Looking for some great, inexpensive things to do in Kansas City with toddlers? I have the list for you, because it is great to add new ideas for your family! Growing up in Kansas City, I cannot believe the things that have changed around the city. I remember sitting down with my family trying to come up with something to do. Now, there are tons of activities for your preschooler or toddler around the city, which are free or almost free! Here are my top 10, so you are able to explore some new areas.
Wednesday 12pm-12:55pm and Thursday 11:00am-11:55am
What is better than letting your toddler run, jump, and swing for over 50 minutes? Pinnacle Gymnastics has a safe, clean gym that allows for the children to explore the different apparatus. Enjoy the foam pit (with covered blocks), several trampolines, and preschool sized equipment. It is for ages six and under, which allows for safe play. It's a great chance for the younger children to be able to play on age appropriate equipment with their peers. The preschool and toddler children are able to play and explore while the moms are able to supervise within the facility.
2. Miniature Trains at Union Station: FREE
Monday- Saturday: 10am-5pm and Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Officially named the Model Rail Experience, this permanent exhibit at Union Station is perfect for your little train lovers. With over 8,000 square feet of toy trains to look at, there is something new to explore every time you visit. With donations, they are able to constantly update and improve the exhibits. My kids love the Thomas the Train area, while enjoying the other characters around the exhibit.
3. Free Exhibits in Crown Center: FREE
Various Dates and Times
Located on the first floor by the Coterie Theater, the exhibit space is usually filled with fun, hands on children’s exhibit. Themes that have visited include Thomas the Train, Fairy Tales, Hungry Hungry Caterpillar and more. Kids can work on a life sized trains, play with full sized kitchens and play in some of their favorite books and stories. I recommend going to the exhibits during the week, it can be overfull on the weekends! We often partner this event with some of the others downtown for a fun filled day.
4. Rainbow Gym Playtime: $5/ child- 18 Months and Up
Monday- Friday: 10am- 4pm
Even I tend to forget about this fun play place, but it can be a blast during the week! Drop in and play on all of the show swing sets, the trampoline, and more. It can be a wonderful place, while running off some energy. My kids enjoy playing inside on a swing set, and I enjoy the temperature controlled area to be able to watch them play. Only downside, some of the sets are quite large and there are a several swings, so it can be a bit of a madhouse if there are lots of kids.
5. Black Hoof Park in Lenexa: FREE
Seven Days a Week: 5am- 11pm
This park is simply amazing! There is a walking trail, three different play sets, water play area, and so much more! People are able to fish on Lake Lenexa, right by the park. This park can be a great quick stop between activities or a full day of fun with a picnic and more. It is a popular spot for many kids groups, but we have never run out of space for fun and excitement. This park has tons of things to do and explore each time we visit.
6. Deanna Rose Farmstead: $2/ person Mon- Thurs Mornings and all day Fri- Sun
Mon, Wed, Fri- Sun: 9am-5pm and Tues, Thurs: 9am-8pm
Looking for an easy, zoo like experience because this farm is simply one of a kind. Enjoy the multiple petting zoos, over 250 animals, walking trail, fishing, and more. There are several optional activities (most of which come with additional costs) but we often simply go to feed the three different goat pens. If you go early enough, you can even watch them milk their cow. Deanna Rose is located in south Overland Park, as a result is easily accessible for most people. This farm can be a popular area so be ready for a bit of the crowd.
7. The Legends Fountain: FREE
Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm Sundays 11am-6pm
Located in the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS, this fountain is one of my family's favorite spots for a quick visit. During the summer months, the fountain puts on a continuous water show, with benches around for families to watch. We stop by the fountain first, then are able to get through the rest of our shopping. This would be one of my top places for your younger toddlers, as they are simply mesmerized by the water and have plenty of space to move around and dance to the music throughout the Legends Outlets. I also watch the event calendar for family movie nights, live music, and more around the fountain.
8. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant: Various with Kid’s Meals around $5
Hours Vary by Location
With three different locations around Kansas City, this restaurant has grown to be a Kansas City staple. As you can tell, we have some train fans in our house, so the “Choo Choo Restaurant” is often requested. From the time you walk into the restaurant, your little ones are handed an engineer hat, you order your food by phone, and a train delivers your food overhead. That’s right, there are trains carrying your food over your head, which is built in dining entertainment for the kids. The restaurant started as a diner (without the trains) so the food is actually quite tasty, unlike some of the other themed restaurants we have dined in. It is a great place to eat out for all members of my family.
9. Farmer’s Market at City Market: FREE
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday Mornings
I have been to several different Farmer’s Markets in the area, but this one is my favorite by far! This market boasts over 150 vendors selling fruits and vegetables, homemade breads, fresh flowers, homemade art, and more. I like to put the toddler on my back and keep the preschooler close. This can be a crazy morning, but tons of fun for the whole family. My preschool loves to pick out our vegetables for the week, and it even encourages him to eat them when we get home! There are a few different play items, including a small tractor train and a bounce house you can pay to participate in. We usually skip these and go straight for the samples.
10. Wonderscope: $8/ person with kids 2 and under FREE
Tuesday-Friday: 9am-4:30pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays 12pm-5pm
This is the most expensive item on the list, but it does not disappoint. This children’s museum boasts a farm to market play area, STEM themed rooms, soft play room for younger children, water room, and so much more! It is currently located in a former school. This allows for the areas to be easily sectioned off and limits the number of children in each area, so control is possible. There is both inside and outside play areas, which is great year round. They update their calendar with upcoming expected field trips, events, and more so you can adjust your trip if you are flexible.
It is important to find a place that is safe, fun, and engaging for your kids around Kansas City. Each of these places offers something different to enjoy. They are all fun, however they offer different developmental benefits. It is amazing all of the different activities we have available throughout the Kansas City area. In conclusion, this city is truly a great place for families!
Do you have a favorite things to do in Kansas City with toddlers? I would love to hear them, since new places are always fun. They may even make the calendar for our next family outing.