WHERE TO STAY
THE WESTIN CROWN CENTER: This is a spectacular hotel whether you stay or just tour the lobby to view its five-story waterfall. Rates for a family of four are $89 to $169 per night. Call 800-228-3000.SHERATON SUITES COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA: This hotel is in the beautiful historic area. Rates start at $159 for a family of four. Call 816-931-4400.
WHAT TO SEE
CITY MARKET: From flowers to live chickens, freshness is the rule at this outdoor market. The Saturday Farmers' Market operates March through December, and the Sunday Arts & Crafts Market is open May through August. Call 816-842-1271.
ARABIA STEAMBOAT MUSEUM: See the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, recovered from a ship that sank in the Missouri River. Preserved clothing, cookware, bottled fruits and vegetables and other treasures offer a glimpse of life in the mid-1800s. Admission is $9.75 for adults and $4.75 for children ages 4 to 12. Call 816-471-4030.
CROWN CENTER: For great shopping, dining and entertainment, hit this downtown complex (816-274-8444). From November through March, you can ice-skate at the Ice Terrace. Admission, including rental, is $7.00 for adults and children (816-274-8411). Freebies include tours of the Hallmark Visitors Center (call 816-274-5672) and Kaleidoscope, the company's hands-on art experience for kids. Call 816-274-8300.
NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART: Stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden to view the biggest shuttlecocks, or badminton birdies, you'll ever see. Indoors, look for Museum Guard, a sculpture so lifelike that visitors have been known to ask it questions. Admission is free. Call 816-751-1ART.
WORLDS OF FUN: Amusement park-lovers, get ready for Mamba--one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Park admission is $36 for adults and $13.95 for kids over age 3 and under 48 inches tall. Next door, you'll find a million-gallon wave pool at Oceans of Fun waterpark. Admission is $25 for adults and $13.95 for kids over age 3 and under 48 inches tall. Call 816-454-4545 or click here.
TOY & MINIATURE MUSEUM: The only museum of its kind in the Midwest displays intricate dollhouses and "peep shows"--tiny scenes of life in the 15th century. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for kids ages 3 to 12. Call 816-333-2055.
MISSOURI TOWN 1855: At this replica of an early Missouri town, costumed workers demonstrate daily chores like candle making and wool dying. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids ages 5 to 12. Call 816-795-8200.
WHERE TO EAT
FRITZ'S UNION STATION RESTAURANT: Kids will love burgers and fries even more here. An overhead toy train delivers your meals to your table, and you control a dumbwaiter to bring it down to your level. Call 913-281-2777.BARBECUE: For a real Kansas City specialty, try Gates and Sons Barbecue; many locations throughout the city. Call 816-753-0828 or click here.
Suzanne Lieurance is the author of KIDDING AROUND KANSAS CITY (John Muir Publications).
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
