Spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable. Enjoy these favorite outings, whether the weather forecast is rain or shine.
Get the Wiggles Out
On a rainy day, visit an indoor playground during an open jump. Many indoor play places offer special jump times for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Also, visit KCParent.com and click “Coupons” to save on admission. Jump City in Belton is one of our favorites. This indoor play place offers a variety of inflatable bounce houses with an array of themes. Urban Air Trampoline Park offers Jumperoo from 9:00 to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays for children ages 5 and younger. Sky Zone offers a Toddler Time on various days. It’s a great time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents without interference from the big kids.
On a sunny day, visit one of the best parks in Kansas City (search “Best Parks” on KCParent.com for ideas). Some of our favorites for little ones include Meadowmere Park with a fun forest-themed play area and soft play surfaces, Leawood City Park with a fully accessible playground for all ages and abilities and Penguin Park with giant penguins and elephants adorning the play area with equipment for all age groups.
Wild Animals
On a rainy day, Mid-Continent Public Libraries offer free educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Kansas City Zoo’s Zoo to You programs where animals visit the zoo. They also offer petting zoo programs and animal-themed story times and puppet shows. Check the library’s event calendar for information and follow our Kansas City Calendar.
On a sunny day, ride the carousel at the Kansas City Zoo. The zoo is always a favorite destination, with polar bears, penguins, elephants, kangaroos, sea lions and hundreds more animals to enjoy. Purchase a FOTZ pass to include rides and visit often, plus zoo memberships are reciprocal with other zoos if your family travels. Tip: You may pack a picnic at the Kansas City Zoo.
Art Appreciation:
On a rainy day, paint pottery. Local ceramics shops Ceramic Café or Paint, Glaze & Fire offer story time and projects for little ones. Or walk in any time and paint something together. Let your little one get creative or design a handprint or footprint keepsake.
On a sunny day, spend some time at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. You can visit the museum any time and explore the galleries, then enjoy a picnic on the lawn and explore the exhibits outside at Sculpture Park. The info kiosk offers a family-friendly tour and ideas for little ones. Or plan to visit when special programming for tots is on the calendar. On the second Sunday of each month at 1:30, enjoy story time for preschoolers. On the third Friday of each month, participate in Junior Jaunts from 10:15 to 11:00. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, mini museum tour.
Native Nature:
On a rainy day, Kansas City is home to many wonderful nature centers, and they all offer story times and classes for all ages, including infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Burr Oak Woods (816.228.3766) is one of our favorite outings on a chilly afternoon. You’ll see a large aquarium of Missouri's freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more and many great hands-on exhibits. Lakeside Nature Center (816.513.8960) is home to some of the best animal displays in the area, with falcons, owls, eagles, toads, frogs, fish, insects and wonderful exhibits on the animals in our city and in our homes.
On a sunny day, visit the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure in Fleming Park. This 110-acre fenced enclosure is home to bison, elk and white-tailed deer.
On the Farm:
On a rainy day, head inside to play pretend at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum. This indoor play village includes a child-sized community. One of the favorite aspects of the exhibit is the farm. An 1870s farmstead introduces children to life on the farm: tending animals, collecting eggs, gardening and pretending to do household chores inside the farmhouse.
On a sunny day, feed baby goats, ride a pedal tractor and learn how to milk a cow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (913.897.2360). The farmstead is a top pick for local moms, who can take their tots to encounter goats, chickens, ponies, cows, bunnies, pigs, horses, bison, prairie dogs and more.
Growing the Garden:
On a rainy day, visit your local nursery. Family Tree Nursery and Suburban Lawn & Garden are some of the largest nurseries in the area with wide selections to enjoy. If you visit on a sunny day, Suburban Lawn & Garden’s South KC location allows shoppers to use go-karts to peruse the large outdoor selection. Toddlers enjoy the ride through the flowers.
On a sunny day, Overland Park Arboretum is a delightful place to spend a spring day. With blooming flowers to enjoy and the charming children’s garden, the whimsical train garden, and the stunning Monet garden, as well as miles of trails to walk and explore—you and your little ones will have an enchanted visit
Kristina Light believes in being prepared when it comes to fun with kids.