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JUMP to new heights through the Warrior Obstacle Course or Slam Dunk Zone at Urban Air, the ultimate indoor trampoline park with locations in Overland Park and Lenexa (UrbanAirOP.com).
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ART Paint your own ceramic creations at Ceramic Cafe (913.383.0222). They supply the ceramics, the paints and the brushes … you just supply the creative budding artists!
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BUILD an “earthquake proof” Lego tower at Legoland Discovery Center LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/kansascity), where you can play with the world’s biggest box of Legos, watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D cinema, enjoy rides and explore a miniature Kansas City in Lego Miniland.
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EAT OUT KC boasts several super fun restaurants for families, but the ultimate top pick for KC kids is consistently Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (FritzsKC.com). Model trains deliver burgers and shakes to your table.
KANSAS CITY ZOO (KansasCityZoo.org) visits are especially fun in the winter, as the animals are especially playful, and the zoo isn’t crowded. The indoor exhibits at the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tropics and Discovery Barn are great on chilly days. Bonus: Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the carousel or train for more fun.
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FIND TREASURE In 1856, the Arabia steamboat was traversing the Missouri River when her paddle wheel caught a tree snag and she sank. The treasure is now on display at the Arabia Steamboat Museum (816.471.1856).
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COLLECT MONEY The Money Museum (816.881.2683) is a free museum where you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve Bank works and its role in the U.S. economy. Peek into one of the nation’s largest cash vaults, create your own monetary artwork and view coins from each U.S. presidential administration.
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DEDUCE CLUES at the ultimate family-friendly escape room at Tick Tock Escapes (TickTockEscapeRoom. com). Their Pyramid Paradox room is a favorite with incredible special effects reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film. Teams of six to 10 people are “locked” in a room for an hour, and they solve puzzles trying to figure out how to escape. Each room features a different theme and a different set of puzzles.
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GET OUTSIDE Kansas City is home to many wonderful nature centers. Two favorites: Burr Oak Woods (MDC.mo.gov) offers a large aquarium of Missouri’s freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more. Lakeside Nature Center (LakesideNatureCenter.org) is home to some of the best animal exhibits in the area.
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HIT THE HILLS Weather permitting, take the family sledding! Visit KCParent.com for a list of the best sledding hills in Kansas City!
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IMAGINE and play at the Johnson County Museum (JCPRD.com/330/ Museum). Their interactive KidScape exhibit is a child-size village that fosters creative play.
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LISTEN TO MUSIC Kansas City is known for jazz, and the American Jazz Museum (AmericanJazzMuseum. com) is the perfect place to introduce young music lovers to the local genre. With wonderful hands-on exhibits and listening centers to explore, the museum invites children to enjoy listening to classic jazz, compose their own pieces and learn about the history of 18th and Vine.
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MARVEL AT MINIATURES The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (ToyAndMiniatureMuseum. org) is home to dollhouses, miniatures and toys from yesteryear. One of the most fascinating exhibits requires visitors to look at artwork on a grain of rice through a magnifying glass. The miniature detail in so many pieces throughout the museum is intriguing and delightful.
