Kansas City is a hidden gem for toddler travel. There are so many toddler friendly attractions to choose from, we actually had a hard time narrowing down our itinerary for Kansas City with a toddler!
From interactive museums designed to burn energy, to massive outdoor parks, and plenty of indoor play spaces, KC is the Midwest destination you didn’t know you needed to visit. You can easily transition between the high-energy play spaces to more calm, outdoor areas, with easy parking at most major attractions.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly KC Hotels
Residence Inn Kansas City Country Club Plaza
With full kitchenettes and separate living areas for early toddler wake-ups, your family will be comfortable with plenty of space that feels honey. Plus, this Residence Inn location is full close to Loose Park, so you can watch your kids burn energy at the playground, or relax and watch a bit of wildlife at the duck pond.
The Westin Crown Center
The Westin offers direct skywalk access to Crown Center, which hosts TONS of toddler attractions. This hotel has spacious rooms in a central location near the Streetcar, so you can easily move to other attractions in the city.
Check prices and availability for your stay. ➔
P.S. Wanna skip driving all together? Check out our 3 day Kansas City Streetcar Itinerary with a toddler.
Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park
While the best toddler hotels offer free hot breakfast, the Drury Inn goes a step farther with their 530 KICKBACK, with free evening snacks/drinks, which is great for early toddler dinners. Plus, it’s close to both Wonderscope Children’s Museum and the Deanna Rose Farmstead.
View more photos and reviews. ➔
For more hotel options in Kansas City, check out our full KC toddler hotel guide.
Realistic 3-Day Kansas City with a Toddler Itinerary
Each day is designed to maximize your time during your toddler’s energy peaks, but still allow time to rest at the hotel each day.
During our time in KC, our toddler didn’t take a single nap, so we compensated by sleeping in instead. This ended up working really well for our family, so tailor this itinerary to your toddler’s needs!
Day 1: Downtown & Northland
Morning: The Rabbit hOle (North Kansas City)
The Rabbit hOle is a children’s museum dedicated to all your kids’ favorite books. From Madeline to Where the Sidewalk Ends, you’ll be strolling down memory lane as well. Kids will (literally) climb right into scenes from their favorite bedtime stories. Plus, the gift shop is full of books for kids instead of cheap toys!
Lunch: Up North Brewery
This family-friendly brewery is a great stop for a casual lunch. There’s a cute children’s play corner with lots of toy options while you wait!
Afternoon: Penguin Park
Burn off lingering energy at Penguin Park. Here, toddlers can climb a penguin, a kangaroo or an elephant. Additionally, there are several playground structures and swings for a classic playing experience.
Plan to find a casual dinner along I-35 or N Antioch Rd, which can be easily accessed from Penguin Park!
Day 2: Crown Center & Midtown
Morning: LEGOLAND
Toddlers absolutely love LEGOLAND. From the playset to rolling wheels down the ramps, they will have no shortage of amusement here!
If your toddler is 36” or taller, they can also ride Merlin’s Apprentice! They probably won’t be able to reach the pedals, but you can skip your spin class this day.
Book your LEGOLAND tickets online in advance.
Lunch: Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (Crown Center)
Kids absolutely love that their food is delivered to the table via an overhead train. While the food itself is nothing to write home about, kids will talk about the train restaurant all day!
Afternoon: Loose Park
Spend your post-nap energy at the playground at Loose Park. There’s also tons of green space to run around, and a little pond with ducks and turtles to watch when you need a calmer activity.
Dinner: Jack Stack Barbecue (Plaza Location)
Stop and get some legendary KC barbecue at this Jack Stack location. They’ve got wide booths, quick service, and high chairs for younger toddlers.
Day 3: Overland Park & South KC
Morning: Wonderscope Children’s Museum
Spend your morning playing at the Wonderscope Children’s Museum. Toddlers will love the grocery store, the water works area and the big play set.
Is the museum a bit chaotic today? Check out the Kid City area of the museum for toddlers aged 3 and under.
Note that this museum is closed on Mondays.
Lunch: Mamma Leone’s Pizza
This casual pizza spot offers pizza by the slice, or whole pies, so you don’t need to take leftovers if you don’t have space in your hotel fridge.
Afternoon: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
You could spend all day at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead! We only got a couple hours here and it was not enough.
With paved paths, this is an incredibly stroller-friendly attraction. There are tons of animals, including baby goats to bottle feed and brush, tractor rides, and even stores and cafes (with an ice cream shop, of course).
Dinner: Jumbo Noodles Bar
A 5 minute drive from the farmstead, this Japanese/Chinese noodle shop is incredible. Steamed gyoza is always a hit with our toddler, and she loved the noodles too!
KC indoor backup plan for toddlers
Science City at Union Station
A massive indoor space with dedicated play area for kids 3 and under. There’s also a “non-walkers” area if you’re bringing an infant too (like we did).
Crown Center Link & Skywalk
This climate controlled skywalk takes you from the Crown Center to Union Station and back again. It’s perfect if you hop off the Streetcar at Union Station!
Looking for more on the free Streetcar line? Check out our 3-day KC Streetcar itinerary for toddlers!
Kaleidoscope
Free, indoor 40-minute art studio for quick mess-free crafting. It’s aimed at older toddlers, but the crafts don’t last too long, so even 3 year olds would have fun!
SEA LIFE Aquarium
A calm, dark-ish attraction for beating the heat. They’ve got a dive log you can stamp along the way, and you’ll receive a (plastic) medal after completing it!
Book your SEA LIFE tickets online in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents Visiting Kansas City
Yes. Major attractions like Union Station, the KC Zoo, and Wonderscope feature wide, flat pathways and elevator access. Use the middle doors on the Streetcar for stroller parking.
Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures perfect for outdoor parks and farm visits.
Summer and winter are great times for the indoor backup attractions. Although, there is an outdoor ice skating rink at Crown Center during the holidays!
If following this metro-wide itinerary (including Overland Park and Swope Park), renting a car or driving your own vehicle is recommended.
If you prefer to skip the car seats, see our car-free Kansas City streetcar guide.
Conclusion
When traveling in Kansas City with toddlers, remember that a successful trip isn’t checking off every landmark (something I often remind myself). Having fun, with as few meltdowns as possible, is what really makes the trip.
Kansas City, although a large city, has a relaxed midwestern pace and the locals are all too welcoming (and forgiving) for traveling with toddlers.
What’s your favorite spot in KC with toddlers? Let me know in the comments below!
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