Kansas City Connect

The exciting world of Science City KC is a unique destination where learning and fun collide in Kansas City! Whether you’re a local family looking for weekend entertainment or a visitor seeking educational experiences, Science City offers an immersive environment where children and adults alike can explore science through hands-on discovery. Located within the historic Union Station, this interactive science center has become a cornerstone of STEM education in the Kansas City metropolitan area, inspiring curiosity and innovation in visitors of all ages.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Science City KC, from its must-see exhibits to special programs and practical visitor information. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand why Science City has consistently been voted Kansas City’s favorite family-friendly attraction and why it should be at the top of your list for your next family outing. Get ready to discover how Science City makes science accessible, engaging, and most importantly, fun!

Science City KC stands as Kansas City’s premier destination for hands-on STEM exploration, delighting families for years with its innovative approach to science education. Housed in the historic Union Station, this 100,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor science center has earned its reputation as the city’s favorite family-friendly attraction through its commitment to making science exciting for visitors of all ages. The moment you step inside, you’re invited to touch, experiment, and explore—breaking away from the “look but don’t touch” approach of traditional museums.

What sets Science City apart is its philosophy that learning happens best through direct experience and play. Rather than simply displaying scientific concepts behind glass, Science City creates environments where visitors become active participants in the scientific process. From engineering challenges to physics demonstrations, biology explorations to technology experiments, the center covers the full spectrum of STEM disciplines in ways that spark genuine curiosity and wonder. For many Kansas City families, Science City isn’t just a one-time visit but a beloved destination they return to again and again, discovering something new with each experience.

Step into Science City and prepare to be amazed by over 300 interactive exhibits spread throughout nearly 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Each area is thoughtfully designed to encourage hands-on exploration across different scientific disciplines. Popular exhibits include the Science of Energy, where visitors can generate electricity through movement; the Genetics Lab, offering insights into DNA and heredity; and the Demo Area, featuring exciting daily science demonstrations that bring scientific principles to life through spectacular experiments.

One of the center’s highlights is Science on a Sphere, a room-sized global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere. This NASA-developed technology allows visitors to visualize complex environmental processes like atmospheric storms, climate change, and ocean temperatures in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Outdoors, the Science City experience continues with exhibits that take advantage of natural elements and open space, creating seamless learning opportunities that connect indoor concepts with the world beyond. From water features that demonstrate fluid dynamics to structures illustrating principles of engineering, the outdoor spaces provide a refreshing complement to the indoor exhibits.

Science City goes beyond casual exploration by offering a rich array of educational programs designed to deepen understanding and inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators. Their Saturday STEM Seminars provide focused learning opportunities where children can dive deeper into specific scientific topics under the guidance of skilled educators. These sessions combine instruction with hands-on activities, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned in real-time. For those interested in astronomy, the center partners with the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium to offer specialized workshops that complement the planetarium shows, creating a full space science experience.

Throughout the year, Science City hosts signature events that transform the entire center into themed learning environments. These special occasions often feature guest experts, unique demonstrations, and limited-time exhibits that explore seasonal or trending scientific topics. The center’s stage shows are another highlight, presenting scientific concepts through engaging, often theatrical demonstrations that captivate audiences while explaining complex principles in accessible ways. For educators, Science City offers professional development opportunities, helping teachers bring more effective STEM instruction back to their classrooms. With programming specifically designed for different age ranges—from toddlers to teenagers—Science City ensures that visitors at every developmental stage find appropriate and engaging learning experiences.

Planning your Science City adventure is straightforward, with general admission tickets available year-round for visitors of all ages. Current pricing provides an affordable day out for families, with special rates available for groups and school field trips. For the best value, consider a Union Station membership, which pays for itself after just four visits and provides unlimited access to Science City throughout the year. Members also enjoy additional perks like discounts on special programs, early access to new exhibits, and reduced rates for the planetarium and other Union Station attractions.

To make the most of your visit, plan to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the main exhibits, though many families find they can happily spend an entire day at Science City and still not experience everything. For an enhanced experience, consider adding a show at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium to your itinerary. This state-of-the-art facility offers spectacular shows about astronomy, space exploration, and other science topics that perfectly complement your Science City adventure. The planetarium features multiple show times throughout the day, making it easy to coordinate with your Science City exploration. With convenient parking at Union Station and dining options on-site, Science City makes it easy to enjoy a full day of discovery without logistical hassles.