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21 Best Things to Do in Kansas City

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, just moved to town, or have lived here your whole life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Kansas City. Check out these 21 essential things to do around KC, and get ready for some unforgettable adventures!

1) Eat BBQ

This one’s a no-brainer. If you come to Kansas City and don’t eat at one of the 100+ BBQ spots around the metro, you’ve done something wrong. Heavy hitters include Q39, Joe’s Kansas City, Gates, Jack Stack, and Slaps.

2) Walk the Country Club Plaza

The “Crown Jewel of Kansas City” offers endless shopping, entertainment, and dining options, all surrounded by historic Spanish-style architecture.

3) Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum

Kansas City’s world-class art museum is always free and contains 40,000+ historical works from global artists. Plus, you can take a picture with the iconic shuttlecocks on the south lawn!

4) Tailgate at a Chiefs game

Sure, lots of cities across the U.S. have NFL teams. But no team has the tailgating scene at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The football isn’t too bad, either.

5) Listen to jazz at the Green Lady Lounge

Kansas City is renowned for its rich history of jazz music, and the Green Lady Lounge in the Crossroads is the spot to take in those sweet sounds.

6) Quench your thirst at Boulevard Brewing

Boulevard is one of the largest and most recognizable craft brewers in the country, and their 10,000-square-foot Beer Hall is the best spot to sip on a Space Camper.

7) Immerse yourself in children’s literature at the Rabbit hOle

As the first museum of its kind in the United States, The Rabbit hOle brings works of classic children’s literature to life through immersive experiences.

8) Catch a game at CPKC Stadium

Watch the KC Current play a match at the world’s first stadium purpose-built for women’s sports while grabbing a bite at the many local restaurants that serve as vendors inside the stadium.

9) Party it up in Power and Light

Kansas City’s premier entertainment district lies in the heart of downtown and offers live music, restaurants, and multiple bars.

10) Watch a show at the Kauffman Center

Not only is the building architecturally stunning (designed by the renowned Moshe Safdie), but the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts features world-class performances on stage throughout the year.

11) Get lost in history at the National WW1 Museum and Memorial

Designated as the country's official war memorial and museum dedicated to World War I, the museum takes you back in time to the Great War. Oh, and the roof offers the best view in Kansas City.

12) Take in the beauty of Union Station

Since 1914, Union Station has served as a transportation hub, family-friendly entertainment destination, and historical landmark for Kansas City. P.S. Don’t miss visiting during the Holiday season!

13) Scream your heart out at Worlds of Fun

Kansas City’s best spot for thrills, both wet and dry! Tickets to the park also include admission to Kansas City’s largest waterpark, Oceans of Fun.

14) Eat tacos in KCK

One of Kansas City’s best-kept culinary secrets is the KCK Taco Trail. Visit 60+ taquerias serving up some of the best and most authentic street tacos in the entire country.

15) Get wild at the Kansas City Zoo

As the home to more than 1700 animals, the 200+ acre Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium makes for a perfect adventure-filled day for animal lovers of all ages.

16) Explore the West Bottoms

The historic West Bottoms is one of Kansas City’s most unique areas and is filled with historic industrial buildings, antique markets, restaurants + shops.

17) Relive history at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Baseball + history fans can experience the rich history of the Negro Leagues and learn more about the legends that grew the game. The museum is located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz district.

18) Pack a picnic at Loose Park

Loose Park is Kansas City’s equivalent to NYC’s Central Park. The park features ample green space, the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden, walking trails, tennis courts, and much more.

19) Get tickets to the Starlight Theatre

Kansas City’s premier outdoor performing arts theatre offers an array of concerts and live shows under the stars of the Missouri night sky.

20) Spend a day at the Legends

There’s something fun for everyone at the Legends area in KCK: outlet shops, Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas Speedway, Great Wolf Lodge, Cabela’s, and more.

21) Experience nature at the Overland Park Arboretum

At the very south end of the KC metro lies the 300+ acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which offers 6+ miles of trails through multiple natural ecosystems.