Crown Center
Kansas City's Crown Center: A vibrant hub of family entertainment, unique dining, and seasonal magic.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More attractions open
Crown Center
Best Time
More attractions open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kansas City's Crown Center: A vibrant hub of family entertainment, unique dining, and seasonal magic.
"A must-visit for families, Crown Center offers a delightful mix of interactive attractions and memorable dining experiences."
🚗 Parking Tips
Use the first-level parking garage entrance and look for the 'janky little elevator' for easier access. :parking:
🚂 Train Dining Adventure
Book a table at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant for a fun meal where trains deliver your food! :foodie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fritz's Railroad Restaurant
Crown Center Shops
Enjoy a meal delivered by miniature trains zipping overhead! A unique dining experience for all ages.

Legoland Discovery Center
Crown Center
Immerse yourself in a world of LEGOs with rides, a 4D cinema, and endless building opportunities.
Snoopy and the Red Baron Exhibit
Crown Center Showplace (Level 1)
A free, traveling gallery celebrating the art and history of Snoopy's aviation adventures.
Ice Terrace
Crown Center
Go ice skating at this iconic Kansas City spot, especially magical during the holidays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Crown Center
Family Fun Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Use the first-level parking garage entrance and look for the 'janky little elevator' for easier access.
:parking:🚂 Train Dining Adventure
Book a table at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant for a fun meal where trains deliver your food!
:foodie:⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
Don't miss the Ice Terrace, a popular spot for skating, especially during the Christmas season.
:ice_skate:🎨 Free Exhibits
Check out free traveling exhibits like the Snoopy and the Red Baron gallery in the Showplace.
:art:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Use the first-level parking garage entrance and look for the 'janky little elevator' for easier access.
:parking:🚂 Train Dining Adventure
Book a table at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant for a fun meal where trains deliver your food!
:foodie:⛸️ Ice Skating Fun
Don't miss the Ice Terrace, a popular spot for skating, especially during the Christmas season.
:ice_skate:🎨 Free Exhibits
Check out free traveling exhibits like the Snoopy and the Red Baron gallery in the Showplace.
:art:👨👩👧👦 Kid-Centric Fun
Crown Center is packed with kid-friendly attractions like Legoland and Crayola.
:child:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crown Center is widely loved for its family-friendly attractions, particularly the unique Fritz's Railroad Restaurant and interactive spaces like Legoland. Visitors appreciate the festive atmosphere, especially during the holidays with the Ice Terrace. Some note a decline in traditional retail stores, but the entertainment and dining options remain strong draws.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crown Center is located in downtown Kansas City, MO. You can access it via major highways. Parking is available in the attached multi-level garage. Some visitors recommend a specific entrance on the first level for easier access to certain attractions.
Yes, Crown Center has a large multi-level parking garage. Rates vary, but it's convenient for accessing the shops and attractions.
Crown Center is a complex with multiple levels of shops and attractions. Using the internal elevators and escalators is key. Some TikToks highlight specific elevator access points for certain areas.
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) buses serve the downtown area, and Crown Center is generally accessible via bus routes. Check the KCATA website for current routes and schedules.
Many downtown Kansas City hotels are within walking distance or a short drive to Crown Center, making it a convenient destination for visitors staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Crown Center complex itself is free. However, individual attractions like Legoland Discovery Center, Crayola, and special exhibits will require separate tickets.
The Crown Center Shops generally have consistent hours, but individual attractions and restaurants may have different operating times. It's best to check the official Crown Center website or the specific attraction's website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, exploring the shops, enjoying the atmosphere, and visiting free exhibits like the Snoopy and the Red Baron gallery are great free activities.
The Ice Terrace is also a popular free-to-enter area, though skating has a fee.For popular attractions like Legoland Discovery Center, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially money.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends or evenings, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Highlights include Fritz's Railroad Restaurant for a unique dining experience, Legoland Discovery Center for LEGO enthusiasts, and the Ice Terrace for seasonal skating.
Absolutely! Crown Center is very family-friendly, with attractions like Legoland, Crayola, and the Thomas & Friends exhibit catering specifically to children.
Crown Center offers a variety of shops, from unique boutiques to national retailers. While some Reddit users noted a decrease in traditional retail spaces, it remains a shopping destination.
Crown Center frequently hosts special events, particularly during the holidays with Christmas lights and activities.
They also have rotating exhibits and seasonal attractions. Check their website for current event listings.Order your food and then watch as it's delivered via the overhead train system. It's a highlight for kids and adults alike!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Crown Center offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is a unique family favorite.
Burnt End BBQ is also a popular choice.The main draw is that your food is delivered to your table by miniature trains running on overhead tracks. It's a memorable experience for kids and adults.
While specific menus vary, most dining establishments offer a range of choices. It's advisable to check individual restaurant menus online for detailed options.
Yes, Fritz's Railroad Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an option for any meal of the day.
Dining prices at Crown Center can vary widely depending on the restaurant. Fritz's is generally considered family-friendly in pricing, while other establishments may be more upscale.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ice Terrace, especially when lit up during the holidays, offers great photo opportunities. The unique train delivery system at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is also a fun subject.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Legoland Discovery Center, allowing you to capture your creations and the impressive LEGO models.
While general photography is usually permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas or attractions.
The Ice Terrace is particularly picturesque in the evening when lights are on. For indoor attractions, any time is good, but consider visiting during off-peak hours for fewer people in your shots.
The exterior architecture of Crown Center itself, the Ice Terrace, and the festive decorations during the holiday season are all popular photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the Ice Terrace provides seasonal outdoor fun for the whole family. Even the free Snoopy and the Red Baron exhibit offers engaging content for kids. With plenty of dining options and a generally welcoming atmosphere, Crown Center is designed to keep children entertained and happy throughout the visit.
🎁 Shoppers and Explorers
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Crown Center Showplace for rotating exhibits, which have included popular attractions like the Snoopy gallery. The Ice Terrace offers a recreational break, and the various dining options provide ample opportunities to refuel and relax between explorations.
🎄 Holiday Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Adventures at Crown Center
For a truly unique dining experience, Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is a must-visit. Here, meals are delivered to your table via a miniature train system, a spectacle that delights children and adults alike. The Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit has also been a popular, albeit temporary, attraction for the younger crowd. These attractions, combined with the general atmosphere of the complex, make Crown Center a go-to spot for family outings in Kansas City.
Beyond the ticketed attractions, Crown Center often features engaging, free exhibits that are perfect for families. The Snoopy and the Red Baron exhibit, a traveling gallery from the Charles M. Schulz Museum, has been a hit, offering a fun and educational experience for fans of the Peanuts comic strip. The Ice Terrace provides seasonal outdoor fun, allowing families to enjoy ice skating together. These diverse offerings solidify Crown Center's reputation as a family-friendly entertainment hub.
Seasonal Magic: Christmas at Crown Center
Crown Center is renowned for its elaborate Christmas displays and events. Visitors can expect to find stunning holiday lights throughout the complex, creating a magical ambiance. While specific exhibits change annually, the commitment to a festive atmosphere remains constant, making it a popular destination for family outings and creating cherished holiday memories.
Beyond the visual spectacle, Crown Center often hosts special holiday-themed activities and entertainment. From unique shopping opportunities to seasonal food offerings, the complex aims to provide a comprehensive holiday experience. The presence of attractions like Legoland and Fritz's Railroad Restaurant ensures that there's entertainment for all ages, even amidst the holiday cheer.
Dining Delights: Beyond the Train
The dining landscape at Crown Center is designed to cater to a broad audience, from quick bites to more leisurely meals. Visitors can find a range of cuisines and atmospheres, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly meal or a place to refuel after shopping, Crown Center's dining options are plentiful.
It's worth noting that while the Reddit community has fond memories of dining at Fritz's, the overall retail and dining scene has evolved. However, the commitment to providing memorable food experiences, like the train-delivered meals and quality BBQ, remains a strong aspect of the Crown Center visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit