Science City at Union Station
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓SkyBike - pedaling across a wire 30 feet above the ground for an adrenaline rush
- ✓Light Lab with lasers, shadows, and optical illusions
- ✓Robotics exhibits where kids can build and program their own creations
- ✓DinoLab featuring fossils and paleontology activities
- ✓Live science demonstrations and experiments throughout the day
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM on weekdays to beat school groups and have the SkyBike nearly to yourself
- 2.The SkyBike has height requirements (42 inches minimum), so measure kids beforehand to avoid disappointment
- 3.Download the Science City app before visiting to access interactive challenges and scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged throughout
- 4.Parking in Union Station's garage is easiest - validate your ticket inside for reduced rates
- 5.Pack hand sanitizer as kids will be touching everything; also bring socks since some exhibits require shoes off
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM-noon) offer the smallest crowds. Avoid Friday afternoons and weekends when field trips and family crowds peak. Summer weekday mornings are ideal for locals looking to beat the heat with indoor activities.
What to Know
Admission tickets are separate from other Union Station attractions, though combo packages are available. The venue is fully accessible with elevators throughout, and Union Station offers multiple dining options from quick bites to sit-down restaurants within the same building.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round making it perfect for hot summer days or cold winter escapes. Special themed events occur during spring break and holiday breaks. Note that Science City is closed Mondays and has reduced Sunday hours (12-5 PM).
Nearby Eats
Pierpont's at Union Station offers upscale dining with a kids menu in the same building, while Harvey's at Union Station provides quicker casual fare including pizza and sandwiches perfect for hungry scientists.
More Activities Near Kansas City
Kansas City Fountains Tour
Kansas City's famous fountains create a magical scavenger hunt adventure for families, with over 200 stunning water features scattered throughout the city. From the spectacular Italian-inspired J.C. Nichols Fountain with its bronze horses to the interactive fountains at Crown Center where kids can splash and play, this free self-guided tour lets families explore at their own pace while discovering hidden aquatic gems around every corner.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
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
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
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.