The heart of America brims with vibrant entertainment, and culinary and cultural experiences. Kansas City’s long history and bright vision for the future make it a prime destination for activities that enrich your mind, your heart and your sense of joy.
While the Kauffman Center is for everyone, it’s also a well known destination for couples as a part of a “just for us” night out.
With its renowned arts scene — including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts — and a variety of world-class restaurants, there are endless fun things to do in Kansas City, MO for adults.
Visit the Kauffman Center’s page about exploring Kansas City and read our blog about other staff-favorite activities that inform, entertain and engage visitors of all ages for unforgettable experiences.
Grown-Up Fun
Family entertainment can be found throughout Kansas City. Moms, dads, grandparents and more share laughter and amazement with their young ones every day.
But when it’s date night, an adult group outing or just time to give yourself some grown-up space, Kansas City never fails to deliver.
Explore the Crossroads Arts District, unwind at local breweries or enjoy live jazz in the 18th & Vine Historic District. Kansas City combines sophisticated charm with a welcoming, lively atmosphere.
Places to Stay
For a truly immersive experience, an overnight (or week-long) stay lets you easily explore fun things to do in Kansas City, MO, for adults. The Kauffman Center proudly directs visitors to two luxurious and artful Preferred Hotel Partners as home-base to begin their adventures.
Loews Kansas City Hotel
Preferred Hotel Partner of Kauffman Center Presents and Trailblazing Talks
Loews Kansas City Hotel offers a refined retreat with 800 elegant guest rooms. During your time there, indulge your senses with their services and ambience:
- The Stilwell, an on-site restaurant
- Bar Stilwell, a stylish lobby bar
- Horsefeather Social, a seasonal rooftop bar with an amazing view
- A cozy coffee shop
- An indoor saltwater lap pool
- And more
All of this is just a short walk from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Contact Loews Kansas City Hotel and let the fun begin.
1515 Wyandotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
1.800.235.6397
Hotel Kansas City
Preferred Hotel Partner of Kauffman Center Presents
Immerse yourself in Kansas City’s history at the Hotel Kansas City. Step through the doors of this gothic revival-style boutique institution and instantly travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties!
Originally a bustling social club for Kansas City’s elites, Hotel Kansas City first opened its doors in 1922. Stained glass and hand-hewn walnut serve as reminders of the past, while modern restaurants, bars and rooms ground guests in the roaring present.
Rooted in a culture of community, the hotel proudly showcases Kansas City’s own musicians, distillers, entrepreneurs and artists. Discover your unique Kansas City journey within the hotel’s walls and experience a sense of inspiration.
Book a room at Hotel Kansas City.
2101 Central St
Kansas City, MO 64108
816.897.8100
Places to Dine
We all know Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue. However, your epicurean appetite doesn’t end there. We recommend these fine establishments for those seeking fun things to do in Kansas City for adults.
Founders’ Lounge
Have tickets for a performance at the Kauffman Center, but aren’t sure what to do about dinner? Founders’ Lounge, our sleek and sophisticated on-site dining option, offers a seamless experience — just steps from your seat so you can enjoy a leisurely meal and still make it to the show on time.
Located right in the lobby of the Kauffman Center, Founder’s Lounge offers:
- Fresh, elegant dishes
- Seasonal craft cocktails
- A diverse wine and spirits collection
- Small plates for guests arriving close to curtain
- Sweeping views of Kansas City
We highly recommend that you make a reservation, as seating is limited and much desired. Please plan on 90 minutes for dinner service at the Founders’ Lounge so you can fully enjoy our dining experience.
Jack Stack Barbecue
Located in the Freight House District near the historic Union Station, Jack Stack delivers on the Kansas City promise of delicious smoked and barbecued treats.
This casually cool converted railroad freight house features:
- 25-foot ceilings
- A relaxing fireplace lounge
- A full-service bar
- Indoor and outdoor private dining
Your mouth will be watering from the tantalizing scents.. It makes a delicious part of your fun things to do in Kansas City for adults. It’s also a family favorite for multiple generations. Useful hint: grab a couple of napkins when you sit down to eat. You’ll need them!
Jack Stack Freight House Location
The Antler Room
It’s warm, welcoming and everything you’d want in a neighborhood restaurant — but it’s also so much more.
James Beard-nominated chef Nick Goellner’s Antler Room maintains the spirit of a neighborhood restaurant. At the Antler Room, they craft daily menus, drawing inspiration from seasonal ingredients. Along with his wife, Leslie, Chef Goellner uses preparation methods and creates dishes inspired by East-West trade routes.
Prepare to dazzle your senses as their plates showcase modern culinary traditions of Persia, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Reservations aren’t required, but the space is intimate so they are recommended.
Affäre
When you come to Affäre at 1911 Main Street in the Crossroads Arts District, you embark on a seasonal dining adventure with a seriously German twist! Sophisticated and elegant dishes arrive feeling like a home-cooked meal, prepared with farm fresh, seasonal foods and game meats.
From artisan brats and wild boar chops to lobster poutine and pork or veal schnitzel, each forkful is an Affäre to remember.
Their menu changes seasonally, delivering a fresh dining experience with each visit. For reservations, call 816.298.6182.
Start Your Adventure with Affäre
Related topic: Holiday Cheer With Christmas Activities in Kansas City.
Places to Visit
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts delivers excellence in arts for everyone. While enjoying fun things to do in Kansas City, MO, for adults, the Kauffman Center highly recommends adding these experiences to your must-visit list of destinations.
American Jazz Museum
If you’re a fan of jazz music, a visit to the American Jazz Museum is an absolute must. Located in the iconic 18th & Vine District, the museum offers adults a journey through:
- Interactive exhibits
- Historic recordings
- Vibrant artifacts
- Charlie Parker Memorial
- Much, much more!
Enjoy live jazz from some of the biggest names at the Blue Room, experience more performances and community events at the Gem Theater and spend your time basking in the spirit of America’s original art form.
Discover Your Own “Blue Note.”
Union Station
When you combine a working train station with magnificent architecture, artisan food and cocktails and a revolving array of entertainment — you get Union Station in the heart of Kansas City.
This Kansas City destination boasts over 100 years of iconic history and year-round attractions. Yearly exhibitions inspire us, historical displays remind us of the building’s heritage and its many shops delight us with unique shopping opportunities.
Some of the surprising entertainment options include:
- Escape Room 2. You have one hour for you and your friends to figure out the clues and escape the escape room!
- Kansas City Actors Theatre. Find out what’s playing on City Stage from this amazing collective of local theatre professionals.
- Museum of Illusions. Gasp and laugh as you enter this fascinating world of illusions. And if you’re taking the family—they’ll have a blast too!
When the holiday season arrives, Union Station sparkles with the magic of holiday lights and trees as part of your fun things to do in Kansas City, MO, for adults.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art lets adults immerse themselves in one of Kansas City’s most inspiring cultural treasures. Spend hours wandering through stunning galleries housing collections that span centuries and even millennia.
The museum’s dynamic programming, including special exhibitions, evening events and artist talks, creates an ideal setting for social evenings or thoughtful exploration.
When weather allows, take an outdoor stroll through the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, where works like the iconic giant Shuttlecock add a whimsical touch to this edifice of the arts.
While there, you can have lunch at Rozelle Court Restaurant, located in a dramatic 15th-century style courtyard, or sip artisan coffee from Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters.
The Nelson-Atkins offers an enriching escape that appeals to art lovers and newcomers alike. Admission is free daily for all visitors.
Learn more about the Nelson-Atkins.
Related Topic: Find Family Friendly Things to Do in Kansas City.
Discover More Fun Things to Do in Kansas City, MO
For adults, it’s as easy as starting at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Check out our guide to the Kauffman Center Experience and see our recommended restaurants and accommodations.
To perfect your plans, reserve your tickets to world-class live performances at the Kauffman Center. Enjoy a wide variety of exceptional programs from resident companies and community partnerships, as well as national and international artists.
Make excellence part of your itinerary for fun things to do in Kansas City for adults—and for when you want to entertain and enrich your family, too. Great memories are just waiting to be made.
About the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Along with providing state-of-the-art facilities for world-class performances, the Kauffman Center also makes tickets affordable for our diverse Kansas City populations. Contact us for special ticket pricing and to book a tour for your group.
From pop performances to classical concerts, Broadway to ballet, opera to presentations, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is truly where art and community meet.
