Make the Most of Summer in KC

Make the Most of Summer’s Final Days in KC....

by

School is about to begin again, but your kids are still relishing summer. Make the most of the final days of summer break by doing what really only can be done in summer!

Be Lazy!

Relish the chance to just relax and catch some much needed rest and relaxation.

Dine al Fresco

It always seems to be even more relaxing when you eat outside. These are a few of our favorite Kansas City restaurants with patio seating available:

  • Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House location (101 W. 22nd St. #300, Kansas City, MO, 816.472.7427). Near Union Station, enjoy Kansas City’s landmark barbecue restaurant.
  • The Brooksider Bar & Grill (6330 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO, 816.363.4070) is a great fast-casual sports bar and grill with pub fare, including wings, tacos, sandwiches and tasty appetizers. 
  • SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza (9474 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS, 913.438.7746). Pizza with outdoor seating available—when dining with kids, we call this a win-win!
  • La Bodega (4311 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS, 913.428.8272) is a spot where you can enjoy authentic Spanish tapas for a fun night out.
  • Renee Kelly's Harvest (12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100). Dine inside the historic Shawnee castle or outside on the patio surrounded by gardens. Renee Kelly’s is one of the most relaxing restaurants in the area with an exquisite brunch menu.
  • Vivilore (10815 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO, 816.836.2222). This is a perfect date night for parents. Consistently voted the prettiest courtyard dining in the area, this is an unforgettable restaurant with outstanding food and ambiance.

Spend a Day at the Lake

Rent a pontoon or fishing boat at one of the local marinas or spend a day at the swim beach. Pack a picnic and a few towels, then stretch out on the sand. Swim a bit, build a sand castle and just relax!

Be Creative!

School is structured with assignments, deadlines and clear instructions from the teacher (we hope!). Sometimes, it’s fun to nurture spontaneity and let your creative juices flow.

Take the kids to Kaleidoscope, where they offer free family sessions throughout the day (check calendar for times). Simply check in and request a free ticket, which they give out when you arrive in order to limit groups to manageable sizes. Then, enjoy this magical art center provided free by Hallmark and Crayola, where children are provided with endless art supplies (much of it uniquely from Hallmark) in a creative and fun-filled atmosphere.

You also can spend the day painting pottery at Paint, Glaze & Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.661.CLAY (2529) or Ceramic Café (9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS, 913.383.0222). When you arrive at these shops, you select a piece of pottery to paint. Items may range from a mug, plate or dish, to a ceramic figurine or ornament. They offer a variety of projects from small to large. You'll see samples and books throughout the store to help inspire ideas and techniques. Next, you will choose your paint colors. A team member will explain the process for the best effect or help with techniques if needed. After you finish, you’ll return in roughly a week to pick up your piece after it’s been fired and prepared for you. This activity is a great way to enjoy some creativity over the summer, and you're making something that lasts!

Or, enjoy painting at one of the local shops that offers classes to paint specific pieces of art. There are many (read our story for more), but our favorite is Thirsty Palette (11958 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS.913.669.0501). Visit their website for a calendar, choose the work you’d like to learn to paint and make reservations to attend. One of their instructors will provide step-by-step instructions to create your own masterpiece.

Stay Up Late

The school year means strict bedtimes and waking early. Enjoy late nights while you still can.

Head to Powell Observatory (26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS, 913.837.5305) on Saturday nights for their public star watching parties. Home to the largest public telescope in the area, Powell Observatory offers a spectacular way to enjoy the night sky.

Kansas City’s local parks and attractions offer free concerts and free (or inexpensive) movies under the stars all summer long. Search our Kansas City calendar for ideas.

Enjoy Theme Parks and Water Parks

It just isn’t summer without a ride on a roller coaster and a waterslide!

Enjoy our favorite summer attractions when you head to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun, open late all summer long. Tip:  Admission is cheaper after 4:00! Ride seven world-class roller coasters, enjoy thrill rides, check out Planet Snoopy's five new rides, watch live shows and swim at Oceans of Fun—all for the price of one ticket.

 

Schlitterbahn Waterpark is cheaper after 3:00 (hours vary). Ride the rapids through roaring rivers, test your surfing skills on Boogie Bahn, ride a water coaster and let little ones play on a pirate ship. Parking is free and picnics are welcome (no glass or alcohol).

Kristina Light shares even more great summer ideas all season long on KCParent.com.