2025 Kansas City Royals Vacation Guide

2025 Kansas City Royals Vacation Guide

This Royals Vacation Guide will help fans with Kauffman Stadium must-do’s, nearby hotels, restaurants, and other Kansas City attractions. Now that Opening Day is less than 100 days away, now is a great time to start planning your upcoming visit to Kansas City to see a Royals game in 2025. Baseball fans have Kauffman Stadium on their bucket lists for three main reasons. First, the men in blue just snapped their 9-year playoff drought last season and even advanced to the AL Division Series. Second, the ballpark is one of the oldest MLB venues in the big leagues (opened in 1973). Last but not least, KC is known for being a barbeque destination with many restaurants to choose from. 

The 2025 Kansas City Royals Vacation Guide will give fans tips on where to find the best nearby hotels as well as top-rated restaurants. Also, this article will help readers with popular attractions and points of interest KC has to offer. And most importantly, this guide showcases Kauffman Stadium’s must-do’s during your fun weekend at the ballpark. But first, let’s talk about where to find the best night sleep in town. 

Even though The Royals stadium has a couple hotels surrounding them, they are not well-received due to their outdatedness and higher room rates on game days. So the best bet for an enjoyable stay would be to find one that is located in the downtown area with very close access to the U.S. 70 Highway. So without further adieu, here are the great hotel options for baseball fans to consider! 

Best-Reviewed Hotels Near Kauffman Stadium

Holiday Inn Express® Kansas City Downtown

• Approx. 10-Minute Drive via U.S. 70 Highway
• 4.6 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 2321 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Free Breakfast Buffet & High-Speed Internet
• Daily Parking ($25/Day), 24-Hour Gym & Self Laundry
• Rooms are about $144 per Night

Hotel Phillips® Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton®

• Approx. 13-Minute Drive via U.S. 70 Highway
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 106 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
• Breakfast is Included for Each Stay
• Has Two Restaurants: Le Petit Chef and Tavernonna Italian Kitchen
• Offers Valet Parking and Fitness Center
• Rooms are about $119 per Night

Hotel Indigo® Kansas City Downtown, an IHG Hotel

• Approx. 14-Minute Drive via U.S. 70 Highway
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 101 W 11th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
• No Complimentary Breakfast
• Has One Restaurant: Dott Boss
• On-Site Parking and Gym
• Rooms are about $144 per Night

Once the fans have found a place to stay in Kansas City, the next step would be to figure out where to grab a bite to eat at some of the top-rated restaurants in the area. The Western Missouri town has a reputation for offering one of the best barbeque joints in America. In addition, KC can provide many cuisines ranging from pizza to international flare. For the list of popular restaurants for Royals fans to venture out, please refer to the following! 

Top-Rated Restaurants for Royals Fans to Consider

Grinders Pizza

• Approx. 3-6 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 417 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner
• Sunday Closes at 6:00 P.M. CDT
• Guy Fieri of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” Visited Here
• Main Entrees: NY-Style Pizza, Philly Cheesesteak, Tater Tots
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Joe’s KC BBQ

• Approx. 10-12 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels via U.S. 35 Highway
• 4.8 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closed on Sundays
• Serves Lunch & Dinner
• Named by New York Post for “Top 28 BBQ Restaurants in the U.S.” in 2017
• Main Entrees: Slow-Cooked Meats (Ribs, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends)
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Dixon’s Chili Parlor

• Approx. 5-Minute Drive from Kauffman Stadium
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 9105 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO 64055
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closed on Sundays
• Serves Lunch & Dinner
• Began Operations in 1919
• Main Entrees: Chili Bowls, Hot Tamales, Chili Cheese Dogs, Burgers
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Hi-Boy Drive-In

• Approx. 5-Minute Drive from Kauffman Stadium
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 3424 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Independence, MO 64052
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closed on Sundays
• Serves Lunch & Dinner
• Has Been in Business Since 1957
• Main Entrees: Cheeseburgers, Milkshakes, Tenderloin Sandwiches
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Banksia Bistro-Downtown

• Approx. 3-6 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.6 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• Cnr 12th & Main, 1183 Main St Suite 120, Kansas City, MO 64105
• Open 7 Days a Week, No Dinner on Mondays & Tuesdays
• Serves Breakfast (All Day), Lunch & Dinner
• Authentic Australian Cuisine
• Main Entrees: Meat Pies, Kangaroo Loin, Pavlova, Lamington Cake
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Slap’s BBQ

• Approx. 10-15 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels via U.S. 70 Highway
• 4.7 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
• Open 7 Days a Week, Closed at 7:00 P.M. CDT Each Day
• Serves Lunch & Early Dinner
• Chef Joe Pearce Won Multiple BBQ Awards and Appeared on Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl” and “BBQ USA.”
• Main Entrees: Brisket, Burnt Ends, Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage, Cheesy Corn
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Meal

Now that you’ve figured out hotel accommodations and dining plans, you might be wondering: “What attractions should I visit before going to a Royals game?” The Western Missouri town has a rich history of Negro League Baseball and the players that shined in the sport. In fact, KC is known for honoring those who served and sacrificed their lives during World War I. The City of Fountains is even a popular destination for college basketball during March Madness. Of course, Royals and baseball fans can find the following points of interests in Kansas City: 

Popular Attractions in Kansas City

Negro League Museum

• Approx. 5-8 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.8 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.5 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closed on Mondays
• Parking on E 18th Street
• Main Exhibits: KC Monarchs, NLB Players & Teams, WWI, John “Buck” O’Neil
• Price Range: $6-$10 per Person Depending on Age
• Gift Shop Available

National WWI Museum and Memorial

• Approx. 8-12 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.9 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 5.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closed on Mondays
• Free On-Site Parking Lot Accessible via Kessler Rd
• Main Exhibits: Liberty Memorial Tower, Walk of Honor, WWI Artifacts
• Price Range: $10-$20 per Person Depending on Age
• Store & Cafe Available

The College Basketball Experience at T-Mobile Center

• Approx. 3-5 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.6 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 4.0 out of 5.0 Bubbles on Tripadvisor®
• 1401 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
• Open 7 Days a Week
• On-Site Parking Lot Accessible via Oak Street
• Main Exhibits: Interactive Games, Gallery of Honor, Call the Highlights
• Price Range: $15-$20 per Person Depending on Age
• Store Available

Former Site of Municipal Stadium

• Approx. 6-8 Minute Drive from the Downtown Hotels
• 4.1 out of 5.0 Stars on Google Maps®
• 2123 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
• Open 7 Days a Week
• Parking on Brooklyn Ave
• The Home for the KC Athletics/Royals (1955-1972)

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, let’s talk about the must-do’s at the Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. The ballpark has some of the features that baseball fans can’t find in any other MLB venues. Also, The K offers multiple stadium tours on game days and throughout the week. Perhaps the best part about fan experience is the amenities and fun activities fit for the whole family. For the complete details on what to do at Kauffman Stadium on game day, please refer to the information below! 

Kauffman Stadium Must-Do’s on Game Day

Ballpark Tours

• Four Types of Tours: Pre-Game, Classic, All-Star, and MVP
• Pre-Game includes Batting Practice and Early Access to Stadium
• Classic features the Press Box & Diamond Club (75 Min)
• All-Star includes Royals HOF & Triple Crown Suite (90 Min)
• MVP features Dugout Suites & Broadcast Booth (2 Hours)
• Groups Usually Meet at the Main Team Store Before the Tour Begins

Royals Hall of Fame Museum

• Open on Game Days until the Top of 8th Inning
• Located in the Left Field Concourse
• Only Accessible via Stadium Tours & Game Tickets
• Notable Exhibits: Dugout Theater, Royals Timeline, HOF Bobbleheads

The Outfield Experience

• Fun Rides and Attractions for the Whole Family
• Tokens are $2 Each and the Booth is Located by the Carousel
• Sluggerrr’s Mini Golf (5 Holes)-One Token per Game
• Carousel-One Token per Ride
• Playground-Free for Children
• Sluggerrr’s Base Run-One Token per Run
• Little K Mini Field-One Token per At-Bat
• Sluggerrr’s Pitching Mound-One Token per Three Pitches
• Outfield Fountains-Free for All Ticket Holders
• Sluggerrr’s Batting Challenge-One Token per Session

Royals Team Store

• Located Adjacent to Gate C Behind Home Plate
• Open 6 Days a Week, Closes on Sundays Except Game Day
• Closes 30 Minutes Before Gates Open
• Baseball Season Hours: M-F 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., Sat 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
• Sells Team-Branded Jerseys, Hats, T-Shirts, Socks, and Many More

Finally, now you’re ready for your unforgettable Kansas City Royals vacation! We’ve covered the places to stay, the best dining options, nearby museums, and Kauffman Stadium’s attractions. The only thing that’s left is to create an itinerary that makes vacation planning so much easier. Without further adieu, let’s reveal the Kansas City Royals Vacation Itinerary! 

Day 1 (Thursday)

1. Always Book Your Flight in the Early Morning to Lower Chances of Delays/Cancellations. 
2. Try to Fly on a Thursday so it’s Less Busy at the Airports. 
3. Arrive at Your Local Airport 3 Hours Before Departure for Parking Garage, Baggage Check, and TSA Check.
4. Fly to Kansas City (Durations Depends Where You Live)
5. Flight Arrives at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) & Head to Baggage Claim
6. Pick up Rental Car or Ride Share and Head to Hotel
7. Check-In at Hotel (3:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M.)
8. Get Room, Drop Off Luggage, and Relax (4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.)
9. Have Dinner at Banksia Bistro-Downtown (7:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.)

Day 2 (Friday)

1. Eat Breakfast at the Hotel (8:00 A.M.-9:00 A.M.)
2. Visit the Negro League Museum (11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.)
3. Shop at the NLB Store for Souvenirs
4. Grab Lunch at Grinder’s Pizza (12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M.)
5. Hang Out in the Hotel Room (1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.)
6. Arrive at Kauffman Stadium Team Store Near Gate C (3:30 P.M.-4:00 P.M.)
7. Meet at Team Store for Pre-Game Tour (4:10 P.M.)
8. Gates Open at 5:10 P.M.
9. Watch Kansas City Royals Game: 6:40 P.M. First Pitch
10. Grab Dinner at the Ballpark and Check Out the Outfield Attractions
11. Return to Hotel After the Game

Day 3 (Saturday)

1. Have Breakfast at the Hotel (8:00 A.M.-9:00 A.M.)
2. Head to National WWI Museum & Memorial (10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.)
3. Get Lunch at Dixon’s Chili Parlor or High-Boy Drive-In (12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M.)
4. Hang Out at the Hotel (1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M.)
5. Go to Kauffman Stadium for Game #2 (Gates Open at 4:40 P.M.)
6. Grab Dinner at the Ballpark and Watch the Royals (6:10 P.M. Start)
7. Return to Hotel for the Night

Day 4 (Sunday)

1. Get Breakfast at the Hotel (8:00 A.M.-9:00 A.M.)
2. Visit The College Basketball Experience at T-Mobile Center (11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.)
3. Get Lunch at Joe’s KC BBQ or Slap’s BBQ (12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M.)
4. Head Over to the Former Site of Municipal Stadium (1:30 P.M.-2:00 P.M.)
5. Arrive at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for Luggage, TSA & Flight Departure
6. Fly Back Home

Related: Kauffman Stadium’s Best Food Concessions

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