Hey Friends, In the last few weeks, we have visited Texas and Colorado. I can confidently say, I do not recommend Texas in July other than for the fact that it will make the heat here feel comparatively manageable. But Breckenridge, Colorado? It was sunshine and 70 degree days. Coming back to Midwestern heat and humidity was a challenge. Even if escaping the heat wasn’t reason enough to go to Breckenridge (it is), I was really impressed by all the family fun Breckenridge offered. I could hike...
11 days ago • 5 min read
Hey Friends, I think Missouri might secretly be one of the best states for weird family road trips. There are caves you can ride through, giant piles of elephant-shaped rocks, old mills hidden in the woods, mountain-style swimming holes, giant turtle playgrounds, and...an entire roadside attraction built around Uranus jokes. So if you are looking for fun and unique summer road trip ideas, here are some Missouri spots worth adding to your list. Ha Ha Tonka State Park Weird & Fun Places to...
19 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Everyone! Sometimes I want to get away, but don't have the time or budget to get away. That's why I came up with a list of my favorite day trips from Kansas City. There is so much to explore whether you want to stay in the metro area or go a few hours away from the city. I hope this email helps you find places you wouldn't have thought of before! Paddling on Smithville Lake with a kayak rented from Paradise Outfitters, Smithville, Missouri Day Trips from Kansas City Weston, MO Downtown...
27 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I think weekend trips are kind of magical. You get all the fun of a getaway without the big price tag, the complicated planning, or using any PTO. We take 1-2 weekend trips a month, because little trips keep my heart happy. (Let's be honest, all trips make my heart happy, I can just afford more little trips than big ones.) Kansas City is surrounded by destinations that can deliver a surprisingly memorable getaway in just two or three days. If you are looking for a quick getaway,...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I genuinely think Kansas is one of the most underrated states for family adventures. People assume it is just endless flat roads and wheat fields… and then suddenly you are standing in front of giant rock formations in the middle of nowhere, biking a 4-person bicycle in a tiny Swedish town, touring Amelia Earhart’s hometown, or riding on an ancient carousel. Weird little roadside attractions and small towns are some of my favorite places to explore. They are usually cheaper, less...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, The World Cup is finally here, and even if you do not have match tickets, there are so many ways to be part of the excitement. I am so excited my home is going to be on the world stage. I can't wait to see all the stops KC pulls out and see our community come together with the world to celebrate! I have done some digging and this is what you'll want to know, but the best part is that all these events are FREE. The Best World Cup Events Happening Around KC FIFA Fan Festival If you...
about 2 months ago • 5 min read
Hey Friends, Every summer I tell myself I am going to be organized. I picture labeled beach bags, healthy snacks packed ahead of time, and everyone calmly applying sunscreen before leaving the house. What actually happens is somebody loses a shoe, somebody else spills yogurt in the car, and I forget the towels approximately 65% of the time. Buuuut it's all still worth it, even with the chaos. Summer with kids does not have to be fancy to be memorable. Some of our favorite days are the random...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, One of my favorite family traditions every single summer is making a giant summer bingo board. Every season, we sit down together, come up with a bunch of fun things we want to do, and hang the bingo board right on the fridge. Then all summer long we slowly mark things off as we do them. I love it because it gives us ideas. On those random afternoons where everyone is bored and it feels too easy to default to screens, we can glance at the bingo board and immediately find...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Friends! My kids only have one more week of school before they are out for the summer. This is the perfect time to start planning for those fun summer trips. Our family is traveling to locations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado! If you need ideas for Midwest summer trips, I've got you covered. I hope that it will give you some inspiration for your next epic adventure! Go book something amazing! My Top Midwest Summer Trips Voyageurs National Park,...
3 months ago • 3 min read