12 Free (and Almost Free) Family-Friendly Things to do in Kansas City

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Kansas City is a fantastic Midwest destination for families. With its wide range of attractions and plenty of free activities, it’s perfect for planning a budget-friendly family getaway.

My family loves visiting Kansas City year annually, and we’re always amazed at how much fun we can have without breaking the bank.

Here’s a list of 12 family-friendly free (or super affordable) things to do in Kansas City that your kids will love—plus some insider tips to make your trip extra memorable.

1. The Money Museum

Best for Ages: 6+

Located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Money Museum is a hands-on experience where kids and adults can learn about the nation’s currency system. (It’s more fun than it sounds! 😉)

🌟 Highlights:

• Free admission and parking
• Interactive exhibits about money and banking-
• A free souvenir: a bag of shredded money!

💡 Pro Tip: Plan to spend about an hour here. My kids loved the interactive elements like trying to lift a real gold bar and seeing the robots transport currency! It was fun watching them learn while having a blast.

➡️ For more details and insider tips, check out my complete guide to the Money Museum to make the most of your visit!

2. Stroll Around the Crown Center

Best for Ages: All ages

The Crown Center is a must-visit spot in Kansas City, with shops, dining, and free exhibits throughout the year.

My kids can’t get enough of the Toy Time and Crayola stores. 🪀 🖍

Highlights:

• Check out the Crown Center Showplace for free kid-friendly interactive exhibits.
• Snap a family photo with the iconic train outside Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, even if you’re not dining there. 📸

🌟 Personal Note: One of our family’s traditions is to eat at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where food is delivered by an overhead train. It’s always a hit with my boys! 🚂

3. Hallmark Visitors Center

Best for Ages: 4+

The Hallmark Visitors Center is a hidden gem!

My boys especially loved the paper scavenger hunt, turning it into a mission to find every item.

Highlights:

• Make a bow with the bow-making machine. 🎀
• Fun photo ops, including Barbie props and Maxine from Shoebox Greetings.

💡 Pro Tip: Plan for at least an hour and a half here—it’s more engaging than you might expect.

4. Kaleidoscope 

Best for Ages: 5-12

Kaleidoscope is a colorful creative space where kids can make and take home their own artwork.

Highlights:

• Endless art project possibilities.
• Free one-hour studio sessions (reservations recommended).

🎨 Pro Tip: Book your session online ahead of time! Walk-ins are possible but often filled up.

If this is something your family wants to put on your bucket list to do, I strongly recommend going to the Kaleidoscope website before your visit to make a reservation. 

5. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Best for Ages: 12 and under

Though not free, this Overland Park gem is just $5 per person (kids under 3 are free) and worth every penny.

Highlights:

• Bottle-feed baby animals, fish in the pond, and explore historical buildings.
• Enjoy multiple playgrounds for the kids.

🐐 Personal Note: My kids loved bottle-feeding the baby goats!

The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead can easily take half of a day or more to visit!

6. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Best for Ages: 6+

If your family enjoys art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is a perfect free thing to do in Kansas City.

Art museums can be fun for kids, and the Kemper Museum is a great place to introduce them to contemporary art.

Highlights:

• Stunning architectural design and vibrant exhibits.
• Outdoor sculptures perfect for photos.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your kids which artwork was their favorite—you’ll love hearing their unique takes!

7. Visit Union Station

Best for Ages: All ages

Union Station is a Kansas City landmark with beautiful architecture and free attractions.

Highlights:

• Check out the Model Train Gallery (suggested donation).
• Seasonal displays during holidays are a must-see.

📸 Personal Note: My kids loved posing with a giant photo of Patrick Mahomes on our last visit. Don’t miss the fun photo ops scattered throughout.

Union Station has many different exhibits and attractions like Science City that you may enjoy visiting as well!

8. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Best for Ages: 6+

This museum offers free admission and plenty for families to enjoy.

Highlights:

• The iconic shuttlecock sculptures outside.
• A lovely sculpture garden and Italian-inspired courtyard restaurant.

💡 Pro Tip: Reserve free tickets online and ask your kids to pick their favorite artwork—it’s a great way to spark conversations about art.

Your family could for sure spend a half of a day here at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Consider having lunch at the Rozzelle Court Restaurant which looks and feels like you have been transported to a gorgeous courtyard in Italy. 

Then after lunch, spend some time enjoying the sculpture garden!

When you are finished visiting the art museum, head over to Country Club Plaza for some shopping and great eats as well!

9. Shop, Eat or Walk Around Legends Outlet Mall

Best for Ages: All ages

Legends Outlet Mall is more than just shopping—it’s a fun destination for families.

Highlights:

• Dining options and entertainment like AMC Theaters and Dave & Buster’s.
• Convenient location near Great Wolf Lodge.

🛍️ Pro Tip: Combine a trip to the mall with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge for the ultimate family weekend.

10. Go on a Fountain Scavenger Hunt

Best for Ages: All ages

Did you know Kansas City is called the City of Fountains? ⛲️

With over 200 fountains across the city, a scavenger hunt can be a fun and unique way to explore.

💦 Personal Note: We’ve done scavenger hunts in other destinations (like bear statues in Gatlinburg), but the fountains in Kansas City made this experience extra special. Don’t forget your camera! 📸

Kansas City even has a Fountain Day at the beginning of April every year. On this day the fountains are turned back on for the season. It’s consider a holiday in Kansas City!

11. Visit the National WWI Memorial Grounds

Best for Ages: All ages

The grounds of the WWI Memorial and Museum are free to explore and offer incredible views of downtown Kansas City.

My boys absolutely loved walking around the memorial, climbing up the steps, and feeling like they were on top of the world.

It was such a fun spot to let them burn off some energy while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.

For families, this is a great place to pause, enjoy the open space, and snap a few memorable photos.

If you’re planning to visit the museum itself, there’s an admission fee as well as a separate fee to walk up the Liberty Memorial Tower, but walking the grounds and soaking in the history is entirely free.

12. Swim at Your Hotel Pool

Best for Ages: All ages

Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.

Swimming at the hotel pool is always a highlight for my boys, and it gives the grown-ups some downtime too.

💡 Pro Tip: Plan for a mix of activities and rest during your trip—it’s a game-changer for keeping everyone happy.

Why Kansas City Should Be Your Next Family Destination

Kansas City is full of family-friendly activities, and many of them are completely free.

From interactive museums to beautiful parks and fountains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🌳⛲️

If you have any sports fanatics in your family especially basketball- the College Basketball Experience is also a fun attraction for kids! 🏀

For more ideas, check out my 3-Day Family-Friendly Kansas City Itinerary to help you plan your visit!

May you love your adventure! KW