Summer is finally here and vacation is calling.  Load up the kids and head to Kansas City, KS for tons of family fun options.  Kansas City is centrally located and literally a tank away from any city in the United States.  And with so many free and budget-friendly attractions, you can do more for less!  See below for a list of free attractions, events and other can’t-miss summer activities to get you started.

Sports Fanatics

Urban Dictionary.com defines the term “Sports Fanatics” as a person who loves sports as an entertainment outlet and is highly interested in one or more sport or sports team. Does this sound like you? If so, head over to Kansas City, KS for some tailgating fun. Experience heart-pounding excitement at a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway or kick it with MLS Sporting KC at their state-of-the-art stadium. Whatever your game is, Kansas City has plenty of outlets for you and your buddies

Name: Rebekah Baughman
Job Title: Marketing Assistant & Visitor Services Coordinator

1. What is your can’t miss attraction in Kansas City, KS?

I would definitely recommend going to watch Sporting Kansas City play to anyone who visits the area. I’m a far-cry from a sports fanatic, but Sporting KC matches are always so exciting! Sporting Park is an incredible facility and the KC Cauldron keeps the crowd full of energy throughout the match.

2. Where is your favorite place to eat?

Chiusano’s

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re like me you are just now thinking about what to get your significant other. Oops! Fear not. Maybe it’s a gift, dinner or a romantic getaway – whatever’s on your mind- Kansas City, KS has a variety of heart-thumping experiences to help you celebrate the month of love. Here are five ways to spend your time in Kansas City, KS this Valentine’s:

1. Escape to Africa and Tahiti or the Mayan Rainforest at Chateau Avalon Hotel. Fall in love with

Find something for everyone on your shopping list in Kansas City, KS – the shopping mecca of the Midwest. Pick up gear for the outdoors sportsman at Cabela’s. Find furniture, electronics and appliances at Nebraska Furniture mart. Save on big name brands with outlet pricing at Legends Outlets Kansas City featuring over 100 shops and the only Coach Outlet in the Kansas City area. If you are looking for unique or Kansas City, Kansas made products, here’s a list to get you started:

1. Wine Barn

Fall in Kansas City means beautiful foliage, crisp cool weather and loads of October fun things to do. Check out our FIVE FALL FAVES:

1. Load up the entire generation and head out to Cider Hill Family Orchard. With over 25 acres covered with apple trees, pumpkin patch, a fishing pond, guest house and event barn, there’s enough fun for everyone in the family. Enjoy hayrides, pack a picnic, roast marshmallows around a bonfire and delight in fall goodies such as apple cider doughnuts and warm apple

Two weekends ago I sat in the new gym at Sumner Academy and watched my daughter’s varsity volleyball team win the Kansas City – Atchison League tournament. What a proud moment for me as a mom, a satisfying victory for the team and an outstanding achievement for the school. Sumner has a long and distinguished history in Kansas City, KS, as well as the state’s educational system as the only legislated African-American High School in Kansas. Many Sumner students don’t know the significance of their

Recently I got the opportunity to tour the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) Museum in Kansas City, KS, operated by the Piano Technicians Guild Foundation. The foundation opened the museum in 1994 during their annual convention which was held in Kansas City, MO that year. The Museum displays include antique piano building tools, historical pictures of the PTG and the piano industry, historical manuscripts, books and documents, unique pianos, and piano components that have historical significance to

The cool weather in Kansas City these last few days reminds me that fall is just around the corner. Last night's weather really set the stage for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival media sneak peek party. My son and I got the opportunity to preview what’s in store for this year's festival opening September 1 through October 14 on weekends, Labor Day and Columbus Day. New this year include the Magical Mermaids, an enchanted Secret Garden, a Royal Pub Crawl that comes with a FREE Renaissance

A local favorite diner in Kansas City, KS is Fritz's Railroad Restaurant located on 18th street. Fritz's is famous for their unique food delivery system and their old fashioned hamburgers made with 100% choice ground beef, grilled onions seared in the meat, toasted buns and always "cooked to order". The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is fun for kids. Diners order food by phone and watch their meal delivered by train. It transports the food out of the kitchen and around the ceiling of