The Best Ways to Enjoy the Weekend in KC

Everything is not only up-to-date in Kansas City; it’s up to speed. You won’t find many couch potatoes here (well, maybe during a Chiefs game.) There’s so much to see and do in the City of Fountains, the 15-county metro area has become a magnet for young professionals. Since there are only so many hours in a weekend, we’ve narrowed the list down to the five best things to do on the weekend in KC. 

1. Festivals

Unique and entertaining, the Strawberry Swing offers a fair for every season. Better yet, it’s free to get in! Enjoy live music, food, and crafts for the kids. Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere and browsing at the handmade crafts or shopping with friends. From leather, woodworks, to ceramics, these are locally made products you won’t find anywhere else. Why fight the malls when you can get something for everyone at The 9th Annual Holiday Swing, November 30 & December 1 at Union Station Kansas City?

2. The Zoo 

“Lions and Tigers and Bears – oh my!” OK, we couldn’t leave out a reference to L. Frank Baum and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But keep in mind, we’re not in Kansas anymore, we’re in Missouri! A stroll through the Kansas City Zoo is relaxing, helps you get your steps in, and offers tons of indoor exhibits on cold or rainy days. Enjoy one of the live animal shows, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, or Stingray Bay. The zoo is open year-round, and right now, free tram rides are available to Africa, while the path is closed (due to construction on the elephant exhibit).

Don’t forget about the many other live animal attractions in KC. SEALIFE Kansas City Aquarium is an excellent place to spend a cold afternoon.

3. Holiday Performances

The City of Fountains becomes the city of lights and holiday magic in November and December. Santa makes his way from the North Pole to the Plaza every year for the lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving. A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life on The Coterie stage through the end of December. Check out the holiday lights on Farmstead Lane in Overland Park. The light show is synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, and you can watch it all from the comfort of your car while sipping hot cocoa.

The Kansas City Repertory Theater puts on its annual rendition of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, through the end of December. And The Nutcracker returns to The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts to once again dazzle the kids with visions of sugarplum fairies. 

4. Museums

Hoping to learn something new on your weekend outing? With so many museums in the area, you’re sure to find an adventure. The National WWII Museum and Memorial is a visitor and local favorite. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures are all great for the kids! 

5. Worlds of Fun

World of Fun is the place to go for a winter adventure. The holiday lighting and festive concerts will warm your heart. After taking the kiddos to meet the jolly man himself, join Mrs. Clause for some cookie decorating. Make sure they bring their letters to Santa. There’s a North Pole post office just for them. Take them to the nativity scene featuring live animals. Check out the Grand Carousel. Even better, go dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn carriage.  

Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Kansas City. Don’t miss out on what the city has to offer. Enjoy the scenery while having a blast with family and friends. Enjoy your weekend!