Crown Center — Attraction in Kansas City

I had to update my review after visiting Crown Center again last weekend with my family. I'm not sure if the owners of the mall know this, but in order to sell things your stores have to be OPEN. The stores in this mall all close at 6:00 pm on Saturday. We had just finished our dinner at Fritz's in the mall, and at 5:45 we walked over to their special "Fairytale" exhibit that was advertised as being open until 6:00. We found the door locked and couldn't get in. When another family came out through the door we poked our heads in and were told by the desk attendant "It's closed." I asked if the signs were wrong and pointed out that they said the exhibit was open until 6, and she said "No, the signs are right, but we stop letting people in before that." She had no hint of friendliness or sympathy for our two obviously very disappointed children. To the mall management: If you close your exhibit at 5:40, don't advertise that it is open until 6 -- or at least, advertise that fact clearly. Knowing the stores would be closing in 15 minutes, we wandered up to the toy store on the top floor and were told even before entering the store "Just so you know, we close soon." I assured them that we wouldn't take up any of their time by spending money there. We made a few quick passes down the aisle at 5:50 and it was clear that the employees had no interest in anything but shooing everyone out. Perhaps they could have said "We close shortly, but is there anything we can help you find quickly?" Nope. No interest in making sales. Amazingly, there were countless other families wandering around the mall and surrounding area at 6:15 looking for something to do, and I guarantee many of them would have spent money in these stores. People say retail is dying; after visiting Crown Center, I can attest that retail isn't just dying, it is...

If your new to Kansas City as a resident or a visitor, you will enjoy going to Crown Center. There are many types of entertainment available for all ages. I remember staying in the Hotel many years ago when we first moved to Kansas City. We enjoyed ourselves so much and our daughters thought it was "the very best ever." We would frequently visit kaleidoscope, and The Childrens Theater. I can't remember the name of the Theater back then .... Maybe Children's Theater in the Attic. I do remember one of the plays with small ones playing the parts. The stage was set up like an attic. My daughter's , now in their early 50's still talk about the plays we attended when Crown Center is mentioned. I believe that is why I continue to support Crown Center, because there are many great memories and good vibes. It is a great places to eat, wonderful shopping to buy that special gift for that special someone. The Holiday Seasons with the decorations and music will get you in the festive mood, and there is always a list of great opportunities for the family with live entertainment. In the winter there is ice skating outside in a courtyard , in the summer the fountains are available for the younger generation to cool off. It's another place to...

Crown Center is an amazing shopping center filled with many unique shops and attractions.

On the first floor, you will find the Coterie Theatre, a small but nice theater that showcases theatrical shows for all ages.

There is a Crayola Store on the second floor. It used to be accompanied by a Crayola Cafe, but it has since closed and a Mexican restaurant opened in the space.

On the third floor, there is another, larger theatre, as well as a Halls (the sole department store) that spans most of the floor.

There are also lots of places to take your kids to, such as Legoland and Sea Life, as well as a showroom where kids can play.

There is also an ice rink that opens during the winter season.

There are two hotels, the Westin and Sheraton. At the Sheraton there is the Crown Center Exhibition Hall.

Growing up in Kansas City, Crown Center has always held a special place in my heart. I remember walking through the hallway on the second floor towards the Crayola Store and looking up at the colored horizontal cylinders hanging on the ceiling (those cylinders are now gone).

If you have kids or want a shopping mall that has lots of stuff to do, Crown Center is the...