Family vacations in Kansas City can stretch all the way across the state line. Some of the fun stuff is in Kansas City, Missouri. And, you’ll find some great fun in Kansas City, Kansas, too. No matter where in Kansas City you visit, there is an activity that is fun and free for kids.
Kansas City’s Kaleidoscope is always amazing and different. Photo: Hallmark Cards
1. Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope kids are encouraged to use their creative spirit. All children are encouraged to use their own imagination and special ideas. Children use Hallmark’s surplus and recycled materials to create their art.
As one material is used up, something else is added. Family Art Sessions last 40 minutes and the sessions are different every time you visit. Your parents will be so glad that you brought them along.
Sessions are filled on a first come basis. (So come early.) Tickets are available until the session is filled. Adults must be accompanied by a child. All children must be accompanied by their adult.
Call: 816-274-8300 for general information
Address: 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
E-mail: [email protected]
Kaleidoscope is closed every Sunday and is closed May 26 – June 2.
Provided by Hallmark Cards
Kaleidoscope
Latitude: 39° 4′ 51″
Longitude: -94° 34′ 57″
Nearby Kaleidoscope: Crayola Cafe at 816-398-4820. A bright colorful cafe with good food even an adult will enjoy. Explore your inner artist; the placemat is your canvas.
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant 816-474-4004. Order your food by telephone and the train delivers your dinner by an overhead train.
Universally accessible, McCoy playground and sprayground plus restrooms and shady picnic spots
2. McCoy Park
McCoy Park has playgrounds and spraygrounds. This clean well maintained park also has a walking trail, picnic shelters, picnic tables, tennis courts and, restrooms.
The park is cross from the Harry S. Truman Library in historic Independence and lies just across from the Harry S. Truman Library. A park for everyone, this universally inclusive park is easy to find at 800 N. Bess Truman Parkway.
Call: Phone: (816) 325-7370 Fax: (816) 325-7374 E-mail Address: 24 Highway & North Delaware
Nearby McCoy Park: Tour historic Independence aboard an authentic mule-drawn covered wagon. Pioneer Trails Adventures Pick up on Independence Square, (816) 456-4991
Puppetry Arts Institute The Puppetry Arts Institute www.hazelle.org, 11025 E. Winner Road, (816) 833-9777. Make a puppet or take in a puppet show.
Children’s Peace Pavilion activities are fun for all ages and free. photo: www.kidpeace.org
3. Children’ s Peace Pavilion
Children’s Peace Pavilion is a hands-on museum focusing on world peace. Children, ages 5-11, are invited to explore the four concepts of peace: Peace for Me; Peace for Us; Peace for Everyone; and Peace for the Planet.
When they complete the hands on exploration of the traits and characteristics at each section, children consider what qualities can lead to a life of a peacemaker.
Children’s Peace Pavilion Phone: 816-521-3033 Address: 1001 W. Walnut St., Independence, MO 64050. June-August: Wed., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Schedule other times by appointment. Hours vary at the pavilion. Check the website or call for current hours and tour, e-mail.
Children’s Peace Pavilion
Longitude: -94° 25′ 38″
Latitude: 39° 5′ 24″
Nearby Children’s Peace Pavilion: Clinton’s Soda Fountain – This charming and historic soda fountain is a tasty way to introduce youngsters to Harry Truman, his favorite sundae, and his first Job. There are popular cafe tables out on the sidewalk. Also pick up the mule-driven covered wagon ride on this corner of the historic square. Pioneer Trails Adventures pick up near Clinton’s Soda Fountain, (816) 456-4991.
Photo by: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
4. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a great place to see and feed an array of over 200 barnyard friends and other animals native to the area. Deanna Rose’s legacy brings the charm of the farm to city kids. Bottle-feed baby goats, milk a cow or, take a horse drawn wagon ride through the woods.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead Address: 13800 Rd. Overland Park, KS 66221. Phone: 913-897-2360. Hours of Operation and admission fees: Monday – Thursday: free, Fri. – Sun. & Holidays: $2/person; under age 2 free (No Outside Food Allowed)
Nearby the farmstead: There are about a dozen McDonalds in Overland Park. The link is their store locator-map. McDonalds in Overland Park
Ben & Jerry’s, 6984 w 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223, 913-402-9377. This link will get you a Ben & Jerry’s map and driving directions. Ice cream doesn’t get any better than that!
BO LING’S Chinese Restaurant has two sites, 9055 Metcalf Ave, and 7105 W 135TH ST. They are one of the best Chinese food restaurants ever.
5. Penguin Park
Penguin Park is a fun and playful park. Amenities include: one shelter house, restrooms and playgrounds. The 1.88-mile Lakewood Greenway Trail runs through the park.
Penguin Park is the place just for kids. The 26-foot Kangaroo slide is a kid’s fave. With huge slides and a 20+foot Penguin, kids don’t want to leave this famed little Northland Park. They’ve also got a great trail that leads down to the lake on the south side of the park. There are shelters and bbq grills further down the trail.
Penguin Park – Address: N Vivion Rd. & N Norton Ave., Kansas City, MO 64118. Crossroads: North Vivion Road and North Norton Avenue. Phone: 816-513-7500
Nearby Penguin Park: The Kansas City Northern Railroad Ride the volunteer-run and restored miniatures train. Ride May-September, Saturdays 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sundays 12:01pm – 6:00pm, holidays 12:01pm – 6:00pm, weather permitting. Fare 50 cents per ride for all ages. Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park, 60th Street & NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City MO 64151.
- Miniature trains rescued and restored by volunteers. Photo by Parks & Recreation Department KC Parks Partner.
