14 Best Things to Do in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City’s spirit through iconic barbecue, music, museums, art, sports, shopping, and family-friendly attractions.
Kansas City is an exciting blend of Midwest hospitality, rich history, innovative arts, and legendary food culture. From savoring smoky barbecue bites and swaying to the city’s jazz rhythms to fountain-hopping in tree-lined squares, below are the unforgettable experiences you can’t miss on your trip to KC.
1. Watch the Beautiful Game in the Soccer Capital of America
Kansas City passionately embraces soccer, often called the Soccer Capital of America. Home to Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer) and Kansas City Current (National Women’s Soccer League), the city draws fervent crowds at Children’s Mercy Park and CPKC Stadium. The city’s love for soccer extends beyond professional matches, as local pubs and sports bars fill with fans for international tournaments and World Cup qualifiers. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just in it for the electric atmosphere, catching a game here is a true KC experience.
- Children’s Mercy Park: State-of-the-art Major League Soccer stadium with dynamic fan sections and strong community vibe.
- CPKC Stadium: The new home for KC Current, setting a benchmark for women’s sports facilities in the U.S.
- Local tip: Even non-sports fans enjoy KC’s tailgates or watching matches at neighborhood breweries full of local flavor.
2. Eat Kansas City’s Best Barbecue
Kansas City’s culinary reputation is built on its iconic barbecue, where smoky meats, sweet-tangy sauces, and creative sandwiches make dining a ritual. Choices abound, from old-school joints lined with trophies to modern pitmasters reinventing tradition. Local debate over the city’s best is fierce, but a few spots stand out:
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Housed in a working gas station, its brisket, burnt ends, and the legendary Z-Man sandwich draw lines of locals and visitors alike.
- Arthur Bryant’s: A historic eatery famous for its tender ribs and finger-licking signature sauces.
- Gates Bar-B-Q: Known as much for its energetic greeting (“Hi, may I help you?”) as its succulent meats.
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying burnt ends—smoky, caramelized beef trimmings considered a KC delicacy.
3. Then Devour Something Beyond Barbecue
Though barbecue is king, Kansas City’s food scene is remarkably diverse and creative. Savor farm-to-table restaurants in the Crossroads, sample Latin American specialties in local taquerias, or enjoy global cuisine in historic neighborhoods. Notable options:
- Café Corazón: A vibrant stop for Latin-inspired coffee drinks and Argentine pastries in the Crossroads district.
- Made in KC Marketplace: Try gourmet donuts, locally brewed coffee, and inventive brunches.
- Blip Roasters: A West Bottoms favorite for fresh-roasted coffee lovers.
The city buzzes with food festivals, farmers markets, and neighborhood pop-ups—perfect for culinary exploration between BBQ meals.
4. Go Fountain-Hopping
With more than 200 public fountains, Kansas City claims to have more than Rome, earning its nickname “City of Fountains.” These beautiful waterworks are a central part of the city’s landscape and identity. Iconic fountains include:
- J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain (Mill Creek Park): A photogenic classic, popular for proposals, prom photos, and as a locals’ meeting spot.
- Crown Center Square Fountain: Playful jets delight children (and nimble adults) in the heart of the city.
- Kauffman Memorial Garden Fountain: Tucked into peaceful botanical gardens, offering serene secret-garden vibes amid flowers and greenery.
Insider tip: While fountains are tempting, resist the urge to jump in—unless you want a friendly chat with Kansas City’s police.
5. Catch a Live Show: Kansas City’s Performing Arts & Jazz
Kansas City is alive with the performing arts—think Broadway, local theater, rollicking live music, and, of course, historic jazz. Enjoy a show at:
- Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: An architectural marvel with acoustics fit for symphonies, ballets, and touring stars.
- Starlight Theatre: Open-air productions under the stars with family-favorite musicals and concerts. Note remodeling plans in 2025 for an upgraded experience.
- Green Lady Lounge: An iconic, velvet-walled jazz club where nightly live music channels KC’s swinging past.
- First Amendment Brew HaHa: A lively comedy venue featuring emerging and established local comics.
With venues for every mood and genre, KC’s creative pulse runs through performances citywide.
6. Roam the Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is Kansas City’s creative heartbeat. By day, explore its galleries and artist studios; by night, join block parties, art walks, and mural-spotting around every corner. Key highlights:
- First Fridays: Monthly street parties with gallery openings, food trucks, and live music turn the neighborhood into an art-hopping festival.
- Cerbera Gallery: Known for eclectic exhibitions—think funky ceramics, contemporary art, and unique finds for the bold collector.
- Street murals: From giant abstractions to whimsical animal scenes, the Crossroads is a living urban canvas.
Grab a coffee at Café Corazón or a craft beer, then wander and discover why this district draws both artists and art admirers year-round.
7. Understand the Horrors of War at the National World War I Museum
Kansas City is home to the United States’ official National World War I Museum—a moving tribute and educational resource on the Great War. The museum is renowned for:
- Immersive exhibits: Tanks, uniforms, interactive trenches, and first-hand accounts transport visitors to the 1910s.
- Liberty Memorial: A 270-foot tower anchoring the museum campus, topped by an open-air observation deck with panoramic city views.
- Must-see: The courtyard provides the most photographed view of Kansas City, free to access for all visitors; separate tickets are required to ascend the Liberty Memorial.
This is a powerful, evocative stop for understanding global history and Kansas City’s role in commemorating it.
8. Toast Distilleries and Cocktails in Tom’s Town
Kansas City’s vibrant cocktail and distillery scene traces its rebellious roots to the Prohibition era, particularly Tom Pendergast, the political boss who defied the dry laws. Today, vintage glamour and modern ingenuity mingle at:
- Tom’s Town Distilling Co.: Sip artfully mixed drinks in a sleek, art deco-inspired setting above gleaming copper stills.
- Swordfish Tom’s: A hidden favorite serving masterful cocktails in a historic boiler room betraying a secretive speakeasy ambiance.
- J. Rieger & Co: Once shuttered by Prohibition, it has been revived in the East Bottoms with exceptional old fashioneds and creative drinks named for KC’s legendary figures.
Historical angle: Discover the city’s underworld lore on the KC Gangster Tour, which delves into Pendergast’s legacy and real-life crime tales of the roaring 1920s.
9. See the Sights at Historic Union Station
Union Station stands as a testament to grand American rail travel and continues today as one of KC’s most prominent cultural landmarks. Built in 1914 with soaring Beaux-Arts design, its highlights include:
- Science City: A hands-on science center adored by families and curious visitors alike.
- Planetarium: Stellar explorations of astronomy for all ages.
- Model train gallery: Volunteer-run displays that capture the childhood magic of railroad travel.
- Five-story movie screen and touring exhibitions: Blockbusters and world-class exhibits bring crowds year-round.
As a functioning Amtrak station, it’s also a gateway for travel to nearby cities. The KC Streetcar ends here, so you can easily connect to downtown and the River Market district.
10. Go Wild at the Kansas City Zoo
In sprawling Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo has delighted families for more than a century. Featuring over 1700 animals across 200 acres, it impresses with:
- New aquarium (added 2023): Turtle-packed tanks, colorful corals, and playful sea otters join hundreds of aquatic species in a 650,000-gallon complex.
- Meet Tortellini: The rescued, weighted-backpack-wearing green sea turtle who’s become a zoo star after being saved from injury in the wild.
Visiting with family? Explore Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (for friendly farm animals) and Wonderscope (an interactive children’s museum full of indoor climbing and splash spaces).
11. Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-class repository of creative expression, sprawling across lawns adorned with giant shuttlecocks and modern sculpture. Inside:
- Marvel at Monet landscapes, Ming dynasty vases, and classic American photography.
- Enjoy architectural delights, from evocative galleries to awe-inspiring skylights.
- Take a stroll over impeccably manicured grounds—photographer’s dream, especially at sunset.
The Nelson-Atkins is a must-see for art lovers and a perfect place to spark the imagination for all ages.
12. Shop at Country Club Plaza
Inspired by the architecture of Seville, Spain, the Country Club Plaza is Kansas City’s signature shopping and dining district. Winding along Brush Creek with ornate towers and tiled courtyards, it features:
- Upscale national retailers alongside homegrown local boutiques and art galleries.
- Seasonal decorations and a dazzling Plaza Lights display each winter.
- Made in KC: A favorite local shop for gifts, artisan wares, and KC-branded merchandise.
Perfect for an afternoon stroll, the Plaza area combines sidewalk cafes, fountains, and laid-back people-watching into a distinctly Kansas City experience.
13. Antiquing and Vintage Finds in West Bottoms
The historic warehouse district known as West Bottoms is a haven for vintage hunters and treasure seekers. Every first weekend of the month, its industrial buildings fill with:
- Massive antique markets and curated pop-up shops, especially Bella Patina with three floors of furniture, kitsch, and rare finds.
- Curiosities galore, from disco ball planters to taxidermy and quirky collectibles.
- Coffee shops, food trucks, and creative upcycling boutiques round out the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe.
It’s a must for thrifters and DIY decorators, with rotating stock that ensures every visit offers the thrill of discovery.
14. Family Fun and Offbeat Museums
Kansas City excels at unique attractions for the curious of all ages. Highlights include:
- National Museum of Toys and Miniatures: Explore an astonishing world of tiny marvels—miniature rooms, antique marbles, dolls, and toy trains in immersive displays.
- Wonderscope Children’s Museum: Hands-on science exhibits and creative play structures perfect for families.
- Kauffman Memorial Garden: A tranquil hideaway of flowers, fountains, and walking paths—a great spot after busy sightseeing.
For random local adventures, wander the River Market district, home to the historic City Market, offering global groceries, bakeries, and weekend farmers markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Kansas City?
A: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and many festivals, while summer brings sporting events and open-air concerts.
Q: Is Kansas City easy to get around without a car?
A: Yes. The KC Streetcar provides free downtown transportation, and ride-shares and public transit reach major attractions.
Q: What is Kansas City known for besides barbecue?
A: Besides barbecue, KC is famous for jazz, hundreds of public fountains, world-class museums, and its vibrant arts and theater scenes.
Q: Are Kansas City attractions family-friendly?
A: Very much so. The Kansas City Zoo, Science City, Wonderscope, and more offer interactive, educational fun for all ages.
Plan Your Kansas City Adventure
Whether you come for the legendary food, the iconic jazz and arts, or the sense of discovery in walkable neighborhoods, Kansas City is a city that rewards curiosity and offers a rich mix of history, culture, and unpretentious charm. Make sure to leave time to wander and enjoy surprises around every leafy boulevard and bustling plaza.
