Loose Park

Tucked away in the heart of Kansas City lies Loose Park, a sprawling 75-acre. Meander through its lush greenery and discover the enchanting rose garden, home to over “3,000 roses of nearly 130 varieties.” Best of all, admission is free, making it an accessible retreat for all to enjoy.

Kansas City Ferris Wheel

For a unique perspective of the city, head to the Kansas City Ferris Wheel at Union Station. Climb aboard a private gondola, accommodating up to six people, and ascend to new heights as you marvel at panoramic views of the skyline. Tickets are $16.50 for adults. 

Tulip Festival

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on a countryside adventure at Fun Farm in nearby Kearney. There awaits the annual Tulip Festival from Apr. 5 to Apr. 28, a celebration of spring’s vibrant colors and natural beauty. With over 1.5 million tulips in full bloom, it’s a sight to behold and a photographer’s dream come true. Wander through endless fields of blossoms and pick your favorites to take home. Tickets are $21.95, offering access to a floral paradise.

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

Step into a peaceful world at the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, where art and nature intertwine in perfect harmony. Adorned with bronze sculptures by Tom Corbin, this tranquil garden boasts lush foliage, colorful blooms and playful fountains. With its free admission, it’s the ideal destination for those seeking serene moments amidst the beauty of spring.

River Market

Nestled just South of the Missouri River lies the historic River Market. Gather your friends and family at the heart of the region’s vibrant culture at The City Market, home to the area’s largest farmers market. Every Saturday and Sunday, year-round, over 140 stalls offer a cornucopia of fresh produce, flowers, delectable baked goods and an array of locally crafted treasures. 

First Fridays

Experience the pulse of creativity during First Fridays, a beloved tradition where, on the first Friday of every month, residents and visitors converge upon the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic essence as galleries, studios and businesses showcase the works of local, regional, national and international artists. 

Pickleball

Dive into the vibrant world of pickleball, an outdoor sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, Kansas City offers several pickleball courts waiting to be explored. From community parks to recreational centers, you’ll find diverse venues catering to players of all skill levels. There are websites to discover the perfect court for your next match. 

Monarchs Baseball Game

Step into the exhilarating atmosphere of minor league baseball at a Monarchs game in Kansas City. Root for the home team as they battle it out on the diamond. Tickets have a large price range, so attending a Monarchs game is an accessible and enjoyable outing for individuals and groups alike.

Hiking at Burr Oak Woods

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery amidst the natural splendor of Burr Oak Woods, full of rolling hillsides, lush woodlands and meandering trails. This nature reserve offers a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer a casual stroll, Burr Oak Woods is a great option with its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. 

Whether you are a Kansas City native or from out of town, there is always something new and exhilarating to explore in Kansas City. However, as college students, it may be daunting to find budget-friendly or free places to explore around the city this season. Since we are all busy with CTIs, other classes, research and work, below is a list of budget-friendly things during your leisure time. If you love art, books, museums or just exploring new places, you are bound to find something fun on this list to try!

Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library 

First on our list of budget-friendly places to visit in the area is the Kansas City Public Library. The Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library fulfills all book lovers’ dreams! Not only are there hundreds of amazing books, but also there is a large mural of many of the great classics located on the south wall of the library for all visitors to enjoy. Another thing to experience is the rooftop terrace, which features a chess board and great views of the city. The Central Branch is open:

• Mon. – Wed. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thurs. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Taking a ride on the Kansas City Streetcar

Another free and wonderful thing to do in Kansas City is to take a ride on the streetcar from Union Station down to the City Market. The streetcar travels two miles through Kansas City and is a great way to see all must-see sights. You can visit Union Station at the beginning of your route and see all the old, beautiful architecture, then hop on track and ride down to the City Market to enjoy all the local vendors and shops. The streetcars’ hours of operation are:

• Mon. – Thurs. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Saturday morning)
• Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Sunday morning)
• Sunday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Money Museum

Did you know that Kansas City is home to dozens of museums? One unique museum in the city is the Money Museum, which is located in the Kansas City  branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. This free museum has several exhibits on the history of money, inflation and presidential coin collections. Currently, through December 2022, the museum has a special exhibit on display of the Triple Play: Negro Leagues Baseball Commemorative Coins, and visitors can learn more about the history of Negro Leagues Baseball through the US Mint’s coin collection. The Money Museum is open:

• Mon. – Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Loose Park

If you enjoy the outdoors and free things, then Loose Park is the place for you to visit. Loose Park is the place to have a nice picnic on a beautiful weekend afternoon. While you’re there you can visit the famous 1.5-acre Rose Garden and pond area. If you are an avid history lover, you may find the history at Loose Park of interest; it is the historical site of the Civil War Battle of Westport and features a monument of the battle off of West 52^nd Street. The park is open:

• Every day, 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 

Art and Kansas City are synonymous in the minds of many.. Whether or not you are an art fanatic or have an appreciation for all things beautiful, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art should be on the list of places to visit. It is free to attend and open from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesdays and Fridays through Sundays and from 10 am to 9 pm on Thursdays. The museum boasts a large permanent collection of modern art from well-known artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Tom Hück, and Leonard Pryor. If you get hungry on your visit, you can also visit Café Sebastienne for a small brunch or lunch while there. The museum is open:

• Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fri. – Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.