Classic Summer Fun in Kansas City
This summer, enjoy classic summer fun with your little ones with a swim at your local beach, a movie under the stars and a roll around the rink.
A Day at the Beach
Playing at the beach is a summertime must! For land-locked Midwesterners craving a little sand between their toes, we can’t offer an ocean view, but we do feature several sandy swim beaches for affordable family fun in the sun. Plus, the natural zero-depth entry, the ability to bring a blanket and umbrella and freedom to pack your own picnic and floaties make swim beaches a great option for families.
- Blue Springs Lake (1500 NE Bowlin Rd., Lee's Summit, MO, 816.503.4870, MakeYourDayHere.com/151/Blue-Springs-Lake)
- Longview Lake (11101 Raytown Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.503.4870, MakeYourDayHere.com/157/Longview-Lake)
- Shawnee Mission Park Beach (7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.312.8847, JCPRD.com/parks_facilities/shawnee_mission.cfm)
- Kill Creek Park Beach (11670 Homestead Ln., Olathe, KS, 913.312.8847, JCPRD.com/parks_facilities/kill_creek.cfm).
- Smithville Lake Beach (Clay County Parks Department operates and maintains two public swim beaches at Smithville Lake. The beaches are located within Camp Branch and Little Platte Parks in Smithville, MO, 816.407.3400, ClayCountyMo.gov/Parks/Smithville_Lake/Beaches.)
- Watkins Woolen Mill State Park Lake (26600 Park Rd. N., Lawson, MO, 816.580.3387, MoStateParks.com).
Feed Fish at the Lake
Young children love to feed fish and watch the "feeding frenzy" as they toss the treats into the water. You can feed fish at Longview Lake Marina (9898 Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO) in the summer. The marina shop sells bags of fish food from $.50 to $1.50/bag (they ask that you do not bring stale bread and such from home as it is not safe for waterfowl). Dress your little one in a life jacket for safety on the dock and remember to follow the posted rules about where you may and may not feed fish and whether fishing is permitted. After feeding the fish, enjoy a nice walk or bike ride on the nearby trails or a picnic at the shelter. Longview Lake is a beautiful place for summer fun.
A Good Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Cone
Whether you favor an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that scoops up classic homemade flavors or a newer trendy shop with gourmet concoctions, Kansas City has your ice cream craving covered!
- Betty Rae’s Ice Cream: (7140 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.237.1168, BettyRaes.com) One of the newest ice cream shops in Kansas City is already making a big impression. Serving delicious homemade waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches filled with their homemade gourmet flavors, Betty Rae’s is a favorite neighborhood hangout. The treat spot’s bright trendy colors and a friendly staff make Waldoians love it! They offer delicious classic flavors and a variety of unique concoctions for the truly daring.
- Glacé: (Two locations: 4960 Main St., Kansas City, MO & 4535 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, GlaceIceCream.com) At Glacé you’ll find one-of-a-kind decadence showcased in a dozen flavors you've never imagined. But upon reading their names, you’ll find yourself thinking, "They read my mind—what a fabulous concoction!" Glacé uses only pure, fresh foods and natural ingredients to create their delicious flavors—no artificial flavorings. Locally owned and operated, this Christopher Elbow ice cream shop frequently invents new flavors just begging to be tried.
- Sylas and Maddy’s: (Two locations: 11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500 & 1014 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 785.832.8323, SylasAndMaddysIceCream.com) Sylas and Maddy’s makes fresh homemade ice cream and waffle cones daily, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best product they have to serve. Their delicious flavors have been super popular with local customers since 1997.
- Poppy’s Ice Cream Shop and Coffee House: (307 SE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.246.4141, PoppysIceCream.com) Poppy’s has that old-fashioned feel with a classic atmosphere and all the warmth and hospitality of the locally owned business that it is. Our favorite thing about Poppy’s is that all the ice cream is made in-house, and the homemade flavors are truly delish!
Retro Roller Skating
Remember the last time you laced up the skates and took a spin on the rink? Local rinks host special family sessions throughout the summer. We’ve highlighted our favorite sessions for a parent date night, moms night out, family night for all ages—and even pixie skates so little ones can learn to skate too!
- B & D South Skate Center: (13903 E. Noland Ct., Independence, MO, 816.252.1084, BandDSouth.com) For Parents: ’50s Skate Night, Sun., 7:00-9:00. Admission and skate rental $.50 each.
- Landmark Skate Center: (701 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.524.2000, Landmark2Skate.com) For the Family: Wednesdays are Family Fun Night when a family of four skates for just $12 (skates included). Admission is just $3.75 for individuals.
- Northland Rolladium: (1020 Kent St., Liberty, MO, 816.792.0590, SkateLiberty.net) Wednesdays are Cheap Sk8, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Enjoy Buck Night admission that evening for $.93 + $.07 tax = $1.00 and skate rental for $.93 + $.07 tax = $1.00. They also rent Skate Mates for $2 for toddlers learning to skate.
- River Roll Skate Center: (4720 NW Gateway Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.587.0131, RiverRoll.com) For the Family: Matinee sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Skate City South: (10440 Mastin St., Overland Park, KS, 913.888.6668, SkateCityKansas.com) For Little Ones: Wednesday Pixie Class, 9:30-11:00, for $5/skater. This session is especially for toddlers and preschoolers. They also rent Skate Mates during any session for $3.50.
- Winnwood Skate Center: (4426 NE Winn Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.452.1171, WinnwoodSk8.com) Sessions vary.
- Skate City Shawnee: (9800 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS, 913.262.0711, SkateCityKansas.com) For Parents: The first and third Thursday of each month, 8:00-10:00, is Adult Night with music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. They also rent Skate Mates during any kids session for $3.50.
Date Night: Drive-in Movies
Sometimes Mom and Dad need a bit of summer fun too! Hire a sitter and enjoy a date night with a classic drive-in movie. The nearly extinct novelty of the drive-in movie still flourishes in Kansas City, with three local theaters showing double features and serving hot popcorn all summer long. You may bring snacks, blankets and lawn chairs.
- Boulevard Drive-In Theatre: (1051 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, KS, 913.262.0392, BoulevardDriveIn.com/ wordpress) With a playground for kids, new high-definition screens and great double features, this is a family favorite. Cash only at this theater.
- Local Bonus: Crown Center, local parks and pools host outdoor summer movies, read our KC Summer Movie Guide for the full scoop.
Kristina Light’s family loves to pack a picnic and play in the sand at our local beaches.