As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, my favorite season of Kansas City activities has arrived. Whether it is something spooky or sweet, apple-flavored or pumpkin-spiced, I am all in for the fall season classics. Below, I will share a list of my favorite autumn activities in the local area, guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season.
Liberty Corn Maze – 17607 Liberty Bend Rd S, Liberty, MO 64068
Located just about 45 minutes outside of Kansas City, the Liberty Corn Maze offers a perfect weekend adventure to get lost in the corn. The maze sprawls across 25 acres and features a new design every year, with 2024’s theme honoring former President Harry Truman, a Missouri native.
Visitors can navigate through four different paths of varying difficulty, making it fun for all ages. Admission is about $17, with unlimited time to explore the mazes. I recommend bringing comfortable shoes you do not mind getting dirty, a flashlight and a jacket for cooler fall evenings.
Louisburg Cider Mill – 14730 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053
The Louisburg Cider Mill is famous for its fresh, delicious apple cider that visitors can watch being made on-site. Guest can observe as hundreds of apples are pressed into cider and transformed into their favorite treats, which is my favorite part. In addition, the property features a pumpkin patch and an apple orchard, where guests can pick their own produce with the purchase of additional tickets. On weekends, they even have live music on their outdoor stage.
Whether it is enjoying the cider-making process, exploring the pumpkin patch or savoring fall treats, the Louisburg Cider Mill offers something for everyone. Be sure to try the apple cider donuts – they are a must!
KC West Bottoms Haunted Houses: The Beast – 1401 W 13th St Suite B, Kansas City, MO 64102, Edge of Hell – 1300 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101
The historic West Bottoms district is home to some of Kansas City’s most terrifying attractions. The two most popular houses, The Beast and the Edge of Hell, each offer unique, horrifying experiences. Highlights include a live alligator, slides, crawling tunnels and even a heart-stopping three-story jump out of a window. The Beast was named the Best Haunted House in the U.S. in 2019 by America Haunts and is known for changing its layout every year, keeping visitors unexpected.
It is important to note that these haunted houses are not for the faint of heart as they have plenty of gore, darkness and intense special effects. I highly recommend checking their websites before attending to make sure you are comfortable with the level of horror involved. I have personally visited these haunted houses twice over the past few years, and even though I am fairly comfortable with thrills, I was genuinely scared the entire time.
The attractions are designed to be intense, with an emphasis on engaging all your senses. If you are looking for a true horror experience in Kansas City, these haunted houses are at the top of the list, delivering spine-chilling scares and unforgettable moments.
Halloween HAUNT at Worlds of Fun – 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161
For those looking for a spooky experience without the extreme intensity of the West Bottoms attractions, The Halloween HAUNT at Worlds of Fun is a perfect alternative. Alongside their usual roller coasters and rides, the park transforms into a Halloween-themed destination featuring 12 to 15 smaller haunted houses. While there are plenty of jump scares and eerie moments, these haunted houses are more family-friendly than the Beast or the Edge of Hell.
Each haunted house lasts around 5-10 minutes, making it a reasonable option for first-timers or those looking for a more manageable thrill. I recommend downloading the Worlds of Fun app before your visit to check out the different haunted houses and plan which ones you want to experience. Whether it is for the rides or the scares, The Halloween HAUNT at Worlds of Fun is a great choice for every audience.
No matter your preference for fall festivities, Kansas City offers a variety of activities that promise seasonal fun, thrills and memorable experiences for everyone. Happy fall and spooky season! I hope everyone can enjoy this time of year as much as I do!
