Fairytales and make believe… a world of enchantment and royalty--children love to pretend they are kings and queens, princes and princesses, and knights in shining armor combating fierce dragons. Take your child on an enchanting excursion to make fairytale dreams come true.
- Explore a Castle. Spend the day at Harris Park (110 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee's Summit, MO), or Meadowmere Park (13500 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO), or Southmoreland Park (47th and Oak, Kansas City, MO). Each playground features a castle theme! Or take a day trip to Wichita to the Exploration Place (300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS, 316.263.3373). The Kids’ Explore Pavilion features a medieval castle. My daughter was enchanted with the hands-on exhibits as she pumped bellows, rode a “horse,” cooked in a fairytale kitchen and much more.
- Visit Camelot. Miniature Golf at Cool Crest (10735 E. US Hwy. 40, Independence, MO, 816.358.0088). Cool Crest is one of Kansas City’s most beautiful miniature golf facilities with exquisite gardens and royal décor. Each golf course is “royally themed” whether it’s Camelot, Kings or Queens.
- Ride in Cinderella’s Carriage on the Plaza (47th & Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO, 816.531.1999 or 816.531.2673). What princess hasn’t dreamed of riding in Cinderella’s carriage? In the evening, the carriages are lit creating an extra touch of magic. This is an especially enchanting experience at Christmas when the Plaza is decorated with 80 miles of lights!
- Make a Crown. Visit Kaleidoscope, one of the best FREE family trips in KC (2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8301). Children can create wands, crowns, tiaras and royal treasures. One highlight of the trip is making your own jigsaw puzzle and watching it run through the press where the center piece is shaped like a royal crown.
- Visit Prince Charming. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1ART) is a FREE family excursion. You will find royalty throughout the art collection, especially in the European section of the galleries. My daughter makes a point to visit “Prince Charming,” the knight in shining armor, every time we visit the gallery.
- Shop at The Princess Club Store. The Princess Club Store (6931 Tomahawk, Prairie Village, KS, 913.671.7944) features princess dresses, toys, games and accessories. The shop is truly a little princess’ dream come true.
- The Monarchs & Royals: Moms can use a little creative license, right? Kansas City is known for two royal baseball teams. September and October have great weather for the final Royals games of the season at Kauffman Stadium (816.504.4040). During the game, engage in family fun at the Little K where children enjoy a Royal Carousel, miniature golf and games. The Monarchs were Kansas City’s original Negro Leagues baseball team and the city boasts a fantastic museum in honor of the League at 18th & Vine.
- Bonus: Visit the Fairy Princess at Christmas. See www.KCMuseum.com for details.