Latest news with #kidfriendly
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
On a budget this summer? Check out these 10 child-friendly KC area attractions
Families looking to get out over the summer have plenty of low budget options to stay entertained in Kansas City. Whether they're older or younger, there's something for kids of all ages to enjoy, and the good news is you don't have to break the bank to do it. Here's a few unique and affordable kid-friendly attractions in and around Kansas City for your summer on a budget: With over 250 animals and birds, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead has a variety of fun and educational activities for guests to enjoy. Whether its playing on one of three playgrounds, petting goats, watching a live cow milking, scouring shops or something else, there's something for everyone. Visitors can bottle feed goats, fish in the pond, go on a wagon ride and mine for gems for an additional cost. If you want to skip the line, order tickets online here. Location: 13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS 66221 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week Admission: $5 per person, children 2 and under get in free; free admission Monday-Thursday after 2 p.m. Located inside the Johnson County Museum at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, KidScape offers children a 'learn through play' experience with three immersive play communities. Targeted toward younger ages, children can explore 1870s farmstead living, 1900s city life and 1950s suburbia as they engage in activities like farmstead chores, selling food at the city market and flipping burgers at Huey's Diner. For children with sensory needs, the museum offers a monthly sensory-friendly Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration for sensory-friendly Monday is required. The museum will have a free admission day on June 7. Location: 8788 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212 Hours: Monday — Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed for cleaning from noon to 12:30 p.m. Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, veterans and students; $4 for children 1-17 with free admission for children under 1; $23 family maximum daily fee The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm is a Santa Fe Trail historic site and the trail's only remaining functional stagecoach stop. Mahaffie offers a variety of activities throughout the week, whether you are visiting on a normal day or on 1860s Living History Days. Visitors can explore Mahaffie grounds, exhibits and the livestock barn daily and engage in special activities on living history days, including tours of the Mahaffie house, visiting blacksmiths and stagecoach rides. Location: 1200 Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS 66061 Hours: Monday — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Varies by day; Olathe residents receive $2 off of admission price Monday and Tuesday, daily activities only: $3 for adults; $2 for children 5-11 with free admission for children 4 and under Wednesday — Saturday, 1860s Living History Days activities : $9 for adults; $7 for children 5-11 with free admission for children 4 and under. The Museum at Prairie Fire is an immersive combination of natural history, art and science exhibits that engage children with artifacts in ways that are fun and exciting, yet educational. Children can visit the Discovery Room on the second floor for hands-on activities centered around anthropology, paleontology, zoology, astronomy, biology and geology. Location: 5801 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223 Hours: Monday — Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $5 per guest; free for veterans, active military and children under 3 Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free movie on The Lawn at Legends Outlets every Saturday through October. The Lawn is located on the west end of the Legends complex and there's plenty of space for little ones to run and play. Find the full movie showing list here. Location: The Lawn, 1843 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66111 Showings: Saturdays at 7 p.m. Admission: Free This free attraction offered by Crown Center's Hallmark allows children to explore their creativity during 50-minute studio sessions. Groups of 15 or more should reserve ahead of time, otherwise no reservations are necessary. Location: Crown Center, 2500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 Hours: Find session times here. Admission: Free Take a train ride with this miniature train attraction. The Kansas City Northern Railroad operates three miniature trains, interestingly purchased from zoos across the country, on a nearly half-mile train track. A single ride is two times around the track for this attraction. Location: 6060 NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City, MO 64151 Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 6 p.m. Admission: $1 per ride around the track; 10 rides for $9 or 20 rides for $16 With over 25 mid-1800s buildings and live history interpreters dressed for the period, Missouri Town Living History Museum provides children with a self-guided historical educational experience. The history museum, located in Lees Summit, includes heritage livestock and crops raised on-site. Location: 8010 E Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Hours: Tuesday — Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors; $4 for children 5-13; children under 5 free This dinosaur-themed mini golf course offers three different courses at an affordable rate as well as an arcade. All visitors can enjoy an 18-hole and 36-hole course and visitors 13 and up can enjoy a 9 hole course with games. Prehistoric Putt offers a Monday special of a $6 round of golf priced per person. Location: 13907 Hwy 40, Independence, MO 64055 Hours: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday — Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission: Children 2-12 $6 for 18 holes, $9 for 36; prices vary for adults (13 and up) based on time of day Enjoy mini golf, batting cages, arcade games, Go Karts and a kids gym at Cool Crest Family Fun Center. Most single attraction purchases are no more than $13 and children under 3 play free mini golf with the purchase of an adult ticket. Cool Crest also offers attraction passes for 3 and 5 attractions for $24.99 and $34.99 respectively. Go Karts are open on weekends only from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Location: 10735 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO 64055 Hours: Monday — Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: Varies based on activity. View the pricing list here.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- The Sun
I take my kids on cheap UK city breaks for only £40 a night for the family – with swimming pools and activities included
BEFORE becoming a mum, I always loved a city break - taking in the sights and culture, browsing the shops and trying out trendy restaurants and must-see attractions. However, for parents, slick city breaks aren't always the most relaxing holidays to have with kids in tow. 10 Like all primary school-aged kids, their idea of a top holiday is lots of space to run around, playgrounds, beaches and swimming pools. Sky-high hotel costs can price families out of city breaks. Luckily, I have found a genius way to enjoy a city break with two kids and make sure there is plenty for the kids to do. Last week, we had a fun getaway to London, staying in a two-bed cabin with a choice of kid-friendly activities right outside our door, including a huge adventure playground, an indoor swimming pool and family entertainment every night. We even had our own kitchen, and all of this for less than £40 a night. Haven Kent Coast is a holiday park less than an hour from London -much closer than our own home - and officially the closest holiday park to the city. For a week staying in a two-bed static caravan, it was only £239 for the whole family – working out at less than £40 a day. On-site there were multiple playgrounds, a huge social area with restaurants, bars and an entertainment stage, plus the holiday park is next to a small beach. We drove from our home in Essex to the park, where parking was free next to our cabin and enjoyed a couple of days there before a planned day exploring London. The closest station to the Haven Park is Strood, where trains to London Victoria take around 45 minutes. A family return ticket was £37 and parking at Strood station for the whole day was £4.30 on a Saturday (£6 Monday to Friday). Since we had a kitchen in our caravan, breakfast was cheap and easy and I made us a packed lunch to save money once we got into the city. After arriving at Victoria Station, it was a short walk to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben and the Southbank. We just had fun taking in the sights and hardly spent any money at all. Although, if you are on a budget, best to avoid the ice cream van outside the London Eye. Dinner was at Bill's Restaurant, where they often have a promotion in the school holidays where kids eat free. It was a great day. I was able to enjoy the buzz of the city and the kids welcomed a change in scenery from the holiday park. 10 Plus, even with the train fare and the parking, it cost a lot less than a hotel in London, where even the fanciest hotels don't boast a pool as big as Haven Kent Coast. A few days later, we did it all again – this time going to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in Kensington, which are both free to enter. As a travel influencer and blogger for my site I am always looking for cool ways to save money and get families exploring as much as we do. Finding a holiday park close to a big city is my new flex and I have already set my sights on Bristol and Sheffield, as we've never been as a family before. Here are some great deals I have found. Here are 10 cheap holiday parks close to UK cities, if you want to work a cheeky city break into your family holiday: London The UK capital is one off the most popular cities in the world to visit. Take your pick of excellent museums, attractions and sights, with many free activities. When the weather is nice, you can pack a picnic and enjoy it on a blanket in one of the stunning Royal parks. The perfect city for a day out on a budget. Where to stay: Haven Kent Coast 10 What to expect: Waterside setting and a huge range of activities including an adventure playground, high ropes and a large swimming pool. There is evening entertainment every night and even a Wetherspoons on site. Distance from the city: 45 minutes by train Edinburgh As well as Harry Potter-esk streets, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is a city built on history and steeped in culture. There are so many fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids, including Camera Obscura World of Illusions, the Chocolatarium and the Potter Trail, but it's also just a perfect city to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Where to stay: Haven Seton Sands Holiday Park 10 What to expect: The indoor pool here is a huge hit with kids, complete with a fun slide. But the outdoors of this fun park is why you'll want to stay here. Enjoy stunning views over the Firth of Forth. Distance from the city: 58 minutes by train Cardiff Cardiff is a walk-able city with plenty of activities and attractions for families. After exploring Cardiff Castle, you can head to the Wales Millennium Centre or play some games at the vintage Castle Quarter arcades. For foodies, Cardiff also has some great food markets, cafes and restaurants and you can take a ride on the water taxi to see some more of the city from the water. Where to stay: Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl 10 What to expect: This top location is one of the largest holiday parks in Europe with loads to do, aside from the gorgeous beach. Families can try rock climbing, Zorbing and high ropes and there is a huge pool and outdoor splash area. Distance from the city: 45 minutes by car, 56 minutes by train Bristol From funky street art to outdoor activities immersed in nature, Bristol is shaping up to be one of the best city breaks in the UK. Kids will love Aerospace Bristol, the We Are Curious Planetarium and Wake the Tiger – an interactive zone dubbed the 'amazement' park. Grown ups can enjoy beautiful parks and beautiful architecture, as well as many kid-friendly pubs. Where to stay: Pontin's Sand Bay Holiday Village, Western-Super-Mare What to expect: Brilliant evening entertainment from the famous Pontin's Blue Coats, a choice of restaurants on site and the park is set alongside a sandy beach. Distance from the city: 1 hr 10 minutes by train or 44 minutes by car. Sheffield Sheffield is becoming a top city to visit with kids, with a huge variety of outdoor green spaces, heritage buildings and unique attractions like the Video Game Museum. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying a Yorkshire pudding wrap. Where to stay: Park Holidays, Newhaven Holiday Park, Derbyshire What to expect: A perfect base to explore the Peak District National Park and surrounded by rolling hills and stunning countryside. This is a quiet park compared with some but its proximity to Sheffield means it offers the best of both worlds. Distance from the city: 1 hr by car Glasgow The Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum are a hit with families and when the weather is nice you can explore outdoors at the Palacerigg Country Park, which has multiple play areas and a pretty nature walk. Teens will like the shops at St, Enoch Centre, but keep your credit card out of their reach. Where to stay: Park Dean Wemyss Bay Holiday Park 10 What to expect: This holiday park is stunning and surrounded by water, forests and mountains. There is so much on for kids including dance parties with characters from Paw Patrol and Milkshake, slime workshops and nightly family entertainment. Distance from the city: 54 minutes by car, 1 hr 15 mins by train Blackpool Blackpool is one of the most popular UK holiday destinations and it's easy to see why. The city is right on the beach, with the famous Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach theme park right in the middle of all the fun. For classic attractions, visit the Tower Ballroom or the Victorian Winter Gardens. Where to stay: Haven Marton Mare Holiday Village 10 What to expect: Indoor and outdoor pools and a lazy river. There are lots of activities, including Den Building, a NERF training camp and a large adventure playground. Distance from the city: 11 minutes by car, 28 minutes by bus Brighton Another city on the beach is bonnie Brighton, a colourful, vibrant spot on the East Sussex coast that is known for its nightlife, independent shops and art scene and fantastic Victorian architecture. There are a lot of ways to have fun as a family, but we love riding bikes along the seafront, the vintage electric railway and the Upside Down House. What to expect: Butlin's is one of the premier holiday parks in the UK, with so much to do including an enormous soft play, a high-tech games complex and top quality entertainment. Plus, it's next to the beach and has an epic pool with a water slide. For best value for good deals on the resort's standard self-catering apartments on term-time week dates in weekends outside of the school holidays. Distance from the city: 1 hr by car Liverpool Liverpool is an exciting city for all ages. Grown-ups can indulge in an excellent trip down memory lane with the city's musical roots and the kids will learn a thing or too as well. The Albert Dock is a hive of activity now and footie fans can take a tour of Anfield football stadium. Where to stay: Ribby Hall Village What to expect: This is a real sanctuary outside the city with a seriously impressive family pool that has slides, a splash lagoon and a peaceful place to chill out, with an on-site restaurant and swimming lanes. If you want some kid-free time, there is also an adults-only pool and spa on site. Distance from the city: 1 hr 10 minutes by car. Lincoln This medieval city is perfect for families, with lots of pedestrian areas to explore on foot. History buffs will want to check out the Magna Carta inside Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle is also a great spot, where you can walk the ancient fort wall and relax with a picnic in the huge garden. If you think you have the energy, take on Steep Hill, one of the steepest streets in the UK (it will certainly tire the kids out). Along the route, there are lots of quaint independent shops which you can browse while getting your breath back. Where to stay: Butlin's Skegness What to expect: This one is a bit further from the city, but you get a lot included with your stay so it's worth the extra drive. As well as the pool and usual entertainment you expect from a Butlin's Resort, the Skegness location has an incredible Skypark, which is an incredible playground that is also wheelchair accessible, meaning everyone can come and play. Distance from the city: 1 hr 20 mins by car
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Condé Nast Traveler
19-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Family Hotels in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo might be vast, but it's remarkably well-suited for families. It's one of the safest cities in the world; easy to navigate by train, subway, or stroller-accommodating taxi; and full of surprises that delight kids and grown-ups alike: think conveyor-belt sushi joints, cartoon-themed cafés, and interactive digital art museums like TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets. The city's famously warm hospitality extends to travelers of all ages, and green spaces—both pocket-sized and sprawling—offer plenty of room to run, play, or decompress. Still, traveling with children isn't quite the same as honeymooning in a ryokan. When it comes to picking out the right Tokyo hotel, you'll want kid-friendly dining options, bigger bathrooms, and soundproofing that doesn't leave nap time to chance. Space comes at a premium, so expect more compact accommodations in general—this is Tokyo, after all. Fortunately, the city has a growing number of thoughtfully designed stays for families that maximize comfort without sacrificing style. Just be sure to confirm the number of guests per room: Japan's strict earthquake safety codes require an accurate headcount. Below, our picks for the 11 best family hotels in Tokyo, Japan, from boutique hotels and apartment-style digs to five-star luxury.
