Things to Do & Where Out-of-Town Family Can Stay for the Holidays (Thanksgiving OR Christmas)
If you have family visiting from out of town, they need somewhere to stay!
So, we’ve gathered some places to stay in Kansas City that are great if you run out of room at your house. There are spots all over the metro, so no matter where you live, there’s somewhere close by.
Whether they’re visiting for Thanksgiving, or Christmas or you just want to hang out, there are tons of fun things to do & great places to stay for families.
Things to Do Thanksgiving Week with Your Family
No matter where your family is staying, check out these fun things to do for Thanksgiving & other fun activities.
Ride the KC Streetcar Around Downtown
Our lovely, free streetcar will take you from Union Station Kansas City to the River Market and everywhere in between. Visit Science City, Union Station, Crown Center or shop the River Market.
You can hop on & off at many different stops throughout our vibrant downtown. It makes it easy to explore with kids and grandparents…
After you ride the streetcar…
KC River Market & Riverfront Park
Shop the vendors for your holiday meal or just enjoy the afternoon stroll at the Rivermarket or park. The Riverfront Park is close by so you can also walk there from the market and streetcar drop-off. Here’s our complete Guide to KC River Market.
Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The museum is a fantastic KC attraction to show your out-of-town family! The exhibits change often, so even if you’ve been before there are new things to see! The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but free all other days.
If you want to stay outdoors, there are also multiple art exhibits outside on the trail surrounding the museum. The sculptures & artwork are beautiful!
National World War I Museum
One of our favorite spots in downtown Kansas City is the National World War I Museum. You can learn about our history while you explore the exhibits, then climb the tower to see the best view of Kansas City.
The Liberty Memorial Tower and Wylie Gallery tours are available at an additional cost. The museum also offers combo tickets for a discounted price.
Enjoy a Holiday Light Show
The best holiday light show is right in our backyard! This year it will be a drive-thru light show so you can enjoy the sparkling lights from the safety of your car.
Tickets can be purchased in advance to make sure all are included!
Tour the Plaza Lights
Each year, after everyone is full-on Thanksgiving dinner the Plaza lights are turned on for the entire holiday season. Enjoy a stroll around the plaza, do some shopping, and take in the sites.
Take a BBQ tour
Kansas City is known for having some of the best barbeque around. Take your out-of-town family members to some of your favorite spots or choose one from our huge list of the best bbq places in KC.
Where to Stay?
Plaza Home
Walking Distance to Country Club Plaza
This totally remodeled home near the Country Club Plaza sleeps 4. If you’re looking for a cozy place, this is a great spot! There’s off-street parking for three cars and a deck to enjoy.
West Plaza Bungalow
45th & Genessee
This is one sleeps 7 and is located in the Historic West Plaza Antique District. Pets are allowed! Plus it features a coveted private driveway, a really cute front porch, and a nice fenced backyard with a deck. The outdoor table, fire pit, and chairs, with their gas grill make the outdoor space a big plus too.
Cozy Home in North Kansas City
N. KC Area
This home sleeps 6 people, with 4 beds and 3 bedrooms, great for a single family. If you’ve got family visiting and you live in North Kansas City area, check this out.
Home with Garage & Tons of Parking
KCMO (near the stadium)
If you live in Raytown, KCMO or the surrounding areas, check out this area for options. There’s tons of parking and a garage you can use to keep your car if it gets cold.
Spacious Home in Raytown
Raytown, MO
Check in Baytown for lots of the great options in this area!
If you don’t find a place that fits your needs, there are TONS more options. Just check them out below:
KC’s best kept secret is this beautiful hotel. This 20’s Victorian inspired hotel has all the glamor of KC as well as ample room types to accommodate your visiting family.
Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
This premier casino hotel has all the feels of Las Vegas nestled right near the heart of KC. Your family can stay, dine and play during their visit. A little birdy told us their breakfast is fantastic!
We hope you enjoy Thanksgiving with your family! While this year may look a little different, enjoying each other’s company is all that really matters.
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
