Kansas City · MO / KS
Things to do with kids in Kansas City — December 2026
103 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Central Time.
What’s on now in Kansas City →Events
Oct22ThuSTEM & discoveryThrough Jan 3
Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium (Crown Center)
With admissionAll ages
Dec1TueMarkets and festivalsThrough Jan 9
BRW "Winter Wonderland" Holiday Display
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
Nov25WedOutdoorsThrough Dec 31
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake
Christmas in the Park (Frank White Jr. Softball Complex / Longview Lake Campground)
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Tue, Nov 3 · 9:00 AM
Discovery Day Crafts at the Overland Park Arboretum
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Free
Nov27FriSanta visitsThrough Dec 10
Elf on the Extreme Screen at Union Station
Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre at Union Station
From $4
- Community
Through Dec 20
Hallmark Christmas Experience at Crown Center
Crown Center Square
With admission
- Light displays
Through Dec 31
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (main entrance and parking lot)
All ages
Nov20FriMarkets and festivalsThrough Jan 4
Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village at Union Station
Union Station Kansas City
From $10All ages
Nov28SatNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 24
Kansas City Ballet: The Nutcracker
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Paid
Nov21SatNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 24
KCRep: A Christmas Carol 2026
Spencer Theatre (UMKC campus)
Paid
Dec1TueCommunityTue, Dec 1 · 4:00 PM
R.E.A.D. to a Pet with Pets for Life
Corinth Library
Nov27FriSanta visitsThrough Dec 24
Santa Visits at Destination North Pole (Crown Center)
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace
Free
Nov27FriNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 23
The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off (Theatre for Young America)
City Stage Theatre at Union Station
From $15
Nov10TueArts & craftsThrough Dec 31
The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! (The Coterie)
The Coterie Theatre (Crown Center)
PaidAll ages
Nov4WedLight displaysThrough Jan 2
Winter Magic Drive-Through Holiday Lights (Northland)
Platte Purchase Park
From $20All ages
Nov20FriArts & craftsThrough Dec 22
Winterland: A Holiday Cirque Experience
Grand Theater, Crown Center Shops
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Nov 4 · 10:00 AM
Giggle Time Children's Program (Tomahawk Ridge Community Center)
Tomahawk Ridge Community Center
Free
Dec2WedSports & playWed, Dec 2 · 10:00 AM
Homeschool Adventures: Archery (Schlagle Library)
Mr. & Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library
Ages 8+
Dec2WedArts & craftsWed, Dec 2 · 3:30 PM
Ornaments with EPIC Arts Clay Studio
Mr. & Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library
Ages 4+
- Outdoors
Wed, Nov 4 · 10:30 AM
Preschool Animal Tales Storytime at Ernie Miller (Nov–Dec themes)
Ernie Miller Nature Center
From $3Ages 2–6
- Arts & crafts
Thu, Dec 3 · 4:30 PM
Graham Cracker Cottages for Teens (Central Resource Library)
Central Resource Library
Free
- Arts & crafts
Thu, Nov 5 · 3:30 PM
Teen Drop-In Art Making at the Nelson-Atkins
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Free
- Outdoors
Fri, Nov 6 · 10:30 AM
Beginner Bird Walk (Discovery Center)
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
FreeAges 8+
Dec4FriTree lightingsFri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Christmas in the Courtyard (Merriam Tree Lighting)
Merriam Community Center
FreeAll ages
Dec4FriLight displaysFri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Lights + Festive Sights (Mission Mayor's Tree Lighting)
Powell Community Center
Free
- Outdoors
Fri, Nov 27
Luminary Walk – Traditional Weekends
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Paid
Dec4FriLight displaysThrough Jan 18
Sar-Ko Aglow Holiday Lights Display
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Dec4FriLight displaysFri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Grand Pavilion east of Rose's Pond)
Free
Dec4FriSTEM & discoveryFri, Dec 4 · 1:00 PM
STEM: Dry Ice Experiments at Turner Community Library
Turner Community Library
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Dec 4 · 12:00 PM
TubaChristmas 2026 at Helzberg Hall
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Free
Dec5SatCommunitySat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
A Christmas Celebration at Missouri Town Living History Museum
Missouri Town Living History Museum
From $4
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5
All Aboard with Santa on the Missouri River Runner (Lee's Summit stop)
Lee's Summit Amtrak Station
PaidAll ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa (Leavenworth Riverfront Community Center)
Riverfront Community Center – Riverview Room
From $8.50
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa (Merriam Community Center)
Merriam Community Center
From $8
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 7:45 AM
Breakfast with Santa at The Lodge at Ironwoods Park (Leawood)
The Lodge at Ironwoods Park
From $17
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 6:00 PM
Deck the Hall & Tree Lighting Ceremony (De Soto)
De Soto City Hall
FreeAll ages
Dec5SatCookingSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Family-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls & Monkey Bread (Briarcliff)
The Culinary Center of Kansas City - Briarcliff
Paid
Nov28SatSanta visitsSat, Nov 28 · 3:00 PM
Free Selfies with Santa at Lee's Summit History Museum
Lee’s Summit History Museum
FreeAll ages
- Outdoors
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:30 AM
Hike with a Naturalist at Lakeside Nature Center
Lakeside Nature Center
Free
Dec5SatMarkets and festivalsSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Kid Makers Market (Lenexa Public Market)
Lenexa Public Market
All ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Stroll with Santa (Downtown Overland Park)
Clock Tower Landing / Clock Tower Plaza
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:15 AM
JAM Session: Warmth in the Ice Age
Museum at Prairiefire
From $5
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 9:30 AM
KC Symphony Petite Performance: Holiday Harmonies
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
From $10Ages 0–6
Nov7SatSTEM & discoverySat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Mother Nature Reads – Storytelling for Children
Lakeside Nature Center
Free
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
Nutcracker Tea Party (Crescendo Conservatory)
Fiorella's Event Space
From $65
- Dec5SatCommunity
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
R.E.A.D. to a Pet with Pets for Life (Blue Valley Library)
Blue Valley Library
Free
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Santa Paws in the Park
Loose Park
FreeAll ages
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Swap Your Stuff Holiday Edition at Indian Creek Library
Indian Creek Library
Free
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Woodland Tales with Santa Claus at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Ernie Miller Nature Center
From $5All ages
Dec6SunSanta visitsSun, Dec 6 · 12:30 PM
Santa at the Market (Lenexa Public Market)
Lenexa Public Market
FreeAll ages
Dec7MonSanta visitsMon, Dec 7 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Open House with Santa at South Branch Library (pets welcome)
South Branch Library
Dec8TueArts & craftsTue, Dec 8 · 7:00 PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
PaidAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Tue, Dec 8 · 10:15 AM
Little Explorer's Club: Polar Dinosaurs
Museum at Prairiefire
From $5Ages 3–5
Dec9WedNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 23
A Ruby Room Christmas (Music Theater Heritage)
Music Theater Heritage (Ruby Room), Crown Center
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 9 · 2:00 PM
Frugal Foraging Folks: Weaving with Reeds, Vines & Grass (ages 12+)
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Ages 12+
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Dec 9 · 6:00 PM
Sewing Fun for Kids (Monticello Library)
Monticello Library
FreeAges 8–18
- Nutcracker and shows
Thu, Dec 10 · 6:30 PM
Grinch Party at Bonner Springs Library
Bonner Springs Library
Dec10ThuSanta visitsThu, Dec 10 · 2:00 PM
Homeschool Thursday: Olive the Other Reindeer (Main Library, KCK)
Main Library (Kansas City, Kansas Public Library)
Ages 5–18
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Dec 11 · 4:30 PM
Graham Cracker Cottages (De Soto Library)
De Soto Library
Free
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Dec 11 · 4:30 PM
Graham Cracker Cottages (Lenexa City Center Library)
Lenexa City Center Library
Free
Dec11FriSports & playFri, Dec 11 · 6:00 PM
Naughty or Nice Games (Lenexa Rec Center)
Lenexa Rec Center
From $8Ages 4+
- Community
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:30 PM
Puzzle Madness Family Jigsaw Competition (Lee's Summit)
Gamber Community Center
From $50
Dec11FriTrain ridesThrough Dec 24
The Polar Express on the Extreme Screen
Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre at Union Station
From $4
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Nov 13 · 10:30 AM
Tiny Explorers Stroller Adventures at the Nelson-Atkins
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
FreeAges 0–2
Nov13FriSports & playFri, Nov 13 · 5:00 PM
Youth Game Nights at Joe E. Amayo Community Center
Joe E. Amayo Community Center
FreeAges 5+
Dec12SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Around Since the Dinosaurs – a Native Wildlife Event
Lakeside Nature Center
Free
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12
Bonner Springs Christmas Parade, Mayor's Tree Lighting & Cookies with Santa
200 Oak Street (event location as listed)
- Markets and festivals
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:30 AM
BRW Holidazzle 2026: A Children's Holiday Festival
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
FreeAges 0–14
Dec12SatLight displaysSat, Dec 12 · 5:00 PM
Candlelight Tour at Fort Osage
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
From $10All ages
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
Christmas Makers Mini Art Camp (Lee's Summit)
Gamber Community Center
From $50Ages 5–14
- Sports & play
Sat, Nov 14 · 11:00 AM
Family Fun Fiesta (Irene H. Ruiz Branch)
Irene H. Ruiz Branch
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Graham Cracker Cottages (Leawood Pioneer Library)
Leawood Pioneer Library
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Graham Cracker Cottages (Monticello Library)
Monticello Library
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 7:30 PM
Owen/Cox Dance Group: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Yardley Hall, Midwest Trust Center (JCCC)
From $25
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Pictures With Santa at Louisburg Cider Mill
Louisburg Cider Mill Country Store
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Saturday with Santa
Leavenworth Public Library
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Skate with Santa
Line Creek Community Center
FreeAll ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Skate with Santa at Summit Ice
Summit Ice
From $15
- Community
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Winter Fest at Indian Creek Library: llama, alpacas and Winter Reading kickoff
Indian Creek Library
All ages
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Nov 8 · 10:00 AM
Second Sunday Free Days at the Toy and Miniature Museum
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Dec 13 · 2:00 PM
Youth Symphony of KC Winter Concert: Debut & Philharmonic Orchestras
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
All ages
- Community
Wed, Dec 16 · 6:00 PM
Family Bingo (Monticello Library)
Monticello Library
Free
- Outdoors
Wed, Dec 16
Luminary Walk – Electric Glow (low-sensory nights)
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Thu, Nov 5 · 5:30 PM
Crafting Through the Seasons for Kids (Merriam)
Merriam Community Center
From $6Ages 3–12
- Nov19ThuSports & play
Thu, Nov 19 · 5:30 PM
Family Bingo Night at Eisenhower Community Center
Eisenhower Community Center
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Through Dec 20
Kansas City Symphony Christmas Festival
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Paid
Dec18FriOutdoorsFri, Dec 18 · 9:00 AM
Candy Cane Hunt (Lenexa)
Lenexa Old Town Activity Center
FreeUp to 6
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 20 · 3:00 PM
Children's Mercy Science Friday at Wonderscope
The Regnier Family Wonderscope
With admission
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Dec 18 · 10:30 AM
Preschool Snow Much Fun (Meadowbrook)
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
From $11Ages 2–5
Dec18FriSports & playFri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Winter Waterland Pool Party and Dive-In Movie
Powell Community Center
From $15
- Community
Sat, Nov 21 · 4:00 PM
Saturday Night Out drop-off night at The J (ages 4-11)
J Clubhouse at The J
From $70Ages 4–11
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
SciFun Saturday: Winter Solstice at the Museum at Prairiefire
Museum at Prairiefire
FreeAll ages
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 19
Winter Solstice Celebration at Ernie Miller Nature Center
Ernie Miller Nature Center
From $13All ages
- Dec19SatMarkets and festivals
Sat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
Winter Wonderland Cookie Decorating at Schlagle Library (ages 12+)
Mr. & Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library
Ages 12+
- Outdoors
Mon, Nov 23 · 9:00 AM
Ernie Miller Kids' Day Out: Thanksgiving and Winter Break (Ages 5-10)
Ernie Miller Nature Center
From $45Ages 5–10
- Community
Mon, Nov 23 · 8:00 AM
Kids' Day Out Break Camps at the Johnson County Museum
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (Johnson County Museum)
- STEM & discovery
Thu, Oct 29 · 8:30 AM
School's Out and Winter Break Day Camps at the Kansas City Zoo
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
From $65
Dec22TueCommunityTue, Dec 22 · 1:00 PM
Gift Wrapping Party at Olathe Downtown Library
Downtown Library (Olathe)
Oct27TueSports & playTue, Oct 27 · 5:30 PM
Loteria Night (North-East Branch)
North-East Branch
All ages
Dec22TueSports & playTue, Dec 22 · 10:00 AM
Youth Christmas Pond Hockey Tournament at Summit Ice (ages 10-13)
Summit Ice
From $90Ages 10–13
Dec23WedNutcracker and showsWed, Dec 23 · 7:00 PM
The Polar Express in Concert (Kansas City Symphony)
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Paid
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 12:00 PM
Noon Year's Eve in Science City
Science City at Union Station
PaidAll ages
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Pajama Party Countdown (Lenexa)
Lenexa Public Market
Free