7 Best Sights in Kansas City, Missouri

Two blocks east of the Plaza is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, known for its outstanding Asian-art collection and the Henry Moore Sculpture Garden on the south grounds. The new Bloch Building expansion, the brainchild of architect Steven Holl, spans the equivalent of a 67-story building lying on its side. It houses the museum's collections of contemporary and African art, as well as a research library and galleries for rotating photography exhibits.

Across Pershing Road from the Liberty Memorial is the jewel in Kansas City's attractions, Science City, a 55,000-square-foot science museum in the restored train station, was once the second largest train station in the country. The museum contains 50 hands-on learning environments, including a planetarium, "extreme" movie screen, and media lab. Built in 1914, the train station itself houses a vintage rail exhibit and a variety of restaurants, shops, and theaters.

The Hallmark Visitors Center takes you through the greeting card giant's humble history, as well as the cardmaking process. Exhibits include a video archive of Hallmark's most famous television commercials and a printing press operator that produces real Hallmark cards.

Truman's life and career are the focus at the Harry S Truman Museum & Library. You'll also frequently find traveling exhibits and speakers.

The Kansas City Zoo includes a 5,000-acre African-plains exhibit.

Year-round, tourists and locals enjoy the Steamboat Arabia Museum, which houses goods—from French perfume to buttons to coffeepots—salvaged from the Arabia's muddy grave 132 years after it sank in the Missouri River in 1856.

Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun are two adjoining theme parks with roller coasters, shows, water shenanigans, and attractions for people of all ages.