Summer is coming to a close and school will be starting soon. Before you bid farewell to lazy days at the pool, relaxed bedtimes and freezers full of popsicles, revel in a few more of summer’s delights.
1) Light up the Night
Super Simple: Let the kids stay up late and catch fireflies. Poke holes in jar lids and let each child keep their own to see who catches the most. Then, let the kids take “nature’s flashlights” inside the house with the lights out to enjoy a twinkly show. Be sure to release the bugs before you go to sleep so they may return to their homes.
Extra Special: Take the family to Worlds of Fun where you can challenge your inner daredevil with a day of excitement on roller coasters, water rides and thrill rides. Don’t leave too early! This summer, Worlds of Fun introduced Snoopy’s “Hot Summer Lights,” illuminating the park at sunset with colorful lights and displays featuring your favorite Peanuts characters.
2)Feast on Flavor
Super Simple: Explore local farmers’ markets for the best variety of locally grown fresh produce. Do you frequent your neighborhood market? Try a new one from the more than 30 farmers’ markets in Kansas City. Check out the KCParent.com Guide to Kansas City Farmers' Markets. You’ll be helping local businesses, eating healthy and, if you’re adventurous, you may even discover new foods.
Extra Special: Take your city kids on a country adventure as you go peach picking! Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River you’ll find beautiful orchards ripe with summer’s savory fruit. Spend a relaxing day in the country, just on the outskirts of Kansas City, picking your own delicious fruit for the best cobbler in town. We have your complete guide to Kansas City's Peach Orchards and a delicious peach cobbler recipe from Silver Dollar City.
3)Celebrate Kansas City’s Summer Trademarks
Super Simple: Take the family out for lunch or dinner at your favorite Bar-B-Q Restaurant… Jack Stack Fiorella’s in Martin City, of course… or fire up the grill and host a family Bar-B-Q in the backyard!
Extra Special: Enjoy a night at The K, cheering for our Boys in Blue. Aug. 13 & 20 are both Fireworks Fridays with spectacular fireworks displays after the game for FREE.
4) Pack a Picnic
Super Simple: Fix your favorite sandwiches and grab some bottled water, then spend a day at the park. Check out Kansas City’s Best Parks where you can discover pirate playgrounds, castles, giant penguins and more!
Extra Special: Visit Powell Gardens or the Overland Park Arboretum to enjoy lush gardens with beautiful trails. Both gardens feature paved and non-paved trails to suit your interests. Pack a picnic, and don’t forget the camera!
5) Fresh Air Fun
Super Simple: What could be more relaxing than a day of miniature golfing as a family at Paradise Park or Great Wolf Lodge? Reward the winner with ice cream afterward--discover the Best Ice Cream in KC.
Extra Special: Spend a day at Lake Jacomo, Shawnee Mission Lake or Kill Creek Park, enjoying fresh air and exercise on a pedal boat. Rental is under $10 an hour for a family of four and life jackets are provided.
Kansas City mom Kristina Light wishes summer would last a little longer.