Union Station in Kansas City
Your Full Day of
Kansas City Family
Fun Starts Here
Science City: Kansas City’s Favorite Family Fun Attraction
At the center of it all is Science City, Kansas City’s favorite family-friendly attraction. With three massive floors, 300+ interactive exhibits, and indoor and outdoor play spaces, it’s where STEM comes to life for all ages. From trains to robotics, art to illusions, there’s something for every kind of curious kid. They’ll explore, experiment, and create through hands-on, screen-free play. Come for a few hours or stay all day, with same-day readmission included.
Jurassic Journey
Travel back more than 200 million years and come face-to-face with the dinosaurs that once roamed North America.
Riveting Robots
Discover how robotics and automation are transforming the world around us through interactive hands-on experiences.
All Aboard
Get hands-on learning about the people, technology, and innovation behind trains and railroads.
Light Lab
Experiment with ten hands-on experiences that reveal the fascinating science of light, optics, color, and illumination.
Step Right Up!
Test your skills while uncovering STEM concepts through classic carnival game-inspired challenges, interactive activities, and hands-on fun.
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:
Extreme Screen Theatre
Experience films on our giant five-story screen for a truly immersive moviegoing experience.
Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
A state-of-the-art planetarium featuring live guided star tours and immersive full-dome shows for all ages.
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.
Escape Room
A live escape game where you have 60 minutes to solve a mystery. It’s full of secrets, codes and puzzles.
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.
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.
