Fun in the Summer, On a Budget

June 29, 2010

We're all feeling the effects of the financial crunch! If you are tired of hearing "We're BORED!" from your friends and family, here are some great ideas for fun around the city on the cheap!

• Free outdoor movies are in full swing for the summer, check out Ink KC's list for upcoming screenings and locations!
• For younger kids, check out Kaleidoscope in Crown Center (free admission for ages 5-12), or the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park (free Monday through Thursday, $2 Friday through Sunday).
• The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Midtown KC, MO is always free. Their newest exhibit features a real mummy! It's sure to beat the heat, and entertain all ages.
• The Children's Peace Pavilion in Independence is available for group tours, althought you must make an appointment. There are 25 interactive exhibits focused on teaching life skills.
• The Kansas City Northern Railroad is located North of the river, and is open weekends May-September, and holiday afternoons. Ride around on mini trains for $.50, or book a group tour for $20. Open to all ages.
• Local Farmer's Markets are always a fun spot to visit, and a great way to support local farmers! Visit City Market in the River Market for the city's largest year-round market. Open every Saturday 6 am-3 pm, Sunday 8 am-3 pm. Other events of note at the City Market include the Community Yard Sale every Sunday from 9 am-3 pm, and the KC Public Library Used Book Sale on the 1st Saturday of the month from 8 am-2 pm (April-September).
• Local water parks and public pools are a great bet for keeping cool. For the extra financially-conscious, check out some of the local spraygrounds around the Metro-area parks: Crown Center, Douglas, Harmony, Longview, Loose, Parade, and Sunnyside.
• The annual KC Fringe Festival is coming up in July, with certain events geared toward children. Visit their website for more information. Many events require only a $5 button purchase for admission.
• Wonderscope Museum in Shawnee is a great spot to take kids. While the $7 admission doesn't exactly fall into the 'cheap' category, all active duty military personnel and their families get in free through Labor Day. Check their website for details about group discounts, free special events, and other activities.
• For something out of the sun, and a little off the beaten path, check out the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Free admission and tours Monday through Friday, and located near Liberty Memorial. Make a day of it, and plan a picnic! Get a coupon for a free bag of shredded money at their site.

What are some of your favorite inexpensive things to do in the summer? Let us know!