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Everyday Outdoor Family

8 weekend trips from KC that are actually worth the drive

Published 6 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, here are a few of our favorite weekend trips from Kansas City.

Weekend Trips from Kansas City

Omaha, Nebraska

If you have kids and have not visited Omaha yet, put it on your list. The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country. It is worth the drive alone. When you add in the RiverFront, Old Market, Children's Museum, Fontenelle Forest, great restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, it is the perfect weekend getaway.

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita might be one of the most underrated cities in the Midwest.

Your family will love Exploration Place and the Sedgwick County Zoo. If you're an aviation fan, you can dive into the city's rich aircraft history. Make sure to visit the Keeper of the Plains at sunset and see fire light the sky.

Bentonville, Arkansas

This is one of our favorite destinations when we want a mix of outdoor adventure and great food. I love the gluten free food scene here. Crystal Bridges Museum is free, the biking and hiking trails are fantastic, and Bentonville somehow keeps finding new ways to surprise us every time we visit.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is so cool and underrated. Spend the weekend exploring Scissortail Park, visit the Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Gardens, the Oklahoma Science Center, and Factory Obscura. Families also love the Bricktown entertainment district, where you can take a canal boat ride and enjoy plenty of dining options.

Branson, Missouri

I used to think Branson was just for live shows and older people, but Branson is actually full of family fun. With Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, mountain coasters, and Top of the Rock, there is enough here to fill an entire weekend and more.

St. Louis, Missouri

The City Museum is one of the coolest attractions we have ever visited with kids. It is basically a giant climbing structure disguised as an art project. Add in the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the free zoo, and St. Louis makes an easy family getaway.

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines does not always get the attention it deserves. It is clean, easy to navigate, packed with family attractions, and home to one of the best farmers markets in the Midwest. It is an excellent choice for a low-stress weekend adventure. Plus, it hosts the Iowa State Fair in August if you're in need of a butter cow and fried food during your adventures.

Springfield, MO

Springfield is an excellent weekend getaway for families. One of the biggest draws is Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, consistently ranked among the best aquariums and wildlife museums in the country. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the exhibits.

Be sure to go to Fantastic Caverns, where you can ride a tram through a cave, feed giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo and check out the Discovery Center.

Springfield also serves as a gateway to the Ozarks, making it a great base for hiking, floating, and exploring the region's natural beauty and Route 66.

On the Blog

Best Weekend Trips from KC

For more information on all the best destinations, check out my blog post!

How to find nearby ideas without hours of research

I asked 5,000 people what their biggest problems were that held them back from exploring more. One of the biggest issues was overwhelm and indecision.

They said they wanted to find more cool places in their home state or fun stops on road trips, but they could never keep track of what was where and what was on the way.

That’s why I created my Kansas and Missouri maps. I wanted to make it easy for you to find places, sort by the activities you love, and search by destination.

Get your map now to start planning your summer adventures across Kansas and Missouri!

Summer Offers

Go see the Kansas City Royals for 20% off with my code OUTDOOR, valid Sun–Thurs through August 9.

This is a fun way to explore Lawrence and have fun. When you stop at places on the pass you earn points and collect prizes or can be entered for the sweepstakes! Plus, different locations offer discounts or free merchandise just for participating!

Before You Go...

Some of our best memories have come from destinations that seemed like they might be "too close" to be exciting. I'm glad we went and found adventures. I hope you do too!

Your adventure buddy,

Amy

Thank you!

Thank you so much for being here and supporting me! It means so much to me that you’re here. I hope that I can provide value for you and your family, so you’re inspired to get out and explore more! Happy adventuring!

-Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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