Tag Archives: Recreation

Cultural Passport

Your guide to KC’s most vibrant celebrations.

By Michelle Bacon | Photo by Ali Nassir

KC’s presence on the global stage may be a recent development, but its ethos as a cultural hub has long been ingrained in its food, art and celebrations. From eagerly anticipated festivities to newly established customs, these events highlight the vibrant communities that live and thrive in the metro area.

AANHPI HERITAGE FESTIVAL | May
In 2021, the same year Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was officially recognized by the city, local activists organized the modest inaugural event. Now, Vietnamese coffee shop Café Cà Phê and its nonprofit arm Hella Good Deeds draw large crowds to a wide berth of Eastern cultures — encompassing 50+ local businesses, food trucks, visual and performing artists, fashion shows, live tattoo demonstrations and the endlessly captivating Chinese lion dance.

FIESTA FILIPINA | June
Observing its 50th anniversary in 2025, Fiesta Filipina marks the Philippines’ independence from Spain. Held by the Filipino Association of Greater KC, the event preserves cultural traditions with food staples including pancit and lumpia, folk dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations and storytelling.

JUNETEENTHKC HERITAGE FESTIVAL | June
While Juneteenth wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, KC was one of the first Midwestern cities to commemorate the occasion. Introduced in 1980, JuneteenthKC now takes place at 18th & Vine — against the backdrop of a celebrated jazz history and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Honoring the city’s African American foundations, the fest boasts 150+ vendors, gospel entertainers, a literacy zone and a health/cooling center with onsite medical and dental services.

ETHNIC ENRICHMENT FESTIVAL | August
Most of us are introduced to unfamiliar cultures through food — a big reason why the Ethnic Enrichment Festival has been a premier summer meetup for nearly 50 years. Grab a passport and stamp your way across 70+ represented countries, filling up on Jamaican beef patties, Greek moussaka and Egyptian sambusas.

KC FIESTA HISPANA | September
With roots dating back to 1981, Fiesta Hispana remains one of the Midwest’s largest Hispanic/Latino gatherings. In addition to 60+ vendors, a bevy of local entertainers/makers and children’s activities, the fiesta fosters community development through youth outreach efforts, employment opportunities and health services.

Let’s Dance

Feel the beat and find community on Kansas City’s dance floors.

By Kelly Bunch | Photo by Denis Nicholson

Kansas City’s music roots run deep with live music venues in every corner of the metro. But it’s not just about hearing great tunes — sometimes you want to bust a move. The KC region is known for its welcoming vibe, and the dance scene is no different. If you’re looking for a place to let loose, come as you are to shake it out — no experience required.

TWO STEP
Swap your ballcap for boots and bolos, and head to the West Bottoms for Honky Tonk Tuesdays. The Ship, one of KC’s most beloved live music venues, clears the dance floor every Tuesday night for two-step lessons and dancing with a live band.

SWING
Kansas City Swingout teaches the Lindy Hop, a social swing dance originated during the Harlem Renaissance that celebrates rhythm, connection and improvisation to jazz music. With weekly social dances on Wednesdays, classes every Saturday and quarterly live music events, the organization’s mission is to keep the legacy of swing jazz alive in Kansas City.

“Partnered dancing is such an amazing way to connect and create with another human being,” says Ariel Lacey, KC Swingout’s community engagement director. “And KC Swingout is such an incredibly welcoming community to start in.”

HI-FI
You can feel the music with the powerful sound system at In the Lowest Ferns in the West Bottoms. Enjoy craft cocktails and a moody garden atmosphere while you move to electronic beats from a rotating tap of DJs.

RETRO
When retro vibes are calling your name, Funky Town delivers each Friday and Saturday night with music from the 70s, 80s and 90s under neon lights. Decade-driven outfits are welcome and encouraged, so comb through your closet for your best vintage threads before a night of singing your favorite classic songs at the top of your lungs.

SALSA
Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille in the Kansas City Power & Light District will transport you on a Latin getaway without ever leaving KC. Feel the heat each weekend with Salsa Saturday, a night of pure energy celebrating this vibrant dance. Lesson included!

New & Notable

Explore the latest innovations, expansions and coming attractions.

By Randy Mason and Abby White

From its earliest days, Kansas City has been a crossroads — a place where journeys began, routes intersected and travelers chose to say.

Today, the metro’s future is shaped by the same forces that built its legacy: connection, innovation and bold ideas that drive us forward. 

A man playing with an interactive installation at Atlas 9.

ATLAS9
Part immersive art, part cinematic adventure, Atlas9 is a choose-your-own-path experience unlike anything in the region. Think museum, movie and performance — all in one. Designed by local firm Dimensional Innovations and evocative of esoteric projects like Meow Wolf, Atlas9 is now open in Kansas City, Kansas.

THE RABBIT HOLE
Step inside your favorite storybook — literally. Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024, The Rabbit hOle in North Kansas City is a radically immersive museum where beloved characters and scenes from over a century of children’s literature come to life.

SW19
SW19 at the Stadium is Kansas City’s new pickleball hot spot. This former hotel and water park offers a vibrant indoor venue with high-tech courts, local eats and is the proud home of the pro pickleball team: the Kansas City Stingers. The building has plans to convert the unused hotel space into 275 mixed-income apartments and enough hotel rooms to accommodate pickleball tournament guests.

KC STREETCAR MAIN STREET EXTENSION
The KC Streetcar added 3.5 miles to its route, extending the existing downtown loop all the way to UMKC. That means 16 new stops and a smooth ride through Midtown, Westport, the Plaza, the Art Museum District and more. This always-free ride is the easiest (and coolest) way to explore the heart of the city.

BERKLEY RIVERFRONT
The confluence of two major rivers kick-started Kansas City. Today, the Berkley Riverfront developments remind us of the metro’s beginnings. New apartments, shops and restaurants are all bringing folks back to the banks of the Missouri.

PENNWAY POINT
Yet another link to the city’s industrial past, Pennway Point is a growing place that reconfigures warehouse space as an “urban playground.” Featuring miniature golf and a giant Ferris wheel that provides a bird’s eye view of the downtown skyline, the entertainment district will soon add restaurants, live music stages and a neon sign alley.

ROY BLUNT LUMINARY PARK
Want to enjoy the great outdoors? Soon you will be able to — right in downtown KC. Plans are underway to “cap” the south downtown freeway loop, creating a public green space suitable for all kinds of gatherings and events.

AMELIA EARHART HANGAR MUSEUM 
Air travel is a big part of KC’s legacy, and no aviator fuels our imagination like Amelia Earhart. Her hometown of Atchison, Kansas, highlights her many achievements (and the mystery of her disappearance) in this interactive museum.

BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME
The historic 18th & Vine neighborhood boasts a reborn addition. The Boone Theater harkens back to the area’s heyday as an entertainment mecca. It’s also home base for the Black Movie Hall of Fame, which inducted its first class in 2022.

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM
Before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier, the Negro Leagues gave Black ballplayers a place to showcase their skills. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the 18th & Vine district is building a new space to tell even more stories about these amazing athletes and their achievements.

A family viewing a shark at the aquarium.

SOBELA OCEAN AQUARIUM
OK, one thing KC has never had is an ocean. But the newest addition to the Kansas City Zoo is the next best thing, featuring a diverse, exciting mix of otters, turtles, sharks and other sea-faring creatures in a beautiful 650,000-gallon exhibit.

HISTORIC WEST BOTTOMS REDEVELOPMENT
KC history is truly alive in the historic West Bottoms neighborhood, where the Kansas and Missouri rivers meet. An ambitious new undertaking reimagines the former hub for trading, stockyards and industry into a live-work-play-stay community with new residential units, innovative restaurants and local goods everywhere the eye can see.


Home to Champions

A vibrant sports culture shapes the KC region and nurtures a community of champions.

By Pete Dulin

Fandom itself is practically a sport in KC. Native residents and transplants find a common language, a mutual enthusiasm for sports that lasts a lifetime.That invigorating spirit resonates through every season. 

Each spring, Kansas City hosts the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, where more than 150,000 ticket holders watch hoops at the T-Mobile Center. March Madness fans rally behind powerhouse and Cinderella-story college basketball teams. We attend watch parties at the Power and Light District to root and hope, rain or shine. Electric cheers reverberate city-wide. 

And when football season rolls around, members of Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom flock from Midwest cities and gather at Arrowhead Stadium. The Sea of Red begins in the parking lot. Fragrant smoke whets our appetite. We prepare barbecue slow and low, temperature rising at the tailgate, and show hospitality to visitors. Since 2014, Arrowhead has held the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium, with crowd chants and decibel-busting roars frustrating opponents and thrilling fans. 

Generations of sports lovers pass on traditions backed by local pride. Young athletes throughout Kansas City learn and grow not only in schools, but also on the field, in gyms and at sports complexes. They develop leadership and sportsmanship skills that serve them in competition and in life.

Backed by family, coaches and friends, we show solidarity after a setback. We bond over triumph and celebrate achievement.

Our winners’ list is long and worthy. We tout Super Bowl wins, World Series championships and MLS Cups. 

Champions themselves, KC Current has made history by playing at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team. Fan-based KC Blue Crew and Undertow KC keep Teal Rising spirits raised high on match days.

And the ultimate win for KC? Hosting fans from around the globe for FIFA World Cup 26™.

Nothing slows us down. We are home to champions, a community proud to support our sports heroes and each other year-round.

Mind & Movement

Explore KC’s diverse pathways to balance, health and living your best life. 

By Maggie Smardo

Wellness is about discovering what ignites your spark — and KC offers an array of avenues to do so. There’s something here for every path toward well-being, so embrace the journey and step confidently into the best version of yourself. 

A woman on a massage table at Hand & Land.

HAND & LAND
Tucked into the historic Luzier Building in Midtown, Hand & Land is your destination no matter where you are in your journey to “clean things up.” This tranquil spa and shop offers sustainable, organic products — each one intentionally curated. From holistic spa treatments to planet-friendly gifts, it’s a trusted space for anyone seeking mindful self-care in Kansas City.

Chiefs Fit sign.

CHIEFS FIT
With locations at The Country Club Plaza and in Overland Park, Chiefs Fit is an elite wellness destination where high-performance training meets restorative recovery. From personal training to Normatec compression, every detail is designed for champions. Plus, with KC’s only rooftop training turf, it’s the ultimate environment for maximizing fitness potential and enjoying the city view.

A group yoga class at Kalos.

KALOS 
Breathe. Move. Feel. The KALOS Experience in Westwood reimagines every element of yoga by honoring body movement as a form of art. Combining traditional flows, breathwork and an uplifting environment, they’ve reconceptualized the feeling of group fitness.

Woman reads smoothie bar menu at Woodside.

WOODSIDE
Woodside is a luxury health club with a deeply devoted following. Specializing in collective spaces within their Westwood campus, Woodside offers more than 50 group fitness classes, tennis courts, pools and more.

Bottles of juice from Zen Donkey Farms.

ZEN DONKEY FARMS
Wellness with a cause. Zen Donkey Farms is tapping into both ends of the wellness pendulum by supplying a fresh-pressed juice delivery and a space for people with special needs to experience donkey-assisted activities. Patrons of this unique farm concept can order juice straight to their doorstep, catch the team at a pop-up event or schedule a meet-and-greet with their herd in Greenwood.

A spa pool at Kla Sanctuary.

KLĀ SANCTUARY
Celebrate the ritual of pause at the serene Klā Sanctuary, located in the heart of the West Bottoms. This urban oasis bathhouse blends sanctuary with specialty treatments, offering a transformative sensory journey. Connected to the space is Selah, a haven for reflection and replenishment where anyone — spa guest or not — is invited to indulge in tea and small bites in a soothing setting.

Take It Outside

Experience Kansas City’s natural wonders year-round. 

By Randy Mason

It’s true — you won’t find mountains or an ocean here. 

But through four distinct seasons, this area teems with natural beauty and countless ways to enjoy it. 

Kansas City sits at the confluence of two rivers. While the mighty Missouri is more rowdy than most of us care to tackle, the Riverfront Heritage Trail isn’t. 

This pedestrian and bike-friendly route starts at Berkley Riverfront Park, runs along the banks where steamboats once docked, and into Kansas City, Kansas, at historic Kaw Point. 

The Kansas River is considerably more user-friendly. These days, it’s not unusual to see kayaks and canoes gliding along it, passing farms and forests on their way into the urban heart of town. 

Lovely lakes for swimming, fishing and boating dot the map in every direction. Smithville Lake, just twenty minutes north of downtown, is the metro’s largest. 

The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit harbors a dozen small lakes, linked by trails that wind through woods and wetlands. 

Across the state line, Wyandotte County Lake boasts the kind of hilly terrain that mountain bikers can’t resist. Its rocky bluffs offer great views even in winter. 

Shawnee Mission Park makes it easy to get into the water. The marina rents pedal boats, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. And the 53-acre dog park abutting the lake is one of the best your hound will ever explore. 

Streamway trails are another great way to catch a glipse of wildlife while getting a workout. The Mill Creek Streamway Park runs 17 miles from the Kansas River to Olathe. 

Of course, if you just need some green space and picnic tables, the metro has hundreds of parks. Most notably, KC’s Swope Park. With 1,800 acres, it’s large enough to contain both the Lakeside Nature Center and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. 

Antioch, Meadowbrook and Sar-Ko-Par offer vast acres of scenery and whimsical playgrounds for little ones.

A mom and son tube sliding at Faulkner's Ranch.

Finally, let’s talk about fall. 

The foliage is fabulous and temperatures are mild. For hayrides, pumpkin picking and plenty of other autumnal festivities, check out Faulkner’s Ranch, Louisburg Cider Mill and Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch, to name a few.

Touchdown in Kansas City

Supported by family, former Chiefs player Danan Hughes scored big in KC.

By Pete Dulin | Photos by Paul Andrews

“Neither of us foresaw being this far from New Jersey. We sat down at a table and made a list of pros and cons,” said Danan Hughes, recalling when he contemplated his next steps after six years of playing wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hailing from the East Coast, Danan and his wife, Tiffani, faced a life-changing decision. Stay in Kansas City or leave? By 1999, they were parents of four children with a fifth to come later. 

Overwhelmingly, their list favored staying. Kansas City won them over with the affordable cost of living, excellent area schools, quality of life and the ability to maintain a connection with the Chiefs.

Danan Hughes and family sitting around a table at Third Street Social.

The appeal of KC drew in many of Tiffani’s family members, who packed up their lives in New Jersey to settle near the Hugheses. Danan’s family in New Jersey regularly makes the journey to Kansas City as well. 

“There’s a different style and speed to living here. It’s family first for me and my wife, slow enough to raise a family but fast enough for every lane of life,” said Danan. 

Their adult children and grandchildren have continued their lives in the area. “They see the value in living here,” said Danan. 

The connections and community Danan found as part of the Chiefs were especially valuable when transitioning from pro-player to business pro. Following his football career, a banking contact helped him land a six-month internship, which sparked a long-term career in mortgage lending and business development. 

Over the years, Danan has counseled and aided many families, young athletes and entertainers, teaching them how to manage their credit and loans as first-time home and auto buyers. Most recently, Danan brought that expertise to CommunityAmerica Credit Union, where he continues to help others build strong financial futures. 

Beyond the nine-to-five, Danan fuels his passion for sports as a coach and analyst.

“In the locker room, I coached up many young athletes and became an educational force not only in Kansas City but across the country,” said Danan.

Danan Hughes hands with Chiefs rings.

And his commitment to the Chiefs hasn’t wavered. Danan is the second-term director and president of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors, a group of nearly 60 retired players who work to continually serve the community. 

“The Chiefs teach you early to stay connected. Serve on the board of a charity, raise funds and donate it,” said Danan.

Danan also serves as a color analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs, one of only 32 team-affiliated analysts in the NFL. 

“I’m the only color analyst and former athlete currently doing college basketball, football and baseball as well as professional sports for ESPN and the Big 10 networks. I keep one foot in the locker room. It’s a blessing for me to do this work and zigzag across the country,” said Danan.

And when Danan takes breaks from ‘zigzagging’ the country, the comforts of Kansas City and his family await when his work is done. 

Danan Hughes and his family sitting around a table at Third Street Social.

A Kingdom for Kiddos

A local mom’s guide to family-friendly activities.

By Sarah McGinnity

As a Kansas City transplant of almost 15 years, I have explored the ins and outs of the region while raising my now four kids, discovering diverse, accessible and fun destinations. It doesn’t hurt that my role as the owner of Kansas City Mom Collective — a parenting resource site that connects KC parents to resources, information and each other — gives me the opportunity to explore family-friendly attractions all over the metro. Here are some of my favorites.

Sports for All

There isn’t anything that makes me more proud than our city’s support of the first professional stadium dedicated to a women’s sport in the world. Our kids won’t remember a world that didn’t include a sold-out crowd in an impressive new stadium centered around female athletes. In my kids’ short lifetime, we’ve also seen two Super Bowl wins and two World Series appearances. (And, they get an extra day off school for championship parades!)

Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village

This golf course turned massive park features three playgrounds including a treetop-themed play area and a charming cafe, The Market. The best feature, though, is the sledding hill that the developers specifically planned for kids, who flock here on snowy days. No matter where you find yourself in the metro, you’ll find parks, splash pads and nature centers to love.

Barbecue

When you live in KC, you must have an answer to the question: “What is your favorite barbecue restaurant?” My kids started eating ribs in their toddler years, and we treasure the pictures of sauce dripping down their chins. There is something for every style and perhaps most importantly, you can order meat by the pound (we recommend chopped burnt ends) when cooking is too much effort.

Streetcar Adventures Through Downtown

The FREE KC streetcar makes for a great urban adventure. We start at the downtown Central Library and take the route to Union Station, which boasts Science City, a model train gallery, featured exhibits, the largest movie screen in the city and a planetarium.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

It might be surprising that an art museum lands on this list, but hear me out. With family programming for special holidays, along with weekly kid-focused activities, the Nelson is truly a family destination. Our favorite is the Art Course — an annual mini golf course with holes designed after art from the museum.This is also where you’ll find those iconic shuttlecock sculptures that adorn the lawn.

Best in Show

Kansas City attracts all kinds of performances — from Disney on Ice and Monster Jam to Taylor Swift and a lineup of Broadway shows. Our own KC Symphony even has a family series that includes movies on the big screen with live soundtracks, holiday shows and petite performances where the littlest ticket holders can try out instruments.

More Ideas

That’s just a small snapshot of all KC offers kids and their families. Follow @KansasCityMomCollective for even more ideas for kiddos in KC.

Game On!

In KC, everyone gets to play.

By Ann Clifford

Listen… do you hear it? The rhythmic bounce of a basketball. The chirp of a whistle. The cheers of a friendly crowd. Throughout KC, fields, courts, pools and parks all pulse with the energy of people coming together to compete, exercise and simply have fun. 

Leagues of Our Own

Looking for competition? Just name your sport. You’ll find leagues for flag football, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, tennis and hockey — for people of any age and experience level. For example, the Jewish Community Center — locals call it “The J” — is known for its racquetball and handball leagues. Johnson County Parks and Recreation hosts a pickleball league with flexible scheduling. And for a game with a view, check out the KC Softball Club, which plays at Penn Valley Park overlooking downtown. 

Soccer City, USA

In the KC metro, soccer isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned striker or eager to learn, there’s a place for you. Soccer Nation in Kansas City, Kansas, offers 40,000 square feet dedicated to year-round soccer leagues and instruction for all ages. The Soccer Lot in downtown KC provides co-ed leagues, youth development and pick-up games. Feeling competitive? Heartland Soccer is the largest league and tournament host in the U.S., with options from recreational to premier. 

No Boundaries

Across the region, the playing field is truly level. A vibrant adaptive sports scene ensures that athletes of all abilities can experience the thrill of competition and the joy of play. Archery, basketball, tennis and more are available through organizations like Accessible Sports of Greater Kansas City, The Whole Person and Midwest Adaptive Sports. And, of course, it wouldn’t be KC without the first soccer pitch in the Midwest for the visually impaired, located on the campus of the Kansas State School for the Blind. 

Just for Fun

If you’re looking for recreational options where laughter counts more than points, the KC metro doesn’t disappoint. KC Crew is a social sports league offering everything from basketball and volleyball to dodgeball and fowling (a hybrid of football and bowling). You can also try your hand at a cornhole or urban golf tournament. Kick back with KC Sport and Social Club’s kickball leagues for kids and adults. And check out Stonewall Sports Kansas City, an LGBTQIA+ sports community with plenty of choices, including softball, billiards and trivia. 

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there are plenty of outside-the-box recreational sports to try like ultimate frisbee, BMX racing, fencing, rowing, curling, cricket and quidditch. Play on!

Dive into the Rabbit Hole

By Weston Owen | Photos by Paul Andrews

When we’re children, the world is full of unimaginable experiences where anything is possible and the absurd is almost attainable. For many, this sense of wonderment is born from bedtime stories and children’s literature, full of vivid and brilliant landscapes, curious characters and otherworldly adventures. 

But as we grow, that luster is easily lost. The vivid and brilliant can often become dull and mundane. Yet one of Kansas City’s newest immersive experiences looks to restore our sense of awe and whimsy, from the tiniest of tykes to the most spirited of seniors.

The Rabbit hOle, located in North Kansas City, creates a living culture around literature, one that’s accessible to all and nourishes, empowers and inspires the reading lives of both children and adults.

Co-directors Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin have cultivated an intimate, inviting storybook world in which to lose yourself, showcasing more than 100 years of children’s books, spanning over 150,000 square feet in a historic, century-old warehouse.

Tens of thousands have already dived into this endless wonder, guided by Fox Rabbit — a curious and crepuscular fellow who, as the tales say, is a fox who was orphaned at birth yet raised by rabbits. While visitors may never actually see Fox Rabbit, he is the guiding force behind the museum’s storybook fantasy. 

Within the three floors of radically immersive, creatively curated space, magic truly comes to life. Multi-sensory and discoverable environments help tell children’s stories in ways never before imagined, which can be equally as thrilling for the nostalgic parents reliving their childhood. Whether it’s whispering “goodnight moon” in the great green room or getting a whiff of the pungent tales of the Stinky Cheese Man, each experience is different than the last. 

The Rabbit hOle is constantly changing and ever-evolving, thanks to the brilliant, passionate in-house team of designers, artists and fabricators tasked with bringing each story to life. The mythical landscapes are painstakingly perfected to ensure that the story scenes stand the test of time… and withstand the havoc our little ones can sometimes wreak. For these reasons, The Rabbit hOle will never be truly “finished” but will always offer fresh stories and experiences time and time again. 

What’s more, these thoughtfully inspired spaces will host events with authors and illustrators, while also serving as a backdrop for literary workshops, literature-inspired programming, featured exhibitions and so much more. Featuring a Print Shop and Story Lab, The Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, a Makerspace, Resource Library and a Discovery Gallery for original book art, The Rabbit hOle’s programming delivers for both the young and old, elementary to educators and everyone in between. 

Museums like The Rabbit hOle are communal safe havens that implore us to think critically, live empathetically and dream astronomically. An educational experience where age, race, gender and background are left at the surface as we tumble down this hole of adventure together, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, exploring every exciting turn. So gather your loved ones of all ages and dive into one of the most unique and memorable museum experiences in Kansas City.