Updated 2/5/21
Field Trip Opportunities in Kansas City
Please note that these are suggestions only and are not necessarily endorsed by the MPE Board of Directors. Information about times, availability and costs are subject to change. Please contact the facility before visiting to ascertain current information.
Thanks to Alyse Smith for compiling these field trip opportunities.
Note: Retired homeschool mom and MPE member Traci Matt has written a Kindle eBook all about field trips, which we highly recommend: http://ow.ly/Kg9ga
Agriculture Hall of Fame
Offers several different programs for groups.
Address: 630 Hall of Fame Dr., Bonner Springs, KS Phone: 913-721-1075 Cost: Fee is from $3.00 – $7.00 Discounts for groups.
Arts Education Program at the Carlsen Center
Offers school shows, master classes, camps, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, teacher workshops. Address: The Carlsen Center Arts Education Program, P.O. Box 67, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210-1299. Phone: Angel Mercier, Director 913-469-8500 ext. 4221, or visit our website at
http://www.jccc.edu/carlsen-center-presents/arts-education/index.html
and click on Arts Education for our brochure.
Bump City – Gage Center
A giant indoor playland. Activities for ages three and over include: in-ground trampolines rope swings inflatables slam dunk basketball Monster Mountain indoor climbing wall foam pit and more. Groups as small as 20 or as large as 500+ are welcome. Special Dragonfly Bump City for children ages kindergarten and under available on Friday mornings. All groups must have a release waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate. Call 816-229-7775 for more info and to schedule an event.
Carolyn’s Country Cousins (Liberty, MO)
Book any tours easily online at www.carolynscountrycousins.com/events-booking-page.
Homeschool Pumpkin Patch Tours and Special Needs Tours in September and October.
In the Fall: Carolyn’s Country Cousins is open Sept 21 to Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
http://www.carolynscountrycousins.com
City of Fountains Foundation
Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains,” since it boasts more fountains than any city except Rome. You won’t want to miss the Neptune, Pomona, Mermaid, Firefighters, Spirit of Freedom or the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain Gust to name a few. Self guided tour of the beautiful fountains either by foot or by car. The City of Fountains Foundation offers a free brochure on fountain walking and driving tours. To receive the brochure, write to the City of Fountains Foundation, 106 West 11th, Suite 1121, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, or call 816-842-2299.
https://www.kcfountains.com/tours
The City Market/ Arabia Steamboat Museum
The City Market, nestled in a redeveloped historic district. The outdoor farmer’s market is where you will find just about everything under the sun-from fresh produce, garden plants, herbs and flowers to toys and gifts. Don’t miss the other treasures found here, including shops, restaurants, galleries and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. While the market is open seven days a week, Saturdays are particularly lively, as farmers from across the Midwest offer their produce and products for sale.
Address: 5th St. between Wyandotte and Grand Phone: 816-842-1271 Cost: Free
Clark’s Point
Overlook the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers at Clark’s Point and take in the awesome view of both Kansas Cities. A marker commemorates the occasion of Lewis and Clark’s camping there in 1806.
Address: Downtown, 8th & Jefferson, Kansas City, MO
Dole Institute of Politics
The Dole Institute of Politics is a balanced and bipartisan facility. Our mission is to encourage political and civic involvement, especially among young people; to encourage civil discussion on important issues; to emphasize that politics is an honorable profession; and to provide opportunities for all to interact with political leaders, practitioners, and writers. The Robert J. Dole Archive and Special Collections is home to one of the nation’s most significant collections of a nonpresidential politician, and is relevant to governmental, political, domestic, and world affairs of the latter 20th century. It contains a wealth of primary source materials including papers, photographs, and objects.
Address: 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
http://doleinstitute.org/ and http://dolearchives.ku.edu/
Emerald City Gym
Are you looking for a fun, safe place to take your group? If you don’t want your kids swinging from your ceiling, bring them to Emerald City! Emerald City offers private events for groups of all sizes. Our 24,000 sq ft gym includes in-ground trampolines, slides, tunnels, rope swings, our HUGE foam pit, a maze, zip-line, mini rock wall, slam-dunk basketball, and more!
If that’s not enough, you can also include the one of the largest indoor climbing walls in Kansas City, Monster Mountain. With 5,000 sq ft of climbing area and 17 different top-ropes (wall peaks at 42 ft), we have climbs for all skill levels.
You can reserve the gym for an hour or two, or we also offer LOCK-IN’s that begin at 9:30PM and end at 7:30AM. Lock-ins have access to all of the play equipment, Monster Mountain, structured games (dodge ball, capture the flag, etc.), and movie time (movies projected on HUGE screen).
If you would prefer something more instructional, we offer gymnastics classes and rock climbing classes for boys and girls.
For questions or for a tour of the facility, please contact Sean at the gym: sean@emeraldcitygym.com or (913) 438-4444
9063 Bond, Overland Park, KS 66214
Ernie Miller Nature Center
Address: 909 N Highway 7, Olathe, KS 66061. Phone: 913-764-7759 Cost: FREE
Ernie Miller Park has three miles of trails for you to hike and explore. The Nature Center is open daily with educational exhibits that include live animals, native to Kansas, for you to see. We host field trip opportunities for homeschool families throughout the year. You may also schedule a program on your own year round. Visit our website and view our Preschool Nature Awareness flier and our Outdoor Recreation & Education Programs for Youth Groups flier.
Federal Reserve Bank Visitors Center – The Money Museum
At the Money Museum, walk-in guests, students, and scheduled groups can learn more about the economy and the Fed through interactive exhibits that explore banking, payments, and how monetary policy decisions impact a family’s bottom line. In addition, all visitors can view inside the cash vault operations. Admission and parking are free, and all ages are welcome. Every guest leaves with a free bag of shredded currency. Please visit www.KansasCityFed.org/MoneyMuseum for important visit details.
Address: 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64198
Cost: Free
First Courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri
Visitors to Independence should stop by the 1827 Log Courthouse. This was the first courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri and in the 1930s, then-Judge Harry S. Truman held court there while the main courthouse was being renovated.
Address: 117W. Kansas Ave., Independence, MO Phone: 816-325-7111 Cost: Free Hours: Open April-Oct., Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Frontier Army Museum
A museum of one of the finest exhibits of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles is the Frontier Army Museum. Various displays portray more than a century of the history of the Army in the West.
Address: 20 Reynolds Ave., Ft. Leavenworth, KS Phone: 913-684-3191 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun and holidays Noon-4 p.m.
Grinter House
Enjoy the Grinter House, an 1857 two-story southern colonial home, which was the site of the first civilian post office in the Kansas Territory.
Address: 1420 S. 78th, Kansas City, KS Phone: 913-299-0373 Cost: Free, donations welcome Hours: Guided tours are available Wed-Sat from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sun from 1-5 p.m.
The Hallmark Visitors Center
The Hallmark Visitors Center presents a lively overview of the world’s largest greeting card company. This 10,500-square-foot center walks you through 12 exhibits covering the 85-year history of Hallmark Cards, Inc. and the processes used in greeting card production.
Address: 25th & Grand, in Crown Center Phone: 816-274-3613 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more.
Harry S. Truman Farm Home
The 33rd President was born to a farm family in nearby Grandview, Missouri. The Harry S. Truman Farm Home is where Truman spent part of his childhood and returned to as a young man. Operated by the National Park Service.
Phone: 816-254-2720 Cost: Free Hours: The grounds are open from June through August on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Address: 500 W. US Hwy. 24. Independence, MO 64050. Phone: 816-833-1400 or 1-800-833-1225 Fax: 816-833-4368.
The 1855 Harris Kearney House Museum
We offer tours of the Historic 1855 Mansion that played a role in the development of Westport, MO and the Westward Expansion. We also offer workshops such as beginning knitting, continuous strand weaving, genealogy, Tea & Etiquette, and Victorian Christmas Decorations, as well as special events including a speakers series, our Ice Cream Social and the Westport Lost Arts Fair. A Westward Expansion classroom/field trip experience is a favorite of students! Visit our website or give us a call for more information.
Address: 4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64111. Phone: 816-561-1821
Website: www.westporthistorical.com
Email: westporthistorical@gmail.com
Hours: Open Wednesday – Saturday 1-5 or by special arrangement
Cost (2016): $5.00 students, $6.00 adults
Johnson County Museum of History
The Johnson County Museum offers three sites for residents and visitors to Johnson County to visit: The History Museum and the 1950s All-Electric House in Shawnee and the Lanesfield Historic Site in Edgerton, Kansas.
https://www.jcprd.com/330/Museum
https://www.jocogov.org/facility/the-1950s-all-electric-house
https://www.jocogov.org/facility/lanesfield-historic-site
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope, a free, hands-on art experience for elementary age children, has been offered for more than 27 years by Hallmark Cards, Inc. During a 55-minute session, children journey through the “Imagination Machine” to a whimsical world where they can explore under the sea, outer space, a country cottage and a big city.
Address: Crown Center, 25th & Grand Phone: 816-274-8300 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Sat, however reservations are sometimes required.
https//www.halmarkkaleidoscope.com
Kansas City Board of Trade
Observe trading of value line stock index figures as well as the world’s largest winter wheat futures market at the Board of Trade Visitors Gallery. The gallery overlooks the trading floor of the Kansas City Board of Trade. The tour, which is self-guided, begins with a 15-minute video that explains the exchange. Displays on the viewing balcony give the history of the exchange and general information about wheat.
Address: 4800 Main, 3rd Floor Phone: 816-753-7500 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Kansas City’s City Hall
Kansas City’s art deco-styled City Hall, completed in 1937, has a breathtaking view of the city from its 30th floor.
Address: 414 E. 12th St. Phone: 816-274-2000 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
Gardens Beanstalk Children’s Garden
A unique and fun field trip destination for children of all ages, the Beanstalk Children’s Garden offers children and adults the opportunity to learn about nutrition, plant science, food production and more. As part of the learning process, visitors are encouraged to use their senses to see, touch, smell, and taste growing plants. During tours, children are given vegetables and fruits fresh from the garden for tasting. Find us at 6917 Kensington Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64132, just one block north of Gregory in Swope Park. For tours, please visit KCCG.org/Beanstalk or call 816.931.3877 ext. 320. http://kccg.org/
K.C. Pumpkin Patch
K.C. Pumpkin Patch is Kansas City’s premier all-inclusive, educational pumpkin patch. Come and see the lifecycle of the pumpkin from seed to fruit. It’ll grow before your eyes! Check out our honey bees and see why we need them at the pumpkin patch. If you are real adventurous, tryout your milking skills! Other farm highlights include: Old barnyard petting zoo, John Deere tricycle track, Spook-tacular haunted barn, Zip lines, Mine Shaft Hill Slide, scarecrow maze, Pumpkin Express train, Tractor Drawn Hayrides, Live entertainment and FREE campfire on weekends. MUCH, MUCH More!
Address: I-35, exit 207 Gardner, Kansas (29755 W. 191st) Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays: 12-6 p.m.
Dates: September 24-October 31st
See www.kcpumpkinpatch.com for costs and field trip rate.
Kansas City Zoo
Come to the Kansas City Zoo for affordable, family fun!
Address: The Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132
Phone: 816-513-5800
Parking: Always Free
Hours: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Weekends 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.kansascityzoo.org for more information on events, memberships and more!
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is located next to the Kansas City Art Institute, one of the Midwest’s premiere art schools. The Kemper offers changing exhibits throughout the year in addition to permanent displays such as the Dale Chihuhly chandelier crafted at the Waterford Crystal Company.
Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO Phone: 816-753-5784 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Thur 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lanesfield School Historic Site
Meet a costumed schoolteacher. Dip a pen in an ink well and practice your penmanship. Cipher math problems on a slate. Participate in a spelling bee.
Visit the Lanesfield School Historic Site, a tribute to rural schooling. It consists of a restored one-room schoolhouse, outbuildings, and a visitor’s center featuring an exhibit on Kansas’ one-room schools called Just Plain Simple: The One-Room School in Kansas. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Lanesfield School Historic Site, 18745 S. Dillie Rd., Edgerton, KS Phone: 913-893-6645 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Sun, 1-5 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Group programs hours and costs vary.
Legler Barn
The Legler Barn is a historic stone barn built on the Santa Fe Trail in the 1880s. It now houses a pioneer museum, trunk shows, living history and more.
Address: 14907 W. 87th in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, KS Phone: 913-492-0038 Cost: Free, donations accepted Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun 1-5 p.m.
Linda Hall Library
The largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology in the United States is in Kansas City.
Address: Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City – 5109 Cherry, Kansas City, MO Phone: 816-363-4600 Cost: Free Hours: Mon 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tue-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site offers students an opportunity to discover history where it happened. Hands-on activities with our animals, wagons, and stagecoach make visiting Mahaffie fun for children and a valuable tool for educators! Mahaffie also offers daily 1860s living history activities depending on the time of year; weekends in April, May, September and October, and Wednesdays- Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day. Living history activities include stagecoach rides (weather permitting), visiting the historic Mahaffie farmhouse, our new interpretive livestock barn, blacksmith demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations in the farmhouse kitchen. Mahaffie also hosts three homeschool days throughout the year, Winter on the Farm Homeschool Day, Spring Homeschool Day, and Fall Homeschool Day.
Address: 1200 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061
Website: www.mahaffie.org
Phone: (913) 971-5111
Hours: Vary by season. Check out our website or Facebook page for more information. Mahaffie is closed most major holidays, excluding Independence Day.
Cost: Also varies by season: scheduled school groups (20 person minimum) $6/student. Daily living history (and special events) $6/adults and $4/children. Off-season (November- March) admission: $3/adult and $2/children.
Moon Marble
Address: 600 East Front Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 Phone: 913-441-1432
Museum at Prairiefire
From the website: “The Museum at Prairiefire is committed to innovative learning in science, the arts and natural history. Through a founding collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as with other cultural and educational institutions in the nation, the Museum at Prairiefire is a place that provides ACCESS FOR ALL to understand and celebrate natural history, the arts and science in our region and around the world. The Museum engages visitors and students of all ages with world-class exhibitions, important programming, and significant educational and STEAM opportunities.”
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Museum is one of the nation’s top general art museums, featuring art from a variety of periods and cultures and offering a number of special exhibitions and programs. Located on the grounds is the Kansas City Sculpture Park, featuring 13-larger-than-Iife works by Henry Moore.
Potter’s Haven Art Studio
Walk-ins are always welcome to come in and choose from a variety of ceramic items that are ready to paint with either acrylic paints or glazes. We also offer clay classes for individuals or groups. Group rates can be set up for group events or classes scheduled in advance. We are at 292 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, Mo 64063, in the shopping center with Price Chopper off 50 Hwy. For more information please visit our website PottersHavenArtStudio.com or call us at 816-525-9323. We look forward to seeing you!
Powell Gardens
A trip to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, is the cure for “Nature Deficit Disorder”. Whether visiting on your own or partaking in one of our guided experiences designed for youth, Powell Gardens will inspire while delighting all of your senses. With four major-themed gardens including the 12-acre edible landscape the Heartland Harvest Garden, an indoor conservatory and our new youth garden Fun Foods Farm, there is something for everyone.
Explore on your own starting at $4/youth or select from a number of Powell Gardens’ staff-led experiences at $6/youth. More information can be found on our Web site at http://www.powellgardens.org/. Follow the Learn link.
Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails
Best known as the hometown of Harry Truman and named the “Queen City of the Trails,” Independence, Missouri was the starting point for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Over 80 shops, stores and restaurants line historic Independence Square. Information about the area can be found at the Independence Tourist Information Center located at Main and Truman Roads.
Address: 15 minutes east of Kansas City off of 1-70 east Phone: 816-325-7111 or 800-748-7323
Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site
The Shawnee Mission, like many other missions, was established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. Reverend Thomas Johnson established the Mission which also served as an early territorial capitol, supply point on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, and a camp for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Visit this 12-acre National Historic Landmark and you will experience the rich tapestry of three historic buildings, period rooms and exhibits, plus special events, workshops, and guided tours set in urban Johnson County.
Address: 3403 W. 53rd Street, Fairway, KS Phone: 913-262-0867 Cost: Adults, $5. Youth, $1. Hours: Wed-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact information: Jennifer Laughlin, jlaughlin@fairwaykansas.org
Shawnee Town 1929
A museum and division of the City of Shawnee’s Parks and Recreation Department. The museum will help visitors experience a typical day in and around the 1920s farm community of Shawnee, Kansas, through collections, programs, events and exhibits. www.shawneetown.org
The 1950s All-Electric House
Whether you’re a child of the 50s or just curious about lifestyles back then, The 1950s All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum of History offers an eye-opening look at the technology of the times. Futuristic features include: hidden televisions, electric curtain openers, trendy appliances and “moonglow” lighting. The house has been meticulously restored to its original appearance as a show home for Kansas City Power and Light. Step inside this “house of the future” and it’s suddenly 1954 all over again!
Address: The 1950s All-Electric House, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS Phone: 913-631-6709 Cost: $2/adults, $1/children under 12 yrs. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more Hours: Tues-Sun from 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon and major holidays. Group tours Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m., at $2/person. Reservations required.
Tucker Leadership Lab
Located in Liberty, Missouri, only a few miles north of Kansas City, the Tucker Leadership Lab utilizes a variety of activities to help individuals become a strong, cohesive team. These activities can include a “high-ropes” challenge course, a low challenge course, group experiential activities, facilitated discussions or a mixture of activities.
Union Station/Science City
Visitors to the restored Union Station, the nation’s second largest rail station, will discover a world of history and excitement. The 380,000 square foot station features free three-hour parking and a and Hall complete with 90-plus foot tall ceilings and two 3,000 pound chandeliers. In its heyday, the daily train traffic peaked at 217 and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II traveled through the station.
Field Trip Opportunities Outside Kansas City
Field Trip to a U-Pick Orchard in Overbrook, KS (thanks to Teresa Scheuerman)
Kansas Aviation Museum (Wichita, KS)
Kansas Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, KS)
Kansas Learning Center for Health (Halstead, KS)
Health Education programs for all ages of students, preschool to high school, as well as family day events.
The Exploration Place (Wichita, KS)
World War II Field Trip Guide
A guide to 450 sites in all 50 states where homeschooling families can learn about World War II. This free illustrated guide helps families find WWII museums, planes, tanks, ships, submarines, POW camps, and more.
