Spring Break 2021

FOR A COMPLETE SPRING BREAK GUIDE, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

FUN ATTRACTIONS

TO ENJOY THIS SPRING BREAK

This spring break, your family can enjoy the ultimate getaway in the Branson area with great attractions for all ages.

THE EXPLORER PASS

(WondersOfWildlife.org/explorer-pass/) includes:

• Dogwood Canyon general admission

• Wonders of Wildlife general admission

• Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail general admission

• Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum general admission

• $15 Fun Mountain Game Card

Tip: Each attraction has posted its COVID response on its site. We were pleased with the cleanliness and safety protocols everywhere we went.

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK

Plan an entire day at this attraction.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the MissouriArkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. At Dogwood Canyon, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts and savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that boasts breathtaking views of the waterfall.

Our family enjoyed a bike tour through the park’s paved trails (you may bring bikes for free or rent bikes on-site). They also offer Segway tours, horseback riding, fishing, and walking tours (attraction availability is subject to change). On the trail, we saw beautiful waterfalls, crossed bridges, explored a small cave and saw a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds.

The attraction also offers open-air tram tours (reservations required) that take you on a two-hour guided tour where you will see bison, elk, whitetail deer and Texas longhorns. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about the wildlife at the park and provide many opportunities to take photos along the way.

For lunch, we dined at the Canyon Grill (admission to the attraction required to eat in the restaurant). Their bison burger was terrific. It is juicy, tender and full of flavor. The trout was great too— and they serve some of the best house-made chips I’ve ever had.

I love spending time in the great outdoors in my home state, and Dogwood Canyon truly celebrates the best of Missouri’s beauty. DogwoodCanyon.org

Plan an entire day at this attraction.

Wonders of Wildlife bills itself as the “largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!” The attraction was created by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. Morris’s love for nature is contagious, and his passion comes across in every aspect of this attraction.

The museum includes, first, a natural history museum, with breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and wildlife from around the world. The centerpiece of this half of the museum is the Great African Hall with beautiful displays showcasing African animals. The lighting and sounds of the hall transform from day to night while you’re there, creating the feeling that you are among the elephants, zebras and giraffes on the African plain.

I recommend spending the morning in the natural history portion, taking a lunch break and returning to visit the aquarium after lunch. This section of the attraction displays include not only aquariums, but swamp exhibits, fishing exhibits and history exhibits celebrating the history and sport of fishing—and even the passion America’s presidents have held for the sport.

The 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. We loved the shark exhibit, we were transported to the bayou in the swamp exhibit, and the stingray exhibit was a highlight of the trip. My girls enjoyed seeing sloths, bears, alligators, flamingoes, otters and countless sea creatures, including octopus, sharks, clown fish, rays, jellyfish and fish from around the world. WondersOfWildlife.org Plan a half day at this attraction.

Top of the Rock is one of the most scenic places overlooking Table Rock Lake. During the Lost Canyon Cave tour, we took a 2.5mile drive through the Ozarks enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape. Guests drive their own golf carts along the paved path, taking in the waterfalls, beautiful Amish-built bridges, tree-lined trails and bluffs overlooking the lake, which create a stunning view around every bend. The kids enjoyed driving through the Lost Canyon Cave. They even have a “Bat Bar” in the cave where you may enjoy fresh drinks. BigCedar.com/activity/lost-canyon-cave-nature-trail

ANCIENT OZARKS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Plan a few hours at this attraction.

The museum tells the history of the Ozarks through a vast collection of archaeological finds. Exhibits showcase an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including wardrobe, arrowheads, tools, paintings, sculptures and stories. The Trail of Tears exhibit is extremely moving and brings greater understanding to some of the worst parts of our nation’s history. There is a lot to learn and see at this museum. I recommend it for older elementary to adult guests. BigCedar.com/activity/ancient-ozarks-history-museum

Kristina Light and her family enjoyed this less-than-a-tank-of-gas getaway for a bit of fun, education and memory making not too far from home!

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

FOR A COMPLETE SPRING BREAK GUIDE, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

Sea Life Aquarium

A KANSAS CITY SPRING BREAK STAYCATION

This spring break, hit up favorite Kansas City tourist hot spots and see the city through the eyes of a visitor.

DESTINATION #1: DOWNTOWN

Science City at Union Station is a favorite place to spend a day as a family. Kansas City’s largest, most interactive science museum offers something for visitors of all ages. Little ones especially love three experiential, hands-on exhibitions: “Let’s Play!” designed especially for babies, crawlers and toddlers with multiple sensory and role-playing activities, “Creative Corner where art meets science in a whole new way with cool interactive activities, and “All Aboard” that celebrates Union Station’s rail history, allowing families to discover how steam engines work as they play and explore throughout the exhibit that encourages problem-solving and creativity. Kids also love the classic exhibits including dinosaurs, water, the human brain, energy and more.

Sea Life Aquarium transports guests into an amazing underwater world with up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures! Walk through the 180-degree underwater tunnel, come face to fin with sharks and rescued sea turtles, and explore more than 12 breathtaking exhibits. Stingray Bay, Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Doodle Reef, an interactive exhibit where kids design their own fish, are favorites. TIP: Check out the coupon on KCParent.com!

Next door to Sea Life you’ll find Legoland Discovery Center in Crown Center, a larger-than-life attraction. Begin your journey on a ride into the unknown on laser chariots. Play with the world’s biggest box of Legos. Watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D cinema and explore a miniature Kansas City that highlights 10 of the city’s most popular local attractions in Lego Miniland. TIP: Check out the coupon on KCParent.com!

National World War I Museum and Memorial is not only a Kansas City landmark, but an American landmark. The museum tells the story of the Great War through interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies. The museum houses one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world. With family guides and hands-on exhibits, the museum is an educational attraction for all ages.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of the most fun and engaging museums in town. The first impression is incredible: A giant rotating spiral of backlit toys greets visitors who delight in finding their own favorites and discovering new ones on the animated real-life collage. Exhibits include a Grandma’s Attic display showcasing toys and presenting their individual stories as treasures to be discovered. Visitors enjoy interactive exhibits, learning more about the process of making both miniatures and toys.

Next, take a stroll through Kauffman Memorial Gardens. The 2-acre garden features more than 7,000 plants and flowers. This free attraction is part of the Kauffman Legacy Park in the heart of Kansas City.

Just a few miles away, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, home to one of the largest galleries in the nation. The museum maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. Visitors enjoy the galleries and, on sunny days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden.

Top off the day with a nice lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants on the Country Club Plaza.

DESTINATION #3: KANSAS CITY, KS

Located in the heart of Village West, the state of Kansas’ top tourist destination, Legends Outlets is the only outlet shopping destination serving the greater metropolitan region. Legends Outlets is home to more than 75 leading designer and favorite brand-name stores, including Coach, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Factory, J.Crew | crewcuts, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, and Under Armour Factory House, among many more, which offer savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices.

Stay at Great Wolf Lodge or buy a day pass to swim at the indoor water resort with a four-story interactive treehouse water fort, winding lazy river and numerous slides, including the Triple Twist, a high-speed, five-story drop into a huge funnel followed by twists and turns.

Take in a little sightseeing as well. History buffs will enjoy a tour of Grinter Place, the oldest home in Wyandotte County, for a look at frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border.

DESTINATION #4: LENEXA

Urban Air Adventure Park is our favorite local trampoline park. Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day! Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. The Sky Rider is an amazing indoor ride where passengers zip across the park in a harness. The ropes course, climbing walls, virtual reality games and tunnel play areas are all great additions to the classic trampoline attractions. Open jump is held daily and perfect for any age, fitness level or athletic ability. Walk-ins are welcome anytime.

Open year-round, the Lenexa Rec Center offers lap lanes for swimming, a warm water wellness pool and two tall water slides. The Gym for Me and Splash with Me drop-in activities for kids ages 5 and under are offered on various weekday mornings as excellent ways to get exercise and have fun during chilly weather. Lenexa.com

The Lenexa Public Market is home to a variety of local merchants selling fresh food and handcrafted artisan products. Enjoy a meal, purchase goods or take a class while supporting local entrepreneurs. Kids enjoy playing one of the many games around the market—from Jenga and Uno to checkers. LenexaPublicMarket.com

One of the most scenic parks in the area, Black Hoof Park, is beautiful year-round. The 231-acre green space is home to the deep-water Lake Lenexa. The centerpiece of the park is the artistic dam and spillway, perfect for an Insta-worthy photo. Children love the natural play areas and equipment. Lenexa.com

Urban Air Adventure Park