Missouri’s Best Summer Activities for Kids: Beat the Heat
Summer is here and the heat is on! Parents in Missouri are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained and cool during the hot summer months. Luckily, we’ve gathered Missouri’s best summer activities for kids of all ages.
From exploring interactive children’s museums to cooling off at water parks, Missouri has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a fun indoor activity to escape the heat or an outdoor adventure to soak up the sun, Missouri has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best summer activities for kids in Missouri, both indoor and outdoor, to help you beat the heat and keep your kids entertained all summer long.
Top Indoor Escapes from the Heat
Summer in Missouri can be hot and humid, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor escapes from the heat that are perfect for families with kids. Here are some of the top options:
Aquatic Adventures Indoors
For families looking for water fun without the sun, indoor water parks are a great choice. Aquaport in Maryland Heights and Castle Rock Resort and Water Park in Branson are two popular options. Coco Key Water Resort in Kansas City is another great choice, offering a lazy river, wave pool, and multiple water slides.
Educational and Cultural Experiences
For families looking for educational and cultural experiences, there are plenty of options to choose from. The City Museum in St. Louis is a unique attraction that combines art, architecture, and playgrounds. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is another great choice, offering a chance to see marine life up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Creative Play Spaces
For families with younger kids, creative play spaces can be a great way to beat the heat. Myseum in Town & Country is a fun and educational children’s museum that offers exhibits like a dino-dig, Zoo Vet Clinic, and Interactive Video Wall. The Magic House in St. Louis is another great option, offering a variety of exhibits and activities that encourage creativity and imagination.
Overall, there are plenty of indoor escapes from the heat in Missouri that are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for aquatic adventures, educational experiences, or creative play spaces, there’s something for everyone.
Outdoor Summer Fun for Families
Missouri is home to a variety of outdoor attractions that offer adventure, swimming, sunbathing, and more. Families looking to beat the heat this summer can choose from a variety of water parks and natural water bodies to stay cool.
Water Parks and Attractions
Missouri’s outdoor water parks are perfect for families looking to cool off in the summer heat. Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun, located in Kansas City, offer a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and other attractions. Big Surf Waterpark and Adventure Oasis Water Park, both located in Lake of the Ozarks, are also popular choices for families looking for an outdoor water park experience.
Natural Water Bodies
Missouri’s natural water bodies offer a refreshing alternative to traditional water parks. Families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in lakes like Lake of the Ozarks or Meramec River. Swimming holes like Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Elephant Rocks State Park provide a unique swimming experience surrounded by nature.
State Parks and Outdoor Exploration
Missouri’s state parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for families. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located in Camdenton, boasts castle ruins and hiking trails for families to explore. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, and hiking. Onondaga Cave State Park provides a unique underground experience for families to explore. For families looking for a more adventurous experience, Meramec Caverns offers a canopy tour and ziplines.
Overall, Missouri’s outdoor summer activities offer something for everyone. Families can choose from a variety of water parks, natural water bodies, and state parks to stay cool and enjoy the great outdoors.
Amusement Parks and Entertainment Centers
Missouri is home to a variety of amusement parks and entertainment centers that offer fun-filled activities for kids of all ages. From thrilling rides to interactive and themed experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best options:
Thrilling Rides and Attractions
Six Flags St. Louis is a popular destination for families looking for a thrilling adventure. The park features a variety of roller coasters and other rides, including the Batman The Ride, the Screamin’ Eagle, and the Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast. For those looking to cool off, Hurricane Harbor is an adjacent water park that offers a range of water attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.
Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, is another popular amusement park that offers a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. The park features over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. Families can also enjoy interactive experiences, such as glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations.
Interactive and Themed Experiences
For a unique and educational experience, families can visit Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. The farm is home to over 900 animals, including exotic species such as kangaroos and elephants. Visitors can take a tram ride through the property, watch animal shows, and even feed the animals.
Adventure Oasis Water Park in Independence is another great option for families looking for a fun and interactive experience. The park features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides. Families can also enjoy mini-golf, batting cages, and other activities.
Overall, Missouri has a lot to offer when it comes to amusement parks and entertainment centers. With a range of options available, families can find the perfect destination for their next summer vacation.
Relaxing Retreats and Accommodations
Missouri offers a wide range of accommodations for families looking to unwind and relax during their summer vacation. From luxurious hotels to rustic camping sites, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best options for families to consider:
Resorts and Hotels with Kid-Friendly Amenities
For families looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay, there are several resorts and hotels in Missouri that offer a range of kid-friendly amenities. One such resort is the Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks, which offers a variety of activities for kids, including a sand beach, cabanas, and a golf course. The resort also has an on-site spa, Driftwood Spa & Salon, which offers rejuvenating treatments for both parents and kids.
Another great option is The Bay, which is located in Osage Beach. This resort offers a range of accommodations, including villas and cabins, as well as a variety of activities for kids, such as a water park, mini-golf course, and arcade. The resort also has several dining options, including a restaurant and a snack bar.
Camping and Outdoor Living
For families who prefer a more rustic vacation, Missouri has several camping and outdoor living options. Long Branch State Park offers several camping sites, including yurts and cabins, and is located near the shoreline of Long Branch Lake. The park also has several hiking trails and fishing areas, making it a great option for families who love nature.
Wakonda State Park is another great option for families who love the outdoors. The park offers several camping sites and cabins, as well as a range of activities for kids, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. The park also has a golf course, making it a great option for families who love to golf.
Overall, Missouri offers a variety of relaxing retreats and accommodations for families looking to beat the heat during the summer months. Whether you prefer a luxurious resort or a rustic camping site, there is something for everyone.
Planning Your Summer Adventure
With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning your family’s adventure in Missouri. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to choose from. From the bustling city of St. Louis to the charming town of Eureka, there’s something for everyone.
For those looking for outdoor activities, Missouri’s state parks offer a variety of options. Mark Twain State Park, located in Florida, Missouri, offers hiking trails and fishing opportunities. For those looking for a beach experience, Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Kaiser has a sandy beach and swimming area. Roaring River State Park in Cassville has a river stocked with rainbow trout, making it a great spot for fishing.
If you’re looking for indoor activities to beat the heat, St. Louis has several options. The City Museum is a unique attraction that combines a playground, funhouse, and surrealistic pavilion. The Inside the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis offers a hands-on experience to learn about the economy. The Magic House in Kirkwood is a children’s museum with interactive exhibits.
Kansas City also has plenty of indoor options. The National World War I Museum and Memorial offers a history lesson and stunning views of the city. Science City at Union Station is a science museum with interactive exhibits. LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City is a family-friendly attraction with LEGO-themed rides and activities.
No matter where you go in Missouri, there are plenty of options to keep your family entertained this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top free family activities to do in Missouri during the summer?
Missouri offers a variety of free family-friendly activities during the summer. Some of the best options include visiting the St. Louis Zoo, exploring the Missouri Botanical Garden, and hiking at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Families can also enjoy free outdoor concerts, festivals, and events throughout the state.
Which indoor activities in St. Louis are best for children to stay cool?
St. Louis has plenty of indoor activities to keep children cool during the hot summer months. The City Museum is a popular destination, featuring a variety of interactive exhibits and play areas. The Magic House and the St. Louis Science Center are also great options for families with children of all ages.
What are some recommended kid-friendly weekend getaways in Missouri?
Missouri offers many kid-friendly weekend getaways. Families can visit Silver Dollar City, an amusement park in Branson, or explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal. The Lake of the Ozarks is another popular destination, offering water activities, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Can you suggest some exciting day trips in Missouri suitable for families with kids?
There are many exciting day trips in Missouri that are perfect for families with kids. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-visit attraction, providing stunning views of the city. Families can also take a day trip to the Katy Trail State Park, which offers biking and hiking trails, or visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence.
What are the most fun activities to do with kids in Missouri when it’s hot outside?
When it’s hot outside in Missouri, families can still enjoy a variety of fun activities. Visiting water parks, such as White Water in Branson or Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, is a popular option. Families can also cool off at indoor attractions, such as the World Aquarium in St. Louis or the Discovery Center in Springfield.
Where can families find engaging summer activities for children in Missouri?
Families can find engaging summer activities for children throughout Missouri. Many cities and towns offer summer camps, day programs, and classes for children of all ages. Families can also check with local libraries, community centers, and parks and recreation departments for additional summer activity options.
