Kansas City

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Kansas City's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Downtown Kansas City
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café in the River Market. Afterward, stroll through the bustling market and check out fresh produce and artisanal goods.

afternoon
:

Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial to learn about the historical significance of the Great War. Spend some time enjoying the beautiful views from the Liberty Memorial Tower.

evening
:

Head to the Power and Light District for dinner at a popular restaurant. Enjoy the nightlife with music and entertainment that the area has to offer.

day 2
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Begin with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before driving to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Take in the stunning art collections and serene sculpture park.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art for a different artistic perspective. Grab lunch at the museum café, which features delicious local fare.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Country Club Plaza, an area known for its Spanish-inspired architecture. Explore the shops and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the sun sets.

day 3
Nature and Parks Adventure
morning
:

Start with breakfast and head to Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Enjoy a relaxing morning walk or rent a bike to explore the scenic trails.

afternoon
:

Visit the Kansas City Zoo located within the park and spend time discovering the diverse animal exhibits. Have a picnic lunch at one of the park's beautiful spots.

evening
:

As the day winds down, return to the park for a peaceful evening stroll. Catch a glimpse of the sunset and end with a cozy dinner at a nearby restaurant.

day 4
Culinary Delights
morning
:

Enjoy breakfast at a local hotspot known for its biscuits and gravy. Afterward, prepare for a culinary tour exploring Kansas City’s famous barbecue scene.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a barbecue lunch at one of the city's renowned establishments, sampling burnt ends and ribs. Join a guided food tour that takes you to multiple eateries for a full flavor experience.

evening
:

Wrap up your food journey by visiting a dessert shop for some sweet treats. Spend the evening relaxing at a nearby park or taking a casual walk downtown.

day 5
Live Music and Entertainment
morning
:

Begin the day with a breakfast burrito from a popular downtown eatery. After your meal, check out the local schedule for live music performances happening later in the day.

afternoon
:

Visit the American Jazz Museum to learn about Kansas City's rich musical history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café and discover more about the city's jazz culture.

evening
:

Get tickets to a live performance at one of the local music venues. Relish the vibrant atmosphere of Kansas City's music scene while enjoying dinner nearby.

day 6
Historical Insights
morning
:

Start your day at a cozy coffee shop with a warm beverage and breakfast pastries. Head to the City Market afterward for a glimpse into Kansas City's historical beginnings.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District and the local museums there to dive into the cultural heritage. Have lunch at a local soul food restaurant to experience flavors from the area.

evening
:

Explore the local neighborhoods and learn about the architecture and history on a guided tour. Enjoy dinner in a quaint restaurant that features historical decor.

day 7
Sports Fanatic's Day
morning
:

Kick off your day with breakfast at a sports-themed café. Get excited for a day filled with sports as you fixate on your favorite local teams.

afternoon
:

Head to a live sporting event, whether it's a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium or a soccer match at Children's Mercy Park. Grab lunch from a food vendor at the stadium for a local taste.

evening
:

After the game, celebrate the day at a sports bar where you can discuss the highlights with fellow fans. Round off your night with a late-night snack or dessert.

day 8
Shopping Extravaganza
morning
:

Enjoy breakfast at a trendy café before hitting the shopping districts. Explore the unique boutiques and stores in the Country Club Plaza.

afternoon
:

Indulge in some retail therapy at the Plaza’s upscale shops. Stop for lunch at one of the varied dining options, making sure to refuel for more shopping.

evening
:

Finish your shopping spree with a nice dinner at a restaurant in the Plaza, followed by a leisurely walk to admire the lights and fountains. Cap the evening off with dessert at a local ice cream shop.

day 9
Outdoor Thrills
morning
:

Start with a nutritious breakfast and prepare for an adventurous day. Head to the nearby parks for hiking and outdoor activities.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a packed lunch while taking a break on the trail. Continue exploring the natural beauty that the area has to offer and partake in some outdoor sports.

evening
:

Return to the city for a well-deserved dinner at a rustic restaurant featuring farm-to-table dishes. Relish the day’s adventures while enjoying a relaxed evening atmosphere.

day 10
Scenic City Views
morning
:

Grab breakfast at a rooftop café with city views. Kickstart your day by exploring the viewpoints at various parks and scenic spots.

afternoon
:

Visit the Skyline Park and enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the skyline. Spend some time wandering the nearby art installations.

evening
:

Finish the day with a dinner reservation at a restaurant with a view. As night falls, marvel at the illuminated city skyline from your dining spot.

Discover Kansas City

Read more in our Kansas City 2024 Travel Guide.

Kansas City Travel Guide