Amazing Kansas City On a Budget With Kids

The Visit Neighboring States Series

Want to do something extra special for your kiddos but need some low-cost options? Kansas City On a Budget With Kids has just what you are looking for. 

From Central Iowa, Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive, just about the length of one movie. 

In our opinion, the city offers the most opportunities and attractions for younger children compared to other large cities that are within the same driving distance.

Kansas City On a Budget With Kids

Disclaimer: Our visit may have been hosted to some of these locations, however, all opinions expressed in this article are completely ours and based on our own family’s unique experience.

Playtime

LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SeaLife share the same building but are two separate attractions that require separate admission fees. However, you can get joint discounts. We found a deal where kids are free with paying adults. 

I have no idea why I let my kids wear flip-flops. I would not recommend that and I saw somewhere that they need socks for some of the play areas in LEGOLAND. We never had any problems, but we were also there on a very slow day and were allowed to go on the rides several times. KC Adventures has a helpful guide!

The kids and even hubby really enjoyed the touch tank in SeaLife. The whole aquarium is very family-friendly and has a lot for the kids to do besides just looking at the animals. There are different interactive displays and a soft pad play area. 

Science City

Don’t think, ‘just another science center’! Science City at Union Station in downtown Kansas City is perfect for all ages.

Your family could easily spend a full day of learning and play with over 50 hands-on displays. Plan for a 4-6 hour visit. This place is so huge that it deserves its own post. 

But what about the “on a budget” part of Kansas City On a Budget With Kids? GREAT NEWS! Science City is part of the Reciprocal Program and is FREE for SCI Members!

Museums

Kansas City is home to more than 20 museums including The Money Museum (free) where kids can design their own money or see what 40 million dollars looks like.

The Money Museum is a fun and educational stop. We took a self-guided tour and spent around 45 minutes enjoying the exhibits.

There are several hands-on activities for younger students. The museum is not large but the exhibits are full of information. Older students could use the displays for research projects.

There are guided tours for larger groups which need to be reserved fifteen days in advance.  I overheard one tour guide and he sounded very knowledgeable. I would like to bring my children back to the Money Museum in Kansas City again when they are older.

Pro Tip: As a federal building, adults must have a photo ID to enter through security.

Library

A library is not typically on the vacation destination list, however, the Kansas City Public Library is worth a stop! A huge bank vault in the basement, giant book steps, and rooftop chess are all found here for free.

The parking garage has easy access and is free with parking validation from a staff member in the library.

Pro Tip: Ask a staff member about the vents that were used to hide security guards.

Super Shops

Cabela’s outdoor store (10300 Cabela Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111)  is more than just a place to buy fishing gear. They have an incredible lifelike taxidermy animal display, water feature, and live fish aquariums. 

We visited the store a couple of times during our stay in Kansas City so hubby could do a little shopping.

The Crown Center hosts the Crayola Store, Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope creative space (free with reservation), and several other neat shops. 

Attached via skywalk is the Science City at Union Station, Sealife, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. 

Entertaining Meals

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant is in the Crown Center and about a ten-minute walk from Science City. 

Make It a Special Stay

Kansas City has a few special hotels and one of them is The Great Wolf Lodge. We love the family-friendly themed indoor water park. While a bit more pricey in the busy season, the off-season can offer some fantastic deals making it a Kansas City On a Budget With Kids favorite! 

Mini fridges and microwaves come standard in all the rooms, so pack some easy meals to save even more. If your budget is tight, bring along some tasty treats as a surprise. 

Book Your Room

The kids each received a pair of soft wolf ear headbands and slept with them on.  It was entertaining to watch the kids crawl into their beds and howl like wolves.

Our daughter really got into the character themes and loved Story Time at the Clock in the lobby. There was a scavenger hunt, a craft, and lots of other little fun activities for the kids.

Kansas City On a Budget With Kids is doable and enjoyable! Make memories!