Kansas City BBQ & Family Fun

• KC Wheel: A brand-new ferris wheel providing breathtaking views of the city skyline.

• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: A massive zoo with over 1,700 animals, plus a brand-new aquarium featuring ocean creatures from around the world.

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center: A dream spot for LEGO lovers, featuring interactive builds, rides, and a mini Kansas City skyline made of LEGO bricks.

• Loose Park: One of the most beautiful parks in KC, featuring a large rose garden, a pond, a playground, and scenic walking trails—perfect for a family picnic.

• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: This world-class (and free!) museum features stunning exhibits, including ancient artifacts, European masterpieces, and the iconic Shuttlecock sculptures.

• SEA LIFE Kansas City: Get up close with sharks, stingrays, and vibrant marine life at this immersive aquarium.

• The Rabbit Hole: An immersive museum dedicated to children’s literature, bringing beloved books to life in creative and interactive ways.

• Union Station & Science City: A beautifully restored historic train station featuring Science City, an interactive museum with hands-on STEM exhibits for kids.

• Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: A family-friendly farm attraction where kids can meet and feed more than 250 animals, enjoy wagon rides, fish and explore historic farm buildings and playgrounds, making it a fun, hands-on place for children to learn about farm life and nature.

Downtown: where history and BBQ collide

Downtown KC is the heartbeat of the city, blending historic landmarks, skyscrapers, and some of the best BBQ joints around.

• Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue: A true Kansas City legend, this no-frills BBQ joint has been serving up smoky, flavorful meats for decades. Their rich, vinegar-based sauce and slow-cooked brisket are world-famous.

• Gates Bar-B-Q: One of the most iconic BBQ spots in KC, Gates is famous for its tangy tomato-based sauce and signature greeting: “Hi, may I help you?” The beef on bun and ribs are must-tries.

• Jack Stack Barbecue. A more upscale take on Kansas City BBQ, Jack Stack is known for its mouthwatering burnt ends, cheesy corn bake, and tender ribs, all served in a cozy yet elegant setting.

Westport: lively atmosphere and unique BBQ

Westport is one of Kansas City’s oldest and most energetic districts, known for its vibrant nightlife, local breweries, and fantastic BBQ.

• Char Bar: A fun and laid-back BBQ spot featuring smoked meats, craft beer, and a large outdoor beer garden complete with lawn games. Their smoked wings and burnt ends sandwich are must-tries.

• Q39: A modern BBQ joint that combines competition-style cooking with a chef-driven approach. Their brisket and mac and cheese are crowd favorites, and their house-made sauces take things to the next level.

Kansas Side: hidden BBQ gems

Just across the state line, Kansas boasts some of the best hidden BBQ spots in the KC area.

• Joe’s KC BBQ: Housed in an old gas station, Joe’s KC is one of the most famous BBQ spots in the country. Their legendary Z-Man sandwich (brisket, provolone, onion rings, and BBQ sauce) is a must-try.

• Rosedale Bar-B-Q: A neighborhood staple since 1934, Rosedale is known for its simple, no-frills BBQ with perfectly smoked meats and a tangy house sauce.

• Slap’s BBQ: A relatively new player in the KC BBQ scene, Slap’s (Squeal Like a Pig) BBQ has quickly made a name for itself with massive portions, juicy brisket, and award-winning sauces.

• Woodyard Bar-B-Q: A rustic BBQ joint with an outdoor smoker that fills the air with the aroma of slow-cooked meats. Their ribs and smoked wings are legendary.