When I found out that we were moving to Kansas City, I was beyond excited – not to be away from my family, but about all the opportunities this wonderful city holds for children. Many of these opportunities include some great behind-the-scenes tours of plants and shops that young and old alike will enjoy!
Boulevard Brewery
Boulevard is one of my oldest daughter’s favorite places to visit (her dad’s, too!). You may think they only hold tours for adults – not true! Children are allowed to tour the facility along with their parents. Rather than receiving beer samples at the end of the tour, the younger guests receive a soda instead. My daughter enjoyed looking at all of the tanks and learning about the science behind beer-making.
Fee: FREE – Tickets for the tour are free and are available at 10 a.m. the day of the tour. Tickets do go fast, so make sure you are at the brewery at 10 a.m. to reserve your spots on a tour.
Age: All
**No strollers are allowed. Be prepared to either hold or wear your little ones if they are not able to walk themselves. More information can be found here.
Strawberry Hill Povitica Co.
If you love Strawberry Hill Povitica’s breads, why not take your child to see how they are made? You will be able to experience what makes this bread great, as well as sample the provitica and have some coffee, as well. The tour is behind glass, but you will be able to watch their provitica production first-hand.
Fee: FREE – Space is limited; tours are only available on baking days. I recommend calling ahead to make sure they are baking on the day you are planning on visiting.
Age: 8+ (One adult must be present for every 7 children)
**No video cameras. Since tours fill up fast, it is recommended that tours be booked 2-3 weeks in advance. Find more information here.
The Roasterie
All coffee lovers (and even those who do not enjoy coffee) should check out this tour. The Roasterie offers tours to teach others about their cupping, roasting and blending processes. Kids will be in awe of the large machines and all of the beans! The tours are around an hour long and are offered every Monday-Saturday, minus holidays.
Fee: FREE
Ages: All
**Large groups of 15 or more should schedule their tour at least two weeks in advance. More information can be found here.
Harley-Davidson
Every child loves cars, trucks and motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson plant here in KC offers tours that allow you to watch a motorcycle being built from start to finish. Personally, I cannot wait for my kids to be old enough to take them on this tour! Tours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the tours are available on the day of the tour. Tickets do go fast; it is recommended that you arrive early to claim your spot on the hour-long tours.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 12+
**No photography of any kind is allowed inside the plant, including video cameras. No bags are allowed. All shoes must be fully enclosed and low-heeled (one inch or less). More information can be found here
Hallmark
I have never met a child who did not enjoy receiving a card in the mail. I still love opening the mailbox and seeing a fun greeting card waiting for me! You can take your child on a self-guided tour of the Hallmark Visitors Center. Each child who takes the tour will be able to make a star bow as a little souvenir. The Visitors Center is all on one floor; the tour can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on how fast your group is.
Fee: FREE – Tours are available every day, minus holidays and other specific dates.
Ages: All
**Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more. You can find more information here.
Moon Marble Company
Marbles are fun to play with, as well as to look at. The Moon Marble Company offers demonstrations every Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., minus major holidays. You will be able to watch a fun and interesting demonstration as well as look at their vast array of marbles.
It’s important to note that the demonstrations are different than their field trips. The field trips/school trips cost money and are much more involved than their open demonstrations.
Fee: FREE
Ages: All
**Bus tours and large groups need to call ahead. More information can be found here.
With winter right around the corner, there’s no better time to take advantage of these kid-friendly activities – both educational, and great solutions to cabin fever, as well!
This is great! Thanks for sharing!!
How fun! Thank you for sharing. I can’t believe I’ve only done one of these!