Get an Adrenaline Fix in the Great Outdoors

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The ruins of pioneer cabins, beautiful lakes, urban rooftop escapes, riverfront views, race cars and hot air balloons … all tantalize with breath-taking promise. 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 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%

Campout

Many beautiful campgrounds are in the area, but one of our all-time favorites is Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, Missouri. 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 the 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%

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) is a local company 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%

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%

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%

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%

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%

Paddle Board

Head to Legacy Park in Lee’s Summit where you can rent 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, call 816.969.1550.

Adrenaline Level: 50%

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 waterslides at Predator’s Plunge or the Surf City Wave Pool, where the one million gallons of water rush in at 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!

Adrenaline Level: 80%

Thrill Seeker

Climb the Wall

Choose one of these rock wall climbing adventures. RoKC in Olathe is one of our favorite indoor climbing gyms. Adventurers have a blast bouldering and rock climbing on walls up to 50 feet tall! The facility offers introductory classes and walk-in programs for beginners and experts alike, with a variety of styles for every skill level and interest. For bouldering and training enthusiasts, the facility offers hydraulic Kilter and Tension boards, MoonBoard, campus board, hangboards and system boards.

Adrenaline Level: 70%

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-foot zip line and the Eagle’s Nest 40-foot climbing tower, which has 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 paddle boating. 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%

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.