SIX-STOP TOUR: LEXINGTON, MISSOURI

Discover

1. CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD

Spend the day at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and experience firsthand where the largest battle in the western campaign of the U.S. Civil War took place. Trenches in the battlefield are still visible today. Historian-led tours and a pristinely preserved museum of artifacts and stories make this a must-see national heritage destination.

2. FOUR HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Take a tour of four National Historic Districts listening to the theatrical audio tours that bring the characters of the past to life. You’ll be awed by the stunning architecture of the many antebellum and Victorian homes that color the cheery streets of Lexington.

3. LOCAL HISTORY

Visit the Lexington Historical Museum where visitors see a variety of artifacts from the Pony Express mail service, steamboats, coal mining, Osage Indians, the Battle of Lexington and the Wentworth Military Academy. This affordable museum presents local history for visitors of all ages.

4. YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM

What could be a more fitting dessert after a historic day than ice cream from Wild West Ice Cream? On the very same streets that follow the Santa Fe Trail, this local shop scoops up more than 20 flavors and a variety of desserts, including shakes, malts, sundaes, floats, banana splits and specials.

5. A WALK IN THE PARK

Crystal Lake Park is a beautiful park with shade trees, a walking trail and picnic tables. The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful small lake, ideal for a picnic or a stroll. Riverfront Park, another local park, shows where Lewis and Clark and countless steamboats passed in the 19th century and where you can enjoy the river view.

6. ORCHARDS APLENTY

Lexington is beloved for its peach and apple orchards. The rolling hills and fertile loess soils of Lafayette County offer not only a stunning rural landscape but have produced Missouri’s oldest and largest apple and peach growing region. Try one of seven local farms offering u-pick produce or farm-fresh produce for sale.

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Enjoy the KP Cafe and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.info

Garment District Grooves 11:30, Garment District Place. Grab some lunch and listen to live bands in this quaint downtown park. KCParks.org

Chess Night 5:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Play chess with a worthy opponent; all skill levels welcome. OlatheLibrary.com

17 Thursday

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. Toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12. CeramicCafeKC.com

Free Family Fun Nights 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Come explore a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org

Dylan Guthrie: Live Music 6:00 Red Bridge Shopping Center. Enjoy a local Kansas City artist. RedBridgeShoppingCenter.com

18 Friday

Fridays in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (North KC). Enjoy a Friday summer afternoon in the park listening to local musicians. NKC.org

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug. 20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MoStateFair.com

Parkville Days Thru Aug. 20, Downtown Parkville. Great family fun in historic Downtown Parkville. Carnival rides, music, crafts and more! ParkvilleMo.org

Feastival Thru Aug. 20, Union Station. Eat, drink, give back and support the hungry in our community. KCFeastival.com

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Aug. 20, Swope Park. Focus on the traditional cultures found here in Kansas City. EECKC.org

ICI Summer Nights 6:00, Independence Community Ice. Each Friday night public skate this summer has a fun theme. IndependenceCommunityIce.com

BBQ & Fly-In on the River Today and tomorrow, historic downtown Excelsior Springs. More than 70 competitive smoke-cooking teams vie for top honors. VisitExcelsior.com

Friday Family Special 11:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. Summer is here, and Kanga’s has a sizzling special for families every Friday! Independence.KangasPlaycenter.com

Third Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown KCK. Free, family-friendly events in Strawberry Hill, along with pop-ups, art exhibits, performances and more. VisitKansasCityKS.com

Mini Mud Run 5:30, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore). Kids 4-12 run through a number of outdoor obstacles. Prepare to get muddy! Raymore.com

Concert in the Courtyard 6:30, Merriam Community Center. Live music, games, face painting, caricature and balloon artists and more! ExploreMerriam.com

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Join for a free outdoor concert with genres from jazz and classic rock to Irish and indie. WardParkwayCenter.com

Hotel California: A Tribute to the Eagles 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheatre. Celebrate the music and the memories. CityOfLS.net

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join for a night of music under the stars. LindenSquare.info

Movies in the Park 8:00, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Come out to see a movie in the park. Tonight’s movie: Top Gun Maverick TheatreInThePark.org

Light Up the Lawn 8:30, Nerman Museum. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for this fun event featuring The Roseline! JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

19 Saturday

Tiny Tot Tri 9:30, Little Mill Creek North Park. Kids ages 3 to 9 years will bike, get wet, run and slide their way to the finish line! Register in advance. Lenexa.com

Nature Story Time 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy music, movement and adventure in the great outdoors. Pre-reg at OPKansas.org/events.

Garmin KC Air Show Today and tomorrow, New Century Air Center. Bring the kids and watch magic in the skies at the Garmin KC Air Show. KCAirShow.org

Discover More with Journaling 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Learn how journaling can help you identify and appreciate creatures and plants! MDC.mo.gov

Babes in the Woods: Creek Crawlin’ 10:00 Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Take a short hike to Burr Oak Creek to splash and experience this watery world. MDC.mo.gov

Lost Trail Days 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Tour includes viewing of soda production run, samples and more! Free; prereg at 913.837.5202.

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through magical places as they read books. Pre-reg at 816.759.7300.

Kansas City’s Great Balloon Glow 4:00, National WWI Museum and Memorial. As the sun sets, the night sky will shine bright with magnificent and vibrant displays. TheWorldWar.org

Scout Nite 6:00, Legends Field. Enjoy the game and a campout; earn a patch. MonarchsBaseball.com

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen on Saturdays through October. LegendsShopping.com

Outdoor Movies in North Park 6:00, North Park (Zona Rosa). Bring a chair, blanket and friends and enjoy Mean Girls on the big screen. ZonaRosa.com

Discover Nature: Nature Rx: S’more Night Stroll 8:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Enjoy fun sensory activities and a short trail walk to use our night senses! MDC.mo.gov

20 Sunday

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Brunch and Bingo 10:30, Chicken N Pickle North KC and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park. Free to play! Listen to your favorite music and win great prizes! ChickenNPickle.com

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

Back to the ’50s Bowling Noon, Summit Lanes. Games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com

Summer Concerts 6:00, Rotary Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment. BlueSpringsGov.com

kidFEST

Aug. 26. A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning! UnionStation.org

21 Monday

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Stuffed Animal Sleepover 9:00, Wither’s Community Room (MCPL). Drop your stuffed friend for a sleepover and then come back for a special program. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

22 Tuesday

Fairy Tale Village 10:00, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create unique artwork. Albrecht-Kemper.org

AKMA After Hours 5:00, AlbrechtKemper Museum of Art. Bring the whole family for an after-hours event. Albrecht-Kemper.org

23 Wednesday

Fortopia 9:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invites explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Enjoy a popular Kansas City-based swing band: AnnaLee and the Lucky So and Sos. ShawneeTown.org

24 Thursday

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Enjoy the KP Cafe and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.info

Nature Story Time 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy music, movement and adventure in the great outdoors. Pre-reg at OPKansas.org/events.

25 Friday

Fridays in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (North KC). Enjoy a Friday summer afternoon in the park listening to local musicians. NKC.org

Tween Gaming 4:00, Olathe Indian Creek. Come to the library to play games with other teens! OlatheLibrary.com

Fourth Fridays Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Showcases from local artists, live music, shops, restaurants and more! DowntownLS.org/fourthfridays

Hot Summer Nights 5:00, Downtown Parkville. After-hours shopping and special music on Main Street. Parkville.org/event/hot-summer-nights

Fourth Friday 5:30, Downtown Olathe. Enjoy great kids activities including face painters, balloon artists, glitter tattoos, bubbles and more. FourthFridays.Olathe.org

Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park (Lee’s Summit). Enjoy our free summer concert, featuring the Local. DowntownLS.org

ICI Summer Nights 6:00, Independence Community Ice. Each Friday night public skate this summer has a fun theme. IndependenceCommunityIce.com

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join for a night of music under the stars. LindenSquare.info

Light Up the Lawn 8:30, Nerman Museum. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for this fun event featuring the MGDs! JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

Movie in the Park: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile 8:30, Electric Park. Long summer nights and a movie on the big screen create nostalgia for young and old alike. Lenexa.com

26 Saturday

kidFEST 10:00, Science City at Union Station. A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning! UnionStation.org

VolleyPaws 10:00, SPCA. Come celebrate National Dog Day by playing in a sand volleyball tournament. Registration required. GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Birds: Humming Along 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri’s most intriguing birds! MDC.mo.gov

Kids Fishing Derby 10:00, Gardner Lake Public Boat Dock. Fishing is an American tradition that has much to offer young children. Register online: GardnerKansas.gov.

Free Weekend Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Design and create a folded screen with your favorite things from each of the four seasons. Nelson-Atkins.org

Belton Cruise Night 2:00, Main Street Belton. If you’ve got a ride, bring it out to Main Street so we can make this the biggest cruise year ever! BeltonParks.org

Movie Night 5:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Grab a blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie. Activities will be held before the movie. OPKansas.org/events

Wine Walk for Wildlife 6:00, Kansas City Zoo. Wine lovers and animal lovers unite to enjoy both! KansasCityZoo.org

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen on Saturdays through October. LegendsShopping.com

Public Viewings 8:00, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

27 Sunday

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Brunch and Bingo 10:30, Chicken N Pickle North KC and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park. Free to play! Listen to your favorite music and win great prizes! ChickenNPickle.com

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Summer Concerts 6:00, Rotary Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment. BlueSpringsGov.com

28 Monday

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3.25 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Fairy Tale Village 10:00, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

29 Tuesday

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create unique artwork. Albrecht-Kemper.org

Teen Create 6:30, Blue Springs North Community Room. We have the supplies; you just have to bring the ideas. Learn a new skill and make something new. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Monarchs Baseball Thru Sept. 4, 7:00, Legends Field. Cheer for the Monarchs in their final home stand. MonarchsBaseball.com

30 Wednesday

Farmers Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park. Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meats, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. OPKansas.org

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. The story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures. UnionStation.org

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

31 Thursday

Homeschool Days 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie. Activities may include learning about cowboy gear, roping, blacksmith demonstrations, playing 1860s games and more! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

Fortopia 9:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invites explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. Toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12. CeramicCafeKC.com

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com

All Around the World 10:00, Lone Jack Programming Space. Take an amazing journey with Dino O’Dell around all 7 continents! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

In the Greenhouse Concert Series 6:00, Colonial Gardens. Enjoy live music in our beautiful greenhouse. ColonialGardensKC.com