The beauty of living in the Midwest is you get to experience all four seasons fully. When the temperatures start to drop and winter rolls around, you can count on an abundance of enjoyable activities no matter what the weather brings.
If you’re looking for fun new ways to spend time with your grandkids this winter, read on to discover the perfect outdoor and indoor activities to experience near Kansas City.
Outdoor Winter Activities to Enjoy
Here are five of the top activities to enjoy outdoors with your grandkids during the winter months.
Kansas City Zoo
Open year-round, the Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals. The winter makes the perfect occasion to see cold-weather animals like penguins and polar bears thriving in their ideal conditions. On top of that, the zoo has numerous special events such as the GloWild Lantern Festival featuring massive handmade steel and silk works of art depicting animals, local landmarks and more.
Holiday Light Displays
The GloWild Lantern Festival is just one of many light displays in the area. Kansas City Plaza Lights is a tradition that dates back 90 years, where the 15-block Country Club Plaza is lit with mesmerizing displays. Rounding out the list of can’t-miss sights is the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. This massive 100-foot tree is illuminated with thousands of bulbs starting the day after Thanksgiving.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
For those looking to stay active, the Crown Center Ice Terrace is Kansas City’s marquee destination for ice skating. Now in its 50th season, the Ice Terrace is open to all ages, with skate rentals available at highly affordable prices. There’s also plenty of seating and concessions with holiday treats where spectators can take in the sights and watch friends and family on the ice.
Winter Luminary Walk
A short drive south from Prairie Village, Kansas is the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The 640-acre oasis provides no shortage of recreation opportunities and events for all ages. During the holiday season, their Winter Luminary Walk is sure to become something the grandkids want to enjoy year after year. Explore the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, or visit Santa in his Woodland Workshop.
Find a Sledding Hill
Sometimes the simplest experiences are the most fun. If your grandkids are on the adventurous side, pick up a sled and head to any of the best sledding hills around Kansas City. There are a number of different options ranging from gradual slopes to steep thrill rides. The best part of all is the activity is completely free.
Indoor Winter Activities to Enjoy
When the forecast is looking chilly, you don’t have to brave the cold to keep your grandkids entertained. These are four of the best ways to spend quality time together while staying warm indoors.
Union Station Experiences
Kansas City’s Union Station is home to some of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions. Kids six and under can take in the magical sights and sounds riding the Mini Holiday Express Train, and then the whole family can enjoy a showing of a classic holiday movie or take in a live performance. Additional attractions include the city’s largest indoor Christmas tree, planetarium shows and a station to write letters to Santa.
Get Creative at Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a free experience designed to ignite children’s creativity and artistic spirit. Gifted to the city by Hallmark, grandparents and grandkids alike can craft custom creations using materials from the company’s many products. The whole goal is to let imaginations run wild and take pride and enjoyment in bringing special ideas to life.
Attend a Show
Inspire your aspiring young performers with a trip to the theater or ballet this winter. The Kansas City area is a cultural hub filled with venues where you can attend shows featuring some of the top talent in the country. Notable options include A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGO® sets have been a childhood staple since they were first introduced to the United States in 1962. Now the brand has become a fully immersive experience for the whole family with LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City. You’ll have the opportunity to create just about anything you can dream up from LEGO® bricks, or hop on one of the amusement rides for an interactive journey.
More to Explore This Winter at Claridge Court
If winter has you weighing the benefits of staying at home vs. moving to a senior living community, there are numerous reasons to consider Claridge Court. Our independent living residents enjoy amenities and services like underground parking, a dedicated maintenance team and weekly housekeeping that make the season so much easier.
If you’d like to learn more about the options at Claridge Court and what makes our community so special, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
