WINTER BREAK. It’s coming like a freight train (and for some, it’s already here!) It always seems to start out great, then the boredom sets in. And the inevitable fighting begins. What’s a family to do? Is there anything to do that doesn’t involve a video game?!?!? And that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg?
Here are some free, cheap or relatively inexpensive ideas for things to do with the kids that you might want to consider:
You’ll want to begin your search by heading over to www.visitkc.com. This site is chock-full of great DEALS–especially the 2-for-1 “Season of Magic” printable coupons to many of the city’s greatest attractions! Attractions include Paradise Park, CoCo Key Water Resort and Powell Gardens.
1. Swimming at indoor pools - lots of community centers have open swim during break for a daily fee of $3 to $7 – some of these pools are really neat with a water park feel – some of the less expensive ones include Park Hill Aquatic Center, Blue Springs and the KCMO Community Centers. We’ve got a fairly extensive list of indoor pools to check out. Or you can check out your local YMCA for indoor pools, workout facilities and more!
2. Check out some of Kansas City’s museums with cheap or free admission – the Puppetry Arts Institute, the Johnson County Museum of History (with the new Kidscape exhibit), the National World War I Museum, the Toy & Miniature Museum, The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve (for older kids) and the art museums (Kemper, Nelson & Nerman). Some of these have free admission – others will cost you a few bucks a person (with lower admission prices for the little ones).
3. Kaleidoscope at Crown Center – FREE Family Art Sessions almost every day of winter break
4. Visit Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs for free glass marble making demonstrations
5. Open Gyms - most are for the preschool crowd but there will certainly be some open to the school-aged kids over break – check our list of Open Gyms – prices range from $1 to $10 for several hours of fabulous, exhausting play!
6. We’ve written about ice skating in Kansas City–outdoor rinks can be found in Leawood at Park Place as well as at Crown Center in downtown KC. The next few weeks will be perfect for enjoying KC’s outdoor rinks!
7. And don’t forget your local library! Many have fun holiday programming – there are regularly scheduled storytimes, craft sessions and holiday performances – or just hang out there for an afternoon for a change of scenery! Many library activities are listed in the KC Kids Fun Events Calendar.
8. Some of the local parks and recreation departments are also offering winter break camps and activities. For example, Blue Valley Rec is offering basketball camps, open gyms and art classes. I’m sure others are doing the same.
So, if Christmas has broken the bank – don’t despair. There are still great things to do with the kids that won’t involve the television, the computer or video games! Have a fantastic break!
