Kansas City is affordable and easy to reach from all across the country, making it an ideal destination for conference and events. These benefits also provide the perfect way to turn work travel into time spent together as you explore a fantastically family-friendly destination.
Whether you have young ones along for the journey or you’re looking to plan a spontaneous outing for two after your gathering concludes, Kansas City offers one-of-a-kind experiences that are certain to create lifelong memories.
Convenient Outings on the KC Streetcar
One of the key benefits of any gathering in Kansas City, the free-to-ride KC Streetcar is also an ideal way for families to enjoy an afternoon (or a full weekend) visiting some of the city’s best attractions. Conveniently located within walking distance of all major hotels in the Downtown area, the KC Streetcar operates seven days a week. Since riding is free, no ticket or other transaction is necessary—just step on when the Streetcar arrives at your stop and enjoy the ride.
The River Market neighborhood hosts the city’s largest farmers market each weekend. Hours vary by season, but the market is open and showcasing regional vendors all year long. A visit to the Power & Light District delivers a thrill for every age and interest, from axe throwing at Blade & Timber and movies at B&B Theatres Mainstreet KC to hands-on hoops competition at the College Basketball Experience and plenty of watch parties at No Other Pub.
At the south end of the KC Streetcar line, you’ll find a hub that houses enough family-oriented activities to fill a full day and then some. In addition to being one of Kansas City’s most beautiful structures, Union Station is home to the play-and-learn paradise that is Science City, as well as the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, immersive rotating exhibits and photo opportunities at every turn.
Use the Link—a series of connected glass skybridges—to take in the city’s views as you walk from Union Station to even more adventures at Crown Center. Home to two hotels, a selection of local restaurants and so much more, this shopping and entertainment destination places an amazing amount of opportunities to create, imagine and celebrate under one roof. Let your growing artists get crafty at Hallmark’s free Kaleidoscope, dive deep at SEA LIFE Kansas City, build something special at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and enjoy a burger delivered to you via locomotive at the Fritz’s, a train-themed restaurant in the Heart of Crown Center.
High-Energy Explorations
Venture out beyond Downtown KC to discover a few of Kansas City’s heart-racing, high-flying encounters. Take your pick of soaring rollercoasters and towering waterslides at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, or roam more than 200 acres of wildlife at the Kansas City Zoo. Make a splash at Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, KS, or plan on a few hands-on animal adventures at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park.
If you’re looking for a different kind of thrill, Kansas City’s sports teams bring competition in every season. From the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs to professional men’s and women’s soccer teams—Sporting KC and the Kansas City Current—and the Kansas City Monarchs, an American Association baseball club, there’s always a way to immerse yourself in KC’s diehard sports fandom.
Iconic Museums
Whether you’re seeking educational opportunities or simply want to spend time in some of Kansas City’s most beautiful and historic spaces, there are many museums that fit the bill. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art boasts a sprawling collection of works and the stunning Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, home to the iconic shuttlecocks and plenty of perfect outdoor areas where you can play, rest and relax together.
Just a short walk away, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art showcases a diverse array of modern artwork and hosts several creative sculptures on display outside the museum. Best of all—admission to both museums is always free.
History comes to life at institutions like the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum and the Arabia Steamboat Museum, while the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a treasure trove of toys from the past and present.
