Introduction to The Rabbit Hole
Step into the magical world of children’s literature at the Rabbit Hole KC Museum, a one-of-a-kind interactive museum in North Kansas City. Designed to ignite the imagination and inspire a love for reading, this museum offers a unique experience for both children and adults.
The Rabbit Hole KC Museum is the passion project of Pete Cowdin and Debbie Pettid, who spent eight years bringing their vision to life. The museum is located in a former warehouse, which has been transformed into a three-story, 150,000-square-foot space filled with immersive exhibits. Each exhibit is based on a different storybook, allowing visitors to step into the pages of their favorite childhood tales.
From the moment you enter the museum, you are transported into a world of wonder and enchantment. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every exhibit meticulously designed to capture the essence of the story it represents. Whether you’re exploring the Great Green Room from “Goodnight Moon” or being swept away to Paris to partake in the life of “Madeline” you’ll be captivated by the magic that surrounds you.
The Rabbit Hole KC Museum is a celebration of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our lives. The Rabbit Hole is a space where children can immerse themselves in the stories they love and where parents can re-imagine their childhood. Cowdin and Pettid hope to foster a lifelong love for reading and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

The Vision Behind the Museum: Bringing Children’s Literature to Life
The Rabbit Hole KC Museum is the brainchild of Pete Cowdin and Debbie Pettid, two passionate advocates for children’s literature and the power of imagination. They envisioned a space where children and adults could escape the every day and enter a world of fantasy and storytelling.
The vision for the Rabbit Hole KC Museum took shape after Cowdin and Pettid closed their popular children’s bookstore, the Reading Reptile, in 2016. They wanted to create a space that would continue to inspire young readers and promote a love for books. The result is a museum unlike any other, where visitors can explore the depths of the rabbit hole and discover who we are, where we come from, and what the future has in store for us.

Our Personal Experience:
My wife has had this on her radar for the last 5 years and we could not wait to see if the anticipation and years of waiting were going to be worth the hype. I thought it sounded like a “neat” idea but didn’t think it would be much different than all the other children’s museums we have been to around the country. Here are our first impressions from our visit.
- “It’s like stepping into the pages of stories that you have read as a child. The attention to detail is absolutely amazing, and the interactive elements made it so much fun for our kids.” – Rebecca, my wife and mother of three.
- “It’s like being transported back to my childhood. Being able to see life-size characters and settings from my favorite storybooks brought back so many memories. It’s truly a magical experience.” – Jessica, a friend and local resident.
- “The Rabbit Hole Kansas City Museum is the best museum we have ever been to. We loved going down the Rabbit Hole, climbing through the rock tunnels, and hanging out inside the pages of our favorite books.” Elena & Lola- my children
- “The Rabbit Hole was far and away the best children’s museum I have ever been to. My children were so excited to see a new exhibit around every turn. They loved exploring the actual Rabbit Hole (Tunnels). It was great to spend quality time, explore each book setting, and create new memories with my children.” Fred-
The positive reviews and enthusiastic feedback from so many people highlight the success of the Rabbit Hole Museum in creating a truly interactive and enchanting experience for all who enter its doors.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Families

To make the most of your trip to the Rabbit Hole KC Museum, consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less busy, allowing you to fully enjoy a more relaxed experience.
It’s also a good idea to plan your visit in advance and purchase tickets online to skip the line. The museum offers timed entry to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all visitors. If you plan to go to The Rabbit Hole more than once a year it may be best to buy a family membership for $200.00. Tickets are $16.00 per person (Ages 2 or older).
Right now, the museum is limited to the first floor and the second floor is still under construction. Don’t worry, there is so much to see even though they are still working on the second level.
To fully explore the museum, allow at least two hours for your visit. You’ll want to take your time to fully appreciate each storybook space. You can even spend a little extra time and read the book of the exhibit with your children.
Before your visit, check the museum’s website for any special events or temporary exhibits that may be available during your visit. This will allow you to plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time at the Rabbit Hole KC Museum.
Pick up a map at the museum’s information desk to help navigate the exhibits and plan their visit accordingly. The map will provide additional information on each exhibit and highlight any temporary or seasonal attractions.
Conclusion
In a world where imagination and creativity reign supreme, the Rabbit Hole Kansas City Museum is the only museum of its kind in the United States. From interactive storybook adventures that breathe life into classics to the meticulous craft of transforming ideas from the drawing board into 3D realities, this museum is a testament to the power of turning a dream into reality. With glowing reviews from opening week echoing the impact on families and the community, it’s clear that the Rabbit Hole KC Museum is a must-visit destination that promises to spark joy and wonder in all who enter its whimsical doors.