L.B.
Ok, I'm NOT going to tell you NOT to do it...you're doing this more for yourself and to watch the expression on your kids face...I get that...I did the same thing.
If you are overnighting it, I would recommend Great Wolf Lodge at the Legends. There is a zero gravity pool there that is just tons of fun for the kiddos and small waterslides that (yes) I've even seen 18 mos kiddos going down. They have lifejackets there free to use so no need to bring your own. They also have craft and story time sessions that go on periodically throughout the day. Take a T-shirt or Raglan for the kiddo as sometimes the waterpark tends to get cool.
Nearly across the street in the Legends is TRex Cafe by the same makers of Rainforest Cafe except it is only 1 of 2 in the United States. VERY COOL and VERY LOUD...but it will keep her interest throughout the meal as there are always things going on. There is also a Build-A-Bear franchise inside that only does dinosaurs and a dinosaur expedition where they can dig up bones and fossils.
Also in Legends is Cabela's...although most people who don't hunt wouldn't go there it is fun to walk through and look at the animals. They have quite a wonderful taxidermy exihibit of all kinds of wildlife and best of all IT'S FREE! Also across the street is a Russell Stover's outlet complete with ice cream shoppe.
The KC Zoo is ok...be prepared to walk FOREVER...and hope you really like African animals because that is their speciality. Frankly I like the Topeka zoo for your age range and the Omaha Zoo is really top notch.
Crown Center is always lots of fun if you know where to go. Hallmark has a great exhibit for kids called Kaldeoscope (call ahead on times) but it is free and a great artistic experience. There is also a Crayola shop in the Center that is fun to experience too. Skip the Crayola cafe and eat at Fritz's. It's a burger joint where you place your order via phone from your table and a train literally delivers your meal. Tons of fun and will keep your kiddos eyes and ears going through the whole meal (and extremely reasonably priced). There is also ice skating still going on at the Center.
Across the Street is Union Station...haven't been there yet but have heard great things about it. I do understand they have a great children's section so it's worth checking out. I also have not been to the Chilren's museum in KC but have also heard fantastic things about that.
You might also want to check Sprint Center to see what shows are coming in...I do know Seasame Street or Elmo is coming in and they generally have some kind of kid show coming into KC at least quarterly. We've seen Go Diego Go Live at the Music Hall, The Backyardigans at the Midland, and Disney Princesses on Ice at Sprint so look around.
Hope this helps.
