The 15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City

The 15 Best Things To Do In Kansas City

Missouri River

Kansas City, Missouri, offers a variety of activities to suit different interests. The city’s extensive cultural heritage can be seen in its impressive landmarks, historic venues, and entertainment venues.

The 18th and Vine District, a historic jazz district, is home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a landmark dedicated to baseball history. Meanwhile, the River Market District provides a vibrant scene, with its farmers' market and eclectic shops.

Fans of the arts may explore performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which features a diverse array of theatrical events. Sports fans can look forward to games at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or visit Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs take the field.

For food lovers, the city’s legendary Kansas City–style barbecue is a must-try, with a variety of restaurants serving this distinctive dish.

Outdoor visitors will enjoy Swope Park, which features spacious green spaces for activities. Meanwhile, shoppers can explore the Country Club Plaza, known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and a varied mix of dining and retail options.

Whether your interests are focused on history, music, sports, or food, Kansas City offers something for all visitors.

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Kansas City, located in Missouri, is renowned for its vivid cultural tapestry and historical significance, attracting visitors from varied backgrounds. Nicknamed the "City of Fountains," Kansas City boasts remarkable attractions and a flourishing arts scene.



Liberty

  1. Kansas City Chiefs
  2. Lenexa
  3. Kansas City Chiefs

One of the city’s must-visit areas is the 18th and Vine District, renowned for its important contributions to jazz music. This historic district features the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, an important historical site highlighting the history of African-American baseball. The River Market District, in addition, provides a vibrant atmosphere with its thriving farmers' market and unique shops that cater to a variety of tastes.

For those passionate about culture, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stands as a beacon of creativity, featuring world-class performances in musical arts and theater. Sports fans are sure to appreciate the excitement at Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals, or at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs bring energy to the field.

Kansas City is celebrated for its barbecue, a culinary tradition with international acclaim. Restaurants all over the city serve mouthwatering Kansas City–style barbecue, serving up smoky, flavorful dishes that reflect the city's gastronomic heritage. For outdoor recreation, Swope Park features extensive green spaces suitable for relaxation and family activities. The Country Club Plaza offers a unforgettable shopping experience with its architecturally stunning architecture and varied retail and dining options.

Whether learning about its heritage, experiencing creative performances, or tasting renowned dishes, Kansas City, Missouri, offers an unmatched experience for visitors.

Fun Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

Located within the historic Union Station, Science City spans over 100,000 square feet and offers an array of interactive exhibits and activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning. It’s one of Kansas City’s top destinations for families and visitors of all ages.

Highlights of Science City

  • Hands-On Learning: Explore over 50 interactive exhibits across themes like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
  • Maker Studio: Engage in creative problem-solving and build your own projects using tools and technology.
  • Sky Bike: Test your balance and bravery by pedaling a bike along a high wire.
  • Dino Lab: Learn about paleontology and get up close to dinosaur fossils and replicas.
  • Planetarium: Experience stunning shows that explore the universe and beyond.

Why Visit?

  • Perfect for kids, teens, and adults with a love for discovery and exploration.
  • Conveniently located in Union Station, surrounded by other attractions like the Model Train Exhibit and live theater performances.
  • Offers rotating exhibits and seasonal events, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

Pro Tip:

  • Combine your trip to Science City with a visit to the surrounding Union Station attractions for a full day of fun and learning.

Fun Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO
Things To Do When Your Bored With Friends In Kansas City MO

Things To Do When Your Bored With Friends In Kansas City MO

Kansas City is renowned for its vibrant jazz scene. Here are the top places where you can experience live jazz music:

1. The Blue Room

  • Location: 18th & Vine Jazz District.
  • Highlights: This iconic venue is part of the American Jazz Museum and offers live jazz performances several nights a week. It's a must-visit for authentic Kansas City jazz.
  • Website: The Blue Room

2. Green Lady Lounge

  • Location: Crossroads Arts District.
  • Highlights: Known for its vintage ambiance and nightly live jazz, Green Lady Lounge is a favorite among jazz enthusiasts. No cover charge ensures accessibility for all.
  • Website: Green Lady Lounge

3. Mutual Musicians Foundation



Missouri River

  1. Missouri River
  2. Liberty
  3. Overland Park
  • Location: 1823 Highland Ave, Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A historic venue where musicians have gathered since 1917. Late-night jam sessions on weekends are legendary.
  • Website: Mutual Musicians Foundation

4. Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: A modern venue blending live jazz with fine dining. The upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for a special night out.
  • Website: Corvino Supper Club

5. The Ship

  • Location: West Bottoms District.
  • Highlights: A retro-themed bar with a relaxed vibe offering regular jazz performances alongside other live music.
  • Website: The Ship

6. Chaz on the Plaza

  • Location: Country Club Plaza.
  • Highlights: A cozy spot within the Raphael Hotel offering smooth jazz performances during dinner hours.
  • Website: Chaz on the Plaza

7. The Majestic Restaurant

  • Location: Downtown Kansas City.
  • Highlights: Combines a steakhouse experience with nightly jazz performances in its intimate basement lounge.
  • Website: The Majestic

Things To Do When Your Bored In Kansas City MO

During Prohibition (1920–1933), Kansas City played a significant role as a hotspot for illegal activities, jazz, and nightlife, thriving as an "open city" where the enforcement of Prohibition laws was notoriously lax. This era shaped the city’s cultural and musical identity, particularly its connection to jazz.

Key Roles and Characteristics of Kansas City During Prohibition

1. "Wide Open" under Tom Pendergast

  • Tom Pendergast, the influential political boss, controlled much of Kansas City’s government and police force during this time.
  • Under Pendergast’s leadership, the city largely ignored Prohibition laws, allowing speakeasies, gambling halls, and other illicit establishments to operate openly.
  • This "wide-open" policy made Kansas City a destination for people seeking alcohol and entertainment.

2. A Hub for Speakeasies and Nightlife

  • Speakeasies flourished throughout the city, particularly in areas like the 18th & Vine Jazz District and downtown Kansas City.
  • Venues like the Reno Club became infamous for their live music, dancing, and flowing alcohol, attracting crowds despite Prohibition.
  • The city gained a reputation as a haven for vice, where liquor was easily accessible, and authorities turned a blind eye.

3. Birthplace of Kansas City Jazz

  • The relaxed atmosphere during Prohibition fostered a vibrant nightlife that gave rise to Kansas City jazz, a distinctive style known for its bluesy, riff-driven sound and improvisation.
  • Musicians like Count Basie, Bennie Moten, and Charlie Parker emerged from this era, performing in clubs fueled by the city’s thriving underground economy.
  • Kansas City became a major stop on the jazz circuit, rivaling cities like Chicago and New Orleans.

4. Organized Crime and Bootlegging

  • Kansas City was a key distribution point for bootlegged liquor, facilitated by its central location and strong railroad network.
  • Organized crime flourished, with gangs controlling the smuggling and distribution of alcohol.
  • The city’s criminal underworld and political corruption were intertwined, creating an environment where illegal activities thrived.

5. Economic Growth and Cultural Impact

  • Despite the illegal nature of its activities, the Prohibition era brought economic growth to Kansas City, as nightlife and entertainment drew visitors from across the country.
  • The city’s reputation as a cultural hub grew, with jazz music becoming a defining feature of its identity.

Legacy of Prohibition in Kansas City

  • The 18th & Vine Jazz District remains a symbol of this era, showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage.
  • Kansas City’s role as a center for jazz and nightlife during Prohibition left a lasting mark on its culture, influencing music, entertainment, and tourism.
  • The city’s lax enforcement of Prohibition laws contributed to its reputation as a rebellious and culturally vibrant destination.

Kansas City’s role during Prohibition is a fascinating chapter in its history, blending vice, politics, and culture to create an enduring legacy. Let me know if you’d like more details about this era or its influence on the city today!

Things To Do When Your Bored In Kansas City MO
11 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO
11 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

The Country Club Plaza holds a significant place in Kansas City's history as the first planned shopping district in the United States, designed specifically to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile. Opened in 1923, it was developed by J.C. Nichols, a visionary real estate developer whose influence shaped much of the city's growth.

Key Aspects of the Plaza's Significance:

  1. Architectural Innovation:

    • The Plaza's design drew inspiration from Spanish architecture, featuring ornate towers, tiled roofs, and fountains. It was modeled after Seville, Spain, creating a unique cultural and aesthetic experience for visitors.
    • This distinctive architectural style helped establish the Plaza as a landmark and set a precedent for integrated urban shopping and leisure spaces.

  2. Automobile-Friendly Design:

    • At a time when cities were just beginning to adapt to the rise of cars, the Plaza was designed with parking lots and road access in mind, making it a revolutionary concept for retail spaces.

  3. Cultural Hub:

    • The Plaza has been a center for art, culture, and commerce for over a century. Its fountains, sculptures, and public spaces contributed to its reputation as more than just a shopping district but also a community gathering space.
    • The Plaza Art Fair, an annual tradition since 1932, showcases local and national artists and draws thousands of visitors.

  4. Economic Impact:

    • The Country Club Plaza spurred the growth of surrounding neighborhoods and became a model for suburban shopping centers in the U.S., influencing urban planning and development.

  5. Historic Preservation:

    • The Plaza is celebrated for maintaining its architectural heritage while evolving into a modern retail and dining destination. It features both upscale stores and unique local shops.

Modern Relevance:

Today, the Country Club Plaza remains a vibrant area, blending history, culture, and contemporary commerce. It is a must-visit destination in Kansas City, attracting tourists and locals alike for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options, all while celebrating its rich historical roots.

Would you like suggestions for what to do or see on the Plaza?

10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

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    • Access key services and information about Kansas City on the official city website. Source
    • Explore the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City for local news and updates. Source
    • Discover the Kansas City Area Development Council's role in business and talent relocation. Source
    • Stay informed about weather conditions and forecasts in Kansas City with the National Weather Service. Source
    • Access detailed demographic and statistical information about Kansas City, Kansas from the U.S. Census Bureau. Source

    Things To Do When Bored In Kansas City MO

    The Amazing Museums Of Kansas City MO

    10 Best Things To Do In Kansas City MO

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, Kansas City has several historical sites like the Liberty Memorial, the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, and the Steamboat Arabia Museum.

    Kansas City is a unique metropolitan area divided by the Missouri River, straddling the border of Kansas and Missouri. There are two distinct cities named Kansas City: one in Missouri (the larger and more populous) and one in Kansas.

    Notable landmarks in Kansas City include the Liberty Memorial, Union Station, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Country Club Plaza with its Spanish-inspired architecture.