Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Kansas City, KS

Battle of the Water Parks

by Rita Arens

Okay, I need some reader support here. Which water park is best for preschoolers? With a kid who's still working on putting her head under without freaking out, I haven't tried these out as a parent yet. Coco Key (weekend day pass - $25) Oceans of Fun (twilight pass for after 3 p.m. - $18, regularly $28) Aquatic Center at Tiffany Hills Park ($5 for preschoolers) What do you think? ... Read more >

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A Day at the (Lake) Beach

by Rita Arens

Okay, so it's the Midwest. We don't really have a shining sea. What we do have, though, is a bunch of lakes scattered around. Here are some good public beaches and small-child-friendly lakes to check out with your child. Don't forget a Coast-Guard approved life jacket (available at Target and other big-box discount stores -- it will say "Coast Guard Approved" on the inside if it's the one you ... Read more >

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Sprinklers, Hydrants, and Other Non-Pool Wet Things

by Rita Arens

When I was a kid growing up in Iowa, we didn't always get to the swimming pool. Sometimes the car was dead, and sometimes I think my mom was just too lazy. Those were the days she would hook up the Willy Waterbug or the Wet Banana and we'd go crazy all over the back lawn. Nothing like having those little pieces of grass stuck between your toes to signify summer. Even though we now have a ... Read more >

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Paint the House

by Rita Arens

Kids no doubt have noticed the proliferation of house painting that goes on in the summer. I know my daughter loves to paint anything, preferably using adult paintbrushes. When I was a kid, my mom used to give us a bucket of water and have us paint the sidewalks. Even better - paint the house! It might even clean your siding. Older kids can use a ladder (with supervision, of course). Maybe you ... Read more >

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Welcome to the Dog Days of Kansas City

by Rita Arens

Ugh. It's August. You know what that means. It's about to get really, really, ridiculously HOT. What to do, what to do? This weekend, revel in the hot. Here are some suggestions: 1) Popsicle-eating contest. Popsicles have what, 10 calories? Go crazy. 2) Sprinkler dash. Whoever runs through the most times in a row wins. 3) Baby pool tiki hut. We have an inflatable kid pool now, but really ... Read more >

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Packing for Your Trip to the Beach

by Rita Arens

Beaches. Ha! But yes! We do have sand in Kansas City! So, if you happen to be heading out to one of the local lakes, don't forget to pack the basics: Sunscreen Towels Water toys Water shoes Water (to drink, silly) But also! Try throwing in these things: Bamboo mat (much easier to shake out than a towel) As much Tupperware as you can carry (kids LOOOOOVE pouring ... Read more >

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