Hey there! So glad you’re here. I’ve been taking mini library field trips with my daughter LC and I’m so excited to round up the 5 Best Libraries for Toddlers in Kansas City!
I’ll be real with you, some of the libraries around the city are a bit outdated and small – many don’t have a lot in the kids section! Others, however, are a complete home run and have become a consistent spot we visit every week!
I’m so excited to share this list with you! But first, let’s chat about what I consider when ranking. I focus on a few things! I consider how excited LC is when we enter (a true tell if a place is going to be a hit), how long she plays and is entertained, if they offer story-times, preschool activities and crafts, their book selection and more!
Before we dive in, here are some overall things to know:
- The Kansas City Public Library branches offer a new take-home activity each month! (i.e. outdoor scavenger hunt, musical instruments, mini lego sets, etc.)
- The new Olathe Indian Creek Library has an in-person story time on Thursdays, and an in-person craft class every Friday!
5 Best Libraries for Toddlers in Kansas City
Best Libraries for Toddlers in KC: Johnson County Library: Central Resource Library
This library is amazing! I’m listing it as #1 because my toddler played happily for over an hour here! There’s an activity wall, plenty of board books and easy reads, balance chairs, fun window seats, chickens you can sit on and stackable “blocks” that we used as a balance beam!
The space was recently renovated and everything feels very fresh and new! I’m told there will be crafts and activities starting in the fall!
Best Libraries in KC: Kansas City Public Library
This library takes the cake for most space and activities for kids! There’s an entire room dedicated to kids and it’s filled with books, life-size legos, computer games, trains and train tracks, a coloring station with take-home activity books and more! After you’ve exhausted all the fun to be had in the kids section, take the elevator up to the rooftop patio and play life size chess!
This library has a monthly take-home activity, so be sure to ask the librarian for one! I love little parting gifts that we can use on a rainy day. So sweet of them to offer that!
Best Libraries for Toddlers in KC: Olathe Indian Creek Library
This has quickly become a go-to for us because the library has a brand new park right on site! Inside the library your kiddo can explore a castle, dragon seat, table and chairs and a large play mat. Their board book selection isn’t as full as other libraries, yet we still find plenty to borrow!
The brand new park outside accommodates kids of all ages, so if you’re a family with kids of various ages – This is a great park for you! There is a nature walk trail as well as picnic tables if you’d like to pack a snack or lunch!
Storytime in the Park: Thursdays, 10AM
Preschool Craft Time: Fridays, 10AM
Best Libraries for Toddlers in KC: Lenexa City Center Library
This brand new library has a modern feel, and the entire 2nd floor is dedicated to kids! Up there you can find tables and chairs, a Montessori toy exhibit, a dedicated story-time room (they’ll start back up in the fall!), some cutout houses and an impressive amount of children’s books!
It’s only a hop away from Shawnee Mission Park, which just opened their Inclusive Park – one of the largest kids parks I’ve seen in KC!
Best Libraries for Toddlers in KC: Antioch Library
We were pleasantly surprised by the space for kids! We were told they typically have a ton of toys out too, yet they’re currently in storage due to Covid. So, hopefully those will be out soon!
Other fun things they offer include a Montessori rocket, a separate reading room, some lounge areas for reading and a special hideaway for little ones! There are plenty of board books here as well. After you visit, head to Antioch Park! They have a really great toddler area with a fun old town to explore.
More coming soon! xx
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