Things To Do With Kids in Shawnee, KS

The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an eye-opening journey through history that captivates older children and teens with its immersive, walk-through trench experience and engaging exhibits. As the only museum in the United States solely dedicated to World War I, it provides a powerful educational experience with interactive displays, personal artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring this pivotal moment in history to life.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a world-class cultural experience that's surprisingly kid-friendly,and completely free! Children are immediately drawn to the iconic giant shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn (perfect for photos), while inside you'll find thoughtfully designed family guides and hands-on art programs that make masterpieces accessible and engaging for young visitors.

Loose Park is Kansas City's beloved 75-acre urban oasis that offers something for every family member. From a fantastic playground and serene lake with ducks to feed, to sprawling green spaces perfect for running wild, this park is ideal for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family adventures with picnic blankets and bikes.

Science City at Union Station transforms learning into an adventure with over 50 hands-on exhibits that captivate curious minds. Kids can pedal the thrilling SkyBike suspended 30 feet above the floor, experiment with robots, explore the mesmerizing Light Lab, and engage with interactive science displays throughout the historic Union Station building.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine District offers an interactive journey through baseball history that brings legends to life. Kids can step onto a life-sized replica baseball field surrounded by statues of iconic players, making history tangible and exciting for young visitors who can imagine themselves playing alongside the greats.

Black Hoof Park is a beloved Lenexa destination that offers something for everyone in the family. With its beautiful Lake Lenexa as the centerpiece, kids can enjoy fishing from the pier, cooling off at the splash pad, playing on the playground, and exploring scenic walking paths. The well-maintained facilities and variety of activities make it perfect for everything from quick afternoon visits to all-day family adventures.

Antioch Park is a beloved Kansas City-area destination where families can easily spend an entire day exploring. With a scenic fishing lake, well-maintained playground equipment, shaded picnic areas, and peaceful walking trails winding through 44 acres, this park offers something for every family member whether you're looking for active adventures or a relaxing outdoor escape.

Meadowbrook Park offers families a peaceful escape along Brush Creek with beautifully maintained natural areas perfect for exploring. With its combination of walking trails, playground equipment, and spacious picnic facilities, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family gatherings with plenty of room for kids to roam and play.

The Theatre in the Park brings Broadway magic to the great outdoors with professional-quality musicals and plays performed under the stars in beautiful Shawnee Mission Park. Families can spread out blankets or bring lawn chairs to enjoy beloved shows like The Lion King, Mary Poppins, and other kid-friendly productions in a relaxed, open-air setting that's perfect for introducing children to live theater.

Franklin Park is a beloved Prairie Village destination that checks all the boxes for families seeking quality outdoor time. With its well-maintained playgrounds, spacious sports fields, scenic walking trails, and abundant shade trees, this highly-rated park offers something for every member of the family to enjoy throughout the day.

Lenexa City Center is a vibrant, family-friendly downtown district that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one walkable location. The centerpiece splash pad provides hours of water play fun during warmer months, while year-round farmers markets and outdoor events keep families coming back throughout all seasons.

The Arabia Steamboat Museum offers kids a real-life treasure hunt experience with over 200 tons of perfectly preserved artifacts from an 1856 sunken steamboat. From boots and buttons to dishes and doorknobs, everything looks like it just came from the store yesterday,even though it spent 132 years buried in a Missouri cornfield! It's like stepping into an incredible time machine that shows what life was really like before the Civil War.