Plan a Family Trip to Kansas, Missouri This Summer

As soon as that last bell rings on that last day of school, every day lives are shifted. Gone are the quiet mornings and lazy afternoons and in exchange, are screaming kids and popsicle sticks. The only thing you can think to do in order to save your house and your sanity, is to go on vacation. With all the chaos of summer, sometimes we forget to visit the ones that really mean the most. It seems to become a habit to just pack up and visit the newest hot spots of the year. It's hard not to love the thought of lying in the sun with your bronzing husband, listening to the waves hit the beach, as your kids build sand castles nearby. While that may fun, it isn't always what is most important.

You know how it is, when the kids are in school you don't have time to leave town to visit all of your relatives. There's always something going on. Little Suzie has gymnastics, Billy has Soccer, Timmy has baseball, and that's only one day of the week. The rest of your days in the rest of your weeks are full too. You barely have time to think about dinner, let alone to think about planning making that much needed trip to see Aunt Edna before she's not around to visit anymore.

Even though the sun and the sand are calling you, it's time to pack up and go visit your family. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have. Your family will be so excited to see the kids, you'll be able to sneak out with your not so bronzed husband and spend some alone time with him. They will be able to keep you entertained by suggesting things that are fun and unique to their area. Grabbing a karaoke machine and letting everyone sing their hearts out is always fun. Don't forget to have your video camera charged and ready at all times, family videos are some of the best ones to look back on. Take lots of pictures too. When you get home you can send copies to everyone that you visited, or didn't get to visit. The whole family will probably enjoy seeing how much everyone has changed and grown.

The amount of money you will save by skipping out on the sunny, beachy get-away, will be so big, you will want to do it more often. And remember, even though you won't be getting to lounge around in the sun all day, or splash around in the ocean, sitting next to Cousin Mary at the barbecues, hearing your nieces belt out Disney songs, and listening to Great Uncle George tell stories about how ornery your dad was when he was little, will more than make up for it.

If your family happens to live in or near Kansas City, MO, try these activities for everyone to enjoy.

Worlds of Fun
4545 NE Worlds of Fun Drive
Kansas City, MO 64161
(816) 454-4545

The park opened in 1973 and has over 100 rides and attractions. Worlds of Fun is pretty much what it's name suggests. There are different areas throughout the park designed to be different locations of the world. Americana, Africa, and Europa are a few of the locations. Each location has rides with names fitting their area, such as the Mamba for Africa, and the Patriot for Americana. They have an area completely designed for small children that is called Camp Snoopy. They also offer live entertainment, arcades, and many different places to eat. Tickets start at $11.95 for children three and under and less than 48" in height and for Seniors 62 and older. Children two and under are free. All other tickets are $37.95. You can usually get discounts on tickets at a local Price Chopper. The price of the tickets include unlimited admission to all rides, shows and attractions except the Grand Prix Raceway, the Ripcord, and the rock climbing, which all cost extra. The park is open seasonally.

Oceans of Fun
4545 NE Worlds of Fun Drive
Kansas City, MO 64161
(816) 45404545

Oceans of Fun adjoins Worlds of Fun and is one of the biggest water parks in the Midwest. They offer a wide variety of rides and attractions, including many areas for small children. This park is open seasonally from May to September. Ticket prices for Oceans of Fun start at $11.95 for children three and under and less than 48" in height and for Seniors 62 and older. Children two and under are free. All other tickets are $26.95.