a beautiful inn, winery and garden with special events—including a murder mystery dinner—throughout the year.

Or stay at the historic Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, that’s hosted everyone from politicians to gangsters. Experience the area’s history on a weekend retreat, or plan a weekend in Weston, Missouri, home to numerous bed and breakfasts, local restaurants, shops, wineries, breweries and orchards. Another local favorite is Parkville, Missouri, with beautiful riverfront views, a historic main street with a variety of boutiques and restaurants, and local attractions.

Historic Downtown Liberty, Missouri, is home to the Jesse James Bank Museum, site of the first recorded daytime bank robbery. On the square, enjoy local cafes, boutiques and shops.

On the fourth Friday of the month from 6:00 to 8:00, meet local artists at The Artisan Market where you can browse and shop more than 500 pieces of original art. New art events happen every fourth Friday. For entertainment, catch a live show at the Corbin Theatre, where you can enjoy musical theater, live music and stage shows. Throughout the year, catch a performance with the Liberty Symphony.

Jesse James Bank Museum 14 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Go Explore the Country Johnson Farms Plants & Pumpkins in Belton, Missouri, is a beautiful agritourism attraction where you can shop the well-stocked nursery and pick apples in the late summer and veggies and pumpkins in the fall.

Also in Belton, visitors love riding aboard the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad, an excursion train offering a 5-mile, 45-minute round trip ride aboard a 1920s-era passenger coach, open-air excursion car or 1950s diesel locomotive through Old Towne Belton on weekends. Throughout the summer, you can also select from theme rides including hot dog, ice cream and holiday specials. Enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants in the historic district.

Johnson Farms

Enjoy fresh-made cider at Louisburg Cider Mill in the Kansas countryside. Visitors watch as cider is pressed and cider donuts are made. Cedar Cove in Louisburg is an animal refuge for endangered or rescued big cats including leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. On Saturdays through October, visit Powell Observatory for a public stargazing session through one of the largest telescopes in the region.

Every spring Miami County, Kansas, hosts a farm tour (May 13-14, 2023). Visitors are invited to tour 14 local farms and agricultural sites. Explore a pecan farm, bison ranch, alpaca farm, Hereford farm, goat farms, wineries and more.

Overland Park Arboretum

Cedar Cove

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens are a 300-acre botanical garden offering a beautiful outdoor oasis in the southern part of Johnson County, Kansas. Explore the Children’s Garden’s whimsical trains, the grounds’ wooded paths and the beloved Monet Garden. This is one of the region’s most scenic and relaxing attractions.

Enjoy special events including “Stems: A Garden Soiree” on June 24 and “Terra Luna” on select September weekends. The gardens are always affordable, but admission is free on the first Tuesday of the month. A few miles from the gardens, head to Rye Studio in Stilwell, Kansas, where you can take a photo with the You Have My Heart mural on the studio’s exterior wall. This is just one art wall in the metro—you’ll find directions to many more on KCParent.com.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 15

MUST-SEE IN KC IN 2023

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum

It’s going to be great in Kansas City in 2023 with a state-of-the-art aquarium, a reimagined Zambezi Zinger bringing back fond summer memories, celebrations and commemorations at local museums and libraries, new exhibits and a new stage show with a local focus.

16 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

KANSAS CITY MUSEUM 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 816.702.7700, KansasCityMuseum.org In 2021, the Kansas City Museum reopened at Corinthian Hall with four floors of spectacular local exhibits. The museum offers free admission and tells the story of Kansas City. The museum pays homage to the legacy of the Long family, telling the story of Robert Alexander Long, a wealthy lumber baron and developer, who built the four-story mansion in 1907. Following Long’s death in 1934, Corinthian Hall remained empty until 1939 when the Long family donated it to the Kansas City Museum Association.

Kansas City Museum

from 1973 to 2023, along with a finale filled with pyrotechnics. The park’s around-theworld theme will be amplified with the new passport to adventure experience that invites guests on an immersive journey as they explore the various countries, continents and lands in 2023 and beyond.

HARRY S. TRUMAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 500 W. U.S. Hwy. 24, Independence, Mo. 816.268.8200, TrumanLibrary.gov

Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun The museum exhibits take visitors on a journey telling the history of Kansas City beginning with the Lewis and Clark expedition and continuing through the modern era. In 2023, the museum is excited to announce that the Café at 3218 and Elixir, its soda fountain, will be open for daily food and beverage service. If you grew up visiting the Kansas City Museum, as I did, sweet treats from the soda fountain were highly anticipated with each visit.

KANSAS CITY ZOO 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, Mo. 816.595.1234, KansasCityZoo.org The Kansas City Zoo just keeps getting better, and 2023 promises to be a truly magnificent year, for this, one of the best family-friendly attractions in KC. Since the 1950s, the sea lions have been a highlight of visits to the zoo. Their exhibit reopens spring 2023 with a new and improved Sea Lion Splash featuring increased seating capacity, improved ADA accessibility and additional indoor space for the California sea lions. Then, September 2023 brings the biggest new attraction to the zoo in years! The brandnew 650,000-gallon aquarium will feature six zones with 34 exhibits that will tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. Approximately 8,000 animals will populate the aquarium, including sea turtles, sea otters, multiple species of sharks and octopuses. Visitors can see what’s in store here: KansasCityZoo.org/ aquarium/site-plan/.

WORLDS OF FUN 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 816.454.4545, WorldsOfFun.com Worlds of Fun is celebrating its 50th anniversary in style. The theme park is commemorating five decades of fun and launching new experiences for fans to enjoy in 2023. The highlight of the year will be the return of the brand new, reimagined Zambezi Zinger, a thrilling new coaster in the heart of the African Serengeti. For fans, this ride will be reminiscent of the original ride. The new coaster is built on a hybrid structure of galvanized steel and wood. The original Zinger was one of the park’s most popular rides—and one of only three coasters— when Worlds of Fun opened in 1973. The park is also offering new entertainment including 50 Nights of Fire, an amazing spectacle that will make you want to party nonstop. The evening stage show will feature some of the greatest Top 40 hits

Kansas City Zoo

There are 15 presidential libraries in the United States, and KC is fortunate that one is right in our own backyard, and another is nearby. The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, are both great destinations for history buffs. In 2021, Truman Library reopened after a fantastic transformation and renovation, a new museum entrance and permanent exhibition in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Truman’s ascension to the presidency. The museum exhibits capture the story of Truman and his presidency as visitors read, listen, watch, look and relive through film and interactive displays some key moments in American history. In 2023, the museum will be commemorating the 75th anniversary of a huge civil rights milestone, as well as the Whistle Stop campaign. The museum is home to exhibits documenting these important moments in American history.

Kristina Light’s first roller coaster ever was the Zambezi Zinger, and she can’t wait to ride it again … for the first time!

FOUR SEASONS OF FUN IN KC

Kansas City Monarchs

CITY OF FOUNTAINS

Spring

Kansas Citians know that we are the City of Fountains, but you may not know that our first fountains were not for ornamental purposes. They were rather utilitarian, providing water for horses, dogs and birds. The city’s first fountain, at Fourth & Minnesota, was built for just that purpose. It featured a large pedestal and a granite basin, and the water spewed from the mouths of lions into a taller bowl where people could get clean water as well. Since that time, it is said we have added more fountains than Rome boasts. Find a map to local fountains at KCFountains.com.

FARMERS MARKETS Kansas City is home to more than 30 farmers markets. They range from small markets selling exclusively organic produce to the City Market with more than 140 local vendors. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, homemade soaps, baked goods and even live animals. If you are new to the world of the farmers market, our simple guide will get you started— check out the Farmers Market Guide on KC Parent.com.

BARBECUE You know it’s spring in Kansas City when the aroma of barbecue fills the air. It’s hard to resist the temptation to pick up ribs at Fairway Market when driving along Ward Parkway, or make a weekend stop at one of our favorite barbecue joints. Enjoying barbecue is part of our city’s heritage. In 1908, Kansas City’s “king of barbecue,” Henry Perry, sold a slab of pork ribs for 25 cents in the 18th & Vine neighborhood. Since that time, our city has created an art 18 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

form, developing the best sauces and smoking the tastiest meats in the United States. According to the Kansas City Barbecue Society, we have more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Find your guide to the best barbecue in town at KCParent.com.

BASEBALL Since 1969, Kansas Citians have been cheering the boys in blue who’ve won two World Series championships. This year, the Royals’ home opener is on April 4. You also can catch a game with the Kansas City Monarchs, part of the American Association of Baseball, now at home in Kansas City, Kansas The team formerly known as the T-Bones rebranded in a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and now celebrates part of Kansas City’s rich baseball history.

RIDE A ROLLER COASTER Worlds of Fun opens for the season on April 8. The theme park is home to eight world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world. This thriller is the Mamba and boasts a first drop of 205 feet! New in 2023, the Zambezi Zinger, one of the park’s original rides, makes a comeback as a reimagined wooden coaster. The Patriot is a giant coaster with four inversions and carries riders at a top speed of 65 mph. Enjoy a thrill as the entire family rides together on the Spinning Dragons, where the cars freely rotate as they speed along the track. Young children will enjoy Planet Snoopy with great rides for little ones. Worlds of Fun boasts dozens of other thrill rides and attractions for guests of all ages.

WILD WATER FUN

ANIMAL ADVENTURES

Splash into summer fun at Kansas City’s premier outdoor water park! With waves from mild to wild, Oceans of Fun offers amazing fun for everyone in the family. Extreme waterslides appeal to thrill-seekers, and kiddos love the pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle. Float along on the Caribbean Cooler lazy river and catch some waves at fan favorite Surf City Wave Pool. One of the newest attractions is Riptide Raceway, the world’s longest mat racing waterslide. From five stories high, racers speed down 486 feet in enclosed, winding tubes and around a 360-degree loop before an epic splashdown finish. Visitors to Oceans of Fun enjoy Worlds of Fun admission for the price of one ticket.

This year, the Kansas City Zoo will be opening a brandnew world-class aquarium. While you’re there, before sure to ride the African Sky Safari, a ski-lift styled ride above Africa offering great views of the animals. Hop aboard the train, boat and carousel for even more fun. The Elephant Expedition, camel feeding station, Discovery Barn, Australia exhibit, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Polar Bear Passage are just a few of our favorite attractions at the zoo. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is another favorite outdoor attraction.

The combination petting zoo and farm offers fantastic educational attractions for the family. Pony rides, wagon rides, miniature tractors, an old-fashioned school, mining camp, gardens and farm animals are just part of the fun.

A STROLL THROUGH THE GARDEN Flowers are blooming! Powell Gardens, Loose Park’s Rose Garden, Kauffman Gardens and the Overland Park Arboretum are just a few of our favorite places to enjoy the blooms.

Discover Kansas City’s local nature centers and gardens using our interactive Going Places Guide to Kansas City on KCParent.com.

SUMMER FESTIVALS From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals ... the metro area offers something for everyone. Some of our favorites include Celebration at the Station, Old Shawnee Days, Great Balloon Glow, Strawberry Festival, Festival of Butterflies, Waterfire, Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun, Great Lenexa BBQ Battle, Jazzoo, Fourth of July festivals, Missouri State Fair, Ethnic Enrichment Festival and more. Find them all in our Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

Old Shawnee Days

A LAZY DAY AT THE LAKE Summertime at the lake—there’s not a more quintessential way to savor the season. Lake Olathe is one of our favorite local lakes and boasts a beautiful swim beach and inflatable Aqua Park. For landlocked Midwesterners, it’s great to have a place where you can build sandcastles, swim with the family and jump into the water from a giant floating playground.

Lake Olathe Park visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats at the marina. The upper lawn at the lake is surrounded by landscaping and a small stream with a water feature that flows into a waterfall before ending in a pond. A creek leading from the pond wraps around the kid-friendly sprayground before flowing into the lake. Search “Beaches and Boating” on KCParent.com for a complete guide to local lakes.

Summer KCGOINGPLACES.COM 19

APPLE PICKING Autumn and apples … the two go hand in hand, and this fall you can create family memories as you pick apples at a local orchard. Check out one of our top three favorite Missouri apple orchards: Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard, the Fun Farm in Kearney and Johnson Farms Plants & Pumpkins in Belton. The Fun Farm is home to a variety of animals, including miniature horses. Their Keebler Village playground features terrific tree houses kids love to explore, and the farm offers jumping pillows and other attractions to enjoy, including a train ride. Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard takes families on hayrides and offers jumping pillows, a petting zoo and a variety of fun play spaces and fabulous photo ops. Johnson Farms Plants & Pumpkins is a beautiful agritourism site with a nice orchard and tons of fun during pumpkin season. Their pig races, goat play yard, petting zoo and variety of play spaces are always favorites with the kids.

PUMPKINS Pumpkin patches in the metro offer many wonderful family attractions. Corn mazes, trains, play spaces, hayrides, corn cribs, carousels, zip lines, rides, concerts, ponies and pumpkins are just a few of the enticements Kansas City’s pumpkin patches have to offer visitors. In addition to the farms listed for apple picking, we also love Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch and Louisburg Cider Mill’s pumpkin patches.

Carolyn’s is one of the biggest patches in the metro and enjoyed by generations of families. Their famous pumpkin donuts, fabulous petting zoo, jumping pillows, train, pig races, carousel and fall fun play spaces create a carnival

Fall

20 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

atmosphere the entire family loves. Check out the KC Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com to discover the best patches in town.

HOOTS AND HOWLS AT THE ZOO We love visiting the Kansas City Zoo on a fall day when the air is crisp and the animals are playful. The first four weekends in October at the Kansas City Zoo are filled with zoo spooky fun during the annual Hoots and Howls weekend, as well as Boo at the Zoo on Halloween weekend. Come in costume and celebrate with the entire family. Enjoy fall decorations, enrichment for the animals and fun for all. Visit KansasCityZoo.org for information.

FALL FESTIVALS Autumn means fall festivals in Kansas City. Enjoy food, crafts, rides, barbecue and more. Some of our favorites include Lenexa’s Spinach Festival, Missouri Town Living History Museum’s Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Shawnee Town 1929’s Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival, Kansas City Zoo Run, Great Pumpkin Fest, Plaza Art Fair, Louisburg Ciderfest, Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest, Kaw Valley Farm Tour, Weston Applefest, Miami County Fall Farm Tour, Enchanted Forest and more.

Find them all in our Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

RIDE THE RAILS Enjoy an autumn-themed train ride with the entire family. On weekends, climb aboard the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. Call for more information: 816.331.0630.

Louisburg Cider Mill

Crown Center Ice Terrace

ICE-SKATING

Winter

Enjoy skating at one of Kansas City’s outdoor rinks. The Crown Center Ice Terrace (2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., 816.274.8411) is located in the heart of Downtown.

Enjoy an entire day of shopping and dining there at Crown Center, or treat the kids to Legoland or Sea Life aquarium.

During the holidays, take in the view of the mayor’s Christmas tree lit in holiday splendor. The Rink at Zona Rosa (8731 N. Stoddard Ave., Kansas City, Mo., 816.208.3690) is the Northland’s newest ice rink. Zona Rosa is one of the city’s premier shopping destinations. Additional outdoor rinks: Summit Ice, 120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit, Mo., 816.249.2600. Linden Square Ice Rink, 602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, Mo., 816.423.4200. The Ice at Park Place, 11549 Ash St., Leawood, Kan., 913.663.2070. The Rink at T.B. Hanna Station, 214 S. Washington St., Raymore, Mo.

in the Park at Longview Lake Park (I-470 & View High Drive, Kansas City, Mo., 816.503.4800). With more than 500,000 lights, 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color, this is an enchanting drive-thru winter wonderland. Country Club Plaza holiday lights (Info Center: 4745 Central, Kansas City, Mo., CountryClubPlaza.com). Enjoy more than 80 miles of illuminated strings of bulbs. Find even more displays using our guide to the Best Christmas Lights in KC on KCParent.com.

LIVING HISTORY The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm is one of our favorite local history sites. The staff and volunteers bring history to life with annual events celebrating Christmas and teaching families how early pioneers survived winter. On snowy days, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride!

HIT THE SLOPES CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Kansas City sparkles in holiday splendor with magnificent displays across the metro. Here are some of our favorites: Legendary Christmas at Legends Outlets Kansas City (1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., LegendsShopping. com). Unique lighting display on a 45-foot holiday tree created by a world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights team, all synchronized to music. Winter Magic in North Kansas City, an amazing drive-thru experience along historic Cliff Drive. Mayor’s Christmas tree at Crown Center Square (2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., CrownCenter.com).

The 100-foot-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights. Christmas

Head to Weston, Missouri, for skiing and snowboarding at Snow Creek ski resort (816.640.2200). Early winter, the facility offers snow skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, as well as lessons for beginners. The most daring experience at Snow Creek is tubing at Tornado Alley. Slide down a 700-foot-long slope and then jump onto a special conveyor carpet “twister” for a ride back up!

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS Kansas City celebrates the holidays in style! Professional live shows, living Nativities, outdoor holiday festivals and local traditions can all be found at KCParent.com/christmas-in-kc.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 21

ADVENTURES IN KANSAS CITY

A

re you looking for adventure?

The Kansas City metro is full of opportunities for fun and adventure! Whether you are looking for the excitement of an adrenaline rush, a rugged day experiencing woods and nature or even the thrill of solving a mystery, Kansas City has something for you.

ADRENALINE RUSH iFly Kansas City Experience the thrill and sensation of flying and skydiving at iFly Kansas City, located in Overland Park, Kansas. Their state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels allow you to experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving indoors, including performing in-the-air tricks! There are some height, age and weight guidelines, so make sure to check out the details before heading for a visit.

Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun Kansas City, Missouri’s own local amusement park and waterpark are home to 58 attractions that are sure to give you the adrenaline rush you want! Make sure to ride the reimagined Zambezi Zinger, a tribute to one of the park’s original coasters in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Worlds of Fun. The new coaster is a nod to the original ride of the same name, which was one of only three coasters when the park opened in 1973 and includes 2,482 feet of track and reaches speeds of 45 mph.

You can also experience the Detonator, which creates the feeling of 4.5G’s and launches all on board to new heights.

22 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Once at the top, experience brief weightlessness before slowly returning to land. Though not included with your regular admission, a ride on RipCord allows you to experience the thrill of an independent, tethered free-fall. Not everyone in your family may be looking for high-thrill adventures, and Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun offer loads of other attractions at all thrill levels.

You will find waterslides, arcade games, live shows, special seasonal events and several on-site dining options. The parks are sure to offer a full day of adventure for everyone!

Richard Petty Driving Experience Maybe you’ve always wanted to drive a race car. Head on out to the Kansas Speedway and you can! Through the Richard Petty Driving Experience, you can drive a real NASCAR race car by yourself!

Following a drivers meeting with the crew chief, you will get behind the wheel and drive a NASCAR race car for timed racing sessions. Passing is allowed!

Urban Air Urban Air Trampoline Park (two locations: 8554 Maurer Rd., Lenexa, and 14401 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com) is an incredible indoor trampoline park.

Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day!

Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. The Sky Rider is an amazing indoor ride where passengers zip across the park in a harness. The ropes course, climbing walls, virtual reality games and tunnel play areas are all great additions to the classic trampoline attractions.

RoKC

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Kansas City Zoo

While you may not be able to climb a mountain locally, you can experience the thrill of the climb at RoKC with locations in Olathe, Kansas; North Kansas City, Missouri; and underground in Downtown Kansas City. RoKC provides a “fun, inclusive and adventurous environment where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can learn and be challenged.” Guests of all ages are encouraged to climb to their potential in this indoor rock-climbing adventure!

Another treetop zip lining adventure can be found in Swope Park at Go Ape Treetop Adventure. Here you will tackle dangling obstacles, explore trees from a different perspective and fly around on multiple zip lines at varying heights—and even try out an epic Tarzan swing. If a treetop adventure isn’t what you are looking for, Go Ape also offers axe throwing!

Head on out for an aerial view of the zoo’s animals on the African Sky Safari, take a relaxing boat ride on the Kenyan Cruise, hop aboard the zoo railroad or take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel at the Kansas City Zoo. In addition to the multiple animal encounters, including the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Stingray Bay and the Orangutan Canopy, the Kansas City Zoo offers day camps and overnight experiences. There are countless animal adventures to be had!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Zip KC Located in Bonner Springs, Kansas, Zip KC allows visitors to experience the thrill of a lifetime on their nine different zip lines, totaling more than a mile in length and allowing speeds of up to 50 mph! In addition to the zip line adventures, Zip KC also offers hiking adventures, team building experiences, ninja obstacle courses and even romantic sunset tours!

KC Watersports Located in Paola, Kansas, KC Watersports is one of the best wakeboarding destinations in the Midwest. They offer day camps and lessons for beginners. Experts will find challenging sets of rails, ramps and sliders. There is even a shaded beach— perfect for relaxing with a picnic lunch!

They do offer rental equipment and welcome all levels, so head out for a fun day in the water.

Adventure Is Out There This summer, grab your friends and family and head out on your next great adventure! You are sure to have fun and make many wonderful memories as you experience the thrill of adventure together!

Joy Oufnac is a travel specialist with 3D Travel Company. She loves to help her clients experience their grand adventures!

Second Sundays undays

First class fun in lexington! n lexington!

• June 11th • July 9th • August 13th • September 10th

oon & 1:30

trolley tours at Noon & 1:30

www.visitlexingtonmo.com

• FARMER’S MARKET & STREET VENDORS

• FARMERS MARKET & STREET VENDORS • HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS • DOWNTOWN SHOPPING & RESTAURANTS • HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS & SITES • SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES

www.visitlexingtonmo.com KCGOINGPLACES.COM 23

EXPERIENCE HISTORY AT

T

KC MUSEUMS

he Kansas City metro area is lucky to have many acclaimed experiential museums to visit.

A living history museum is dedicated to preserving and recreating a past time period, and there are several fun, educational examples of various time periods to experience within an hour’s drive or less from Kansas City.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site Located in Olathe, Kansas, and in operation as a living history museum since 1979, this is a locally well-known site always worth revisiting. This superb museum regularly adds new features, events and research to its programs.

Costumed interpreters give visitors a

glimpse into mid-19th century life and how the Mahaffie family lived. Arriving in Olathe in 1857, James and Lucinda Mahaffie purchased 340 acres of farmland and, in 1865, built the historic home still standing today. The farm is also designated on the National Historic Trail sites by the National Parks Service because it was located along the Santa Fe Trail route—which guided travelers to California, Oregon and south to Santa Fe. Because the house was also a stagecoach stop, soon Lucinda, her daughters and servants were serving as many as 100 meals a day to weary travelers. Visitors today can experience the Mahaffies’ farm life, as well as take a ride in a reproduction stagecoach and sample authentic period food in the same kitchen that provided so many hearty meals to travelers going to the West. There is also a working blacksmith’s forge and a large barn, stable and paddock where the horses for the stagecoaches and farm reside. During the summer months, a special children’s program is offered weekly, a “Day Out with Frank and Ella.”

Children can play period games, dress up in period clothing and work on a

National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial

24 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

period project to take home. Throughout the year, the living history program puts on many other fun events, such as the Independence Day celebration called Fireworks: 1860s Style, family fun nights, homeschool days, school field trips, Christmas programs, and even an 1860s dance party and a Toast to George Washington celebration in honor of the first U.S. president’s birthday.

National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial An iconic monument of the Kansas City skyline since 1926, the National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial boasts a world class museum dedicated to teaching the history of the First World War and its impact on our nation and the world. It should be on every history buff’s bucket list to explore this national treasure—visitors come from around the world to pay homage to the servicemen and servicewomen and all those who gave their lives. Take a virtual, guided tour via their website through some of the museum’s most popular attractions or exhibits. On weekends, they host special living history events for all ages.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum Nestled on 80 acres in Hodge Park in Kansas City, Missouri, and composed of 21 historic 19th century buildings dating from 1807 to 1885, this destination transports guests back in time when they visit this recreated village. Open year-round for self-guided tours, Shoal

Creek also boasts some very special residents—a growing bison herd! Visitors can get an up-close view of these majestic animals—they aren’t shy and come right up to the fence. Throughout the year, the museum also has special living history events. Be sure to visit during one of these unique times, when the buildings are open to the public and costumed reenactors bring the village to life with live demonstrations and programs. One Saturday a month during the summer, a different year from the village’s past is recreated for the public.

There is also the Kids Spring Jamboree, Annual Harvest Festival and a Visit from St. Nicholas event on the calendar for this year, among others. Bring a picnic to enjoy in this idyllic setting or take a stroll on one of the park’s walking trails.

Missouri Town Living History Museum This is another recreated 19th century village not far from the metro area in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Situated on 30 scenic acres, the site gives visitors the opportunity to take a self-guided tour, and living history interpreters reenact daily life in a rural, pre-Civil War town.

The historic structures on site were moved from nearby counties and date from 1822 to 1860. Missouri Town is also dedicated to preserving heritage breed livestock and heirloom gardens. In addition, there are many special events throughout the year that further highlight the way settlers lived in mid-19th century America. Some upcoming programs include: Ladies Academy, sheep shearing, Spring Jamboree, a 19th century picnic and the Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music—just to name a few!

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark Less than an hour from Kansas City is Fort Osage, founded in 1808 to protect the frontier by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At the impressive reconstructed fort, visitors can experience what life on the frontier was like for the military men who lived here, the Native American populations and civilian women.

Fort Osage also served the region as a trading post. Fully staffed by historical interpreters and open year-round, the site immerses visitors in military life on the frontier at the beginning of the 19th century. There is also an excellent education center with an extensive collection of historical artifacts and exhibits that further study the history of the region.

Shawnee Town 1929 Discover a typical day in the life of a rural farm community in Shawnee, Kansas, on the cusp of the Great Depression. Old Shawnee Town was established in 1966 by a group of citizens to share the community’s past with the future. In 1998, the City of Shawnee purchased the site and, in 2004, it became Shawnee Town 1929, with a focus on rural farm and town life in the 1920s.

Today, the site is open to the public from March to October. Living history programs are offered throughout the season, the most popular being the Time Travelers series every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer. In this program, children can make a period craft, feed chickens, wash laundry the old-fashioned way and even sample a period treat from the farmhouse kitchen. Various school and homeschool programs are also offered throughout the year, as well as the lecture and music series History on Tap and Jammin’ on the Green.

Be sure to check out the website for a complete list of events for 2023.

The War of the Lilies Every summer in June, a medieval village complete with a royal pavilion is erected on the shores of Smithfield Lake in Missouri.

Be transported back in time to a period of lords and ladies, knights and knaves. The event is hosted by the Society of Creative Anachronism and runs June 9-18 this year, with free tours to the public on Sunday, June 11. Tours are given by period-attired members, and visitors can view historical encampments and archery contests, visit medieval merchants and even see a reproduction Viking ship.

Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native with a passion for local history and sharing that history with her family.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 25

DINING WITH A VIEW 26 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

D

ining out in Kansas City is nothing but a treat.

There is so much diversity you are sure to find just about anything you want within a reasonable driving distance. But did you know there are some gems around the metro area with amazing views of our spectacular city and unique ambience?! The list could have been a mile long, but I had to narrow it down to some faves!

Silo Modern Farmhouse: Located in Lenexa on the Canyon Farms Golf Course, Silo is open for a variety of meal options, including lunch, dinner, happy hour and Sunday brunch. According to the restaurant’s website, “Chef Laura’s hand rolled pastas, locally sourced ingredients, fresh desserts, and seafood flown in fresh from Florida make it a 5 star experience.” The golf course views from the patio are beautiful and serene, and with the restaurant’s windows all along the back wall, you have a great view from inside, too!

Rockhill Grille: Formerly The Cashew, Rockhill Grille offers a nice view of the city, as it is located in the heart of downtown at 2000 Grand Blvd. Its multiple levels, as well as indoor and outdoor seating, ensure you can be comfortable whatever the occasion. There are also large garage style doors that can open for that fresh air feel even when you are sitting inside. Be sure to check out the tater tots (don’t ask, just do it!) as well as the deviled eggs. Or stop in for brunch!

Verbena: Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner, Verbena serves seasonally inspired cuisine with an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like you’re in Kansas anymore. Amy Moss, an Overland Park resident who recently celebrated with a birthday dinner here, shares, “Verbena has a different feel to me because of its location. Being nestled back by Meadowbrook Park gives it more of a ‘neighborhood-y’ feel. While the inside is cozy and eclectic, the patio overlooks a little pond, which feels like a bit of a retreat since there aren’t a bunch of other businesses around.

In my opinion, there’s not much better than a good patio and great food!”

Vivilore

Prime Social: This rooftop lounge located on the 16th floor of 46 Penn Centre just happens to be in a prime spot to offer splendid views of the Plaza. Talk about the perfect place to see the Plaza lights at Christmas! Prime Social is a fun and unique choice for apps and drinks with friends or coworkers, an excellent choice to celebrate a special occasion or a nice option for date night. Be aware the menu is fairly limited and offers more of a selection of shareable items rather than what you might consider a typical dinner meal.

Trezo Mare

Trezo Mare: Located in Briarcliff Village, Trezo Mare specializes in Italian dining and offers weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. With a reasonably priced menu, superb service and an amazing patio that is a warm weather must, Trezo Mare should be added to your go-to list! Gretchen VanSlyke, an Overland Park native, shares her experience there, saying, “We started on the patio with a table that overlooked the city, just the perfect place for a quiet drink before dinner. As we watched the sun going down, we could see the city starting to light up. Then we finished with our meal inside. As you enter, the subtle lighting makes it feel warm and welcoming. We had a booth near the back wall and felt like we were tucked in for the experience.

The staff was attentive and allowed us to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere, food and conversation.”

Marina 27 Steak and Seafood: Seafood … in the middle of the United States?! Why yes, this little gem is located on Lake Lotawana in Missouri and is open for public dining. Sarah Buchanan, a Lake Lotawana resident, shares, “Marina 27 is one of my favorite places with a view. I think it’s great for happy hour with the girls, dinner with a sunset for date night or, my all-time favorite, weekend brunch! It’s the perfect combo of good food and ambience and relaxing water vibes.”

Mercury Room: This intimate but upscale cocktail bar,

Vivilore: “One of my favorites that really transports

located at 1800 Walnut St., boasts spectacular views overlooking the city. The drinks are unique but pricier than average, ranging from $20 to $50. Impeccable service and attention to detail make this a perfect spot for date night or celebrating a special occasion.

Check out the dress code and make sure to grab a reservation first!

you to dining in a lush garden is Vivilore. Likely not more than a half-hour away from most neighborhoods in Kansas City, it is well worth the drive. Go from May through October to be sure to get a garden seat. Plus, the food is great!” says Overland Park foodie Jeffiny Shutts. Vivilore, located in the historic Englewood Arts District of Independence, is open for lunch and dinner, plus an occasional tea time (check their events on the website). Right next door is an art gallery and antiques shop, making dining here a unique experience anytime!

Messenger Coffee: The only coffee shop to make the cut for our list, this tri-level destination located downtown in the Crossroads is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Messenger Coffee is a perfect location for your next cup of joe … although even better if you can snag a spot on the rooftop deck to sit and sip! The coffee and pastries are top notch and one of the reasons why you’ll see long lines sometimes, but if you decide to wait, it will be worth it.

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park, Kansas, where she loves a good view while dining out!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 27

DIY SOUVENIRS

W

Hallmark Visitors Center

IN KANSAS CITY

hen my crew hits the road for a new destination, we have a tradition of finding an ornament that represents the locale we visited. Sometimes we strike gold and find a local craftsman who’s making them from scratch. Other times, we find one at an attraction that speaks to us because it symbolizes the particular place we visited. Every time the Christmas tree goes up, it’s like taking a walk down memory lane as we ooh and aah over past and present favorite ornaments and the places they represent.

Souvenirs have come a long way from traditional magnets and t-shirts, and some of the best keepsakes from an outing are ones you make with your own two hands. Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting the City of Fountains for the first time, KC is home to a myriad of attractions where you can make your own souvenirs. Here are some local favorites:

Make your own puzzle at Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is the brainchild of Hallmark founder J.C. Hall’s son, Don. Noting how much his own kids enjoyed playing with remnant materials from Hallmark’s 28 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

manufacturing processes, Hall set up a traveling exhibit in 1969 that would eventually settle into its present-day home at Hallmark’s Crown Center. For over 50 years, guests have enjoyed making memories together, designing and cutting their own puzzles, creating watercolor masterpieces and even making out-of-this-world pieces utilizing melted crayons. Art sessions are free, but reservations are required.

Museum, guests can learn all about the U.S. monetary system. Tickets are not required for the free, self-guided tour. Learn how millions of dollars in currency are processed at the bank, view Harry S. Truman’s personal coin collection and even lift a gold bar!

Children can design their own money, and everyone leaves with a shredded souvenir.

Take alpaca fiber art classes.

Make your own bow at the Hallmark Visitor Center. Next door to Kaleidoscope guests can discover Hallmark’s rich 100-plus years of history.

Interactive displays, fascinating exhibits and a small theater showcase the company’s rags to riches legacy. Check out J.C. Hall’s custom Christmas tree collection, learn about the company’s ever-evolving media empire, and don’t forget to check out the bow machine— with the click of a button, you can create a star-shaped bow to take home as a memento. Admission is free.

Snag a bag of free money at the Federal Reserve. There is a catch—it’s shredded and no longer has spending power! At the Federal Reserve’s Money

Handicrafts like knitting, crocheting and embroidery have been mainstays of hobbyists for centuries, but they’ve recently seen a resurgence of interest from a younger generation thanks to social media. At YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, located on the outskirts of KC, guests can not only learn about, feed, photograph and pet the farm’s 70 alpacas, but also try their hand at fiber art classes using the farm’s own alpaca fleece! Young and old alike can learn how to craft 3D creations and dye alpaca fleece. Classes range from 1 to 2 1/2 hours and include a fiber kit.

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writing boy-mom of four hailing from Olathe, Kansas.

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES •

CREATIVE PLACES Ceramic Cafe 9510 Nall, OP, KS 913.383.0222 $ B5 www.CeramicCafeKC.com Ceramic Cafe is a paint-yourown pottery and glass fusing studio welcoming all ages.

Creative Culture KC 207 Westport Rd., KC, MO 816.569.3445 $$

C3

5235 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS 913.400.3078 $$ B5 CreativeCultureKC.com A hands-on creative experience featuring workshops from local artisans, drop-in projects, private parties and gifts.

Driftwood Ceramics

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Galleries Photo by Joshua Ferdinand

LEGEND:

AR Workshop

Brookside Ceramics

FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4)

1711 SE Oldham Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.600.4933 $$

KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence

111 NE 91st St., KC, MO 816.837.0727 $$ C2 www.ARWorkshop.com Boutique DIY workshop offers hands-on classes to create charming and custom decor, wood signs, canvas pillows and more.

329 E. Gregory Blvd., Ste. A KC, MO 816.522.7729 $ C4 BrooksideCeramics.com Create an original piece of artwork to take home or share as a gift for a loved one.

Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO CREATE

Paint, Sew and Make A Touch of Creativity Art Studio 12904 W. 87th St. Pkwy., OP, KS 913.609.5057 $$ B3 Facebook.com/atouchofun/ Painting and art classes for all ages.

30 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

D4

Board & Brush Creative Studio 13970 Santa Fe Trail Dr. Lenexa, KS 913.298.9570 $$ A4 BoardAndBrush.com/Lenexa DIY workshop for creating unique and personalized wood decor projects from scratch.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Oak Park Mall: 11465 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.307.0328 B3 Zona Rosa: 8660 N. Dixon Ave. KC, MO 816.587.6515 B2 Indep Center: 2095 Independence Ctr. Dr. Indep, MO 816.795.5266 D3 www.BuildABear.com Make your own stuffed animal at Build-A-Bear!

1827 Buchanan St. North KC, MO 816.841.2925 $ D2 Driftwoodceramics.com Offers a wide variety of classes and provides an open studio for artists.

Embers Candle Bar 315 SE Douglas St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.719.3911 $ D4 EmbersCandleBar.com Embers Candle Bar is a pouryour-own fragrance and candle experience. Define your fragrance.

Expressive 500 Armour Rd. North KC, MO 816.919.1502 $ D2 ExpressiveArts.Studio Exploration in art and music offering lessons, classes, parties and more!

The Fabric Chic 170 English Landing Dr., Ste. 111 Parkville, MO 816.982.9191 $$ B2 TheFabricChic.com An eclectic mix of fabrics and threads as well as classes.

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Grapes & Paints

Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City

Kreeayt

Orange Easel School of Art

7175 W. 96th St., OP, KS 913.314.2650 $$ B5 www.GrapesAndPaints.com A social BYOB painting studio.

7270 NW 86th Pl., KC, MO 800.463.3793 $$ B2 HawaiiFluidArt.com Art classes to create a beautiful piece of fluid art!

710 W. Main St., Suite E Blue Springs, MO 816.888.0052 $$ D3 Kreeayt.com Art studio offering classes for all ages.

249 W. Mill, #107 Liberty, MO 816.407.9266

Hammer and Stain 7968 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.735.4542 $$ B5 HammerandStainKC.com Instructor-guided DIY workshops help you turn a blank project into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

1409B Westport Rd., KC, MO 816.531.4665 $$ C3 www.HookGallery.com A one-of-a-kind masterpiece made by you.

Kaleidoscope

Happy Trees Painting Co. 1219 Union Ave., KC, MO 816.616.9905 $$ HappyTreesPainting.com Parties, paints and drinks.

Hook Gallery

B3

Harper’s Fabrics & Quilt Co. 7918 Santa Fe Dr., OP, KS 913.648.2739 $$ B5 www.HarpersFabricAndQuilt.com Quilting and sewing classes at local shop.

2500 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8301 Free C3 www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com Children create their own unique works of art.

KC Clay Guild 200 W. 74th St., KC, MO 816.363.1373 $ www.KCClayGuild.org Make your own pottery.

Lost Arts Courses 4 E. Franklin St. Liberty, MO 816.368.1252 $$ D1 LostArtsCourses.com Lost Arts provides live courses in an array of art forms.

The Makery KC 1331 Union Ave., KC, MO 913.742.3092 $$ C3 TheMakeryKC.com DIY craft classes are offered.

MOD Gallery C4

1809 McGee St., KC, MO 913.530.2897 $$ C3 www.artexperience.us Fun night out painting classes.

$$

C2

7617 NW Prairie View Rd. KC, MO 816.216.7126 $$ B2 OrangeEaselArt.com Children’s art studio dedicated to teaching art in a way that is engaging, relevant and ageappropriate.

Paint and Party 1600 Genessee St., Suite 160 KC, MO 816.719.7889 $$ C3 PaintAndPartyKC.com Painting workshops offered for all ages.

Paint, Glaze & Fire 12683 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.661.2529 $ B5 www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net Paint your own pottery, make your own mosaics or enjoy the coffeehouse.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 31

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Unwind Fiber Arts

Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch

207 SE 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 816.927.5676 $ D4 UnwindFiberArts.com A yarn boutique featuring handdyed and luxury yarn and fiber arts classes.

650 N. Jefferson St. Kearney, MO 816.628.0028 $ D1 FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com Experience seasonal strawberry picking, pumpkin patch and farm activities for the whole family.

Wee Create 5311 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS 913.721.7477 $$ B3 WeeCreateKC.com An art space created with the smallest artists in mind.

Wine & Design 6058 NW 63rd Ter. KC, MO 816.944.0644 $$ C2 www.WineAndDesign.com Painting parties and classes.

Ceramic Cafe

Pieces of My Art

Scraps KC

16224 NE 185th St., Holt, MO 816.716.4448 $$ D1 PiecesOfMyArtKC.com Step-by-step painting classes are offered.

3269 Roanoke Rd., KC, MO 816.522.4305 $ C3 ScrapsKC.org Shop the store of unusual items ready for reuse or sign up for a class.

Pinot’s Palette 4817 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS 913.451.7466 $$ B5 11945 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS 913.732.3768 $$

A5

4165 N. Mulberry Dr., KC, MO 816.492.3772 $$ C2 483 NE Coronado Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.598.0598 $$

D3

www.PinotsPalette.com An upscale “paint and sip” studio.

The Potter’s Cottage 6210 NW Barry Rd., KC, MO 816.945.7798 $ B2 PottersCottageKC.com Art studio where individuals of all ages can participate in classes and special events.

Potter’s Haven Art Studio 292 SW Blue Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.9323 $ D4 www.PottersHavenArtStudio.com Paint-your-own pottery shop.

32 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Stained Glass Station 1900 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 816.525.8088 $$ D4 Facebook.com/ CreativeArtStainedGlassStation/ Stained glass and glass fusing classes.

The Studio Knitting & Needlepoint 9555 Nall Ave., OP, KS 816.531.4466 $$ B5 TheStudioKC.COM Knitting and needlepoint classes and workshops for every skill level.

Sunfire Ceramics 1002 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 785.749.2828 $ A3 www.SunfireCeramics.com A locally owned pottery painting and glass fusing shop.

Tipsy Red Fox 2300 Indep. Ave., KC, MO 816.937.7074 $$ TheTipsyRedFox.com A BYOB painting studio.

C3

Zoelee’s Fabrics & Sewing School 1329 NE Deer Valley Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.7217 $$ D4 www.Zoelees.com Classes make sewing fun for any age.

GO EXPERIENCE FOOD Learn to Cook and Watch As Food Is Made

Chip’s Chocolate Factory Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. 239 KC, MO 816.421.0012 Free C3 www.ChipsChocolateFactory.com Visit the shop and factory where KC’s very own KC Fudge was developed more than 30 years ago.

Culinary Center of Kansas City 7920 Santa Fe Dr., OP, KS 913.341.4455 $$ B5 www.KCCulinary.com More than 600 cooking classes offered all year long.

Dream Dinners 6517 W. 119th St., OP, KS 913.491.6733 $$ B5 DreamDinners.com Dream Dinners brings easy, prepped dinners to families.

Green Dirt Farm 1099 Welt St. Weston, MO 816.386.2156 Free www.GreenDirtFarm.com Tour the farm.

A1

Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard 18545 Co. Rd. H Weston, MO 816.640.4013 $ A1 OrchardWeston.com Enjoy a u-pick farm with apples, cherries and pumpkins.

Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 KS 68 Hwy. Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 $ B5 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com Watch apples being pressed into cider in the 120-year-old barn.

The Roasterie Inc. 1204 W. 27th St., KC, MO 816.931.4000 $ www.TheRoasterie.com Tour the coffee company.

C3

Shatto Dairy Farm 9406 N. Hwy. 33 Osborn, MO 816.930.3862 $ www.ShattoMilk.com Tour the dairy farm.

D1

Taste Buds Kitchen 5336 W. 151st St. Leawood, KS 913.257.5667 $$ B5 tastebudskitchen.com/leawood Top culinary entertainment experience for kids, families and adults.

Thyme for Everything 229 SE Main St., Ste. B Lee’s Summit, MO 816.554.3755 $$ D4 www.AThymeForEverything.com Cooking classes taught by local chefs.

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Young Chef’s Academy

Epsten Gallery

10082 Woodland Rd. Lenexa, KS 913.764.0077 $ B4 Lenexaks.youngchefsacademy.com Cooking classes offered for kids.

5500 W. 123rd St., Leawood, KS 913.266.8414 Free B5 www.epstengallery.org Innovative art exhibitions and related programming to engage the community through art.

GO TO AN ART MUSEUM

Hallmark Visitors Center

Museums Celebrate the Arts American Jazz Museum

1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.474.8463 $ C3 www.AmericanJazzMuseum.org Learn about the history of jazz through fun, interactive exhibits perfect for kids.

Crossroads Art District Various Galleries in Downtown KC, MO Free C3 www.KCCrossroads.org Offers more than 100 art galleries, plus tour for free the first Friday evening of each month.

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.3613 Free C3 www.HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com Discover the story of Hallmark through interactive displays and fascinating exhibits.

KC Strings 5842 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 913.677.0400 $ B4 www.KCStrings.com Group tours of the stringed instrument shop.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 4420 Warwick Blvd., KC, MO 816.753.5784 Free C3 www.KemperArt.org This art gallery features free modern art exhibits.

• FEATURED LISTING •

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art See ad on pg. 33 4525 Oak St., KC, MO 816.751.1278 Free C3 www.Nelson-Atkins.org The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is Kansas City’s favorite free attraction. The museum provides access to everyone to enjoy and contemplate artistic creations from 5,000 years ago to present day from all over the world.

•

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art 12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.3000 Free B5 www.NermanMuseum.org This 41,000-square-foot museum is the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region.

The Rabbit hOle 919 E. 14th Ave., North KC, MO 816.492.7915 B3 www.RabbitHoleKC.org The museum is in development, with special events throughout the year as they prepare to open.

Stocksdale Art Gallery 252 William Jewell College Dr. Liberty, MO 816.415.7588 Free D1 Facebook.com/StocksdaleGallery/ Regional and national artists are featured at William Jewell’s campus art gallery.

21c Museum and Hotel 219 W. 9th St. KC, MO 816.443.4200 Free/$$ C3 www.21cmuseumhotels.com/ kansascity Visit this free contemporary art gallery housed in a hotel. The museum is free; reservations at the hotel are not.

UMKC Gallery of Art 203 Fine Arts Building 5000 Holmes St. KC, MO 816.235.1502 Free C3 info.umkc.edu/gallery The gallery features temporary exhibits on 20th century American and European art.

DISCOVER A WORLD OF ART

without leaving Kansas City

FREE ADMISSION 4525 Oak Street Kansas City, MO 64111 nelson-atkins.org KCGOINGPLACES.COM 33

• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES •

FUN PLACES

Legoland Discovery Center

LEGEND:

Aaron’s Family Fun Center

BRKTHROUGH

FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4)

17070 Aaron Ln. Belton, MO 816.322.0488 $ C5 AaronsFEC.com Play outdoor miniature golf and enjoy indoor bowling, outdoor go-karts and volleyball.

6403 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.948.5800 $$ B5 Brkthrough.com Experience 30+ unique, hightechnology game rooms.

Adventure Café

9240 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.283.7081 $ B4 Facebook.com/cardboardcorner A place for great food and great games.

KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO PLAY

Amusement Parks, Arcades and Entertainment Centers 4D Gaming Lounge 6249 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 816.503.6000 C3 4DGamingLounge.net Indoor arcade, video games and karaoke fun center.

34 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

1211 NE Rice Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.272.5001 $ D4 AdventureCafeKC.com Adventure Café serves drinks and offers tabletop games to play, rent or purchase.

Arcade Alley 316 SE Douglas St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.272.4246 $$ D4 ArcadeAlley.com A fun ‘80s-’90s-style arcade bar.

15225 W. 134th St. Olathe, KS 913.390.0815 $ A5 www.ChuckECheese.com Pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides.

Coffee Cade

Cardboard Corner Cafe

Chuck E. Cheese

361-A Legend Lane Peculiar, MO 816.620.4648 $ C5 Facebook.com/CoffeeCadeMO A full, coin operated arcade and eatery with fresh baked goods and drinks.

Collector’s Cache

9196 Skyview Ave. KC, MO 816.505.0902

$

D3

18701 E. 39th St. Indep, MO 816.254.63007

$

D3

10510 Metcalf Ln. OP, KS 913.648.4920

$

B4

13354 College Blvd.

Lenexa, KS 913.338.2273 $ B4 CollectorsCache.com Collector’s Cache sells quality cards, toys and other various collectibles.

• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • Cool Crest

Drop Zone Paintball

Game Show Battle Rooms

Howl-in-One Mini Golf

10735 E. US Hwy. 40, Indep, MO 816.358.0088 $ D3 www.CoolCrest.com Miniature golf, video games, go-karts and more!

1224 N. 1st Rd. Overbrook, KS 785.841.1884 $ A3 www.DropZonePaintball.com Outdoor paintball fields offer excitement.

10520 Metcalf, OP, KS 913.350.1819 $$ B4 gameshowbattlerooms.com/ kansascity Face off against your friends, family and coworkers in our custom game show arenas.

Great Wolf Lodge: 10401 Cabela Dr. KC, KS 913.299.7001 $ www.GreatWolfLodge.com Outdoor miniature golf.

Dave & Buster’s The Legends at Village West: 1843 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.981.6815 $ A3 6811 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.249.3900 $ B5 www.DaveAndBusters.com Arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards.

Double Tap KC 310 Oak St., KC, MO 816.800.4001 $ C3 DoubleTapKC.com A virtual reality arcade and pub.

Draftcade 7260 NW 87th St., KC, MO 816.759.3474 $$ B2 Draftcade.com Arcade restaurant and bar for adults.

FlipSwitch VR 2021 Washington St., Suite C KC, MO 816.492.7738 $$ B2 FlipSwitchVR.com With state-of-the-art wireless technology and motion tracking, we take you inside the game where your body is the controller and your mind believes it’s real.

Game Cafe 107 W. Lexington Ave. Indep., MO 816.252.7529 $ PlayGameCafe.com Board games, card games, tabletop games, RPG and event halls.

D3

Geekery 12616 W. 62nd Terr. #117 Shawnee, KS 913.261.9694 $ B3 Geekery.biz Tabletop game shop with free demos and play space.

High Performance Paintball 1500 Sandy Links Ln. Harrisonville, MO 816.868.5675 $ C5 highperformancepaintball.net Outdoor paintball field with 10+ acres and three varying paintball fields and terrain.

A3

Jaegers Paintball Park 9300 NE Underground Dr. KC, MO 816.452.6600 $ C2 www.Jaegers.com Underground paintball field and laser tag is set in one of KC’s oldest limestone mines.

LevelUp Arena 1800 Genesee St. KC, MO 816.253.8636 $ C3 LevelUpArena.gg LevelUp Arena is the only dedicated esports space in the Midwest.

May 25 - September 4 powellgardens.org/fortopia

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 35

• FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • Main Event

ReRoll Tavern

11950 S. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.768.4444 $-$$

2368 Armour Rd., KC, MO 816.800.7501 $ ReRollTavern.com Board games, RPGs, drinks, bites and pop-ups.

A5

8081 NW Roanridge Rd., KC, MO 816.281.2020 $-$$ B2 4600 S. Cochise Ct. Indep, MO 816.350.1000 $-$$ D3 www.MainEvent.com Bowling, billiards, laser tag, ropes obstacle course, video games and more.

Mission: Board Games 5606a Johnson Dr. Mission, KS 913.242.7970 $ B3 Tabletop game store offering space to play and games for rent or purchase.

Parkville Mini Golf 7 W. 1st St., Parkville, MO 816.505.9555 $ B2 Facebook.com/ParkvilleMiniGolf/ Outdoor miniature golf course is set on the Missouri River bluffs.

Pawn & Pint 613 Walnut St., KC, MO 816.299.4773 $ C3 PawnsAndPints.com A board game pub with a vast collection of games for every interest.

Peculiar Games & Hobbies 361 Legend Ln. C1 Peculiar MO 816.779.4263 $ C5 PeculiarGamesAndHobbies.com Tabletop game store and venue for friends to gather and try games.

Power Play 509 NW Barry Rd., KC, MO 816.268.4386 $ C1 www.PowerPlayKC.com Rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade games, bowling, go-karts and more.

Puttery 4641 Jefferson St, KC, MO $$ C3 Puttery.com/locations/kansas-city/ Miniature golf course in Kansas City, Missouri

GO LEARN THROUGH PLAY B3

Children’s Peace Pavilion

Sinker’s Lounge 53 W. 13th St., KC, MO $$ C3 SinkersLounge.com Kansas City’s leisurely indoor mini golf, paired with craft drinks and an elevated menu in an atmosphere worth sharing.

Smiley’s Golf 10195 Monticello Ter. Lenexa, KS 913.782.1323 $ B4 www.SmileysGolf.com Outdoor miniature golf features beautiful gardens and fun hazards.

TableTop Game & Hobby 9156 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.962.4263 Shop.tabletopgameandhobby.com Store specializes in nonelectronic games and carries a variety of games.

Up-Down KC 101 Southwest Blvd., KC, MO 816.982.9455 $$ C3 www.UpDownKC.com Arcade and bar with a retro vibe for adults.

• FEATURED LISTING • Worlds of Fun

See ad on pg. 29 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Kansas City’s amusement park with 235 acres of family rides and thrill rides, including seven world-class rollercoasters.

Your senses come alive as you enter the gate, the sights and sounds take over, and the little ones in your family take your hand. Breathtaking views from towering coasters, hair-raising thrill rides, and a Planet Snoopy kids area that is the playground for new memories. Enjoy unlimited visits and free parking to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun with a Gold Season Pass.

•

36 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Children’s Museums and Indoor Playgrounds

605 W. Lexington Ave. Indep, MO 816.912.1275 Free D3 www.ThePeacePavilion.org Children’s museum designed to teach concepts of peace.

Foundry Coffeehouse 8835 Lackman Rd. Lenexa, KS 913.888.2722 Free B4 FoundryChurchKC.com Coffee shop for parents and indoor play for tots!

• FEATURED LISTING • Legoland Discovery Center

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com Step inside Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City and you’ll feel as though you’ve just jumped into the world’s biggest box of Lego bricks! It offers a fun, highly interactive and educational 2-to 3-hour indoor experience. Based on the ever-popular Lego brick, Legoland Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas.

•

My Play Cafe 659 SW 2nd St., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.287.0621 $ D4 MyPlayCafe.com An indoor playground and coffee shop designed for parents and active toddlers.

Shawnee Civic Centre Open Gym 13817 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.631.5200 $ B3 www.CityOfShawnee.org Enjoy climbing toys, toddler sports, ride-on toys, etc.

Sylvester Powell Community Center Indoor Playground 6200 Martway Mission, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.MissionKS.org Families enjoy inflatables, tricycles, gym mats and more.

Toddler Town Roger T. Sermon Community Center: 201 N. Dodgion Ave. Indep, MO 816.325.7370 $ D3 ci.independence.mo.us/ ParksAndRec/Catalog Fall and winter indoor play center with educational fun for toddlers.

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me” Program

Westport Roanoke Community Center Midtown Play Place

13420 Oak St., Lenexa, KS 913.477.7100 $ B4 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Preschool toys and activities keep little ones busy. Call for schedule.

3601 Roanoke Rd., KC, MO 816.513.7660 $ C3 http://kcparks.org/facility/ westport-roanoke-community-center/ Enjoy the indoor playground, blocks, gym mats and toys.

Matt Ross Community Center Explore Room

Wonderscope Children’s Museum

8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 Free B4 www.OPKansas.org Three-story “jungle” playground entertains with slides, tunnels and swings.

433 E. Red Bridge Rd., KC, MO 816.643.6700 $ B5 www.Wonderscope.org Hands-on children’s museum for little ones with a variety of interactive exhibits.

Children’s Museum

Visit KCParent.com for a look at the calendar year-round event guide.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 37

• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO

ADVENTUROUS PLACES IBEX Climbing Gym 801 NW South Outer Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.9988 $ www.ClimbIBEX.com Challenge yourself on the 32-foot walls, lead cave and bouldering area.

3150 Mercer St., Ste. 641A KC, MO 816.621.2020 $ D3

Sequence Climb

10975 Metcalf Ave. OP, KS 913.305.4359 $$ B5 www.IFlyWorld.com Indoor skydiving is the simulation of true freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel.

1710 Washington St., KC, MO 816.944.3936 $ C3 SequenceClimb.com Rock climbing gym.

12829 Loring Rd. Bonner Springs, KS 913.538.1229 $$ A3 www.KCTimberChallenge.com A one-of-a-kind natural 5K obstacle course.

Motus Ninjas 725 NW Commerce Dr., Ste. M Lee’s Summit, MO 816.347.8008 $ D4

LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO UP

Zip Lines, Rock Walls, Obstacle Courses and Sky Diving Emerald City Gymnastics 9063 Bond, OP, KS 913.438.4444 $ www.emeraldcitygym.com/ monster-mountain-wall Monster Mountain is 5,000 square feet of vertical and horizontal indoor climbing.

B4

Go Ape 7331 Oakwood Dr., KC, MO 800.971.8271 $$ C4 www.GoApe.com Go Ape has three outdoor activities to choose from including the Treetop Adventure, Treetop Journey and Axe Throwing.

38 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

654 N. Central St., Olathe, KS 913.318.3600 $ A5 www.ClimbKC.com Indoor rock wall climbing and bouldering facilities.

iFLY Kansas City

KC Timber Challenge

Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter and Cafe

C3

7200 W. 106th St., OP, KS 913.283.7341 $ B4 MotusNinjaWarrior.com Motus is the largest Ninja Warrior facility in the KC metro area, housing more than 240 feet of obstacle course.

1999 Iron St. North KC, MO 816.300.0531 $ C2 kansascityymca.org/locations/ north-kansas-city Try the 25-foot indoor climbing wall.

RoKC

$

12300 S. Homestead Ln. Olathe, KS 913.856.8849 $$ A5 www.JCPRD.com Outdoor recreation activities, including a ropes course, zip line and climbing tower.

Zip KC 12829 Loring Rd. Bonner Springs, KS 913.214.9478 $$ A3 www.ZipKC.com A zip line adventure under trees and through trees to an awaiting 45-foot tower.

GO JUMP

Trampoline Parks and Bounce Houses Above All Trampoline Park

North Kansas City YMCA Climbing Wall

1501 Howell St. North KC, MO 816.843.7652

TimberRidge Adventure Center

D2

1927 Industrial Dr., Ste. 200 Liberty, MO 816.439.5300 $$ D1 AboveAllPark.com Take flight on the massive indoor court of connected trampolines for an unforgettable adventure.

Bump City 1001 NW Jefferson Blue Springs, MO 816.228.7775 $$ D3 www.bump-city.com Ninja Warrior obstacles, trampolines and indoor fun.

OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • GO FOR A RIDE

Fun Run

Kids Empire Olathe

SuperKidz Club

1919 Industrial Dr. Liberty, MO 816.781.0386 $ D1 www.FunRunKansasCity.com Inflatable obstacle course, dual lane slide and bounce houses offer active fun.

11941 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS $$ A5 KidsEmpire.com Indoor playground for family entertainment for all ages

12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy.

Shawnee, KS 913.413.0001 $ B3 SuperKidzClub.net Indoor play facility with jumping, climbing, crawling and sliding areas.

Pump It Up

• FEATURED LISTING •

Get Air 18900 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.897.3456 $$ D3 GetAirIndependence.com Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, trampoline dodgeball, a ninja obstacle course and more.

8510 W. 135th St. OP, KS 913.236.7867 $ B3 www.PumpItUpParty.com Have fun in gigantic, inflatablefilled arenas for open play.

Sky Zone

Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter and Cafe

2801 NE McBaine Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.272.4713 $

19700 E. Jackson Rd., Suite G Indep, MO 816.339.5894 $$ D3 Independence.kangasplaycenter.com Specially designed children’s indoor playcenter.

6495 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.308.3020 $ A4 www.skyzone.com/kansascity New state-of-the-art Ninja Warrior course, trampoline wipeout, free climb rock wall and more.

D4

Urban Air Trampoline Park See ad on pg. 39 Overland Park: 14401 Metcalf, OP, KS 913.298.0626 $$

Wheels, Water and Sky Ambiance on the Water 200 Ward Pkwy., KC, MO 816.365.7101 $$ C3 www.AmbianceOnTheWater.com Enjoy a ride aboard one of two custom designed boats for a romantic tour of the Plaza River Walk.

Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad B3

Lenexa: 8540 Maurer Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.359.5800 $$ B4 www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com Urban Air is a full-service family entertainment trampoline adventure park. We’re bringing families and friends together for a hyped up, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, building, flying and dunking. Open Jump is held daily and perfect for any age, fitness level or athletic ability.

•

502 E. Walnut St. Belton, MO 816.331.0630 $ C5 www.BeltonRailroad.org Train rides will appeal to the entire family. Some trips include hot dog trains, ice cream rides and more.

Blue Springs Lake Marina 1700 NE Bowlin Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.795.1112 $$ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat rental.

Where fun

TAKES FLIGHT! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.

Both locations now open

UrbanAirLenexa.com

8554 Maurer Road • Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 359-5800

UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

14401 Metcalf Ave • Overland Park, KS 66223 • (913) 298-0626

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 39

• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO Hot Expectations Balloon Company 11915 W. 143rd Ter. Olathe, KS 913.897.1030 $$ www.KCBalloonRides.com Hot air balloon tours of Kansas City.

Photo by Mark Lozano Photography

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS IN KC IN 2023

Union Station’s “Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing— The Exhibition” Brought to you by Disney and Marvel Studios, this world premiere exhibit tells the story of the web-slinger from his origins in 1962 to his modern day adventures through original art, interactive displays, photo ops and more. UnionStation.org Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s “Claude Monet” In honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism in 1874, the Nelson-Atkins is mounting an exhibition this fall to celebrate the movement’s founder, Claude Monet, through an exploration of his impact and legacy on a successive generation of artists. On display Oct. 28, 2023 – May 10, 2024. Nelson-Atkins.org

Legacy Park

A5

KC Northern Railroad

Longview Lake Marina

6060 NW Waukomis Dr. KC, MO 816.746.5663 $ B2 www.KCNRR.com Three 16-inch gauge trains restored and operated by volunteers run on a half-mile track through tunnels.

9898 Longview Rd., KC, MO 816.966.0131 $$ C5 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat rental.

KC Fun Tours Tours Board at Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.500.5417 $$ C3 www.KCFunTours.com Tour the popular sights and local favorites aboard an authentic trolley.

Kansas City Kayak & Canoe Locations vary.

816.226.6379 $$ C3 KCRiverRun.com KCKC provides the opportunity to paddle local waters, including the Missouri River, in a kayak or canoe.

National WWI Museum and Memorial’s “Entertaining the Troops” Open thru 2024. Entertaining the Troops gives a peek into the life of a WWI soldier beyond the battlefield, whether they were waiting for the enemies’ next move or partying in Paris. And, “Bespoke Bodies: The Design & Craft of Prosthetics,” open June 6, 2023 through 2024, explores prosthetic design and its critical role in new technologies. TheWorldWar.org

Kill Creek Park Marina

Johnson County Museum’s Exhibit “Away from Home” This new exhibit tells the story of Indian boarding schools and was adapted from the permanent exhibition of the same title, organized by the Heard Museum in Phoenix. JohnsonCountyMuseum.org

7401 W. Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.795.8888 $$ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat, bass boat, canoe, pedal boat and kayak rental.

Powell Gardens’ Exhibit “Fortopia” From May 25 to Sept. 4, Powell Gardens brings “Fortopia,” an exhibit included with general admission. With new forts for 2023, this playful outdoor exhibition features one-of-akind outdoor forts. PowellGardens.org Shawnee Town 1929’s Exhibit “Step Back in Time” Step back into the 1920s and experience life in Shawnee, a truck-farming town located just 10 miles from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Open thru Oct. 31. ShawneeTown.org

40 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

1201-1501 NE Legacy Park Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.969.1500 FREE D4 CityOfLS.net The park features a 22-acre lake where visitors may rent canoes, kayaks and bikes for free.

11670 Homestead Ln. Olathe, KS 913.558.6896 $$ A5 www.JCPRD.com Kayak, canoe, pedal boat rental.

Lake Jacomo Marina

Lake Olathe 13510 S. Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS 913.971.8973 $ A5 OlatheKS.org Lake Olathe Park features a 170-acre lake surrounded by a 258-acre community park.

The lake offers a swim beach (summer) and marina.

Midland Railway 1515 W. High St., Baldwin City, KS 785.594.1335 $ A5 www.midlandrailway.org Take a 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City via Norwood, KS, to Ottawa Junction, KS.

Old World Balloonery 12600 W. 142nd St., OP, KS 913.338.2628 $$$ B5 www.OldWorldBalloonery.com Hot air balloon tours of the city.

Richard Petty Driving Experience 400 Speedway Blvd., KC, KS 1.800.237.3889 $$ A3 www.DrivePetty.com High-speed racing venue where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle.

Shawnee Mission Park Marina 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.888.1990 $$ D4 www.JCPRD.com Fishing boat, canoe, pedal boat rental.

Wyandotte County Lake Marina 9100 Leavenworth Rd., KC, KS 913.573.8327 $$ A3 www.wycokck.org/parks Fishing boat rental.

GO BE DARING

Escape Rooms, Mystery Theater and Thrills The Basement 1600 W. 8th St., KC, MO 866.993.7227 $$ B3 BasementEscapeRoom.com KC’s only horror escape room.

OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • Blade & Timber

The Escape Game

1303 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 816.343.8489 $$ C3 5203 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS 913.205.5421 $$ B5 BladeAndTimber.com Axe throwing entertainment venue.

320 Ward Pkwy., KC, MO 615.601.2606 $$ C3 TheEscapegame.com/kansas-city Opening summer 2023. Escape games designed to be epic for everyone.

Breakout KC

Escape Room

114 W. 3rd St., Ste. 102, KC, MO 816.945.2633 $$ C3

1st Floor Union Station 30 W. Pershing, KC, MO 816.321.2837 $$ C3 www.EscapeRoomKC.com A live escape game where you have 60 minutes to solve a mystery.

11535 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.298.1081 $$ B5 www.BreakoutKC.com You have 60 minutes to break out from a real life escape room, cracking codes.

Bury the Hatchet 7105 W. 105th St., OP, KS 913.218.0945 $$ B5 BuryTheHatchet.com Throw a hatchet at the target and try to hit the bull’s-eye.

Escape This Place 9507 E. 63rd St., Ste. 103 Raytown, MO 816.359.2372 $$ escapethis.place A story-based escape room experience.

The Dinner Detective

The Exit Room

1301 Wyandotte St., KC, MO 866.496.0535 $$ C3 TheDinnerDetective.com/Kansas-City Live mystery comedy theater.

304 SW Market St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.434.5808 $$ www.TheExitRoomKC.com

C4

Your team of players will have exactly one hour to complete a mission or task giving you the key to escape.

Get Nerfed Battle Arena 701 Haines, Ste. 500 Liberty, MO 816.326.8458 $ D1 GetNerfed.fun Family-friendly entertainment options for kids and adults.

Kansas City Gangster Tour Tours Board at Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd. KC, MO 816.471.1234 $$ C3 KansasCityTransportationGroup.com Call to schedule a tour. The Gangster Tour puts you hot on the trail of this city’s most notorious Goodfellas.

Mastermind Escape Games

D4

7810 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.827.0999 $$ B5 MastermindEscapeGames.com An interactive escape room game.

Rage! KC 1524 Charlotte St. KC, MO 816.472.6699 $$ C3 Rage-KC.com Smash, break and generally destroy everyday objects including bottles, plates, computers, radios and more in a safe environment.

Tick Tock Escape Rooms 6398 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.396.9144 $$ B5 www.TickTockEscapeGames.com An hour of fun where anyone can be the one who “gets it” and solves the next clue to save the day.

Wood Chux 888 S. State Route 291 Liberty, MO 816.415.2489 $$

D1

455 S. Thompson Ave. Excelsior Springs, MO 816.415.2489 $$

D1

Northland’s only axe throwing gym.

An Educational Experience for All Ages!

Cedar Cove is a non-profit sanctuary and educational center committed to the care and preservation of endangered predator species while educating the public on the importance of preserving their natural ecosystems and the impending dangers of their extinction.

Schedule a visit:

Please visit our website for current weekend hours and to schedule a visit using our online booking.

• Public Weekend tours begin on the half-hour.

• Tour sizes limited for best safety practices.

Summer Hours: May-Oct Winter Hours: Nov-Apr

Public Feedings 1 Hour Before Closing!

(Weekend tours only)

WEEKDAY TOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

Location:

3783 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053

(see website for map & directions)

www.saveoursiberians.org

CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION KCGOINGPLACES.COM 41

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES •

HISTORIC PLACES Airline History Museum

Battle of Westport Museum

201 NW Lou Holland Dr., KC, MO 816.421.3401 $ C3 www.AirlineHistory.org A collection of photographs and artifacts.

4000 Baltimore, KC, MO 816.561.1821 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The museum depicts the history of the famous Civil War battle in western Missouri.

Alexander Majors Home 8201 State Line Rd., KC, MO 816.444.1858 $ C4 www.WornallMajors.org Alexander Majors was one of the founders of the Pony Express.

The home was built in 1856.

Amelia Earhart Birthplace 223 N. Terrace St., Atchison, KS 913.367.4217 $ A1 www.AmeliaEarhartMuseum.org Tour the birthplace and childhood home of Kansas’ famous female aviator.

Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum 16701 286th Rd., Atchison, KS 913.372.0021 $$ A1 AmeliaEarhartHangarMuseum.org Interactive and immersive STEM exhibits take visitors through Earhart’s life.

Arabia Steamboat Museum Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

42 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

GO BACK IN TIME

History Museums and Tours 1827 Log Courthouse 107 W. Kansas Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7111 Free D3 www.VisitIndependence.com Learn about the slave-land dispute and westward expansion issues.

1859 Marshal’s Home and Jail Museum 217 N. Main St., Indep, MO 816.252.1892 $ D3 jchs.org/1859-jail One-room schoolhouse, marshal’s home, 1859 jail and museum.

400 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.1856 $$ C3 www.1856.com The steamboat Arabia sank in 1856 in the Missouri River, and the treasures of the shipwreck and their history are on exhibit.

Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd. Gladstone, MO 816.423.4107 $ C2 www.AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com The museum depicts farm life in the mid-1800s.

Battle of Westport Monument 5200 Wornall, KC, MO 913.345.2000 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The center of the main battlefield is located at present-day Loose Park.

Belton Historical Society & Museum 512 Main St., Belton, MO 816.322.3977 $ C5 www.BeltonHistoricalSociety.org View artifacts preserving the history of Belton.

Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum 220 Ferrel St., Platte City, MO 816.431.5121 $ A1 pchs1882.org This 1881 home is a replica of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. County historical archives and exhibits are housed here.

Berlin Wall Monument Grove of Regiments on Bundel Road Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.684.3600 Free A1 www.VisitLeavenworthKS.com The monument memorializes the historic barrier that separated West and East Berlin during the Cold War.

Bingham-Waggoner Estate 313 W. Pacific Ave., Indep, MO 816.461.3491 $ D3 www.bwestate.net The 1855 museum depicts the history of George Caleb Bingham.

Black Archives of Mid-America 1722 E. 17th Ter., KC, MO 816.221.1600 Free C3 www.BlackArchives.org Collections featuring the works of Black artists, writers, musicians and leaders.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Bonnell Museum 20755 Lamar Rd. Weston, MO 816.992.0102 Free A1 www.WestonMo.com Tour an 1874 working farm and explore the museum.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center 3700 Blue Pkwy., KC, MO 816.513.0700 Free C3 www.brucewatkinscenter.com This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early Black pioneers.

Burnt District Museum 400 E. Mechanic, Ste. 203 Harrisonville, MO 816.380.4396 $ C5 www.CI.Harrisonville.MO.US Civil War museum with exhibits including a diorama of the Battle of Morristown, timelines, photo archives and more.

Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

U.S. Federal Courthouse 400 E. 9th St., KC, MO 816.426.3963 Free C3 www.GSA.gov/portal/content/101540 Tour the Federal Courthouse and learn how the judicial branch of government works.

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1331 $ A1 www.FirstCityMuseums.org Tour the museum to learn the history of the carousel and enjoy a ride as well!

Clay County Courthouse

Dillingham-Lewis Home

1 Courthouse Square Liberty, MO 816.407.3900 Free D2 www.Circuit7.net Painted and ceramic murals tell Clay County’s story. Interpretive brochures available.

101 SW 15th St. Blue Springs, MO 816.224.8979 Free D4 www.BlueSpringsHistory.org Tour a 20th-century pioneer home to see how early settlers in Jackson County lived.

Clay County Museum

Dole Institute of Politics

14 N. Main St. Liberty, MO 816.792.1849 Free D1 www.ClayCountyMuseum.org Painted and ceramic murals tell Clay County’s story. Interpretive brochures available.

2350 Petefish Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.4900 FREE A3 DoleInstitute.org Museum celebrates public service, civil discourse and the legacy of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole through its programs, archive and museum.

Ensor Park and Museum 18995 W. 183rd St. Olathe, KS 913.592.4141 $ A5 www.ensorparkandmuseum.org A seasonal museum devoted to the teacher, craftsman and amateur radio operator and his influence.

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum 101 E. Broadway St. Excelsior Springs, MO 816.630.0101 Free D1 esmuseum.com View historic records and artifacts and learn the history of Excelsior Springs.

Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum 1 Memorial Dr., KC, MO 816.881.2683 Free C3 www.KansasCityFed.org Tour Kansas City’s Federal Reserve Bank and learn about the U.S. monetary system.

There’s more to discover in Kansas City than great museums and barbecue!

Visit and learn more about your family history.

• ACCESS 900,000+ FAMILY HISTORY RESOURCES • FREE ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS • FREE ONLINE GENEALOGY TOOLS • FREE IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL CLASSES • FREE WI-FI AND PUBLIC COMPUTERS • FREE PARKING • ORAL HISTORY RECORDING EQUIPMENT • PATRON LOUNGE WITH VENDING MACHINES • FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL STAFF 15 minutes east of Downtown Kansas City off I-70

3440 S. Lee's Summit Rd. Independence, MO 64055

Open daily!

midwestgenealogycenter.org

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 43

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Historic Liberty Jail

Johnson County Museum

216 N. Main St. Liberty, MO 816.781.3188 Free D1 www.LDS.org Discover the history of the jail and learn the story of Joseph Smith, a Mormon leader.

8788 Metcalf OP, KS 913.826.2787 $ B4 www.jcprd.com/museum The museum shares local history through galleries and public programs.

Historic Pharis Farm

Kansas City Automotive Museum

20611 EE Hwy. Liberty, MO 816.736.8500 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Learn about the Pharis farm of 1836.

Jackson County Historical Society Archives

Midwest Genealogy Center

First City Museum 743 Delaware St. Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1866 $ A1 www.FirstCityMuseums.org Exhibits highlight the history of Kansas’ first city.

Fort Osage 107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 816.650.3278 $ D2 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Osage Indian history and early military history are depicted through exhibits and special events.

Frontier Army Museum 100 Reynolds Ave. Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.684.3191 Free A1 www.FFAM.us Learn about the history of the frontier Army from 1804 to 1916 and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present.

Grandview Historical Depot Museum 1205 Jones St., Grandview, MO 816.761.0414 $ C4 www.Grandview.org The museum, housed in a caboose, preserves Grandview history.

Grinter Place State Historic Site

Jesse James Bank Museum

1420 S. 78th St., KC, KS 913.299.0373 Free A3 www.KSHS.org A step back to the days of frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border.

103 N. Water St. Liberty, MO 816.736.8510 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMo.gov Visit the site of the first U.S. daylight peacetime bank robbery.

Harris-Kearney House

Jesse James Farm & Museum

4000 Baltimore Ave. KC, MO 816.561.1821 $ C3 www.WestportHistorical.com Tour the 1855 house that served as a hotel in old Westport and stands as one of Kansas City’s oldest landmarks.

21216 James Farm Rd. Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 $ D1 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Tour the Jesse James home and learn about the famous outlaw and pre-Civil War history in northern Missouri.

• FEATURED LISTING •

John Wornall House Museum

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

See ad on pg. 2 500 US Hwy. 24 Indep, MO 816.268.8200 $ D3 www.TrumanLibrary.org One of 15 presidential libraries.

Visitors are able to experience engaging exhibits and programs, and the library aspires to reach a broad and diverse audience in a continuous effort to keep President Truman’s life and legacy alive, emphasizing his ideals of citizenship, learning and service.

•

44 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Jackson County Courthouse 112 W. Lexington Ave., Indep, MO 816.461.1897 Free D3 www.JCHS.org Tour the historic Truman Courthouse, which is home to the archives and research library.

6115 Wornall Rd. KC, MO 816.444.1858 $ C4 www.wornallmajors.org The 1858 museum offers special events and programs telling the history of Kansas City during the Civil War.

Johnson County Kansas Archives 19310 W. 159th St. Olathe, KS 913.715.0400 Free A5 www.JoCoGov.org Archives of Johnson County, KS, history are open to visitors.

15095 W. 116th St. Olathe, KS 913.322.4227 $ A5 KansasCityAutoMuseum.com Museum celebrating the history of automobiles.

Kansas City Historic Garment District Museum 801 Broadway Blvd.

KC, MO 816.513.0720 Free C3 KansasCityMuseum.org The museum tells the story of Kansas City’s garment factories from the 1920s through the 1980s.

Kansas City Irish Center 19 W. Linwood Blvd.

KC, MO 816.474.3848 Free www.IrishCenterKC.org Discover Kansas City’s Irish history.

C3

Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd.

KC, MO 816.513.0720 $ C3 KansasCityMuseum.org The Kansas City Museum is a hub of learning, creativity and collaboration where individuals and communities innovate and inspire engagement and civic unity.

KC Rail Experience – All Aboard Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd. KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org Let the power of play lead the way in this train-themed area geared for children ages 4-7.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • KCMO City Hall 414 E. 12th St., KC, MO 816.513.3600 Free C3 www.kcmo.gov Take a free tour to the top for a panoramic view of the city, or schedule a tour to learn about the inner workings of city government.

Kearney Historic Museum 101 S. Jefferson St. Kearney, MO 816.903.1856 $ D1 VisitClayMO.com/business/ kearney-historic-museum Home to several permanent and rotating displays including a full timeline of Kearney’s history.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Overland Park

Leavenworth National Cemetery

Lone Jack Battlefield Museum

11902 Lowell Ave., OP, KS 913.327.6643 Free B5 www.opkansas.org The KWVA Memorial features an engraved wall honoring the fallen and missing soldiers of the Korean War.

150 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, KS 913.727.1376 Free A1 www.Cem.VA.Gov This historic cemetery is the burial site for many soldiers, beginning with the Civil War.

301 S. Bynum Rd., Lone Jack, MO 816.697.8833 Free D5 www.HistoricLoneJack.org Enjoy this museum and battlefield tour of the Battle of Lone Jack.

Korean/Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Lee’s Summit History Museum

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

Wyandotte County Park: 91st Street & Leavenworth Road KC, KS 913.573.8327 Free A2 www.WyCoKCK.org America’s first dual war memorial is dedicated to veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

220 SW Main St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.287.4477 Free D4 www.LeesSummitHistory.net Museum dedicated to preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Kansas City

Lanesfield School Historic Site

Washington Square Park: Pershing & Main, KC, MO Free C3 www.MoKoreanWarMemorial.org A memorial dedicated to the memory of those who served during the Korean War.

18745 S. Dillie Rd. Edgerton, KS 913.893.6645 Free A5 www.jcprd.com The Lanesfield School Historic Site is a tribute to rural schooling.

Legler Barn Museum 14907 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.492.0038 Free A4 www.LenexaHistoricalSociety.org The site displays changing exhibits on local history.

• FEATURED LISTING • See ad on pg. 47 1200 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.971.5111 $ A5 www.mahaffie.org Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm offers a unique hands-on experience for visitors of all ages, focusing on 1860s farming, frontier life and stagecoach travel, while preserving the nationally significant Mahaffie story.

Mahaffie is the last remaining stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail.

Visitors tour the historic home, blacksmith shop and farm.

•

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 45

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • • FEATURED LISTING • National WWI Museum and Memorial

See ad on pg. 45 2 Memorial Dr., KC, MO 816.888.8100 $ C3 www.TheWorldWar.org The National WWI Museum and Memorial is dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact.

Through original objects and documents, video, recreated trenches and interactive tables, the museum shares a comprehensive history of the First World War with visitors.

•

Oxford Schoolhouse

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

Ironwoods Park: 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.663.9157 Free B5 www.leawood.org/historicoxford-schoolhouse Living history programs where children experience the oneroom school day of pioneers.

Shawnee Indian Mission 3403 W. 53rd St. Fairway, KS 913.262.0867 $ B3 www.KSHS.org Learn the history of the Shawnee and early Johnson County, KS.

• FEATURED LISTING • Shawnee Town 1929

See ad on pg. 43 11501 W. 57th St. Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org Step back into the 1920s and experience life in Shawnee, a truck-farming town located just 10 miles from downtown Kansas City! Visitors of all ages can explore our interactive historic Main Street’s local businesses and an original truck farm. This living history museum gives visitors a taste of life in the 1920s.

•

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

• FEATURED LISTING •

National Agricultural Hall of Fame

See ad on pg. 43 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Rd. Indep, MO 816.252.7228 FREE D3 MyMCPL.org Research your genealogy at this facility where visitors may access online databases to search censuses, newspapers, vital records and more. Research librarians assist individuals in learning more about their family histories through the vast collections and resources at this research center.

630 N. 126th St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.721.1075 $ A3 www.AgHallOfFame.com Learn about agriculture in the Heartland.

217 N. Main, Indep, MO 816.254.2466 $ D3 www.PioneerTrailsAdventures.com Enjoy a mule-drawn covered wagon ride as you learn about the city’s history and famous citizens.

National Frontier Trails Museum

Raytown Historical Society and Museum

Strawberry Hill Museum

318 W. Pacific Indep, MO 816.325.7575 $ D3 www.CI.Independence.MO.us/NFTM Features the history of the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails.

9705 E. 63rd St., Raytown, MO 816.353.5033 $ C3 www.RaytownHistoricalSociety.org Museum features a general store, Raytown history and traveling exhibits.

720 N. 4th St. KC, KS 913.371.3264 $ B3 www.StrawberryHillMuseum.org This Queen Anne-style 1887 home tells the story of immigrants from Eastern Europe.

Rice-Tremonti Home

Thomas Hart Benton Home

8801 E. 66th St. Raytown, MO 816.358.7423 $ C3 www.Rice-Tremonti.com Visit the oldest standing frame house in Jackson County, MO.

3616 Belleview Ave. KC, MO 816.931.5722 $ C3 www.MoStateParks.com Tour the home of one of Missouri’s most famous artists.

Rosedale Memorial Arch

Trailside Center

Booth Street & Park Drive KC, KS 913.573.8327 Free B3 www.WyCoKcK.org Arch was built in 1923 to pay tribute to WWI veterans.

9901 Holmes Rd. KC, MO 816.942.3581 FREE C4 TrailsideCenter.org Resource center with artifacts from New Santa Fe’s historical collection.

Midwest Genealogy Center

•

Missouri Town Living History Museum 8010 E. Park Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.229.8980 $ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Missouri Town is a reconstructed 1850s farming community.

Mount Gilead Church & School 15918 Plattsburg Rd. Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 Free D1 www.claycountymo.gov/historic Tour a one-room schoolhouse where school continued to meet through the Civil War, and a historic church.

46 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures 5235 Oak St. KC, MO 816.235.8000 $ C3 www.ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org Explore the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of antique toys.

Pioneer Trails Adventures

7000 NE Barry Rd. KC, MO 816.792.2655 $ C1 ShoalCreekLivingHistory Museum.com A village of more than 20 authentic 19th-century buildings.

Hands-on history is taught through programs and events.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Truman Courtroom and Office

TWA Museum

Jackson County Courthouse: 112 W. Lexington Indep, MO 816.881.3000 $ D3 jchs.org/truman-courthouse Tour the office and courtroom used by Mr. Truman in his early years of elected politics.

Remodeled office opening soon.

10 Richards Rd., #110, KC, MO 816.234.1011 $ C3 TWAMuseum.com Exhibits preserving the legacy of Trans World Airlines’ leadership in the world of commercial aviation.

Truman Farm Home 12301 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Grandview, MO 816.254.2720 $ C5 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Built in 1894, this was Harry Truman’s childhood residence from 1906 to 1917.

Truman Home 219 N. Delaware Indep, MO 816.254.2720 $ D3 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Tour the home of President and Mrs. Truman where they lived.

UFDC Doll Museum 10900 N. Pomona Ave., KC, MO 816.891.7040 $ B1 www.UFDC.org Museum features exhibits on dolls from around the world and throughout history.

U.S. National Archives 400 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.268.8000 Free C3 archives.gov/kansas-city The collections include historical, diplomatic, genealogical and military documents, artifacts and exhibits.

Vaile Mansion 1500 N. Liberty St., Indep, MO 816.325.7430 $ D3 www.VaileMansion.org

Guided tours are offered of the 1882 Victorian mansion.

Veterans Memorial Park 1025 S. Harrison, Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 Free A5 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec/ This 4-acre park honors the men and women who served America in the Armed Services.

Veterans Park 121 W. Pawnee Ln. Gardner, KS 913.856.0936 Free A5 www.GardnerKansas.gov The park features a veterans memorial, as well as park facilities: playground, trail, basketball court and more.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 4181 Broadway, KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free C3 KCParks.org The memorial includes a wall with the names of 451 area veterans killed or missing in action.

Watkins Woolen Mill 26600 Park Rd. N. Lawson, MO 816.580.3387 $ D1 MOStateParks.com Tour the home, visitors center, farm and brick mill, and see how workers turned fleece into fabric.

Weston Historical Museum 601 Main St. Weston, MO 816.386.2977 Free A1 www.WestonHistoricalMuseum.org The Weston Historical Museum has preserved local artifacts to enjoy today.

Wyandotte County Historical Society and Museum 631 N. 126th St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.573.5002 Free A3 www.WYCoKCK.org Hands-on exhibits and artifacts depict the history of Wyandotte County and Native Americans.

3

We’re excited to welcome back visitors to Mahaffie!

Check out our website and follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Farm Fresh History Since 1858!

KC PARENT FAMILY FUN ZONE Located next to Town Hall Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm TONS of FREE Children’s Activities and Performances

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 – SUNDAY, JUNE 4 SHAWNEE TOWN 1929 | 11600 JOHNSON DRIVE, SHAWNEE, KS

OLDSHAWNEEDAYS.ORG

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas • 913.971.5111 Activities vary by season Visit www.mahaffie.org

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 47

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES •

SCIENCE PLACES The Museum at Prairiefire 5801 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.333.3500 $ B5 www.VisitTheMap.org The museum showcases world renowned exhibits.

Powell Observatory 26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS 913.438.3825 $ B5 www.ASKC.org Powell Observatory is home to the largest telescope in a fivestate area.

• FEATURED LISTING •

Science City at Union Station Science City at Union Station

LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO EXPLORE

Science Museums American Royal Museum 1701 American Royal Ct. KC, MO 816.221.9800 $ C3 www.AmericanRoyal.com Museum is dedicated to agriculture, show animals and petting zoo.

48 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

• FEATURED LISTING • Gottlieb Planetarium

See ad on pg. 65 Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org Combining interactive astronomy education with spectacular public shows and night sky viewing opportunities. Built as part of Union Station’s renovations in the late 1990s, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium’s 60-foot dome makes it one of the largest planetariums in the Midwest.

•

KU Natural History Museum 1345 Jayhawk Blvd.

Lawrence, KS 785.864.4450 $ A3 Biodiversity.KU.edu Four floors of exhibits help you explore the life of the planet.

Moon Marble 600 E. Front St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.441.1432 Free A3 www.MoonMarble.com Watch marble making, learn marble games and visit the store with old-fashioned toys.

See ad on pg. 65 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.ScienceCity.com Kansas City’s Science Center, Science City at Union Station Kansas City, is a dynamic, handson science center featuring nearly 200 individual interactive exhibits and daily programming.

Kids of all ages experience the amazing world of science firsthand through fun and engaging exhibits and programs.

•

UMKC’S Richard L. Sutton, Jr., M.D., Museum of Geosciences Miller Nichols Library, Room #329 800 E. 51st St., KC, MO FREE C3 cas.umkc.edu View a collection of rocks, minerals and fossils including the museum’s Crinoid collection.

• FEATURED LISTING •

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and Educational Center See ad on pg. 41 3783 Hwy. K68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5515 $ B5 www.SaveOurSiberians.org A preserve for tigers and a refuge for big cats that are abandoned, neglected or whose owners are unable to care for them. On Saturday evenings (summer—autumn) watch as the big cats are fed by trained staff.

Special events and tours are offered through the year.

•

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead 13800 Switzer, OP, KS 913.897.2360 Free/$ B5 www.OPKansas.org 12-acre park with farm animals, a dairy barn, a fishing pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides and more.

Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch 1113 SW 500th Rd. Holden, MO 816.813.9359 $ D5 GreenMeadowsAlpacaRanch. business.site Experience an interactive farm tour on a working alpaca ranch.

Johnson Farms Plants & Pumpkins

Zoos, Aquariums and Farms

17701 S. State Rte. D Belton, MO 816.331.1067 $ C3 JohnsonFarms.net A family owned farm open two seasons of the year with u-pick seasonal produce and high quality plants. The fall pumpkin patch is a kid-friendly favorite.

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch

• FEATURED LISTING •

17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196 $ C2 CarolynsCountryCousins.com The seasonal farm is open every autumn.

See ad on pg. 68 6800 Zoo Dr., KC, MO 816.595.1234 $ www.KansasCityZoo.org

GO SEE ANIMALS

Kansas City Zoo

C4

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • Visitors love the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, world-class African exhibit, venturing to Australia and the Tropics exhibit. Live animal feedings and shows are offered daily, and watching elephants paint, sea lions train and the bird show are a few favorites. The zoo also hosts family-friendly weekends with character visits, holiday specials and workshops to educate visitors on the animals.

GO VISIT GARDENS Botanical Gardens and Learning Gardens

Beanstalk Children’s Garden 6917 Kensington, KC, MO 816.931.3877 $ www.KCCG.org Children’s garden features educational programs on gardening and nutrition.

C4

• Kauffman Memorial Garden

Native Hooved Animal Enclosure Fleming Park: 6010 E. Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.503.4800 Free D4 www.makeyourdayhere.com View the 110-acre enclosure where elk, buffalo and deer roam freely.

Manna Meadows 16842 Metro Ave. Bonner Springs, KS 913.461.5003 $ A3 MannaMeadowsAlpacas.com Alpaca farm and honeybee apiary.

• FEATURED LISTING • Sea Life Kansas City

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 VisitSeaLife.com Sea Life Kansas City gets you up close and face-to-face with amazing underwater creatures such as sharks, octopus, our green sea turtle named Gertrude, stingrays, sea stars, seahorses, jellyfish and thousands of colorful fish! A favorite attraction is the Interactive Rockpool Experience, where you are able to touch animals like sea stars and sea urchins with the help of a Sea Life Educator!

•

Timber View Farm Alpacas 14713 W. 311 St., Paola, KS 509.750.7401 $ B5 Timberviewfarmalpacas.com Tour the alpaca farm and learn about fiber arts. Call to schedule.

YaYa’s Alpaca Farm 30200 E. 275th St., Garden City, MO 816.213.7555 $ C5 YaYasAlpacaFarm.com Tour this working alpaca farm.

4800 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.932.1200 Free C3 www.kauffman.org/who-we-are/ our-founder-ewing-kauffman/ kauffman-memorial-garden Free 2-acre public garden.

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden

its contemporary architecture and stunning display gardens, Powell Gardens offers classes, performances and festivals yearround. In 2009, it opened the Heartland Harvest Garden, a 12acre expansion that comprises one of the nation’s largest edible landscapes.

•

GO EXPERIENCE NATURE Conservation Centers Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., KC, MO 816.759.7300 Free C3 www.MDC.mo.gov Explore the nature center, hiking trail, special programs and more.

Blue River Nature Sanctuary

Loose Park: 5200 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free C3 https://kcparks.org KC’s rose garden features hundreds of roses with a fountain.

17315 Antioch Rd., OP, KS 913.897.7340 $ B5 BlueRiverForestExperience.org Enjoy a variety of nature connection experiences.

Linda Hall Library

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

Urban Arboretum 5109 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.363.4600 Free C3 www.LindaHall.org Urban garden on UMKC’s campus features a butterfly garden.

Overland Park Arboretum 8909 W. 179th St., OP, KS 913.685.3604 Free-$ B5 www.OPKansas.org Savor beautiful gardens, including a Monet garden and a children’s garden.

Pollinator Prairie 320 S. Blake St., Olathe, KS 913.693.1905 Free A5 Pollinator.org/pollinator-prairie Free garden to visit.

• FEATURED LISTING • Powell Gardens

See ad on pg. 35 1609 NW US Hwy. 50 Kingsville, MO 816.697.2600 $ D5 www.PowellGardens.org Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is set on 970 acres of lush, rolling hills just east of Kansas City on U.S. Highway 50. Known for

1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.3766 Free D3 www.MDC.mo.gov Features hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, animals and nature trails.

Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary 7300 SW West Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.795.8177 Free www.Burroughs.org A library and bird watching center.

F. L. Schlagle Library 4051 West Dr., KC, KS 913.295.8250 Free A3 www.KCKPL.org Nature library offers trails, nature art gallery, bird watching and classes.

George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Indep, MO 816.325.7115 Free D3 www.GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org Enjoy programs for children, fishing dock and trails.

Kemper Outdoor Education Center 8201 Jasper Bell Blue Springs, MO 816.229.8980 Free D4 www.makeyourdayhere.com See reptile displays, rock and fossil exhibits and a natural resource library.

Lakeside Nature Center 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., KC, MO 816.513.8960 Free C4 www.LakesideNatureCenter.org An incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife.

Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary 407 N. Lafrenz Rd., Liberty, MO 816.781.8598 Free D1 www.NatureSanctuary.com Provides engaging hands-on environmental and natural science education.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary D4

Cave Spring Park and William M. Klein Park 8701 E. Gregory Blvd., KC, MO 816.659.1945 Free C4 www.CaveSpring.org Visit the nature center and hiking trails.

Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N. Hwy. 7, Olathe, KS 913.826.2800 Free A5 www.ErnieMiller.com The nature center features animals native to Kansas, hiking trails and educational programs.

8888 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.741.7676 Free B2 parkvillemo.gov/nature-sanctuary Explore the nature sanctuary and hiking trails.

Prairie Oak Nature Center 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.696.7770 Free B5 www.Leawood.org/parks The nature center features hands-on activities and several live animals.

Prairie Park Nature Center 2730 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 785.832.7980 Free A3 www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/ppnc Investigate animal exhibits including reptiles, birds and mammals.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 49

THE TEEN SCENE

T

here’s a lot to do in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, with places for all ages. There are fun playgrounds and activities for children and many museums and gardens for adults to take a stroll through.

But what about teens, that age between children and adults, too old to enjoy Legoland but too young to get much enjoyment from history museums? Kansas City has lots to offer that will appeal to adolescents. I’m a teenager myself. I can’t speak for all teens, but these are a few I’ve enjoyed—and I think you will, too!

Tick Tock Escape

Chicken N Pickle

The Legends

Theater in the Park 50 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

FUN

SHOPPING

MAIN EVENT

OAK PARK MALL

Main Event is a great hangout spot for teens. With bowling alleys, an arcade, laser tag and an indoor ropes course, there’s something for everyone in your friend group to enjoy. Different activity options are available to buy that offer different experiences. If you only want to play arcade games, you can buy a Fun Card that keeps your accumulated points. If you’re just there to go bowling and eat food, you can rent a lane.

Barnes & Noble, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, the Lego store—Oak Park Mall has all of those and more. Oak Park is a two-story mall in Overland Park that houses more than 180 stores and is within walking distance of other restaurants just outside the mall, like Noodles & Company. It’s the largest mall in the Kansas City metro and the largest in the entire state of Kansas.

CROWN CENTER TICK TOCK ESCAPE If you like a mental challenge more than a physical one, Tick Tock Escape is a great option. It has five different escape rooms, all with different themes. Some rooms are designed for smaller groups and some for larger groups, so there’s sure to be a room for whatever size group you have.

There is also a party room for hosting events.

Something unique about Tick Tock Escape is that it allows for races. Some rooms have two identical versions, so you can split your group into halves and see who can escape the same room faster. This adds even more motivation for escape. Not only would you be racing against the clock, but also your friends!

CHICKEN N PICKLE At Chicken N Pickle, you can enjoy a great meal and a fun game at the same time! Chicken N Pickle is a locallyowned business with two locations in the KC metro: Overland Park, Kansas, and North Kansas City. It’s a restaurant, but it’s also more than that. There are many pickleball courts, a lawn where you can play yard games like cornhole, and giant-sized versions of classic games like Jenga and Battleship. The Overland Park location also has an iceskating rink.

Visiting Chicken N Pickle will be a unique experience, with something for everybody to enjoy!

Crown Center is a shopping center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, that’s connected to Union Station and two hotels. You can watch a show at the Coterie Theatre, grab a bite to eat at one of the many places in the food court, satisfy your sweet tooth at Chip’s Chocolate Factory and so much more.

Crown Center also hosts many Kansas City events and festivals, including live music and outdoor movies. There are also seasonal events such as ice-skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace in the winter months.

THE LEGENDS Whether you’re watching a movie at AMC, getting some frozen yogurt at Yogurtini or adding to your closet at Forever 21, The Legends has it all!

The Legends is a shopping center that spans more than a million square feet of retail space and has more than 100 different businesses.

At The Legends, you won’t have to search to fulfill your shopping and dining needs. The food choices range from fast food places like Five Guys and Culver’s to sit-down restaurants like Applebee’s and Olive Garden.

For clothing, there are many large chain stores such as Aeropostale, JCPenney and Hot Topic. If you aren’t looking for clothing, you can check out Books-A-Million, Gamestop, Homegoods and many others.

FIRST FRIDAYS IN KC Food trucks, live music and art galleries—these are the kind of things you’ll encounter during First Fridays.

On the first Friday of every month, head down to the Crossroads in Kansas City, Missouri, for a fun way to spend the evening. You can get food from a local restaurant or eat from one of the many food trucks set up during First Fridays.

If you don’t want to buy anything, you can still experience First Fridays for free! With buskers on the streets and tons of art galleries to see, there’s a lot to enjoy without paying anything.

PERFORMANCES T-MOBILE CENTER If you want to see a concert, the T-Mobile Center is the place to go!

The T-Mobile Center has a capacity of more than 15,000 seats and hosts more than 100 events per year. One popular annual event hosted here is Winter Jam, the yearly Christian artist concert.

General admission tickets vary per event, but you can also purchase a suite. A suite is a great choice for large groups going to see a concert together because they are private, and they include fridges stocked with drinks already waiting for you.

THEATRE IN THE PARK If live theater is more your thing, go to Theatre in the Park (TITP). TITP is an outdoor theater that puts on many different shows throughout the year. Bring a blanket and a picnic or get some food from the concession stand, and then enjoy a performance from great local talent. In the colder months, there’s an indoor theater for performances.

If you want to act in a TITP show, you can. It’s completely free to audition and perform. Depending on the show, they will cast teenagers and children.

Lyra Thompson is a local teen with a passion for fun … and writing, too!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 51

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES •

THEATRICAL PLACES Big Creek Country Show 110 Veterans Pkwy.

Pleasant Hill, MO 816.524.6856 $$ A5 BigCreekCountry.net Country musicians and comedians offer shows for the family.

Blue Springs City Theater 2000 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.295.7331 $ bluespringscitytheatre.com Live community theater.

LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO SEE A SHOW

Live Theater, Dance and Entertainment The American Theatre Guild 9001 State Line Rd., Ste. 110, KC, MO 800.776.7469 $$ C4 AmericanTheatreGuild.com/ KansasCity/ Live Broadway musicals, plays and jazz shows.

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland 1228 Main St., KC, MO 816.283.9900 $$ C3 ArvestBankTheatre.com Live theater, concerts and other performances entertain guests.

52 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Avila College Goppert Theatre 11901 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.501.3699 $$ www.Avila.edu Students offer live theater performances.

C5

D3

11119 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS 913.207.4147 $$ A4 AztecShawnee.com Showcasing local and regional music acts in a beautifully restored auditorium.

Barn Players Community Theatre 1000 E. 9th St., Ste. 225, KC, MO 913.432.9100 $ C3 www.TheBarnPlayers.org Enjoy live community theater performances.

Bell Road Barn Players David Theater at Park University: 8700 NW River Park Dr. Parkville, MO 816.587.0218 $ www.BellRoadBarn.com Live community theater performances.

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.442.6100 $$ D3 CableDahmerArena.com A 5,800-seat venue located just 20 minutes from downtown. This is a premier destination for live entertainment and professional sports in Eastern Jackson County.

City Stage

Aztec Shawnee Theater

30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $$ C3 UnionStation.org/Venues/CityStage-Theatre Live theater performances for all ages.

City Theatre of Independence 201 N. Dodgion, Indep, MO 816.719.7389 $ D3 www.CityTheatreOfIndependence.org Live community theater for all ages includes children’s shows.

The Comedy Club 1130 W. 103rd St., KC, MO 816.326.8776 $$ C5 www.thecomedyclubkc.com An improv and stand-up comedy club.

Coterie Theatre B2

Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. 144 KC, MO 816.474.6552 $ www.CoterieTheatre.org

• FEATURED LISTING • The Culture House

See ad on pg. 53 Various performance locations

Cable Dahmer Arena Midwest Trust Center

The Coterie is among the top five theaters serving families and young audiences in the United States, according to TIME magazine.

C3

Olathe Conservatory: 14808 W. 117th St., Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 $ A5 Oak Park: 11149 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.291.1972 $ B3 www.CultureHouse.com Almost every town in Europe has a Culture House, a gathering place where neighbors engage in the arts. You’re invited to become part of Kansas City’s Culture House, a place dedicated to artistic excellence.

Experience live shows including musicals, dance and theater.

•

Dramatic Truth Ballet 10510 Grandview Rd. KC, MO 816.767.9222 $ C4 www.DramaticTruth.org Local Christian ballet troupe performs live shows for the whole family.

Folly Theater 300 W. 12th St., KC, MO 816.842.5500 $$ C3 follytheater.org Live theater and music performances entertain at this venue.

Gem Theater 1616 E. 18th St. KC, MO 816.474.8463 $$ C3 americanjazzmuseum.org The Gem Theater features everything from films and live theater productions to dynamic live jazz performances.

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • Groundhog Day Theater

Kansas City Ballet

KC Friends of Alvin Ailey

6906 N. Oak Trfwy., Gladstone, MO 816.897.5062 $$ C2 facebook.com/TheGroundhogDay A comedy venue featuring improv, sketch, stand-up and original shows.

Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity: 500 W. Pershing, KC, MO 816.931.2232

1714 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.471.6003 $$ C3 www.KCFAA.org Professional dance group features ballet, modern and jazz dance.

Improv Comedy Club 7260 NW 87th St., KC, MO 816.759.5233 $$ B2 ImprovKC.com Live improv comedy theater.

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center 8788 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.826.2787 $-$$ JCPRD.com Live local theater.

B4

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.994.7222 $$ C3 www.KauffmanCenter.org Home to resident organizations the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and other programming.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.994.7222 $$ C3 www.KCBallet.org The Kansas City Ballet is a 30-member professional ballet company.

The KC Improv Company 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., KC, MO 816.806.4000 $$ C3 KansasCityComedy.com Live improv and sketch comedy shows.

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

KC Repertory Theatre

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.994.7222 $$ C3 www.kcjo.org Live jazz concerts preserving the city’s jazz heritage.

Spencer Theatre 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 Copaken Stage 1 H&R Block Way, KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 www.KCRep.org Kansas City Repertory Theatre pursues theatrical excellence and advances the art form.

KC Chamber Orchestra Various performance locations 816.960.1324 $$ C3 www.KCChamberOrchestra.org Classical music is performed by KC’s chamber orchestra.

KC Symphony Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.0400 $$

C3

www.KCSymphony.org Enjoy professional live classical symphony.

KC Young Audiences 3732 Main St., KC, MO 816.531.4022 $ C3 www.KCYA.org Live music, dance, drama and poetry entertain patrons ages 5 and up.

Leawood Stage Co. 4800 Town Center Dr. #2038 Leawood, KS. 913.663.9157 FREE - $ B5 LeawoodStageCo.org Community theater performances offered indoors at the Lodge at Ironwoods and outdoors at Ironwoods Amphitheater in the summer.

Lee’s Summit Symphony The Pavilion at John Knox Village: 520 NW Murray Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.401.5251 $ D4 www.LSSymphony.org Classical symphony entertains with live performances.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 53

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • Liberty Performing Arts Theatre 1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 816.439.4373 $$ D1 www.LPAT.org The entire family can enjoy live theater performances.

Lied Center of Kansas 1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.2787 $ A3 www.lied.ku.edu/ World famous live entertainment with theater, concerts and shows.

Lyric Opera Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.7344 $$ C3 www.KCOpera.org Attend live professional opera performances.

Main Street Theater 510 Main St., Belton, MO 816.406.9422 $ C5 mainstreettheaterbelton.com Community theater performed on the historic city hall stage.

Martin City Melodrama 702 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Grandview, MO 913.642.7576 $ C5 www.MartinCityMelodrama.org Live Vaudeville-style theater is sure to leave the entire family laughing!

Mesner Puppet Theater 1006 Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.756.3500 $ C3 MesnerPuppets.org Mesner Puppet Theater is an award winning, professional puppet theater.

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre 3927 Main St., KC, MO 816.569.3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org A not-for-profit professional theater providing a full season of shows for the public.

• FEATURED LISTING • Midwest Trust Center

See ad on pg. 7 12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.4445 $$ B4 www.JCCC.edu The Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College connects and enriches 54 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

the community by serving as a national and community leader for the performing arts, presenting professional performing arts programming, providing a comprehensive arts education program and presenting new artistic work to the community.

•

Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice 10448 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.492.0004 $ www.MillerMarley.com Local youth offer live dance performances.

B3

Piccadilly Puppets

Theatre for Young America

Various locations 404.636.0022 $ PiccadillyPuppets.org Touring puppet company performs shows across the KC metro area.

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2083 $ C3 www.TYA.org Theatre for Young America provides family shows all year.

Puppetry Arts Institute

Theatre in the Park

11025 E. Winner Rd. Indep, MO 816.833.9777 $ D3 PuppetryArtsInstitute.org Enjoy live puppet shows, make your own puppets and tour the museum.

Outdoor: 7710 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS Indoor: 8788 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.826.3012 $ A4 www.TheatreInThePark.org Live outdoor theater is performed for the entire family every summer.

Music Hall

Quality Hill Playhouse

301 W. 13th St., KC, MO 816.513.5000 $$ C3 www.KCConvention.com Host to live theater in Kansas City since 1936, this facility is known for bringing world-class shows and entertainment.

303 W. 10th St., KC, MO 816.421.1700 $$ C3 www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com Live music concerts range from classical to jazz.

Music Theater Heritage

114 N. Marietta Excelsior Springs, MO 816.637.3728 $ D1 www.sobtheatre.org Live community theater for all ages includes children’s shows.

Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. 301 KC, MO 816.221.6987 $ C3 www.MusicalTheaterHeritage.com MTH presents classic musical theater and revue performances.

New Theatre & Restaurant 9229 Foster St., OP, KS 913.649.7469 $$ www.NewTheatre.com Live dinner theater features famous stars in each performance.

B4

Northland Symphony Orchestra Various locations 816.945.2436 $ B2 www.NorthlandSymphony.org Enjoy notable symphony performances.

Olathe Civic Band Various locations 913.669.3388 Free-$ B3 www.OlatheCivicBand.org Live musical performances for the community.

Olathe Civic Theatre 500 E. Loula, Olathe, KS 913.782.2990 $$ B4 www.OlatheTheatre.org Live community theater is produced for the entire family.

Slightly Off Broadway Theatre

Starlight Theatre 4600 Starlight Rd., KC, MO 816.363.7827 $$ C3 www.KCStarlight.com Get into the spirit with starry nights, great food and the best Broadway entertainment.

Stone Lion Puppet Theatre Various locations 816.221.5351 $ www.StoneLionPuppets.org Live puppet shows are tailored for children.

Storybook Theatre 3719 SW 40 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 816.204.5702 $ D4 StorybookTheatreKC.com Public performances are held seasonally.

T-Mobile Center 1407 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.949.7100 $$ C3 T-MobileCenter.com/ Multiuse indoor arena in the Power & Light District.

Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre 15585 S. Keeler St., Olathe, KS 913.254.4444 $ A5 www.TrilogyCulturalArts.com Live theater, dance and musical performances.

The Truman 601 E. Truman Rd., KC,MO 816.205.8560 $$ C3 TheTrumanKC.com Former car dealership and machine shop turned Kansas City’s most unique concert and event venue.

UMKC Conservatory of Music James C. Olson Performing Arts Center: 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2900 $$ Conservatory.UMKC.edu Live musical performances entertain the entire family.

C3

UMKC Theatre 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.6222 $$ C3 UMKCTheatre.org UMKC college students offer live theater performances.

The White Theatre at the J 5801 W. 115th St., OP, KS 913.327.8054 $$ TheJKC.org Live theater and music performances entertain the whole family.

B5

Youth Symphony of KC Various performance locations 209 W. 18th St., KC, MO 816.897.0577 $$ C3 www.YouthSymphonyKC.org Area youth offer live classical music performances.

Dinner and a

BY KRISTINA LIGHT

Show

ENJOY DINNER AND A LIVE SHOW AT ONE OF KANSAS CITY’S PREMIER THEATERS The Midwest Trust Center for the Performing Arts at Johnson County Community College hosts world-class performances throughout the year, including live music, theater, magicians, comedians, dancers and international performances. Their season is robust with options enjoyed by audiences of all ages: www.JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center.

Ricco’s Italian Bistro, Tequila Harry’s and Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill, a Kansas City favorite, are a few top-notch eateries in the area.

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre performs on two stages, one on the UMKC campus near the Country Club Plaza and the other in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Both shopping districts are home to dozens of excellent restaurants appealing to any palate.

Peter Pan and Wendy is showing May 2-21. Bold, budding scientist Wendy Darling dreams of earning a Nobel Prize. When Peter Pan arrives at her bedroom window, she takes a leap and leaves finishing school behind, chasing adventure among the stars.

Facing down fairies, mermaids and the dastardly Captain Hook, Wendy, Peter, Tiger Lily and their friends discover the power of standing up together for what’s right. Full of magic, adventure—and

yes, flying—J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan is reimagined for a new generation of theatergoers as a bright, charming, anti-colonial and empowering play for all ages. Cyrano de Bergerac is showing Sept. 5-24. With all the timeless passion of the legendary Cyrano, this “breathtakingly exciting” (Evening Standard) theatrical tour-de-force is the celebratory kick-off to the Rep’s 60th anniversary season. What the Constitution Means to Me, showing Oct. 24-Nov. 12, is direct from Broadway.

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundarybreaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.

And, be sure to catch the holiday tradition A Christmas Carol Nov. 21-Dec. 24.

You’ll find year-round performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, including National Geographic Live presentations, symphony, ballet and live theater. Los Tules, one of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants in town, is right across the street.

The Coterie is Kansas City’s professional children’s theater, located on the first floor of Crown Center. From April 4 to May 21, watch Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical), featuring an innovative mix

of actors, puppets, songs and feathers— plus a script written by Mo Willems. This summer, enjoy Doctor Dolittle, showing June 27-Aug. 6. Eccentric Dr. Dolittle, a country physician, has learned to talk to animals—complicating his life and leading to trouble with authorities. Accompanied by his unusual tutor and mentor, the 200-year-old parrot named Polynesia—as well as a trusty band of human and animal companions—the Doctor sets out to change the way animals are treated and understood in the world. Crown Center is home to many fantastic restaurants, but all-time faves for the kids will always be Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant where trains deliver food to your table; SPIN, a delicatessen and pizzeria, and Unforked, a fast-causal restaurant serving food crafted from local, organic ingredients as much as possible.

Little ones also delight in Theatre for Young America’s live plays at Union Station. The upcoming season includes Click, Clack, Boo! A Tricky Treat (Oct. 17-Nov. 11), Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Christmas Adventure (Nov. 28-Dec. 30), The Toughest Kid in the World (Feb. 1-7), Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (Feb. 13-March 24) and more. Stop in at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a treat before or after the show.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 55

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS

SPORTS PLACES destination, hosting 50 home games including Sunday Fundays, Fan Fest and promotions throughout the season for the whole family.

•

Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., KC, KS 866.460.7223 $$ A3 www.KansasSpeedway.com NASCAR races, car shows and classic car races offer plenty of excitement.

Lakeside Speedway 5615 Wolcott Dr., KC, KS 913.299.9206 $ A3 www.LakesideSpeedway.net The half-mile dirt track is part of NASCAR’s weekly racing series.

MU Athletics Kansas City Monarchs

LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep – Independence Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 61.

KC Chiefs GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium: 1 Arrowhead Dr., KC, MO 816.920.4237 $$ www.KCChiefs.com Cheer for KC’s professional football team.

KU Athletics C3

KC Comets

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 888.926.6387 $$ D3 www.kccomets.com Kansas City’s indoor soccer team.

GO TO A GAME

KC Mavericks

I-70 Motorsports Park

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.252.7825 $$ D3 KCMavericks.com KC’s minor league ice hockey team offers family excitement.

Pro, Semi-Pro and College Sports

1273 N. Outer Rd. Odessa, MO 816.393.0001 $$ D3 I70MotorSportsPark.com Outdoor motorsports track with races in the spring, summer, and fall.

56 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

KC Royals Kauffman Stadium: 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.504.4040 $$ www.Royals.MLB.com Visit the K to watch KC’s professional baseball team.

C3

1651 Naismith Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.8200 $$ A3 www.KUAthletics.com College teams for the University of Kansas, including basketball, football, baseball, cross country, track and field.

Kansas City Current New Stadium Coming Soon 913.374.0233 $$ C3 KansasCityCurrent.com American professional women’s soccer team.

• FEATURED LISTING • Kansas City Monarchs

See ad on pg. 66 1800 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.328.5618 $$ A3 MonarchsBaseball.com The home of the Kansas City Monarchs Baseball Club, the 2021 American Association of Independent Professional Baseball Champions, is a yearround sports and entertainment

Plays at multiple locations.

1 Champions Dr., Columbia, MO 800.228.7297 $$ D3 www.MUTigers.com College teams for the University of Missouri, including basketball, football, baseball, cross country, track and field.

Sporting KC 1 Sporting Way, KC, KS 913.387.3400 $$ A3 www.SportingKC.com Cheer for KC’s outdoor soccer team.

UMKC Kangaroos Various locations $$ C3 KCRoos.com College teams include basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, cross country, track and field and volleyball.

GO BOWLING Aaron’s Family Fun Center 17070 Aaron Ln., Belton, MO 816.322.0488 $ C5 www.AaronsFEC.com

PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • AMF

Retro Bowl

Henley Aquatic Center

College Lanes: 10201 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.451.6400 $ www.AMF.com

906 W. Liberty Dr. Liberty, MO 816.781.1998 $ D2 facebook.com/Retro.Bowl This location also offers batting cages, billiards and more.

18200 E. MO 78 Hwy. Indep, MO 816.521.5377 $ sites.isdschools.org/henley

B4

Diamond Bowl 218 N. Osage St., Indep, MO 816.252.8003 $ D3 www.Diamond-Bowl.com

Gladstone Bowl 300 NW 72nd St. Gladstone, MO 816.436.2695 $ www.GladstoneBowl.net

C2

KC Bowl 8201 State Ave., KC, KS 913.299.1110 $ www.KCBowl.com

A3

D3

Mission Bowl ‘N Olathe 1020 S. Weaver St. Olathe, KS 913.782.0279 $ www.missionbowl.com/

A5

Olathe Lanes East 303 N. Lindenwood Dr. Olathe, KS 913.764.4568 $ www.OLEast.com

D3

803 SW Oldham Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.3322 $ www.SummitLanes.com

A5

D4

Pinstripes 13500 Nall Ave., OP, KS 913.681.2255 $ B5 www.Pinstripes.com In addition to bowling, enjoy bocce and bistro.

Premier Bowling & Recreation Center 11400 E. 350 Hwy., Raytown, MO 816.356.5955 $ C3 www.PremierBowl.com

C5

5801 W. 115th St., OP, KS 913.327.8000 $ theJKC.org

B5

KC MO Parks & Rec

Ward Parkway Lanes

GO SWIM

Community Centers with Indoor Pools Gregg/Klice Community Center: 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way KC, MO 816.513.0652 $ C3

Indoor Pools & Aquatic Centers

Southeast Community Center: 4201 E. 63rd St., KC, MO 816.513.0632 $ C3

Blue Valley Rec Aquatic Center

Tony Aguirre Community Center: 2050 W. Pennway, KC, MO 816.513.8530 $ C3 https://kcparks.org/

6545 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ www.BlueValleyRec.org

B5

2401 NE Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0188 $ BlueSpringsGov.com

D4

Gladstone Community Center A4

High Blue Wellness Center 16400 N. Mullen Rd. Belton, MO 816.348.7400 $ www.BeltonParks.org

6901 N. Holmes St. Gladstone, MO 816.423.4200 $ www.Gladstone.mo.us

C2

Great Wolf Lodge 10401 Cabela Dr., KC, KS 800.608.9653 $$ A3 www.GreatWolf.com Enjoy a four-story interactive tree house, winding lazy river and numerous waterslides.

Harrisonville Community Center 2400 Jefferson Pkwy.

Harrisonville, MO 816.380.8980 $ www.CI.Harrisonville.MO.us

C5

A1

Platte County Comm Center South: 8875 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.505.2622 $ B2

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC

Summit Lanes

Centennial Pool Plex “The Blue”

Park Lanes Family Fun Center 7701 Renner Rd. Shawnee, KS 913.248.1110 $ www.ParkLanesKC.com

11216 E. 24 Hwy. Sugar Creek, MO 816.252.2111 $ www.SterlingBowl.com

1523 W. 89th St., KC, MO 816.363.2700 $ C3 www.WardParkwayLanes.com

Lunar Bowl 2001 NW 7 Hwy. Blue Springs, MO 816.220.7722 $ www.LunarBowl.com

Sterling Bowl

D3

Platte County Comm Center North: 3101 Running Horse Platte City, MO 816.858.0114 $

KC YMCA Locations with Indoor Pools www.KansasCityYMCA.org Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1 Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 2251 S. 138th St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2 Cleaver Family YMCA: 7000 Troost Ave., KC, MO 816.285.9622 Linwood YMCA: 3800 E. Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.923.5675 North Kansas City YMCA: 1999 Iron St., North KC, MO 816.300.0531 Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5 Paul Henson Family YMCA: 4200 W. 79th St. Prairie Village, KS 913.642.6800 $ B4

Providence YMCA/ Ball Family Center: 8601 Parallel Pkwy., KC, KS 913.378.9622 $

A2

Red Bridge Family YMCA: 11300 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.2020 $

C5

Legacy Park Community Center 901 NE Bluestem Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.969.1550 $ www.CityOfLS.net

D4

Lenexa Rec Center Pool 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.477.7529 $ Lenexa.com

A4

Liberty, MO Community Center 1600 S. Withers Rd. Liberty, MO 816.439.4360 $ www.CI.Liberty.MO.us

D2

Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 $ www.OPKansas.org

B4

Merriam Community Center 6040 Slater St. Merriam, KS 913.322.5550 $ B4 Merriam Community Center is a one-of-a-kind, year-round destination for fitness, indoor and outdoor aquatics, classes and events.

Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park 1205 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 $-$$ www.OlatheKS.org

A5

Park Hill Aquatic Center 8152 N. Congress Ave. KC, MO 816.359.4080 $ www.Parkhill.K12.MO.us

B1

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 57

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS Roeland Park Aquatic Center

Bluejacket Pool

Grain Valley Aquatic Center

4843 Rosewood Dr. Roeland Park, KS 913.742.7006 $ www.RoelandPark.net

10101 Bond, OP, KS 913.327.5671 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features include a 15-foot-tall waterslide, 3-meter and 1-meter diving boards and zero-depth entry youth pool with a dolphin waterslide.

713 S. Main, Grain Valley, MO 816.847.6230 $ D3 www.CityofGrainValley.org Features include a zero-depth entry pool and waterslides. Swim lessons are offered also.

Bonner Springs Aquatic Park

25825 Edgemore Rd. Paola, KS 913.783.4300 $ A3 www.kcwatersports.com KC Watersports is the best wakeboarding destination in the Midwest.

B3

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center 6200 Martway St. Mission, KS 913.722.8200 www.missionks.org

$

B3

The View 13500 Byars Rd. Grandview, MO 816.316.4888 $ www.Grandview.org

C5

GO SWIM

Outdoor Pools & Water Parks Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 S. Hub Dr. Indep, MO 816.325.7843 $-$$ D3 www.ci.Independence.mo.us Water park with three waterslides, pool, lazy river and more.

The Bay Water Park 7101 Longview Rd., KC, MO 816.965.9218 $ C4 www.TheBayKC.com A zero-entry pool, lap pool, lazy river and waterslides.

Black Bob Bay 14570 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 913.971.5345 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org Features include raft waterslides, a lazy river, shallow water play structures, a dive well, a 50-meter pool and a baby pool.

Blue Springs Centennial Pool Plex 2401 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0188 $-$$ D3 www.funattheblue.com The complex sports three pools: an indoor pool (year-round), an eight-lane 50-meter outdoor pool that features high-speed waterslides and an outdoor wading pool.

58 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

1200 S. 134th St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.7011 $ A3 www.BonnerSprings.org The aquatic park features a zero-depth entry pool, 25-meter lap pool, floatable pods, water playground, diving boards, waterslides and basketball goal.

Fairway Swimming Pool 62nd & Mission Road Fairway, KS 913.722.3161 $ B3 www.FairwayKansas.org This location features a pool with two designated lap lanes, high and low diving boards, an 11-foot slide and a fenced 12-inch deep wading pool for toddlers to play.

Frontier Pool 15909 W. 127th St. Olathe, KS 913.971.5349 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec Features include a waterslide, zero-depth entry, dive well, spray features and a lap pool.

Gardner Aquatic Park Cornerstone Park: 215 N. Center Gardner, KS 913.856.0962 $ B5 www.GardnerKansas.gov/pool Special amenities include zerodepth entry, an active in-water play area, lazy river, multiple waterslides, floatable walk, climbing nets, spraygrounds and a tot pool.

Gladstone Municipal Pool Central Park: 7011 N. Holmes Gladstone, MO 816.423.4200 $ C2 www.Gladstone.mo.us This pool features zero-depth entry, sprayground, dumping bucket, open flume slide and a drop slide.

KC Watersports

KCMO Parks Outdoor Pools Ashland Square Pool: 23rd & Elmwood, KC, MO 816.350.2628 Brush Creek Community Center: 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.

KC, MO 816.513.0730 $ C3 Budd Park: 5600 Budd Park Esplanade KC, MO 816.350.2628 $ C3 Gorman Pool: 101 NE 47th St., KC, MO 816.350.2628 Grove Park Pool: Truman Rd. & Benton Blvd.

KC, MO 816.350.2628 $ C3 Jarboe Park Pool: 16th & Jarboe, KC, MO 816.350.2628 Line Creek Community Center Pool: 5940 NE Waukomis Dr., KC, MO 816.513.076 Swope Park Pool: 6700 Lewis Rd., KC, MO 816.350.2628 $ C3 https://kcparks.org/ Enjoy affordable outdoor swimming at KC Parks pools.

Leawood Aquatic Center 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS 913.327.3977 $-$$ B3 www.Leawood.org Olympic size 50-meter pool, with youth pool, fountains and slides.

Lenexa Parks and Rec Outdoor Pools Ad Astra Pool: 8265 Maurer Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.492.7946 $ B3

Flat Rock Creek Pool: 13120 W. 103rd St. Lenexa, KS 913.888.3202 $

B3

Indian Trails Aquatic Center: 8801 Greenway Ln., Lenexa, KS 913.888.4659 $ B3 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Enjoy affordable outdoor swimming at Lenexa’s pools.

Liberty Community Center Pools 1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 816.439.4360 $ D1 www.ci.Liberty.mo.us This location boasts two outdoor pools, including a children’s fountain pool and two indoor pools.

Merriam Aquatic Center 6040 Slater, Merriam, KS 913.322.5518 $$ B3 www.Merriam.org Offers zero-depth entry, diving boards, a zip line and more.

Millcreek Pool 320 E. Poplar, Olathe, KS 913.971.5337 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org Offers zero-depth entry, a lap pool, dive well, waterslide and spray features.

Mission Family Aquatic Center 5930 W. 61st St., Mission, KS 913.722.8209 $-$$ B3 www.missionks.org This large outdoor pool also has an additional kiddie pool.

•

FEATURED LISTING Oceans of Fun

•

See ad on pg. 29 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com With waves of fun from mild to wild, Oceans of Fun offers AMAZING for everyone in the family. Extreme waterslides appeal to thrill seekers, and kiddos love the pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle. Float along on our Caribbean Cooler lazy river and catch some waves at fan favorite Surf City Wave Pool.

The newest attraction is Riptide Raceway, the world’s longest mat racing waterslide.

•

PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • Oregon Trail Pool

The Springs Aquatic Center

1750 W. Dennis Olathe, KS 913.971.5348 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org Features include a waterslide, zero-depth entry, dive well, spray features and a lap pool.

9400 N. Congress Ave. KC, MO 816.880.0279 $ B2 http://thespringskc.com/ Two waterslides, a lazy river with a vortex, two splash playgrounds, a zero-depth entry pool with play features and an Olympic size 50-meter competitive pool.

Parkwood Swimming Pool 950 Quindaro Blvd.

KC, KS 913.551.0402 $ B2 www.WYCoKCK.org With daily admission at only $1, this is one of the most affordable pools in the metro.

Prairie Village Pool Complex 7711 Delmar, Prairie Village, KS 913.385.4650 $ B3 www.PVKansas.com The complex features two waterslides and the plunge pool, zero-depth entrances to the leisure and wading pools, large pool deck area, tubing, lap pool and therapeutic whirlpool.

Riverside Community Center Pool 4498 NW High Dr. Riverside, MO 816.587.7801 $ B2 www.RiversideMO.com The 3,750-square-foot pool features a zero-depth entrance for the little ones, diving boards for the bigger kids and a splash and play area for everyone.

Roeland Park Aquatic Center 4843 Rosewood Dr. Roeland Park, KS 913.432.1377 $ B3 www.RoelandPark.net Features include a 50-meter inverted “C”-shaped pool with a 25-yard by 25-meter competitive area, a dive well, an inflatable slide, four 50-meter lap lanes and a children’s area.

Splash Cove 5800 King Ave. Shawnee, KS 913.631.7177 $-$$ B4 www.CityOfShawnee.org Splash Cove features a mini wave pool, 125-foot full body slide, interactive playground features, instructional pool, WiFi access and a party cabana.

Stonegate Pool 9701 Antioch, OP, KS 913.327.5674 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features include a 22-foot-high spiral waterslide, a 1-meter diving board, a youth pool with fountain features, a 25-meter lap lane and more than 25 feet of zero-depth area.

Summit Waves 120 SW Blue Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.969.1545 $-$$ C3 www.CityOfLS.net Features a 904-foot action river, body slide, tube slide, six-lane lap pool with diving boards, a water playground area featuring mini-slides and more.

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center 13805 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.631.0054 $ A4 www.CityOfShawnee.org Features an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, diving boards, two body slides, a lazy river, vortex, interactive aquatic features, enclosed baby pool area with water playground.

Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center 11950 Lowell, OP, KS 913.327.5675 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features a zero-depth entry, cooling fountains, diving boards, a 60-foot-long family slide and a twisting slide, 25-meter lap lane, youth pool and a large sand area for playing.

Young’s Pool 8421 W. 77th St., OP, KS 913.327.5676 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Overland Park’s only Olympic size pool, and a 200-foot flume body slide, diving boards, zerodepth pool with fountains and youth pool with slides.

GO ROLLER SKATE

events and specials throughout the season; check the website for details. Make memories on the ice with the entire family at the Ice Terrace.

Northland Rolladium 1020 Kent St., Liberty, MO 816.792.0590 $ www.SkateLiberty.net

D2

Olahrama 13903 E. Noland Ct. Indep, MO 816.252.1084 $ Olahrama.com

D3

D4

7838 Washington Ave., KC, KS 913.788.7788 $ A3 skatecitywest.com

Skate City Overland Park B4

B3

Winnwood Skate Center 4426 NE Winn Rd., KC, MO 816.452.1171 $ www.WinnwoodSk8.com

•

B3

Line Creek Ice Rink 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., KC, MO 816.513.0760 $ C2 www.KCMO.org Indoor ice-skating rink offers family fun.

1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO 816.640.2200 $$ A1 Man-made snow is used for this ski area where you may enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Summit Ice C2

GO ICE-SKATE & SNOW SKI FEATURED LISTING Crown Center Ice Terrace

19900 Johnson Dr. Shawnee Mission, KS 913.441.3033 $ www.KCIceCenter.com An indoor ice-skating rink.

Snow Creek Ski Area

Skate City Shawnee 9800 W. 62nd Ter. Shawnee, KS 913.262.0711 $ www.SkateCityKansas.com

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.442.6128 $ D3 IndependenceCommunityIce.com/ Enjoy year-round skating at the indoor ice rink.

KC Ice Center C2

Skate City West

10440 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.888.6668 $ www.SkateCityKansas.com

11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.663.2070 $ B5 www.ParkPlaceLeawood.com The Ice at Park Place is the only outdoor ice rink in Johnson County.

Community Ice

River Roll Skate Center 4720 NW Gateway Ave. Riverside, MO 816.587.0131 $ www.RiverRoll.com

The Ice at Park Place

Independence

Rink Ratz 513 SW Keystone Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.229.7793 $ Rink-Ratz.com

•

•

See ad on pg. 5 2425 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8411 $ C3 CrownCenter.com Kansas City’s only outdoor iceskating rink opens for its 50th season on Nov. 4 and is open through mid-March. The Crown Center Ice Terrace offers great

120 NE Chipman Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.249.2600 $ D4 KCIce.net A new outdoor ice rink for skating, hockey, curling and broom ball.

GO LEARN ABOUT SPORTS

Sports and Motorsports Museums Armacost Car Museum 4200 E. 135th St. Grandview, MO 816.763.9683 $$ C5 www.PetersonCarMuseum.com Two floors of restored vintage cars in a space available for special events.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 59

• SPORTS PLACES • SPORTS PLACES • College Basketball Experience

Blue Valley Rec Batting Cages

1401 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.949.7500 $ C3 www.CollegeBasketballExperience.com Hands-on exhibits place visitors in game-like situations.

9701 W. 137th St., OP, KS 913.685.6030 $ B5 www.BlueValleyRec.org Hit at outdoor batting cages.

Kansas City Auto Museum 15095 W. 116th St. Olathe, KS 913.322.4227 $ B5 www.KansasCityAutoMuseum.com A new museum honoring Kansas City’s automotive manufacturing and collector community.

• FEATURED LISTING • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

See ad on pg. 67 1616 E. 18th St. KC, MO 816.221.1920 $ C3 www.NLBM.com Founded in 1990, the 10,000square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the rich history of African American baseball. Experience a tour of multimedia displays, museum store, hundreds of photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. Through educational programming and innovative exhibitions, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the history of African American baseball.

•

Royals Hall of Fame Kauffman Stadium 1 Royal Way KC, MO 816.921.8000 $ C3 MLB.com/Royals A venue that traces the history of Royals baseball.

Fieldhouse of Blue Springs

Canyon Farms Golf Club 17501 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.529.2235 $ B4 www.CanyonFarmsGolfClub.com Canyon Farms Golf Club’s stateof-the-art clubhouse and unique course make it the perfect country club!

Chicken N Pickle 1761 Burlington, North KC, MO 816.537.1400 $-$$ B3 5901 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.703.5950 $-$$ B5 www.ChickenNPickle.com Play pickleball, grab a healthy bite to eat or enjoy lawn games.

Drive5 12140 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.897.4667 $ http://drive5sports.com/ State-of-the art basketball, volleyball and gym facility.

425 NE Mock Ave. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0137 $ D3 www.BlueSpringsGov.com Indoor batting cages, indoor blacklight miniature golf, throwing tunnels and more.

Mac-N-Seitz Baseball & Softball 13705 Holmes Rd. KC, MO 816.942.9992 $ C5 MacNSeitz.com Two major league-size infields, two full-size bullpens, indoor batting cages and more.

Martin City Golf Center 1 E. 135th St. KC, MO 816.941.9000 $ C5 www.martincitygolfcenter.com Batting cages, as well as driving range, miniature golf, volleyball, paintball and more.

Mid-America Sports Complex B5

EPIC KC Sports Lodge 19310 E. 50th Ter., Indep, MO 816.795.7171 $ D3 www.KCSportsLodge.com The 70,000-square-foot facility offers youth and adult indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and flag football.

20000 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS 913.826.2903 $ A4 www.JCPRD.com Outdoor batting cages offer up fun and practice.

Shoal Creek Driving Range & Batting Cages 5757 NE 96th St., KC, MO 816.734.9595 $ C1 www.ShoalCreekDrivingRange.com Visit the outdoor batting cages and golf course.

T-Shotz 660 NW Metro North Dr. KC, MO 816.702.1320 $$ B1 TShotz.com T-Shotz is Kansas City’s locally owned, next-generation golf and entertainment venue.

Tom Urquhart’s School of Baseball 7875 Mastin Dr. OP, KS 913.385.2255 $ B4 www.385ball.com Indoor pitching tunnels, batting cages and field.

Topgolf 10611 Nall Ave. OP, KS 913.562.9713 $-$$ B4 Topgolf.com/us/ Features 102 bays over three floors.

Topgolf

SERV 9051 Metcalf Ave, OP, KS 913.300.1418 $-$$ B5 ServFun.com Indoor pickleball courts and restaurant.

Visit KCParent.com for a look at the calendar year-round event guide.

GO PLAY SPORTS

Sports Complexes, Batting Cages and Golf Blackbob Batting Adventures 14570 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.254.7409 $ A5 BlackbobPark.com Outdoor batting cages and outdoor miniature golf.

Lenexa Rec Center 60 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Kansas City Metropolitan Area Use this map to help plan your tourism itinerary. Each listing in KC Going Places includes the map coordinates to help you find the nearby attractions! For instance, Kansas City Zoo (p. 68) is located at C4 on this map.

B

C

D

1

1

A

2

2

3

3

4

4 5

5

49

Check out KCParent.com for exact venue locations, interactive maps and more!

*Map not to scale.

A

B

C

D

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 61

aF

u N F E L f O r D aB KANSAS CITY OY IN

ENJ O T 5 $ R E EAS UND

ID

Every parent loves to find ways to stretch the family budget. We’re here to help!

FREE FUN IN KANSAS CITY

Bring binoculars for bird watching at Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary.

Watch a chocolate or fudge-making demo at Chip’s Chocolate Factory.

Bike Trolley Track Trail.

Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork at Legends Outlets Kansas City.

Imagine you’re in the Wild West at Antioch Park.

“Funville” at Crown Center

Play at Crown Center’s free “Funville” exhibit thru May 27, and a NEW exhibit opening summer 2023.

Tour the Truman Home in Independence and learn about President Truman and his wife, Bess.

Attend a Kansas City area festival.

Stroll through Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden.

Play at one of the best parks in KC. Visit Kaleidoscope, a free hands-on art center where children use their imaginations to make art with leftover materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. (Tip: reservations required.)

Ride the KC Streetcar and participate in our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt on KCParent.com.

Go fishing.

In the summer, splash and play at a Kansas City area sprayground.

62 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Visit bison and elk at the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park.

Watch as marbles are made at Moon Marble Company.

Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park.

Photograph friends in front of one of Kansas City’s 200 fountains.

Get free money at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Money Museum.

Get a great view of the city at Rooftop Park on top of the building that houses Cosentino’s Market in the KCP&L District.

Discover a masterpiece at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Learn about your family history at Midwest Genealogy Center, part of the Mid-Continent Public Library system.

Walk the trail around Lenexa’s legendary dam at Black Hoof Park.

Discover the natural bridge at Carl Chinnery Nature Trail.

And remember to search “Free Events” on our Kansas City calendar, where there are free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.

$5 OR LESS PER PERSON April through October, feed animals at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Treat the kids for a sweet treat at one of KC’s “Best Ice Cream Shops,” listed on KCParent.com.

Participate in a stargazing event on Saturdays at Powell Observatory and look at the night sky through the largest telescope in the region.

Lake Olathe

Watch a film on the Extreme Screen at Union Station where you can catch summer blockbusters and documentaries.

Step back in time at Shawnee Town 1929 during their Time Travelers summer series.

In the warm months, the Lake Olathe Park Marina has canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats available to rent for $5 for 30 minutes.

May through October, ride the KC Northern Miniature Railroad, just 75 cents on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

In the summer, sign up for free bowling at www.KidsBowlFree.com or free roller skating at www.KidsSkateFree.com.

Shoe and skate rental fees still apply.

In the summer, rent a stand-up paddleboard or canoe at Legacy Park.

Buy a slushie at QuikTrip.

Extreme Screen at Union Station

KC Northern Miniature Railroad

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 63

FUN

& Romance

Do you and your significant other need some fresh ideas for date night? How about just some fun and games? Or even a little romance?

Read on for several ideas to get you started.

FUN AND GAMES The first board game pub to open in the metro was Pawn & Pint. It’s located in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and boasts around 1,200 games! They have free parking, a cool vibe and a full bar—including cocktails, beer and coffee—along with weekly events such as music bingo and trivia. For your food needs, you can bring your own or have Door Dash or Uber Eats deliver to the building.

Pawn & Pint

At Cardboard Corner Cafe, you can order up a sweet or savory waffle and a “nerdy themed” cocktail while you enjoy playing one of their 800-plus games, sans cover charge. They also offer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and other munchies. They have event rooms you can rent out and a full calendar of events, including open play nights, painting nights and craft nights.

If arcade games sound more enjoyable, check out Up-Down, a 21-and-up arcade bar featuring more than 50 arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s, plus pinball machines, Skee-Ball alleys, Nintendo 64 console gaming and life-size games like Jenga and Connect Four. All games are 25 cents. They also have an extensive drink menu with more than 50 beers on tap and even more beer in bottles and cans, plus a full bar.

Check out Sinkers Lounge, where you can play a 9-hole round of mini golf or tabletop golf (think mini golf meets shuffleboard), all while enjoying a skillfully-crafted cocktail.

They have a full-service food and drink menu and are open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays … for you late-nighters. And at just $15 for mini golf or $20 for the mini golf and tabletop golf combo, you can have some fun without breaking the bank.

ROMANCE

Cardboard Corner Cafe

If romance is more on your mind, check out the Green Lady Lounge for jazz and cocktails. It’s unpretentious with a decidedly speakeasy-ish vibe. Think dim lighting, ornate ceilings and vintage picture frames. It manages to be both elegant and casual.

They have a full bar and live jazz 365 days a year. It’s advised to get there early if you are going on a Friday or Saturday night.

Along the same lines as Green Lady lounge is P.S., a true speakeasy located underground at Hotel Phillips. Even the entrance feels authentic—a hotel employee will take you through a secret door behind the check-in desk. Classy, intimate and dark with fabulous cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

Another great choice is a day at Loose Park, where you can enjoy a mile-long stroll around the park, as well as check out the various fountains and monuments and especially the famed rose garden. The garden boasts 3,000 roses encompassing 130 different varieties. Also check out Loose Lake and the bridge, which is pretty all year round. Finally, pack a picnic and stake your claim to one of the many picturesque spots in the park. Then, sit back, relax and savor.

For something to get your blood pumping, try the Sunset Zip Line Tour at Zip KC. On this tour, you get to zip all nine of their lines, and the tour starts in time to zip the towers as the sun begins to set. The whole tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Loose Park

64 KC GOING PLACES | 2023

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities.

AN

EXHIBITION

BY

Open

R G E T Y O US

TICKET

May 26 - Oct 1

NOW

ONLY AT Union Station

UnionS

t a t i o n .o

SUPPORTED BY

rg

PRESENTED BY

© 2023 MARVEL

Explore 100,000 sqf of Indoor & Outdoor Fun for The Whole Family

VOTED

EN

JO

Y

G N I PP

O S P Y E OW

E ER SH

BEST LAS FAMILY FUN

in the

P

RI E TA LAN

ARVIN

UM

GOTTL

P L A N E TA R MEMBERS VISIT FREE Plan Your Visit: ScienceCity.com

ARVIN

GOTTLIEB

P L A N E TA R I U M Schedule and Tickets at UnionStation.org KCGOINGPLACES.COM 65

Green Pantone 361 C

Open for fun all year!

CMYK: 75 4 100 0 RGB: 63 174 42 HEX: 3fae2a

Blue

Pantone 640 C

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

CMYK: 100 35 14 0 RGB: 0 128 187 HEX: 0080bb

AQUARIUM S OE PP ET .N 2I N0 G2 3