Nelson Atkins Museum of Art - Image via Wikipedia
Kansas City is one of the Midwest’s cultural centers, with everything from music, major league sports, theater, art galleries, and a wealth of other activities for the visitor or local person to enjoy year round. Here is a summary of the best free things to do in Kansas City in the coming weeks.
If you act quickly, you can catch the Aria Final Round Concert on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Olson Performing Arts Center. This show will, as stated, feature finalists in the contest, which has been going on all year. If you are not up for the contest circuit, have a listen to the Liszt 200 Series at UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. This is a lecture series which celebrates the composer’s 200th birthday year.
If you are over 21, there is always KC Prime’s Casino Bar Stage, where you can listen to great live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Again, admission is free to this event and there is no cover charge either, so check it out!
In May, the Nelson Museum will feature “Acts of Nature,” sure to be a popular show that will feature artwork inspired by nature. If you have ever spent time in Kansas City in the month of May, you will know that this show could not have been timed better. The Nelson Museum will feature a similar show in August, when it puts on, “Landscapes East/Landscapes West: Representing Nature from Mount Fuji to Canyon de Chelly.” The show features art that has been inspired by natural beauty and all works will be two-dimensional.
If you have children, do not miss the Johnson County Museum of History’s KidScape, which features hands-on exhibits for little ones ages 3 to 9. KidScape is set up to look like a city street, where kids can walk around and meet various people from the region’s past. This is an ongoing event, and of course it is free, which is the best part for cost-conscious parents.
Another kid-friendly event is held from Feb. 11-14 at Paradise Park Family Fun center, where the Children’s Entertainment Center will have all sorts of holiday fun based on Valentine’s Day. Cards, cookies, and flowers are just a few of the things on hand for kids to enjoy. Like everything else on this list, it is 100 percent free of charge.
So, don’t delay, there are plenty of exciting and educational events in Kansas City that don’t cost a dime. For a more complete listing, check out a list from Kansas City itself of things to do this month!
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As the origin of many of America’s favorite forms of recreation, from jazz music to eating barbequed meats, Kansas City has a special place in the hearts of travelers. That’s why holiday season is so special. The city shows off its entertainment acumen with a strong list of fantastically fun things to do.
Holiday time means carriage rides on the Plaza. While you can rent a carriage almost any time of year, the chilly weather and threat of picturesque snowfall makes a January ride a must. And you won’t be straining your wallet either, as you cruise through the gorgeous Country Club Plaza and see all the sights.
Since the weather has been unseasonably warm this winter, there is no better time to tour nearby Independence’s historic areas like the Truman home and many others. And if you are a tourist, Kansas City is one of the best museum and art gallery locations in all of the United States. That’s not hometown hype either, as many national cultural surveys rank K.C. at the top of their lists year after year.
From December through January, many of the local playhouses host holiday-themed shows and revues. There is never a shortage of theatre fare if you are in Kansas City. Crown Center, the American Jazz museum, the Kauffman Center, and the American Heartland theater all have special holiday or Christmas-themed shows.
Two of the biggest Christmas season events in Kansas City are free. Namely, the Mayor’s Christmas tree and the Plaza lights. People come from all over the world each year to witness the lighting of the Plaza, and have been doing so for over five decades. In fact, many cities around the globe have imitated the tradition, bedecking a local shopping area with Christmas lights and hyping the lighting ceremony like there’s no tomorrow.
Image via Wikipedia - Downtown Kansas City streets today
Looking like some morphed, American version of the Sydney Opera House, Kansas City’s latest arts and entertainment venue has finally opened its doors. The jaw-breaking moniker, and the full, proper name of the new location, is The Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts. The building will feature opera performances, dance events, theater presentations, and musical shows of all kinds. It officially opened its doors on September 16, 2011.
Like no other single work of architecture, the building has dramatically transformed the city’s look, mixing in this bit of new age, deconstructionist bravura against a backdrop of Midwestern corporate geometric glass-and-steel practicality. There is no question, when one first views the structure, that it is an arts center. Indeed, no one would mistake it for the region’s newest bank, or accounting firm, that’s for sure.
Moshe Safdie, the designer, has all at once put Kansas City at the forefront of the national arts scene, delivering not only a technically advanced structure, but also a work of art in itself. There is no type or size of performance that cannot be accommodated by the Kaufman Center. Everything from comedy revues to Broadway shows will visit its stages. And they all will take place inside a scientific wonder. In fact, the center itself could pass as a giant exhibit in a science museum.
The center will host several resident companies of artists, namely the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Lyric Opera. One part of the building features a glass roof, glass walls, and a gigantic arched canopy that gives wonderful views of Kansas City’s skyline. Maybe the only negative point of the view from here is that you cannot see the Kaufman Center as it takes its place among Kansas City’s unique, recognizable skyline. Now that the building is up and operating, that skyline is forever changed.
The region of confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers drew the attention of settlers, as well as the U.S. government, from the early 1800’s. Because of the rich soil, profitable fur trade, and excellent geographical vantages for forts, the Kansas City area grew from a tiny trading post into one of the largest cities in the U.S.
Before Lewis and Clark reached the area in 1804, there had been a handful of French traders and trappers, who made war plans with their Indian allies against
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the Spanish, but that activity was extremely limited. As well, no real, permanent settlements saw the light of day until after Lewis and Clark’s arrival.
When Louisiana became a state, Missouri spent another decade being cut up and surveyed, until it saw statehood for itself in 1821. The new district saw rapid growth with the relocation of Indian tribes and a large influx of French settlers, among others. The next few years witnessed the founding of Jackson County and the city of Independence, still major players in the political landscape of Kansas City. Chouteau, a French trader, and his settlers spoke French, which was the first language of most of the inhabitants of early Kansas City.
In 1833, Calvin McCoy opened trading posts near what is now the Westport area. His posts, as well as Chouteau’s, were integral to the establishment of Kansas City as a crossroads for travelers who were on their way further west, to California, Oregon, and points north. In 1850, the county incorporated the
Town of Kansas. One year later, the area got its first telegraph line and newspaper. Thus, between St. Louis and California, the Town of Kansas was one of the very few populated areas where travelers could buy provisions for the long trip ahead.
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Rapid growth and expansion through the Civil War, as well as World War I, saw Kansas City grow to something of a boom
town by the 1920’s, and it has since established itself as the heart of America, a crossroads for travelers and a home to many corporate communications giants.
Kansas City, Missouri, is uniquely suited to entertain you during the summer months. The city’s mild seasonal weather, combined with beautiful starlit nights, will have you wondering how this traveler’s dream does not get more notice. Whether you are a theater buff, a train lover, or art expert, there is something in Kansas City to interest you on any given summer weekend.
Starlight Theater
Starlight Theater has been entertaining locals for more than a half-decade, bringing Broadway shows and musical acts to the outdoor, evening stage. Reasonable prices, gorgeous night skies, and top-level shows combine to make Starlight one of River City’s most beloved attractions.
If trains are your thing, this is the center of the universe, sporting a modern rail station alongside one of the most storied, historic train stops in all of American history. Take a look at some of the highest ceilings in the U.S., while viewing one of Union Station’s many summertime exhibits.
The Nelson-Atkins art museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Renaissance works, in addition to masterpieces from ancient China, India, and lesser known regions. During the summer weeks, Nelson features a free Shakespeare festival on its gigantic outdoor lawn. Part festival, part play, the Bard’s works are surrounded by educational exhibits that make the plays a bit more understandable for those of us who have trouble with thee’s and thou’s.
Cool off at the local theme parks, Worlds Of Fun and Oceans Of Fun, stalwarts of
Oceans of Fun in Kansas City
the regional scene. Whether you just want to sit back and enjoy the wave pools, or down some antacid before boarding a mega-roller coaster, Worlds Of Fun is
the place to visit. Day passes are reasonably priced, and both parks offer restaurants with full menus for the whole family.
Summer is, after all, the best time to visit Kansas City.
Kansas City, Missouri, is truly the Heart of America, sitting at a latitude and longitude that places it squarely in the middle of the U.S. This town of over 1 million inhabitants is deceptively plain on its exterior, but intricately developed once you get acquainted with it. It is also larger than most people think, bigger than both Atlanta and Boston, and Kansas City’s nearby suburb of Overland Park, KS, nearly doubles the population of Kansas City proper. Walt Disney and Walter Cronkite both grew up here, as did President Harry S Truman, who continued to live and work near downtown until his death.
If you have a few days to spend in Kansas City, be sure to visit the Federal Reserve Bank’s Money Museum, a fascinating look inside the government’s banking system. President Truman’s home in nearby Independence is open to the public as well, but be sure to call ahead for scheduling information. Probably the best of the free attractions is the Country Club Plaza, an open neighborhood shopping area near the city’s center. The Plaza features hundreds of shops that 
range from the unique to the upscale. Try to go on a weekday because weekends can be rather crowded.
For art lovers, Kansas City is a mecca, hosting the Kemper Gallery and the world famous Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, which itself contains over 35,000 pieces. The Missouri River and its environs boast many shops and hotels, and even a few gambling casinos. Walk along the riverbanks of this mile-wide wonder, the third longest river in the world. History buffs are kept busy in Kansas City with all the civil war battle markers. The area was a hotbed of fighting during our nation’s war between the states, and Missouri was in fact on both sides, officially designated as a split state. Kansas City was on the north side of the war, but just inside the line, so battles were common in the area.
Next time you and your special someone are in the beautiful Kansas City, Missouri and you are looking for a romantic dinner out on the town, there five restaurants that should be on your list as potential destinations.
The first destination is a charming French bistro name Le Fou Frog. The 
restaurant is right near downtown’s river market making it the epitome of romantic dining. The menu is constantly being updated, the staff are extremely knowledgeable of French cuisine, and the candle light mood lighting really puts the icing on the cake for a perfect romantic night out.
If you are looking for a romantic view of the city, Piropos is the place for you. This gem of an Argentinean restaurant will blow you away with its stunning views, high ceilings, and unbelievable ambiance. Complete with a unique menu and a trained staff, your night is sure to be filled with romance. Another favorite of Kansas City locals is Californos. If you are looking for a great wining and dining experience this is the place for you. Its cozy atmosphere will have you cozying up to your special someone enjoying a select wine from their extensive list.
Our next stop is in an 1850′s restored home that screams romance. The Shields Manor Bistro claims to be one of Kansas City’s most romantic restaurants, and one cannot deny them this fact. Nothing beats a candle lit dinner inside a beautiful historic home. The food and wine list is to 
die for and all the desserts are hand made by the owner himself. The last but not least destination on this list is the very cool Bluestem. Complete with a sexy wine lounge for a nice drink before dinner, the Bluestem restaurant presents customers with a great romantic experience through perfect lighting an amazing food.
So next time you are in the great town of Kansas City, be sure to take your special someone to one of these romantic hot spots. Keep in mind that these are popular restaurants, so making reservations ahead of time wouldn’t hurt you. Each of these restaurants will treat you with special care on a special night.
Kansas City is famous for many things. Home of the Chiefs, the Royals, and origin of the famous KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce, there is one place that the Midwest is proud to call their own and the destination is Worlds of Fun. Worlds of Fun offer visitors a variety of entertainment from roller coasters to family classic rides, shows, and great food.
If you are a thrill seeker than this is the place for you. Worlds of fun has seven roller coasters, including 2009′s Best New Attraction in the World, Prowler, the massive inverted roller coaster Patriot, and the 205-foot-tall coaster that will make you scream, Mamba. This is a thrill seekers paradise with nine thrill rides and is waiting to test your nerves.
Worlds of Fun has plenty of adventure for the family. Looking for the classics? Worlds of Fun has a carousel, a 60 foot tall Ferris wheel, rock walls, a log ride known as the Viking Voyage, and the famous Flying Dutchman, a high speed circular ride in which the guests sit in boat-shaped cars suspended by cables fly through the air while the ride is spinning.
Maybe you are looking for a break from the thrill of the rides. Simply sit back and enjoy one of the amazing shows in the park. Including astonishing performers from around the country, the shows feature family entertainment that is more than just music to your ears but fun and exciting as well. Check online for show schedules for your next visit.
No matter what you are looking for Worlds of Fun has it. They have over 40 different rides for all ages and thrill seekers. With four dine in restaurants, and five walk up restaurants, all featuring different foods from around the world, you definitely won’t be left hungry. With lodging available, a weekend of fun is only seconds away. Don’t forget that on a hot summer day there is also the option to visit Oceans of Fun, World of Fun’s Water park counterpart.
So next time you are in the Midwest you know where you should be headed: to Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun Park for an adventure you will never forget.
Kansas City has some very beautiful parks that you can choose to visit if you find yourself in this city, or if you are seeking a place to go that offers a rich taste of nature and the outdoors. There are several parks that are located in and around Kansas City that have much to offer to visitors and residents alike. Much like the setting of the city and the state, the parks are very green, lush and inviting.
Shawnee Mission Park
This park is rather large and sits on about 1,250 acres of green paradise. Its bond was originally issued in 1956 with the dedication of the park taking place in 1965. It is, in fact, the county’s largest park, and it attracts the most visitors annually as well. The park offers fishing, boating and sail boarding on its 120-acre lake. There are dozens of picnic areas, hiking trails, horseback riding trials and areas for play. There is even a marina, a beach that allows swimming and an archery range.
Fleming Park
The largest park in Jackson County, Fleming Park is a whopping 7,800 acres of greenness. And it attracts more than a million visitors every year. There is much to do when you are at this park including: 2 large lakes and marinas, beaches, hiking trails, fishing, boat rentals and boating (including sailing), picnic areas and camping spots. It also is home to Missouri Town 1855 (historically reconstructed village), and an animal preserve with elk and bison.
Swope Park
The first and one of the largest parks in Kansas City is Swope Park. Colonel Thomas Swope generously donated this park in 1896, and it now is the host to the Kansas City Zoo, the Blue River Golf Course, the Starlight Theatre, the Swope Memorial Golf Course and the Lakeside Nature Center. It also features plenty of picnic areas for families as well as numerous centers for athletes.
Loose Park
Considered by many residents to be the most beautiful park in the city, Loose Park is very 
serene. It offers a lake, tennis courts, picnic areas and a wading pool for visitors. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, a famous and very popular attraction to this park. It also features markers from the Civil War, too.