If you are looking for ideas on where to take the kids for a weekend outside, or a “staycation,” try out these resources for age-appropriate ideas.
Off the Beaten Path, Kansas, A Guide to Unique Places, by Patti Delano (Insiders Guide). Divided into 6 regions, this book provides great information on cities, attractions, eateries and provides trivia and annual events as well. There are side bars on the author’s favorite places and information on chambers of commerce and visitor’s bureaus. It is written for adults, but the content (in the 8th edition) covers lots of unique and child-friendly locations.
Show Me the Numbers, A Missouri Number Book, by Judy Young, illus. by Ross B. Young (Sleeping Bear Press). Geared for children, this book touches upon many famous Missouri things like Kansas City Jazz and the Steamboat Arabia. Families can get ideas for wonderful Missouri landmarks with long sidebars of interesting information, but will have to obtain address information and hours of operations from another source. A companion book to S is for Sunflowers, A Kansas Alphabet by Devin and Corey Scillian, illus. by Doug Bowles.
The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Dufur (Pebble Publishing). The Katy Trail is a 225-mile hiking and biking trail that used to be the Katy Railroad. It stretches from St. Louis, all the way to Clinton, Mo. This nature path follows the Lewis & Clark Trail, meanders through Missouri Wine Country and passes bluffs and grand views along the beautiful Missouri River. This guide provides a west to east tour of the trail, with details of lodging, eateries, bike rentals and lots of other interesting sites and side trips to enjoy on a family outdoor adventure.
Day Trips from Kansas City, by Shifra Stein with Diana Lambdin Meyer (Globe Pequot Press). Now in its 15th edition, this book continues to provide updated ideas for the local traveler. Organized by region, each trip provides ideas for where to go, where to eat, where to shop and where to stay. I love the nature trip ideas to Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the National Geographic Scenic Byway. Time to experience a Spring Bird Migration!
Kansas Outdoor Treasures, by Julie Cirlincuina (Big Earth Publishing). A comprehensive outdoor guide to hiking, biking, fishing and seeing the beauty of the heartland. Scenic drives and wildlife watching areas are high on the list. Information on geologic history, climate and campgrounds make it a one-stop resource for the adventurers in your family. It even includes accessibility information with detailed maps for each region.
52 Fun Things to Do in the Car, by Lynn Gordon (Chronicle Books). This isn’t a guidebook, but a deck of cards to stick in the car for all your exciting road trips! Fifty-two games and activities, including guessing games, sightseeing challenges and tongue twisters. Because, my kids won’t play “I’m going to grandma’s house” anymore.
For many years, Julie Hubble has said she is going to take the kids to the Katy Trail. This summer, she’s going to do it.