The Kansas City area boasts many educational destinations that are fun for kids. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kan. (65 miles north of Kansas City) provides tours of Earhart's birthplace and gives kids a look at how homes were "way back when." If there is a budding pilot or astronaut in the family, this will be a hit. While in Atchison, take a ride on the Atchison Trolley for narrated tours from April to October. Kids love riding on trolley cars, and the price is great.
Amerilia Earhart Birthplace Museum
223 N. Terrace St.
Atchison, KS 66002
(913) 367-4217
ameliaearhartmuseum.org
Atchison Trolley
Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. 10th St.
Atchison, KS 66002
(800) 234-1854
atchisonkansas.net
"The Buck Stops Here" is the most famous sign to grace a presidential desk, and that honor goes to President Harry S. Truman, who put the city of Independence, Mo., on the map. Truman's Presidential Library is in Independence, a short drive from Kansas City. A charming town itself, Independence also hosts the Harry S. Truman Home Tour as part of the National Parks Service. Located in a cozy neighborhood with trendy new businesses sprouting nearby, it's surprising to see how accessible the home was during the time former President Truman lived there upon retirement. The entrance to the home has beautiful wood paneling throughout, and the kitchen is as quaint as can be.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
500 W. U.S. Hwy. 24
Independence, MO 64050
(800) 833-1225
[email protected]
Harry S. Truman Home Tour
223 N. Main St.
Independence, MO 64050
(816) 254-9929
nps.gov/hstr
The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City is located in a 38-room house near the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus. Antique toys and miniature exhibits will capture the attention of kids old enough to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of the antique items. For action, there is a huge marble collection housed at the museum where visitors can try a marble game in the marble room. Beware of the museum store; it carries a bunch of fun toy replicas for purchase.
While in close proximity to the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, check out a home game. If it's a nice day outside, enjoy the opportunity to watch tennis, golf or soccer and get some fresh air while the kids run around. Cold days allow for a warm place inside to watch basketball and reasonably priced entertainment at the college level. Sport schedules are posted online.
Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City
5235 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 333-2055
toyandministuremuseumofkansascity.org
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Athletic Department
(816) 235-1036
umkckangaroos.com
Kids love water parks, and two popular water parks in Kansas City are CoCoKey Water Resort and Oceans of Fun. Be sure to bring sunscreen because it gets sunny in Kansas City during the summer.
Strolling around the Kansas City Zoo will bring kids outdoors as well. The Kansas City Zoo is open every day from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m., except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Paradise Park Family Fun and Adventure is in nearby Lee's Summit and boasts of go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper cars, rock climbing, game room and foam factory, with a special learn-and-play area for kids age 9 and under.
CocoKey Water Resort
9103 E. 39th St.
Kansas City, MO 64133
(877) 425-2746
cocokeywaterresort.com
Oceans of Fun
4545 World of Fun Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64161
(816) 454-4545
worldsoffun.com
Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo Drive
Kansas City, MO 64132
(816) 513-5700
kansascityzoo.org
Paradise Park Family Fun and Adventure
1021 NE Colbern Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 246-5224
paradise-park.com
The Kansas City Chiefs professional football team and the Kansas City Royals professional baseball team are action-packed destinations for kids who enjoy watching team sports. Depending on the season, a visit to either facility is guaranteed fun. Practically across the parking lot from each other, these venues are kid friendly because they are easy to get to and park at. Even seats placed high in the rafters at Royals stadium affords a good view, and on a cool summer night, the breeze is downright friendly.
Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium
One Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
(816) 920-9400
kansascitychiefs.com/schedule
Kansas City Royals Kaufman Stadium
I-70 & Blue Ridge Cutoff
Kansas City, MO 64129
(816) 921-8000
kansascity.royals.mlb.com
