At Just One Day Travel Tours we would be more than happy to help you curate a day out with family and friends, we do understand that sometimes you just want to go see someplace fun and new on your own.
On a side note, If you live in the surrounding areas like Topeka, Weston, St. Joe etc. and would like a fully curated day out to Kansas City, we can take care of all the logistics for locations, meals and more. A quick consultation can answer all your questions. We provide service for 14, 22, 30 and 55 group sizes.
Here are my top 3 places to see in Kansas City.
The National Toy and Miniature Museum.
This one is a true gem. Remodeled in 2015. If you have not visited the new space, it defiantly needs to be moved up to the top of your list. The toy collection is vast and very entertaining. No matter what your age it creates conversations of what life was like in a different time. Whether it was your childhood, Grand Parents or new retro toys that your own children may have…. the shared experience of seeing this unique collection will be talked about for days after your visit.
The beautiful miniature art, furniture, models, doll houses with every tiny detail made in miniature will delight your family. Over 22K objects to explore. I had the opportunity once to see a special guest artist talk about his craft. He was a big guy, with large hands. He showed us how he actually made miniature tools in order to do the miniature work, right down to each dovetail of a dresser drawer. You can see some of this information and more on display there. Truly a wonderful museum. https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/
Kemper Contemporary Museum of Art.
I consider this one a perfect sized Art Museum. A light and airy space that really allows you room to breathe and relax. Great for a short visit on a date. There is also Café Sebastian, a wonderful café for a bite to eat. (Always check for current hours)
This museum hosts many new and interesting exhibits through out the year. Every visit can be something new to experience. Multiple events and visiting artist talks are on the calendar through out the year. Classes from toddlers to teens and adults are also available. Don’t forget to walk the grounds to see the sculptures outside. https://www.kemperart.org/
Hallmark Visitors Center.
Another seemingly hidden Gem in Kansas City is the Hallmark Visitors Center. This newly remodeled location starts off with a short movie about how it all came to be. Founder JC Hall made his way to Kansas City in 1910 with a shoe box of picture postcards that lead to 100-year history we know as Hallmark Cards. More than just cards, it’s tree ornaments, collectables, giftwrap, toys and so much more. I enjoyed stories of innovation in relation to printing paper, early marketing and partnerships with Walt Disney. So much history!
You can expect to spend about 2 hours here. Tickets are free but do need to be reserved online. Don’t forget to try out the bow making machine and take one home! https://corporate.hallmark.com/about/hallmark-cards-company/hallmark-visitors-center/