Kansas City: Fun at Science City at Union Station

Science City in Kansas City boasts over 300 interactive exhibits and has been named one of the top 25 science centers in the country.

It consists of 92,000 square feet and is located in Kansas City’s historic Art Deco Union Station near downtown Kansas City.

We went to Kansas City to see a Kansas City Mavericks Hockey game, my son plays hockey, and this was our fun activity on the trip.

Outside Kansas City's Union Station where Science City is located. — Outside Kansas City’s Union Station where Science City is located.

OUR TIME HERE

Entering Science City

I had lived in the Kansas City area at one time and decided to save some bucks we found street parking on Kessler Road south of Union Station. Know this is a bit of a walk and it is not always easy to find street parking.

Next, we entered Union Station. Science City is located through the gift shop on the west side of Union Station.

After going through the gift shop we found out we either had to buy tickets at the Box Office outside of the gift shop or use the QR code by the ticket taker. We chose to go to the Box Office. The gift shop clerk does not do tickets.

After buying tickets we headed through the entrance area which has some interactive exhibits such as one where your body movements create different images on the screen.

Then we came to a metallic slide with a saucer on top.

Next, we entered the main part of Science City on the upper level.

Upper Level

Near a large window, we came to an illusion area where a rounded structure looks like you don’t have legs.

Then you look down and see a squishy image on the floor of a picture.

Andrew liked the large curved bowl that you could move up and down along rails. (Main Blog Photo)

We took a moment to act like we were flying a helicopter.

Lower Level

Then we headed downstairs for a more fun time.

Andrew found a top that you could sit in and spin.

A rope moves a chair up that you sit in.

There is a train section with a model train that goes around a recreated Union Station with Kansas City landmarks.

Then he pulled on a long rope to ring a bell.

Outside

From the lower area, you can enter an outside interactive playground.

Andrew went flying across the play area on a zipline.

He went to the top of a rounded climbing structure that looked sort of like floating red and white potato chips.

Pulled by ropes is a life-sized hamster ball.

Next, we headed back inside.

We found a small aquarium area with a huge toad.

Then he was back wandering the exhibits.

We headed back up to a circular treadmill that he ran hard on.

These were just some of the many exhibits he enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

Doing many of these activities with him I was only able to take a few photos. There is plenty to do here for a few hours of fun.

ULTIMATE SCIENCE CITY OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

Simple Machines At Play — Explore six simple machines in the first-ever outdoor Science City experience. You’ll climb, race, lift, slide, turn, and fasten – moving your body and engaging your mind all at the same time.
Every Last Drop — Explore water, an extraordinary molecule, and our relationship to it.
Genetics: Unlock the Code — Discover the science and wonder behind the human genome.
Interactive Entrance —Touch, feel, play, and learn as you make your way into Science City.
Maker Studio — Become a Maker as you create and construct in this unique hands-on learning lab.
Nature Center — Get up close and observe the diverse and beloved animals that call Science City home.
Science of Energy — Power up your imagination as you learn about energy and how it touches every part of our lives.
Science on a Sphere — A stunning and powerful visual perspective of Earth and other objects in our solar system.
Sky Bike — Put the law of physics to the test while seated on a bicycle that is suspended on a high wire 30 feet above the ground.
Spark!Lab — Everyone is inventive! Get creative with the invention process in this unique, hands-on exploration experience.

DETAILS

Union Station also includes a Planetarium, Movie Theatre, Live Theatre, and restaurants go to the website for more information.

Connected to Union Station by skywalks is the Crown Center complex with stores, restaurants, hotels, museums, and many other activities.

*National World War I Museum with the LIberty Memorial*

Across the street from Union Station is the National World War I Museum and Memorial which is the nation’s war memorial and museum dedicated to World War I.

Drive From St. Louis: Take Interstate 70 west to Kansas City. In Kansas City use the left two lanes to keep left at the fork, continue on Interstate 670, and follow signs for Interstate 70 ALT/I-35S/Topeka/Wichita. Then take exit 2Q toward Truman Road then make a left onto Main Street then a right onto Pershing Road and parking for Union Station/Science City is on the right for paid parking. If you want to park for free make a left onto Kessler Road and look for street parking on the right.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday- Saturday; 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday

Admission: $14.50, General Admission; Free, Children 12 months and Under or Union Station Members. Added to all tickets is a Ten percent Preservation Fee.

Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108