Be a tourist in your own city.

Sometimes the best things are staring us right in the face.  We try so hard to make the most of every precious moment with our kids.  To make sure they have BIG experiences.  To make sure they have childhood memories that will last forever!

But really matters most to our kids is just the time that we spend with them.  We could take them on a tour of a used car lot, and as long as we were spending time with them, they would be happy.  Well, some would!

I recently saw a video of guy that was at a park with his kid.  He was too busy with his eyes glued to his phone that he didn’t realize that his kid had been lured away.  Now, of course, we know it was a set up and the child was safe.  But truly, point made.

If we don’t stop what we are doing – focus on what’s important – our kids are going to slip away.  They are going to go to high school, then college, then they will get married and have their own families.  (insert tons of tears here.)

Wait a minute …. I am supposed to be talking about being a tourist in your city.  How did I get off on that tangent?!?  Because what I want to talk about is this – don’t try and re-invent the wheel.  We live in a pretty cool city.   Take advantage of it.  Take in the fountains.  Take in a Royal’s game.  Go to Deanna Rose.  Go to Sea Life Aquarium.  Go to Kaleidoscope.

Just Google it!  This is what came up for “the best family things to do in Kansas City”.

  • Crown Center
  • Liberty Memorial
  • KC Zoo
  • Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Nelson-Atkins Museum
  • Science City
  • Oceans of Fun
  • Truman Library
  • Worlds of Fun
  • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
  • American Jazz Museum
  • Swope Park

Once again, this is a pretty cool city we live in.  Just need to see it through the eyes of child to remember everything we have here!

Happy summer!

 

Water fun in Kansas City!

Water

If it involves water, then it’s open!  Pools, water parks, swim beaches, etc … they are open and ready.  Now, I’m not saying the weather is exactly cooperating.  But in a day or 2, or a week or 2 – when you {or your kids} are ready to dive in, have at it!  Nothing screams summer more than “LET’S GO TO THE POOL!!!”

Schlitterbahn – Have you heard?  Schlitterbahn is home to the tallest water slide … in the WORLD!  I guess there are a few other slides to enjoy while you are there!   Schlitterbahn has a little for all ages!  Don’t forget to pack your picnic ~ Schlitterbahn allows you to bring food in with you!  {Added bonus!}

Oceans of Fun –  Oldie but goodie!  In case you are wondering – Oceans of Fun is 32 years old this year!  Definitely the most seasoned member of the KC Water Destinations ~ at least of the man-made kind!!!

The Bay ~ the newest member to the family located at the intersection of Longview Road and Blue Ridge Blvd in south Kansas City.

Enjoy the stay and swims!  Great water destinations located within great hotels!  Call it a Staycation!

CoCo Key

Great Wolf Lodge

Pools ~ city, neighborhood, community centers, exercise facilities.  There are way too many to list all of them here.  But here is what you do ~ check out the city where you live.  Chances are there will be a nice, little swimming pool right in your backyard!

Swim Beaches ~ parks, lakes

Shawnee Mission Park

Longview Lake

Kill Creek Park Beach

Smithville Lake

Hillsdale Lake

What is your top KC water destination?