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Science City at Union Station — New Year's Eve Kids Activities in Kansas City

Science City at Union Station

4.8(4,993)4.8 out of 5 stars, 4993 reviews Kansas City, MO

About Science City at Union Station

An interactive, multi-level science museum featuring indoor and outdoor playgrounds, sensory exhibits, and live animals that successfully blends physical play with hands-on learning, though weekend crowds and noise levels can be overwhelming.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking an active, educational day out where kids can burn energyParents of toddlers looking for a safe, separated play spaceSensory-seeking learners and hands-on explorersIdeal for kids aged 3 to 10 years oldToddlers under 3 have a dedicated private play area to stay safe from older kids

Why families love it

  • Excellent indoor and outdoor playground areas
  • Engaging dinosaur section and live animal exhibits
  • Dedicated private section for children under 3 years old
  • Fascinating train exhibit and water treatment display
  • Rich sensory activities and educational information at each display
  • Outdoor playground area

Insider tips

  • Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid morning school field trips and heavy weekend crowds
  • Consider a winter weekday visit to enjoy the outdoor area without the crowds
  • Slow down and read the information panels at each display to get the full educational value
  • Be prepared for a very loud environment, especially on weekends

Good to know before you go

  • Weekend visits if you want to avoid chaotic crowds and long waits at stations
  • Morning hours if you want to bypass large school field trip groups
  • High noise levels inside due to poor sound absorption on floors and walls
  • Some interactive activities are broken or missing vital pieces
  • Crowded stations on weekends with children swarming without taking turns
Crowds
Very crowded on weekends with long waits at stations
Value
Highly rated for value as kids leave entertained and tired after a full day of activities. The main extra cost is parking, which is $10 for the lot.
Accessibility
Handicap friendly with elevator access to all 3 levels
Safety
Private gated section specifically for children under 3 to protect them from older kids

What parents say

Elizabeth Herrman
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"We come here as often as possible. Staff is always kind, the place is clean and well kept, tons of fascinating and fun adventures to take on. Kids always have a blast and learn something new each visit. It never gets old or boring and kids leave work out and fulfilled. It's an amazing place to have a family day and to learn with your kids."

4 weeks ago

Jana Marler
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"We love science city and go about once a year. Went with my two boys on a weekday in the winter and it wasn’t packed at all. We didn’t have to wait in line for things and they were free to roam about. It was even fine enough to be outside (their favorite part) and not be too crowded like in spring to fall months. There is such a variety of things to do for all learners which is why we love it. It appeals to us all. Even adults. There’s so much sensory stuff which is also incredible. And a plethora of wisdom to get if you slow down enough to read the incredible info at each section and display "

3 months ago

Alicia Jobe
3.03.0 out of 5 stars
"Great for kids 3 to 10. My 12 year old liked it but didn't have as much fun as my 8 or old. Activities were geared more for the younger kids. Upstairs activities were better for my older child. Verry crowded on weekends. My kids were frustrated at the amount of children swarming each station. Parents have no control and let their kids jump on everything, no thought to taking turns. Many activities were broken or missing vital pieces due to kids stealing them or destroying them. Overall, the experience was positive however, as the dino section and live animals were a hit! They even have a pri"

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.