Best Shopping Malls and Centers in Kansas City

Conveniently located near I-70 and Highway 291, this three-story, climate-controlled shopping mall features 117 retail shops. Purchase current fashions at PINK Victoria Secret or American Eagle Outfitters, and accessories from Claire's or Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry. Buy candles or international gifts, craft a custom stuffed bear, and sample sweets during your visit as well. Supplements and shoes, great games and officially licensed headwear representing dozens of sports teams are here too. In addition, shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Macy's and Dillard's appeal to the entire family. When the kids grow restless check out the children's play area, which features a double decker carousel. There's no need to shop hungry either, when you can snack on hot pretzels, fresh cookies and premium coffee, and sit down to Asian noodles or classic bistro fare. On Kansas City's outskirts, this recently renovated mall still draws great crowds.

Shop dozens of name-brand stores and local favorites, at discounted prices, when you visit the Kansas City area's only designer outlet center. Current fashions abound from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, to J. Crew | Crewcuts, or F21 Red (Forever 21). Ready to up your athletic game? You'll find the right gear at the Nike Factory Store or Adidas Outlet. Refresh your inventory of culinary tools inside Kitchen Collection, find the perfect accessory at Claire's, or purchase bargain books, cards and gifts at BAM Books-A-Million. One of the center's newest offerings, Made in Kansas City represents the creative work of more than 100 local artists, 'makers' and designers. Easily accessible to the NASCAR Kansas Speedway and other popular entertainment venues, Legends Outlets is also home to national restaurants plus local favorites such as Arthur Bryant's legendary barbecue, or unusual 'pies' at Chiusano's Brick Oven Pizzeria. Enjoy every minute.

If you love one-of-a-kind, creative design, then the fun and funky Crossroads Arts District is a must-do shopping destination. Creative people have filled neighborhood galleries and studios with handcrafted ceramics to enormous oil paintings, and meticulously crafted jewelry. Purchase delicious and gorgeous handcrafted confections at Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates or paper goods made with an old-fashioned press, from Hammerpress. There's unusual specialty lingerie and swimsuits, at Birdie's, and humorous Kansas City-centric clothing and gifts crowd RAYGUN, LLC. You'll also find high-end furnishings in several places, 'green' interior design materials, and a massive array of shoes at the decades-old Bob Jones Shoes. Even skateboard enthusiasts and map lovers will find shops dedicated to their favorites. Mexican, Thai, Germanic, and Italian fare, steaks and burgers provide tasty, locally-owned dining options and there are premium spirits available at Tom's Town Distilling Co. too.

Planned and built in the 1920s, Brookside remains one of Kansas City's favorite suburban shopping areas. Full of leafy trees, broad sidewalks and independently owned businesses, this neighborhood feels a bit like you're stepping back in time. Whether you're buying dog treats from Brookside Barkery and Bath or eclectic fashions and jewelry at Shopgirls, Brookside features a quaint and cozy vibe. Purchase old-school toys such as the Slinky, inside The New Dime Store, or home décor and gifts from other cultures, at the World's Window. Kids of all ages love Brookside Toy & Science, which carries science kits, microscopes and much more, while hand-poured and highly fragranced candles abound at 5B&Co. Candlemakers. In addition, browse several galleries or grab a bite in multiple restaurants. When hunger strikes, Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard serves ridiculously decadent treats and Blue Grotto is known for handcrafted pizza.

Visitors and locals are equally drawn to this Northland shopping area located near Kansas City International Airport, also home to offices and residences. Full of wide sidewalks and grassy areas, this highly walk-able neighborhood offers plenty of free parking, while patio umbrellas and park benches enhance the ambiance, reminiscent of old-fashioned downtown areas. Zona Rosa hosts national brands, including American Eagle, Ann Taylor LOFT or Sephora and local shops offering home furnishings to unusual gift items and premium popcorn. Enjoy cuisines by national and local brands from Bravo! Cucina Italiana to homegrown favorite Swagat Fine Indian Cuisine. Order a treat from Cold Stone Creamery or spicy Mexican dishes at Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurant, too. Ready for shopping break? Funny local and high-profile national performers inspire belly laughs, at The Kansas City Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre. Zona Rosa is laid-back, yet packed with possibilities.

Two open-air shopping areas with a common name are great places to browse the latest fashions at White House | Black Market, purchase upscale home essentials at Restoration Hardware or find premium athletic-wear at Lululemon Athletica. One shop caters to gamers, another sells Apple computers, and a third stocks locally designed, nationally renowned denim clothing. Only minutes from Interstate 435, this Kansas retail destination provides plenty of free parking too. When hunger beckons, savor delicious Italian food or stellar steaks and seafood. You'll also find luscious ice cream and gelato as well as premium, locally roasted coffee. Movie lovers will appreciate the 20-screen AMC movie theater, which offers IMAX and Dolby viewing experiences too. Even when shoppers pack Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing, there's still plenty of breathing room.

Kansas' largest shopping mall is also the Kansas City area's largest indoor shopping mall, encompassing more than 1.5 million square feet. With a modern, streamlined appearance, Oak Park Mall includes four department store anchors - J.C. Penney, Nordstrom, Macy's and Dillard's. Remaining retail space includes dozens of smaller stores, as well as a food court featuring nearly a dozen offerings, all spread across two sprawling levels. Youngsters love the exclusive American Girl store, the Disney Store and a LEGO Store. Find current fashions, at Abercrombie & Fitch or EXPRESS, and apparel or running shoes, at Finish Line Computer geeks will enjoy shopping in the Microsoft Store too — only the 20th opened in the world. From fashion and jewelry to books and natural cosmetics, Oak Park Mall offers enormous shopping variety amid indoor comfort.

Kansas City, Missouri's historic River Market area has been an active commercial hub since 1857. Today it is home to the region's largest farmer's market and beloved weekend destination, the City Market. Sure, you can purchase fresh produce and herbs, meat, dairy and other foods here, but why stop there? This is also a great place to buy additional culinary items and vintage gifts for a loved one or yourself. Long-standing individual shops circling the vendor booths sell a wealth of Italian food staples, ingredients for Brazilian or Middle Eastern cuisine and much more. Browse interesting house wares and kitchenware too, as well as Mexican silver, or African art and jewelry. Complete your City Market experience with a tour through the fascinating Steamboat Arabia Museum. A true melting pot of cultures and ages, the City Market's atmosphere becomes downright festive during the peak season.

Operating for more than 40 years, the bright and modern Crown Center features dozens of unique shops and restaurants that spread outwards from a light-filled three-story atrium. Purchase brightly colored art supplies from Crayola ® Kansas City or find the latest kitchen gadgets inside home-grown Function Junction, at this shopping center associated with Hallmark Cards. Purchase premium pens and leather goods too, as well as home décor and gifts for various holidays. When the kids get hungry, check out Fritz's Railroad Restaurant, home of train-delivered burgers and fries, or New York-style pizza at d'Bronx. There's entertainment on hand too, including a movie theater on the third floor, and a nationally known 'children's theater.' During wintertime, skate amid holiday lights, at the Ice Terrace. Enjoy hours of shopping, dining and entertainment near the edge of Kansas City's urban core.

No trip to Kansas City is complete without a visit to the breathtakingly beautiful Country Club Plaza, a legendary 15-block neighborhood full of Spanish architecture, red tile roofs, and hand-painted tiles. One of the nation's earliest outdoor shopping districts, this 1-million-square-foot area is also known for multiple sculptures and fountains, including the beloved and recently renovated J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. Today more than 150 restaurants and shops occupy 'the Plaza,' where national brands such as Bath & Body Works and Gap mingle with local favorites that include Three Dog Bakery, Zoom Toy Store and Byron on the Plaza (a menswear store). Hungry? Grab a snack, a brew or a meal at dozens of eateries, serving steaks and seafood, as well as Irish, Chinese or Italian dishes, and much more. Memorable won't begin to describe your visit, amid this one-of-a-kind shopping district.