Crown Center

Overview

This all-in-one hub is an interactive paradise where youngsters can explore their imaginations with a hands-on LEGO experience, witness schools of fish float by at the city’s first aquarium and create miniature artworks at a Hallmark-run creative space. Not to mention, there’s premium boutique and department store shopping, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding your next great purchase.

You could easily spend a day at Crown Center, a “city within a city” featuring 60+ shops and restaurants, live theater, the world’s first Museum of BBQ, and the Hallmark Visitors Center, home to interactive paradise Kaleidoscope.

Kids can be kids here, too, thanks to the side-by-side attractions LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the city’s first aquarium, SEA LIFE. Next door is Union Station, KC’s historic train station, which now houses a children’s science center, plus theaters, touring exhibits and Amtrak.

To the south is the National WWI Museum and Memorial, an American treasure and the country’s only museum dedicated to the Great War.

Where to Shop

Crown Center Shops houses several unique finds—everything from kitchen gadgets and handmade chocolates to tween accessories and Crayola products. Best of Kansas City is a one-stop source for Kansas City souvenirs, be they barbecue sauce, cookbooks or Wizard of Oz paraphernalia. Halls Kansas City features stylish home furnishings, designer labels in men’s and women’s fashions and the most sought-after contemporary looks in a thoughtful range of price points.

People travel from all over to sample and buy from Shang Tea, a purveyor of award-winning teas spanning more than a dozen flavorful options, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Chip’s Candy Factory where you can pick from over 450 choices and watch chocolates being made right in front of you.

Places to Eat

Enjoy the “catch of the day” before you catch the train at Pierpont’s, a surf-and-turf institution nestled inside historic Union Station. Kids love playing with their food at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where your burger arrives to your table on a model train. Or find something for everyone at SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, where the pies are packed with fresh ingredients.

Self-billed as “honest, clean food,” Sheridan’s Unforked in Crown Center takes advantage of local ingredients to create a colorful, diverse menu including tacos, quesadillas, creative burgers and seasonal items that throw twists on traditional fare. Also be sure check out One East Urban Bar & Kitchen for KC-brewed craft beer, local spirits and delicious New American offerings during breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night.

Souvenir Stop: A big hit with kids, every visitor at the Federal Reserve Money Museum walks away with a complimentary bag of shredded currency—$165 worth. Talk about a priceless souvenir.

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