Take the “Free Time” Family Challenge:
It is often said that the best things in life are free! The Ascension Family Life Ministry invites you to take the “free time” summer family challenge, and spend family time, not cash! Try planning a family day that is packed with maximum fun and has a zero dollar price tag.
Spending mutually enjoyable and uninterrupted time together establishes a positive family culture. Working together on a family challenge invites collaboration between family members and establishes a “team-family” dynamic. Challenging yourselves to not spend money puts the focus on family and shared experience rather than things.
Where to Spend Family Time (Not Cash)
Family Fundays: Bundle simple activities to create bigger family adventures. Be mindful of your ages and stages; balance activities. For younger children, a quiet morning at the Nelson-Atkins might be followed with a picnic lunch at Loose Park and time to play at the splash pad.
Lea McKeighan (South): located in Lee’s Summit, this “ropes park” is one of the most unique parks in the KC metro area. It offers extensive rope climbing structures, a zip line, bungee cord swings, musical instruments, and shade canopies. This park will be of interest to a variety of ages. Stop by the Miller J. Fields Splash Park (just a 2 mile drive) to cool off afterwards. Tip: try packing a lunch to enjoy at the picnic area of the splash park. For younger kids, the newly renovated Lea McKeighan North combines lower rope structures and a splash pad in 1 location.
Beyond Books: Check local (KS & MO) libraries for events, classes, and offerings; you will find everything from 3-D printer labs to puppet shows. Tip: check out activity books for easy fun around home (i.e. origami, baking, crafting, sewing, gardening, or various “how to” books).
Favorite Parks: Antioch Park | Black Bob Park | Jacob Loose Park (don’t miss the rose gardens) | Penguin Park | Franklin Park | Swope Park | Roe Park (don’t miss the splash pad) | Valley Park | John Anderson Splash Park
Free Food: Seeking out free treats may sound like a trivial endeavor, but children (especially grade school aged) seem to love the adventure! June 7th (National Donut Day): check Lamar’s for 1 free glazed donut per guest. July 9th (Cow Appreciation Day): dress like a cow to receive 1 free meal per guest at Chick-Fil-A. July 11th (7/11): free Slurpees at 7-Eleven.
Crown to Market: Park and start your morning at Crown Center. Walk the sky bridge to Union Station. Catch a cable car to the City Market. Grab farm-fresh produce or interesting spices; try the beignets (a kid-crowd pleasing favorite!). Stop by Central Library on the cable car return.
More Free Fun: Kaleidoscope | Moon Marble Company | The Money Museum | Lakeside Nature Center | Gorman Conservation Center | Deanna Rose (free after 2pm, M-Th) | Nelson-Atkins Art Museum | The Plaza Art Fair | Union Station | OP Farmer’s Market | Ernie Miller Nature Center | Kauffman Memorial Garden | Frontier Army Museum | Sprint Family Fun Days