Kansas City Free Activities

 Kansas City is a vibrant city with a ton to offer, even if you're on a budget!  From exploring the outdoors to enjoying world-class museums, there are plenty of activities that are free in Kansas City to enjoy year-round. Check out some of these amazing options, organized by season:

Spring

• Enjoy the outdoors: 
  • Take a stroll or bike ride through Loose Park, one of the city's largest and most beautiful parks.
  • Explore the scenic trails and native plants at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
  • Visit the Kauffman Memorial Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of the city.
• Embrace the art scene: 
  • Attend First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District, with free gallery openings, live music, and street performers.
  • Explore the free galleries at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Wander through the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's impressive sculpture park.
• Dive into history: 
  • Tour the National World War I Museum and Memorial on certain days with free admission.
  • Learn about the city's rich history at the Kansas City Museum.
  • Visit the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and explore African-American history and culture.

Summer

• Catch a free concert or movie: 
  • Many parks and outdoor venues host free concerts and movie screenings throughout the summer. Check out the schedules for places like Crown Center Square and the Crossroads.
• Cool off at a sprayground: 
  • Take the kids to one of the many free spraygrounds around the city, like the one at Theis Park.
• Explore the City Market: 
  • Wander through the historic City Market, browsing local produce, artisan goods, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
• Cheer on the Royals: 
  • While tickets to a game aren't free, you can often find free events and watch parties happening around the city during baseball season.

Autumn

• Experience fall foliage: 
  • Take a scenic drive or hike to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Weston, Missouri, and Shawnee Mission Park are great options.
• Celebrate Halloween: 
  • Many neighborhoods host free trick-or-treating events and fall festivals.
• Visit a pumpkin patch: 
  • Several farms in the surrounding area offer free admission to their pumpkin patches, where you can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, and other fall activities.
• Attend a college sporting event: 
  • Many local universities offer free admission to certain sporting events, like soccer and volleyball games.

Winter

• Go ice skating: 
  • Crown Center Ice Terrace offers free ice skating on certain days and times throughout the winter.
• Enjoy the holiday lights: 
  • Take a stroll through Crown Center to admire the Mayor's Christmas Tree and the dazzling holiday lights.
  • Drive through Ward Parkway to see the homes decked out in festive decorations.
• Visit the Kansas City Public Library: 
  • Warm up with a good book or attend a free event at the beautiful Central Library.
• Explore the Money Museum: 
  • Learn about the history of currency and the Federal Reserve at the free Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Year-Round

• Ride the KC Streetcar: 
  • Hop on the free KC Streetcar and explore downtown Kansas City.
• Visit the Hallmark Visitors Center: 
  • Learn about the history of Hallmark and see how greeting cards are made.
• Hike or bike the trails: 
  • Kansas City boasts an extensive network of trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
• Explore local farmers' markets: 
  • Many farmers' markets operate year-round, offering fresh produce, local goods, and often live music and entertainment.

This is just a small sampling of the many free things to do in Kansas City. With a little research, you're sure to find plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a dime!

Pro Tip: Be sure to check websites and social media for the most up-to-date information on events and activities, as schedules and availability may change.