Whether you're a Kansas City resident or an out-of-towner here to cheer on your favorite team, here are some fun things to do while you enjoy beautiful spring weather and college basketball this week.
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Test your skills on the court at the College Basketball Experience
You like to watch basketball, but do you measure up to the greats? At the College Basketball Experience, you can browse the College Basketball Hall of Fame or take part in interactive exhibits that let you score a game-winning shot, see how many baskets you can make in a short amount of time and roleplay as a sports reporter. (We promise not to tell Frank Boal you're trying to take his job.)
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Take the kids to Crown Center
Crown Center has a lot to offer, but there are a few attractions specifically for kids and families; Legoland, the Sea Life Aquarium and Kaleidoscope (which allows children to make crafts with leftover supplies from the Hallmark Visitors Center) are just a few of them. Once the kids are tired out, you can check out some of the restaurants located inside the building.
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Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
If you're in Kansas City, you have to take a picture with the giant birdie outside of Nelson-Atkins. Next, you can step inside for free (parking costs $8) and add a little culture to your day with exhibits on Rembrandt, Rodin and quirky clay art.
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Explore the bar scene in Westport
Westport has a reputation as a party district, so this is a stop for the over-21 crowd. But hey, if that's a crowd that includes you, you couldn't pick a better place to get in a little pre-St. Patrick's Day celebrating.
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Shop at Brookside
Speaking from a strictly unscientific standpoint, Brookside is probably the cutest neighborhood in KC, and this picturesque district has built itself into a must-visit for shoppers who love unique goods and locally owned businesses.
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Get jazzy at The Majestic
The Majestic isn't just a first-rate steakhouse and jazz club. It's also deeply historic: the building is more than a century old, and the lower level was the site of a speakeasy during Prohibition. The menu is on the pricey side, but if you want to treat your loved ones to a fancy dinner and some groovy tunes, look no further.
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Learn about the players who changed America's favorite pastime at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
If you've been living above-ground recently, you've probably heard that Kansas City loves baseball. We also love the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which pays tribute to the African American players who formed their own leagues after Jim Crow laws forced them out of MLB in the early twentieth century. Visitors can view memorabilia from this era and learn more about those who worked to make baseball equal in the U.S.
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Get a history lesson at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The Liberty Memorial was built shortly after WWI ended; the Great War had shocked the nation deeply, and Kansas City leaders raised money to commemorate the American men and women who had served overseas. The Memorial opened in 1921 with all five Allied commanders present, and in 2004 the Congress designated it the official national WWI museum.
We know, we know — educational. But it's really cool. Trust us.
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Tour the Boulevard Brewery
Again, the under-21 set won't get much out of this, but Boulevard Brewing Company offers a few different types of tours for people of age to see how their beers are made and then try a sip from the source.
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Eat BBQ
It's not optional. KC is overflowing with prime barbecue options, and there's no shame in trying a few to get the full experience. We recommend Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Arthur Bryant's Barbecue to start with.
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Roam the Plaza
County Club Plaza is home to high-end brands like Michael Kors and Sephora, and the food isn't bad either. (Hello, Cheesecake Factory! We'll never leave you again!) You can kill a lot of time here without realizing it, though, so be careful if you've got other stops to make.
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Go to the historic City Market
City Market is the Covent Garden of Kansas City, and it's your best bet to find locally owned businesses selling locally grown produce. You can stop in at the restaurants for a taste of Brazil or India, or you can pick up some fresh-cut flowers from a professional horticulturist.
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Ride the KC Streetcar
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