Located in the heart of our hometown, under the lights of our beloved cityscape, Science City provides a tremendous resource for local children. Built to challenge the largest of imaginations, the attraction is equipped with something for every type of scientist, engineer, nature lover, maker and explorer.
Science City is the perfect place to head for a day of hands-on learning and discovering. Spend a few hours or make a day of it, either way, kids of all ages will be entertained with more than 300 interactive exhibits and attractions.
What Kids Will Love
Science City’s newest exhibit, Riveting Robots, features eight unique interactive spaces offering guests the chance to build and code robots, see lidar sensors in action, race a robot and learn about different tasks robots can complete that are often too dull, difficult or dangerous for humans. Our favorite part was getting to meet Jarvis, the exhibit’s life-size humanoid robot that can sing, dance, light up, tell jokes and even takes selfies!
Another fun, new area is the indoor play area, Kinetic Climber, where kids 4+ can climb, jump, slide and bounce their way through three exciting levels packed with fun challenges.
My dinosaur loving boys were thrilled to thrash and roar about at our next stop in the Dino Lab. We read every single fact and picture, came face to face with a life-like one and pretended to be paleontologists as they dug for fossils. Once I finally pulled them from their dig site, it was off to the races again.
Our visit fell on the first spring-like day of March, and we were not the only ones feeling the need to get out of the house and shake the winter blues away. Kansas City parents and kids were out in full force! Luckily, the outdoor play structures were the perfect way for us all to enjoy the sunshine. Let me tell you, this is no ordinary playground! It is perfect for a multitude of ages, in an enclosed area, where parents can feel safe sitting back and letting their little ones run wild.
What Moms Will Love
Science City has something for kids of all ages, from babies to big kids. The littlest ones will love Let’s Play where babies and toddlers can safely explore areas including Babyscape, Pretend Play, Ramps & Runs and Air Play. The area is designed to enhance developing social, emotional and cognitive skills of young learners 3 and under.
Science City also offers early learning activities throughout the week including story time, circle time and music and movement classes!
Family Friendly Amenities
Conveniently located inside Let’s Play, is a nursing space. Additional nursing spaces can be found on Level B of Union Station and Grand Plaza’s women’s restroom.
Stroller and Wheelchair Accessibility
There is an elevator and ramps located inside Union Station and Science City to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.
Food Policies and Purchase Options
You can bring water bottles into Science City, but no food is allowed.
There are plenty of options to choose from at Union Station to eat including Harvey’s for a sit-down lunch, a caffeine pick-me-up at Parisi Coffee, grab-n-go options at Whistle Stop Market or sweet treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Location and Parking
Science City is located inside Union Station. Parking is available in the South Plaza & Triangle Lots for $15.00 or in the garage for $6.00 up to four hours.
Admission and Cost
Science City is closed Mondays, open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $16.50 per person. Children 12 months and under are FREE.
Membership
Union Station Members enjoy unlimited access to Science City year-round. On just your fourth visit to Science City, your membership will have more than paid for itself. This tax-deductible donation helps to secure Union Station as a part of history for years to come and is a great gift idea! Learn more about membership here.
Other Mom Tips
- Check out a show at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. Current shows include Sky Station LIVE: Seasonal Star Tour, Destination: Solar System, Legend of the Enchanted Reef, laser shows and more!
- Don’t forget to stop by the Model Train Gallery, located just outside Science City in the top level of Union Station.
- Grab some popcorn and head to the Regnier Extreme Screen for a movie in one of the largest screens in the region, located on the ground floor of Union Station!
Science City is the perfect family friendly outing for parents and children who appreciate hands-on discovery and play. As Kansas City residents, we should be immensely proud of this kid-focused destination. Visit soon, and I know you will be as thoroughly impressed as we were!
