What to do in Kansas City while house and pet sitting

We’ve put together a list of things to do in Kansas City while house and pet sitting, ranging from the city’s best restaurants to fun things to do with pets. KC has an enviable arts scene, as well as a strong jazz heritage, so there are plenty of opportunities for vibrant days and memorable nights – not to mention delicious meals thanks to the city’s signature barbecue cuisine.

Kansas City attractions

1. Arabia Steamboat Museum: This unique museum holds some fascinating treasure. The steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River in 1856, and its 200 tons of cargo remained there until 1988, when a group of treasure hunters sought it out. The river had changed course over time, and the cargo – which consisted of items destined for general stores - lay buried underneath a corn field. The many treasures the diggers found provide a riveting snapshot of American life in the 1800s, including excellently preserved shoes, guns, tools, beads and all sorts of 19th century ephemera.

2. National World War I Museum: Situated alongside the 66-metre-tall Liberty Memorial, dedicated to the Americans who served in the Great War, the National World War I Museum houses one of the largest collections of WWI artefacts in the world. The exhibits include tanks and a full-size reconstruction of a trench scene with objects from the period, as well as a glass walkway over 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 soldiers who died during the Great War.

3. Power & Light District: Covering some eight blocks, the Power & Light District is Kansas City’s premier entertainment hub, home to more than 50 bars, restaurants and shops. Free events are hosted at KC Live! – a covered outdoor courtyard – and the quirky Alamo Drafthouse cinema serves food and drink during screenings. 

Free things to do in Kansas City

1. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Thanks to its astonishingly large collection of more than 40,000 pieces of art from across the world, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art makes for an incredible day out. The museum is particularly noted for its range of Asian artwork, and the sculpture park outside is an added bonus – make sure to look out for the giant shuttlecocks. The museum was expanded in 2005 with the addition of the Bloch Building, a beautiful series of blocks that seem to glow from within. 

2. Westport: Westport was a separate town until it was annexed by Kansas City in the late 19th century, and it still retains its own distinct atmosphere. A handful of historic buildings and boulevards remain, but Westport’s main draw is its range of boutique shops, eateries, bars and music venues. Stores like Mid Coast Modern and The Bunker provide a smorgasbord of quirky clothes and gifts, while venues such as The Westport Saloon and the Riot Room offer a range of live music from blues and country to rock.

3. Country Club Plaza: The Country Club Plaza was one of America’s first regional shopping malls, dating all the way back to 1923. Naturally it has expanded quite considerably over time, and now offers around 72,000 square metres of retail space, with over 100 retailers, including high-end stores like Tiffany & Co. The ‘Season of Lights’ is a major draw each year, when thousands of Christmas lights are flipped into life on Thanksgiving evening. 

Fun things to do in Kansas City 

1. Boulevard Brewing Company: The Boulevard Brewing Company was founded in 1988 and the brewery offers guided one-hour tours of its three-storey production facilities – with samples included in the price. The nearby beer hall showcases around 30 of the company’s famous beers, including test beers that are available nowhere else, and the ‘Rec Deck’ features deck shuffleboard, tabletop shuffleboard and foosball to enjoy.

2. City Market: The Historic City Market dates back to 1857, and it’s home to an enticing range of restaurants, cafes, produce stalls and specialty grocers. On weekends, it’s home to the Midwest’s largest farmer’s market, and starting in late November, the Merry Market provides all sorts of festive foods and gifts. 

3. American Jazz Museum: Discover the history of jazz music at the American Jazz Museum, which is packed with interactive displays showcasing the stories of famous jazz musicians and their instruments, including Charlie Parker’s Grafton saxophone. The site also includes The Blue Room – a jazz club that hosts regular evening performances – as well as the Gem Theater, a 500-seat performing arts centre.  

4. Worlds of Fun: On the outskirts of Kansas City you’ll find the Worlds of Fun theme park, which features a range of dizzying thrill rides and roller coasters, like the 62-metre-high Mamba coaster. Right next door you’ll find Oceans of Fun, a water park that includes the world’s longest mat racing waterslide, and there are all sorts of experiences for younger children to enjoy too, like the gentle Woodstock Gliders in the Planet Snoopy area.

What to do in Kansas City with pets?

1. Thomas S. Stoll Park: This park has a large area where dogs can be exercised without a lead, and there are two playgrounds in addition to a trail and a pond. The whole park covers around 80 acres, and the seven-acre dog park is located near the centre. 

2. Bar K Dog Bar: The Bar K Dog Bar is a dog park, bar, restaurant and event space all in one. A specialist team of ‘Dogtenders’ will supervise your pooch while you head off to grab some food, or if you prefer, you can eat with your doggy friend on the outdoor patio. You’ll need to be a Bar K member to bring your dog, but guest passes are available for a small fee.

3. Whiskers Cat Café: The Whiskers Cat Café serves delicious coffee in a cat paradise full of friendly felines just waiting to play. All of the cats come from the KC Pet Project, and patrons are encouraged to adopt any moggy that they fall in love with. But bear in mind that you shouldn’t bring your own cat (or dog!) to play!

Best restaurants in Kansas City

1. Café Sebastienne: Not far from the Country Club plaza shopping mall, Café Sebastienne at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary art provides exquisite fare within sumptuous surroundings. The kitchen places an emphasis on sustainable practices and local suppliers, and the walls feature a rotating selection of artworks and installations.

2. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Barbecues are something of a way of life in Kansas City, with slowly smoked meats being a regional speciality. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que started when Jeff and Joy Stehney began entering (and winning) barbecue contests, and now they run three restaurants across the city – including one in an old gas station!

3. Gram & Dun: If you’re looking for sophisticated, modern food, head to the gorgeously kitted out Gram & Dun in Country Club Plaza. The patio is stunning, and the seasonal menu changes regularly, but expect culinary highlights along the lines of wagyu ribeye steak, fried catfish and a range of sumptuous sandwiches for brunch. 

These are just some of Kansas City’s highlights, but this vibrant, friendly city is packed with surprises and delights – have fun discovering them!

If you want to find out more about how to become a pet sitter and explore cities across the world, head this way. And to find more travel guides and advice on pet sitting, check out more features on the Trustedhousesitters blog.