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Are you looking for fun things to do in Kansas City, Missouri? We’ve got you covered. You might be surprised to learn that it’s a great place to stop on an RV trip. From BBQ joints to Union Station, there’s something for all ages.
We put together a weekend itinerary to help you make the most out of your time in Kansas City. Plus, we recommend three campgrounds for your stay. Without further ado, let’s take a look!
About Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is on the western border of Missouri. It’s a unique city because most of it is in Missouri, but a portion is also in Kansas. People know the city for its BBQ, many fountains, and its sports teams.
The city’s jazz music history is also prevalent. Famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Mary Lou Williams played here back in the day.
There are always events in the city, whether it’s a music performance or a convention. Plus, it’s family-friendly! There are theme parks, museums, Legoland Discovery Center, parks, train rides, and many free or affordable things for kids to enjoy.
It’s easy to get around in Kansas City. There’s a streetcar and buses that run daily, not to mention a bicycle and scooter share system available 24/7. These options can help you avoid driving downtown with your RV or tow vehicle.
Your Itinerary for Things to Do in Kansas City
We immensely enjoyed our time in Kansas City and compiled a list of five things you likely won’t want to miss. So check out these activities that you can enjoy during a weekend getaway there!
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is a beautiful and sobering tribute to the people who served our country. The museum has a large selection of artifacts from the war. It’s open daily, and there are often special exhibits on display.
We enjoyed reading stories from the perspectives of people who lived through World War I. In addition, you can go on an audio self-guided tour, which provides a plethora of fascinating information.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can find a booklet in the Main Gallery that leads kids on a scavenger hunt through the world-class collection. They’ll learn and have fun while doing it!
Union Station
Union Station was built in 1901 and is an architectural wonder. It’s a magical building to explore. There’s also a science center, planetarium, movie theater, and live theater connected with Union Station. It’s open daily, and you can find its current events and exhibits listed on the website.
Science City has interactive exhibits for the whole family. It’s a great place to introduce kids to innovative concepts and discoveries. For more scientific fun, check out the planetarium there. They have a calendar for special events, including frequent evening laser show concerts with singing and dancing.
Union Station’s two theaters are another fun package for the whole family. The movie theater has an 80ft x 53ft screen that shows 2D and 3D films. City Stage Theater is where you can catch live shows, including comedies, dramas, and musicals. You can purchase tickets through the website for daytime and evening shows.
The unique train station also features a museum currently, showing Auschwitz exhibits until January 2022. Entrance fees start at $15.
While you’re there, don’t miss the incredible model train exhibit called the Model Rail Experience toward the back of the building. The details in this large, miniature city of moving model trains will entrance adults and children alike. It’s free, but you could drop a few dollars in the donation box if you’re so inclined.
Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
Tom’s Town Distilling Company is worth a stop on your itinerary. The spirits and eats are magnificent, and the atmosphere is also top-notch. Plus, it has a garden patio that features live music on Sundays.
Tom’s Town produces premium craft spirits, including gin, vodka, and bourbon. They also have a shop where you can buy bottles to go and merchandise.
Pictures at the Giant Bookshelf at the Kansas City Library
A selfie in front of a giant bookshelf is a must-do when in Kansas City. You’ll find it on the facade of the public library’s parking garage. Each book is 25ft tall and 9 ft wide. You have to see this unique art piece to believe it!
To give the bland structure, built during 2004, some pizazz, the community came up with the idea of the giant bookshelf. The public submitted favorite book titles, and the library board of trustees made the final selections, which are there now.
American Jazz Museum
Kansas City is known for jazz, and so a stop at the American Jazz Museum is only appropriate. From memorabilia to events, the museum is an excellent opportunity to learn about jazz history in the U.S.
Their permanent exhibits include touch screen interactives, listening stations, mixing boards, and the John H. Baker Film Collection. If you’re a music lover, we’re confident you’ll enjoy the museum. It’s also a fun place to introduce kids to the genre of music.
Power and Light District
The Power and Light District is one of the most electrifying neighborhoods in the midwest. It’s a mixed-use entertainment and lifestyle district made up of nine blocks. The $850-million project has brought in over 95 million visitors since its 2008 opening to help revitalize downtown Kansas City.
There are dozens of restaurants in the Power and Light District and several live shows a week. It’s a fun place to hang out in the evenings where you can eat, drink, listen to live music, shop, and more. To help you plan your visit, check out a calendar of events on the district’s website.
Eat at One of the Many BBQ Joints
As much as Kansas City is known for jazz, it’s also famous for BBQ. There are over 100 BBQ joints in the city. You might want to plan to eat at more than one restaurant during your visit!
But if you only have time for one, make it Gates. Gates & Sons Bar-B-Que, better known in the area as Gates Bar-B-Que, is one of our favorites. It started as a small family-owned restaurant and–thanks to the mouth-watering meats, legendary sides, and excellent service–has blown into a thriving chain with six locations.
Pro Tip: Get Around by Scooter
There’s currently a rideshare shortage in Kansas City, so if you’re there when the weather is nice, we recommend using Lime scooters or e-bikes. It’s not only a convenient and affordable way to get along, but it’s a blast!
Consider bringing along safety equipment like a helmet and ride cautiously through the busy city streets. Also, here’s a friendly reminder to never drink and scooter!
Where to Stay
There are three RV parks in Kansas City that we recommend. Each has easy access to activities around the city as well as amenities at the campground.
Worlds of Fun Village
Worlds of Fun Village gives you direct access to rollercoasters and a water park! The Village is right next to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun amusement parks. Plus, there’s a pool and hot tub in the campground.
RV sites have full hookups with 30 and 50 amp electrical service. In addition, there are pull-through and back-in sites. Sites also have a picnic table, grill, and WiFi.
The Campus RV Park
The Campus RV Park has full hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp electricity. The campground also has a bathhouse and laundry facilities.
The park is in Independence to the east of downtown Kansas City. Many area attractions include the Community of Christ temple and auditorium, Harry S. Truman home, pioneer historical sites, wagon rides, Civil War battle sites, and more.
The website shows that they’re working on online reservations, but for the time being, you can reserve your spot by calling (816) 254-1815 M-F between 9 am and 5 pm.
Blue Springs Campground
Blue Springs Campground is five minutes from Blue Springs Lake. You can choose a campsite with full hookups, water-and-electric-only, or electric-only amenities, each offering access to the bathhouse, laundry facilities, and a playground.
Being near the lake, you’ll have ample access to water sports and beaches. You can also check out historical sites throughout Jackson County or golf at the Fred Arbanas Golf Course.
You’ll have your pick of 27 full-hookup sites, 23 electric-only sites, and 13 electric and water sites. There are also 18 premiere full-hookup sites that can accommodate larger RVs and offer nearby access to bathrooms and laundry facilities. It’s easy to reserve your campsite online through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation website.
When Will You Visit Kansas City?
A weekend is a reasonable amount of time here. But, on the other hand, there are a lot of things to do in Kansas City. So you may want to stay a little longer–particularly when you taste the BBQ!
We hope this list of activities makes you stop asking yourself IF you’ll visit Kansas City and start asking yourself WHEN! The bustling, family-friendly city is fun to explore while offering incredible history and delicious food.
When do you think you’ll plan your Kansas City trip?
One of the most interesting museums in the country “steam ship in a corn field” in hidden in Kansas City. Should be on the list.