50 Fun Ideas Under $5 for a Summer of KC Fun

Stretching the family budget while making the most of summer break is every parent’s dream. Celebrate the season with these free and cheap local ideas!

• Take a tour of The Roasterie and learn about coffee.
• Play at Penguin Park.
• Tour the Truman home in Independence.
• Sign up for free bowling with www.KidsBowlFree.com or free roller skating at www.KidsSkateFree.com.
• Head to the KC Power & Light District for Sprint Family Fun Days event the second Saturday of each month.
• Splash and play at a Kansas City area sprayground. All local spraygrounds are FREE. Discover more fun at local pools and waterparks with this KC Water Fun Guide (note: some of these exceed $5 admission, but check calendars for deals like free admission for Dad on Father's Day).
• Stroll through Kauffman Memorial Gardens.
• Participate in a summer reading program.
• Go fishing.
• Attend King Lear at Shakespeare in the Park (June 16 - July 5, 2015.  Performances for the deaf and hard of hearing will be Tuesday, June 23rd and Sunday, June 28th.  The production will play Tuesday - Sunday evenings; gates will open for seating at 6:00 p.m. with showtime at 8:00 p.m. nightly).
• Attend a free family fun night at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Thursdays, 6:00-8:00). Enjoy a different theme of 1860s living history each week. FREE admission, stagecoach rides are $3/person ages 3 & up, some activities require an extra fee. 
• Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
• Play at “Storyland:A Trip Through Childhood Favorites,” Crown Center’s free summer kids exhibit. Seven beloved children's picture books come to life as three-dimensional, interactive play and learning environments.The exhibit is FREE! Hours will be Mon - Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1.
• Picnic near a Kansas City area waterfall.
• Share a Skyscraper at Winstead’s.
• Play “I Spy” at Lakeside Nature Center.
• Create a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope.
• Explore one of Kansas City’s best parks.
• Imagine and play at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum.
• Feed animals at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Mon.-Thu.: Free; Fri.-Sun. & holidays: $2/person; under age 2: Free).
• Tour KC Strings and learn how violins are made.
• Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where admission is free.
• Really hot outside? Treat the kids to a snow cone at Little Freshie or a Tropical Sno Station or Kona Ice Truck.
• Stop and smell the roses at Loose Park.
• Watch a free movie in the park.
• Spend a first Friday in the Crossroads.
• Take a tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall and go to the roof for amazing views of downtown.
• Play at Little Monkey Bizness during their power hour from 1:00 to 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays, when guests enjoy $5 admission.
• Ride the KC Northern Railroad, just 50 cents on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center.
• Visit the free National Archives of Kansas City and explore their free exhibits.
• Build a free project at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Both offer free workshops on select Saturdays.
• Pretend to be a pirate at a local pirate ship park.
• Join the summer movie club at Cinemark or Regal Cinema where you can enjoy cheap films all summer long. Or attend FREE films at Legends Outlets. Read our guide to Free and Cheap Summer Movies for MORE great places to enjoy summer movies!
• Photograph friends in front of a fountain.
• Discover a masterpiece at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Get free money at the Money Museum.
• Attend a Kansas City area Festival.
• Taste test every flavor of Glace Ice Cream until you find your favorite.
• Learn about the Santa Fe Trail at Cave Springs Nature Center.
• Explore the Central Branch of the Kansas City Library, because any library with a parking garage painted with classic books has to be cool.
• Walk the Country Club Plaza and admire the art and fountains.
• Tour the Harley-Davidson Factory, a favorite activity for ages 12 and up.
• Feed the fish at Longview Lake (buy fish food at the marina shop).
• Bike Trolley Trail.
• Attend a free concert.
• Take a free class at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.
• Make a craft for free at Lakeshore Learning, offered every Saturday, 11:00-3:00.
• Imagine you’re in the Wild West at Antioch Park.
• And remember to search Free Events on our Kansas City calendar, where there are free (and cheap) things to enjoy every day.

Tip: You may also enjoy 25 Ways to Enjoy a Kansas City Summer (our favorite ideas regardless of price!).