What to Do in Kansas City When You’re Bored

Missouri may have more than 27 million acres of farmland within its borders, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sleepy agricultural state. The well-prepared will find plenty of amusements in the Show-Me state and many of these activities center on Kansas City.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the place where barbecues are the flavor of the day, you’re probably wondering what to do in Kansas City once you’ve had your fill.

Plan your trip in advance and you’ll never experience a dull moment during your stay.

The Country Club Plaza

No trip to Kansas City is complete without stopping in at “The Plaza”. Here’s you can shop to your heart’s content, enjoy a bit to eat, or take part in one of the other attractions on site.

Some of the best things to see and do at the Country Club Plaza include:

• Beautiful fountains and classic European architecture featuring statues, murals, and mosaics
• Brilliant displays of lights and decorations at Christmas time
• Take a carriage ride
• Ride a gondola float on Brush Creek
• Pick up some treats for your best friend at The Dog Bakery

When constructed, The Country Club Plaza was years ahead of its time and is the first suburban shopping center in the world designed to accommodate automobiles. You’ll always find something to admire, buy, or eat among the 173 stores onsite.

What to Do in Kansas City if You Love History and Art

Kansas City is a delight for the culturally-inclined with dozens of displays to explore. These are some of the best museums around town:

• American Jazz Museum
• National World War I Museum and Memorial
• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
• Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Arabia Steamboat Museum

For something totally different, Leila’s Hair Art Museum features the world’s only collection of art and jewelry made from human hair!

First Fridays happen here too, with a streetcar ride into downtown Kansas City where live music, art exhibits, vendors and food trucks await.

Get in on the Game

The Kauffman Baseball Stadium is a standout feature on the Kansas City skyline and an awesome place to catch a game among the thousands of City Royals fans.

You’ll find a host of places to wet your whistle during your visit, as well as a Team Store for memorabilia, and extensive outfield activities like mini-golf and a children’s playground.

When the team isn’t in town, you can find out more about this iconic venue on a stadium tour with interactive displays for the kids to enjoy.

Visit a Waterpark

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to slide down Niagara Falls, this is your chance. The Verruckt at Kansas’s City’s Schlitterbahn waterpark is over 160ft tall, which is 1ft taller than the Falls.

It’s one of the things that Kansas City is most famous for. Read more about the World’s highest slide and find out if you’ve got what it takes to take it on.

Other thrills at this park include the Boogie Bahn, Sky Coaster, and the Master Blaster Water Coaster. The less courageous can stick to gentle tube rides along the river or more ordinary waterpark adventures.

Check Out the Music Scene

Kansas City has always been a hub of musical creation, and the jazz and blues trend continues at many superb venues throughout the city.

Also, many top bands break their trip to Denver and other touring destinations with a show in Kansas City. Take a look at the schedules for the Riot Room, Uptown Theatre, Arvest Bank Theater, and Knuckleheads to see who’s in town during your visit.

For a taste of local talent, head to Records with Merritt where you’ll find someone on stage almost every night of the week.

The Crown Center

This massive mall is more than just a shopping center, it’s filled with opportunities for entertainment and amusement too. Take a trip to this top attraction and you’ll discover a host of fascinations like:

• The Coterie and MTH Theater for live shows
• Legoland Discovery Center
• Sea Life Aquarium
• Hallmark Cards Visitors Center
• Kaleidoscope for art activities

Of course, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to scratch your retail itch at specialty stores and boutiques throughout the complex.

Kansas City Zoo

Make a date with Mother Nature at this busy destination which has something for every animal lover. You can meet rhinos, tortoises, and penguins up close, or get in touch with the inhabitants of Stingray Bay.

Other daily shows include birds in flight and appearances by the zoos trained Animal Ambassadors like Iguanas, goats, and birds. Some of the interesting creatures you’ll encounter at the Kansas City Zoo include cheetahs, orangutans, African Painted Dogs, and the critically endangered Amur leopard.

To get the most out of your visit, don’t miss the zookeeper talks or the chance to take a guided golf cart or walking tour of all the sights.

Worlds of Fun

You’re bound to find something that blows your hair back among the 235 acres of rides and slides at Worlds of Fun. This top Kansas City attraction boasts the world’s longest mat racing water slide, thrilling roller coasters, rocket rides and more.

At Oceans of Fun, you can zip down huge waterslides, splash in the pool or meander down the 720ft. Lazy River. There are plenty of child-friendly rides too as well as regular shows and entertainment for all ages.

Don’t Let Boredom Beat You

Whether you’re wondering what to do in Kansas City or planning a staycation in the Bay area, you’ll find plenty of food for thought on our website.

Browse through our travel pages for more information on things to do and see wherever you are right now.