Kansas City, Kansas offers excellent entertainment options for student travel groups. Whether the group wishes to visit attractions or go for a sightseeing tour, Kansas City will accommodate either way.
Students can plunge into different water attractions, experience performances in high-class venues, see an impressive array of animals at the Kansas City Zoo and, to top it off, enjoy great meals and drinks – Kansas City-style. These, among other student travel options, provide great choices for a fun school trip.
Student Travel Attractions in Kansas City
The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art at night
Students can choose from a multitude of youth travel attractions. For instance, students might want to cool off at Schlitterbahn Vacation Village. Its outdoor waterpark has a water roller coaster and a lazy river, among other attractions. Many hotels within the area offer discounted tickets to the Village. Also, youth groups of 15 or more can save additional money on the tickets. Likewise, Oceans of Fun Park offers loads of water fun. Various slides and pools will keep students in water for a long time. Worlds of Fun theme park, part of the same complex, features unique rides for thrill-seekers as well as casual riders. Live music shows are also available at Worlds of Fun, featuring performers from around the U.S.
For a more educational experience, students can visit Science City at Union Station. This interactive science complex allows visitors to dig for fossils and visit the underground water and power systems of Kansas City, among other activities. Science City also has a sports stadium, TV station and medical center.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admissions to all. The museum features art from around the world, covering works as early as 3,000 BCE.
The Liberty Memorial
For history enthusiasts, the National World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial covers the years 1914 through 1919. Exhibits feature uniforms and their accessories, weapons and films. Food is available at the museum along with an outdoor picnic area.
The Kansas City Zoo, with its recent addition of polar bears, also appeals to student tours. The Tropics exhibit has many tropical animals and plants. Other popular exhibits include Tiger Trail, with animals from Australia and Asia, and the Africa area, which includes lions and elephants.
Sightseeing Tours in Kansas City
The Kansas City Gangster Tour explores some of the most infamous mobsters that roamed this city. Students will go on a bus with a guide and travel to pertinent locations of the gangster era.
Tour that will appeal not only to motorcycle aficionados is the Harley-Davidson Factory Tour. Students will learn about assembling Harley-Davidson motorcycles in this guided walking tour and will have a chance to sit on a motorcycle. The gift shop offers memorabilia to take home.
Performance Venues in Kansas City
The city has a wide variety of options for student performance groups. Conveniently located in the Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, the American Heartland Theatre is a very popular rental destination. The seating area can accommodate 420 people. With a number of additional services upon request, the American Heartland Theatre makes for a top performance venue.
The Coterie Theatre is another great option since it specializes in youth performance groups. Also located in the Crown Center, this non-profit venue promotes diverse theater troupes. Time magazine distinguishes it as “among the top five theatres serving families and young audiences in the United States.” With the theater’s busy schedule, however, it is wise to book the reservation months in advance. Even if uncertain about the future date or unable to perform, there is no penalty fee for canceling the reservation.
The youth-friendly Sprint Center provides versatile student accommodation for sport and entertainment events. Full arena performances and private gatherings can be booked there. Sprint Center is especially useful for booking sports events, since a number of amenities can then be used, including locker rooms and dressing rooms.
Student Dining Options in Kansas City
Kansas City cuisine revolves around its famous barbecue and steaks, as well as tasty ethnic foods, Italian and Mexican in particular.
Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, with three locations, is at the center of the Kansas City barbecue craze. Notoriously famous for its secret sauce, the joint attracts a multitude of famous personae. For another authentic taste of the city’s famous barbeque, make your way to Gates Bar B.Q., and be ready to order Kansas City style as you walk in the door.
For a nice, juicy steak, students should definitely check out a variety of steakhouses around Kansas City. Golden Ox has a rich history, extending back to its first restaurant in 1949, where its sole purpose was to provide a good dining experience for locals. With affordable prices, students will enjoy hickory-smoked steaks among other specialties.
Manny’s Restaurante Mexicano has been around for over 20 years. The usual ensemble of Mexican dishes includes different types of fajitas, burritos and tacos. Music by mariachis is provided on Fridays.
Hotel Lodging for Students in Kansas City
More than 150 hotels in and around Kansas City provide a wide choice of student accommodations. The Hyatt Regency Crown Center is a hotspot for all tourists as it sits right in the middle of Crown Center. Other popular hotel chains include Best Western Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, Marriott and Hilton. Some of the more affordable hotels in the vicinity of Kansas City include Best Western Truman Inn, Sleep Inn Airport and Sleep Inn Olathe.
Kansas City Attractions Await Student Travel Groups
With its abundant attractions, Kansas City will please diverse student travel groups. Whether for a school trip or other youth travel, the city will entertain and educate visitors with its rich history and many great places to visit.
