Where to Stay in Kansas City: Best Areas + Family-Friendly Hotels
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If you’re planning a trip to Kansas City and wondering where to stay, you’re in the right place.
After visiting countless times with my four boys, I’ve stayed in nearly every corner—from Downtown and Country Club Plaza to Overland Park, The Legends, and near Worlds of Fun.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Kansas City, share our favorite family-friendly hotels, and help you pick what fits your trip best.
⭐ Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Kansas City for Families
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick breakdown:
- Best Overall Location: Downtown Kansas City (Power & Light / Convention Center) — walkable, close to top attractions
- Best for Families & Space: Overland Park (South Suburbs) — bigger suites, free parking, easy highway access
- Best for Shopping & Dining: Country Club Plaza / Midtown — beautiful, walkable, tons of restaurants
- Best for Sports & Events: The Legends / Kansas Speedway (KCK) — close to outlets, stadiums, easy parking
- Best for Chiefs/Royals & Theme Parks: Arrowhead Stadium / Worlds of Fun (Northeast KC) — quick to games & parks, family-friendly mid-range hotels
Planning your Kansas City trip? Don’t miss The Best 3-Day Kansas City Itinerary for Families . It pairs perfectly with this hotel guide and helps you plan what to see and do once you’re here.
Best Areas to Stay in Kansas City
Each KC neighborhood offers something different depending on your plans, budget, and family size.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Kansas City, it really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Here’s a breakdown of the main areas — and why each might work for your family.
Note: The information below reflects our experiences at the time of our stays. Service, amenities, and cleanliness may vary from stay to stay. Always check the most recent reviews before you book.
Where to Stay in Downtown Kansas City
Perfect for: Families who want to be near top attractions like Union Station, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Crown Center, and the T-Mobile Center.
Downtown is home to some of Kansas City’s biggest attractions, like Science City and the Money Museum. Both are fun and educational stops for families exploring the area.
Pros:
- Walkable to major attractions and dining
- Great energy and central access
Cons:
- Parking at downtown hotels can be expensive
- Smaller rooms in some hotels
If your family loves sports or interactive museums, make sure to read The Ultimate Family Guide to the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City — it’s right downtown and a must-do for basketball fans.
Family-Friendly Picks:
- Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown / Convention Center – Spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, walkable to attractions.
- Loews Kansas City Hotel – Sleek, modern, and surprisingly family-friendly with great views.
💛 From One Mom to Another:
While being downtown is super convenient, I actually prefer staying a bit outside the city when we travel with our kids. It’s easier to find parking, grab a quick meal, or run out for snacks or medicine without dealing with city traffic. We don’t mind the 20-minute drive into downtown — we just plan our day around it. It feels more laid-back, which is exactly what our family needs.
Where to Stay in Country Club Plaza / Midtown Kansas City
Perfect for: Families who want walkable access to shops, restaurants, and Kansas City’s beautiful architecture.
Pros:
- Walkable area with fountains, shops, and restaurants
- Beautiful Spanish-style architecture
- Close to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Cons:
- ~10–15 minutes from most downtown sights.
- Busier than suburban stays; parking is paid and may be more difficult
Family-Friendly Picks:
- Residence Inn Kansas City Country Club Plaza – Spacious suites with full kitchens, walkable to shops and restaurants, and great for families who like extra space.
✨From our stay: Many great restaurants within a short walk—Shake Shack and The Cheesecake Factory are easy kid wins.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Country Club Plaza – Spacious rooms, great location, family-friendly amenities.
Where to Stay in Overland Park (South Kansas City Suburbs)
Perfect for: Families who want space, quieter surroundings, and great value.
Pros:
- Larger rooms and suites available
- Free parking and easy highway access
- Family-oriented area with parks and playgrounds
Cons:
- Longer drive to downtown KC attractions
Family-Friendly Picks:
- Drury Inn & Suites Overland Park – Our go-to for reliable comfort, free breakfast + dinner snacks.
✨From our stay: This hotel sits right next to iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Our room actually faced iFLY—my son spotted it and an hour later we were indoor skydiving. It was SO fun!!
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Overland Park – Modern rooms (some suites), free breakfast, free parking, and quick access to I-435. It’s an easy, budget-friendly base for families visiting both Kansas and Missouri sides of KC.
💡 Mom Tip: Overland Park is a great choice for larger families who want space and budget-friendly rates.
Where to Stay Near Legends/Kansas Speedway Area (Kansas Side)
Perfect for: Families visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Sporting KC, the speedway, or want to be close to shopping.
Pros:
- Close to events, outlets, and attractions
- Easy highway access to both Kansas & Missouri sides
- Plenty of dining options
Cons:
- Farther from downtown (20–25 minutes)
Family-Friendly Picks:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Kansas City Speedway – Spacious suites, kitchenettes, free breakfast.
✨From our stay: Super convenient to Legends Outlets and numerous restaurants. We also usually do a Target run or two.
- Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City – Built-in waterpark fun (indoor and outdoor) for families, especially great for younger kids.
✨From our stay: Great Wolf Lodge is right next door to Cabela’s. We always pop in for 30–60 minutes to see the animal displays and giant statues. It’s free, quick entertainment between water-park sessions.
Where to Stay Near Arrowhead Stadium/Worlds of Fun
Perfect for: Families visiting Chiefs or Royals games, Worlds of Fun, or Oceans of Fun.
Pros:
- Close to stadiums and amusement parks
- Quick access to I-70 and I-435
- Affordable hotel options compared to Downtown
Cons:
- Fewer restaurants and attractions within walking distance
- Further from downtown attractions
Family-Friendly Picks:
- SpringHill Suites Kansas City Northeast (Marriott) — All-suites with free breakfast + indoor pool; walkable/short drive to Worlds/Oceans of Fun; ~15–20 min to Arrowhead.
How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Kansas City
- Match your itinerary (what you plan to do). Downtown for attractions; suburbs for space (but maybe you don’t mind a little bit of driving)
- Check suite layout. Separate bedrooms = sanity saver.
- Know the fees. Parking & breakfast vary by area.
- Consider convenience. Suburbs = easier errands & quieter nights.
- Book early for events. Chiefs / Royals / concert weekends fill fast.
Map of the Best Areas & Family-Friendly Hotels in Kansas City
Planning where to stay is easier when you can see it.
Use the interactive map below to compare Downtown, Country Club Plaza, Overland Park, Legends/KCK, and Arrowhead/Worlds of Fun at a glance.
Interactive Map: Where to Stay in Kansas City
Zoom and tap the pins to see hotel names, neighborhoods, and why they’re great for families.
*Map for reference only. For current rates and reviews, use the hotel links in this post. Some may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.*
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay in Kansas City depends on your travel style.
If you love walkability—go Downtown.
If you want space and a slower pace—choose Overland Park.
For shopping or a cozy getaway—try Country Club Plaza.
And if it’s sports or theme parks, Arrowhead / Worlds of Fun is your best base.
Wherever you land, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly hotels in Kansas City that make every trip doable and worth it.
Once you’ve decided where to stay, check out 12 Free (and Almost Free) Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kansas City for affordable fun your kids will love.
💡 Make planning easy. Grab my Free Family Travel Itinerary Planner—templates, checklists, and a simple daily plan that actually works.
