Fun Things for Teens to Do in Kansas City

Fun Things for Teens to Do in Kansas City

By Kirstin A. McCudden

While the teens and tweens under your roof may be happy to spend their summer days—and nights—gaming in the basement, you know there’s a bigger world out there for them to see. Luckily, Kansas City is a city for the ages, and for all ages.

The best way to manage those in-between years is with the city in the middle of it all. We’ve created a line-up for the active, for the deep thinkers, and for the very hungry. Bring your kids out to these landmarks, sights, and tastes and—we promise—they won’t roll their eyes once.

See, Do and Learn

College Basketball Experience KC

The College Basketball Experience

“Warning! This is not a museum. You may sweat.” That’s the caution for those entering the interactive College Basketball Experience, which houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in the Kansas City Power & Light District.

Get on the court with hoop-shooting activity stations, like a chance to shoot from 3-point range or show off your mad dunking skills. Meanwhile, the future broadcast majors in the family can try a hand at sports announcing behind the ESPNU Desk. Even if basketball isn’t your future collegian’s game of choice, a glimpse into the history and development of the sport help explain why basketball is such an integral part of many college communities.

Region: Power & Light District

Screenland

True, you may have pulled your kids away from screen time to hit the city, but Screenland offers the best of all worlds. With vintage games set out arcade-style, the younger ones can play while the of-age adults enjoy cocktails at the bar.

When the quarters run out—it’s true, the games are only a quarter—there’s also a full restaurant while waiting for your movie of choice. Screenland is open every day but note that on Fridays and Saturdays after 9 p.m. the age requirement shifts to 18+.

Region: Crossroads and North Kansas City

National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial

It won’t feel like another day in history class at the nation’s only WWI museum when the period comes to life through exhibitions and artifacts.

Before heading over to the museum for a tour, download for the family the iPad app War Horse, which features the stories behind the acclaimed novel as well as interactive features and a peek at the museum’s collection.

Region: Crown Center District