Things to Do near Kansas City Area

OK, I have nothing to add, but loved seeing reference to things in this area! My daughter is likely going to college in KC, MO next fall. We have yet to visit the campus, but its looking like her front runner, even if she gets into the more "ivy league" of art schools she applied to. She wants a greener, smller campus than those offer, and I want something closer to home (only one option in state, and we will consider that depending on any scholarshp offers..but KCAI is her top choice right now).

Have a great Valentines day!

We love to go to the Nelson Atkins museum, or did until we had a kid that can't sit still and/or not touch the artwork. :-) If I had some uninterrupted grown up time, that's where I would want to go. Plus it's free (except for parking in the parking garage, I think), so you can spend your money on dinner or whatever.

My son and I were there for a college visit recently and really enjoyed the city. I agree with Sara B about the Nelson Atkins museum. We ate at several good restaurants but my favorite was Thai Place. http://www.kcthaiplace.com/
If you are there for more than one day, the World War I museum was also excellent.

The bristol is my fav restaurant. Also like lydia's and bravo. Mccormick and schmicks too. Friends have been to piropos and liked it. I've also heard about somewhere in lees summit where you can eat dinner overlooking a lake but I can't think of the name of it. Might come to me. Have fun!

Hey there!! Have you ever eaten at J Alexanders? They are in Overland Park, near approx 119th & Metcalf. It is a perfect dinner destination for a date night!! Their food is a little pricey if you are getting a steak, but they have great burgers and chicken stuff too, and everything is very good there and their service is outstanding!! And if you like to have drinks, they make wonderful drinks there as well. Their atmosphere is great too. At night they dim the lights a little. Hope you have a great night whatever you do!!

It's probably not super exciting, but we like going to the Plaza. We love Jack Stack BBQ, but there are some other really nice restaurants. Then we'll walk around or see a movie. We've also been to P&L. The night we went they had live music outside, outside bars, and fire pits. It was nice. I look forward to seeing the other answers.

Do you enjoy hockey? What about a Mavericks game at the Independence Events center? My husband and I went last week and had a great time! There is a dualing piano bar at the Power & Light District...we haven't had the chance to go yet, but have heard from others that it's fun. What about just going ice skating or bowling or something like that? There are a couple of fun arcades too...Dave and Busters is sort of for adults.

Romeo and Juliet (ballet) opens at the Kauffman Center sometime around Valentine's Day. Should be wonderful and you can eat at The Webster House next to it for a fantastic meal.

Ice Skating at Crown Center? I recently went alone with my best friend and it was so nice to skate upright - not having to hold our little kids' hands! You could always dine before/after at a restaurant nearby. There are plenty in every price range. Lulu's new space just off 19th Street is a lot bigger than it used to be.

How about an independent film at the Tivoli or Glenwood?

Not fancy or destination-y, but Chai Shai on 59th (near Holmes) has wonderful food with a charming atmosphere. And it's pretty affordable.

How about sitting in the hot tub at Matt Ross (downtown OP)? It's the best part of the indoor pool and my husband and I have to do it in shifts since our kiddo is only 4 and shouldn't be in it. We'd love the chance to relax together.

I have not been to Justus Drugstore in Smithville because I hear it is very pricey, but have also heard it's THE special occasion destination.

A stroll in the JoCo Arboretum (esp. the birdhouse section) could be quite romantic without kiddos. Actually, you can make anything romantic without kids, even bowling.

The Kemper Museum is free and their restaurant is wonderful. So not free, though. :)

I second the World War I museum. It is an amazing experience! Pair it with dinner at Lidia's for something close by.

Perhaps the KC Culinary School is offering a session that week?

Oh and my favorite art supply store is Utrecht on Main Street.