By Patrick Amey
My wife and I maintain a very active lifestyle due to the fact that we live in a downtown Kansas City loft. We don’t have the opportunity to just hang out around our house throughout the summer. Therefore, we fill the void by doing things around town. But if you’re anything like me, window shopping on the Plaza can get expensive. Below are 10 FREE things to do during the summer in Kansas City.
1) Boulevard Brewery Tour:
One of the nation’s largest microbrewers provides daily tours for visitors to meander through the compound and learn about the brewing process. The tour finishes in the tasting room where you can sample Boulevard’s famous ales along with their latest concoctions.
2) City Market:
The City Market, located at 5th & Walnut, provides nourishment for the body and the senses. Open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, vendors sell produce and other fare, while car shows and street entertainers provide mental stimulation.
3) Shakespeare in the Park:
Each year the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival puts on a free show in Southmoreland Park (Directly West of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art). Take a picnic and a bottle of wine and enjoy a beautiful evening outside with William Shakespeare. This year’s performance was “As You Like It.” Unfortunately, the shows are over for this year, but add this to your list for next summer.
4) First Fridays:
Take a stroll around the Crossroad’s arts district on the first Friday of each month to see the happenings at the galleries. This event takes a little bit of savvy to identify what galleries you like and where to find a beverage or a restroom.
5) Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead :
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is free Monday through Thursday. You and your family can enjoy a petting zoo, learn about farm animals, and go on a hayride.
6) Federal Reserve of Kansas City – Money Museum:
I have never been to this exhibit, but my wife Lauren loves it. You can see the how money is made and the vault full of cash, view the Truman coin collection, and try to lift a 400 troy ounce gold bar. You can take a tour or simply walk around on your own.
7) The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Bloch Building:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of my favorite places to visit. The grounds and architecture of both the gardens and Bloch Building are simply amazing. Plan ahead to take an hour-long “walk-in” tour (free) or go to www.naguide.org on your smartphone for a self-guided tour.
8) Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center:
Each Friday night, Crown Center loads up the big screen on the ice (or un-iced as it is in the summer) terrace and puts on a free movie. Remaining movies this summer include The Princess Bride (a personal favorite), Weekend at Bernie’s, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Grease, and Iron Man.
9) Free Concerts at Power & Light District:
KC Live in the Power and Light District has many free concerts throughout the summer. Thursday night is Hot Country Night, featuring great country music bands. Also, each Friday night features bands like Buckcherry, Wonderfuzz, Chevelle, Matt Nathanson and Blues Traveler.
10) Kaleidoscope:
Mainly for kids, but adults also can enjoy Kaleidoscope’s offerings. Here, Hallmark allows your children to use the leftover materials from their cards to make your own art creations. The staff gives directions and ideas for kids and parents alike.
For more information, schedule a meeting by clicking below, contact Patrick Amey –pamey@makinglifecount.com, or call (913) 345-1881.