10 Things to Do in Kansas City, According to the Locals 

Kansas City‘s wide boulevards, 200 impressive fountains throughout the city (it’s sometimes called the “City of Fountains”), and lively markets make it a lovely place to work and play. The town spans over both Kansas and Missouri, and the Missouri River provides residents of both states with plenty of scenic picnicking, hiking, and other outdoor fun. Although its diverse, modern neighborhoods and local culture make it an exciting destination today, KC has a fascinating history that shaped its reputation as a town where you can kick back, relax, and have some fun.  

The Oregon, Santa Fe, and California trails originated here in the early 1800s, bringing prosperity and diversity thanks to the large numbers of emigrants traveling through and setting up shop here. (If you can, check out the annual SantaCaliGon Days festival to celebrate and learn more.) Also, when the rest of the country was trudging through prohibition in the 1920s, KC more or less ignored the rules and gave people a place to party — a reputation that earned them the moniker “The Paris of the Plains.”  

KC is still an economic hub today, hosting corporate headquarters for Hallmark Cards, H&R Block, and many more. It’s also home to major operations centers for Sprint (now part of T-Mobile) and the global health tech company Cerner. Eclectic neighborhoods like Brookside, River Market, Overland Park, and Downtown Kansas City provide young professionals and families a place to settle in and get comfy.  

Whether you’re visiting KC for the first time or the fiftieth, there’s always something fun to explore. We asked some of the locals for their top picks for must-see attractions, and they did not disappoint. Keep reading for local recommendations for things to see and do in Kansas City!

1. Check out the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Kristin Malfer, CEO and President of local realty company Malfer & Associates, pointed us to some of the city’s most iconic cultural and historic attractions. “Kansas City offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and flavor,” she says. “Begin your visit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art!”  

Established in 1933, the museum boasts a collection of over 40,000 pieces spanning an impressive 5,000 years of history. You’ll find African, Asian, American, European, modern, and contemporary exhibits, including works from Rembrandt, Pollock, Picasso, and Warhol. The museum’s iconic shuttlecock sculptures and the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park are positioned outside. The museum also offers a variety of educational and family programs, and it hosts community events and art classes to engage the community.  

Good to know: The museum is open Saturday-Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and Thursday-Friday from 10 to 9. They’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. General admission to the museum and most of its galleries is free to the public!

2. Explore the 18th Vine and Jazz District

Malfer also suggested exploring the 18th Vine and Jazz District to learn more about the city’s roots. One of the most culturally significant areas in the city, it’s known as the birthplace of KC jazz and an epicenter of local African American culture and heritage.  

Located in the heart of the District is the American Jazz Museum, featuring exhibits of legends like Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. The museum has interactive displays and fascinating memorabilia like recordings, instruments, and photos, but it also houses The Blue Room — a working jazz club where you can enjoy live performances pretty much every night of the week! 

Also in the 18th and Vine District is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, dedicated to celebrating the history of African American baseball. Its exhibits document the struggles and achievements of the Negro Leagues and their iconic players, serving as a reminder of how sports influenced race relations and the civil rights movement in America. Another must-visit institution in the District is the Mutual Musicians Foundation. Founded in 1917, the institution was once the African American musician’s union headquarters. It’s an important National Historic Landmark that still hosts jam sessions today! 

Good to know: The American Jazz Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays from 12-5, and Mondays from 10 am to 3 pm. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum operates Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 12-5, and is closed on Mondays. 

3. Get messy with some KC BBQ

“No trip is complete without trying Kansas City’s legendary barbecue!” says Malfer. “Stop by Joe’s Kansas City or Arthur Bryant’s for unforgettable ribs and burnt ends.” KC’s barbecue tradition dates back to the early 1900s as yet another institution with roots in the 18th and Vine District. One of the most beloved styles of barbecue in the US, KC barbecue is known for its thick, tomato-based sauce with vinegar, spices, and brown sugar or molasses. Whether you’re in the mood for ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage, or even fish, it pairs perfectly with pretty much everything you can put in a smoker. It’ll probably come as no surprise that KC is home to the annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) — the world’s biggest organization setting the standards for competitive barbecue competitions and judging events. 

4. Pay tribute at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

“Lastly, visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial,” Malfer suggests. The museum has one of the world’s largest collections of WWI artifacts, including exhibits on trench warfare, causes of the war, innovations in tech at the time, and a more comprehensive view of the war’s impact at home and abroad.  

They’ve got uniforms, weapons, military equipment, and artifacts like diaries, letters, propaganda posters, and pics from the countries involved in the war. You’ll also find trench recreations and military vehicles like planes and tanks showcasing the war’s evolution. One of the key messages (sometimes delivered through fascinating lectures from historians and military experts) is how the war continues to shape the world’s political, social, and economic climate today. “And for a unique experience, finish off your visit with a ride to the top of the 217-foot-tall Liberty Memorial Tower,” says Malfer. “It has stunning 360 views of the city!” 

Good to know: Regular hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. They’re closed on Mondays. 

5. Celebrate the season in style

“The time of year you visit would determine my “must do” list…” says Shannon Doser, CEO of the Shannon Doser Group. “In the winter, you must visit the (Country Club) Plaza and see the lights from Thanksgiving through mid-January and visit one of the pop-up bars, especially the rooftop ones that give you a view of the lights. Ice skating at Crown Center and taking in the Nutcracker Ballet are also wintertime gems.” 

6. Party with the locals at the Green Lady

“There are also darling bars in that area,” continues Doser. “One of the most notable is the Green Lady Lounge with live music and craft cocktails.” It’s got an intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re back in the 1920s. The venue is dedicated to spotlighting KC-style jazz and has multiple stages showcasing continuous performances throughout the night. You won’t find any noisy TVs here, just incredible music, classic cocktails, and an ambiance that makes you feel like you’re at the Gatsby mansion. 

7. Get out and see a game!

Kansas City has a vast sports scene with professional teams from the NFL, MLB, MLS (Major League Soccer), and NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). You can catch a Chief’s game at Arrowhead Stadium or a Royals game at “The K” (also known as Kauffman Stadium) — just be sure to bring earplugs to Arrowhead because the “Chiefs Kingdom” holds the record for the loudest crowd roar in a sports stadium!  

Sporting Kansas City is the city’s MLS team and is one of the most celebrated teams in American Soccer, boasting two MLS Cup championships and four US Open Cup titles. The KC Current women’s team has gained a considerable following here in the city. Their impressive, brand-new CPKC Stadium is the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s pro soccer team in the US! 

Thanks to the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, there’s a wide variety of college sporting events. If you’re a race fan, head to the Kansas Speedway, where you can catch two NASCAR Cup Series races every year!

8. Hobnob at Country Club Plaza

Andrew Bristow, Director of Operations at Pantheon Moving, also had some exciting suggestions for us. “As a local moving company in North Kansas City, we’re excited to share the best of what our city has to offer! Start your visit at the Country Club Plaza,” says Bristow, “it’s a historic district known for its beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture and upscale shops and restaurants.” Opened in the early 1920s, The Plaza is considered one of the first open-air shopping centers in the US. Do some window shopping at Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton, and then grab lunch or dinner at one of its many elegant restaurants and cafes. The Plaza also hosts community events and celebrations, for example, the Plaza Art Fair in September, the holiday lighting ceremony in November, and live music and entertainment throughout the year. 

9. Take the fam to the KC Zoo

“For a family outing, the Kansas City Zoo in Swope Park is a hit with its diverse animal exhibits,” says Bristow. One of the biggest and most popular areas is the section with the African exhibits and the African Sky Safari ride that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the African Plains. You’ll see zebras, ostriches, giraffes, and more from the best seat in the house! 

Polar Bear Passage and Penguin Plaza are also really popular, as are the Tiger Train and Elephant Expedition. The Australia portion of the zoo has all kinds of neat exhibits, too, including the Lorikeet aviary, where you can feed the birds. You can also check out the meerkats at the Discovery Barn and the Tropics House, with a huge variety of tropical critters including monkeys and sloths!  

Good to know: The zoo is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:30 to 5.

10. Stroll the River Market District

“Finally, explore the River Market District for unique finds and local eats,” Bristow recommends. It’s one of KC’s oldest neighborhoods and many of the 1800s-era historic buildings there have been preserved and repurposed. The highlight of the District is the City Market, one of the biggest farmer’s markets in the Midwest. It has year-round seasonal produce, flowers, meats, and artisan goodies. 

The River Market District is also one of KC’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, giving you a fantastic selection of ethnic foods, festivals, and other international events at the City Market. The River Market hosts several festivals and celebrations every year, live music and family-friendly events on weekends, and the Riverfront Heritage Trail for walking or biking.  

Discover KC!

Kansas City might not be as large as some other Midwest cities, but it’s outpacing the national average, and it’s had the overall largest population growth in the state as of 2024. This might be due in large part to the city’s unique, colorful, and welcoming spirit. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat! We hope our locals’ suggestions have given you some great ideas for where to begin. Just be sure to bring your walking shoes and your appetite!