Close
We're Sorry
Crown Center
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Neighborhood
Shopping Mall
Crown Center Description
Crown Center comprises what might be the kid-friendliest downtown neighborhood in the United States. Anchored by the corporate headquarters for (and owned by) Hallmark Cards, the 85-acre complex was designed as a space residents and visitors alike can use and enjoy year-round. From romping the cool glass walkways connecting the two hotels and the mall to touring the Hallmark Visitor's Center or dropping by Kaleidoscope for some arts and crafts time, there's little risk of boredom here -- especially if you save the most fun part for last: a romp through the fountains in Crown Center Square.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Give little ones a free card for stamping at several "stations" along the Hallmark Visitor's Center tour, and make sure to stop at the machine that makes a gift bow right before their eyes.
School-Age Kids: Kids will dig right into projects at Kaleidoscope, a free arts and craft center that uses leftover materials from Hallmark cards. Call ahead for admission days and times.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The Coterie Family Theatre presents innovative live performances for kids of all ages; check for show times during your visit.
Planning Notes
- Snag-free parking. Parking is free on weekends and on weekdays with validation from any Crown Center shop. Bring receipts totaling $25 or more to the customer service office or information booth at Crown Center for three more hours of free parking.
- Use the Link. Kids who love exploring will get a kick out of using the Link to visit Crown Center. Both the Hyatt Regency Crown Center and the Westin Crown Center connect to Crown Center via the Link, an elevated walkway enclosed in blue-tinted glass.
- Bring water-friendly clothes. Kids will want to kick off their shoes and run through the grid of kid-height geyser fountains at Crown Center Square.
Just the Facts
Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
Reviews of Crown Center
New Exhibit Spring 2012
By KCEdventures February 21, 2012
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
What we loved:
Very interactive for kids
What we didn't love:
Can get crowded
Crown Center has a new interactive exhibit running through April 29, 2012 - Animal Tales & Trails lets kids swing, jump and slide through animal homes, and mimic fun animal behaviors. See the guide: http://www.kcedventures.com/crown-center-animal-tales-trails Read More
Related Vacations
Hands-On Fun and the World's Best Barbeque
Kansas City, MissouriKansas City is a perfect family destination: thrilling roller coaster ...
