Summer Fun in the Winter in KC
You can beat the winter blues with a bit of “summer fun.” If you long for swimming, baseball, ice cream, playing outside ... have no fear! The fun of summer can be here all winter long. All it takes is a touch of creativity and a sense of adventure.
Go Swimming!
Kansas City boasts dozens of terrific indoor pools! From lap pools to full indoor water parks complete with slides, lazy rivers, and more, swimmers of every age are sure to find some splashing fun!
Best Bang for Your Buck: Many local community centers offer terrific indoor pools with additional amenities. These are our three favorites for inexpensive but fun-filled options: Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park (913.895.6350) has a lap pool, zero-depth entry pool, spray toys, an 18-foot-tall water slide for swimmers, a water bucket drop, and a lazy river. Legacy Park Community Center in Lee’s Summit (816.969.1550) features a 141-foot-long figure-eight water slide, spray features, a large play area, and a zero-depth beach entrance. The View Community Center in Grandview (816.316.4888) features a lap pool, zero-depth recreation pool, lazy river, coconut tree, umbrella, and spray features, plus a 22-foot-high slide.
Polar Plunge! For the truly daring, there is nothing like the Polar Plunge—a dive into one of Kansas City’s lakes on a freezing cold winter day! Missouri and Kansas both host Polar Plunge events throughout the winter to benefit the Special Olympics. All proceeds support local Special Olympics athletes. Register for Polar Plunge online.
Pack a Picnic
Picnics are even better in the winter! You don’t have to worry about bugs, heat or crowds, and your family will make fabulous memories with a picnic at one of our favorite outdoor winter venues.
Picnic with a Polar Bear! The Kansas City Zoo is a favorite summer outing for many families. Did you know it is open year-round? In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit, as the animals are especially playful, and crowds are small. The indoor exhibits at the Tropics, Discovery Barn and Snake House are great on chilly days, and the highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Polar Bear Passage, where your children will delight in watching Berlin swim and play right before their eyes! Pack a picnic and eat inside while watching Berlin frolic. Bonus: Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the carousel or train for more fun.
Play at the Park. Kansas City’s weather can be fickle. One year, we enjoyed snow on the first day of spring. Conversely, it’s not unusual for a few “warm days” to surprise us mid-winter. When the opportunity strikes, surprise the family with a day of play and picnic.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Celebrate America’s favorite summer pastime: baseball! Whether you love to play or you’re an avid fan rooting for the home team, your passion for the sport can continue all winter long!
Take a Swing! Does your child dream of being the next all-star baseball player? Beat cabin fever with a day at an indoor batting cage. Check out all the batting cages in our Sports Guide.
Learn about the Monarchs. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the heart of the Jazz District is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Negro Leagues Baseball, including the KC Monarchs. Interactive exhibits appeal to fans of all ages. For information, call 816.221.1920.