A five-and-a-half-hour drive north of Norman, Kansas City offers a variety of things to do over spring break. For those opting out of a beach vacation, this metropolis offers plenty of activities.
Restaurants
Enzo’s Bistro & Bar
Enzo’s Bistro & Bar is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant with an intimate vibe and extensive wine list. Locally owned and housed in Kansas City’s historic City Market, this bar is a sister restaurant to Ragazza Food & Wine, also local to Kansas City. Enzo’s opened in December 2022 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by Italy, Greece, France and Spain. Enzo’s Bistro & Bar is on 5th Street. Check online for hours.
Hemma Hemma
For a cozy atmosphere and aesthetically plated brunch foods, Hemma Hemma is the perfect local Kansas City place to eat. With a large and diverse menu that features unique breakfast and lunch, they have a dish for every palate. Hemma Hemma also sells a wide variety of coffee and has a relaxed and comfortable vibe with couches and artsy decor. Hemma Hemma is open 8 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday on Wornall Road.
French Market and Cafe
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, the French Market and Cafe is a locally-owned cafe in the suburb of Prairie Village. This cozy restaurant often has live musicians playing and is known for their pastries, coffee and plating artistry. The French Market also sells products like fresh cheese, tarts, cakes and pastries. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday on Tomahawk Road.
Summit Grill
Founded in 2012 in Lee’s Summit with three Kansas City area locations, Summit Grill serves casual American dining with seasonal dishes and reliable favorites. The restaurant features food by culinary director Po Wang and serves brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Summit Grill is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday with happy hour 3 to 6 p.m. each day.
Kari’s on 39th
The family owned restaurant Kari’s on 39th features authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and lemonade. Everything on their menu is halal, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. The Mediterranean grill is based on the family’s 1958 restaurant in Irbid, Jordan, with secret recipes from the original menu. Kari’s is open 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday; noon to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon to midnight Friday; and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday on West 39th Street.
Q39
Q39 has served authentic Kansas City BBQ since 2014 at its first location in the heart of midtown. Not only is this restaurant known for its tasty barbeque and certified Angus Beef burgers but also their extensive craft-cocktail list and their wood fire grill. They will be serving special menu items for colon cancer awareness month including Rob’s Reuben, a beef brisket sandwich, to raise money for the Rob Magee Memorial Fund. Q39’s midtown location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday on 1000 2. 39th St.
Things to do
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
With an encyclopedia collection of art from almost every continent in the world, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has over 40,000 works of art, including over 1,100 pieces of South and Southeast Asian objects. Admission is free, and the museum is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday, Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 4525 Oak St.
Worlds of Fun amusement park
For over 50 years, Worlds of Fun has given Kansas City a variety of rides, games and attractions. One of the best amusement parks in the Midwest has international-themed areas that include food, roller coasters, decorations and more. Rides like Mamba or Patriot reign as fan favorites. Until summer, World of Fun is open from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and online tickets are cheaper than at the door. Located at 4545 World of Fun Ave.
Kauffman Center for The Performing Arts
For those interested in anime, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is putting on a live concert of Naruto’s most iconic scenes across over 200 episodes Sunday. This symphonic experience is two hours long and invites audience members to sing along and interact with the music. Tickets cost between $43 and $83 and can be bought online and the show is at 1601 Broadway Blvd.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will close Broadway and Linwood streets. Other festivities include a 4-mile run, a cook-off, carnivals, and many vendors and activities.
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Home to over 10,000 animals across 200 acres, the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is a fun and affordable spot. The 650,000 gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium opened Sept. 1, 2023. General admission tickets range from $19 and $22. The parks are open from 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 6800 Zoo Drive.
The City Market
The City Market is the largest farmers market in the region and dates back to 1857. The market has a variety of vendors ranging in produce, handmade crafts, florals and more. Bauman Farms Bakery, KC Buffalo Co., Pink Pony Farms and Cosmic Dyes are a handful of the vendors located at The City Market. The market hosts other restaurants and shopping experiences and is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in March.
Shopping
Country Club Plaza
Country Club Plaza is a romantic Spanish architecture outdoor shopping center with over 120 stores and restaurants. Designed in 1922, the plaza houses over 45 local shops and eateries alongside elaborate fountains, statues and artwork. The plaza is a perfect stop to shop unique Kansas City stores or just stroll down a picture-worthy boardwalk. Country Club Plaza is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and is on Broadway Boulevard.
Brookside
Founded in 1919 as Kansas City’s first suburban shopping center, Brookside is a historic neighborhood store center with over 90 shops, restaurants and offices. Known for its local stores, services and food, Brookside is a can’t miss stop for spring break. It will host its annual St. Patrick’s Warm-up Parade, a family event for the holiday showcasing local groups and businesses, at 2 p.m. Saturday. Check individual merchants for hours. Brookside is located along Brookside Boulevard.
Crown Center
In the heart of Kansas City, Crown Center is a collection of shops, restaurants and attractions. With LEGOLAND Discovery Center, locally-owned stores, high-end restaurants and SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, Crown Center has lots to do. The center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is located downtown.
Legends Outlets
Legends Outlets is an outdoor shopping center with 100 eateries, shops, entertainment options and designer outlets. The shopping center has intricate landscaping and flower beds and fountains and outdoor lounge areas. The Legends Outlets is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and is on Village West Parkway.
Town Center Plaza & Crossing
With a mix of unique local shops and designer stores, Town Center Plaza & Crossing is a great stop for good shopping and supporting residents. Not only does this Plaza feature stores but also events and activities like outdoor markets, virtual reality experiences, axe throwing and creative classes. Town Center Plaza is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday on West 119th Street.
West 39th Street
West 39th Street is a historic destination and community improvement district with local shops, eateries and services. Stretching from State Line Road to the Southwest Trafficway, this district houses unique restaurants like Q39, Fric & Frac and Our House KC. Stores like Prospero’s Bookstore and Retro Vixen are also fun local finds in this district. Hours vary depending on vendor, and the district can be found at West 39th Street.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Tori Pham and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
