I recently had the chance to spend the weekend in Kansas City, KS! So funny that I live right across the state line and never seem to embrace all that our neighboring city has to offer.  I had so much fun and wanted to share the scoop on everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend in KCK!

Where to stay

Homewood Suites

This 3-star hotel is situated next to the Kansas Speedway and Legends Shopping Outlet, which would serve as prime location for your Kansas City, Kansas visit. This brand new property features all-suite accommodations and brings you the comforts of home and the convenience of the office. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, evening reception, a full kitchen, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and more. The room rates are usually around $190 per night due to the recent renovation and proximity to the interstate.

10922 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City,Kansas, 66109 | website

What to do

T-Bones Game

Enjoy a summer evening outside watching Kansas City's minor baseball team. You can buy a ticket for as little as $6.50 online and you have access to free parking.  There are usually specials on weekday games, so make sure to check out their website for additional details! They offer ticket + food/drink packages, making it a great choice for a family outing.

1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas 66111 | website

Kayaking the Kansas River

Kick the summer heat with an outdoor adventure on the Kansas River. This river has 19 access points, spanning from Junction City to Kansas City. You can use this map to determine which access point is most convenient for you. Always remember to check the water levels before you depart! You can rent kayaks through Friends of the Kaw or Captain Catfish and sign up for a guided trip as well.

Slaps BBQ

You can't visit Kansas City without trying the staple cuisine! Slaps Barbecue is a no-frills restaurant tucked in the Strawberry Hills neighborhood. It is located on Central Ave and has a huge menu, spanning from burnt ends and ribs to hush puppies and cheese curds. Slaps has been featured on the Food Network and just teamed up with Heinz to create the KC Sweet & Smokey Barbecue Sauce.

553 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 | website

Frontier Justice

Brush up on your self defense skills by attending a class at this shooting range. The women's class is taught in a no-pressure environment, and is open to all skill levels. Other classes include low-light shooting, introductions to automatic rifles, firearm training, and many more. You can fill out your waiver before you arrive to save you some time.

10000 France Family Drive, Kansas City, Kansas 66111 | website

Zip KC

See the city from above with an exhilarating Zipline Tour. The most popular option lasts 2 hours and includes 5 lines with speeds reaching up to 50 mph. The highlight of the tour is a zero gravity line which features a 12 foot free fall before the zip line swings you side to side - like a roller coaster. You can zipline either day or night, both of which include a hike to your swinging destinations!

You can also do the obstacle course, which is what I did while I was there.  It was seriously so much fun!! I loved every second of it and can't wait to go back.

12829 Loring Rd Bonner Springs, Kansas City, Kansas 66012 | website

Sporting KC

The soccer capital of America is located at Children's Mercy Park, a state-of-the-art facility that holds 18,000 fans under a canopy room that shades every section. All of the action is captured on an 550 square-foot screen. Single-game tickets start at around $26.

One Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111 | website

Kansas Speedway

The Kansas Speedway is a 1.5 mile racetrack and is home to 2 annual NASCAR Spring Race Series. Certain fan experience packages are available to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the facility. If NASCAR is your thing, the VIP package is priced at $500 and includes a presidential suite tour, food and beverages, parking, and a meet-and-greet with the drivers for the race day.

Legends Shopping

This premium outlet shopping mall has over 100 stores and is sure to please every taste. From clothing, to jewelry, to entertainment stores, you definitely won't be able to hit them all in one day. There's also a Dave & Busters and an AMC movie theater to entertain if you need a break from your retail therapy. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or sit down for a meal, Legends has several options that will feed your appetite.

1843 West Village Parkway Kansas City, KS 66111 | website

Cabelas

This giant store is home to premium outdoor equipment and knowledgable employees who are happy to help you find the gear for your next adventure. Cabelas is located just off I-70 and I-435 near the Kansas Speedway, so it would be a great idea to hit these two in the same day. This store was built to not only surround customers with quality outdoor products, but to engage them with lifelike nature. This store features local fish swimming in the aquarium, and an indoor archery test area. If this type of shopping doesn't interest you, head to the in-store restaurant and try a wild-game sandwich followed by a treat in the Fudge and Nut Shop!

10300 Cabela Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111 | website 

Hollywood Casino

Located just next to the Kansas Speedway, this would be a great option for dinner and a night of gambling. Hollywood Casino has 5 different restaurants, all of which serve different cuisines. The website has a calendar listing all of the entertainment options, which are plentiful during the summer months.

777 Hollywood Casino Blvd Kansas City, KS 66111 | website

With this guide, you'll be sure to experience the best of Kansas City, Kansas! Feed your adventure with indoor and outdoor activities which will be sure to please your travel companions.

Get the scoop on more of my travel adventures!