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Capture the Last Beautiful Moments of Summer

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Summer has a way of slipping through our fingers all too quickly. Before your kids head back to school and summer slips away, enjoy a bit of rest, relaxation and bonding with your family at some of the prettiest and most peaceful places around.

Waterways …

Something’s truly serene and peaceful about spending an afternoon on the water. For a truly peaceful experience, enjoy an afternoon canoeing or paddle boating at a local lake. You can rent canoes, paddle boats (and bicycles) at Legacy Park’s 22-acre lake in Lee’s Summit. Simply call 816.969.1550 for reservations. Or head to Lake Olathe where you can enjoy the swim beach, fishing dock and stand-up board rentals. Stroll around the lake and savor time outside.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade …

Remember the Country Time Lemonade commercials that used to air showing children and grandparents sipping lemonade on the back porch? Does anything say summer better than a glass of ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade? We love to buy homemade lemonade at local fairs, including the Missouri State Fair (Aug. 10-20). Locally, Unforked (multiple locations) makes a delicious lavender lemonade.

Go for a Picnic Near a Waterfall …

Many beautiful parks in the area offer pleasant spots to picnic, but for a scenic afternoon enjoying natural beauty, pack a lunch to enjoy al fresco near a local waterfall.

Waterfall Park in Merriam The 15-acre park features an access point to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, a scenic walking path, and practice fields.

Waterfall Park in Independence The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops in Independence, is nestled in a wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls. It features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic tables, restrooms and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall. Playing at Waterfall Park is an escape to the woods right in the midst of the city.

Waterfall at Watkins Mill State Park You may see the seasonal waterfall from an accessible scenic overlook deck, approximately 2,000 feet north of the swim beach. Be sure to tour the historic site that features an elegant home and a three-story woolen mill. The structures have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s.

Cedar Creek at Lake Olathe An overflow dam on Cedar Creek just above Lake Olathe, the waterfall flows year-round, but, like most waterfalls, is prettiest after heavy rain. Fishing, boating, hiking and playgrounds are available for fun.

Waterfall at Ernie Miller Nature Center The nature center is home to a small stream and waterfall, which you may view from the Wildlife Viewing Room or the trails.

Waterfall at Parkville Nature SanctuaryThe hiking trails are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity—just 15 minutes from the city!

Back-to-School Shopping …

I have fond memories of back-to-school shopping with my grandmother. We’d shop at Bannister Mall (back when everyone in KC shopped at Bannister Mall) and have lunch at Annie’s Santa Fe. Make a tradition of taking your child out for a day of shopping to select a special first-day-of-school outfit and enjoy lunch. Our favorite local shopping centers include Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas, and Zona Rosa in the Northland.

Go Fishing …

I grew up fishing for crappie with my grandfather at the lake. Whether you fish from the dock (especially serene) at a local marina or from the shore at a local lake, or rent a boat to reach the hot spots, a day fishing is one of the best ways to make summertime memories as a family. Remember that adults need a current fishing license from the state conservation department.

Great fishing spots in Missouri and Kansas:

GeorgeRudy Getty Images/iStockphoto

Go for a Family Bike Ride …

Biking is great family exercise, and you can find local trails at KCBike.info/KCTrails. Our favorite local trails include:

Trolley Trail: This 6-mile paved trail connects the Country Club Plaza, Brookside and Waldo in southern Kansas City, Missouri. Why we love it: This is a great urban ride with many super lunch stops and shops along the way.

Swope Trails: Built for mountain bike enthusiasts, the 13.5 miles of trails wind through the woods at Swope Park. Local volunteers and the KC Parks system continue to improve these trails for athletes. Why we love it: These trails are designed with adventure in mind. From beautiful limestone bluffs to wooded paths, the trails offer nature in the heart of the city.

Smithville Lake Trail: This 4-mile (and growing) off-road trail is great for mountain bikers. Why we love it: Smithville Lake offers a scenic view for the rider to get out and enjoy nature.

Mill Creek Streamway Park: One of the nicest paved trails in Johnson County, this 10-plus-mile byway runs along the creek from the Kaw River, south through Shawnee Mission Park, to 119th Street in Olathe. Why we love it: This popular trail offers a variety of scenery along the way.

Shawnee Mission Park: The park offers mountain bike trails connecting to Mill Creek Streamway Park trails. Why we love it: Lake, woods and shelters make this a great choice for nature lovers.

Make a Scrapbook …

Create albums for your children to capture not just the smiles of baby teeth, missing teeth, braces and grown-up pearly whites but to capture who they are! Take a photo of your child against a backdrop with the child on the far right of the backdrop (a sheet or solid wall is ideal). Then, using your favorite photo editing software, add text to the left of the image answering basic questions about your child: name, age, favorite color, favorite hobby, what she wants to be when she grows up, favorite pet, nickname, favorite school subject, etc. Repeat the photo annually. Watch every year as your child’s dreams change from growing up to be a firefighter or veterinarian to a ballerina or movie star.

Kristina Light’s family loves canoeing, and they always remember to start planning their fall family canoe trip before summer ends!

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