Spring Day Trips from KC
Spring is here...celebrate with a day trip! Pack the kids end explore. Learn about famous heroes, fabulous art, dinosaurs, different cultures and, most importantly, make memories that last a lifetime!
Not Too Far (30-45 minutes):
Sibley, MO: Lewis & Clark and the Mighty MO
More than 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark arrived in Sibley, where they met the Osage Tribe. Today you can travel 45 minutes from Kansas City and two centuries back in time with a visit to Sibley.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: Check out Fort Osage National Historic Site (FortOsageNHS.com) In 1808, Fort Osage was built to protect the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and establish trade with the Osage. Today, the site is a living history museum with special events throughout the year to teach visitors about the Louisiana Purchase, the Osage Tribe and early settlers.
- Lunch Break: Tuscono’s Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta (312 S. Hudson, Buckner, MO, 816.650.8284) is an affordable family-friendly restaurant with delicious food the entire crew will enjoy.
Atchison, KS: Many Stories to Tell
Atchison, situated on the bluffs of the Missouri River, defies the stereotype of Kansas prairie land with its rolling hills and beautiful trees. Amelia Earhart is Atchison's most notable claim to fame, but her story is just one of the many Atchison has to tell.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: A trolley ride is great fun! During it, you can learn about mystery, Atchison’s namesake who was President for one day and the town’s place in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Then be sure to visit Amelia Earhart’s birthplace and hear about her childhood adventures building roller coasters in the backyard and dreaming of her future as a pilot. AtchisonKansas.net provides info on the hours and rates for all the local attractions.
- Lunch Break: Jerry’s Again (125 N. 5th St., Atchison, KS, 913.367.0577) is a local lunch spot housed in a century-old building in old downtown Atchison. The fresh made sandwiches and salads and the friendly service are trademarks of this local restaurant.
Farther (45-75 minutes)
Lawrence, KS: An Eclectic Day Trip
Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas and famous “Mass Street,” where shoppers love to browse for antiques, clothes, toys, candles, books and European groceries.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: Visit the KU Natural History Museum (Biodiversity.KU.edu) where one of the highlights is the mosasaur, the largest known lizard ever to have lived. Then head over to the Prairie Park Nature Center (LawrenceKS.org/lprd/ppnc) to learn about conservation in Kansas and enjoy hands-on exhibits and a variety of animals.
- Lunch Break: A visit to Lawrence is not complete without lunch and shopping on “Mass St” (Massachusetts Street, the eclectic downtown boutique and dining district). You’ll find a variety of locally owned restaurants serving all your favorite cuisines. Learn more at DowntownLawrence.com/explore-downtown-lawrence/dining.
Lexington, MO: Discover the Civil War in Missouri
Lexington, a small historic town overlooking the Missouri River, was the site of one of Missouri's bloodiest Civil War battles. It is now home to Wentworth Military Academy, the Battle of Lexington Historic Site, wineries, orchards and a historic shopping district.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: Learn about Missouri’s role in the Civil War at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site (MOStateParks.com/park/battle-lexington-state-historic-site). The Anderson house was the center of a bloody three-day Civil War battle in 1861. Guests tour the home, walk the grounds and explore a visitor center with exhibits and information on the Civil War in Missouri.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy Irish fare at Riley’s Irish Pub (RileysPub.net) and learn the legends of Lexington as the restaurant owners and staff share a rich history of the town dating back to the Pony Express. Or enjoy a treat at Big Muddy Ice Cream Parlor (1015 Franklin, Lexington, MO, 660.259.2905).
Topeka, KS: Lions, Tigers, Bears and Tornadoes in the Land of Oz
Discover lions, tigers and black bears at the Topeka Zoo, a charming zoo just the right size for young children.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: Explore Old Prairie Town (VisitTopeka.com/listings/Old-Prairie-Town-at-Ward-Meade-Historic-Site/85) and learn about famous Kansans. Be sure to enjoy a phosphate at the authentic soda fountain. And visit the Topeka Zoo (TopekaZoo.org), where you can see black bears, feed giraffes and ride a train or boat through a variety of animal exhibits.
- Lunch Break: We love Spangle’s (multiple locations in Topeka: SpanglesInc.com), the local hamburger joint where the ice cream specialties include the “Cyclone” and “Tornado”—delicious shakes with mix-ins.
Farthest (1 ½-2 ½ hours)
Jamesport, MO: Spending the Day in Amish Country
Imagine a day eating horse-churned ice cream, sitting on handcrafted furniture, riding buggies, enjoying homemade bread and noodles, feeding Jersey calves with a bottle and taking a break from cell phones, credit cards, internet and movies. A trip to Jamesport, Missouri’s largest Amish community, is a visit to one of America’s most interesting subcultures. The Amish life is full of tradition, the people are welcoming and friendly and the trip feels like visiting a simpler time.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: Visit the Homestead Creamery where you can watch cheese-making and explore a living dairy farm. Then take an Amish community tour or attend a local festival. You’ll find a calendar of events at JamesportMissouri.org.
- Lunch Break: Gingerich Dutch Pantry (120 W. Broadway, Jamesport, MO, 660.684.6212) serves delicious home-cooked meals and made-from-scratch pies!
Carthage, MO: Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Precious Moments Chapel Carthage is on the famous Route 66, where you can still eat at old diners and travel the scenic “Mother Road.” You can even travel just 20 minutes more to Joplin, where you’ll discover the state’s largest continually flowing waterfall.
- Best Place to Go with Kids: In Carthage, visit the Precious Moments Visitor’s Center created by Missouri artist Sam Butcher, with animated characters and a chapel telling Bible stories through Precious Moments characters. Nearby, drive through Red Oak II (RedOakIIMissouri.com). Red Oak is a few miles northeast of Carthage off Route 66 and is a “real live” ghost town. Local artist Lowell Davis created a town with authentic old buildings to explore.
- Lunch Break: Iggy’s Diner (2400 Grand Ave., Carthage, MO, 417.237.0212) is a famous Route 66 joint serving juicy burgers, delicious shakes and curly-q fries!
Kristina Light’s family is always up for an adventure exploring new places in the Midwest.