Union Station in Kansas City
Welcome to the World Cup at Union Station Kansas City
Experience KC – Grand Hall
Step inside the iconic Grand Hall and discover interactive activations, community partners, and larger-than-life experiences that showcase the energy, creativity, and hospitality of Kansas City.
Please Note: Baby goats from our friends at Paramount Pony will be available for soccer themed photo ops in Grand Hall June 11 and 12 between 10 AM and 12 PM.
Russell Stover Chocolates
Celebrate the spirit of soccer with Russell Stover Chocolates during select World Cup activation days at Union Station Kansas City. Featuring the limited-edition Soccer Capital of America® Heart Box, snap photos with a towering 7-foot inflatable soccer ball, and experience a sweet Kansas City tradition during the global celebration.
Plus, meet Sporting Kansas City legend and U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Matt Besler on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 2–3:30 PM.
Special activation dates:
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Saturday, June 26, 2026
- Friday, July 3, 2026
- Saturday, July 11, 2026
Forvis Mazars
Catch every match on the big screen with the Forvis Mazars jumbo-tron while recharging your phone at convenient charging stations throughout the activation space.
Ford Motor Company
Celebrate 100 years of Fords commitment to Kansas City, while staging the ultimate backyard BBQ and watch party.
KMBC 9 News
Ever dreamed of delivering the news? Step behind the anchor desk, strike your best on-air pose, and snap a photo as Kansas City’s newest news anchor.
IN Kansas City Magazine
Lights, camera, cover star! Pose for a photo and see yourself featured on a special magazine cover experience.
Powell Gardens
Experience a Kansas City-inspired floral photo op by Powell Gardens featuring vibrant blooms, glowing lights, and iconic local imagery.
Nations in Motion
Created by visionary creators Monte Short and Curtis Shaddox, from the heart of the Englewood Arts district, in Independence, MO. Nations in Motion rises nearly 30 feet above guests in a vibrant celebration of global unity through soccer. Featuring illuminated forms, soaring soccer-ball accents, and flags from around the world, this larger-than-life installation captures the excitement and international spirit as Kansas City welcomes the world.
City of Entrepreneurs – Grand Plaza
In partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri will bring the City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace to Union Station Kansas City during the FIFA World Cup™ summer of 2026. Open Thursdays through Sundays from June 11–July 12, this free public marketplace will feature a curated mix of Kansas City small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and cultural performers. Guests can shop local products, experience live entertainment, and explore the creativity and culture that make Kansas City unique, all while celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament in the heart of the city.
Dates: June 11 – July 12, 2026
Hours: Thursday & Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday & Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public
More Fun Family Attractions
at Union Station
While families and kids can spend hours or even the whole day exploring the wonder of Science City, Union Station offers multiple award-winning attractions for your family to explore, including:
Berlin Wall Exhibit
Making its North American premiere, this exhibition explores the story behind the Berlin Wall and the world it represented, bringing history to life through immersive storytelling and rare historical artifacts.
Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
A state-of-the-art planetarium featuring live guided star tours and immersive full-dome shows for all ages.
Extreme Screen Theatre
Experience films on our giant five-story screen for a truly immersive moviegoing experience.
Model Train Gallery
A free-to-visit, 8,000-square-foot exhibit showcasing detailed model train displays and Kansas City rail history.
Rainbow Slime
Part creative lab, part squishy dreamland, Rainbow Slime Co is a colorful, hands-on, all-ages slime experience.
Family Attractions Near Union Station in Kansas City
There’s even more to explore just steps from Union Station, including:
- Kansas City Ferris Wheel: Ride the Ferris wheel to catch fantastic views of the Kansas City skyline. Stick around after and play a round of mini golf.
- The Money Museum: At the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, you can watch millions of dollars be processed and leave with a free souvenir.
- SEA LIFE: Explore the underwater world. Catch sight of a shark, a sea turtle, and other sea life.
You can also venture outside the neighborhood to experience more of Kansas City’s fun. The RideKC Streetcar, which stops outside Union Station, can help you easily navigate and discover the city.
Taking the Streetcar to Union Station
Free Transit to and from KC’s Best Attractions
The streetcar is one of the best ways to experience Kansas City. It connects several popular neighborhoods and attractions with quick, safe, and free transportation. Union Station is a central stop on its route, making Union Station incredibly easy to access a wide range of attractions.
- It’s free! Making transportation between destinations easy.
- Frequent Service: Typical wait times are just 10-15 minutes.
- Connects Major Attractions: A one-way trip from River Market to UMKC takes approximately 25-30 minutes, with Union Station providing a central access point.
Where to Eat Near Union Station, Kansas City
Union Station has a few restaurants located inside to enjoy without making a trek.
- Harvey’s Restaurant: Classic pub fare featuring sandwiches, fries, and a kids’ menu.
- Harvey’s Whistle Stop Market: Grab-and-go snacks and light lunch options.
- Parisi: A Kansas City staple coffee shop. Smaller bites, but the perfect place to fuel up for your journey.
- Pierpont’s: A steakhouse located in Union Station with plenty of options for children to enjoy, too.
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Sweet treats, handcrafted chocolates, dipped apples, and ice cream.
For even more dining options, take The Link, a covered walkway connecting Union Station to Crown Center.
- Spin! Neapolitan Pizza: Pizza and salads for everyone to enjoy.
- Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant: Railroad-themed restaurant with a menu full of sandwiches and plenty of options for kids.
- Burnt End BBQ: What’s a trip to Kansas City without barbecue?
Planning Your Trip to Union Station
Union Station Kansas City is located in the popular Crossroads Arts District. It’s also conveniently positioned near many of Kansas City’s most popular areas, including:
- Downtown Kansas City
- Power & Light District
- The Plaza
- Crown Center
The centralized location and proximity to the streetcar make Union Station a great destination for a day filled with fun.
Nearby Destinations from Union Station via Streetcar:
The streetcar provides direct access to many of Kansas City’s must-see spots. From Union Station, you’re conveniently connected to:
- Kansas City Convention Center
- National WWI Museum and Memorial
- T-Mobile Center
- Crown Center
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Many more shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
Bus
There is a RideKC bus stop located at Union Station. If commuting by bus, refer to the RideKC bus schedule for route planning and bus schedule.
Amtrak
Union Station is still a destination for rail commuters. If you intend to travel by Amtrak’s website to find and book travel arrangements.
Traveling from out of town and want to stay near Union Station? Fortunately, there are several nearby hotels:
- The Westin at Crown Center: Located just across the street from Union Station.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton: A few blocks away, but within reasonable walking distance and near a Streetcar stop.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads: Slightly further away, but still nearby. Located near the Kaufman Center Streetcar stop, Union Station is just minutes away.
There are many other places to stay in Kansas City for those traveling into the city. Even if you don’t stay nearby, convenient parking nearby makes a trip to Union Station easy.
