Kansas City Summer Break 10 Things to Do Under $10
Big fun, tiny price tag.
If you’re trying to make the most of summer without spending a fortune, you’re in the right place. Whether you're a Kansas City local filling up your family calendar or a visitor planning a budget-friendly adventure, these kid-approved spots are all under $10 — and a few are totally free!
🎬 1. Cheap Summer Movies
Multiple Locations – $1–$5 per ticket
Local theaters like B&B Theatres, AMC, and Cinemark offer discounted weekday showings during the summer months. Tickets range from $1 to $5! Showtimes are typically mid-morning, and most movies are family-friendly classics or recent hits.
👉 Check out my full KC summer movie guide for participating theaters and full schedules.
🎳 2. Kids Bowl Free
Multiple Locations – Free with registration
Kids can bowl two free games per day all summer long at participating bowling centers — you just need to register online. Shoe rental is an extra fee, but the games are totally free! You do have to pay for adults bowling or you can purchase a Kids Bowl Free Family Pass to add adults.
👉 Check out Kids Bowl Free to register!
KC-area participating locations:
🎳 AdventHealth at Bluhawk – Overland Park, KS
🎳 Main Event – Independence, MO
🎳 Main Event – KC North
🎳 Main Event – Olathe, KS
🎳 Park Lanes – Shawnee, KS
🎳 Retro Bowl – Liberty, MO
🎳 Sterling Bowl – Sugar Creek, MO
🎳 Summit Lanes – Lee’s Summit, MO
🎳 Ward Parkway Lanes – Kansas City, MO
🎨 3. Kaleidoscope
2500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 – Free
Let your kids explore their creativity at this magical art studio sponsored by Hallmark. Children use quality materials from Hallmark’s production lines to create colorful crafts. Sessions are free and take place at multiple times during the day. Arrive early to secure your spot!
🏞 4. Lake Olathe Sprayground
625 S Lakeshore Dr, Olathe, KS 66061 – Free
This beautiful lakefront park features two free splash pads, a large sand pit, and a creek for water play. Bring sand toys, towels, and maybe even a picnic. Restrooms are located near the beach so they are not convenient to the sprayground.
You can also purchase a day pass to the Lake Olathe Beach for $12 per person ($10 for residents).
🚂5. Mini-Train Rides at KC Northern Miniature Railroad
6060 NW Waukomis Dr, Kansas City, MO 64151 – $1 per ride
Climb aboard this adorable kid-sized train for just $1 per rider! The track winds through the park and makes for a quick, exciting outing for train-loving littles. Open Saturdays and Sundays from May through September.
🐐 6. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
13800 Switzer Overland Park, KS 66221 – $5 over age 3
One of our family’s favorite places to visit in the summer is Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park! My kids love bottle-feeding baby goats, fishing, playing on the playground, seeing the old farm town, and visiting all the animals. It’s also super affordable with tickets at only $5 per person during regular hours OR free after 2 PM Monday - Thursday!
🌌 7. Planetarium at Union Station
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 – $5–$10
Head inside Union Station for a dark, cool break from the heat and take in a show at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. Tickets start at $5, and it’s an engaging way to learn about stars, space, and science.
Bonus: Check out the free mini-train exhibit at Union Station or take “The Link” across the street to Crown Center for shopping, exhibits, theatre, and more.
☮️ 8. Peace Pavilion
607 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050 – $7 over age 3
This interactive indoor museum is focused on peace, kindness, and conflict resolution through hands-on exhibits. It’s a meaningful way to engage your kids with thoughtful play and new ideas. Each exhibit is in a different room, so it’s like opening up a new space to explore over and over. Admission is only $7 per person and you can count on spending a couple of hours here.
🚂 9. Thomas the Train Exhibit at Crown Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 – Free
This free indoor play exhibit features a large Thomas the Train engine, interactive train tables, and plenty of photo ops. It’s located on the first floor of Crown Center in the Showplace and is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Open daily! Check it out before it leaves the station on September 1, 2025.
🎡 10. Scheels in Overland Park
6503 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223 – $1 rides
Head inside this giant sporting goods store for $1 mini-bowling and $1 Ferris wheel rides! There’s also a free indoor playground for kids to run around. Great for a short stop that still feels like an adventure. There is a cafe available for ice cream, sandwiches, and even a candy store!
These 10 spots are proof that summer fun doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. It wouldn’t be summer without some free, outdoor fun! Check out these blogs for more ideas:
Ultimate Guide to Kansas City Metro Splash Parks
