Kaleidoscope — Attraction in Kansas City

I wasn’t expecting things to look so dull and sterile. This isn’t what I recall from my childhood. I was really excited to get an opportunity to finally take my 5YO, based on what I remember. There wasn’t much to do besides draw on different cuts of paper with dried out markers, water color that was murky from kids not rinsing their brushes, and melted crayon wax. All the stations looked almost exactly the same, minus one space that had a wheel of fabric. I recall the space with a much more whimsical feel to it, now it’s just white and minimalist with a little bit of color. It makes me think it was designed with Ikea products? It’s very underwhelming.

My 5YO struggled to stay focused, as all stations were almost identical. I could tell she wasn’t that thrilled because when she is engaged and excited, I struggle to pull her away, and she sometimes becomes upset (this happens at Science City a lot—she LOVES it. We had time to stop by after thankfully and utilize our membership passes). We walked out with no issue, she could care less.

Disappointed to say the least. I know it’s free, but considering the waitlist is weeks long, I was anticipating her to experience the same magic I seem to recall from my childhood, like many fellow KC Native reviewers before me had mentioned. I don’t feel like she experienced that feeling, and felt no inspiration to create—nor did I to come up with creative ideas with her. Very much unlike her, she loves to craft and create! Maybe if a more similar theme to the old one had been designed in the remodel, she’d have enjoyed herself more. This is for kids, after all. I don’t feel like the current look sparks creativity as the old look did. Maybe I’m just being too reminiscent.

The staff was very friendly though, so...

Growing up my sister and I both referred to this as the willy wonka of art. There used to be many different types of art mediums that didnt get to experince everyday in such a land of imagination. We had so many memories that I was so excited to show our kiddos... the wall paper.. the more of a group experience. Our parents got to volunteer. I was very disappointed in this new experience.

Now, it is pretty much a big room to color in. Not as colorful and imagination based it is more Montessori equiptment with a splash of digital art. It is clear the theme is easy, volume, quick and low budget. Makers and tape no glue made it had for my little to do. You had to hunt down the pieces if you could find them in addition to the colors you want. 1/5 the water colors were completely out other than like 2 trays.I get that it's free but the volunteers use to help keep things together now there are 2 people just dumping water cups and moving people in and out. They don't have time to organize it themselves before the next round is in there. The puzzle machine was also down. The paint dryer is a liability without an employee or volunteer manning to make sure a kid did stick their hand in. I had to tell my 4 year old 5 times no to put their had in it. But with the time it takes to dry he had trouble remembering not to try.( he is a rule follower but still struggled).

Definitely missing the engaging ambiance of the journey through a world of imagination. Sad my kiddo will never get to experience how incredible...

Really enjoy coming to Kaleidoscope! They are definitely giving kids a great experience with creative arts and crafts, and free of charge at that!

As a parent, I did find there to be a little less variety since they remodeled during the pandemic. I heard from the front desk that is more friendly to kids on the spectrum in different ways. I definitely support that.

One of favorite stations that my kids enjoyed was the watercolors, on the back corner of the room. They even made hats!

When we visited most recently, we were walk ins. I do suggest doing your best to reserve a time slot ahead of time.

I would also advise coming earlier in the day. Their last session begins at 2:30p and ends at 3:20p.

The front desk is less likely to help you enter as a walk in towards the end of the day but if you arrive before the beginning of a session, you are more likely to grab a spot as long as you have your kiddos with you!

I will be coming back again with my wife and kids very soon and I recommend Kaleidoscope to anyone with kids that lives within driving distance of Kansas City, keeping in mind that there are many other things to do and places to visit within Crown Center and downtown KC.

Atmosphere:5 Family Experience:5 Friendliness of...