Parents' Picks: Places Parents Love MORE Than the Kids Do
Being a good parent often means much self-sacrifice. But thanks to KC Parent readers, we have the 4-1-1 on which family outings are just as fun (if not more!) for Mom & Dad, as well as the kiddos.
Outside the Box. The telly. The boob tube. Whatever you call the television, it has a more powerful hold on families than most would care to admit. The average preschooler watches close to 32 hours of television, according to a recent University of Michigan study (and the numbers don’t improve much for 6- to 11-year-olds, who average 28 hours of screen time). While technology plays a valuable role in our culture, it certainly is no substitute for unplugged time when a child can harness his imagination, free thinking and creativity. Perhaps this is one of the reasons our most popular family outing suggestions are for outdoor venues.
Natasha Jenkins from Ottawa encourages parents to check out the Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence for year-round family fun. “Our 2-year-old loves seeing 'the critters' and we love that it is a great indoor stop during the winter and indoor-outdoor during the warmer months,” Natasha tells us. “Plus, it's free!”
Olathe mom Gena Rossow says her favorite outings include the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park and Powell Gardens in Kingsville, MO. Deanna Rose can be hopping during the school year due to field trips and group outings, but if the timing is right (particularly during the early to mid-afternoon lull), it’s a wonderful location for a picnic lunch and play date. Powell Gardens, an oasis nestled in the Missouri countryside, is just a quick 30-mile drive east of Kansas City. Its scenic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for you to capture beautiful photos, and the Byron Shutz Nature Trail affords the prime opportunity to get some exercise as a family—all while discovering flora and fauna native to our region. Powell’s Tasting Station gives visitors an opportunity to sample menu items grown onsite (available on weekends from April 27 on). And if Mom & Dad need a date night, check out Powell’s website for upcoming wine tastings and Barn Dinner Series!
A Need for Speed. One of the perks of parenthood is channeling your inner child right alongside your kids! Grandview dad Jim Shrader recommends checking out Sadlers Indoor Racing, where you can put the pedal to the metal in a race against the kids! “I can get my speed fix!” Jim jokes. Looking for a day full of thrill-seeking excitement? “Worlds of Fun!” Kansas City mom Susan Berstein Luetje suggests. “So many great coasters and rides!”
A Night on the Town. Kim Voigt of Weston recommends Crown Center. With free rotating children’s exhibits, Kaleidoscope, Sea Life, LEGOLand, restaurants and shopping all within walking distance (plus, just a jaunt around the corner to find Union Station and the National World War I Museum), it’s a no brainer!
Powell Gardens and the Overland Park Arboretum rank high up there on Lauren Greenlee’s list of favorite family outings. She writes from her home in Olathe.