Get an Adrenaline Fix in the Great Outdoors
The ruins of pioneer cabins, beautiful lakes, urban rooftop escapes, riverfront views, race cars and hot air balloons … this summer take the family on an unforgettable outdoor adventure right in your own hometown.
Family Fun
Rooftop Picnic
With so many beautiful parks, trails and green spaces, Kansas City boasts endless picnic options. But for a one-of-a-kind experience, you can picnic on the rooftop at Green Roof Park (1211 Main St., Kansas City, MO) in the Power & Light District. Access may be found off of Main Street, between 12th and 13th streets. Bring a blanket (there are no tables) and pack a favorite lunch, then snap photos of the city. Afterward, explore downtown with a free ride on the KC Streetcar.
Adrenaline Level: 30 percent
Camp Out
Many beautiful campgrounds are in the area, but one of our all-time favorites is Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, MO. The park is home to a 100-acre lake, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. Tour a 19th-century three-story woolen mill and home to learn what life was like for families more than a century ago. The mill is the only 19th-century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. While you’re camping, enjoy paved bike path, fishing spots, boating, picnic tables and a swim beach. Find information at MoStateParks.com/park/watkins-mill-state-park.
Adrenaline Level: 40 percent
Hot Air Ballooning
If you’re looking for a thrill that is safe, serene and peaceful (yes, peaceful), then hot air ballooning is the adventure for you. Passengers float above rooftops and enjoy a breathtaking view. Old World Balloonery (913.338.2628) and Hot Expectations Balloon Co. (913.897.1030) are two local companies offering rides. Children must be 10 years old and 36 inches from the bottom of their chin to their feet to ride.
Adrenaline Level: 80 percent
Trail Blazer
Walk It
A walk or run on the Riverfront Heritage Trail, the city’s 15-mile bi-state bike and pedestrian trail, offers amazing views of the riverfront and a tour of the city’s most historic districts. You’ll discover public art, historic sites and natural beauty along the trail. Our favorite stretch is from the Berkley Riverfront Park to the River Market where you can grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants. Find a complete map at KCRiverTrails.org.
Adrenaline Level: 20 percent
Hike It
Explore the city’s earliest history on a hike at Cave Spring (8701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, MO). The 36-acre urban nature center and historic area is the site of an original stop on the Santa Fe Trail, where covered wagons passed and wagon trains camped overnight. The land was once owned by Solomon Young, Harry S. Truman’s grandfather. On a hike you’ll see ruins of early cabins from the 1920s, a waterfall, a butterfly garden and a bird sanctuary.
Adrenaline Level: 30 percent
Bike It
Take the family on a bike ride through Shawnee Mission Park. This park is breathtaking, featuring mountain bike trails connecting to Mill Creek Streamway Park trails. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the lake, woods and shelters. This park is a great choice for nature lovers. Find maps at JCPRD.com/519/Park-Maps.
Adrenaline Level: 40 percent
Make a Splash
A Day at the Beach
We may be landlocked in the Midwest, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little sand and sun. This summer, enjoy the newly improved Lake Olathe that boasts a swim beach, brand new marina, dock and fishing pavilion. Visitors will also enjoy the nature-themed playground, sprayground, pond, waterfall and trails. For information visit OlatheKS.org/LakeOlathe.
Adrenaline Level: 40 percent
Paddle Board
Head to Legacy Park in Lee's Summit where they offer free rentals of stand-up paddle boards and canoes to enjoy on the 22-acre lake. The lake is also home to a fishing dock, a scenic overlook, shelters and a 4.7-mile pedestrian and bike trail. To rent a paddle board, bike or canoe for free, call 816.969.1550.
Adrenaline Level: 50 percent
Take a Plunge
A day at Oceans of Fun always makes our top picks list for summer fun. The outdoor waterpark offers great attractions for the entire family. If you’re looking for adventure, try the extreme water slides at Predator’s Plunge or the Surf City Wave Pool, where the one million gallons of water rush in high tide every 10 minutes. Take a break in your day and relax in the Caribbean Cooler lazy river. For younger children, the park offers pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle, and a giant water playhouse at Paradise Falls. Bonus: Admission to Worlds of Fun is included with your ticket, so you can enjoy roller coasters and rides on the same day!
Worlds of Fun is a roller coaster enthusiast’s dream park! The park is home to seven world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world, the Mamba, with the first drop of 205 feet! The Patriot is a giant inverted coaster that carries the daring through four inversions at a top speed of 65 mph. The extremely daring can pay an extra fee to experience the Ripcord, a Sky Coaster attraction that sends riders in a free-fall pendulum motion from 180 feet in the air at speeds of up to 80 mph.
Adrenaline Level: 80 percent
Thrill Seeker
Climb the Wall
Choose one of these rock wall climbing adventures. APEX Climbing Gym, home to a 7,000-square-foot climbing wall with slabs, overhangs, arches and corners, is challenging. The truly daring tackle the challenge of the Warped Wall and Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacles. RoKC is an indoor rock climbing gym 10 stories underground in downtown Kansas City. With 3,800 square feet of terrain, the gym features boulder obstacles and challenges for every level of climber. IBEX Gym offers a 33-foot-tall wall with a variety of challenges for climbers.
Adrenaline Level: 70 percent
Rappelling and Climbing
At TimberRidge Adventure Center in Olathe, groups can experience an eagle’s eye view of nature through challenge courses at the center's certified ropes course, 200-ft. zip line and the Eagle’s Nest 40-ft. climbing tower with two different sides for climbing, a dangle-duo and vertical play pen, and rappelling. At TimberRidge, you may also enjoy hiking, fishing, archery, canoeing and paddleboating. This is a great adventure for scout groups, families and even businesses. Call 913.856.8849 for information.
Adrenaline Level: 90%
The Need for Speed
The Richard Petty Driving Experience (800.237.3889) at Kansas Speedway (913.328.3300) lets fans ride shotgun at speeds of up to 165 mph or get behind the wheel and drive a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car for eight to 18 laps. Even teens can get in on the action! Youths ages 14 to 19 have the opportunity to receive a complimentary three-lap high speed ride-along when accompanied by an adult.
Adrenaline Level: 100 percent
Kristina Light’s family is always up for an adventure, but they’ll never forget the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Kansas Speedway … an ultimate bucket list experience.