It’s no secret that we love our city! I thought it’d be fun to round up some ideas for those of us planning a staycation in KC for spring break. We have a teen and a tween for reference.

The Nelson Atkins Museum: Mini Golf at Art Course isn’t set to open until April. Until then, check out the Sculpture Park. Then head inside the museum. Reserve your tickets (required) here. Admission is FREE! Don’t skip the coffee & pastry from Thou Mayest!
Lunch/Dinner:
Mission Taco – You won’t regret the Carne Asada fries.
Beer Kitchen – Start with the Stockyard Fries. End with the Smokestack Burger & Chocolate Crème Brulee.
National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial Tower: This museum is fascinating! It’s the only one in the US where the stories are shared through the eyes of those who lived it. We are so lucky to have it in our town. It was designated America’s official World War 1 museum and memorial by Congress in 2004. Plus the views from the tower are incredible! It’s easy to see why it’s the #1 attraction in KC (Trip Advisor) and the #5 ranked museum in the US (Yelp). It’s open everyday but Monday, from 10-5. (In the summer it is open 7 days a week). Buy your tickets online here.
Lunch/Dinner:
Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House. Promise me you’ll get the onion rings.
Town Topic – A KC mainstay. Simple, straightforward burgers, fries and onion rings diner-style. Open 24/7 – you can’t miss the neon sign!
Foot Golf at Heart of America Golf Course: Foot golf is a combination of soccer and golf and is a great workout at 18 holes. Parking is free and it’s BYOB (bring your own soccer ball)!
Lunch/Dinner: Pack a picnic!
Spend a Day Riding the Streetcar: First, drive to The Farmhouse in the River Market and park.
- Have Brunch at The Farmhouse. The blueberry lemonade mimosa and French Toast are on my list!
- Then walk to the City Market. Check out the produce, flowers, baked goods, and canned goods. Now it’s time to hop on the streetcar!
- Hop off at Union Station/Crown Center. At Union Station, you can check out their current traveling exhibit, visit Science City and The Museum of Illusions, or catch a movie (The Batman is currently playing). Grab a sweet treat at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory before you leave! Then walk to Crown Center via The Link if you have younger kiddos. You’ll find Kaleidoscope, Sea Life, Legoland, and the Coterie Theatre.
- If you planned to visit the National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial Tower (see above) over break, this would be the perfect opportunity. You can walk there from this stop!
- Hop off in the Crossroads Arts District at 18th & Main for a craft beer at Casual Animal Brewing or Nimble Brewing. Then Grab an early dinner at Grinders (NY style pizza) or Mission Taco (you won’t regret the Carne Asada fries).
- Ride the streetcar back to the City Market. There are 3 stops within the City Market. Get off at the stop closest to the River Market on Delaware. Grab ice cream at Betty Rae’s (crème brulee and s’mores are heaven) before your final stop at Breakout KC (an escape room).
Overland Park Arboretum: Open 9:00-5:00 Wednesday-Monday and closed on Tuesdays. Admission is $3 ages 13+, $1 ages 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Leashed dogs are allowed on the mulch paths and the International Sculpture Trail around the Pavilion.
Lunch/Dinner: Grab Panera or Jersey Mike’s for a picnic!

Top Golf: No golf experience needed! Score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. It’s half price on Tuesdays and healthcare workers and teachers get a discount everyday through the end of April!
Lunch/Dinner:
McClain’s Market – Grab a chicken salad sandwich and a pastry for dessert!
Martin City Brewing Company for yummy pizza!
Go Ape Treetop Adventure: Go Ape is a 2-3-hour self-guided tour through the forest canopy with obstacles and zip lines. It’s a blast and a great workout! The minimum age is 10 and the minimum height is 4 foot 7. Read more about it and make reservations here.
Lunch/Dinner:
Charleston’s Restaurant

Red Crow Brewing Company: Take the whole family out to Red Crow Brewing Company in Olathe! It’s family owned and operated and family friendly! They have a large outdoor space, fun couches, snacks, food trucks, and games for all ages! Read more about their hours and events here.
Bar K Dog Bar: Bar K is a modern bar, restaurant, and dog park in downtown Kansas City. Check out the “Plan Your Visit” tab here for more info about day passes and dog requirements!
Creative Culture KC: Now open in Park Place in Leawood (Westport location reopening Summer 2022)! They’re a DIY studio with tons of crafts on their menu. They also serve amazing, over the top milkshakes and hot chocolates!
Lunch/Dinner:
Joe’s KC BBQ – Get the Z Man. That is all.
Shake Shack

I’m so looking forward to this extra time with my kids! I hope you take away a couple of ideas to help make the break special. It’s not lost on me that we only get so many of these with our kids!

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