Kansas City Adventure: 5 Days of Fun on a Budget

Experience family fun and Midwestern charm in Kansas City, the perfect destination for your next unforgettable adventure.

19 July 2023

Kansas City, located in the heart of the United States, offers a delightful family-friendly trip. Explore the rich culture and history by visiting attractions like the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Union Station. Enjoy a day of fun with the kids at the interactive Science City or Kansas City Zoo, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to the BBQ Mecca:

  • Unpack your pork pants and head to Joe's Kansas City BBQ for mouthwatering ribs that will make you rethink your existence.
  • Take a stroll through the iconic Country Club Plaza and marvel at the Spanish-inspired architecture while hunting for the perfect souvenir.
  • Get a sugar rush at the Boulevard Brewery, where you can taste the nectar of the beer gods and join a tour that will leave you buzzed with knowledge.
  • Feel like a kid again at Science City, a hands-on wonderland of cool experiments and brain-bending exhibits.
  • End the night at The Majestic, a jazz club that oozes class, where you can groove to smooth melodies and sip on martinis that'll make you feel oh-so-fancy.
Day 2

Get Wild Safari-Style:

  • Embark on a wild adventure at the Kansas City Zoo, where you can commune with lions, hang out with orangutans, and get up close and personal with penguins.
  • Refuel at Q39, the holy grail of BBQ, and feast on tender brisket, smoky burnt ends, and life-changing cheesy corn bake.
  • Make a stop at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where you'll find masterpieces that'll make your heart skip a beat and make you feel more cultured than a Frenchman with a beret.
  • Test your mini-golf skills at Cosmic Glow Golf, a neon wonderland that'll leave you cursing your uncoordinated hands and tickling your funny bone.
  • Spend the evening at Union Station, a stunning historic landmark, and catch a show at the Arvest Bank Theatre or explore the exhibits at Science City.
Day 3

Amusement Park Extravaganza:

  • Start your day off with a ride on the wild side at Worlds of Fun, where roller coasters will have you screaming with equal parts terror and exhilaration.
  • Grab lunch at Westport Flea Market, a dive bar with unbeatable burgers that'll make your taste buds dance the Macarena.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Loose Park, where blooming flowers and tranquil ponds will make you forget the chaos of the world.
  • Dive into the world of illusions at the Wonder Wonder pop-up museum, where Instagram-worthy photo ops await at every turn.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth at Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, where handmade truffles and gourmet treats will make you question the existence of calories.
Day 4

History and Hopping:

  • Immerse yourself in history at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where you'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for those who came before us.
  • Explore the historic West Bottoms district, where antique shops beckon with hidden treasures and vintage vibes.
  • Bite into a slice of heaven at Pizza Bar, where creative toppings and crispy crusts will make each bite a flavor explosion.
  • Take a ride on the KC Streetcar, a free and fabulous way to explore downtown's hottest spots and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Sip on coffee and mingle with locals at Messenger Coffee Co., where the aroma of freshly brewed beans will transport you to caffeinated paradise.
Day 5

Adventure Awaits:

  • Channel your inner adrenaline junkie at the Zip KC, where soaring through the treetops will leave you screaming "I believe I can fly!"
  • Devour a hearty brunch at The Corner Restaurant, where fluffy pancakes and savory omelets will energize you for the day's escapades.
  • Discover the colorful world of quirkiness at the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, where tiny wonders and nostalgia reign supreme.
  • Experience the magic of Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, where world-class performances will leave you in awe and clutching your heart.
  • Bid farewell to KC with dinner at Char Bar, a BBQ joint that's out of this world, where you can savor juicy burnt ends and pretend you're the BBQ deity.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kansas City by plane is to fly directly into the Kansas City International Airport, which is located about 15 miles north of downtown Kansas City.

Car

Driving to Kansas City is straightforward, as it is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-70, I-35, and I-29. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion during rush hour.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Kansas City. However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief line runs through nearby cities such as Topeka and Lawrence.

Boat

Kansas City is not accessible by boat as it is not located near a major body of water.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus both offer bus service to Kansas City, with the Greyhound bus station located downtown and the Megabus stop located near the Country Club Plaza shopping district.

More travel plans

Kansas City Adventure: 5 Days of Fun on a Budget

Kansas City, located in the heart of the United States, offers a delightful family-friendly trip. Explore the rich culture and history by visiting attractions like the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Union Station. Enjoy a day of fun with the kids at the interactive Science City or Kansas City Zoo, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Kansas City Adventure: From Zoo to Brews

Kansas City is a vibrant destination perfect for a family-friendly trip. The city offers a wide range of attractions, including the Kansas City Zoo, where kids can interact with various animals. Families can also explore the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Science City, both offering educational and entertaining experiences for children of all ages.

Jazz, BBQ, and Art: A Kansas City Adventure

A trip to Kansas City on a limited budget can be both enjoyable and affordable. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture through a variety of free attractions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum. Budget-friendly accommodations and dining options are also widely available in the city.

Discover the Best of Kansas City in 2 Days

Kansas City is a vibrant city in the Midwest region of the United States, worth visiting for its rich history, music, and barbecue. A must-visit attraction in the city is the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits from the Great War. Additionally, tourists can enjoy live jazz performances in the city's many jazz clubs and indulge in some of the best barbecue in the country at iconic spots like Gates BBQ and Arthur Bryant's.