Summer break feels like it’s halfway over but there’s still plenty of time to have fun in KC! You can always consult our Ultimate Guide to a Kansas City Summer for a full list but here are some of our favorites for July in Kansas City. Thanks to SEA LIFE for sponsoring this month’s guide.
Explore SEA LIFE with Peppa (thru Aug. 7)
It’s your little piglet’s chance to explore SEA LIFE with Peppa on her Aquarium Adventure starting June 30th through August 7! Meet Peppa, make some amazing animal friends, touch creatures in the rock pools, and have lots of fun! Join her as she greets the sticky starfish and splashes her way through “muddy puddles” to see the speedy sharks! Get tickets here!
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Kansas City (July 4)
Here is a list of some of the top Independence Day celebrations across the Kansas City metro area, with tips for planning ahead with your family in mind.
Matilda the Musical at the Jewish Community Center (July 6-17)
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs, and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Get showtimes and tickets.
The Teddy Bear Picnic (July 8)
Grab your teddy bear(s), picnic blanket and lunch to celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day with KC Parks and the Kansas City Zoo in beautiful Swope Park! Entertainment by Janie Next Door , Storytime with the Kansas City Public Library, and Ice Cream from the Tasty Unicorn. This event is free but registration is required.
The Coterie Theatre’s Alice’s Wonderland (thru August 7)
This world premiere show is a hip hop version of the classic fairy tale. Alice is a teenage video game designer who dreams of changing the world with her new video game, Wonderland. When Rabbit suddenly emerges from the screen and offers her an escape from reality, Alice takes the leap – and lands in an elusive world that challenges her to find her inner strength. The Coterie delivers with a high energy musical with a diverse cast and fun interpretation that will appeal to elementary and pre-teen kids. Find showtimes and tickets.
Cool Off at the Best KC Splash Pads
Need to cool off? All of these metro splash pads have been given the stamp of approval by the Kansas City Mom Collective team and their kids. Each one has a bathroom on site, and in most cases, there is even an adjacent playground. Find a splash pad near you.
Topeka Music Week (July 8-16)
Hit the road and head to Topeka Music Week. Join Topeka for a pre-game to KICKER Country Stampede, filled with live music, special events, and more. The week leading up to stampede, area businesses, attractions, and restaurants will be celebrating music and fun with Topeka Music Week. From country cover bands to classical ensembles, music can be heard all around town. Visit for the week or pick and choose some days to come listen in.
Festival of the Butterflies at Powell Gardens (July 21 – Aug. 7)
Festival of Butterflies invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the Midwest’s most whimsical pollinator at Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside stunning botanic displays. This festival is a Kansas City family-favorite! Get more info.
Grand Carnival at Worlds of Fun (July 23 – Aug. 7)
King Carl Nivale, Queen Cara Nivale, and their Royal Court are your hosts on a worldwide expedition. Enjoy AMAZING high-energy live music, delicious international food, lively games and unique crafts! Take in the extravagant sights and sounds of our nighttime Spectacle of Color Parade, a glittering sensory spectacular of lavish floats, interactive street performers and pulsing rhythms. As the parade concludes, thunderous music builds to a crescendo and our King and Queen kick off a high-energy block party filled with animated entertainers, spirited dancing, scrumptious eats and so much more. Find out more.
