5 Things To Do In Kansas City Before The Kids Go Back To School

It's hard to believe, but soon summer will be winding down. So before the kids head back to school, why not spend some time as a family enjoying all that our community has to offer?

If you're looking for a place to get started, we've rounded up five fun things to do in the Kansas City area before the kids head back to school. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and access, stay hydrated, and if you're heading outdoors, bring plenty of SPF and bug spray!

1. Kaleidoscope

Address: 2500 Grand St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-274-8300

Kaleidoscope is a free art studio where kids and their families can dive into creativity using Hallmark's leftover materials like colorful paper and stickers, along with Crayola supplies. In each 50-minute session, kids are free to explore and create however they like, making it a truly open-ended artistic adventure. Don't miss Surprise Saturdays throughout August for extra fun and unique art-making experiences! Click here for more info.

2. Wonderscope

Address: 433 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131
Phone: 816-643-6700

For a day of fun and play, head to Wonderscope Children's Museum in Kansas City. There, kids can explore transportation history in the Crossroads exhibit, splash around in the WaterWorks area and engage in imaginative play at WonderMart and the Kansas City Café. Outdoors, the half-acre NatureScape invites children to explore a fully accessible treehouse. Click here for more info.

3. Union Station

Address: 30 West Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-460-2000

Visit Kansas City’s top attraction, Union Station, for a blend of history and exciting experiences for all ages. Kids can ignite their curiosity at Science City, gaze at the stars in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium and enjoy exhibitions like the Disney100 showcase, which features rare artifacts from beloved Disney stories. The station also has live theatre performances, a movie theatre and a variety of shopping and dining options for a full day of entertainment. Click here for more info.

4. The Culinary Center of Kansas City

Address: 7920 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204
Phone: 913-341-4455

Take your kids to a class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. There, young chefs can dive into a world of culinary fun with classes designed for ages 5 to 18. Kids can master cooking techniques, explore new recipes and participate in family-friendly events all within the charming setting of a historic buggy barn. Click here for more info.

5. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132
Phone: 816-595-1234

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers exciting experiences like the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, where visitors can watch playful penguins up close, and the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, home to mesmerizing marine life. Children can engage with animals at the Orangutan Canopy and Stingray Bay, or participate in many exciting scheduled events — just check the calendar before you go! Click here for more info.

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