So, you’re looking for something a little different on your trip to Kansas City. Try these three recommendations for can’t-miss children’s attractions.

1. Coterie Theatre

Nestled inside Crown Center is one of Kansas City’s most treasured theatres. A local staple for more than 30 years, the Coterie is a place where families can come together and enjoy theatre.

And local audiences aren’t the only ones raving. Time Magazine called it one of the five best theatres in the country for young audiences. Travel & Leisure praised it as “a theatre that refuses to talk down to its audience,” opening lines of communication between races, sexes and generations.

The Coterie’s mainstage season consists of six full productions—three for older students and adults, and three for younger audiences and families. Most of these performances are of new or recent works, including several world premieres—such as last winter’s Happy Elf, a new musical by Harry Connick, Jr.

Remaining shows in 2007-2008 season:

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School (April 8-May 18): Adapted from the books by Newbery Award-winning author Louis Sachar.
• Once on This Island (June 24-August 3): This magical musical presents the classic “Little Mermaid” tale with a Caribbean twist.

2. Toy & Miniature Museum

Who says you have to grow up? Kids of all ages will be amazed by what they find in this 33-room museum. Housed in a renovated 1911 mansion on the campus of the UMKC, the Toy & Miniature Museum is filled to the brim with antique toys, dollhouses, marbles and scale miniatures.

See how your favorite toys have evolved over the years, from rare dolls to classic teddy bears. Marvel at one of the most impressive collections of fine scale miniatures in the country, including intricate pieces like Noah’s Ark and the Palace of Versailles. Or browse more than 100 antique dollhouses, a gigantic doll collection and the world’s largest marble collection. You could easily spend your entire day here.

Located just minutes from the Country Club Plaza, the Toy & Miniature Museum also hosts a fun line-up of exhibits and programs. This summer marks the debut of “The Dangerous and Daring Exhibit for Kids,” bringing to life two nationwide bestsellers, The Dangerous Book for Boys and its companion, The Daring Book for Girls. The exhibit runs May 21 through August 31.

3. Wonderscope Children’s Museum

Young children learn best through hands-on experiences in a fun, informal setting—and that’s what Wonderscope Children’s Museum is all about: exhibits that encourage learning through the power of play. Located in Shawnee, Wonderscope provides an imaginative environment for families with children ages 10 and under. Fun exhibits expose children to the arts, humanities and sciences.

Little ones can dive head-first into Wonderscope’s latest permanent exhibit, the Lego Ocean Adventure. Built with an astonishing 183,360 Lego bricks, this unique environment lets kids imagine what it’s like to live or work underwater. Navigate a submarine, learn more about whales or interact with dolphins inside a coral reef.

Other fun worlds to explore at Wonderscope:

• City of Wonder – Role play inside this “city within a city.” Manage the general store …. or create a pizza masterpiece. It’s up to you.
• Crater City – Make-believe you’re an astronaut and learn more about space travel.
• Artworks – Pint-sized Picassos love this arts and crafts section.
• Nature & Science Lab – Get up-close with real reptiles, discover how a greenhouse works or bring a tornado to life.
• Raceways – Test the laws of gravity, motion and energy in this fun ball-play environment.
• Healthy Kids – Go behind the scenes of a children’s hospital and learn why wellness is important.
• Small Wonders – For the museum’s littlest visitors: a safe play area to climb, crawl and discover.
• Express Yourself – Show your dramatic side by producing a TV show or performing with puppets.

The whole family can get in the act of learning with Wonderscope’s fun and useful workshops on a variety of topics, such as infant massage, yoga for kids or gardening as a family.