Things to Do with Children in the Summer

I was recently discussing with a friend what we planned to do with our kids this summer.  While we all "know" what there is to do in our respective cities, it's easy to forget or overlook some of the local gems.  I have created a comprehensive list of things to do in Kansas City this summer that can also relate to your own city!  Stacation, here we come!

Take a stadium tour:

Kauffman Stadium Tours
Livestrong Sporting Park Tours

Take a walk for a cause {below at KC Race for the Cure}:

Visit your local dairy farm:
Shatto Farms

Visit local businesses that offer tours or activities:
Roasterie Tour

Harley Davidson Plant Tour {12 & up}
Kaleidescope

Take a cooking class at local grocery store:
Whole Foods
Hen House
A Thyme for Everything
Culinary Center of Kansas City

Cook at home with your kiddos:

The simplest {and healthier} peanut butter cookies
Create your own pizzas

Visit an outdoor store:
For days where  it's raining or just too hot, consider visiting an outdoor store and playing "I Spy."  They are filled with animal displays and aquariums...at least 45 minutes of free fun!

Bass Pro Shop

Cabela's

Take a tour of parks:

Growing up, my mom and my best friend's mom would take us on a tour of parks.  We would visit 3 parks in a day, making it a little more interesting!  Sometimes we'd only spend 20 minutes at a park, but we were delightfully anxious to hop in the car and visit the next one!  Finish the day with a picnic!  {p.s. you're never too old to play!}

Parade of fountains:

Living in Kansas City, we have a plethora of fountains.  After all, it is called the City of Fountains.  However, you can find plenty of fountains in your city-consider parks, malls, and businesses in your search.  Maybe you'll even find a little luck!  Click here for more.

Find fun in the water:
Visit a local lake or beach {I just discovered a couple local lake beaches!}

Peddle boat

Local water features:

Crown Center
Spray Park at Loose Park

Check out local museums:
Miniature Toy Museum
Money Museum
Wonderscope
Steamboat Arabia {what kid doesn't love sunken treasure?}
Science City
Kidscape

College Basketball Experience

Explore Outdoors:
Powell Gardens
Overland Park Arboretum

Check out some animals:

Deanna Rose
Kansas City Zoo

In St Louis:

Lone Elk

St. Louis Zoo

Purina Farms
Butterfly House

Visit a dog park {your dog will thank you}

Story time at the library

Take a train ride
Amtrak
or a quick trip on the Belton Train

Go to the movies:
Catch an outdoor movie night at your local shopping center, pool or city park!
Daytime specials at your local theatre {many offer free summer repeats}

Enjoy a round of miniature golf

Amusement Parks & Activity Centers:
Worlds of Fun
Lego Land
Sea Life Aquarium
Paradise Park
Monkey Business

More to come!  Please, if you have any ideas, add them to the comments below!