Kansas City Attractions

Downtown Kansas City Kansas City Zoo City Casinos Science City Historic Westport City Symphony

Country Club Plaza. Developed in 1922, Country Club Plaza is the first shopping center in America designed to accommodate the automobile. One of the most exquisite neighborhoods of Kansas City, the 14-sqaure block Plaza is noted for its Spanish-style architecture, dazzling fountains, wrought-iron encompassed courtyards, tree-lined boulevards, mosaics, statues and works of art. Architecturally stunning, Country Club Plaza features an elegant collection of more than 200 shops, boutiques, restaurants, outdoor cafés and entertainment venues. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides or one of the Plaza’s exciting events, including Plaza Live with free live music in May, and September’s Plaza Art Fair, a celebration of art, music and food that showcases artists from around the country. Visit www.countryclubplaza.com.

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. You don’t have to travel far to find excitement in the heart of Kansas City. Downtown is buzzing with new dining, entertainment and nightlife options in the opened, nine-block Power & Light District that opened this spring. Next door, the new Sprint Center arena and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame will open in mid-2007. This new development, amid the area’s skyscrapers and fantastic Art Deco buildings, is just blocks from the Kansas City Convention Center, downtown restaurants and historic theaters.

Worlds of Fun. Kansas City's premiere amusement park, Worlds of Fun offers 175 acres of excitement for your family, including six world-class roller coasters, dozens of thrill rides and 16 rides for children. Thrill seekers challenge the Patriot, the longest and tallest full-circuit inverted roller coaster in the region! Kids run wild in PEANUTS Playhouse, an interactive kid-friendly attraction that features blasters, catapults, conveyors and buckets of oversized foam balls. Meet Snoopy and the PEANUTS gang in Camp Snoopy, a two-acre playland themed around the famous comic strip. Visit www.worldsoffun.com.

Oceans of Fun. The largest tropically themed water park in the Midwest, Oceans of Fun offers 60 acres of splashing water slides and attractions. Thrill seekers challenge the storm of Hurricane Falls, a 72-foot tall super slide that sends rafts twisting down a flume of river rapids. The park also offers facilities for catered picnics and group outings. Visit www.worldsoffun.com.

Kansas City Zoo. One of America’s new breed of zoos in the nation, the Kansas City Zoo sits on 202 acres of rolling hills in the middle of Swope Park, the second largest urban park in the United States. The Kansas City Zoo is home to almost 900 animals from six continents, including the new Koalas, many exciting animal attractions, exhibits and shows, and the Sprint IMAX Theater, which features a giant 6-½ story screen and 12,000 watts of digital surround-sound. Take the Wild Safari Tour and experience a safari through Africa or through the rough terrain of Australia. The Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. www.kansascityzoo.org.

Kansas City Convention Center. The newly expanded and renovated convention center is at the heart of Downtown Kansas City's renaissance. The center of the expansion includes a 46,450-square-foot grand ballroom/ multipurpose space with a water theme paying tribute to Kansas City’s birth on the nexus of the Kansas and Missouri rivers and Kansas City’s fountains. The new multipurpose complex, features 35,000 square-foot of pre-function space, equipped to host events for 6,000 people. The old 23,900 square-foot ballroom will remain in place for smaller events. The intricate design elements utilize state-of-the-art technology to accomplish the innovative water theme.

Kansas Speedway. Home to the nation’s top professional auto racing since 2001, Kansas Speedway offers fans more than just edge-of-your-seat NASCAR action. Thrill seekers can experience stock car racing first hand by climbing behind the wheel and taking part in one of five different driving schools offered periodically throughout the year. For racing information and schedules, visit www.Kansasspeedway.com.

Kansas City Casinos. Encounter Vegas-style excitement, entertainment and world-class gaming at one of Kansas City's four impressive casinos - Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa, Ameristar Casino Hotel, Isle of Capri Casino and Harrah's Casino and Hotel.

Union Station. There is no place in Kansas City like Union Station. This fully restored 1914 landmark is a favorite destination for history enthusiasts, heritage travelers and intellectually inquisitive youth. You can still catch the train at Union Station, among Amtrak's busiest stops. Just to the south is the National World War I Museum and Monument, and the Liberty Memorial. Visit www.unionstation.org.

Crown Center. Home to the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, Crown Center is an enclosed three-level complex of 60 shops and restaurants, exhibits, live theater and Hallmark Visitors Center. The heart of the complex, Crown Center Square is an outdoor plaza that presents family events, ethnic festivals, an antique show, an outdoor movie series, concerts, and Crown Center Ice Terrace, the city's public outdoor ice skating rink from November to March.

Science City. Kansas City's premier interactive children’s attraction, Science City is where play and education go hand-in-hand. Located in Union Station, Science City features interactive exhibits that delight kids of all ages. Let curiosity be your guide through more than 50 interactive areas, providing hands-on fun and learning. Indulge your dinosaur fascination in the Dino Lab, where the whole scientific process involved in prepping dinosaur specimens is on public display. See it all, from the delicate work of extracting the ancient bones encased in rock to pouring plastic replicas. Visit www.sciencecity.com

Kansas City Ballet. The versatility and depth of Kansas City Ballet takes center stage each year as the company continues to hone its reputation as one of the most respected mid-sized ballet organizations in the nation. Kansas City Ballet presents three repertory performances each year that pays homage to masters of ballet while exploring contemporary works by emerging choreographers. The company presents The Nutcracker at Music Hall throughout December. For ticket information, contact KC Ballet box office at 816-931.2232 or email bcrowe@kcballet.org.

River Market/City Market. A lively and unique Kansas City neighborhood, situated between Downtown and the south bank of the Missouri River, the River Market area features historic brick buildings, loft apartments, bars and restaurants and the Midwest’s largest farmers market-the City Market-which dates back to 1856. The market is especially lively on weekends, when more than 140 farmers from throughout the region bring their goods for sale. You’ll also find the Arabia Steamboat Museum, ethnic food stores and antique shops in the area.

Historic Westport. A popular nightlife district, Westport is one of Kansas City's historical treasures, a cultural legacy that allows visitors to travel back to the days of mountain men, wagon trains, and Civil War battles. In the 1800s, Westport stood as a bustling outpost offering the last taste of European civilization at the doorstep of the great West. The history of Westport is evident in the beautiful buildings lining the town's vibrant streets.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Kansas City Repertory Theatre is the premier professional theater company in Kansas City. Founded in 1964, the Rep produces up to 7 plays each season with over 250 professional artists and technicians. One of the nation’s leading resident professional theatres, the Rep offers excellent productions that are diverse, literate and timely, and provides educational and outreach services for students and the community. With 190 main stage performances, the Rep serves 100,000 patrons annually. Visit www.missourirepertorytheatre.org.

18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Considered the birthplace of Kansas City Jazz, the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District is the best place to learn about Kansas City’s jazz legacy. The Mutual Musicians Foundation, Blue Room jazz club and Black Archives of Mid-America are also highlights of the area. To the north, the Goin’ to Kansas City Plaza at Twelfth Street and Vine pays tribute to the song that made 12th & Vine famous.

Kansas City Symphony. Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony serves showcases timeless works by the great composers, and features performances by world renowned musicians and guest artists. In addition, the KCS performs for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet. For upcoming concerts and tickets, visit www.kcsymphony.org.

Crossroads Arts District/Southwest Boulevard. If you’re looking for an eclectic gathering place, head to the Crossroads Arts District, which recently experienced an amazing transformation. While you're in this eclectic neighborhood, enjoy dinner at the many independently owned restaurants or browse a local shop. The adjacent Southwest Boulevard area offers shopping, dining and entertainment, including some of the city’s most popular Mexican and Latin American restaurants. Visit www.kccrossroads.org.

Truman Sports Complex. Jackson County’s Truman Sports Complex is home to major league sports action for the Kansas City Chiefs and KC Royals at the side-by-side Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.  [Top]