While Adoption & Beyond is both a Kansas adoption agency an a Missouri adoption agency, we are based out of Overland Park, Kansas in the Kansas City area.
One reason we love being here is that there are so many fun activities for kids and families to do in Kansas City. We’ve asked around, and here are some recommendations from locals.
You might have seen some of our previous tips on making the most of Kansas City’s family-friendly fun, but we recently asked some local moms for their recommendations.
If you’re new to the Kansas City area or are coming here for a trip, check out these activities!
Deanna Rose
Located close to Adoption & Beyond’s headquarters in Overland Park, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead gives children a glimpse into Kansas farm life in the early 1900s. There are animals and birds, a one-room schoolhouse, gardens, pony rides, and more.
If your kids go to school in Johnson County, it’s likely that they’ll visit Deanna Rose on a field trip. Kids can try milking a cow, and you can even host your child’s birthday party at the farmstead.
Kansas City Zoo
Voted one of the best zoos in the country, the Kansas City Zoo has one of the most impressive collections of Australian animals, chimpanzees, and pachyderms. So if your children like hippos and kangaroos (who doesn’t?!), then this is the place for them.
The KidZone at the zoo gives kids the opportunity to ride a camel and see farm animals up close. It also includes the Discovery Barn–a building with exotic small animals, including birds, rare squirrels, small primates, and more.
Kaleidoscope
Located in Kansas City’s iconic Crown Center, Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope has been a family favorite for decades. Kids participate in fun art activities, like making their own puzzles, painting, identifying complimentary colors, and creating greeting cards.
One of the best things about Kaleidoscope is that it’s free! However, families must arrive early to secure a spot. Earlier this month Kaleidoscope had a special week dedicated to home schooling families.
T-Bones
After the 2014 World Series, everyone is familiar with the Royals. What you might not know is that KC has another baseball team, the T-Bones. Watching the T-Bones, a member of the American Association for Independent Professional Baseball, is a great summer activity for kids and parents alike.
There’s a fun grassy area to throw down a blanket and watch the game and play a game of cards and eat a snack. But the best thing of all about the T-Bones is that there’s a playground inside the stadium so your restless kiddos have fun while you can still watch the game.
Reading Reptile
The Reading Reptile is a fantastic children’s bookstore in Kansas City that not only has a great collection of books but also hosts fun events, birthday parties and more. There are fun and whimsical decorations all over the store, and kids become immediately absorbed by the amazing space.
Considered one of the best independent children’s bookstores in North America, the Reading Reptile has been a fixture in the Kansas City area for twenty-five years. Check out the children’s play area, and make sure you’re there for one of their concerts!