Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Kansas City

Kansas City's most popular places to take kids in 2026

Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This is the winner list of 2026's best places to take kids in Kansas City and the surrounding area. (Click here for the full list of nominees.)

Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! The terrific organizations listed below are just the starting point: Browse through our site and calendar to find lots more,  sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter, and be sure to click on Everything That's Free. 

2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids

Kansas City

 

Top 20 Ranking

Category Winners

1. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium 2. C.W. Parker Carousel Museum 3. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 4. Kaleidoscope at Crown Center 5. Science City 6. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead 7. Cider Hill Family Orchard 8. Cool Crest 9. Go Ape! Zip Line & Treetop Adventure 10. Historic City Market Kansas City 11. Johnson County Museum 12. Kansas City Symphony 13. Union Station - Kansas City 14. Worlds of Fun 15. YMCA 16. Alldredge Orchards 17. American Royal Association 18. Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch 19. Get Air Trampoline Park 20. Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Arts Educator: Bach to Rock - Leawood Sports Educator: Xtreme Gymnastics & Trampoline + Motus Ninja Warrior STEM Educator: Science City Farm Attraction: KC Pumpkin Patch Indoor Play Center: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City Museum: C.W. Parker Carousel Museum Nature Center: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Outdoor Fun: Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs

© 2026, KidsOutAndAbout.com. This information may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of KidsOutAndAbout.com.