Parent’s Guide to Wonderscope, Reigner Children’s Museum | Kansas City, MO
Are you looking for a hands-on learning experience for your kids in Kansas City? Wonderscope Children’s Museum checks all the boxes for interactive and fun learning opportunities for children from birth to at least 5th grade. My family loves taking trips to Wonderscope where learning happens through play. This children’s museum features ten exhibits, on-site programs, story times, music and art sessions, and a whole lot more. It is also included in Pogo Pass KC so you can easily attend for a discounted price!
Here is your guide on exploring Wonderscope Reigner Children’s Museum in Kansas City, Missouri!
Our first time visiting Wonderscope as a parent was when my son was two and my daughter was about six months old. We had a blast even at such a young age for my kids! There is something for every child at Wonderscope and it is recommended for children ages 0-10. Wonderscope is also a fully accessible and inclusive attraction for families!
They provide accessible restrooms, program rooms, party rooms, and other areas both inside and outside. There is an adult-size changing table, a Relaxation Station for those in need of a quiet space, and sensory backpacks for children with sensory needs. You can check out the backpack with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys and return the backpack at the end of your visit.
Wonderscope in Kansas City is an “open concept” style children’s museum. Each exhibit opens up to the next so there is a continuous flow of movement between the exhibits. There are ten exhibits and each one taps into a different type of learning. We already talked about the Kid City/Tot Spot exhibit, but there are 8 more indoor exhibits and one outdoor exhibit.
Disadvantage: Children can wander away easily. There are no doors between the indoor exhibits, so they can quickly walk into the next one without you noticing right away. (I say this from experience.) Parents or caregivers, keep a close eye on little children.
Kid City and Tot Spot exhibit
Wonderscope is free under age one, so you will want to check out the Kid City and Tot Spot exhibit. This exhibit provides a lot for toddlers! It is open for children ages 0-4, so if you have a preschool-age sibling that is tagging along they are allowed in too. Here are some of the highlights of this toddler zone at Wonderscope.
Stroller parking and coat hooks
Diaper changing station with a sink
Nursing Nook
Books available to read
Low profile, climbable structures
Soft “rock” pillows to climb on
Tunnels, interactive wall toys, and a toddler slide
Lots of nooks to crawl around in and explore, like a large tree to hide inside
Dramatic play in the kitchen and house
Gated entry
Nursing Nook note: This is the area provided for nursing/breastfeeding mothers as well as for diaper changes in the Tot Spot. It is definitely a “nook” as it does not have a door and is very visible to people walking by. This is not a great location for pumping moms or if you are wanting privacy while nursing. You can ask to use one of the activities rooms if you need somewhere more private!
Dramatic Play at Wonderscope
At Wonderscope, there are lots of opportunities for children to engage in dramatic play. Kids can take on different roles, like chef or grocery clerk, and explore their roles and surroundings. Pretend play is a key element of childhood and children of all ages can engage in using their imagination at Wonderscope in these different exhibits!
Crossroads of the Past and Future
Become a railroad conductor, drive a horse-drawn covered wagon, or take a ride on a riverboat! This exhibit adds history and transportation into the pretend play options.
WonderMart
At WonderMart, kids can pretend to shop for their groceries, restock the shelves, and be a checkout clerk! This is one of our favorite exhibits because of the endless options for filling up the shopping cart and then finding where everything goes again.
KC Cafe
Serve up steaks, Kansas City BBQ, and more at the KC Cafe. Children can explore being a chef, a dishwasher, a hostess, a waiter, and more at this little restaurant. Parents and caregivers will enjoy sitting at the tables while the children pretend to run the restaurant.
Large Motor, Kinesthetic Learning at Wonderscope
Do you have an active, physical child? They will love these large motor learning exhibits at Wonderscope! My son is definitely a kinesthetic learner, always using his body to interact in his learning so these are some of his favorite areas.
On the Move!
At this sports-themed zone kids can play basketball, soccer, and football, and use their whole bodies! It has a bleacher section so parents can sit and watch while the kids run and explore. There is also a padded soft corner for just babies to explore.
Wonder Climber
The Wonder Climber is a giant indoor play structure with rope climbers, tunnels, and a school bus at the top! The school bus is a huge highlight for my kids. They can sit in real bus seats and pretend the drive this bus that sticks out in the air over the outdoor play area.
NatureScape
Wonderscope even has an outdoor exhibit with an accessible treehouse, a sand pit with large shovels, outdoor games, a climbable tractor, and a large rope climber. When the weather is nice this is the perfect outdoor play area!
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) Learning
We love that Wonderscope incorporates S.T.E.A.M learning into its exhibits! Engineering and creative minds alike will enjoy all of the hands-on learning in these exhibits.
Creation Station: Design Lab
In the Design Lab, children will find all types of building materials. My son absolutely loved the Lowe’s woodworking station with real tools. The options are truly endless here - gears, Legos, ropes, magnets, large blocks, books about building, and interactive wall-mounted displays for tinkering.
Creation Station: Art Studio
The Art Studio is always a favorite for us! Painting on the walls is a great way to be creative while also working on so many fine motor skills. There is a dress-up station, magnetic tiles, and tons of art materials to get creative and create!
WaterWorks
WaterWorks is a nod to Kansas City, the City of Fountains, for children to engineer water flow. This was my daughter’s favorite exhibit at Wonderscope because she was allowed to explore the water with balls, boats, touch, and tons of interaction. They have little waterproof jackets for kids to wear as well as hand dryers. There are also restrooms located right beside WaterWorks.
Other features at Wonderscope Kansas City Children’s Museum
Picnic Zone - An indoor lunch room with child-sized seating, high chairs, adult seating, a sink, and vending machines. Pack a lunch and stay for the whole day at Wonderscope!
Birthday party rooms - Book your birthday party here and enjoy a private room for your cake cutting, presents, and celebration.
Coat check room - Located right behind Guest Services, you can hang up your coats or park a stroller in here.
Special pop-up events, story times, crafts, lessons, guest speakers, and special treats! We have enjoyed a Lorax-themed art session, a presentation by meteorologist Lindsey Anderson of 41 Action News and tour of the Storm Tracker vehicle, and special treats by Donutology for National Donut Day!
There is always something exciting happening at Wonderscope in Kansas City, Missouri! The Wonderscope website is very helpful and I wanted to point you to a few of it’s best features.
Field Trip Calendar - Plan your trip around the biggest field trips (sometimes over 100 kids!) so you can beat the crowds.
Parent Resources - They offer guides and videos for you so you can help your child understand what Wonderscope will be like before you go!
Wonderscope Programming - A great way to check out what fun events and programs are happening during your visit! These events are often available on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up as soon as you get there.
Want to save money on your Wonderscope trip? Purchase a Pogo Pass KC and receive access to numerous Kansas City attractions for a hugely discounted price! My family uses Pogo Pass KC all the time to explore Kansas City on a budget. My code gets you 50% off Pogo Passes for your entire family! Or use code KIDSINKC when you checkout!
Here is the Wonderscope hours and pricing information:
Children ages 0-1 FREE
Children ages 2-15 $16
Adults ages 16 and over $12
Museums for All - $3 (Must present EBT, SNAP, or WIC card at admission desk upon arrival. Advance ticket purchase is not required.)
Active/Retired Military, Reservists & their families $2 OFF ADMISSION
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday – Friday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: Noon – 5 PM
*pricing and hours are subject to change so check the Wonderscope website for the most up to date information
Wonderscope Children’s Museum will be your new family favorite! We always enjoy a day at Wonderscope and I look forward to the day when we don’t have to leave for afternoon nap time and can enjoy a longer visit. If you want to see more behind-the-scenes of Wonderscope, make sure you’re following me at @kidsinkc on Facebook and Instagram!
Learn more about Wonderscope at wonderscope.org
03/07/2023 - Gabrielle Isom, Kids in KC
