Trying to find free things to do in Kansas City, MO shouldn’t have to be hard! We found options for your family without ever spending a dime.
These museums are free things to do in Kansas City!
The Peace Pavilion is one of the only free hands-on children’s museums in the country! It’s one of the top free things to do in Kansas City for kids and gives them a chance to explore so many different aspects of science, geography and building peace.
The Money Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon in Kansas City. You’ll be able to learn about the history of the United States Dollar as well as the history of the Federal Reserve. You can even get a bag of shredded money for free at the end of the tour!
The Frontier Army Museum is a great way to learn more about the army and how it had an impact on Kansas City and Missouri in general. You can get into the museum for free!
The Hallmark Visitors Center gives you a chance to learn about hallmark throughout the years. The tour is interactive and a great way for you to learn more about the company that has made everything from the greeting cards that touch your heart to holiday movies that make you cry. You can also make a free star-shaped bow at the museum.
The Haskell Indian Cultural Museum walks you through tribal history and Native American culture in Kansas City. Check out traditional Native American tools. You’ll also be able to see artifacts and learn more about the Native American influence on the city. The museum has free admission and has special events throughout the year.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a Kansas City favorite and allows you to learn more about the artwork they have on display. Check out their collection of both permanent and temporary art displays.
We found more free museums in Kansas City.
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is a great way to spend your time in Kansas City. While you’re there, you’ll not only get to learn about the artwork but also how contemporary art has had an impact on the art community.
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is another one of the free things to do in Kansas City where you can learn about contemporary art. This museum features permanent exhibits that you can view all the time, but they also have a collection of temporary exhibits so visit often to see new things.
The Legler Barn Museum takes you back in time and gives you a chance to explore the way life used to be in Kansas City. At the barn, you can view artifacts from farming in the past and learn more about what life used to be like. There are also picnic grounds and walking trails.
The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is a working museum. You can visit to learn more about the history of Kansas City and see Shoal Creek in action. Check out reenactors and working displays all for free.
The Liberty Jail is an old jail turned into a museum. While you’re there, you can learn about life in Kansas City in days gone by and what it was like for people in the jail there. You can also learn about how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had an impact on the city.
The Independence Visitors’ Center is a must-see for anyone interested in American history. Just outside of Kansas City in Independence is where most people started their journey out west. You can learn about the journey, how it started and how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints played a huge role in this migration!
Check out these other free things to do Kansas City!
At Kaleidoscope, kids can make free artwork with leftover Hallmark manufacturing supplies. Kids can visit anytime and have a chance at 50-minute sessions. The art sessions are all free for kids!
The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center gives you a chance to explore different things related to Kansas City. While you’re there, you can learn about the culture of the city and how it has had an impact on the people in the area. The center might also have some special events you can attend.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a kid’s farm experience you can take your children to enjoy. While you’re there, check out what a farm used to look like and how it used to operate. The farmstead is free on weekday evenings. There might be a charge for admission during the weekends and during special events.
The Kansas City Public Library is a must-see whenever you’re in Kansas City. While the library is beautiful on the inside and has tons of free stuff for families, the outside is the truly unique part. It was designed to look like a row of books!
The Midwest Genealogy Center is a free spot where you can learn about your family history. Browse records, check out beautiful pictures and so much more while you’re there. You can also learn about the Kansas and Missouri side of the Civil War and how they had a huge impact on the outcome.
The Penguin Park is a fun experience for kids in Kansas City. It’s a huge park that has a giant penguin structure kids can play inside!
You can get around for free in Kansas City!
The K.C. Streetcar is the best way to get around Kansas City if you don’t want to spend any money on transportation. The route includes 16 of the most popular spots in Kansas City and gives you an opportunity to get out and explore. While you’re on the streetcar, you can have a chance at seeing different sights in the city. This isn’t the only public transportation, but it is the best option for people who want to see the hottest tourist spots in the city.
You can even take dogs in carriers and bicycles on the streetcar. Operating hours may vary depending on the season, but it typically runs past midnight on weekends!
Need something to do on Wednesday in Kansas City? Check out what we found!
The Boulevard Brewing Company offers a free tour on Wednesdays. At the end of the tour, you’ll even get to visit the tasting room to try free samples of all the different types of beer you just got to see being made!
Check out these free things on Thursdays!
The Roasterie offers free tastings on Thursdays. While you’re there, you can try their newest coffee brews and even get sneak peeks at upcoming ones. This event is meant to get feedback from people about what they can do to improve their coffee so make sure you let them know what you love and what you hate.
We found free things to do in Kansas City on Fridays!
First Fridays in Kansas City give you a chance to learn about the culture for free. There are food vendors, craft vendors and so much more. You’ll have to pay for most of these things, but free music is a huge draw! You can also learn more about attending first Fridays if you have items to sell!
