Free things to do · Kansas City · United States
6 free things to do in Kansas City
Kansas City without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: User:charvex, Public domain
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Kansas City without paying an entry fee: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Country Club Plaza, City Market and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art are all free. The Nelson-Atkins, the Kemper Museum, Union Station's Grand Hall and the streetcar are all free.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 5
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- December–March
Free sights and experiences
Museum · Country Club Plaza
1.Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Start in the Bloch Building and finish on the south lawn so you see the Shuttlecocks in late-afternoon light.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Street · Country Club Plaza
2.Country Club Plaza
Visit after dark from Thanksgiving to mid-January, when the Plaza Lights outline every building.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Free
- Architecture
- Couples
- After dark
Market · River Market
3.City Market
Saturday mornings are the busiest market day; arrive early for the best produce and parking.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
Gallery · Country Club Plaza
4.Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
It is a ten-minute walk from the Nelson-Atkins; do both in one art-focused afternoon.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Experience · Crossroads Arts District
5.Crossroads First Fridays
Ride the free streetcar to the Crossroads stop rather than hunting for parking.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- After dark
- Free
- Food
Park · Country Club Plaza
6.Loose Park and Rose Garden
Visit from late May into June when the roses are at peak bloom.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Couples
- History
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Country Club Plaza | Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Country Club Plaza, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Loose Park and Rose Garden | 2–3 hours + 1–2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour |
| River Market | City Market | 1–2 hours |
| Crossroads Arts District | Crossroads First Fridays | 2–3 hours |
Worth a small ticket
Museum · 18th & Vine Jazz District
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Buy the combined ticket with the American Jazz Museum, which shares the same building.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Museum · 18th & Vine Jazz District
American Jazz Museum and the Blue Room
Check the Blue Room's calendar and plan the museum visit for late afternoon so you can stay for an evening set.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours, plus a show
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- After dark
- Art
- Rainy day
Architecture · Crown Center
Union Station and Science City
Walking through the Grand Hall is free; pair it with the WWI Museum across Pershing Road.
- Time needed
- 1 hour; 3 hours with Science City
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Kids
- History
- Rainy day
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · Downtown
Power & Light District
Away games are the time to experience KC Live!; arrive early because entry can close when it fills.
- Time needed
- An evening
- Cost
- Low cost
- After dark
- Food
Experience · Westside
Boulevard Brewing Company
Book a tour slot online on weekends, then walk to the Mexican restaurants on Southwest Boulevard for dinner.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Rainy day
More ways to save
- The Nelson-Atkins, the Kemper Museum, Union Station's Grand Hall and the streetcar are all free.
- Stay near the streetcar line to cut rideshare costs.
- Barbecue portions are large; one combination plate often feeds two.
- Hotel prices rise sharply on Chiefs home-game weekends and during big conventions; check the schedule before you book.
- Royals tickets in the upper deck are one of the most affordable big-league sports experiences in the US.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Kansas City expensive to visit?
Kansas City is moderately priced for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Kansas City?
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Start in the Bloch Building and finish on the south lawn so you see the Shuttlecocks in late-afternoon light.