Remembering Exchange City: A Beloved Educational Experience in Kansas City

Remembering Exchange City: A Kansas City Treasure

Kansas City holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up here, especially when it comes to childhood field trips. One shining gem of the past was Exchange City, a unique learning experience that introduced thousands of kids to the concepts of economics and responsibility. Though it closed its doors in 2015, the memories from this miniature town still linger in the minds of many.

What Was Exchange City?

For those unfamiliar, Exchange City was an interactive field trip destination where kids aged around ten could step into a world of commerce and community. Opened in the 1980s, this beloved educational experience allowed students to take on various roles, from shopkeepers to government officials. Imagine a kid-run town where children filled the roles of mayor, bank teller, and even the popular DJ at the local radio station!

A Day to Remember

Many people, like Stacey Sales from Olathe, vividly remember their experiences at Exchange City. One of the most notable incidents? A ticket scandal that involved her toe touching the grass! Stacey recalls her intersection with “small town corruption” when her fifth-grade sweetheart, the town mayor, declared her “not guilty.” This lighthearted story is just one of many from Exchange City’s days of fun and learning.

Building Memories and Skills

From the early 1980s to the mid-2010s, Exchange City served as a field trip destination for students not just from Kansas City, but from as far as St. Louis and Oklahoma. As kids prepared for their day in the tiny town, they learned about taxes, interest, and the dynamics of running a business. They had to vote for their mayor and come up with business plans for their own shops.

A Hub of Creativity and Responsibility

During the 1999 school year, students had over 65 job options, including roles within the town’s government or popular businesses like the snack shop and newspaper. Many kids, such as Leslie Kohlmeyer, found joy in their chosen roles and even worked through their lunch breaks. Leslie worked at the radio station, a job that sparked a lifelong passion. Some kids faced challenges, too—like when Julie Stokes found herself fired for playing “The Chicken Dance” on loop!

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Not only did students learn how to write checks and use debit cards, but they also were tasked with making financial decisions that had real consequences. For instance, Jewel Fivecoat humorously shared her experience of spending her entire banker salary on dirt and worms, leading to a comical state of bankruptcy. Others, like Liv Jo, recalled moments of mischief, like friends getting fined for wandering onto the green carpet, aka grass, while trying to escape from an overzealous peer-turned-enforcer.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Even though Exchange City closed its doors nearly a decade ago, its legacy continues. Teachers and parents often reminisce about how fondly they remember those days. Stacey Sales fondly recalls returning to Exchange City as a chaperone, excited to see her students enjoy the same experience she had. She shared a wish that her son, now in fifth grade, could relive those adventures just like she did.

What’s Next for Kansas City Youth?

While Exchange City may no longer operate, organizations such as Junior Achievement BizTown and the School of Economics are ensuring that kids still have unique learning experiences. For many Kansas City locals aged 20 to 55, the stories of Exchange City are cherished memories. As Stacey Sales sums it up best: “What happens when you put fifth graders in charge of the world for a day?”

Share Your Memories

Were you one of the lucky kids who got to experience Exchange City? Or do you have other fond memories of growing up in Kansas City you’d like to share? Don’t hesitate to reach out and relive those treasured moments!