Kansas City, Missouri, is where Midwestern charm meets big-city energy, serving up world-class barbecue, jazz history, and more fountains than Rome (seriously!).
Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or just to soak up that famous KC hospitality, this city knows how to show visitors a good time.
From iconic museums to hidden neighborhood gems, we’re about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the absolute best things to do in Kansas City.
Get ready to fall head over heels for this underrated Midwest superstar – your ultimate KC bucket list starts right now!
1. Stuff Yourself Silly on the Kansas City Barbecue Tour
Let’s cut to the chase – you can’t visit Kansas City without diving face-first into its legendary barbecue scene.
This town takes its smoked meats seriously, with over 100 BBQ joints slinging everything from fall-off-the-bone ribs to burnt ends that’ll make you weep with joy.
Start your carnivore pilgrimage at Arthur Bryant’s, where the original sauce recipe hasn’t changed since 1940.
Then hit Joe’s Kansas City (yes, the gas station one – trust us) for their mind-blowing Z-Man sandwich.
Vegetarians? Don’t sweat it – spots like Char Bar serve up killer smoked jackfruit and vegan baked beans that even meat lovers steal bites of.
Pro tip: Wear stretchy pants and pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Get Cultured at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum isn’t your stuffy, whisper-only art museum. With its giant shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn and collections spanning 5,000 years, this place makes art accessible and downright fun.
You’ll find everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American masterpieces, plus the Bloch Building’s stunning modern architecture (that glow at night is magical).
Best part? General admission is free, because Kansas City believes art should be for everyone.
3. Catch Live Jazz at the American Jazz Museum
Kansas City practically invented jazz, and the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th & Vine district keeps that legacy alive.
Walk through interactive exhibits featuring legends like Charlie Parker, then catch a live show at the Blue Room next door.
Time your visit right and you might stumble upon the KC Jazz & Heritage Festival – three days of smooth tunes that’ll have you snapping your fingers uncontrollably.
4. Explore the Wonders of Science City
Got kids? Or just a kid at heart? Science City at Union Station is hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Kansas City.
This massive interactive science center lets you generate tornadoes, walk through a giant ear, and even ride a high-wire bike 30 feet in the air.
The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium next door will blow your mind with immersive space shows. Just try not to geek out too hard when you realize you’re learning while having this much fun.
5. Stroll Through the Kansas City Zoo
Ranked among America’s best zoos, the Kansas City Zoo is a 202-acre animal paradise.
The Sobela Ocean Aquarium lets you walk underwater with sharks (safely behind glass, thankfully), while the Africa section makes you feel like you’re on safari.
Don’t miss the penguin feeding – those waddling goofballs put on quite a show.
6. Shop Local at the City Market
The City Market has been KC’s bustling hub since 1857. Today, it’s packed with farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, and some of the best international eats in town.
Grab a fresh-made crepe, pick up unique souvenirs, or just people-watch with a cup of locally roasted coffee. Saturdays are the liveliest, when the farmers market takes over with local growers.
7. Walk Through Time at the National WWI Museum
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is both breathtaking and humbling.
The glass bridge over a field of poppies sets the tone before you even enter this world-class museum that tells the Great War’s story through personal accounts and artifacts.
The view from the Liberty Memorial Tower might be the best in KC – just be ready for some stairs!
8. Discover Street Art in the Crossroads Arts District
Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is an open-air gallery with murals around every corner.
The First Fridays event (monthly art walks) turns the neighborhood into one giant block party with live music, pop-up shops, and food trucks.
Don’t miss the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art – their rotating exhibits always push boundaries in the best way.
9. Cheer On the Royals at Kauffman Stadium
Even if baseball isn’t your thing, a Royals game at “The K” is pure Kansas City magic. The fountain views, the crowd energy, and those famous KC hot dogs make for an unforgettable night.
Pro tip: Arrive early to check out the Royals Hall of Fame and watch batting practice.
10. Bike the Trolley Track Trail
This 8-mile paved trail follows old streetcar routes through some of KC’s coolest neighborhoods. Rent a bike and cruise past local shops, cafes, and gorgeous historic homes.
Stop at Brookside for ice cream or Waldo for lunch – the perfect way to work up an appetite.
11. Get Hands-On at the Arabia Steamboat Museum
When the Steamboat Arabia sank in 1856, it took a 200-ton time capsule of pre-Civil War goods to the river bottom.
The museum displays perfectly preserved treasures from boots to champagne – all recovered from the Missouri River mud.
The story of how local farmers found and excavated the wreck is almost as fascinating as the artifacts themselves.
12. Take in the Views at Liberty Memorial
We mentioned the WWI Museum earlier, but the Liberty Memorial deserves its own shoutout.
The eternal flame and soaring tower create one of KC’s most iconic sights, especially at sunset when the whole city glows golden.
Final Thoughts
From finger-licking barbecue to world-class museums, Kansas City packs way more punch than its Midwest location might suggest.
Whether you’ve got a weekend or a week, these 12 unforgettable experiences will show you why locals are so proud of their city.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your appetite for adventure (and barbecue), and discover why Kansas City might just become your new favorite American city. First stop: those burnt ends we mentioned!