12 Free (and Almost Free) Family-Friendly Things to do in Kansas City
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Kansas City is one of my favorite Midwest destinations for families. With so many free and affordable attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a budget-friendly family getaway.
My family visits Kansas City every year, and we’re always amazed at how much fun we can have—without spending a fortune.
Below are 12 free (and almost free) things to do in Kansas City with kids that combine learning, adventure, and plenty of memories.
1. The Money Museum
Best for Ages: 6+
Located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, this free museum is surprisingly fun and interactive. Kids can explore how money is made, see robots move currency, and even try to lift a real gold bar!
🌟 Highlights:
- Free admission and parking
- Hands-on exhibits about money and banking
- A free souvenir: a bag of shredded money!
💡 Pro Tip: Plan to spend about an hour here. My boys loved the interactive features and learning how our money system works.
➡️ For more details and insider tips, check out my complete guide to the Money Museum to make the most of your visit!
2. Explore 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:
- Stop by the Crown Center Showplace for rotating, kid-friendly exhibits.
- Snap a photo with the train outside Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
🌟 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! 🚂
For families wanting to stay close to all the action, the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center has an unbeatable location—connected to Crown Center and just steps from Union Station and the KC Streetcar. While the rooms don’t fit our family of six, it’s a fantastic pick for smaller families who want walkable access to many of these free attractions.
3. Hallmark Visitors Center
Best for Ages: 4+
The Hallmark Visitors Center is one of Kansas City’s hidden gems—located right next to Crown Center.
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: If you parked in the parking garage, make sure to bring your ticket to get it validated for 3 hours.
4. Kaleidoscope
Best for Ages: 5-12
This free art studio (next to Hallmark) lets kids create and take home their own masterpieces using leftover materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing process. (How cool is that?!)
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: All ages
Located in Overland Park, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is just $5 per person (kids under 3 are free) and it’s worth every penny.
We first visited when our boys were 2 and 4, and now at 10 and 12 they still had a blast.
From bottle-feeding baby goats to fishing and play areas, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that doesn’t blow the budget.
Highlights:
- Bottle-feed baby goats 🐐
- Visit farm animals, fish in the pond, and explore playgrounds
- Learn about pioneer life in historic buildings
💡 Pro Tip: Plan for at least half a day here—it’s that fun!
6. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Best for Ages: 6+
Introduce your kids to the world of art at the Kemper Museum—it’s free, creative, and surprisingly kid-friendly.
Highlights:
- Bold exhibits and unique architecture
- Outdoor sculptures perfect for photos
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your kids which artwork they liked best—it makes for great conversation!
7. Visit Union Station
Best for Ages: All ages
Union Station is one of Kansas City’s most beautiful landmarks and a must-visit for families.
Highlights:
- Model Train Gallery (suggested donation only)
- Stunning architecture and seasonal exhibits
- Free photo ops throughout the station
🎄 Budget-Friendly Holiday Cheer: During the holidays, you can see a ton of décor at Union Station without a ticket. The main Grand Hall (the big central lobby with the ornate ceiling and clock) is decked out with a giant tree, garlands, lights, and festive photo spots—all free to enjoy.
➡️ While you’re at Union Station, don’t miss Science City—here’s my Science City, Kansas City: What to Know Before You Go guide or the Planetarium. (Both are paid attractions worth adding to your list).
8. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Best for Ages: 6+
A family-friendly favorite, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
Highlights:
- The iconic shuttlecock sculptures
- Rozzelle Court Restaurant (perfect lunch spot that feels like Italy)
- Peaceful gardens to explore after your visit
💡 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.
9. Legends Outlet Mall
Best for Ages: All ages
Located near the Kansas Speedway, Legends Outlet Mall is a fun stop for dining, shopping, or just walking around.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly dining and entertainment
- Near Great Wolf Lodge and Sporting KC Stadium
🛍️ Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge. It’s the perfect 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, this scavenger hunt is 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.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in early April for Fountain Day, when the fountains officially turn on for the season—it’s a local celebration!
11. National WWI Memorial Grounds
Best for Ages: All ages
The WWI Memorial and Museum offers free access to its outdoor grounds and one of the best skyline views in Kansas City.
Highlights:
- Wide open lawns for kids to run and explore
- Incredible panoramic city views
- Great photo opportunities
💡 Pro Tip: You’ll pay for the museum or tower access, but the grounds alone are worth the stop.
12. Swim at Your Hotel Pool
Best for Ages: All ages
Sometimes the simplest moments make the best memories.
After a busy day exploring, let your kids splash at the pool while you relax.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay with a great pool, the Hampton Inn & Suites Country Club Plaza puts you close to shops, restaurants, and plenty of free attractions from this list.
💡 Pro Tip: Build in downtime during your visit. It keeps everyone’s moods (and energy) in check.
➡️ Planning your stay? Read my Where to Stay in Kansas City with Kids post to find the best family hotels and neighborhoods.
🎉 Bonus: Ride the Kansas City Streetcar
One of the easiest and most fun free things to do in Kansas City is to hop on the KC Streetcar.
It runs from Union Station to the River Market, with several stops along the way—including the Power & Light District and the Crossroads Arts District.
Kids love the novelty of riding it, and it’s a great way to explore more of the city without having to re-park your car.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay on for the full loop to enjoy a free mini tour of downtown Kansas City. It’s an easy, fun ride for all ages.
Why Kansas City Should Be Your Next Family Destination
Kansas City is packed with family-friendly, budget-friendly fun.
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
