The 24 best things to do in Kansas City

Known for the giant Shuttlecocks installation out front (go on and take a selfie), the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses over 40,000 magnificent works, including centuries-old Japanese art and more contemporary exhibits and mediums such as photography. Another highlight is the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, which spans 22 acres. Moreover, the Nelson is considered one of the best museums in the country, and admission is free (non-members must reserve free tickets ahead of time).

Time Out tip: Two on-site dining options make refuelling easy. Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters is a classic coffee shop on one end of the museum, while the Rozzelle Court Restaurant offers a romantic spot for lunch or an afternoon treat, tucked within the museum.

4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111

This little craft brewery that could is now one of the largest in the Midwest. Learn about the incredible history of this native–to–Kansas City company and its brewing process on a 60-minute tour that ends with free beer. Afterward, get a photo in the little RV/photo booth and hit up the gift shop to take home your favorite brews. 

Time Out tip: Be on the lookout for various events like Boulevardia, in which the brewery throws a unique festival featuring multiple stages for live performances, local vendors and, naturally, beer!

2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Constructed in 1914, this architectural masterpiece is a sight to behold: Marvel at the Grand Hall’s 95-foot ceiling, three 3,500-pound chandeliers and the six-foot-wide clock. Home to traveling national exhibits, 3-D movies on the massive “Extreme Screen,” Science City (an interactive science center), a permanent KC Rail Experience exhibit and a planetarium, Union Station has something for everyone in the family. 

Time Out tip: Book a boozy brunch at Harvey’s if you want to feel like you’re traveling back in time while enjoying a round of mimosas.

30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

The three-time Super Bowl champions rule over one of the loudest stadiums in the country. Regardless of your team loyalty, enjoy a beer and brat in the parking lot, and introduce yourself to this long-standing KC football tradition. Tens of thousands of passionate partiers show up hours before kickoff. Will you be among them? 

Time Out tip: The Pro Shop at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is open Tuesday through Saturday (whether or not the Chiefs are in season) for the largest selection of Chiefs gear in the city.

1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO 64129

While not much can outshine the Nelson-Atkins, just a short walk away on The Arterie path—look for the pyramid-shaped building with a four-story spider statue out front—is the (much more intimate) Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. This one-of-a-kind museum (open since 1994) boasts a collection of modern and contemporary works. It also hosts exhibitions, installations, film and video series, lectures, concerts, workshops and other creative programs. Admission and parking are both free.

Time Out tip: The gorgeous, world-class Oil On Linen restaurant is a great place to stop and nosh while admiring a rotating selection of installations and works.

4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111

City Market is also known as River Market, so don’t let the names throw you off. A Kansas City staple since 1857, ubiquitously packed City Market is all about local produce, international flavors, restaurants and cafés, home accessories and more. On weekends, there is a popular farmers’ market. City Market hosts many fun-filled events during the summer, like live music and festivals.

Time Out tip: Grab a coffee or snack and take a short walk to the Town of Kansas Bridge for a picturesque view of the Missouri River. For a longer walk, continue on the Riverfront Heritage walking trail all the way to CPKC Stadium, home of KC Current.

20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is well worth the hype. While there are three locations (and a private dining and event space), you’ll want to check out the original one on 47th, which used to be a gas station. Yes, there will be a line, but eating here is almost a rite of passage. Order the Z-Man (slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese, topped with two crispy onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll) with fries and a half rack of ribs to split with a friend.

Time Out tip: Vegetarians are welcome here, too. Yes, really! The iconic Z-Man is available with mushrooms instead of brisket.

3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103

The Plaza is KC’s premier shopping and dining destination. While you can find all sorts of high-end retail establishments, restaurants and entertainment venues within its sprawling 15 blocks, this isn’t just another outdoor mall. Instead, think of it as a city-within-a-city where you can walk, shop, eat and see some beautiful fountains and classic European architecture, as well as more than 30 statues, murals and tile mosaics.

Time Out tip: Eight official Country Club Plaza parking garages are free to use for shoppers, diners, and visitors!

4706 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64112

Downtown, the American Jazz Museum shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Learn about the birth of jazz in Kansas City through interactive exhibits, including listening stations and custom mixing boards. Among the historical artifacts from the height of jazz’s popularity are collections of photographs, sheet music and posters.

Time Out tip: Another Kansas City legend is just a four-minute drive from here. Gate’s BBQ is a must-try, but to act like a local, be ready with your order before you step up to the register.

1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Head to the historic district of 18th & Vine—the center for Black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s to the 1960s—to take a self-guided tour of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Here, visitors can learn more about baseball’s rich African-American history through multimedia displays, collections of photos and artifacts, and film exhibits. Don’t miss the field of 13 bronze sculptures and the museum store.

Time Out tip: While in the area, check out Vine Street Brewing—Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery.

1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Jones is a grab-and-go window in a parking lot with great ’que and even greater service from the only all-female pitmaster team in town. Original founders, the Jones sisters, grew up learning all the secrets to making great BBQ from their father and have taken their secret family sausage recipe to unparalleled levels of fame. You’ll undoubtedly recognize them from their stand-out episode on Queer Eye. 

Time Out tip: Be prepared to get there early in the day if you want to get in on the goods before they sell out.

6706 Kaw Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111

Kauffman Stadium is one of the oldest and nicest ballparks in MLB. Home of the Kansas City Royals, catching a game here is affordable and fun. Its best-known feature is the Water Spectacular, a fountain and waterfall display behind the right-field fence. The outfield concourse allows fans to walk 360 degrees around the stadium. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which means ample tailgating opportunities.

Time Out tip: If you have little ones in tow, be sure to visit the Outfield Experience for engaging kid-sized baseball activities.

1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129

Before bars-slash-gaming-centers became all the rage on the coasts, homegrown versions of these crossover concepts were already taking root locally. Check out Up-Down KC – which has over 50 retro arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s, as well as skeeball and life-size Jenga and Connect Four – before heading to 403 Club for craft brews with a side of competitive pinball. Meanwhile, it’s incredibly easy to lose an entire day at Pawn & Pint, which boasts an impressive collection of 1,000 board games.

Time Out tip: If you prefer to bring your own game, check out Mission: Board Games, with two locations. There’s a coffee shop connected to the one in downtown Mission, KS.

We cannot overstate how gorgeous this place is—and how much you’ll appreciate the break if you’re trying to power through this list of KC events. Nestled in the middle of a beautiful 116-acre park, the Ernie Miller Nature Center is home to native birds and creepy crawlies, educational exhibits, a gift shop and three miles of scenic hiking trails. It’s a great place to come if you’re craving some good ol’ green space in the middle of the bustling city.

Time Out tip: If this is up your alley, two other nearby attractions could make for a complete day of Kansas nature and history. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead are popular family spots.

Formerly known as the Sprint Center, KC’s downtown live event stadium is booked most nights with the biggest names in concerts, sports and everything else across the entertainment spectrum. Whether it’s a massive country star, WWE wrestling, monster trucks, comedy tours or Disney live—this is the place to find it. The Power & Light District is right across the street with many bars and restaurants for convenient pre-show noshing. Just make sure to plan, as you and up to 18,000 other folks might be looking for food at the same time.

Time Out tip: The proximity of Power & Light can’t be beat, but locals will recommend walking a block or two for dinner and drinks in the nearby Crossroads Arts District. Try Baramee Thai Bistro, Jim’s Alley Bar, Tacos Valentina or Town Topic (open 24 hours).

1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106

Next door to the American Jazz Museum is the Blue Room Jazz Club, which offers live music in an intimate setting. The one-of-a-kind music venue, which doubles as a Kansas City jazz exhibit, is a great place to grab a drink and see up-and-coming bands, seasoned local veterans and big names from the music world. 

Time Out tip: Set aside enough time to fully take this one in, as it starts cooking closer to 11pm.

1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

This 235-acre entertainment complex features the most considerable amusement and water park in the Midwest—plus, it’s a lot less crowded than Disney or Universal. Spend the morning riding coasters and then cool down at Oceans of Fun water park. We recommend bouncing between the two parks in the depths of summer, as being drenched on a roller coaster tends to cool you off effectively.

Time Out tip: Summer doesn’t own all the fun. Each fall, Worlds of Fun transforms into Halloween Haunt for spooky thrills.

4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161

Local musicians, singers and spoken word poets come together at the Mutual Musicians Foundation every Friday and Saturday evening—just as they have been doing since 1930. The walls here are covered in Kansas City jazz history, but don’t expect anything fancy; it’s all about the music. Pay the cover and listen to talented players jam all night long.

Time Out tip: All night long means all night long. The historic late-night jam sessions run from 1:30 to 5am.

1823 Highland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108

There are plenty of small stretches in Kansas City where you can get a considerable amount of drinking done while also not doing any driving. Our pick is West 39th Street, dotted with funky shops like Prospero’s Books or Retro Vixen. Eclectic eats also abound, including Miami Ice for frozen treats, Meshuggah Bagels for NY-style bagels and Q39 for authentic KC BBQ. Lastly, end your night at one of the area’s laid-back bars such as The Hi-Dive Lounge.

Time Out tip: Casual Cal-Mex style tacos and burritos at Tiki Taco are a favorite of locals, and Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, is known for friendly service and a unique atmosphere.

One of KC’s premier distilleries is also the home to a host of different experiences. The tour is fascinating, and it even ends with whiskey samples. After, head to the tasting room and restaurant to refuel with elevated pub grub such as deviled eggs and caramelized onion dip. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the cocktails offered here. Still, on principle, you should treat yourself to the Tom Pendergast, a bourbon-and-mezcal mixed drink named for one of the city’s political bosses in the early 20th century.

Time Out tip: Ask your server (or better yet, call ahead) to find out if there’s seating available in the legendary basement called “The Vault.”

1701 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108

History buffs need to check out the world-class collection of WWI memorabilia at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The tour starts with a short introductory film followed by an exploration of the different uniforms, weapons, and paraphernalia. Visitors can also learn about the geopolitical causes of the Great War through short films, storyboards, maps and timelines. 

Time Out tip: Check out the fantastic view of the city from the Liberty Memorial Tower, a monument dedicated to those who served in the war.

2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108

With 49 publicly operating fountains, it’s no wonder Kansas City is known as “The City of Fountains.” The greater metropolitan area is home to 200 of them. Ranging from classical and modern to minimalist and ornate, these fountains are located in parks, plazas and shopping areas. Perhaps the most famous is the Fountain at Mill Creek Park near Country Club Plaza. Previously known as the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, this aquatic marvel—originally sculpted by Henri-Leon Greber in 1910 for an estate on Long Island, NY—features four horsemen sculptures, which are said to symbolize four of the world’s most famous rivers, including America’s own Mighty Mississippi.

Time Out tip: Cross off a few Kansas City bucket-list items with one visit. Check out this iconic fountain, explore the Country Club Plaza, and then take the free KC Streetcar all the way to City Market or Union Station without having to move your car.

47th Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64111

Hallmark’s headquarters are in Kansas City, and the company’s visitors center offers plenty to see, such as a collection of beautifully decorated, life-sized Christmas trees that employees created for Hallmark founder J.C. Hall as Christmas gifts. Also, don’t miss the bow machine, which, with the push of a button, creates perfect star-shaped bows that make for a fantastic souvenir. Visitors can also learn more about the company’s 100-year history via a self-guided tour. 

Time Out tip: While admission is free, reservations are required for guaranteed entry.

290 E 25th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Animal lovers of all ages will appreciate a visit to the 202-acre Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Here, you’ll find a whopping 1,700-plus animals, ranging from alligators to otters to leopards and beyond. Don’t miss the daily penguin feedings and the Sea Lion Splash. A state-of-the-art aquarium was added in 2023. Other highlights include Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Tropics Building (which houses otters, monkeys and porcupines, to name a few), Tiger Trail and Stingray Bay. 

Time Out tip: Spring for the African Sky Safari, a seven-minute ski lift that takes you over the zoo’s Africa section, featuring awe-inspiring animals like giraffes, rhinos and cheetahs.

6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132