Relative to major tourist destinations, Kansas City, Missouri, may seem to be a quiet city. For first time visitors it might be hard to know what to do and where to go. But contrary to popular belief, Kansas City is a big city with a lot of things to do, including parks, gardens, museums, stadiums, a train station and so on.

For those who do not know Kansas City very well, or have moved to the city for college from other cities, states or countries, the information below will highlight some places to visit.  Also included are some of the events that will happen before the end of the year.

National World War I Museum

The National World War I Museum is the only museum of its kind in the United States.  It offers a rich history of World War I with a tour and many displays.

This museum covers World War I with the intention to make people remember, interpret and understand the facts of the War as well as its impact on the world as a whole.

The museum also honors those who served in the war – their courage, patriotism and sacrifice. It engages a diverse audience and collects and preserves historical materials.

The National World War I museum is open Tuesdays – Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It has a beautiful view of the city and a garden space outside the museum that people can enjoy.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The museum’s goal is to educate and inspire adults and children with the preservation and collection of toys and miniatures. It opened in 1982.

Upcoming events:

November 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the museum will feature Darling Daguerreotypes, which allows people to bring their favorite toy or choose one from the museum and capture it in a snapshot that is turned into a faux daguerreotypes;

December 3, 2016 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Coleman Dollhouse Opening

December 10, 2016 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Music in the museum features traditional holiday music from Simple Strings.

Science City at Union Station

Science City in Union Station is great for kids of all ages. It provides a fun look into science and includes an overhead bicycle that you can ride across the top of the building.

They are dedicated to science education. In each visit, adults and kids can find something new. There is no right or wrong answer, people are there to explore with pure imagination.

Upcoming events:

November 19 – Let it snow, special holiday lighting schedule;

The show time is: 11 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. They are going to charge $3 for the event, but children between 0-2 years are free.

December 10, 2016 – Jan 8, 2017 – Back to the moon for good;

The show time is weekdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m.; Its $6 to watch the show and free for children between 0-2 years old.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

This museum features a diverse range of art displays, both stationary and mobile.  The displays change from time to time to allow visitors a great mix of cultural experiences in art.

The museum is open Wednesdays at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is $ 8 dollars per car. The price to get in is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for Students with ID, and it is free to children and members.

Upcoming events:

November 19, 2016 to March 19, 2017:

Multitude, Solitude: The photographs of Dave Heath;

Janet Cardiff: Forty – Part Motet;

November 23, 2016 to May 21, 2017:

The 1930s in Prints: A Gift to Kansas City from The Woodcut Society;

The Country Club Plaza

The Plaza is a shopping and entertainment destination where people can enjoy their food, their stores and also play some games.. The plaza attracts children and adults of all ages.

Upcoming events:

Every weekend they feature Gear up for Game Day where they sell a variety of sports apparel for Kansas City sports teams.

Thursday, November 24 – The annual KCP&L Lighting Ceremony will begin with performances at 5 p.m. The switch will be flipped at 6:50 p.m. After the lights turn on, they’ll appear every night until mid-January.