Things to Do

Fresh air and green grass abound in North Kansas City, making it the perfect trek for those who love the outdoors. Corral your canines in the car and take them to Waggin’ Trail Off-Leash Dog Park, a pooch paradise complete with a walking trail, agility course, benches, three tunnel runs and two ADA water fountains.

Or, get active in Macken Park, a 60-acre public park that caters to all types thanks to its tennis, basketball, soccer and baseball facilities, as well as playgrounds for the kiddos. Also be sure to flex your muscles at indoor rock climbing gym RoKC. 

Speaking of sports, grab a paddle and challenge a friend in pickle. Pickleball, that is, the starring attraction at Chicken N Pickle, a hybrid, chef-driven fried chicken restaurant/entertainment venue. If you feel like Lady Luck is on your side, hit up Harrah’s North Kansas City, which features more than 1,400 slot and video poker machines, along with 47 table games and the only World Series of Poker room in Kansas City. Party on at Tapcade KC, an arcade-game-playing, craft-beer-drinking destination featuring more than 60 taps and dozens of classic titles.

Catch a flick at the historic Screenland Armour Theatre, a local institution that serves beer and cocktails, gives screen time to both big-budget and indie movies, and where a marquee has been out front since 1928. Take a tour of Cinder Block Brewery or Restless Spirits Distilling Co. to get an insider look into Kansas City’s craft beer and spirits revolution. Afterward, hit up Big Rip Brewing Company for more local brews. 

Where to shop

Homebrew hobbyists will love Grain to Glass, a supplies shop for people looking to create their own craft brew. Plus, the store hosts brewing classes for beginners as well as beer tastings for hops hounds. 

What to eat

No visit to North Kansas City is complete without a trip to Smokin’ Guns BBQ, a local legend thanks to its award-winning brisket and appearance on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Though a California transplant, health nuts go crazy for First Watch, an area breakfast, brunch and lunch joint that specializes in fresh ingredients and an in-house juice bar. Then there's Repeal 18th Bar & Bistro, an excellent spot for craft cocktails and inventive bites.

Grab a coffee or brew and pair it with a delicious sandwiche, burger or brunch meal at Colony KC. With memorabilia lining every square inch of wall, Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum has been described as one of the best places in the country to watch the Super Bowl. The classic KC establishment was also selected by USA Today as one of the best 10 sports bars in America.