Things to Do in the River Market, Kansas City: A Perfect Saturday Guide
- Antoinette Redmond
- May 22
- 4 min read
Your step-by-step guide to the ultimate River Market KC experience from the farmers market to slime, pizza, ice cream, and the streetcar
If you've been searching for the best things to do in the River Market in Kansas City, look no further. Whether you're a KC local planning a weekend adventure or a visitor trying to find the real heartbeat of the city, the River Market neighborhood delivers a full-day experience packed with culture, creativity, and unforgettable fun. And right at the center of it all? A brand-new destination that Kansas City has been waiting for: Bubbles & Goo, the city's newest hands-on slime and bubble experience. But more on that in a minute.
Here's how to make the most of your day in the River Market from start to finish.
Stop 1: River Market Farmers Market
Grab your fresh produce, local goods, Saturday morning vibes
Start your morning at the River Market Farmers Market, one of Kansas City's most beloved community traditions and one of the top free things to do in KC on a weekend. Vendors line up with seasonal produce, handmade goods, local honey, flowers, artisan foods, and more.
It's the kind of place where you slow down, chat with the people who grew your food, and remember why local neighborhoods matter. Pick up a coffee, grab a snack, and soak in the energy before the rest of your day kicks into gear.
Pro tip: Arrive early for the best selection and to snag parking before the crowds roll in.
Stop 2: Bubbles & Goo, Kansas City's Newest Bubble & Slime Experience
Kids, families, birthday parties, groups, anyone who loves fun located at 512 Delaware Street, Kansas City, MO. If you're looking for something truly new in Kansas City, this is it. Bubbles & Goo is the River Market's most exciting new addition: an immersive, hands-on slime and bubble experience unlike anything else in the city. Whether you're bringing the kids for an unforgettable afternoon, planning a birthday party, or just want to tap into your playful side, Bubbles & Goo delivers. Expect stretchy, sparkly, sensory slime creations, giant bubbles that make the world feel magical, and the kind of interactive fun that turns a regular day into a story you'll tell for years. General admission tickets are available online, so grab yours before you go and skip straight to the good stuff when you arrive.
"Kansas City finally has the kind of sensory play experience that families have been asking for and it's right here in the River Market."
Stop 3: Minsky's Pizza and Fuel Up After the Fun
After all that bubble-popping and slime-stretching, your crew is going to be hungry and Minsky's Pizza is exactly where you want to be. A Kansas City institution for decades, Minsky's serves up loaded, satisfying pies in a casual, laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for families and groups. Classic cheese, veggie-loaded, or piled high with toppings. Whatever your style, Minsky's has you covered. It's the kind of meal that hits the spot after a high-energy morning, and it's one of the most reliable spots in the River Market for a sit-down lunch.
Stop 4: Betty Rae's Ice Cream — The Sweetest Ending
No day in the River Market is complete without a stop at Betty Rae's Ice Cream. Known for inventive rotating flavors, local ingredients, and the kind of creative scoops that make you want to try everything on the board, Betty Rae's is a Kansas City favorite and the perfect sweet finish to your day. Get a double scoop (seriously, do it), and then head outside because your final stop is just around the corner.
Stop 5: Ride the KC Streetcar Back Into the City
Scenic rides, saving on parking, experiencing KC like a local. The fun experience it totally Free! Ice cream in hand, take the KC Streetcar home and let the day settle in. The streetcar runs right through the River Market and is completely free to ride making it one of the easiest and most charming ways to get around Kansas City. Sit back, watch the city roll by, and soak in that satisfied, well-fed, slightly-gooey feeling of a day truly well spent in one of KC's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Your Full River Market Day Itinerary
Time | Stop | What to Expect |
9:00 AM | River Market Farmers Market | Fresh food, local vendors, morning coffee |
11:00 AM | Bubbles & Goo | Slime, bubbles, hands-on fun! KC's newest attraction |
1:00 PM | Minsky's Pizza | A legendary KC pie to refuel |
2:30 PM | Betty Rae's Ice Cream | Creative scoops and sweet endings |
3:00 PM | KC Streetcar | Free ride home through the heart of KC |
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