We asked, you answered: Here are the most popular things to do in Kansas City
What would be the one thing you’d recommend to someone who is new to Kansas City?
Earlier this summer, we asked readers of The Kansas City Star this question and we received so many excellent responses by email and on Instagram! The roughly 100 tips you sent us showed Kansas City from a multitude of perspectives and illustrated just how unique of a place the City of Fountains truly is. These recommendations were so thoughtful we used many of them to help build our Guide to the City of Fountains, a new section of our website and newsletter that will help locals navigate what to eat, see and do in Kansas City.
Many of the suggestions were personal to the locals who shared them, like where to go for the best barbecue, which coffee shops we should start our day at, and where to go to catch live music. But there were several recurring recommendations that stood out so prominently that we decided to share them here along with a few insights from locals.
These are the more frequently recommended things to do according to readers of The Star. Whether you’re new to town or have lived here your whole life, if you’re trying to get to know Kansas City, these tips are a great place to start.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The most popular Kansas City recommendation we received was the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Readers expressed a lot of excitement over the museum’s world class collection of art, the lush green space the museum is situated on, and how it’s open to the public for free. Here are a few ways locals suggest you enjoy the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
“Have a picnic on the Nelson lawn with carry out from a local restaurant. Followed by an evening stroll through the sculpture garden. It’s an intimate and slow way to take in a world renowned museum.”
- Lauren, resident for 33 years
“Yoga in the Park at the Nelson! It’s a great outdoor activity that is donation-based. Every Sunday at 11am (2pm after the equinox) they have a rotating list of guest teachers lead an hour yoga session. It’s generally a great turn out and so much fun.”
- Eric Williams, resident for 2.5 years
“Mini Golf on the lawn at the Nelson-Atkins! The Nelson is just a great place to take in a lot of what is special and beautiful about Kansas City. Go in the evening when the lights are twinkling and then head over (in July) to Shakespeare in the Park - a free yearly event. It really lets people experience the magic that is Kansas City.”
- Elisabeth Noonen, resident for 19 years
“Nelson-Atkins art museum offers a fantastic, nationally ranked collection inside and on the grounds plus the lovely Rozelle Court for dining.”
- Juanan Hill, resident for over 45 years
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St.. Kansas City
The National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial Tower
Our second most highly recommended thing to do in Kansas City was visit the World War I Museum and the Liberty Memorial Tower. Here’s what locals said you should check out when you visit.
“It’s not only uniquely Kansas City, but it’s a unique experience within the city. There’s nothing quite like it. And it’s the caliber of experience on would expect from a museum in D.C.”
- Fred Maidment, resident for 10 years
“A thorough review if the experience of the first modern war. A sobering reminder of the human cost of war.”
- Ben Hemphill, resident for 15 years
“A trip up the tower provides an overview of the entire city.”
- Jim Chandler, resident for 68 years
“Get a view of downtown from the Liberty Memorial at night. It’s a beautiful panoramic sight of the skyline and all the iconic signs. The memorial is on a hill and removed from the busy parts of town so there is a sense of peace up there as well.”
- Jake Zeimet, resident for 3 years
National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial
2 Memorial Dr.
Kansas City, MO 64108
City Market
Locals love spending their weekend mornings shopping for fresh produce, antiques and locally made goods at City Market. Here’s what Kansas Citians had to say about their third favorite pick.
“[City Market has] a lot of local vendors and fresh produce, from honey to meat, to veggies and paintings, spices, they’ve got you covered. Get out on the weekend and get some reasonably priced things! You could spend at least an hour or two without knowing it. Plenty of food spots!”
- Jennifer & Destry Lagemann, residents for 1 year
“You can ride the street car to see it and it has so many things. Great way to grab breakfast and go. Their is an art garden on Sundays and food and a garage sale. So much in one area.”
- Ashley Edmonsond, resident for 38 years
“Ride the rail line between Union Station and City Market. It’s fun and the best introduction to downtown.”
- Michael L. O’Connor, resident for 25 years
City Market
5th & Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64106
Union Station
There’s plenty to see and do at Union Station from grabbing brunch to visiting Science City. Here’s how locals recommend you weave a visit to Union Station in your day in downtown Kansas City.
“Head to Union Station and Harvey’s Sunday Brunch. The station has some wonderful history and the brunch at Harvey’s is well worth the money.”
- Anna Cecil, resident for over 60 years
“Multiple discoveries and a feel for the KC era from WWI through today.”
- Robert Felix Jr., resident for 67 years
“The best rebirth/revitalization of KC.”
- Kim, resident for 24 years
“Union Station right off the bat, and then go across the street to the WWI museum.”
- @christopher.a.adams.37 on Instagram
Union Station
30 W Pershing Rd., Kansas City
River Market
The small but mighty River Market was among The Star readers most highly recommended neighborhoods to visit. When it came to things to do, locals overwhelming suggested you check out Betty Rae’s ice cream, City Market, The Arabia Steamboat Museum and to go for a walk along the riverfront.
Josh, who just moved to Kansas City 8 months ago, shared with us his impressions of River Market.
“We moved here last fall. The first place we went was the lookout at the WWI Museum. That’s all I needed to realized this city was going to be my new home. After that we went to the River Market and just walked around for a few hours. That’s another fun experience.
Ride down Main Street from The Plaza to the River Market (I know there is construction). You see so much art on the buildings and the storefronts. You get a real sense of the character of the city.”
- Josh, resident for 8 months
18th & Vine Historic Jazz District
Another neighborhood that readers highly recommended was the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Locals enjoy eating barbecue at Arthur Bryant’s, exploring the Negro Leagues’ Baseball Museum, listening to jazz at the Mutual Musicians Foundation and the American Jazz Museum, and seeing the multifaceted history of Black America at The Black Archives of Mid-America.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
From the architecture to the performances, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is an iconic part of Kansas City’s skyline and its culture. The Kauffman Center was recommended by several people, but Kitty Degler’s pro tip stood out to us.
“Go to a performance at the Kauffman Center. I’d recommend seeing our amazing symphony orchestra perform in Helzberg Hall. Our symphony is excellent. The hall is wonderful. The music is sublime. There’s a wide range of ticket prices. All the seats are good. The acoustics are great!”
- Kitty Degler, resident for 38.5 years
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Locals from across the Kansas City metro shared their favorite parks with us. But the park readers recommended the most was Overland Park Arboretum. @ks_eieio on Instagram says you should go “at sunset for peace and reflection.”
Overland Park Arboretum
8909 W 179th St.
Bucyrus, Kansas