Things to Do in Kansas City Between World Cup Matches
The matches are the main event, but you are going to have whole days in between, and Kansas City has so much more to offer than a lot of visitors expect. We are a city of fountains, art, jazz history, and ridiculously good food, and I want you to see all of it.
Here is my honest local hit list for filling the hours between World Cup games, whether you have an afternoon to kill or a full free day.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
It is free, it is gorgeous, and the giant shuttlecocks on the lawn are the most photographed thing in the city for a reason. The grounds alone are worth a visit, and on a hot afternoon the air conditioned galleries are a gift. Easy yes for all ages.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial
Since the Fan Festival is right on its south lawn, you may as well go up the tower for the best skyline view in town and tour one of the most moving museums I have ever been to. It is a powerful, only in KC kind of stop.
18th and Vine Jazz District
Kansas City is a jazz town to its bones, and the historic 18th and Vine district is where you feel it. The American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum sit side by side, and a night of live jazz here is the real Kansas City.
The Country Club Plaza and City Market
The Plaza is beautiful for strolling, shopping, and people watching, with Spanish architecture and fountains everywhere. On weekend mornings, the River Market and its City Market farmers market are buzzing with produce, breakfast, and local vendors. Both are great low key ways to spend a few hours.
Wander the Crossroads
The Crossroads Arts District is full of galleries, murals, coffee, and some of the best restaurants in the city. If your visit lines up with a First Friday, you will catch the whole neighborhood out celebrating art. It is walkable and very easy to love.
Cool off and play
We are called the City of Fountains for a reason, so chase a few of the prettiest ones. If you have kids, the zoo, Science City at Union Station, and the splash areas around town are lifesavers on a hot day. Build in downtime, summer here is no joke.
The takeaway
Between matches, give Kansas City a chance to charm you beyond barbecue and soccer. Art, jazz, history, fountains, and great neighborhoods are all here and mostly easy to reach. You came for the World Cup, but I have a feeling the city itself is what you will remember.
Hope you fall a little in love with my town. xo, Pam
