101 Family Day Trips and Staycation Ideas Around Kansas City
Remember, it's always best to follow each link to get details about your visit directly from your destination, since some places operate seasonally or by reservation, as well as to check each venue's COVID requirements (masks, limits, social distancing).
Free activities and splurges that are worth it. The coolest stuff for a staycation in town and road trips for less than a tank of gas from Kansas City. Kids Out And About has tons of ideas for family travel, with places to explore, learn, and have fun!
KidsOutAndAbout is America's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! If you don't already receive our free weekly e-newsletter, sign up today to make sure you're in the know about free stuff, festivals, classes, camps, vacation ideas, and all the best events near you!
Explore Gardens & Sculpture Parks
 |
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens |
|
Powell Gardens |
|
Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park (at The Nelson-Atkins Museum) |
|
Sweet Streams Lavender Farm |
Get Wild on a Hike
| |
Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail |
| |
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park |
|
Parkville Nature Sanctuary |
|
Weston Bend State Park |
|
Roanoke Park |
|
Shawnee Mission Park |
|
Black Hoof Park |
|
Hidden Valley Park |
Time Travel Today
| |
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum |
|
Arabia Steamboat Museum |
|
National Trails Frontier Museum |
|
National World War I Museum and Memorial |
|
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm |
|
Shoal Creek Living History Museum |
Make Life a Beach
|
Longview Lake Beach |
|
Shawnee Mission Park Beach |
|
Kill Creek Park Beach |
|
Smithville Lake |
|
Clinton State Park |
|
Watkins Mill State Park |
Splash into Some Water Fun
|
Oceans of Fun |
|
The Springs Aquatic Center |
|
The Bay Water Park |
Spend the Day at a Museum
Explore These Cities
 |
Branson |
|
Omaha |
|
St. Louis |
|
Wichita |
|
Olathe |
|
Lincoln |
|
Independence |
|
Gladstone |
All Aboard Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Boats!)
| |
National Airline History Museum |
|
Kansas City Northern Railroad |
|
Kansas City Fun Tours |
|
Kansas City Automotive Museum |
Grow Some Fun at the Farm
| |
Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch |
|
Johnson Farms |
|
Fun Farm |
|
Weston Red Barn Farm |
Play Ball!
| |
Kansas City Chiefs |
|
Kansas City Comets |
|
Kansas City Mavericks |
|
Kansas City Royals |
|
Kansas City T-Bones |
|
Kansas City Storm |
Treat Yo' Self
| |
The Candy Wizard |
|
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory |
|
The Candy Store |
|
Betty Rae's Ice Cream |
Connect with Nature
Amuse Yourself at These Amusement Parks
| |
Worlds of Fun |
| |
Silver Dollar City |
|
Six Flags St. Louis |
|
Fun-Plex |
Talk to the Animals
| |
Kansas City Zoo |
|
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead |
|
SeaLife Kansas City |
|
Cedar Cove |
|
Native Hooved Animal Enclosure in Fleming Park |
Explore the Globe Close to Home
Let's Go Chasing Waterfalls
| |
Powell Gardens |
|
Waterfall Park-Merriam |
|
Waterfall Park-Independence |
|
Tryst Falls Park |
Get Active Indoors
| |
Legoland Discovery Center |
|
Urban Air Trampoline Park |
|
Winnwood Skate Center |
|
Diamond Bowl |
Challenge Yourself
| |
Breakout KC |
|
TimberRidge Adventure Center |
|
Tick Tock Escape Rooms |
|
Go Ape |
Shop Your Heart Out
| |
City Market |
|
Crown Center |
|
Ward Parkway Center |
|
Zona Rosa |
|
Legends Outlets |
Limiting our list to 101 ideas meant some great destinations may have been left off the list - if there is something you’d like to see added, share it with us on Facebook!
Most of these destinations are within an hour from downtown Kansas City. For those that are a bit farther away:
= Less than 1 hour away
= 1 to 2 hours away
= 2 to 3 hours away
= Just over 3 hours away