Cold winter weather adds that classic chill in the air as the thrills wait for you with family-friendly things to do in Kansas City.
At the Kauffman Center
Winter at the Kauffman Center shimmers with family-friendly activities and entertainment for all.
Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
This beloved holiday classic enchants audiences of all ages with dazzling costumes, beautiful choreography and festive music. The Nutcracker brings a sense of wonder and magic, providing an enthralling introduction to ballet for younger viewers.
Family Series Performances
The Symphony offers special holiday concerts, such as the Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival, featuring traditional carols and popular holiday tunes. Even Jolly Old Saint Nicholas stops by!
Other family-friendly things to do in Kansas City include holiday movies with musical scores performed live by the Kansas City Symphony.
Backstage Tours
Take your family on a behind-the-scenes adventure with a guided tour of the Kauffman Center. Explore some of the internal workings of these high-tech spaces, learning about the art of stage production. It’s a fun way to see what goes into making live performances shine.
Related topic: Holiday Cheer With Christmas Activities in Kansas City.
Winter Workshops
Look out for hands-on workshops that introduce young audiences to the performing arts, including dance, theater and music. These sessions are often designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
Family-Friendly Jazz or Classical Concerts
The Kauffman Center offers concerts featuring accessible and engaging jazz or classical pieces that can captivate young audiences, perfect for a family cultural outing.
Interactive Arts Activities in the Lobby
During some special performances, you may enjoy lobby activities for kids, such as instrument petting zoos or craft stations. These fun events add an extra layer of engagement — and smiles — before the show.
Explore the Kauffman Center’s event list for engaging performances suitable for children and families. You can also use our Guide to the Kauffman Center to make the most of your visit.
Throughout Kansas City
The Kauffman Center glows as a centerpiece to Kansas City’s arts entertainment! Grab a coat, ride the streetcar and enjoy some of the best family-friendly things to do in Kansas City.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
This outdoor public skating rink is open from November to March. Bundle up, lace up and get some laughing, sliding, fun exercise accompanied by twinkling lights and holiday music.
Related topic: Fun Things to Do in Kansas City, MO.
Union Station’s Holiday Reflections
Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland with Holiday Reflections, featuring holiday decor, model trains and family photo ops. Don’t miss the Mini Holiday Express train ride for kids!
Union Station’s Science City offers interactive science exhibits, hands-on activities and special seasonal programming for kids of all ages.
Holiday Lights Tours
Several Kansas City organizations and businesses offer scenic tours through neighborhoods known for their holiday light displays, offering unforgettable sights for children and adults alike. You can also take a drive through the Country Club Plaza, which continues its tradition of seasonal delight with thousands upon thousands of glowing holiday lights.
Start a New Family Holiday Tradition
Contact the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to find out how you can make the Kauffman Center your starting point for a great day of holiday fun. Our performances, tours and exceptional spaces for holiday picture-taking make the Kauffman Center your gift of memories that will last a lifetime.
About the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
In addition to offering world-class, technologically advanced spaces for unforgettable performances, the Kauffman Center makes sure the arts remain accessible to Kansas City’s diverse communities.
From pop concerts to classical music, Broadway to ballet, opera to inspiring presentations, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is truly where art and community meet.
