7 Best Weekend Trips from Kansas City
Unforgettable Escapes Just a Drive Away
Whether you’re seeking family fun, a romantic getaway, or a girls’ trip, Kansas City is surrounded by incredible destinations perfect for a quick escape. These weekend trips from Kansas City are within a short drive and packed with activities, dining options, and unique attractions.
If you need some motivation to pack your bags and get out of Dodge, ahem, Kansas City, then this guide with the top 7 weekend trips from Kansas City is exactly what you need. Each destination offers unique experiences to suit every traveler’s taste.
Are you looking for places a little closer? Check out my Day Trips from Kansas City blog post.
Omaha
You can’t have a list of weekend getaways from Kansas City without Omaha!
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Families adore the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This massive zoo features diverse exhibits like the Desert Dome and the Scott Aquarium. There is so much to see you could easily spend 2 days here. My family loved playing at the Children’s Adventure Trails playground, where you literally get to play in a treehouse next to monkeys! We also loved the Skyfari and train rides. If you get hungry, be sure to stop at the Durham Treetops Restaurant. You can eat next to large windows overlooking the Lied Jungle, which will make you feel like you’re eating with the monkeys!
Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities tailored for young minds. It’s an excellent spot for families looking to engage their kids in creative and educational play. My kids loved the bubbles on the upper floor. For an added cost, you can ride the carousel or train or mine for rocks upstairs. This is a must-add for any weekend trips from Kansas City for families list!
The Riverfront
Couples, friends, and families can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Omaha Riverfront. Walk or bike across the Bob Kerry Bridge for a unique perspective of the city. The bridge offers stunning views and connects Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa so you can stand in two states at once! Be sure to look for Omar the Troll underneath the bridge. There are bike stations where you can rent bikes using an app along the Riverfront.
If you’re traveling with your family, be sure you check out the two epic playgrounds. They both have water features for hot days. If you don’t have kids, you will still want to enjoy the public spaces with hammocks, swinging chairs for adults, and a stage where live performances happen throughout the warmer months.
Lee Simmons Wildlife Park
Nature enthusiasts and families will love Lee Simmons Wildlife Park. This drive-through safari park allows you to get up close with native wildlife, making it a thrilling experience for all ages.
Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest offers hiking trails and natural beauty for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. It’s perfect for a peaceful day out.
Lauritzen Gardens
Explore the stunning Lauritzen Gardens, a botanical paradise with themed garden areas. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing walk and some beautiful photo opportunities. My family loves the kids’ miniature train area and the beautiful rose garden.
Old Market
Old Market is a lively district filled with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and soak in the local culture. We stayed at the Hyatt in Old Market which was within walking distance of a lot of fun places downtown. Every weekend trips from Kansas City for couples list needs to include Old Market!
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 190 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 2.5 hours
Bentonville
This is one of the best weekend trips from Kansas City for couples and families!
The Square & Walmart Museum
The Square is in the heart of Bentonville. It has shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it a great place to grab a bite and walk around. Sometimes there are outdoor concerts in the square. Learn about the history of Walmart at the Walmart Museum, located in the original Walton’s 5&10 store. If you’re traveling with family, be sure to buy the ice cream!
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Art lovers should not miss the Crystal Bridges Museum, featuring an impressive collection of American art and beautiful walking trails. This museum is world class, not only in it’s collection, but it’s architecture. There are miles of paved trails and an impressive outdoor sculpture collection for anyone who loves art or the outdoors.
Scott Family Amazeum
Perfect for families, the Scott Family Amazeum offers interactive science and art exhibits that engage children of all ages. Families will love this interactive children’s area. It connects to the paved Crystal Bridges Trail.
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a seriously cool spot even if you don’t like mountain biking. This area has wide paved trails so you can walk or bike through the park, easy unpaved off-shoots from the main trail that are great for kids or adults learning to mountain bike, and more intense areas with steep hills and jumps. My kids loved watching all the mountain bikers do jumps and were inspired to bike with their balance bikes on the easy unpaved trails.
Be sure to stop at Airship Coffee for the coolest coffee-drinking experience and a small selection of food. This open-air coffee shop has a rooftop and porch swings for some cool vibes.
The camping at Coler is top-of-the-line. It made my list of 10 Best Places for Camping near Kansas City. It’s within biking or walking distance of Airship if you don’t want to make breakfast or coffee. The facilities are nice and well kept, although you cannot park right next to your campsite so be prepared to walk a short distance.
The Momentary
A contemporary art space, The Momentary hosts rotating exhibits, performances, and events, providing a cultural experience for visitors. The Momentary showcases art that is fun and unique. The rooftop bar is perfect for any couple or group of friends looking for a fun and unique spot.
8th Street Market
Visit the 8th Street Market for a variety of food vendors and unique shops. There is a small food hall with some seriously good food. In true Bentonville fashion, this area has a great outdoor area including a giant rock-climbing boulder which makes the perfect spot to view the sunset for anyone who is adventurous enough to climb it.
Worth the Drive: Tanyard Creek
Just a short drive from Bentonville, Tanyard Creek offers scenic hiking trails and waterfalls, perfect for a day of nature exploration. My kids always love stopping here to see the waterfalls on our way in or out of Bentonville as it is on the way from Kansas City.
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 215 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 3.5 hours
Des Moines
If you’re looking for weekend getaways from Kansas City, Des Moines is the perfect place for families!
Blank Park Zoo
Families will love Blank Park Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits. It’s a great place to spend a fun-filled day with kids.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Art enthusiasts can stroll through Pappajohn Sculpture Park, featuring impressive sculptures and open green spaces perfect for a picnic. This park is free and a great place for families who want to expose their kids to art but also let them explore.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the beautifully landscaped Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, offering diverse plant collections and serene walking paths.
Adventureland Park
Thrill-seekers can head to Adventureland Park, an amusement park with exciting rides and attractions for all ages.
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa offers hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows. We were impressed with the vast array of ages this museum catered to, with exhibits for toddlers to teens.
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 190 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 3 hours
Oklahoma City
If you’re looking for road trips from Kansas City, Oklahoma City is a little further away but definitely worth the drive!
Science Museum Oklahoma
This is the coolest science museum our family has ever been to! It is huge, easily 4 times bigger than Science City in Kansas City. It has so much to offer for every age and tons of hands-on activities, a cafe, and more! My kids played here for hours, and we still didn’t do it all.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
This is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens we have been to. This large greenhouse is in the heart of downtown. It’s got a large waterfall, an upper boardwalk area, and a ton of beautiful plants.
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden for a day of animal encounters and lush gardens, perfect for all ages.
Bricktown Entertainment District
Friends can head to Bricktown for dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Our family loved taking a boat ride on the canal at night. It was fun to see everything lit up! Don’t miss Brickopolis for family fun like arcade games and mini golf.
Pinkitzel
Pinkitzel is a whimsical candy and cupcake shop offering sweet treats and a fun atmosphere. My kids loved stopping here for ice cream and I loved getting photos of them in this cute shop!
Scissortail Park
Scissortail Park is a sprawling urban park. Kids will love the playground while adults will love the beautiful and unique bridge, which is beautiful during the day and at night. Stop by Spark for a delicious nearby burger.
Wheeler Park
Visit Wheeler Park for a ride on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and one of the most instagramable photo spots!
Riversport OKC
Thrill-seekers can try their hand at kayaking, zip-lining, and other adrenaline-pumping activities at Riversport Adventure Park. My kids loved the rock climbing, ropes course, and jumping pillow, but I am looking forward to going back when they are older for white water rafting!
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 350 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 5 hours
Springfield
For a full list of things to do in Springfield, Missouri, check out my blog post with 24 ideas! I hope this helps you plan your next weekend getaway from Kansas City!
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the Largest Immersive Wildlife Attraction in the World. You can spend hours walking through the aquarium and habitats so lifelike you will feel like you’re touring the world. The Wildlife Museum has some of the most impressive scenes I have seen with life-size animals from around the globe. This is a must for any weekend trips from Kansas City list!
Mother’s Brewing Company
Couples and friends can enjoy a tour and tasting at Mother’s Brewing Company, which offers a playground for kids, also making it a family-friendly spot.
Dickerson Park Zoo
Visit the Dickerson Park Zoo for a day of animal encounters and educational exhibits, perfect for all ages. My kids loved riding the mini train and feeding the giraffes.
Fantastic Caverns
Fantastic Caverns is an impressive cave with a tram you can ride on through it. It’s a great spot for families or anyone who has mobility issues, but anyone who likes exploring caves will like this tour.
No list of Missouri weekend getaways would be complete without Springfield, Missouri!
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 165 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 3 hours
Branson
There isn’t a more famous Missouri weekend getaway than Branson! No list of weekend trips from Kansas City would be complete without Branson!
Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail
This is one of the coolest experiences we have had in Missouri. You rent a golf cart and drive it over rivers, through caves, and past waterfalls. This is a must-see if you’re in Branson.
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is an Ozark staple. Think of it as an amusement park with an old-time Western theme, some of the best food you will find in the Midwest, and Halloween and Christmas displays so beautiful that people will travel for hours every season just to see them! This is a must-add to any weekend getaways near Kansas City list!
Table Rock Lake State Park
Nature lovers can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking at Table Rock Lake, a beautiful and serene spot for outdoor activities.
Titanic Museum
History buffs can explore the Titanic Museum, featuring artifacts and exhibits related to the ill-fated ship. This would be a great activity for couples, friends, or a girls’ trip.
Shows
Branson is known for having world-class shows with epic costumes, singing, and dancing. One of the most popular shows is Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
The Butterfly Palace
Our family loved this spot so much we went back twice in one trip! My kids loved seeing all the butterflies. It felt like a magical garden as butterflies fly all around you.
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 210 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 3.5 hours
St. Louis
Saint Louis is the perfect weekend trip from Kansas City for families and groups of friends!
Gateway Arch
No trip to St. Louis is complete without visiting the smallest National Park in America–the Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. We loved walking around downtown near the bottom of the arch for some fun photos of downtown Saint Louis.
City Museum
Although some people might assume that the City Museum is a regular museum, I assure you it is far from that. This fun and interactive space is imaginative and fun for all ages. There are hands-on exhibits, areas to crawl through, giant slides, areas to create. It looks like a pawn shop blended with a playground. Kids love this spot as well as adults who love art and don’t mind exploring like a kid again.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best in the country. It’s hard to beat the free admission and fascinating exhibits, making it perfect for a family day out or for a couple who loves animals.
Forest Park
Spanning over 1,300 acres, this stunning park is larger than New York’s Central Park and has so much to offer! The park is home to numerous attractions, including the Saint Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, and the enchanting St. Louis Art Museum. Turtle Playground is a popular spot for families. Kids love to play on the giant turtle!
The Magic House
The Magic House is a children’s museum offering hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity and curiosity in kids. It’s a great spot for families visiting Saint Louis on a weekend trip from Kansas City.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Nature lovers will enjoy the Missouri Botanical Garden. It features beautifully landscaped gardens and historic buildings. There is a great children’s section with a large playground. It has Christmas festivities as well, making it a great spot to visit even in December. It’s a great spot on any list of weekend trips from Kansas City!
Saint Louis Union Station
Explore the historic Saint Louis Union Station. This space has been revitalized into a vibrant entertainment hub with attractions like the St. Louis Aquarium, the Ferris Wheel, and the Museum of Illusions.
Practical Information
- Distance from Kansas City: Approximately 250 miles
- Estimated Road Trip from Kansas City Time: About 4 hours
Conclusion
There are some incredible weekend trips from Kansas City. I hope you feel inspired to book a trip and make some memories. These road trips from Kansas City offer tons of fun for families, couples, nature lovers, and groups of friends looking to explore.
Looking for more weekend trips from Kansas City? Check out Kids in KC’s blog post about visiting Wichita with her family.
Looking for some suggestions of places that are a little unique? Check out my Kansas Hidden Gems post or my 11 Most Beautiful State and National Parks in the Midwest post.
Which weekend trips from Kansas City do you want to take first? Let me know in the comments.
