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I have lived in the Kansas City area for more than 25 years and still love being a tourist in my own city. On weekends, you will often find me at a local coffee shop, admiring the city’s fountains, or listening to live music. Over time I have learned that some of the best experiences here are completely free.
Kansas City is full of free attractions, scenic spots, and local gems that showcase its creativity and community spirit. Whether you are visiting for the first or fifth time, coming for the World Cup, or a local hoping to discover something new, this guide shares the best free things to do in Kansas City by day and night.
These are places I have explored, loved, or are on my list to visit! You do not need to spend much (if anything) to enjoy the heart of Kansas City.
35 Free Things To Do In Kansas City
Kansas City has something free to enjoy in every season. I love how you can wander into a museum, listen to live music in a park, or admire a piece of public art all in one day.
These experiences reflect the city’s creative side, friendly atmosphere, and unique local character that make Kansas City such a great place to explore.
1. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks and completely free to visit. Its collection spans thousands of years, including ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces
Outside, the Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park stretches across the museum grounds with more than thirty large-scale works of art. The famous shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn are a Kansas City icon and one of my favorite photo spots.
You can easily spend an afternoon exploring the galleries or relaxing on the lawn. Admission is always free, although some special exhibits may require a ticket.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
💡Local tip: Enjoy a picnic on the lawn when the weather is nice, or stop by Rozzelle Court Café inside the museum for coffee or dessert in a courtyard that feels like a hidden European gem.
2. Liberty Memorial and the National WWI Museum Viewpoint
The Liberty Memorial is one of the most impressive landmarks in Kansas City and offers one of the best skyline views in town. Even if you do not go inside the National WWI Museum, walking around the memorial is completely free and worth the visit.
Built in the 1920s and dedicated to those who served in World War I, the memorial is a place of reflection and one of the city’s top photo spots. The museum itself is world-class, but the outdoor area alone makes this a must-see stop.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays but the grounds are always open.
💡Local tip: Bring a camera to capture the skyline from the top of the stairs. It is one of my favorite photo spots in Kansas City.
3. City and River Market
City Market is Kansas City’s historic open-air marketplace located in the heart of the River Market district and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It has been part of the city since the 1850s and remains one of the largest and oldest public markets in the Midwest.
Visiting is completely free unless you decide to pick up a snack or souvenir, and it is open year-round.
On weekends, the City Market hosts the city’s largest farmers market, while weekdays offer a relaxed place to grab coffee, browse shops, and check out the neighborhood.
The Opera House Coffee Shop is one of my favorite coffee shops in town and I buy all my spices from Planters Seed Company, both located in the River Market.
💡Local tip: Take a walk along the nearby Riverfront Heritage Trail for more beautiful views of the city.
4. Union Station
Union Station is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Kansas City, and it is completely free to visit. The Grand Hall is breathtaking with its 95-foot ceilings, marble floors, and chandeliers. Amtrak trains still arrive and depart daily, keeping the station’s original purpose alive.
I used to take breaks from work to walk the Grand Hall, and it never got old. There is something about the way the light filters through the huge arched windows that makes the space feel both grand and peaceful at the same time.
Inside you can also see the detailed model train displays which are also free to visit (except during the holidays). Check out the rotating exhibits in the corridors, which usually have a small admission fee. Around the holidays, the entire station comes alive with festive lights and a giant Christmas tree.
💡Local tip: Step outside the front entrance for a perfect view of the fountain and Liberty Memorial, or head to the pedestrian bridge in back to watch the trains roll in and out.
5. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of my favorite buildings in Kansas City, both inside and out, and a favorite photo stop for locals and visitors. It is a modern city icon, known for its curved stainless steel design that catches the light beautifully throughout the day.
Even if you are not attending a show, you can admire the architecture and take in an incredible view of downtown from the terrace.
Inside, the center is home to the Kansas City Symphony, Ballet, and Lyric Opera. While performances require tickets, the lobby is open during select hours, and group tours can be arranged in advance for a small fee.
💡Local tip: Walk around the back terrace for a great photo spot with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. The sunset is especially beautiful here.
6. The Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza is probably Kansas City’s most well-known destination and completely free to explore. Designed in the 1920s with Spanish-inspired architecture, it reflects Kansas City’s connection to its sister city of Seville, Spain. The tiled details, courtyards, and sculptures make it one of the most picturesque areas in the city.
I love bringing my camera here, especially to capture the fountains. There are dozens scattered throughout the Plaza, each with its own design and charm, earning Kansas City its nickname as the City of Fountains.
Even without shopping or dining, it is a beautiful place to stroll, take photos, or sit near a fountain and enjoy the atmosphere.
💡Local tip: 🎄Visit during the Plaza Lights season for one of the city’s most beautiful holiday displays, which begin on Thanksgiving night and stay up through mid-January.
7. Loose Park
Loose Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Kansas City and one of my personal favorites for a walk, run, or picnic. It covers more than 70 acres and is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the Rose Garden is in full bloom.
The park is filled with walking trails, ponds, fountains, and open green space. It is also a popular spot for engagement photos and family picnics.
💡Local tip: Visit in early June when the roses are at their peak.
8. West Bottoms
The West Bottoms is one of Kansas City’s most unique neighborhoods and a great place to explore for free. Once the city’s old warehouse and stockyard district, it has been transformed into a hub for vintage shops, street art, local restaurants, and historic brick buildings that tell Kansas City’s story.
The area is best known for First Friday Weekends, held the first Friday through Sunday of each month. During this time, most shops open their doors, and the streets fill with food trucks and live music. In the fall, the old warehouses host Kansas City’s famous haunted houses, adding a fun and spooky atmosphere to the neighborhood.
The West Bottom’s industrial charm and creative energy show off a completely different side of Kansas City.
💡Local tip: Some shops and restaurants are open on other weekends too, so it’s worth visiting anytime you can. My favorite spots are Blip Coffee Roasters for great coffee and The Ship for dining and live music.
9. Crown Center
Crown Center is a great place to explore, relax, and take in Kansas City’s local flavor without spending anything. This shopping and entertainment district is home to fountains, public art, and seasonal displays that make it a fun stop any time of year.
The open-air courtyard often hosts free community events, live music, and outdoor movie nights in the summer. I like to visit during my lunch breaks to walk around the fountains or grab a seat near the outdoor plaza to eat.
Crown Center is especially fun for kids with rotating free exhibits in the gallery space on the lower level. If you are hungry, the kids will love that Fritz’s Restaurant delivers your food to the tables by train!
💡Local tip: Stop by the fountains in front of the main entrance for photos. If you visit around the holidays 🎄, don’t miss the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. It’s one of the tallest in the country.
10. City Hall Observation Deck
For one of the best skyline views in Kansas City, head to the City Hall Observation Deck. Located on the 30th floor of the city’s historic Art Deco-style building, it offers a panoramic view of downtown, Union Station, and the Liberty Memorial. The building itself is worth seeing too, with beautiful marble interiors and 1930s design details.
Visits are free, but you must make a reservation in advance by emailing security@kcmo.org. The observation deck is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Keep in mind that you will need to walk up a flight of stairs to reach the deck, and tours may be canceled if the weather is unsafe.
11. Kansas City Public Library – Downtown Central Branch
The Kansas City Public Library’s Downtown Central Branch is worth the stop to see the Community Bookshelf, a row of giant book spines painted along the parking garage, each representing a literary classic chosen by local residents. It’s unique to Kansas City and free to visit!
Inside, the library is just as beautiful, with marble staircases, high ceilings, and quiet reading rooms. Visitors can also watch movies in The Vault Theater, located in the basement of what was once an old bank.
💡Local tip: Visit the rooftop terrace for great downtown views or to play a round of chess on the giant outdoor chessboard.
12. Hotel Savoy Kansas City
The historic Hotel Savoy is one of Kansas City’s most storied landmarks and a beautiful place to explore for free. Originally built in 1888, it was once the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. Today, it has been restored as part of the 21c Museum Hotel, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Yes you can still stay here!
Step inside to admire the lobby’s architecture, stained glass, and the rotating contemporary art exhibits that are open to the public. The onsite restaurant, The Savoy, keeps much of its original character and is also one of the city’s best dining spots.
13. Art Alley
Art Alley is a colorful Kansas City hidden gem and probably one of my favorite spots in the city. Tucked between 17th and 18th Streets in the Crossroads Arts District, this ever-changing alleyway is covered in murals, graffiti, and street art created by local and visiting artists. It’s completely free to explore and shows off the city’s artistic side.
The walls are constantly evolving, so every visit looks a little different. It’s also a popular stop during First Fridays when the Crossroads comes alive with art shows, food trucks, and music.
You can find Art Alley between 17th and 18th Streets in the Crossroads Arts District. The easiest way to enter is near 17th and Locust Street. Save the map above to your phone or google account to easily find art alley.
14. Kaleidoscope and Hallmark Visitors Center
Who doesn’t love Hallmark? The Hallmark Visitors Center and Hallmark Kaleidoscope are two of Kansas City’s best free attractions. The exhibits remind me how much creativity and heart come out of Kansas City.
At Kaleidoscope, children can create art using leftover materials from Hallmark’s production process. The Hallmark Visitors Center shares the story of the company through free exhibits featuring vintage cards, interactive displays, and seasonal decorations. I love seeing the history, ornaments, and how a bow is made at the visitor’s center!
💡Local tip: Both are free to visit, but Kaleidoscope requires a reservation in advance.
15. The Money Museum
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is a fascinating free experience in the city. Visitors can see millions of dollars in cash being processed, learn about the role of the Federal Reserve, and even take home a free souvenir bag of shredded money.
The exhibits are interactive and well-designed, covering everything from how currency is printed to how the economy works.
💡Local tip: Bring a photo ID for entry. The museum is open Monday through Friday and closed on federal holidays.
16. Kauffman Memorial Garden
The Kauffman Memorial Garden is a Kansas City hidden gem and often missed by visitors, yet it’s completely free to explore. Just a few blocks from the Country Club Plaza, this two-acre garden feels calm and elegant with fountains, flowers, and sculptures among tree-lined paths.
The garden was created to honor Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, two of Kansas City’s most beloved philanthropists who dedicated their lives to the community.
17. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Kansas City’s free museums and a must-visit for art lovers. Located near the Country Club Plaza, it features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, along with rotating exhibits from local and international artists.
Outside the entrance stands one of the museum’s most recognizable and photographed pieces; a large spider sculpture.
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
💡Local tip: Plan your visit around lunchtime and stop by the on-site café for a meal or coffee surrounded by art.
18. Moon Marble Company
The Moon Marble Company is a unique and entertaining free stop in the Kansas City area. Located in Bonner Springs, this family-owned shop celebrates the art of handmade marbles and vintage toys. Visitors can browse colorful displays, watch live marble-making demonstrations, and learn how marbles are crafted from molten glass.
The demonstrations are free to watch and run several times a week. Open Tues-Saturday 10-4pm, the demonstrations are on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 11-2:30.
💡Local tip: If you visit in March, you might catch the annual Marble Crazy event that draws artists and collectors from around the country.
19. Lesser-Known Museums
Kansas City has several smaller museums that are often overlooked but completely free to visit. Each one offers something different and gives a deeper look at the region’s art, history, and culture.
- Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art – Located at Johnson County Community College, this modern space features rotating exhibits from local and international artists.
- Kansas City Museum – This museum tells the story of Kansas City through exhibits on its people, neighborhoods, and past.
- Frontier Army Museum – Located on the grounds of Fort Leavenworth, this museum highlights the Army’s early frontier history.
- Shoal Creek Living History Museum – An outdoor museum in Hodge Park with historic 1800s buildings and occasional costumed reenactments.
20. Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center honors the contributions of African Americans to Kansas City’s history and culture. The museum features rotating exhibits, art displays, and cultural programs that highlight local stories and achievements.
Admission is always free. The center is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
💡Local tip: Check the center’s calendar for free cultural events and performances held throughout the year.
21. Kansas City Fountains
Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains, with more than 200 scattered across the metro area—second only to Rome. All are free to visit and make for great photo stops while exploring the city.
The most famous is the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain near the Country Club Plaza, featuring four horse sculptures that represent the world’s great rivers. Other favorites include the Crown Center Square Fountain and the Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain in front of Union Station (pictured above).
💡Local tip: Most of the fountains are turned off in Winter.
22. Midwest Genealogy Center
The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the largest public genealogy libraries in the country, completely free to visit and located in Kansas City! It’s part of the Mid-Continent Public Library system and offers access to records, archives, and databases that help visitors trace their family history.
Staff are friendly and always ready to help first-time visitors get started.
💡Local tip: Check the center’s website for free genealogy workshops and special events held throughout the year.
23. Kaw Point Park
Located where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet, Kaw Point Park offers one a beautiful skyline view of downtown Kansas City and is completely free to visit. This hidden gem gives you a different perspective of the city that not everyone knows about. The park has walking trails, interpretive signs about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and plenty of quiet spots to sit and enjoy the view.
💡Local tip: Visit near sunset for beautiful light on the river and skyline. Bring your camera because it is one of the most underrated photo spots in the city.
24. KC Streetcar
The KC Streetcar is both a free thing to do in Kansas City and one of the easiest ways to get around downtown. The modern electric streetcar runs a route connecting River Market, the Crossroads Arts District, the Power and Light District, Union Station, and now the Plaza.
It is completely free to ride, clean, and runs frequently throughout the day and evening. It’s perfect for sightseeing or simply getting between neighborhoods as a fun and convenient way to explore the heart of the city.
💡Local tip: The extension from Union Station to the Plaza just opened in October 2025. A future extension is coming to the Riverfront and CPKC Stadium.
Seasonal Activities in Kansas City
Kansas City has something fun to experience in every season, including farm tours, summer festivals, live music, fall foliage, and holiday lights. These seasonal favorites highlight the creativity, community, and local charm that make Kansas City such a great place to explore year-round. Bonus they cost nothing to enter.
25. Free Festivals and Special Events
The Greek Festival in Overland Park is one of my absolute must-attends! Unless I’m out of town, I never miss it. It’s full of great food, music, and entertainment that keeps me coming back year after year. It’s typically held the second weekend in June.
Festa Italiana brings a taste of Italy to Kansas City with live music, authentic food, and family fun. It’s held annually around the first weekend of June.
Santa-Cali-Gon Days is a long-running Kansas City tradition celebrating the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails with live music, craft vendors, and family activities around the historic Independence Square. Admission is free, and it’s held each year over Labor Day weekend.
Kansas City’s art fairs, such as the Plaza Art Fair and the Prairie Village Art Fair, are free to attend and are especially popular during the spring and fall seasons.
💡Note: Admission to these festivals is free, but art, food, drinks, games, and carnival rides require separate purchases.
26. Free Events at the Nelson-Atkins Museum
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers more than just its galleries and sculpture park. Throughout the year, the museum hosts free community events such as a city wide picnic, cultural festivals like Día de los Muertos, and art workshops or talks. It’s a great place to experience art and community in Kansas City without spending a thing.
One of my favorite things at the Nelson is not hosted by the museum but by the Kansas City Yoga Community with Free Yoga in the Park. It takes place on the museum lawn and is open to everyone. Donations are welcome but not required.
27. Grinter Farms Sunflower Fields
Grinter Farms is an iconic Sunflower Field experience and completely free to visit. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, about 40 minutes from downtown, the fields bloom with thousands of bright sunflowers each late August through early September.
It is a stunning place to visit at sunrise or sunset with fields that stretch across the horizon. Find Grinter Farms at 24154 Stillwell RdLawrence, KS 66044-7115.
💡Local tip: Parking is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the farm. If it has rained prepare for the fields and parking to be muddy.
28. Miami County Farm Tours
The Miami County Farm Tour is one of my favorite free annual events just south of Kansas City. It takes place each spring and fall and offers a chance to explore local farms, meet the farmers, and learn about life in the countryside. Admission is free, and every stop has something unique to see or taste.
Some of my favorite stops are Sunflower Orchards, Madd House Hill, and Timber View Alpacas, where you can meet the animals, shop handmade goat soaps, and pick apples (apple picking is fall only). Another must-visit is the Louisburg Cider Mill, one of the most popular stops on the tour and home to the best cider donuts around. The cider mill hosts additional family-friendly activities year round for a fee.
💡Local tip: The tour is self-guided and family-friendly. Pick up a map online before you go or at your first stop.
🎆 Free Events & Celebrations in Kansas City
Many of the free places in this post also host free events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, and community celebrations. Two of the city’s biggest annual traditions are Celebration at the Station, held in front of Union Station on the lawn of Liberty Memorial each Memorial Day Weekend, and the Fourth of July fireworks, which take place along the river at Berkley Riverfront Park.
Check each location’s website or event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit. No matter when you come, you’ll find something fun and free happening somewhere in Kansas City.
Free Things To Do at Night in Kansas City
Kansas City doesn’t slow down when the sun sets. The city comes alive with free concerts and outdoor events that make exploring after dark just as fun as the daytime. These are some of the best free things to do at night around town.
29. First Fridays in the Crossroads
I love wandering through the Crossroads for First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District. It is a fun, relaxed, and completely free way to spend a Friday night in Kansas City.
On the first Friday of every month, galleries open their doors, artists showcase their work, and the streets fill with live music, food trucks, and pop-up vendors.
💡Local tip: Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early or ride the KC Streetcar to the Crossroads stop.
30. 3rd Fridays in Kansas City, Kansas
On the Kansas side of the metro, 3rd Fridays in downtown KCK offer a fun and free evening of local art, food, and live entertainment from May through October.
It’s smaller and more low-key than First Fridays in the Crossroads, but that’s part of its charm. You can stroll, meet local artists, and enjoy the welcoming neighborhood vibe without the crowds.
31. Free Live Outdoor Music & Movies Around Kansas City
Live music is a big part of Kansas City’s culture, and you can catch plenty of free concerts when the weather is nice. Watching live music is one of my favorite ways to spend time in Kansas City. There is so much musical talent here!
Popular spots include:
- Zona Rosa – Free summer concerts on Fridays in the park area next to Bravo.
- Friday Night Sound Bites – Located at the Lenexa Public Market
- Lenexa Outdoor Concert Series – Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in May, June and September
- Kansas City Symphony “Mobile Music Box” – Free outdoor chamber music and neighborhood concerts across the metro.
- Crown Center Weekender – Free Movies and Music in the square
- Olathe Live Concert Series – Fridays at Stagecoach Park
- Olathe Fourth Fridays – Downtown Olathe Square
💡Local tip: Check websites for current concert schedules.
32. Free Nighttime Festivals
When the sun sets, Kansas City keeps the celebration going with free nighttime festivals filled with music, art, and community fun.
Many daytime favorites keep the fun going well into the night, including the Greek Festival in Overland Park, Festa Italiana, and Santa-Cali-Gon Days.
Events like JuneteenthKC’s evening concerts and the Día de los Muertos parade bring the city to life after dark with art, culture and music.
It’s all about the food, the music, and the cultural celebrations that help make Kansas City shine.
33. Plaza and Fountains at Night
The Country Club Plaza is especially beautiful after dark, with its Spanish style architecture illuminated year round. It’s a perfect place for an evening stroll, window shopping, and photos, especially during the holidays when the Plaza Lights turn it into a Christmas wonderland.
Kansas City’s fountains are beautiful any time of day, but they are especially striking after dark when many are lit with colorful lights. A couple favorite beautifully lit fountains are The Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain in front of Union Station and the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain at the Plaza.
34. Kansas City Holiday Lights Tour 🎄
Kansas City shines bright during the holidays, and one of the best free things to do is tour the city’s festive light displays. The Country Club Plaza is the most popular, with lights draped across every building since 1925. The Plaza Lights are switched on during a huge lighting ceremony held each year on Thanksgiving night, one of Kansas City’s most beloved and time-honored traditions. The display stays up through mid-January.
My favorite spot to see holiday lights is Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (pictured above), which glows with thousands of lights reflecting off the pond from late November through early January. Neighborhoods like Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village or Christmas Card Lane in Olathe decorate their streets together for the season.
35. Take a Night Hike
Taking a night hike is a peaceful and unexpected way to enjoy Kansas City after dark. One of the best places for an evening walk is Berkley Riverfront Park, where the paved trail runs along the Missouri River with views of the Kansas City skyline. It is well lit, easy to follow, and free to visit year round.
Where To Stay In KC
If you plan to explore Kansas City’s best free attractions, staying near Downtown, the Crossroads Arts District, or the Country Club Plaza keeps you close to everything. You can easily hop on the free KC Streetcar, walk to museums, and enjoy restaurants and nightlife without needing to drive far or at all.
Here are a few great options for every budget:
Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown – Affordable, clean, and convenient with free breakfast and easy access to the KC Streetcar and Power and Light District.
Mid-Range ($$): Hilton President Kansas City – A beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of downtown, steps from dining, nightlife, and live entertainment. Just one block from a streetcar stop.
Luxury ($$$): The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – Spacious rooms and a perfect location connected to Union Station, Crown Center, and the KC Street Car by a covered walkway.
💡Local tip: Book early if you plan to visit during summer festivals, sports events, or the Plaza Lights season because rooms fill up quickly.
FAQs
Kansas City always has something going on, whether you’re into art, music, food, or history. Here are a few answers to some of the questions I get asked the most often.
Is there anything fun to do in Kansas City?
Absolutely. Kansas City is full of free and fun experiences. You can explore the fountains, visit Union Station, walk through the Nelson Atkins Sculpture Park, enjoy live music or a local festival. There is always something happening no matter the season.
Is Kansas City worth visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. Kansas City has a mix of culture, history, and creativity that surprises many first-time visitors. We have world-class museums, local restaurants, scenic neighborhoods and seasonal festivals. The city has something for everyone and a welcoming atmosphere that makes people want to return.
How many days should I spend in Kansas City?
You can see many of the highlights in two to three days, but there is plenty to fill a longer stay. A weekend gives you time to explore the main attractions, visit a few neighborhoods, and enjoy local food and live music.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City is one of those places that keeps surprising you the more you explore it. Even after living here for more than twenty five years, I still love being a tourist in my own city. I find new things all the time, whether it is a hidden mural, a new festival, or a fountain I somehow never noticed before.
This city proves that you do not have to spend much to have a great experience. Free attractions, local art, live music, and community events fill every season with something special to see and do.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or rediscovering your own hometown, I hope this guide helps you see why Kansas City is such a fun and welcoming place to explore. Grab your camera, hop on the Streetcar, and enjoy all the ways you can experience the best of the city for free.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at travelandtinsel@gmail.com. I love hearing from readers.
