Crown Center Square Fountain

I love KC’s fountains, they come in all sizes and themes.
I’d like to say this is my favorite, but it isn’t.
Still it is unique and I love it.
One of my personal favorite is the Block fountain in front of Union Station.
Water cannons shoot water 120 feet in the air. The first time I heard it I thought it was gun fire. Lol

Memories Memories Memories So many here… Good Memories

I love the dancing waters of the Crown Center Square Fountain. This is the type of fountain that invites you in to play. However, the silver rail surrounding it says keep the hell out. This is just another must see fountain.

A total disappointment to write.
Today I learned the news that the powers-​that-​be at Crown Center have officially made it policy to not allow people to play in the fountain. Being that we live in America, land of overzealous litigation, I can see their point.
That being said, my entire previous review was focused on how this was a great spot specifically because of the interactive nature of the fountain. I can’t allow my review to continue to reflect that. Down to 3 stars you go.
This fountain is pretty, and in many ways iconic to Kansas City. It’s just not as exciting as it once was.

It’s not fair to compare this one to the JC Nichols one… okay, well maybe it is. I think it’s just more fun when a fountain is functional, you know? That is, little kids can run around and have fun in them. The fountains in Millennium Park in Chicago are like this, the fountains in Citygarden in Saint Louis are like this… and somehow fountains are just more fun when little kids are running around laughing and screaming.
This isn’t to say you can’t enjoy your JC Nichols/​Trevi Fountain type fountain too… it’s just that the artistry and human interplay add an additional great element. And, that these fountains stand alone as iconic in KC. Any shot of them and you know which one it is. It isn’t some random fountain on Ward Parkway… it’s the one in Crown Center.

This is a fantastic place to take kids in the summer. I don’t have children yet personally but we go down to the plaza for the movies in the summer and the kids are always having a blast.

When I would spend the summers with my grandpa in Chicago as a kid, i remember him always taking me to a fountain very similar to this one. We’d go almost every day if the weather would let us! It’s cheap child entertainment and I finally understand the value of that! Yesterday after a fun run at Kaleidoscope with 4 kids, we capped off the afternoon with them playing in the fountain. Luckily we had thought this through so they all had bathing suits under their clothes and we had brought enough towels. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because I saw A LOT of kids slip in the hour I was watching, including one of our kiddos. Now, I know it’s partially the kids’ fault because they shouldn’t be running, but… I think it’s a lovely fountain and a good way to end any family day. :)

I can’t think of anything that makes more you nostalgic for childhood than watching all the kids run through the fountain at Crown Center! Makes you long for the time when you could enjoy something so totally, and take pleasure in the moment, and delight in the fun of the water, the sun, and just running around like mad for no reason.
If you take your kids down to Crown Center to play in the fountain, a good place to park is in the garage under 2405 Grand — go north on Grand up to Pershing, turn right, and then turn right again into the garage. You’ll have to take a parking ticket, but Panera is really kind about validating your parking for 3 hours.
Tip: Go before 12:00 noon — you’ll get to see the fountain «dance» along with a song! Also, water shoes are a good idea because some of the cement can get slippery.

Crown Center Square Fountain is the best place to get wet. OK… that sounds WAY pervy & wholly inapropriate for a place that creates idyllic memories for any visitor under 12. Like the Fudgery, Crayola, and Fritz’s…this is a required trip for any family with kids touring Crown Center.
The signature fountain on the landscaped square is not just a feast for the eyes, but one for all the senses. It is the only fountain I’m aware of in KC where you’re encouraged to play in the fountain. As an adult you’re likely to remain a spectator. On hot Summer days this place looks like a kiddie water zombie convention (But dont we all become zombies in the heat of a KC summer?).
If you sit within 10 feet of the water expect to get seriously splashed. Last time I was there I saw the visual discomfort as a half-​gallon of water splashed directly in the faces of protective parents helicoptering their offspring. If you are super protective and controlling in your parenting– this probably isn’t your spot. Supervision and water play etiquette aren’t priorities here. If splashing isn’t your thing, there is a water show put to music that happens frequently where a God-​like voice asks all the little people to clear the fountain.
As an adult I find this place actually quite soothing – from a distance. Opening your large glass door at your room at the Westin or sitting in the shade is borderline transcendent. Hearing the sounds of Summer — giggling, splashing, shouting, squeals– reminds me of my own bygone, carefree Summers of adolescence. Hearing this soundtrack brings it vividly back.