After a long 2020, the first several months of 2021 felt like crashing into a wall. The weather seemed to agree, granting us several weeks in a row of pouring rain that kept us all inside with a little leftover hygge from the winter. I used it to snuggle in bed with my toddlers, and hope my gardens grew. Collectively, it seemed taking a break was overdue, and we did just that. Now, with the return of sunshine after that rain and rest, kids and parents are ready to burst through their front door like a Disney character and sing their way into a new world, but it gets a little overwhelming if we jump in too quickly. So, we put together a bucket list with a balance of fun and rest. That way, we can plan our trips, and take it easy in between, knowing some great fun is coming up again soon.
Splash around
If there’s one thing the Northland has down, it is the splash pad. Whether you prefer the adorable animals at Dagg Park in North KC, or the firehouse-themed spot at Ruth Moore Park, it’s the place to be (we hear the one in Platte City will be ready soon, too!). Your kids will love running around and getting sprayed with friends, and maybe you can just dash in once or twice to cool down. You can host a birthday party, or go on off-hours when no one else is around. Just make sure to bring some bug spray because the mosquitoes are loving the cool water, too!
Go on a nature walk or a bike ride
If you are not quite ready to be around a lot of people yet, or just need a break between gatherings, this would be a great way to spend a day. Hodge Park has a gentle, winding trail surrounded by forest and open spaces (we wrote about it and more in our July issue!). Sunset is the perfect time to bask in the evening glow, just after the heat of the day has passed. Bonus: Andy’s Frozen Custard is just down the street so you can reward yourself afterward. You could also walk the riverside in Parkville, and follow it up to one of their local restaurants or cafes, or walk around Smithville Lake and watch the sunset by the water.
Play in the air conditioning
If the heat is getting to be way too much, don’t worry, there are a ton of places to play inside. The Edge gymnastics gym in Riverside with its open gym and Fun Run in Liberty provide a great place for the littles to get their energy out while you take a breather and take a break from sweating (at least as much). We’re also anxiously awaiting the opening of the new Rush Funplex off of North Oak Trafficway with its indoor go-kart track! LEGOLAND and the SEA LIFE Aquarium are options, too, for more air-conditioned fun, complete with a bit of an educational spin.
Have an art inspiration day
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a gem in Kansas City and an amazing place to take kids. Stroller friendly and with lots to see, hours can float away as you explore the halls of exotic sculptures and intricately carved furniture, painted haunts, and fairytale quality princess paintings. Their cafe is delicious and inexpensive, and you get the opportunity to gaze at the beautiful fountain and architecture while your kids eat their campfire cheesecake. Don’t forget to stroll the ground to see the modern sculptures before you leave while you let your kids run around on the massive lawn, and you can even rest in the shaded areas or play the mini-golf art course to make a whole day of it.
Make something
After a day of inspiration, it is only fitting to have a day of creating your own art. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a day of painting or creating clay sculptures. My girls love to make homemade playdough and spend hours playing with it after. There are also lots of local places to go to classes so they can take care of the cleanup! Orange Easel School of Art has multiple locations in the Northland and they offer digital classes, individual courses, and even just “free play” for kids as young as 2. AR Workshop has options for kids and adults, with DIY-to-go kits and classes. KC Doodlebugz makes sensory kits, which also help develop your little one’s brain, and they even offer subscription kits!
Life’s a garden: Dig it
To get some time in nature while also helping out people in your area (and your future self) make sure to help out in your local community garden, or even start one with your neighbors! The littles can learn about seeds, growing plants, and pulling weeds, and you can breathe in the fresh air while their little fingers are busy. As the year goes on you may even get to pick some food for your own family, or some to share with those who need it! If you’re intimidated by gardening, you can start with a field trip to Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum for some inspiration. And if you’re in Liberty, Ruth Moore Community Garden is up and running and is looking for volunteers!
Explore the farmers market
Your little gardeners will be fascinated by the farmer’s market after growing their own goodies. Whether it’s Liberty Farmers Market on Saturday, Parkville on Saturday and Wednesday, or City Market any day of the week (but especially weekends), the local growers have so much to show and teach us about the food grown in our area. It also makes eating fruits and veggies more fun for the kids, and we could all use a little help in that department, right? For a little extra spice on the farmer’s market idea, the Fun Farm in Kearney has fresh food and entertainment for the kids!
Go to the movies: outside!
As the crazy days wind down, find some chill time outside with outdoor movies. Stocksdale Park, Screenland Armour, Macken Park, and several other places around the area host big-screen movies outside and it makes such a night to remember. Last year’s Frozen 2 screening at Stocksdale’s Popcorn in the Park was made even more magical by the fireflies flashing all around us at just the right times. If you are not so into being outside while you watch your movie, you can curl up in your vehicle at Boulevard or B&B’s Twin Drive-In, a must for any KC local. A double-feature curled up in your car taking a metaphorical time machine back to the 50’s — it’s perfect. With any luck, the kids will fall asleep, and you end up having a romantic date with your sweetie.
Sign up for summer camp
There are still Vacation Bible Schools and summer camps that have space left, so hurry and check for openings. Many Vacation Bible Schools are free, and some start at pre-K, so if your little one is too young for your own church, you may want to look at other programs. Dance and art studios, local theaters, and schools may also have options for a week (AR Workshop and Orange Easel have summer camps!) or even a few days at a time, and kids love making these summer memories. They get the chance to play and make new friends while you kick your feet up, or get a few errands done.
Take a swim
I grew up in Colorado in a drought, so this was a rare treat for me, but the Northland has an abundance of places to go swimming, and that’s not even counting the great destinations in other parts of the area. Whether you prefer the natural feel of Smithville Lake or Watkins Mill, or the summer fun spots at Gladstone Municipal Pool, Tiffany Springs Aquatic Center, or Liberty Community Pool, you are sure to find a spot that will satisfy the whole family. Then there's the ever-the-favorite Oceans of Fun for when you need a full day of fun in the water with a bit of nostalgia.
Bonus:
If you really just need to feel like a grown up, check out one of the coffee shops with play space for the kids. Bakeries like The Laughing Place or Fresh Donuts are all great spots to take a breath and let the kids “be big” for a while. Shopping at The Village at Briarcliff, Historic Downtown Liberty, or River Market Antiques is sure to make the kids feel like grown-ups, and in the meantime, you get to do what you love. Make sure to follow that up with eating at one of the local restaurants nearby like Ginger Sue’s or get fancy on the patio with Trezo Mare.