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. 

We took advantage of our free day to go to Kansas City and explore. Without money or time restrictions, we’ve compiled a list that we think will help you explore the city. 

Morning: We hope you guys also sleep in because we did. Our day starts at 10 a.m.

Our first stop was the River Market. A hot coffee from Thou Mayest was a great start for a long day ahead. I recommend a honey lavender latte. This place is also ideal for cute pictures. After that, we walked to River Market Antiques closeby. I have no pictures of the store because everything in there was so interesting that I didn’t even think about my phone. It was a little bit pricey but it is worth it to at least walk around and look at all the old stuff. Before taking the streetcar, we stopped by Dutch Flowers. They have everything you need for a garden, tiny plants for your dorm room, cute notebooks and decorations.

Our next stop was Union Station. We took the streetcar there. Except for the train museum, there is not a lot in there if you are not willing to pay. But if we did have money, I would go to Science City. Sadly, we had a limited budget.

Our last stop in the morning was the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I spent almost three hours there. If I had more time, I would go visit the World War I Museum. I visited it at the beginning of school. I felt really sad after, but I think it was a good lesson to value the peaceful time we are having right now.

Night: After the Nelson Atkins, we stopped at Gocha 2 in West Port for boba tea. The tea shop is so cute that we took pictures while we waited for our tea.

After getting boba, we drove around the Power and Light District and played music with the windows down. The Power and Light is a quintessential city experience with its tall skyscrapers and beautiful lights. We drove around the T-Mobile Center and talked about how much we miss concerts and what concerts we will go to when COVID-19 is finally over.

We ended our night by visiting 18^th and Vine and all the jazz bars. The Jazz District is an important part of Kansas City as one of the major jazz cities in America. We didn’t have time to do it all in one day, but the Jazz Museum is definitely something to add to your list of things to do in Kansas City. We walked up and down 18^th and Vine and took pictures of the lights. 18^th and Vine is also home to one of the KC Black Lives Matter road murals.

If you are ever feeling bored or wanting a day away from studying and classes, going to the city can be a great experience full of opportunities for you and your friends. It may be hard to think of things to spend your time with, but our day of exploring will hopefully inspire you to explore the city yourself and take lots of pictures.