Things To Do This Summer In Kansas City
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Although I have lived in Kansas City for more than 20 years, I have yet to run out of things to do. The city is so spread out that there are always new places to see and try. The Summer just gives everyone a little more free time and weather to enjoy. Here are some the best things to do in Kansas City in June, July and August.
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Thirstys Brew Pub & Grill Hays Kansas
Thirstys Brew Pub and Grill is a popular spot among locals in Hays for dinner, drinks, and entertainment. The dinner menu of American fare features something for almost everything, including hand-cut and aged steaks like flat iron, sirloin, ribeye, and prime rib. Other options include salads, pasta, chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and seafood. As for drinks, Thirtys offers signature cocktails, a variety of margarita flavors, craft brews, and twenty beers on tap. When it comes to entertainment, the restaurant has large screen televisions showing several different sports, as well as a game room with an array of choices.
2704 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-628-8284
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Play Detective In An Escape Room
Consider yourself somewhat of a detective in the making. The next Sherlock Holmes, perhaps? Well, nows your chance to prove it!
Choose from a range of interactive themes revolving around magic, heists, pandemics and time travel, just to name a few. Theres a problem-solving, clue-cracking challenge suitable for every age and interest.
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Take The Youngsters To Deanna Rose Childrens Farmstead
Founded in 1887, the Deanna Rose Childrens Farmstead is a Kansas City treasure and one of Missouris oldest continuously operating childrens farms.
Visitors can take guided tours through the farm where theyll be introduced to all sorts of animals from pigs and cows to donkeys and goats not to mention plenty of chickens roaming free around the property!
Beyond farm life, theres also a hayride and plenty of other activities for little ones to enjoy.
Botanica The Wichita Gardens
More than two dozen themed gardens spread over 9 acres at Botanica, showcasing 3,600 species of plants. Sculptures, fountains, waterfalls and streams dot the grounds. Among the areas to explore: the Butterfly Garden, Woodland Walk, Garden on the Rocks, Sally Stone Sensory Garden and the Jayne Milburn Aquatic Collection.
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Comfort Suites At The Speedway
If you are looking for a no-frills place to stay that is located within minutes of Kansas City attractions, shopping, and dining, The Comfort Suites at the Speedway is in a great location!
Another thing we loved is that the Comfort Suites at the Speedway offered pet-friendly rooms for our dog, Bentley where he felt right at home.
They also offer daily complimentary breakfast which we enjoyed each morning. Some other added perks that the Comfort Suites at the Speedway provides for their guests are access to their indoor pool, a decent-sized fitness center, and a convenience store area to pick up small items such as snacks, drinks, and toiletries.
Address: 3000 N. 103rd Terrace
For the perfect Midwest weekend trip or a stop on your next epic road trip, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kansas City for adults, couples, and families! Let us know what experiences you want to try in the comments below.
Kansas City Public Library
Pilsen Photo Co-op
The historic Central branch of the Kansas City Public Library is a beloved treasure in town. Visitors can enjoy movies in the old banks vault, see a variety of exhibits, attend special events or simply settle in with a good read in the citys largest collection of books. Be sure to snap a picture at the famous Community Bookshelf feature that runs along the south wall of the parking garage.
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> negro League Baseball Museum
Located next to the Jazz Museum, the Negro League Baseball Museum is equally as historic! Museum goers can dive into the full history of the legendary Kansas City Monarchs. This self guided museum has several film exhibits, artifacts, photographs and more.
Hours Tuesday- Saturday 9am- 6pm and Sunday 12pm- 6pm
Ages Enjoyable for all ages
Price Point Adults $10, Senior $9, Youth $6 Contact 816-221-1920 for group rates and combo tickets for the NLBM and AJM.
Located in the ever popular KC River Market, this guided tour museum showcases artifacts from the great steamboat that sank near Kansas City in 1856. We definitely recommend this attraction for families.
Hours Monday- Saturday 10am- 5pm and Sunday 12pm- 5pm
Ages All ages welcome
Dress Fancy At The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts
The Kauffman centre for the performing arts was opened in the year 2011 and is an architectural marvel as well as technologically advanced to cater to a number of artistic performances such as Opera, music, dance and theatre.
There have been many famous Broadway plays showcased here as well as the lyric opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City ballet.
If you get the chance of watching a live performance at this stunning centre then, you must wear your fanciest clothes and get ready to be mesmerized.
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Kck Underground Railroad Sites
Did you know Kansas, a free state, was instrumental in the Underground Railroad? Running along the Mississippi, Quindaro was the first free port for freedom seekers. A fascinating story we learned is this.
The Monroes, an African-American family, met with the Wyandot clan back when the river froze over, and theyve been like extended family ever since. Anthony Hope, a relative of the Monroe family, met with us to share his story. We met at the Quindaro overlook. From this point, you can see four counties. It is beautiful and peaceful. He shared the meaning of Quindaro: a bundle of sticks is stronger together.
While the river was frozen over, freedom seekers made their way across the ice. The Monroes helped hide them in Wyandot hotels, tunnels, and cisterns. There was an 18 area in which food and supplies would be dropped to keep them alive.
Today, the area of Quindaro Township Ruins awaits Senate approval to become a historical landmark. Be sure to visit the educational Old Quindaro Museum with artifacts once belonging to the freedom seekers and the Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum in the Vernon Multipurpose Center.
Discover The Food Scene In Kansas City Kansas
It is fitting to have a famous Kansas City BBQ when you visit the area, so we several. At Arthur Bryants Barbeque, my friends and I tried brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausages, turkey, onion rings, potato salad, and baked beans. I liked the smoked turkey best, but my friends raved about the ribs having a great balanced flavor.
Another fantastic choice is Slaps BBQ for the best brisket, burnt ends, hushpuppies, and warm baked potato casserole youve ever tasted! Do not miss the Cheesy Corn, a game-changer for side items!
Joes Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a game-changerhighly popular and with some original dishes. My favorite is the famous Z-Man sandwich with slow-roasted brisket and provolone on a Kaiser roll. The potato salad and bbq beans are both yummy. Heres a tip: arrive early as the wait is long daily.
Delicious Italian food in KCK? Who knew. Italian Delight was a delight with the vast array of yummy pasta dishes and pizza. Renee, the owner and manager, came by to say hello with a plate of cannoli. Does life get any better than this?
I can vouch for the delicious calzones packed with tasty ingredients. The tomato and cucumber salad is a must! Dont worry about the long lines the food comes out quickly and is worth the wait. I didnt order it, but the Chicken Parmesan looked terrific!
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Experience A Geological Playground On Your Kansas Family Vacation
Towering rocks and vast salt deposits arent the first thing you think of when considering Kansas landscape. However, millions of years ago, the state was covered by an inland sea that evaporated, leaving behind geological wonders.
Tunnel 650 feet below the Earths surface while visiting the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, where kids can touch remnants of an inland ocean.
Then, hop on the Salt Mine Express underground train and ride through the Permian Playground where scientists have discovered the worlds oldest bacterial organism.
Above the Earths surface, the ancient sea left behind distinct rock monoliths of Dakota Sandstone, Niobrara Chalk, and Greenhorn Limestone dotted throughout the state.
Explore the unique rock outcroppings at Rock City and Mushroom Rock State Park where kids will feel like theyre on another planet, or admire a landscape fit for an old western movie at Castle Rock Badlands and Monuments Rocks.
Whether tunneling below or bouldering above, families will discover a geological playground in Kansas, courtesy of its ancient inland sea.
What Is Kansas City Bbq And Where Can I Get Some
Kansas City BBQ is low and slow cooked meat, covered in a sweet sauce, usually with some molasses mixed in to get the signature sweetness. The BBQ is delicious and is a must hit when going to Kansas City
There are three major players in the Kansas City BBQ arena, Q39 BBQ, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joes Kansas City Bar-B-Que. You cant go wrong with any of these, but as they are very popular, you may want to try to book ahead or go at off peak hours.
We went to Gates Bar-B-Que at 4:30pm and beat the evening rush. There were plenty of tables and plenty of food, you just have to be patient and order a little extra so you dont have to hit that line again.
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Tour Kansas Citys Murals In The Crossroads Art District
Every first Friday of the month, Crossroads Art District hosts an evening community event, known as First Fridays. Its the nations largest known art walk. You can explore art galleries, eat at locally-owned restaurants, try a tasting at a local craft brewery, distillery, or winery, or browse the eclectic boutique shops. Theres also several Art Alleys as well as a Food Truck Plaza.
Image courtesy of Crossroads Art District.
Picnic In The Kauffman Memorial Garden
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The Kauffman Memorial Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kansas City! The landscape is dotted with pretty plants, shady corners, and gushing water fountains perfect for a picnic date!
The park spans over two acres and has over 7000 plants, as well as some beautiful water features and bronze sculptures! There are some great spots for a picnic. The secluded Secret Garden behind the conservatory is particularly romantic! Having a picnic here is certainly one of the greatest outdoor things to do in Kansas City!
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Walk In Dorothys Footsteps
I could not write about Kansas and not include anything to do with the film that made it famous, The Wizard of Oz!
Founded in 2004 in the small town of Wamego the museum celebrates all things Oz from the book to the film.
You can take steps down the yellow brick road, visit Dorothys farmhouse and watch it transform from back and white to color. You are surrounded here by Oz memorabilia, and the museum is painted emerald green.
The whole town has become somewhat of an Oz tribute with locally produced Oz-themed wines such as Squished Witch and Drunken Munchkin. And Wamegos beloved Totos Tacos.
For adults and children alike this is definitely worth adding to your things to do in Kansas list.
Dwight D Eisenhower Presidential Library And Museum
Abilene was once a cow town at the end of the Chisholm Trail . Most people know it now as President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s hometown. Five buildings make up the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, including his boyhood home, museum, visitors center, library and Place of Meditation gravesite.
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The Kansas City Library And Why You Should Make This A Must Hit
The first step when visiting the library is to visit the parking garage I know it sounds strange, but this is hands down the best parking garage for book lovers. It is covered with the classics and is perfect for a photo-op, but be warned these titles are larger than life.
Once you have gotten your fill of faux books, make your way into the library. It is beyond beautiful. Its previous life was a bank, and they have turned the old vault, into a movie theater you can rent out and watch movies. The marble and chandeliers are amazing. If you hit up the childrens floor, you can grab a scavenger hunt, and find all the hidden treasures around the library.
Including, an amazing view of the city from the roof! If you are lucky, like we were, look a little lost and the amazing security guards might just take you on a little tour. Libraries are some of the last truly free places in the world, and how comforting it is that they are filled with new ideas and the best smell on earth .
National Airline History Museum
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Air travel is one of the greatest achievements of humankind.
At the National Airline History Museum, you can learn all about how determination and effort brought upon such incredible advancements in transportation.
It thanks to the decades of innovation that were able to travel around the world in a time that was previously thought impossible.
This is one of the best places to visit in Kansas City because of all the history.
Visitors to the National Airline History Museum get to learn about the evolution of flight through daily tours, which occur from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Wednesday and Sunday.
You can explore the halls and see some of the finest aircrafts ever built.
For very reasonable admission, which includes no charge for visitors 12 and younger, you can witness the awesomeness of vessels like the Boeing 727-223 and the Curtis Condor.
There are also simulators that let you imagine what its like to be at the helm of an airplane.
If you want to figure out what to do on a weekend trip to Kansas City, a trip to the National Airline Museum will ignite you full of excitement.
Address: 201 NW Lou Holland Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116, USA
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Fun At Stiefel Theatre
The Stiefel Theatre, which was initially known as the FoxWatson Theater, is one of the fun places in Salina, Kansas. This historic theater established in 1931 was on the National Register of Historic Places list in 1988.
This intriguing Theater is worth $400,000 with amazing chandeliers, a sophisticated staircase, and a magnificent gold leaf. The museum offers many live performances throughout the year, such as dance shows, comedies, concerts, plays, orchestra, and many others.
Several top artists have performed in this great theater, such as Emmylou Harris, Goo Goo Dolls, Darius Rucker, Lindsey Buckingham, Sarah McLachlan, Peter Frampton, and more.
The Theater also features a visual arts gallery with rotating exhibits that display several art pieces. Theres a spire with lovely lighting, which gives the theater the Ghostbusters building ambiance this makes it a good site to enjoy in the evening.
The Stiefel Theater is perfect for friends and family to enjoy wonderful evening entertainment. So pick up a ticket and enjoy the shows.
Address: 151 S Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401-2809, USA
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Have you ever wondered what the American West looked like before farms with orderly fields of corn and wheat? If so, plan a visit to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Kansas Flint Hills. With less than four percent of America’s original 170 million acres of land left as tallgrass prairie, this location is one of the only places to visit in America to experience the majesty of this unique ecosystem in its original form.
You can take a bus tour, a self-guided cell phone tour, or hike the area at your leisure. One of the most special ways to experience the tallgrass prairie and its ties to America’s heartland is during one of the special events that are scheduled throughout the year. One of the most popular is an open-air symphony concert.
Location: 2 miles north of Strong City on K-177, Kansas
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Sports Fan: Dynamite Options For Entertainment
Some of Kansas Citians top favorite ways to have fun involve sports. Catch a Royals baseball game atKauffman Stadium, a Chiefs football game at Arrowhead Stadium, or a Sporting KC soccer game at Childrens Mercy Park. You can also explore the Negro League Baseball Museum or check out the College Basketball Experience.
Want to get in the game yourself? Book a session at Top Golf and work on your swing while enjoying snacks and drinks with your friends. Dont forget to include a shopping trip to Charlie Hustle,Rally House, and the Made in KC Marketplace at the Country Club Plaza to load up on unique merchandise that will help you represent your team in style.
