Gas prices are haunting us all. Stories of $5/gallon are impacting vacation plans for everyone. So, our family made a list of "Staycation" Ideas to enjoy as much fun in KC as possible this summer.
Over the weekend, I worked on a list of FREE Summer Fun in KC... you'll find FREE Concerts (we love music in the park!), FREE Movies (watching "The Wizard of Oz" at the Legends was a highlight of our summer last year and we are looking forward to many more flicks this summer), Festivals (we can't wait for the Duck Derby at the Country Club Plaza on June 26), and much much more. The options are endless!
In addition to enjoying many of our Free Summer Faves, I've learned a few tricks to maximize our mileage while making the most of the fun:
- If we drive across town for a festival or concert, we check out nearby attractions before we go to hit multiple stops on less gasoline. For instance, we make a point to visit Penguin Park when we're already heading up north for an event or trip to the airport to pick up or drop off visitors. Check out KC's Best Parks to coordinate some of the most unique park trips with other outings as they crop up.
- Keep coupons and snacks in the car, fill water bottles, and pack a picnic when possible. Avoid the urge to eat out, or make a point to save $ with coupons or use our Kids Eat Free Guide to stretch the dollar even further. Sometimes we pack PB&J, but stop for ice cream or frozen yogurt as a treat.
- Be prepared for errands. I keep library books that are ready to return in the van. When we pass a library in our system (thankfully many are and they include book drops when we don't have time to drop in), we're ready to deliver our books.
- And, I make a point to refer to KC Going Places when I need inspiration or want to coordinate our outings more carefully for less zig-zagging around town in search of fun memories.
Aside from great family fun in KC at local water parks, the zoo, museums, festivals, and more... we're also excited to enjoy some fun at home reading books as we participate in the library's
Summer Reading Program (and a few other programs where kids earn incentives), creating art projects, enjoying favorite movies, and playing in our own backyard.
What Summer Staycation plans or ideas do you look forward to this year? How do you stretch your $ while having as much fun as possible? We're always looking for more suggestions!
Written by Kristina Light