Family Fun in KC: Ready, Set, Explore

By ANN CLIFFORD

Activities to engage and entertain each member of the family are everywhere you turn in Kansas City. The challenge is choosing what to do next.

Start outside. Among the region’s thousands of acres of parks and preserves, take a walk on the wildlife side at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, which is also a prime fishing spot with Honker Pond just for kids. Or discover the 2,100+ miles of trails for walking and cycling, such as the Trolley Track Trail through the Plaza and Brookside neighborhoods.

For off-the-beaten-path adventures, zipline through the trees at Zip KC, pick your own produce at Pendleton’s Kaw Valley Country Market or visit the residents of YaYa’s Alpaca Farm.

When it’s time for a cool-down, make a splash at one of the area’s many water attractions, like Lake Olathe’s Sprayground or Summit Waves Water Park, which also hosts “dive-in” movie nights.

Family-friendly sports are available year-round. Strike up a pickleball match at Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village or shoot hoops on the 12 hardwood courts at HyVee Arena.

Explore the many youth sports programs offered through The Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, Heartland Soccer Association and YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

Feed your curiosity with visits to the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, Wonderscope Children’s Museum or Science City.

One-of-a-kind memories are guaranteed when you tour Shatto Milk Company, go tubing at Weston’s Snow Creek or take a trip back in time with a visit to Farm Town at the National Agricultural Center.