Ditch the same old routine this weekend (Jan 31 - Feb 1)! We found some awesome local happenings, from celebrating global cultures to crafting cool paper art indoors. Don't miss the Republic Day Celebration or that unique author read-along!
Quick Picks
Republic Day Celebration
West 67th Street
Celebrate Indian Republic Day with free cultural performances and games.
Free Weekend Fun: Say It With Color
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Stay dry while making folded paper art and checking out gallery color exhibits.
Big Fluff, Big Feelings! Author-Led Story & Art Time
Kansas City (Northland)
Perfectly geared toward younger kids with storytime focused on emotions followed by art.
· January 31
4REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONFREE : Get ready to celebrate India's Republic Day with the whole family! They are planning cultural performances, a fashion walk, games, and even a photo booth.This is a wonderful, genuine community cultural event—perfect for expanding horizons and it’s totally free!
FREE WEEKEND FUN: SAY IT WITH COLORFREE : Head to the Nelson-Atkins lobby to make your own cool folded paper artwork. Then pop into Gallery 101 to check out the color exhibits with museum guides.It’s a free, hands-on art activity right inside the museum—great engagement without the heavy ticket price.
JOIN ACTOR MICHAEL RAINEY JR. FOR READ ALONG : You can catch actor Michael Rainey Jr. for a special read-along event this Saturday! This looks like a unique one-off chance to see a known personality live.Seeing a well-known personality for a local read-along is a super unique, limited-time opportunity for families.
BIG FLUFF, BIG FEELINGS! AUTHOR-LED STORY & ART TIME : This sounds like a lovely storytime focusing on big emotions, followed by a hands-on art activity. Perfect for the younger end of your age range!It’s specifically designed to handle 'big emotions' with both a story and follow-up art, making it highly interactive.
· February 1
3PENGUIN MARCH : Don't miss the penguins taking their daily waddle outside their habitat! This is a classic Zoo event running through February, so try to catch an early one.It’s a classic KC Zoo event, but catching that morning waddle outside the main habitat is always magical.
DINOSAURS: LAND OF FIRE AND ICE : Check out this massive, roaring dinosaur exhibit that runs through early March! They have awesome kid activities included like Jurassic scooters and obstacle courses.The hands-on elements like Jurassic scooters make this way more engaging than a static exhibit, and it's running for a limited time.
BINGO & BENEFIT : This looks like a fun indoor bingo event happening in Overland Park that also supports a good cause. A great way to spend a potentially chilly Sunday afternoon!It’s a low-key, indoor event that mixes a classic game (bingo) with supporting a local cause—perfect for a relaxed Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Kansas City this weekend?
You can have a completely free Saturday by heading to the Republic Day Celebration in Shawnee, KS (11 AM - 2 PM) or visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for the 'Say It With Color' craft session (1 PM - 4 PM).
Are there any good indoor options for Sunday if the weather is bad?
Yes, for indoor fun on Sunday (Feb 1st), check out the Bingo & Benefit event in Overland Park or dive into the roaring 'Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice' exhibit in the Northland.
Where can I find hands-on activities for younger kids this weekend?
The author-led 'Big Fluff, Big Feelings!' Story & Art Time in the Northland on Saturday (Jan 31) sounds perfect, as it combines reading with a dedicated art activity for younger attendees.