Field Trips
Field Trip Opportunities in Kansas City
Please note that these are suggestions only and are not necessarily endorsed by the MPE Board of Directors. Information about times, availability and costs is subject to change.
Thanks to Alyse Smith for compiling these field trip opportunities.
Agriculture Hall of Fame
Offers several different programs for groups.
Address: 630 Hall of Fame Dr., Bonner Springs, KS Phone: 913-721-1075 Cost: Fee is from $3.00 – $7.00 Discounts for groups.
Arts Education Program at the Carlsen Center
Offers school shows, master classes, camps, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, teacher workshops. Address: The Carlsen Center Arts Education Program, P.O. Box 67, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210-1299. Phone: Angel Mercier, Director 913-469-8500 ext. 4221, or visit our website at
www.jccc.edu/arts_culture/index.html
and click on Arts Education for our brochure.
Bump City – Gage Center
A giant indoor playland. Activities for ages three and over include: in-ground trampolines rope swings inflatables slam dunk basketball Monster Mountain indoor climbing wall foam pit and more. Groups as small as 20 or as large as 500+ are welcome. Special Dragonfly Bump City for children ages kindergarten and under available on Friday mornings. All groups must have a release waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate. Call 816-229-7775 for more info and to schedule an event.
http://www.gagecenter.com/gage/index.html
Carolyn’s Country Cousins (Liberty, MO)
Carolyn’s Country Cousins is open for educational tours in the spring by reservation.
New Life on the Farm, Fossils, Rocks and Minerals, Simple Machines
In the Fall: Carolyn’s Country Cousins is open Sept 17 to Oct. 31
School Tours M-F, Pumpkin Tour, Fossils, Rocks Minerals, Corn Maze
http://www.carolynscountrycousins.com
Christian Youth Theater Backstage Tours
http://www.cytkc.org/pages.aspx?tag=school
Backstage tours are offered at each of our public shows for groups, free of charge. Tours reservations can be made by calling our box office at 913.681.3318. Tours include information on the theater, the show, and many aspects of putting on a performance.
City of Fountains Foundation
Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains,” since it boasts more fountains than any city except Rome. You won’t want to miss the Neptune, Pomona, Mermaid, Firefighters, Spirit of Freedom or the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain Gust to name a few. Self guided tour of the beautiful fountains either by foot or by car. The City of Fountains Foundation offers a free brochure on fountain walking and driving tours. To receive the brochure, write to the City of Fountains Foundation, 106 West 11th, Suite 1121, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, or call 816-842-2299.
www.kcfountains.org/education/diduknow.htm
The City Market/ Arabia Steamboat Museum
The City Market, nestled in a redeveloped historic district. The outdoor farmer’s market is where you will find just about everything under the sun-from fresh produce, garden plants, herbs and flowers to toys and gifts. Don’t miss the other treasures found here, including shops, restaurants, galleries and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. While the market is open seven days a week, Saturdays are particularly lively, as farmers from across the Midwest offer their produce and products for sale.
Address: 5th St. between Wyandotte and Grand Phone: 816-842-1271 Cost: Free
Clark’s Point
Overlook the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers at Clark’s Point and take in the awesome view of both Kansas Cities. A marker commemorates the occasion of Lewis and Clark’s camping there in 1806.
Address: Downtown, 8th & Jefferson, Kansas City, MO
Emerald City Gym
Are you looking for a fun, safe place to take your group? If you don’t want your kids swinging from your ceiling, bring them to Emerald City! Emerald City offers private events for groups of all sizes. Our 24,000 sq ft gym includes in-ground trampolines, slides, tunnels, rope swings, our HUGE foam pit, a maze, zip-line, mini rock wall, slam-dunk basketball, and more!
If that’s not enough, you can also include the one of the largest indoor climbing walls in Kansas City, Monster Mountain. With 5,000 sq ft of climbing area and 17 different top-ropes (wall peaks at 42 ft), we have climbs for all skill levels.
You can reserve the gym for an hour or two, or we also offer LOCK-IN’s that begin at 9:30PM and end at 7:30AM. Lock-ins have access to all of the play equipment, Monster Mountain, structured games (dodge ball, capture the flag, etc.), and movie time (movies projected on HUGE screen).
If you would prefer something more instructional, we offer gymnastics classes and rock climbing classes for boys and girls.
For questions or for a tour of the facility, please contact Sean at the gym: sean
emeraldcitygym
com or (913)438-4444
9063 Bond Overland Park, KS 66214
Ernie Miller Nature Center
Address: 909 N Highway 7, Olathe, KS 66061. Phone: 913-764-7759 Cost: FREE
Ernie Miller Park has three miles of trails for you to hike and explore. The Nature Center is open daily with educational exhibits that include live animals, native to Kansas, for you to see. We host field trip opportunities for homeschool families throughout the year. You may also schedule a program on your own year round. Visit our website and view our Preschool Nature Awareness flier and our Outdoor Recreation & Education Programs for Youth Groups flier.
Federal Reserve Bank Visitors Center – The Money Museum
High Schoolers only- call in advance to schedule a guided tour; minimum of 6 students, maximum of 60. Self guided tours are available in the money museum.
Address: 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64198.
Phone:816-881-2443
https://www.kansascityfed.org/moneymuseum/
Cost: Free
First Courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri
Visitors to Independence should stop by the 1827 Log Courthouse. This was the first courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri and in the 1930s, then-Judge Harry S. Truman held court there while the main courthouse was being renovated.
Address: 117W. Kansas Ave., Independence, MO Phone: 816-325-7111 Cost: Free Hours: Open April-Oct., Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Frontier Army Museum
A museum of one of the finest exhibits of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles is the Frontier Army Museum. Various displays portray more than a century of the history of the Army in the West.
Address: 20 Reynolds Ave., Ft. Leavenworth, KS Phone: 913-684-3191 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun and holidays Noon-4 p.m.
Grinter House
Enjoy the Grinter House, an 1857 two-story southern colonial home, which was the site of the first civilian post office in the Kansas Territory.
Address: 1420 S. 78th, Kansas City, KS Phone: 913-299-0373 Cost: Free, donations welcome Hours: Guided tours are available Wed-Sat from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sun from 1-5 p.m.
The Hallmark Visitors Center
The Hallmark Visitors Center presents a lively overview of the world’s largest greeting card company. This 10,500-square-foot center walks you through 12 exhibits covering the 85-year history of Hallmark Cards, Inc. and the processes used in greeting card production.
Address: 25th & Grand, in Crown Center Phone: 816-274-3613 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more.
Harry S. Truman Farm Home
The 33rd President was born to a farm family in nearby Grandview, Missouri. The Harry S. Truman Farm Home is where Truman spent part of his childhood and returned to as a young man. Operated by the National Park Service.
Phone: 816-254-2720 Cost: Free Hours: The grounds are open from June through August on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Address: 500 W. US Hwy. 24. Independence MO, 64050 Phone: 816-833-1400 or 1-800-833-1225 Fax: 816-833-4368.
Johnson County Museum of History
The Johnson County Museum of History preserves and shares the community’s history through its award-winning permanent and changing exhibits. The award-winning permanent exhibit, Seeking the Good Life, features 14 hands-on stations. The rotating exhibit gallery hosts exciting temporary exhibits.
Address: Museum of History, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS 66217 Phone: 913-631-6709 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sun 1-4:30 p.m. Closed Mon and major holidays. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Group program hours and costs vary by program.
Visit www.jocomuseum.org for current exhibits, classes and special events.
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope, a free, hands-on art experience for elementary age children, has been offered for more than 27 years by Hallmark Cards, Inc. During a 55-minute session, children journey through the “Imagination Machine” to a whimsical world where they can explore under the sea, outer space, a country cottage and a big city.
Address: Crown Center, 25th & Grand Phone: 816-274-8300 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Sat, however reservations are sometimes required.
Kansas City Board of Trade
Observe trading of value line stock index figures as well as the world’s largest winter wheat futures market at the Board of Trade Visitors Gallery. The gallery overlooks the trading floor of the Kansas City Board of Trade. The tour, which is self-guided, begins with a 15-minute video that explains the exchange. Displays on the viewing balcony give the history of the exchange and general information about wheat.
Address: 4800 Main, 3rd Floor Phone: 816-753-7500 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Kansas City’s City Hall
Kansas City’s art deco-styled City Hall, completed in 1937, has a breathtaking view of the city from its 30th floor.
Address: 414 E. 12th St. Phone: 816-274-2000 Cost: Free Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
KC Community Gardens Beanstalk Children’s Garden
“The Kansas City Community Gardens Beanstalk Children’s Garden is proud to announce we are open again in our new and improved location. We are fully handicap accessible. There are guided tours where we taste in season fruits and vegetables; touch and smell plants; and we look at the insects in the garden. We welcome groups or individual families. We hope to see you there.” For more information, call 816-931-3877.
K.C. Pumpkin Patch
K.C. Pumpkin Patch is Kansas City’s premier all-inclusive, educational pumpkin patch. Come and see the lifecycle of the pumpkin from seed to fruit. It’ll grow before your eyes! Check out our honey bees and see why we need them at the pumpkin patch. If you are real adventurous, tryout your milking skills! Other farm highlights include: Old barnyard petting zoo, John Deere tricycle track, Spook-tacular haunted barn, Zip lines, Mine Shaft Hill Slide, scarecrow maze, Pumpkin Express train, Tractor Drawn Hayrides, Live entertainment and FREE campfire on weekends. MUCH, MUCH More!
Address: I-35, exit 207 Gardner, Kansas (29755 W. 191st) Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays: 12-6 p.m.
Dates: September 24-October 31st
See www.kcpumpkinpatch.com for costs and field trip rate.
Kansas City Zoo
Come to the Kansas City Zoo for affordable, family fun!
Address: The Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132
Phone: 816-513-5800
Parking: Always Free
Hours: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Weekends 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.kansascityzoo.org for more information on events, memberships and more!
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is located next to the Kansas City Art Institute, one of the Midwest’s premiere art schools. The Kemper offers changing exhibits throughout the year in addition to permanent displays such as the Dale Chihuhly chandelier crafted at the Waterford Crystal Company.
Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO Phone: 816-753-5784 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Thur 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
KLJC Radio Station
This is a fun tour of a Christian radio station.
Address: 15800 Calvary Rd., Grandview, MO (South on 71 Hwy., 155th St. exit for Calvary Bible College) Cost: Free
Lanesfield School Historic Site
Meet a costumed schoolteacher. Dip a pen in an ink well and practice your penmanship. Cipher math problems on a slate. Participate in a spelling bee.
Visit the Lanesfield School Historic Site, a tribute to rural schooling. It consists of a restored one-room schoolhouse, outbuildings, and a visitor’s center featuring an exhibit on Kansas’ one-room schools called Just Plain Simple: The One-Room School in Kansas. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: Lanesfield School Historic Site, 18745 S. Dillie Rd., Edgerton, KS Phone: 913-893-6645 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Sun, 1-5 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Group programs hours and costs vary.
Legler Barn
The Legler Barn is a historic stone barn built on the Santa Fe Trail in the 1880s. It now houses a pioneer museum, trunk shows, living history and more.
Address: 14907 W. 87th in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, KS Phone: 913-492-0038 Cost: Free, donations accepted Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun 1-5 p.m.
Linda Hall Library
The largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology in the United States is in Kansas City.
Address: Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City – 5109 Cherry, Kansas City, MO Phone: 816-363-4600 Cost: Free Hours: Mon 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tue-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Moon Marble
Address: 600 East Front Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 Phone: 913-441-1432
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Museum is one of the nation’s top general art museums, featuring art from a variety of periods and cultures and offering a number of special exhibitions and programs. Located on the grounds is the Kansas City Sculpture Park, featuring 13-larger-than-Iife works by Henry Moore.
Powell Gardens
A trip to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, is the cure for “Nature Deficit Disorder”. Whether visiting on your own or partaking in one of our guided experiences designed for youth, Powell Gardens will inspire while delighting all of your senses. With four major-themed gardens including the 12-acre edible landscape the Heartland Harvest Garden, an indoor conservatory and our new youth garden Fun Foods Farm, there is something for everyone.
Explore on your own starting at $4/youth or select from a number of Powell Gardens’ staff-led experiences at $6/youth. More information can be found on our Web site at http://www.powellgardens.org/. Follow the Learn link.
Puppetry Arts Institute
The Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence is a great field trip. The kids and parents can paint a vinyl puppet head, then look at the collections of puppets from around the world, and then use their new puppets in a puppet show!
Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052. 816-833-9777
www.hazelle.org (thanks to Annette Myers)
Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails
Best known as the hometown of Harry Truman and named the “Queen City of the Trails,” Independence, Missouri was the starting point for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Over 80 shops, stores and restaurants line historic Independence Square. Information about the area can be found at the Independence Tourist Information Center located at Main and Truman Roads.
Address: 15 minutes east of Kansas City off of 1-70 east Phone: 816-325-7111 or 800-748-7323
Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site
Reverend Thomas Johnson established the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site for Native American children in 1839. It soon became a stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail for such figures as John Fremont and Francis Parkman.
Address: 53rd & Mission Road, Fairway, KS Phone: 913-262-0867 Cost: Free Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 1-5 p.m.
The 1950s All-Electric House
Whether you’re a child of the 50s or just curious about lifestyles back then, The 1950s All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum of History offers an eye-opening look at the technology of the times. Futuristic features include: hidden televisions, electric curtain openers, trendy appliances and “moonglow” lighting. The house has been meticulously restored to its original appearance as a show home for Kansas City Power and Light. Step inside this “house of the future” and it’s suddenly 1954 all over again!
Address: The 1950s All-Electric House, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS Phone: 913-631-6709 Cost: $2/adults, $1/children under 12 yrs. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more Hours: Tues-Sun from 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon and major holidays. Group tours Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m., at $2/person. Reservations required.
Tucker Leadership Lab
Located in Liberty, Missouri, only a few miles north of Kansas City, the Tucker Leadership Lab utilizes a variety of activities to help individuals become a strong, cohesive team. These activities can include a “high-ropes” challenge course, a low challenge course, group experiential activities, facilitated discussions or a mixture of activities.
Union Station/Science City
Visitors to the restored Union Station, the nation’s second largest rail station, will discover a world of history and excitement. The 380,000 square foot station features free three-hour parking and a and Hall complete with 90-plus foot tall ceilings and two 3,000 pound chandeliers. In its heyday, the daily train traffic peaked at 217 and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II traveled through the station.
Field Trip Opportunities Outside Kansas City
Field Trip to a U-Pick Orchard in Overbrook, KS (thanks to Teresa Scheuerman)
Kansas Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, KS)
Kansas Kids Museum (Hutchinson, KS)
Kansas Kids More than a Museum!
Saturday Programs 2-4 p.m.
Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Kansas Kids Museum, ask for Pamela, Hutchinson Mall Food Court, 1500 East 11th Avenue C-15, Hutchinson KS 67501-3702 620-669-5156 kansaskidsmuseumhotmailcom
Kansas Learning Center for Health (Halstead, KS)
Health Education programs for all ages of students, preschool to high school, as well as family day events.