Summer Staycation!

July 26, 2011

As the days tick closer and closer to school starting back up again, I'm sure you're all thinking the fun of the summer is over. No time or extra cash to travel anymore, and nowhere fun to go.

Well, that's where you'd be wrong! Because here in the Kansas City area itself, there's loads of fun places to go for under $20 per person (and sometimes even free!)

Check out these awesome staycation trips!

For the family and kids at heart!:

The Kansas City Zoo. One of my local favorites, go cool off with Nikita the zoo's new polar bear, or check out Africa from above with the new Sky Safari. Admission is only $8.50-$11.50, with a few extra fees for the rides. If you're looking for savings, get the combo rides package. It is only $5 per person and lets you enjoy the carousel, the train, and the tram.

Want to explore the jungle rather than just see it at the zoo? Then, there are two great FREE options for you to check out.

First off, come check out KC Zoo presents the Amazon here at the South Independence Branch on August 6th at 2 p.m.! There will be Amazon folklore and culture, and some animal friends to meet as well!

Also free of charge is Crown Center's Rainforest Adventure (which ends September 5th). A multisensory expedition that introduces children to tropical rainforests around the world. The exhibit features 40 interactive components including computer games, a 9-foot kapok tree, gorilla blind, and a station to color your own unique insects. Children role-play as research assistants as they explore and learn about the rainforest and its ecological wonders. Once again, this is for FREE!

Powell Gardens has two great events in early August. First, there is their Festival of the Butterflies on August 5-7 and 12-14. And if you plan it just right- until August 14th, you can also visit their Jurassic Garden which features dino digs and labs for children and large dinosaurs scattered throughout the gardens. All this for $5-$10 per person

For the big kids:

Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. Always free to get in, with a small fee for some of their extra special touring galleries. For example, there's a great touring exhibit of Monet's Water Liles for $5-$8 per person. It ends August 6th, so hurry in if you want to see that!

Other local faves: Union Station (which has the KC Rail Experience for $7 and Science City for $10), Truman Library ($3-8) and the National World War I Memorial (which is $6-12 and has buy one, get one free on Wednesdays)

So never fear- summer isn't over quite yet. Gather up family and friends and plan yourselves a staycation here in Kansas City! There's lots of fun for everyone!

Jennie V.
South Independence Branch