We’re fortunate to experience all of the seasons in the Midwest, but winter has a habit of hanging on for longer than we’d like. And with kids in the house, being stuck inside can be tough. When cabin fever sets in, give your mental health a boost by going out and enjoying these cold-weather activities with the kids.
Ice Skating
While we can enjoy ice skating year-round at indoor rinks, there’s something magical about skating outside in the winter. The Crown Center Ice Terrace is open from November through mid-March and is one of the city’s most celebrated traditions. Plus, you can get two-for-one admission on Tuesdays after 5 p.m.
Looking for ice skating down south? The Ice at Park Place in Leawood is open mid-November through mid-February.
Holiday Lights
In November and December, take in some holiday magic at one of the city’s Christmas light displays. The Overland Park Arboretum’s annual Holiday Walk features thousands of candles over a mile of pathways through woods and gardens. Children can visit with Santa and enjoy hot Louisburg cider around the campfire.
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa lights up for the holidays starting in early December and ending in mid-January. No admission is needed to take in the sights.
The Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo
On the fourth weekend of each month, the Humboldt penguins parade around the Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo for all to see. It’s a great opportunity to experience the penguins up close and personal as they enjoy the winter snow.
Sledding
Take advantage of a good snow day and enjoy one of Kansas City’s favorite sledding hills. Here are a few of the top destinations in the metro:
- 119th & Kansas City Rd. (Olathe)
- 137th and Black Bob Rd. (Olathe, just south of Lowe’s)
- Olathe East High School
- 56th and Brookside, Brookside Park (“Suicide Hill”)
- Avila University
- Shawnee Mission Park
Hallmark Kaleidoscope
Take shelter from cold temps with some indoor fun at Kaleidoscope, a free, hands-on art center for kids, located across from Legoland in Crown Center. Kaleidoscope is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Legoland Discovery Center
Legoland at Crown Center features twelve exciting attractions the whole family will enjoy. While admission isn’t cheap, you can save $5 by purchasing tickets online or take advantage of the unlimited annual pass, which goes on sale for 50% off in November.
Science City at Union Station
Did you know we have one of the nation’s best science centers right here in Kansas City? Science City provides lots of educational, imaginative fun for the whole family. It’s one of the best ways to spend a long winter afternoon outside the house.
$3 Movies at Union Station Extreme Screen
The Regnier Extreme Screen at Union Station shows family-friendly matinees every Friday for just $3 per ticket. See what’s playing and reserve your tickets here.
Indoor Swimming
Swimming doesn’t have to be reserved for summer fun. There are plenty of kid-friendly indoor pools in the Kansas City metro to enjoy during winter months. Here are a few to check out:
- Blue Valley Recreation Aquatic Center (Overland Park, $5 admission)
- Matt Ross Community Center (Overland Park, $7 admission)
- Coco Key Water Resort (KCMO) *Special savings Friday nights October – March
Want to see more ideas for healthy and fun activities in Kansas City? Check out MyHealthKC’s Community Blog.