Kansas City might not be on your radar when you think of US city breaks, but the city is full of surprises. It has that mix of grit and charm that makes you want to explore, and the best part is that many of the highlights won’t cost you a thing. From art and history to cool neighborhoods and great views, here are some of my favorite free things to do in Kansas City.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This is one of the best art museums in the US, and admission is free. The collection is impressive, with everything from classic European paintings to Asian art and contemporary photography. You could spend hours wandering around inside, but the sculpture park outside is just as good. The giant shuttlecocks scattered across the lawn have become a bit of a Kansas City icon and are one of the most photographed spots in town.
Liberty Memorial and the Kansas City Skyline
Liberty Memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who died in World War I. It opened in 1926 and is now part of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which is considered one of the world’s best museums about the war. The tall tower (about 217 feet) stands on a hill just south of downtown and is hard to miss.
The museum itself is underground with exhibitions of uniforms, weapons, and personal stories from the war. There’s an admission fee to visit the museum, but the grounds are open to the public, and the view from the plaza in front is incredible. You get a full panoramic view of the skyline with Union Station right below. You can pay to take the elevator to the top of the tower, but honestly, the view from the base is already stunning, especially at sunset.
First Fridays in Crossroads Arts District
If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, you have to check out Crossroads. The whole neighborhood turns into one big art party with galleries open late, live music, food trucks, and pop-up events. It’s the perfect way to see the local art scene up close while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The Money Museum
This one often flies under the radar, but it’s worth a visit. Located at the Federal Reserve Bank, the Money Museum gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how money is counted and sorted in massive stacks. You can also learn a bit about the US banking system while you’re there.
City Market and River Market District
The market has been around since the 1800s and is still buzzing on weekends with fresh produce, food stands, and little shops. It’s free to walk around, and the area has a great vibe, especially in the morning. The surrounding River Market District is also fun to explore with vintage stores and cafés tucked between old brick buildings.
Kauffman Memorial Garden
A small, beautifully kept garden in the middle of the city. There’s not much to “do” here, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s quiet, green, and a lovely place to take a break when you need a moment away from the traffic and concrete.
The Fountains
Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains,” and with more than 200 of them around the city, you’ll run into at least a few. The most famous one is J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, also called the Mill Creek Park Fountain, right by Country Club Plaza. It’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and a great spot for a quick stop.
