Let’s be honest: 2020 has served up a hot, steamy buffet of disappointment, cancelling everything from school to scheduled vacations. Whether you were planning on taking a summer trip and cancelled because of COVID-19 or you’re just looking for some family fun, here are a few ideas to replace your exotic vacation with an unforgettable staycation in Kansas City.
If you were planning on hitting the beach…
Nothing says sun and sand like Hawaii. And while you might not be able to see an active volcano in Missouri (hopefully…otherwise 2020 has really decided to take liberties with the apocalypse), you can still indulge in some of the fun of the Aloha State 
without leaving your home.
Start by indulging in some Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for a fun variation on Hawaii’s most famous export. Next, make a plan to visit one of K.C.’s own beautiful waterfalls. The Old Kate Trail in the Parkville Nature Center is a Northland favorite, or check out the aptly named Waterfall Park in Merriam if you’re closer to Johnson County.
No true trip to Hawaii would be complete without some shave ice. Luckily, Kansas City hosts plenty of options for this cool treat—Lilo’s Shaved Ice, Jarvy’s Shave Ice, and Miami Ice are some of our local favorites. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, Hawaiian Bros. has your back for some classic island fare (don’t forget the SPAM Musubi!).
Beach vacations often call for relaxing by the oceanside, and while there’s no ocean in the Midwest, you can bring some R&R to your backyard. Pull out a hammock or reclining patio chair, bring face masks (the fun, pre-pandemic, self-care-y kind) and sunscreen for the family, press play on a ukulele-heavy playlist, and let out a deep breath.
If you were planning on visiting a national park…
One of the best parts of living in Kansas City is the easy access to beautiful countryside. Take advantage of some of KC’s best spots to view wildlife, like Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center in Olathe or Jerry Smith Park in southern Kansas City. We’ve rounded up the 
best hikes in KC here if your family likes to trek through scenic terrain.
Want to glimpse more than a bunny or bird in the wild? Book some time at the Kansas City Zoo for guaranteed safari fun. What’s a trip to a national park without some camping? There are plenty of enjoyable campsites around KC, but if current restrictions make you nervous, pitch a tent in your backyard! Turn your lawn into a camper’s fantasy by adding quirky party lights and investing in some fun yard games. No camping trip is complete without a roasted weenie—but if you’d rather have someone else take care of dinner, pick up some hot dogs from Wiener Kitchen in Overland Park or try one of The Brick’s bold spins on a classic frank in downtown KC.
If you were planning on taking an international vacation…
Good news: If you don’t feel like a 12 hour flight to France, you can find a little bit of Europe right here in the Paris of the Plains! A traditional French crepe from Prairie Village’s French Market might make you say ooh-la-la out loud. Kids will love getting to peruse the unique French gifts in the store (and picking out a bakery treat for later). Let’s be clear. Carbs and sugar are going to be a part of an authentic French experience, so if you can’t make it to the French Market, make sure you grab a croissant from McClain’s Bakery 
or a macaron from Annedore’s Fine Chocolates.
After your morning indulgences, your family can pay homage to the Tour de France by taking a bike ride together. Bring your own bike on one of these four must-ride bike trails or rent a RideKC bike to cruise through downtown and at several parks in Johnson County. The Mona Lisa might not be hanging in the Nelson-Atkins, but you can still take advantage of KC’s vibrant art scene. To avoid going indoors, check out some of KC’s outdoor public art and murals. End your day with your own Cannes Film Festival! Have everyone in your family present a favorite movie, argue why it deserves a coveted Palme d’Or, and then vote for the evening’s movie selection. Don’t forget to serve up a très magnifique cheese board while you enjoy your film!
If you were planning on a road trip…
Maybe you don’t feel like traveling cross-country, but what about cross-county? It’s slightly less overwhelming to plan a day exploring the charming, smaller towns dotting Kansas City. Take a trip to Weston for beautiful parks, fun shops, and cheese (honestly, I’m sold on the cheese alone). If you’d rather go East, downtown Lee’s Summit provides small town appeal with access to big suburb amenities. If you’d rather focus your time on learning, take some time to research the history of your chosen area—or even plan a historic driving tour.
Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City prompts you to explore 24 miles in KC from your car while learning about the deep racial divides that continue to impact our city.
Now that you have your destination, you can’t forget your road trip snacks. Ask for a list of your family’s must-haves and splurge on a stash for the car. And don’t forget your traveling playlist! Let the whole family make a list of tunes for your trip, alternating choices so everyone gets a chance to hear one of their faves. Finally, try to work in any family road trip traditions to round out your journey. Our favorite way to wind down a long day traveling is relaxing and playing games at a hotel. While you might not feel like checking in, you can still plan on a game night to cap off your evening at home.
If all else fails, visit Kansas City!
It might seem like a “no duh,” but spending one day to soak up everything good about KC is a perfect summer vacation. Blast some jazz, order BBQ from your favorite restaurants, and spend time exploring all of Kansas City’s beautiful fountains. You can even host your own “First Fridays” at home by challenging everyone in your family to create a piece of art for a backyard festival. There’s a lot to love about KC, but rarely do we get a moment over the summer to enjoy it all purposefully. It’s hard to deal with the disappointment of cancelled plans and trips, but if you’re going to be stuck at home, at least it’s in the city we all love.
Enjoy your Kansas City staycation!
