Science City is Kansas City’s hands-on science center, built into the 1914 Beaux-Arts Union Station at 30 W Pershing Rd, just south of downtown and the Crossroads. Families come for exhibits that let kids build, test, and experiment rather than simply watch (Visit KC).
Inside, children rotate through interactive stations and live science demonstrations led by staff, and the test kitchen turns cooking into chemistry lessons. Union Station’s Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium screens star shows and space programs on a domed ceiling, and the Extreme Screen theatre shows large-format films (Union Station). Before or after a visit, walk through the station’s Grand Hall to see its 95-foot ceiling and the giant clock hanging above the concourse.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
School groups fill weekday mornings during the academic year, so plan for weekday afternoons if you want shorter lines at popular stations. Weekends and school breaks bring the biggest crowds. Buy timed tickets online and add a planetarium show at checkout, since showtimes can sell out (Union Station Tickets). Covered parking sits on site, and the free KC Streetcar stops at the station (Union Station). The National WWI Museum and Memorial is directly across Pershing Road, and Crown Center’s shops and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are reachable through the Link skywalk. Check current hours on the official site before you go.
