If you’re looking for a “micro vacation” or quick trip during a school break, don’t sleep on taking a family trip to Kansas City. The kids in our house are still in the under five-year-old category, so when we start to plan for travel, the best option for a getaway seems to be a road trip. The ability to time travel around naps, stopping as you need to, and the freedom to pack more “needed” items are super bonuses (why does the smallest member of the house require the most accessories?!).
We stayed in Kansas City for a long weekend and left so many places unvisited. It’s great for kids and families, an easy road trip from Oklahoma and a laid-back and easy city to navigate. Enjoy!
Imagine:
Hands down, the first stop on your trip needs to be The Rabbit Hole. This experience is actually the most magical place on earth! We went down a literal rabbit hole into a new world of amazing set designs from well-loved books. My youngest has the whole Goodnight Moon book memorized and was blown away by visiting the “great green room” from the book (we all were!). Other book displays included the entirety of Curious George, Good Dog Carl, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Blueberries for Sal, I am Bunny and so much more.
We could have spent the entire day there! My oldest is an avid reader and was even more inspired to seek out some of these classics after stepping into the “world” each book display had to offer. The experience ends in the most cozy and beautiful bookstore and cafe, which you can visit free of admission to the experience.
Explore:
What kid doesn’t love to be hands-on?! Our favorite place to explore was Science City in Union Station. The old train station entrance was absolutely beautiful – it was magically reminiscent of scenes from Harry Potter! Tucked into the station is the entrance to Science City, which is a huge children’s museum built into the old architecture with a modern flair. The expansiveness of this exhibition is apparent as you enter through the 2nd floor and take in the sights of a full-scale plane and helicopter rappelling from the ceiling! Some of the outstanding spaces include robotics, sound science, perspective, motion mechanics, physical science, trains and engines, water treatment, genetics, the brain, Dino Lab, optical illusions and, of course, an indoor playground, water table and toddler area.
Other awesome museums our kids loved included Legoland Discovery Center (best for older kids) and Wonderscope Children’s Museum (great for all ages).
Indulge:
Stay in your comfies and get brunch at Home Grown Kansas City. There are three locations to choose from but all feature locally sourced ingredients, such as eggs delivered from “just down the road.” Everything on the menu was “the best we’ve ever had,” but the Pop’d Hearts (seasonal flavors) and Honeybee Latte are absolute must-order items!
At the end of a long day exploring, how good do chips, queso and a cold beverage sound?! It may not look like much from the street, but locals will tell you that Manny’s Mexican Restaurant is one of the best. The hole-in-the-wall entrance expands to a large seating area with tables for big or small groups. We would recommend the Queso Molida, fajitas or the Monterey Burrito and a jalapeno cucumber margarita to top it off.
Make unforgettable memories on a family trip to Kansas City. It’s great for kids and families, an easy road trip from Oklahoma and a laid-back and easy city to navigate. Enjoy!
Kirsten Holder is a transplant from Michigan but calls the “land that is grand” her home. She graduated from Oklahoma City University and is passionate about the arts, community development and small business. She lives in a historic pocket in OKC with her young kids Jimmy and Millie, husband Andrew and puppy, Roserock.
