Summer is here! Making memories as a family is important, and documenting the moments can make for a lifetime of memories. Get ready for some of the best ideas to include on your summer bucket list!
Whether you want something for an afternoon, a whole day or even a weekend, we’ve got ideas for you! Read on for some family-friendly activities to add to your KC summer bucket list.
Safety First
First things first: safety. Always pack a first-aid kit, be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if things go awry. Having some extra hands and supplies will help keep you and your children safe.
Here are some tips to be safe while also having fun:
- Dress your kids in brighter colors in crowded places.
- Bring extra adults for help if possible.
- Teach your children your phone numbers, full names and what to do in crowds if they get lost.
Prepared for Fun
Being prepared ahead of time may help you say yes to more adventures.
Consider having some kind of summer kit or supplies in your car. Set routines at the beginning of the day, such as packing lunches (even if you aren’t going far) or applying sunscreen. These small tips can help you more easily say yes to spur-of-the-moment activities.
Already have a towel and a change of clothes in your car? Yes, to last-minute splash pad playdates! Lunches are packed so you don’t have to rush home or spend money eating out? Yes, to staying longer at an activity your kids are having a blast at!
By factoring in simple rhythms ahead of time, you can equip yourself, your kids and your sanity so you can say yes to more fun!
Below are some things you may want to having in a summer car kit:
- Change of clothes
- Bathing suits
- Simple park toys (bug kit, buckets, balls, etc.)
- Pool towels
- Sunscreen/bug spray
Near and Far
Need help to figure out where to start when adding things to your summer bucket list? We’ve got you!
Ages, attention span, finances, family value and even nap schedules are all things to consider when planning your summer bucket list, so make sure you’ve brainstormed some of those things first.
Parents usually want to mix some educational activities into their summer fun. Whether you’re planning an informative trip to the museum or a scorching afternoon at the splash pad, you can be making memories!
Below are some general activities to consider adding to your summer bucket list.
- Museums
- Parks/splash pads
- Pools
- Outdoor concert/live music
- Hiking
- Farmers markets
- Camping/fishing
- Drive-in movie
- Baseball game
- Theme parks
- Picnics
- Gardening
- Farm, zoo or nature center
- Mini golf
Tip: Use our Going Places directory to search for fun places in each of these categories and more!
After you’ve talked about some things your kids want to do, you can make a tangible list to display in your home. Kids love crossing things off! Display a big board or list in the main area of your home. This may also help parents in thinking ahead when planning some larger trips for specific days or weekends.
KC Summer Bucket List Ideas
Need something more specific? Add one of these 10 ideas to your KC summer bucket list.
Science City at Union Station photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com
Union Station
Union Station offers more than just trains — but those are pretty cool if you have any transportation-loving kids or adults. Check out Science City and Crown Center for something indoors to do when the weather gets too warm.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
The Kansas City Zoo and its newly built Sobela Aquarium are a must-do for your summer bucket list!
Whether you have just a few hours or a whole day to spend walking around, this incredible zoo houses 1,700 animals representing more than 200 species. Pack a lunch or buy one there. Kids and adults of all ages are sure to stay occupied for hours.
Powell Gardens
Powells Gardens offers an amazing space to complete your summer bucket list. With beautiful grounds, lots of kid-friendly play areas and even a water fountain to cool off in, this is an excursion you’ll want to be sure to add to your list. Check hours and times to plan ahead.
Be sure to check out the annual Butterfly Festival, beginning in July. Give your kids the chance to be up close and personal with unique and stunning butterflies.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park has it all! Coal mining, carriage rides and animal feeding. For just $5 per person (children 2 and under are free), the whole family can enjoy interacting with animals, learning and walking the beautiful grounds.
Kansas City's Central Library
Kansas City Public Library
The Kansas City Public Library is a great resource and outing for summer or anytime! You’ll find something for the whole family at KC Public Library. Explore what it has to offer and check out the latest events.
Wonderscope Museum
The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City provides countless hours of educational experiences and fun for children of all ages.
With a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) it boasts 30,000 square feet of indoor fun and a half-acre of outdoor adventure. Be sure to check the hours and prices before visiting.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers loads of summer fun for everyone. Come enjoy their programs, classes, tours and festivals to see all this unique space has to offer! Be sure to check out Art Course, their outdoor miniature golf inspired by masterpieces.
Worlds of Fun: Planet Snoopy
Worlds of Fun: Planet Snoopy, Kansas City, MO
Worlds of Fun
Be sure to check out World of Fun/Oceans of Fun this summer. This amusement and water park duo is a must for your summer bucket list. Load up on snacks and food, thrill on the rides and spend the day acting like a kid again—and don’t forget to pack a swimsuit to enjoy Oceans of Fun!
Kansas City Royals game
Take yourself and the family out to the ball game! Be sure to swing by and watch a famous Kansas City Royals game. Buy some popcorn and slather on the sunscreen to take full advantage of making those summer memories!
Try kayaks or paddleboards at Shawnee Mission Park
Looking for something sporty and adventurous? Check out Shawnee Mission Marina for some paddleboarding or kayaking fun. Boats can be reserved up to seven days beforehand. Shawnee Mission Marina offers paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes for the whole family to have fun.