27 FREE THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND KANSAS CITY THIS SUMMER WITH THE KIDS, especially if you’re a SAHM {stay at home mom}
Ahhhh summer! As a mom of 4 I know it can be super difficult to plan a summer on a really tight budget. And when I say a tight budget I mean spending ZERO dollars. I know it sounds like it’s impossible but with a little bit of planning it can be done. But after reading this you won’t be asking yourself or googling “what is there to do in Kansas City with kids”.
Before school let out I was on the hunt for all kinds of amazing adventures to take our girls on during our days while my husband was at work. But not just fun, I was specifically looking for FREE things. It was actually a little more difficult than I thought. I thought I could just google FREE THINGS TO DO IN KANSAS CITY and a magical list would pop up, I’d hit print and away we’d go. Nope, it didn’t happen like that. While there are great lists out there none were exactly what I was looking for for our family. The more I dug into these lists the more I found that a lot of the things listed weren’t open during the weekdays, they weren’t actually free {free with a membership doesn’t count if you have to buy the membership}, the places were way too far for us to drive, or they weren’t in operation anymore.
So my husband and I brain stormed and thanks to google we came up with a pretty decent list of things I could take the girls to during the weekdays. I promised them 2 days of fun each week and so far it is going great! And we thought how fun would it be to just explore the historic downtown areas of some local towns?! So we put that on our list too!
GRAB YOUR FREE PRINTABLE FOR KANSAS CITY SUMMER FUN
Be sure to check out other ways to get in some family time without breaking the bank .
So, here’s our list. 27 totally FREE things to do with kids in and around Kansas City.
DEANNA ROSE FARMSTEAD
Deanna Rose Farmstead is one I hear people talking about a lot. It is FREE when you attend M-TH after 2pm. Otherwise it is $3
KALEIDOSCOPE
Is always FREE. It is a magical place that lets kids create to their heart’s content. I advise you go early in the day, the earlier the better, and just a warning it can get a little crazy with field trips. But their staff does a great job at handling it all.
CHILDREN’S PEACE PAVILION
General public tours are held on Wednesdays & Fridays 9-4. While it is technically FREE they do accept donations.
BURR OAKS NATURE CENTER
It is open T-S 8-5 and has so much to offer families. Kids and grown up of all ages are sure to enjoy this if they are a nature lover. They have numerous trails, and outdoor kid’s discovery area, indoor kid’s discovery area, bird watching, snake feedings and so much more.
THE SPLASH PAD AT BURRUS OLD MILL PARK
This splash pad is new to Blue Springs and is something our girls can’t wait to enjoy. It is totally free unless you would like to rent a shelter house.
FREE PASS AT THE KANSAS CITY ZOO
If you live in JACKSON or CLAY counties the KC zoo MAILS out FREE passes for the residents in those counties to use during certain months. During the summer months they send out a FREE pass for JULY and AUGUST. Be sure to make your trip the best it can be with my tips for a stress free trip to the zoo
KANSAS CITY STREET CAR
The Kansas City street car is a wonderful addition to KC! It’s a FREE 2 mile ride through the heart of downtown. Definitely a must do in KC!
CROWN CENTER
While we don’t visit Crown Center for it’s shopping, it does offer some great things for families to do for free. Be sure you get your FREE 3 hour parking pass by getting a merchant to validate it, no purchase necessary.
NATIVE HOOVED ANIMAL ENCLOSURE {FEEDING THE BUFFALO}
This one is tucked away so be sure you use GPS to help get you there. Also, bring fresh veggies like carrots as there isn’t a place to buy feed once you’re there.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENCE
The historic Independence Square has SO much history to explore. This is truly one of our favorite historic places. Aside from Harry S Truman’s home there are so many things to see in such a small area. AND there are lots of unique photo ops too! Take your time and really explore this area.
FEDERAL NATIONAL BANK
This museum is FREE 9:30-4 M-F. Be sure to bring your photo ID. It is located right by Crown Center so make a day of it and visit all the things that area has to offer.
KANSAS CITY FOUNTAINS
Spend the day driving around looking at all the wonderful fountains that Kansas City has to offer. With over 200 fountains this is sure to keep you busy all day. Be sure to get this Kansas City Fountain Guide to assist you on your adventure.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN LIBERTY
Downtown Liberty is truly a beautiful place. With so much history you’re sure to learn something new.
LIBERTY JAIL
The Liberty Jail is ran by the LDS Church. I’m going to be honest I had a hard time finding info on this one but we think it will be interesting to see.
LAKESIDE NATURE CENTER
Open to the public TUES-SAT 9-4. It is one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities and provides educational and recreational opportunities that focus on the environment.
EXPLORING LEXINGTON MISSOURI
Take a day and explore this beautiful town. There is a ton of history and beautiful houses galore.
PENGUIN PARK
Penguin Park is located in Kansas City and is one unlike any others around.
LEE’S SUMMIT HISTORY MUSEUM
It is open Thursdays & Fridays from 10-2 and Saturdays 10-4 and admission is totally FREE. Learn about the early days of Lee’s Summit.
EXPLORING DOWNTOWN LEE’S SUMMIT
While you’re at the Lee’s Summit History Museum explore the rest of what downtown Lee’s Summit has to offer.
WATERFALL PARK
Waterfall Park is located in Independence right off of Bass Pro. It features a pond, playground, small rock climbing wall, picnic area, and a walking trail. This park is very shaded which makes it nice on super hot and sunny days.
LIBERTY MEMORIAL
The Liberty Memorial is a MUST to take your kiddos to. While there is a museum you can pay to see, just visiting the FREE outdoor attraction is pretty amazing.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY
See the fun sites of big city life in downtown Kansas City. Park the car and take a walk around.
UNION STATION
Such a wonderful place to take your kids! While Science City and other attractions aren’t free walking around and seeing all the amazing beauty and it’s history is enough reason to take a trip there.
HALLMARK VISITORS CENTER
The Hallmark Visitors Center is located right next to Kaleidoscope. It is open 9:30-4 M-Sat and is completely FREE.
MARBLE MOON COMPANY
Visit the Marble Moon Company M-Sat 10-5. Catch a marble making demo on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10:30-3.
WATKINS MILL
Take a trip back to the 1800’s and visit Watkins Mill. While the guided tours do cost money just driving through and looking around is FREE.
LEGACY PARK
Legacy Park is located in Lee’s Summit on 692 acres. The kiddos will love their destination playground.
I hope you enjoy this list our family put together. Everything I shared here is completely FREE unless you opt for the extras, those do cost money and I’ve listed them where they are applicable. Fill up the gas tank, pack a lunch and get ready explore the Greater Kansas City area. Let me know what else we should add to our list:)!
