Solo with Stacey: Sunny Days Ahead!

So, I am a bit delayed in my blog posting. Between sick kids and spring break, my “free” time is limited. For some reason, when I break out the laptop it is like Cat Nip to a toddler – he attacks it! Spring is in full force, Summer is knocking on my door! Looking forward to what these warm months have in store for my little family! I am embarking on personal change, as I recently accepted a full time (corporate) position…it will be a challenge, as I haven’t been in the workforce for several years! Needless to say, it will be an exciting summer – I will be working a full time job and 2 part time jobs and raising these 2 munchkins – solo!

Regardless, summer planning has started and we are ready to add events to our calendar. I reached out to my ever-so-reliable Facebook family to chime in on their favorite activities on the cheap (my #1) goal!

I hope that you and your family find some new ideas in the list below!

BIG KIDS

My oldest (age 12 ¾) loves the Salvation Army camps at the Three Trails Center (Independence, MO) – these are fun, awesome, Christ driven camps (3-4) days for only $25! He attends 2 a summer (sports, music, etc.), must turn in applications ASAP to get a spot!
http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/usc/www_usc_threetrails.nsf

Recently, Downtown KC started a bike rental program *a bit pricey, but a fun day! We have already planned on adding this to our big kid list, checking out the Crossroads - browsing Architectural Salvage and grabbing a sandwich at Grinders!

http://kansascity.bcycle.com/About/HowItWorks.aspx

http://www.aoarchitecturalsalvage.com/

http://www.grinderspizza.com/

My big kid has found that digging through moms old treasures is cool! We pulled out my old (very old) Cotton Candy Machine – lots of fun! We have started cooking lessons and browsed new recipes. Many of our summer activities revolve around education and life skills!

LITTLE KIDS

Independence Center has a train (aka choo choo) that chugs around the mall (all year long) – for just a few bucks your tot can wave at the mall walkers!

I rarely shop at the mall, but it makes for a great field trip. We also stop at the pet store (pray for the caged animals), take a spin on the (over-priced) carousal, and climb on the free play area aka Germ Central (then drench them in hand-sanitizer)

FOR THE WHOLE FAM

Anything at the Library!!!! We love Midcontinent and the KC Library

We are eager to go for a ride on the N KC railroad:

http://www.kcnrr.com/Welcome.html

Tour the Roasterie Coffee Plant

Tour the Harley Davidson Plant

Gage Center – Open Play

Science City

Coterie Theatre

Deanna Rose – A fun farmstead with playground, fishing and horse back riding – a must see for the summer!

Crown Center – Kaleidoscope (free, best for over age 3) and Burgers at Fritz’s (meal delivered via train)

Science City

Stroll around Bass Pro, picnic and duck feeding at Waterfall park (our fav) – located behind Bass Pro

Summer passes for Movies or Bowling (ex. $2 movie days)

Burr Oaks or any nature center – many in the KC area

Cool Crest – Arcade, Mini Golf, Go Karts(great Groupons and Coupons)

Thoughts from other moms

Fleming Park - Get carrots and apples - feed the elk and buffalo! Take lunch, drinks, pillows, blanket, books. Have a picnic and reading party after. There are grassy areas near the animal enclosure. Cheap fun. Another good one is to take a hike. We have good trails near our home. Have the kids take pics. Or have them draw or write about what they saw when they get home from the hike. I sometimes use reading hours for "points" earned toward a bigger kid fave, like Summit Waves.

Think outside of the box – Last summer we helped a dog rescue lady by walking her dogs a few times per week. Free, helpful, super good for the dogs, good exercise for all of us, AND teaches a good lesson about "giving back."

OP Arboretum... they're adding new attractions for the kids... a big caboose/train station. There are paved trails, hiking trails, creeks, waterfalls, and a kid area. Free, or $2 admission... cheap, and you could do a picnic.

Feeding the fish at Longview Lake Marina.

A few great finds for cheap kids meals – I haven’t tried these but heard good things:

Red Robin

Pizza Ranch

Culvers – has an awesome kid’s meal!

**Our family is trying to reduce fast food, if anyone has suggestions for healthy food stops on the go – please let me know!

Our Favorite Desserts:

If you haven’t been to Glace, you are missing out! Excellent Ice Creams by Christopher Elbow (my fav – goat cheese and pretzel – heaven)

http://www.glaceicecream.com/

Another fav, are these delightful Little Freshie Snow Cones – like NO other!

http://www.pitch.com/fatcity/archives/2012/05/14/sweet-dreams-little-freshie-opens-on-the-west-side

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