Discover the Money Museum: 5 Things You Need to Know

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Our family recently visited the Money Museum in Kansas City, and it was such an amazing experience!

From hands-on activities for the kids to learning about the Federal Reserve, there was something for everyone.

Even our younger kids stayed entertained while our older ones asked thoughtful questions about money and how it works.

Here are 5 awesome things to know about the Money Museum before you visit:

Exterior of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City — Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

1. Admission is FREE

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Yes, you read that right!

The Money Museum offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly outing in Kansas City.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Important Notes:

All guests over 18 must present a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
Be prepared for airport-style security screening upon entry.

When we arrived, we appreciated how smooth the security process was, and the staff was so friendly and welcoming, which made a great first impression on our kids.

2. Parking is FREE 🅿️

Not only is admission free, but parking is, too!

Visitors can park in the designated lot off Wyandotte Street, conveniently located near the entrance to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where the Money Museum is housed.

We loved how easy it was to park and head straight inside without any hassle—it’s a huge bonus when you’re traveling with kids.

3. Grab a Free Souvenir Bag of Shredded Money 💰

At the end of your visit, don’t forget to pick up a free bag of shredded money as a souvenir. Each bag contains about $83 worth of shredded bills!

🌟 Fun Fact: Did you know the Federal Reserve shreds about $2.5 billion of old, worn, or damaged currency every year? It’s fascinating to learn how the Fed manages our money supply.

Our boys couldn’t wait to show off their bags of shredded money. It sparked a fun conversation on the ride home about how money is made and how it circulates in the economy!

4. Enjoy Hands-On Activities for All Ages

The Money Museum is packed with interactive exhibits that are perfect for both kids and adults.

Here are some highlights:

Design your own currency: Kids can use crayons and shading tools to create custom bills. 🖍

Lift a real gold bar: Test your strength with this fun and educational activity. 💪🏻

Interactive hallway exhibits: Learn about financial concepts through hands-on displays that involve lifting, turning, and maneuvering objects. 💲

Photo ops: Snap pictures at various spots throughout the museum, including the fun exhibits. 📸

Our kids loved designing their own money and trying to lift the gold bar. Watching their determination and creativity was such a joy!

5. Educational for Both Adults and Kids

This museum is designed for families, with exhibits and activities that engage both kids and adults.

Kids learn financial basics: Through games and hands-on activities, children gain exposure to concepts like currency production and money management.

Watch robots in action: See how currency is processed and transported to the vault by workers and robots.

Peek inside the vault: A highlight for visitors of all ages!

We were all mesmerized watching the robots process and transport currency. Our kids asked so many great questions, and it felt like they left with a better understanding of how money works.

Our Family’s Experience at the Money Museum

This was our first time visiting the Money Museum, and it completely exceeded our expectations.

Even our 3-year-old found activities to enjoy, but it was our older boys who really soaked in the experience and asked insightful questions.

Our favorite part was seeing the vault and watching the robots at work—it was like stepping into a high-tech scene from a movie!

The museum is so well thought out and incredibly kid-friendly.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational outing in Kansas City, this is a must-visit spot for families and it’s free!

Tips for Visiting the Money Museum

Best ages: While all ages can enjoy the museum, it’s ideal for kids ages 5 and up. Our 3-year-old had fun, but our older kids got the most out of the experience.

Plan ahead: Since the museum is closed on weekends, plan your visit for a weekday.

Bring your ID: All visitors ages 18 and over must have a state issue ID or passport.

No tickets needed: Visitors can walk in without reserving tickets, which makes it a convenient stop during your day.

Time needed: Plan to spend about an hour or so at the museum to see all the exhibits.

Pair it with another attraction: The Money Museum is just a 7-minute walk from the National WWI Museum and Memorial. You can walk to the monument for free to enjoy the stunning views of Kansas City or purchase tickets to go inside the museum for some fascinating WWI history.