Maybe living in Kansas City for a while has gotten you used to the same old highlights. However, if you’re looking to break that routine, here’s 10 surprising things you can do in the area that’ll make you appreciate the city even more. In no particular order, let’s check out these fun things to do when you’re running out of ideas.
1. The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium - (at Union Station) 30 W Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Missouri
Not everyone remembers that we have a planetarium, but it's a great way to spend a couple hours without taking up a whole day. It's part of Science City, a family-friendly center of interactive science. Who knows, maybe you could spend all day here.
2. Old World Balloonery - 12600 W 142nd St., Overland Park, Kansas
There's nothing that'll get your heart pumping more than a champagne balloon ride, touring the most beautiful parts of Kansas City.
3. KC Gangster Tour - 1300 Lydia, Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City has a lot of events going on, but the KC Gangster Tour is held year round! Every Saturday, the tour takes you through the lives of the city's most notorious Goodfellas, and explains why many believe Union Station to be haunted to this day.
4. The Irish Center of Kansas City - 19 W Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri
At the Irish Center, you'll find an exhibit detailing the Irish heritage in the Kansas City area for you to visit. They also have year-round activities celebrating the culture, and a library that holds thousands of books on their history. There's a lot more to them than luck and St. Patty's!
5. Ceramic Cafe - 9510 Nall, Overland Park, Kansas
Take the kids or come alone, but the Ceramic Cafe is a place where you can create something to take home. They do pottery painting and glass fusing, and cater to groups as well as walk-ins. Maybe you can't find the right gift for someone? You just need to make it!
6. Mesner Puppet Theater - 1006 E Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri
This theater might be aimed at our younger residents, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it as an adult as well! The plays are based on literature, folk tales, operas, and original works (even Star Wars, apparently!), but you'll find that the themes presented in them are still applicable to all ages. Plus, if you're more interested in the construction of the puppets themselves, you'll find each one unique and well crafted - almost like they have their own personalities!
7. The National Silk Art Museum - 500 Main St., Weston, Missouri
Famous paintings of all styles and from all regions have been adapted into silk, and collected here at this museum. They're mainly from France and England in the 18th and 19th centuries, but there are a few outliers. Can you imagine trying to replicate a painting or photograph into fabric?
8. Thirsty Palette - 11958 Roe Ave., Overland Park, Kansas
Grab your friends for a night out, and pick a painting to try out. You're taught how to paint like they do, and you can drink as well! They also have scheduled paintings, so you can stop in on days when you'd like to create what you see on the calendar.
9. Tick Tock Escape Games - 6398 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas
You're stuck in a room with a few others and you have to figure out how to escape. Working together is key to unlocking the room's secrets before time runs out, so keep your head level and don't panic. Just make sure to take your friends!
10. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures - 5235 Oak St., Kansas City, Missouri
Whether you're a fan of vintage toys or tiny things, you'll find both here with no problem. The toys serve as a testament to our past interests, and the miniatures have astounding amounts of detail for their size. Could you tell this photo is of a miniature room?
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