Explore “The Rabbit Hole” - Kansas City Children’s Literature Museum
Which is your favorite children's book? The brand new “The Rabbit h0le” immersive children's literature museum just opened in Kansas City! If you love children's books, nostalgia, beautiful artwork, and interactive spaces, this museum is for you. It is an immersive, all-ages museum that took many years of hard work and dedication to create this beautiful space. It will quickly become a destination museum for people from all over the country!
When you arrive at The Rabbit Hole, you will, in fact, step down into the rabbit hole, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. As you make your way through the darkened tunnel, you can see lines from the story embedded into the walls. Emerge on the other side and you have arrived into the world of children’s literature!
What makes The Rabbit Hole unique is that each exhibit looks like you stepped into that book. Stand under the umbrella with Bunny from “I Am a Bunny” by Ole Risom and Richard Scarry. Step inside France’s family hut from “Bread and Jam for Frances” by Russell and Lillian Hoban. Ride a tiger merry-go-round from “Sam and the Tigers” or climb the spiral staircase from “My Father’s Dragon.” There are so many classic books to explore at The Rabbit Hole!
The first floor of The Rabbit Hole features over 40 different children’s books with many interactive elements. My kids loved exploring the tunnels, stairs, fire pole, and various cubbies. I was absolutely amazed by the artwork inside the museum! My daughter especially loved all the physical copies of the books throughout the museum. There were dozens of spots to sit and curl up with a book and experience the story while you see the exhibit. A second floor will open soon and feature even more children’s books and exhibits!
Note: Some of the tunnels and exhibits open to other areas of the museum so it can be tricky to keep an eye on your child at all times. Grab a map of the exhibits so you can see where certain openings lead throughout the museum.
And let's not forget about the bookstore, where you can purchase your favorite titles to take home and treasure forever. It's the perfect place to stock up on literary treasures and continue the magic long after you visit the museum.
One of the standout exhibits that I loved the most at The Rabbit hOle is the Great Green Room from Margaret Wise Brown's beloved bedtime story, "Goodnight Moon." Stepping into this iconic room feels like a nostalgic embrace, bringing back all the memories of bedtime rituals and whispered goodnights with my own two kids. It was incredible to be INSIDE the book!
The Rabbit h0le in Kansas City features:
Classic book-themed exhibits (Check out the full list here)
Physical copies of the books to read throughout
Fun tunnels, ladders, and interactive elements
Various genres, authors, and multiple types of voices
Elevator available
Restrooms
A bookstore to purchase your favorites from the exhibits
A third floor of more exhibits, a cafe, classes, and more coming soon!
Know before you go:
Closed on Mondays
No outside food/drinks
No strollers
The Rabbit Hole FAQs
Here are a few questions I get asked a lot about The Rabbit Hole in Kansas City:
What age is this museum appropriate for? I really believe this is an all-ages museum, but it just depends on your child. The Rabbit Hole is a museum, so no running, shouting, or roughhousing is allowed. Some children will love looking at books and marveling at the exhibits. Other kids may engage more with the interactive elements like fire poles and tunnels. My children both enjoyed it at ages 3 & 5. If you have a baby or toddler you may want to consider bringing a wearable carrier as strollers are prohibited.
How much does it cost? Admission is $16 per person and free under age 2. The Rabbit Hole is part of the Museums for All program and offers reduced ticket and membership pricing for EBT/WIC card holders or a letter from your child's school showing they qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Is it accessible by wheelchair? Most areas of the exhibits are accessible by wheelchair. The Rabbit Hole features rocky steps in the “grotto” leading down the “rabbit hole,” a winding staircase for “My Father’s Dragon,” and stairs leading to “Where the Sidewalk Ends” which are not accessible by wheelchair
Is a membership worth it? I was kicking myself after our visit for not getting a membership! If you are local to Kansas City and will visit over 3 times, the membership would be worth it. Membership options are listed here.
Make plans to visit The Rabbit Hole, an immersive children’s literature museum in Kansas City. There are still multiple exhibits being created and installed so we plan to go back very soon!
Bookmark this blog to revisit these details about The Rabbit h0le in Kansas City!
Address: The Rabbit hOle - 919 E 14th Ave North Kansas City, MO 64116
Hours: Monday: CLOSED, Tuesday: 10am - 5pm, Wednesday: 10am - 5pm, Thursday: 10am - 6pm, Friday: 10am - 7pm, Saturday: 10am - 6pm, Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Parking: The Rabbit hOle’s parking lot is east of the building on Knox street. There is also ample street parking on Saturdays and Sundays, and after 3:00 PM on weekdays. (per The Rabbit Hole website)
If you love children’s museums, check out Wonderscope Children’s Museum in Kansas City!
4/25/24 - Gabrielle Isom
