Toddler Activities in Kansas City

Summer is nearing an end. And you’re probably looking for some places to take your toddler before winter gets here (and cabin fever sets in).

I’ve listed out my top ten places that are choked full of toddler activites!! And when I say toddler, I’m talking one to four years old. P.S. Forgive my pictures. Yes, I’m a professional photographer. But remember that I have two toddlers with me during our outings that I’m trying to control and not thinking of exposure or composition 🙂

1. Hallmark’s Kaleidscope: I remember going to Kaleidscope as a kid during school and loving it. I took my kids last year, and it was just as cool. The kids will get to make art with Hallmark’s scraps at different stations from water painting to melted crayons! So fun!!! Best if the kiddo is a year and older. I love going during the holidays because I’ll plan a visit with Santa at Crown Center as well as seeing the Mayor’s Christmas tree at the same time.
2. Wonderscope: There are tons of activities for kids to do here! I will forewarn you that it reminds me of a creepy old asylum, but that’s just me. I would only bring kids 18 months or older.
3. Science City. Even at exactly a year old, my kiddo loved it! There’s so much to do here and kids won’t get bored! There is a water race, a jungle gym, tons of things for kids to touch and feel, riding their first helicopter (albiet stationary), its pretty cool.
4. Zonkers: We had Ansley’s 3rd birthday party here, and she was able to ride her very first roller coaster! It was tons of fun for kids 3 years and older. Not exactly the best for a 2 year old – I mean, there was stuff for them to ride, but not enough to justify the 45 minute drive to Olathe from my house.
5. Worlds of Fun Planet Snoopy: Okay this one is not so cheap unless you buy the season pass and go all the time. I wish I would have purchased a season pass for myself (kids under 2 get in free) because the girls loved Camp Snoopy. Even my youngest who was 30 inches at the time could ride most of the rides!! I had to sit and watch my kid ride the Kite Eating Tree 8 times in a row. If you time it right, you will find that you will not stand in line much (if at all).
6. Little Monkey Bizness: Sometimes big things come in small packages, and that’s what I feel about Little Monkey Bizness. We had a playdate here, and it was awesome! There was a cute minature zipline, bounce house, and huge slide! It was big enough where the kids could roam freely without me freaking out as a parent wondering where my kiddo was at. The pizza there was suprisingly good as well!
7. Home Depot Kids Workshops: I love that Home Depot sponsors these little projects!! I will say that I haven’t been, but I’ve seen tons of Facebook photos of friends who go to these events. The next one I see coming up is a birdhouse for 5-12 year olds (but I see friends that take kids that are younger than that).
8. Deanna Rose Farm (and then upgrade to the Kansas City Zoo): Before you take your toddler on their first adventure to the Kansas City Zoo, you might check out the amazing farm at Deanna Rose. There are tons of animals and activities for kids to do in a more concentrated area. You can get a feel for how your kiddo reacts – and then decide whether to go to the zoo. Check on my blog post about Aubrey’s first birthday party here.
9. Shatto Milk Tour: What kid wouldn’t love sampling all the amazing milk Shatto has to offer? And then end it with milking a real cow?! Read all about our tour experience here.
10. Loose Park, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: These are various parks that I’ve been to that are awesome to take toddlers and create your own nature trail adventure! Loose Park has an amazing rose garden as well as pond where you can see ducks and geese. The OP Arboretum and Botanical Gardens has a very pretty and surreal nature walk. James A Reed has a junior fishing pond called Honker Pond that is typically stocked with fish and you can followup that fishing trip with an awesome nature trail where you may see some people riding horses!

I hope that gives you some insight on places to take your toddler! Don’t forget about my post about water parks if your kids are in the mood to splash around!

Here are some other places that I plan on taking the kids, but can’t vouch for:

1. Missouri Town
2. Paradise Park
3. Gymboree

What places did I miss? What should I add to this list? Follow me on instagram, facebook, and google+ and let me know!