Why Not Take a Staycation Instead?

July 30, 2012

Staycation

Definition:  A vacation spent close to home.

A lot of people are talking about scaling down their vacation plans this year. Whether it’s due to the economy, gas prices, or other factors, many feel that they can’t afford to "go away." Many families end up taking the kids to Worlds of Fun, and then spending the rest of their vacation time cleaning out the basement or doing other home projects. 

Why not start your "staycation" at the Library? For starters, it’s cheap and cool – two very important qualifiers, especially in this 100 plus heat! At your favorite MCPL branch, you can research activities and places to visit near Kansas City. This is a perfect way to help your children connect with Missouri-Kansas history. We are blessed with a plethora of places to visit. They range from historic sites such as the Truman Home and Library, Fort Osage, Watkins Mill in Excelsior Springs, and the Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway, KS – to more physical activities such as going to the Royals & T-Bones baseball games, bicycling area bike trails, or visiting area nature centers. 

For a day trip: Take the 296 steps from the 5th floor to the top of the Topeka, KS Capitol Building, visit the Kansas Historical Museum, and then ride the restored 1908 Carousel and mile-long mini train at Topeka’s Gage Park. In St. Joseph, MO, visit the Pony Express Museum and check out the other 11 museums in town, including the Glore Psychiatric Museum!

To help you find just the right activities for your family staycation, MCPL offers the following titles that may be of help: 

Natural Adventures Close to Home: Kansas City by John Baker
Over 200 Things to Do with Your Little Scout: Kidding Around in Kansas City by Nancy Fox
Shifra Stein’s Day Trips from Kansas City by Shifra Stein
Shifra Stein’s Day Trips: Gas Savings Getaways Less than Two Hours from Greater Kansas City by Shifra Stein.

Enjoy your time off!

Jan C.
North Independence Branch