24 Hours in Kansas City

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Another whirlwind trip! I loved sharing some quick stopovers we did in Atlanta and London and New Orleans, so here's another one featuring all the best and brightest sights of Kansas City. I got to spend 24 hours in Kansas City with some friends and it was SUCH A BLAST.

Whether you have a long layover or just a quick weekend, you can totally squeeze in a bit of good old-fashioned barbecue and jazz in this accessible, family-friendly city.

Kansas City

First up, drop your bags at the Westin Kansas City. I stayed here for a TMS family travel conference and found it to be perfectly-situated by Crown Center and Union Station, with easy access from the airport. From there you can take a stroll to the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which is a good spot to spend an afternoon.

Kansas City

If you arrive late like I did, you should still head on over to the memorial so you can take in the breathtaking view from the lawn. For dinner? Walk over to Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue on 22nd for burnt ends and cheesy corn.

Kansas City view from the World War I Monument

After a good night's sleep, breakfast is an Uber ride away at Eggtc in Country Club Plaza. If you're not a big breakfast person, grab a donut at Lamar's on the way. The trip over here is really just an excuse to take in the JC Nichols Memorial Fountain and see the world-renowned open shopping area before it gets crowded.

Kansas City Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Hop on over to the other side of town by 9am to take a tour of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for some unique history lessons with engaging storytellers.

Kansas City Jazz Museum

In the same complex, the American Jazz Museum honors the legacy of some of the country's greatest jazz musicians in an interactive layout that makes the music come alive. Both the baseball museum and jazz museum are closed on Mondays with adjusted hours on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Now, it's perfect timing to grab some more barbecue at Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn Avenue!

Kansas City College Basketball Experience

Next, head over to the vibrant Power and Light District for the College Basketball Experience, where you'll get to walk through an immersive video tunnel showcasing infamous players and coaches before moving onto hands-on basketball experiences. If you're feeling like desert, grab something tasty at Christopher Elbow Chocolates – it'll make a great gift or a snack on the ride home.

Kansas City Hallmark Kaleidoscope

Over at Crown Center, hit up the free Hallmark Visitors Center and hands-on Kaleidoscope play space. This is a good one to save towards the end of the day, to perk the kids back up in the late afternoon.

Kansas City LEGOLAND mini cities

You'll also want to check out the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium to view Star Wars figurines and cool city miniatures that will give the family a good recap of all that they've seen – and what else the city has to offer on a longer return trip (sports fans, there's a whole host of action available depending on the season).

24 hours in Kansas City | barbecue | museums | sightseeing with family

Have you been to Kansas City? What was your favorite sight?

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