Top Spots to Cool Off in Kansas City
Let's face it... as much as we love to have fun in the sun, Kansas City summers can get HOT! Sometimes you just need a chance to cool off and relax. These are our top picks for "hot spots to cool off" in Kansas City!
Spend a Day at the Beach
- When, Where, What: 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! Read our guide to Kansas City's Beaches to discover the best lake near you. For more fun at the lake, read our Guide to Fishing in Kansas City to discover the perfect fishing hole for your family.
- Why We LOVE It: There is nothing like a day at the beach to kick off summer memories with the family. Grab some sand toys, pack a picnic, and don't forget the sun screen and inflatables for a day of fun swimming at our local lakes!
Splash and Play in a Sprayground
- When, Where, What: Kansas City is home to several FREE Spraygrounds where children can run through sprinklers and play on a "water playground." We have your Guide to Spraygrounds in Kansas City!
- Why We LOVE It: Kansas City Summers can get HOT and we all need a fun way to cool of from time to time! Children enjoy the fun of water play and "running through the sprinklers" without a big water bill at home!
- Hot Tip: If you visit the fountains at Crown Center, be sure to visit the Rainforest Exhibit (below) and Kaleidoscope (below) as well.. these are two more terrific FREE attractions and they are air conditioned. And, discover more Crown Center Family Fun tips.
Dive In!
- When, Where, What: Discover Kansas City's many local pools and water parks with our guide to local pools (indoor and outdoor) starting on pg. 49 of KC Going Places.
- Why We LOVE It: Kansas City's water parks boast giant water slides for the adventurous, lazy rivers for relaxation (okay, it depends on WHICH lazy river you're in whether it's really lazy....), and toddler pools with water play for every water lover!
Indoor Amusement Parks and Play Places
- When, Where, What: Ride roller coasters and great kiddie rides at Zonkers, or spend a day playing inside on inflatables at Leaping Lizards, Jumping Jax, Monkey Bizness and other great local venues. Older kids and teens will enjoy arcades at Paradise Park, Cool Crest or Mission Bowl. These ideas are just a tip of the iceberg. Read our complete list of Indoor Play Venues on pg. 23 and Indoor Sports attractions (bowling, go karts, batting cages, roller skating, ice skating, and more) on pg. 49 of KC Going Places.
- Why We Love It: Kids need to burn off energy and enjoy exercise and sometimes it's simply too hot to really enjoy the great outdoors. A day of play at an indoor play place can be just the cure!
Favorite Frozen Foods
- When, Where, What: Whether you love homemade ice cream, flavors galore, or decadent desserts, sundaes, splits, and popsicles, Kansas City's local Ice Cream Shops have it all. Read our Guide to the Best Ice Cream in KC to find a shop near you. Or try the newest trend in healthy desserts with a visit to one of the frozen yogurt shops popping up all around town. We have the best recommendations for any craving. Read Marisa Frymire's reviews of Kansas City Frozen Yogurt Shops.
- Why we Love It: We love to support local businesses as we celebrate the flavors of summer and create delicious family memories.
FREE Summer Movies
- When, Where, What: Enjoy FREE Movies All Summer long! We have the complete Guide to FREE (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Kansas City. Most of the free movies are outside, but they start in the cool of the evening and our list includes many great indoor venues including Dickinson Theatre's Summer Movie Club (8 moves for $13, or $2.50/ticket) and FREE indoor movies at the Legends 14!
- Why We LOVE It: What could be more fun than a Summer Movie and a box of popcorn? Saving $ on Tickets with Free (or nearly free) Movies all summer long at local theaters where you can enjoy your favorite flicks on the big screen!
Explore Kansas City's Museums
- When, Where, What: Kansas City is rich with terrific historic sites, art galleries, hands-on museums, science centers, and special interest museums to engage visitors of all ages and interests. Read our reviews of Kansas City Museums and see KC Going Places for a comprehensive guide to local museums starting on pg. 33.
- Why We LOVE It: Many of our favorite family memories are built at Kansas City's local museums. Last summer, we read the "Little House" series as a family, exploring local sites and learning about pioneer history enjoying "The Little House Project in Kansas City" as a family. This year, we're traveling the world with visits to wonderful museums with exhibits about other cultures. Whatever your interest, there is something for everyone.
- Hot Tip: A few of our FAVORITES include: The Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the College Basketball Experience, and the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial.
Kaleidoscope
- When, Where, What: Kaleidoscope is a FREE hands-on art center for children sponsored by Hallmark. They offer walk-in sessions all summer, simply check Kaleidoscope's Calendar for details!
- Why We LOVE It: Creativity and imagination play in Kaleidoscope's magical hands-on world where children create masterpieces with super cool, super fun supplies, in a super amazing atmosphere all thanks to Hallmark. This is truly one of Kansas City's BEST family-friendly attractions! PLUS it is indoors... making it perfect for rainy days or days when you just need to "stay in the a/c"!
- Hot Tip: While you're there, stop by the Hallmark Visitor's Center next door, one of our "Watch It Made in KC" picks!
KidScape at the Johnson County Museum
- When, Where, What: Johnson County Museum (6305 Lackman Road, Shawnee, KS). Admission: FREE. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. 913.715.25550. Read our review of KidScape here.
- Why We LOVE It: KidScape is a delightful educational and hands-on exhibit for kids ages 3-9 (but our younger-than-3 children love it too!). Children escape into a child-sized suburban streetscape, where children role-play as community figures in educational environments: bookstore, park, City Hall, hospital, fashion boutique, farm, and theater.This is a terrific indoor option for super hot or rainy days! And, be sure to explore the rest of the Johnson County Museum on your trip. My children adore the pioneer home complete with a kitchen, dining table, and chicken coop. The historical exhibits in the Johnson County Museum tell the story of the area for older children - adults.
- Hot Tip: This summer the Johnson County Museum is offering a Summer Arts Program every Friday from June 3-July 29, 2011 from 10:00-Noon. This is a drop-in arts program for kids 4-8 years old, registration not required. Weekly themes introduce kids to art processes and fun! $3 per child, $2 for Museum Members. Parents must stay with children. Dress for mess!
Explore the Rainforest
- When, Where, What: The Rainforest Adventure Exhibit is open May 28-Sept.5, 2011 at Crown Center (816.274.8444) and it is FREE! A multisensory expedition that introduces children to tropical rainforests around the world. The exhibit features 40 interactive components, including computer games, a 9-foot kapok tree, gorilla blind and a station to create your own unique insect. Children role-play as research assistants as they explore and learn about the rainforest and its ecological wonders. Rainforest Adventure Exhibit at Crown Center!
- Why We LOVE It: Crown Center's FREE hands-on exhibits for kids capture the imagination and spark creativity and the "Rainforest Adventure" is one of the best!
Summer Reading Programs
- When, Where, What: Cuddle up with a good book in the comfort of your own home and learn how your children can earn great prizes and incentives as they read. Read our Guide to Summer Reading Programs in Kansas City for the full scoop!
- Why We LOVE It: Discover "One World, Many Stories" this summer at Kansas City's libraries where children earn great prizes and incentives for reaching their reading goals. Best of all, ALL local libraries are also hosting terrific FREE events all summer to promote summer reading. Also, discover local businesses that offer terrific incentive programs!
- Hot Tip: If you're looking for new books, read Elizabeth Welter's article on Kansas City's Children's Bookstores.
Watch it Made in KC
- When, Where, What: Kansas City companies roll out the red carpet for visitors who are curious to know more about the inner workings of a world-class violin, the art of marble making, the secret to decadent fudge, and the assembly of a Harley-Davidson... and all of these great tours are in the a/c! Read our feature story, "Watch it Made in KC" to learn how you can take a tour of one of these great sites.
- Why We LOVE It: Nothing feeds the imagination of a future inventor or artist like watching the magic of another inventor or artist at work. Each of the tours in our series is guided by the experts themselves, all eager to answer questions from curious kids. What better way to have fun and learn something at the same time?
Note: This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. If you have an addition to this list, please email kristina@kcparent.com