Top 20 Indoor Things to Do in Kansas City

Indoor fun in Kansas City is easy to find if you know where to look! As a local mom, I’ve visited every one of these spots with my own kids, so you can trust this list is packed with tried-and-true favorites. From hands-on museums and active play spaces to unique spots that cater to both kids and parents, this roundup has something for every family. Whether you’re planning a playdate, looking for a way to burn off energy, or just want a fun indoor outing, these 20 indoor places are sure to keep everyone entertained.

20 Indoor Places to Play in Kansas City

1. Scheels – Overland Park, KS

This massive sporting goods store is more than just a shop—it’s an experience! Kids will love the indoor Ferris wheel, bowling, fish tanks, free play place, and interactive games scattered throughout.
📍 Address: 6503 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Kansas City, MO

An incredible indoor experience for LEGO enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits, a 4D cinema, two theme park rides, and themed play areas for all ages to enjoy.
📍 Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

3. Kaleidoscope – Kansas City, MO

This free art studio hosted by Hallmark provides kids with creative materials to design their own masterpieces in a colorful, hands-on environment. Enjoy visiting Crown Center’s shops, restaurants, and other exhibits during your trip.
📍 Address: 2500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

4. Wonderscope Children’s Museum – Kansas City, MO

A hands-on children’s museum in Kansas City designed for kids to explore, learn, and play through interactive exhibits focusing on STEAM education. Learn more on this Wonderscope guide!
📍 Address: 433 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131

5. KC Mavericks Hockey Game – Independence, MO

Catch a live game with Kansas City’s hockey team. It's a fun, energetic atmosphere and they have family-friendly events often! The games can get intense but it is pure FUN!
📍 Address: 19100 E Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO 64055

6. Urban Air Adventure Park – Lenexa, KS

With trampolines, climbing walls, a play place, ropes courses, and more, this indoor adventure park offers non-stop entertainment for kids of all ages.
📍 Address: 8554 Maurer Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219

7. Peace Pavilion – Independence, MO

A hidden gem! This children’s museum focuses on teaching kids the value of peace through interactive exhibits and activities.
📍 Address: 606 W Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050

8. Crown Center Showplace – Kansas City, MO

Crown Center’s Showplace is the spot to visit FREE exhibits! These traveling exhibits only stay for a few months, but they are a ton of fun. Past exhibits include Funville, Journey to Oz, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Santa’s Gingerbread Station takes the stage from November - December each year!
📍 Address: 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

9. KidScape at the Johnson County Museum – Overland Park, KS

An interactive play area inside the Johnson County Museum where kids can explore a pint-sized city complete with a doctor’s office, covered wagon, market, and theater.
📍 Address: 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212

10. The Rabbit Hole – Kansas City, MO

A magical literary children’s museum where kids can immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite classic books and stories. They host special events, storytimes, and more! Don’t forget to stop by the Lucky Rabbit Bookstore while you’re there! Learn more on this FAQ guide I wrote!
📍 Address: 919 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64106

11. Draftcade – Kansas City, MO

While it’s a great spot for parents to enjoy craft beers, kids will love the extensive selection of vintage arcade games. Buy an all-day play bracelet and play to your heart’s content!
📍 Address: 7260 NW 87th St, Kansas City, MO 64153

12. Rainbow of the Heartland – Olathe, KS

Part indoor playground, part retail store, this spot lets kids try out playsets, trampolines, and basketball goals before buying. It’s the perfect indoor spot to play when you’re craving park time but it’s too hot or cold outside!
📍 Address: 16617 W 159th St, Olathe, KS 66062

13. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts – Kansas City, MO

This architectural gem hosts kid-friendly performances, including concerts, plays, and ballets, offering a great introduction to the arts. Don’t miss their Petite Performances which focus on early childhood and encourage families to learn about instruments while sitting on stage during a brief performance!
📍 Address: 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

14. Museum at Prairiefire – Overland Park, KS

This museum in Overland Park features stunning architecture and rotating exhibits, including a hands-on Discovery Room perfect for young explorers. Kids love the giant T-Rex skeleton right when you walk inside!
📍 Address: 5801 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223

15. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Kansas City, MO

Enjoy family-friendly free art activities  on the weekends and beautiful galleries that engage kids while showcasing masterpieces from around the globe.
📍 Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111

16. Science City – Kansas City, MO

Located inside Union Station, Science City offers dozens of interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities for curious kids. Paint, create, explore, run, climb, and maybe even get wet at Science City. This is the best spot for year-round fun!
📍 Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

17. Kid’s Empire – Lenexa, KS

A giant indoor playground where kids can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content in a safe, fun environment. This is our favorite indoor play place in the Kansas City metro, but here is my list of all the fun indoor play places!
📍 Address: 1817 W 87th St, Lenexa, KS 66219

18. Money Museum – Kansas City, MO

Discover the history of money and explore interactive exhibits, including a chance to lift a gold bar,  create your own money, and see millions of dollars in the vault. This is a free museum and has airport-style security.
📍 Address: 1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108

19. ScreenPlay! at B&B Theatres – Various Locations

This unique movie-going experience offers a play area inside the theater, so kids can burn off energy before the film begins.
📍 Locations: Liberty, Shawnee, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit

20. Whiskers Cat Cafe – Kansas City, MO

A cozy spot where you can sip on drinks from the cafe and spend time with adoptable cats in a playful and relaxing atmosphere.
📍 Address: 3705 Southwest Trfy, Kansas City, MO 64111

Looking for even more indoor play options? Be sure to check out my blog on the best indoor play places in Kansas City. You’ll find tons of ideas for keeping the kids happy and busy, no matter the weather. Let me know your favorite spots, and I might just feature them next!