Cortney & Joshua
Things To Do
KC Streetcar (Free transportation)
From 3rd street to just past 20th street the KC Streetcar is a FREE service to move you up and down Main Street to see much of downtown, the river market and the crossroads neighborhoods. Runs until 2am (times may be modified for COVID-19). If staying at the Hotel Phillips, go one block East on 12th St then turn right on Main St and you will see the Southbound station. Just North on Main St is the Northbound station. Google maps shows these as Metro Center 12th & Main with the public transportation marker. If staying at Home2 Suites, walk 1 block North on the same side of Main Street for the Northbound streetcar (on Google maps this is called 19th & Main, Kansas City, MO with the public transportation marker). You can either walk less than 1 block North on the opposite side for the Southbound streetcar (19th & Main, Kansas City, MO with the public transportation marker) or 0.4 miles South on Main St. to get to the terminal station, Union Station.
Crown Center
Crown Center is the place for pure entertainment, especially for children. With exciting events and unique attractions. A center full of locally owned shops and restaurants. Check out the free Kaleidoscope by Hallmark, where kids can be creative - plan to arrive in advance for each 50 minute session. https://hallmarkkaleidoscope.com/ (closed Sunday). Go to the showplace with changing children's interactive exhibits or check out children's theatre at the Coterie (the Dragons Love Tacos will be on stage). Many quick food options as well, including Fritz's Railroad Restaurant - where the trains bring your food!
Union Station Kansas City
The 100 year old Union Station is a hub of culture, education, and entertainment. Visit traveling national exhibits, 3D movies on the Extreme Screen, or explore our world in Science City, or enjoy a cup of coffee or a special meal in this beautiful, historic building. Union Station has something for everyone in the family. Many activities and also the end of the line for the FREE streetcar. Opening June 2021 (purchase tickets in advance): Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Separate tickets: go to the top of the tower and see the KC skyline OR check out the museum (downstairs and up) for a look into WWI. Or both! Check out the VR experience.
Money Museum
Probably for older kids, learn about US money and take home some shredded cash $$.
The Kansas City Public Library: Central Library
A very photogenic area. Check out the rotating art exhibit.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Fantastic free art museum. Highly recommended.
Toy and Miniature Museum
“Oh, I had one of those” in museum form.
American Jazz Museum
"Man, if you have to ask what it [jazz] is, you'll never know." Louis Armstrong
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Learn about the greats of a forgotten league of baseball. PS- Kansas City Monarchs only had one losing season in their history.
Kansas City Zoo
Penguins make everything more fun!
The Roasterie Factory
Right across the street from Boulevard, coordinate your tours and try some coffee.
Former J C Nichols Memorial Fountain
Imported from Long Island this is one of over 200 foundations in KC, more than Rome.
Plaza Area
Upscale shopping and restaurants.
Great Wolf Lodge
Water park hotel for kids & families. Stay a night and get indoor/outdoor water park tickets included. Watch undercover boss episode before you come ;) Note: this is outside of town, vehicle needed.
City Market
Cajun, Brazilian, Chinese, Ethiopian, this small area has the most diverse food choices in the city. All on the FREE street car line. Check out the Saturday or Sunday morning farmer’s market. https://cove.kcpt.org/video/river-market-tzzevw?sfns=mo
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Best BBQ in KC. Don’t be deceived that it is in a gas station. Get a line beer and load up on rubs/fry seasoning. Named one of Anthony Bourdain’s 13 Places to Eat Before You Die: “People may disagree on who has the best BBQ. Here, the brisket (particularly the burnt ends), pulled pork, and ribs are all of a quality that meet the high standards even of Kansas City natives. It's the best BBQ in Kansas City, which makes it the best BBQ in the world.”
Banksia
An Australian bakery, great for a quick brunch snack or drink! Some interesting pasteries :)
Meshuggah Bagels
New York people, you can get an okay bagel here. (Sorry, no egg bagels.) Everyone else, have the best bagels the Midwest has to offer.
P.S. Speakeasy
Hidden from the long arm of Prohibition-era law, Kansas City’s speakeasies welcomed revelers seeking good spirits and a spirited good time.An affectionate nod to the city’s glamorous, freewheeling nightlife, P.S. is Hotel Phillips’ contemporary incarnation of the 1930’s speakeasy, artfully crafting cocktails concealed in a long-forgotten basement mail sorting room, accessible only by an secret door. Reservations are required, reservations open up & are recommended to make 1 month in advance.
Fric & Frac
The T-shirt & jeans of local bars. Josh’s favorite.
Tom's Town Distilling Co.
Sample local drinks at this quality distillery. We recommend the old fashion.
Boulevard Brewing Company
This local brewery is a tent pole of good times in KC. Go on tour to see how the magic is made or just go to the beer hall sample all the great beers.
Lifted Spirits- Kansas City Distillery
Small batch distilling that does not disappoint. Careful, the gin tastes like water.
Up-Down KC
Booze and arcade games. Good times.
Offkey Karaoke Lounge & Suites
Cortney’s go to. Must sing here. Get a private room...
Peanut on Main
Oldest bar still in operation in KC. Great wings. Lovely dive. Part of our first date.
Missie B's
Self proclaimed(?) most popular nightclub in KC, this gay bar has drag shows, pool, and fun. DJ and dance floor upstairs!
Bar K Dog Bar
Buster & Falkor made us add this one.
Cosentino's Market
Need some food for your room or “adult beverages”? Open until 10pm.
CVS
A pharmacy on the streetcar line.