Kansas City Fall Break 10 Ideas $10 and Under
Fall is a busy season full of school routines, sports practices, and packed calendars—but it’s still possible to sprinkle in a little seasonal fun without spending a lot. If you’re looking for simple, affordable ways to enjoy fall break, here are ten ideas $10 and under around Kansas City.
10 Ideas $10 and Under for Fall Break in Kansas City
1. Cider Hill Family Orchard
Spend the morning picking apples, saying hi to the chickens, and grabbing a warm cider donut. Admission is free, and you only pay for what you pick. A hayride around the orchard is a low-cost favorite that adds to the experience.
📍 3341 N. 139th St. Kansas City, KS 66109
2. Backyard Specialists
This spot might surprise you! Known for selling playsets and trampolines, Backyard Specialists in Olathe also offers an outdoor play area for only $2 per child where kids can try out the equipment. It’s a great stop for a fall picnic with friends while everyone burns off some energy.
Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM-5 PM
📍 2227 E Kansas City Rd Olathe, KS 66061
3. Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop Visit
Places like Prefix Coffee, Sweet Tee’s, and Rochester Brewing make coffee outings easy with kids in tow. You can sip your favorite fall drink while your kids enjoy a play space, art supplies, games, or a kids' menu. It’s a simple outing that feels like a treat (because you get a treat too!). Here are over a dozen kid-friendly coffee shops!
4. Free Pumpkin Patch
Some pumpkin patches around Kansas City offer free entry. Pumpkins Etc in Platte City and Red Barn Ranch in Harrisonville are great options where you can browse fall displays, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere without paying for admission. Here is a full list of Free Pumpkin Patches near Kansas City.
5. Fall-Themed Books from the Library
Kansas City area libraries are full of autumn fun. From books about pumpkins and leaves to themed storytimes and craft events, your local branch is a free way to spend a cozy morning or afternoon during fall break. Check out your local branch for themed events or to place some fall books on hold!
Kansas City Kansas Public Library
6. Fall Festival Fun
Look for fall festivals happening in your neighborhood or surrounding areas. Some start in September with local fall festivals ending by early November. Many are free to attend or just a few dollars per child. You’ll find bounce houses, crafts, music, and seasonal snacks—perfect for a weekend outing or weekday adventure. We love the Waldo Fall Festival, Family Tree Nursery Fall Festival, Overland Park Fall Festival, and Liberty Fall Fest!
7. Visit a Local Park for Leaf Peeping
E.H. Young Riverfront Park (Riverside, MO), Chatlain Park (Merriam, KS) English Landing Park (Parkville, MO), Loose Park (Kansas City, MO) and Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa, KS) offer wide open space, paved trails, and beautiful views of fall colors. Bring a scooter, stroller, or just a ball to kick around. It’s a peaceful place to spend time outside and soak in the changing leaves.
Photo 1: Chatlain Park - Merriam, KS | Photo 2: English Landing Park - Parkville, MO
8. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
This museum is an important part of Kansas City’s history and is a great outing for school-aged kids and teens. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for youth. The exhibits are engaging, and the stories shared leave a lasting impression. Perfect for when baseball season starts to wrap up!
📍 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO
9. Local Nature Centers
Places like Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe and Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park offer hands-on learning and trails for exploring. Admission is free or very low cost, and fall is the perfect time to look for wildlife and enjoy the crisp air. Here is a guide to the free nature centers in the Kansas City metro.
10. Community Trunk or Treats
Many neighborhoods, churches, and schools host Trunk or Treat events in October. These are fun ways for kids to dress up, play games, and gather candy in a safe environment. Most are free and open to the public, making them easy to add to your fall break calendar. Here’s my list of Non-Scary Halloween for Kids in Kansas City!
Enjoy fall break with your kids in Kansas City!
Fall break doesn't need a big budget to be memorable. With so many local spots offering free or low-cost fun, it's easy to plan a few simple outings the whole family can enjoy. From cider donuts to colorful leaves, there are lots of ways to celebrate the season without spending more than $10.
Tried any of these? Let me know which one was your favorite—and don’t forget to tag @kidsinkc when you’re out exploring!
8/13/2025 - Gabrielle Isom
