If you visit Kansas City, you will have many things to do. Of course, the city has been known for its barbecue and jazz heritage, but it has other unique attractions you will not miss. From fountains to museums, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kansas City.
Whether you’re traveling to Kansas City for the first time or returning, there are plenty of things to do. Whether you want to go shopping, play sports, or indulge in some culture, there’s something to suit your needs.
Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway is one of the premier racing facilities in the Midwest. It hosts many special events throughout the year. The track features an interior road course, allowing high-speed runs along the oval. It is also home to a corporate hospitality village with various camping grounds.
Racing fans worldwide travel to Kansas City to watch NASCAR races at the Kansas Speedway. The venue offers free parking spots. The track is located near several restaurants and other entertainment venues. It is also close to major highways.
Since its inception in 2001, the facility has hosted several NASCAR races and other special events. In 2012, the track was reconfigured. This included paving over the inside backstretch for safety reasons. Aside from the regular events, the track also organizes truck races. One such event is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Tickets to this race start at 29 dollars.
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival, held each Fall, is one of the city’s favorite traditions. It is a 16-acre outdoor village filled with colorful characters, authentic rides, and various arts and crafts.
Besides offering family fun, the festival provides a unique shopping experience. Over 150 vendors are selling handmade wares. You can buy original artwork, hand-crafted gifts, or souvenirs.
Each weekend, the festival has a different theme. During this time, there are various stage performances and other events. Some popular activities include jousting knights, street acts, and a petting zoo.
The festival also hosts a bloody Mary bar. In addition, there are over 160 booths with arts and crafts, costumes, and rides. Tickets are usually a few dollars. However, you will get special discounts if you purchase a season pass. Additionally, there are discounted passes for senior citizens and military personnel.
Azura Amphitheater
Azura Amphitheater is one of the newest concert venues in the area. It is located in Bonner Springs and adjacent to Wyandotte County Park. In the years since its opening, it has played host to some prestigious concerts and other kooky events. One of the most memorable is the Yallapalooza festival. The venue is also near the T-Bones Stadium and Kansas Speedway.
This 30,000-square-foot facility has the requisite infrastructure to support a large-scale musical event. It has played host to the likes of Lady Gaga, Def Leppard, and Aerosmith. More than a dozen acts are performing in the upcoming months. A new state-of-the-art VIP club and improved sound and video systems will take it to the next level.
Wyandotte County Lake Park
If you’re looking for a place to go for a great hiking experience, you should visit Wyandotte County Lake Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The lake is in western Wyandotte County, and the park is home to over 1500 acres of woods, trees, and grassy areas. It also features a 400-acre artificial lake. This is an excellent destination for those who like to hike, boat, and enjoy the outdoors.
The lake is surrounded by an array of trails, which include the WyCo Single Track Trail. The trail is well-marked and interconnects with other trails in the area. In addition, it is a popular picnic area.
Another notable feature is the Schlagle Environmental Library. This library is operated by the Kansas City Public Library and offers a variety of nature programs and interactive learning events.
Wyandotte County Museum
The Wyandotte County Museum in Kansas City, Kansas, is home to several galleries filled with artifacts of local history. These include various Native American items, such as a large diorama of the Hopewell Indian people.
Other displays cover the early history of Kansas, including images of the city’s earliest years. Again, these exhibits are well-lit and laid out in a good way.
A new exhibit is currently being showcased in honor of the 150th anniversary of Kansas City, Kansas. This exhibit is called “The Original Kansas City, Kansas.” It features images of the city’s earliest years and facts about its development.
A special bus tour is being offered by the Wyandotte County Historical Society & Museum. On this tour, passengers will see the museum and eight other locations.