Travel may look a little different for some families this summer. As restaurants and businesses open back up and people begin to smile and breathe a little easier (if still from 6 feet away), it’s time to think of vacations again. While airlines are limiting travel and enforcing masks (which might make for more uncomfortable longer trips), there is another option making a comeback: local travel. Lucky for Kansas City, there is no shortage of options. If you’re looking for a little more than a day trip, many great weekend opportunities are just a short drive away. Here are 4 easy weekend trips from Kansas City you can take right now.
1. Branson
About a 3.5 hour drive from Kansas City
There is something in or around Branson, Missouri for everyone. The town itself boasts a carnival-esqe “main strip,” 76 Highway, that has humble Ozarks origins. Today, visitors can ride the Branson Ferris Wheel, which was formerly Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Next, families can race go-carts in one of a number of spiraling tracks. Then, guests can appreciate tales of the bizarre at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium. While Branson is known for its many shows, some still remain closed, and there are many activities in the Branson area that accommodate social distancing.
For example, at The Shepherd of the Hills Entertainment Park, guests can scale a ropes course, zipline, and learn the history behind the region through its renowned drama. If you’ve read Harold Bell Wright’s Shepherd of the Hills, then you’ll recognize Old Matt’s Cabin -an authentic Ozark homestead. Just up the highway is Silver Dollar City, a theme park originally built around Marvel Cave and on the grounds of an original mining town. The attraction has done a good job of maintaining its 1880s theming while continuing to enhance the park and remain relevant to modern guests. It’s my family’s favorite place to go in the Branson area.
Eats: Just past Silver Dollar City and on the road toward Branson West, Ozark Mountain Pizza offers up hand-made pies to order. It is some of the best pizza we’ve had in Missouri! Don’t let the fact that it’s in the same strip as a gas station turn you off – you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and flavor (and they have gluten-free) .
Other Branson attractions that work well for social distancing:
- Table Rock State Park
- Ralph Foster Historical Preservation Museum on the College of the Ozarks campus
- Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve
- Branson Landing Outdoor Mall
- Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery (the hatchery itself is currently closed, but the trails are still open!)
2. Hannibal
About a 3 hour drive from Kansas City
If you’ve read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, then you might know of Hannibal as the home of Mark Twain, aka Samuel Clemens, the author. In Hannibal, you can visit the boyhood home of Twain – today a museum. Tour the Huckleberry Finn House, where the real Huck Finn (Tom Blankenship) grew up, and then explore the Becky Thatcher House, a showcase of childhood in the mid-1800s.
Historic Downtown Hannibal features a variety of small shops, diners, and an ice cream parlor. My favorite is the pottery! For visitors looking for a great couples’ activity, the Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise offers a variety of tours (Twain was a riverboat captain at one point, after all). For outdoor adventurers, a drive up to Lover’s Leap showcases a beautiful vista, and the patchwork landscape of Illinois can be seen just across the river.
Other Hannibal attractions that work well for social distancing:
- Mark Twain Cave & Cameron Cave
- Explore Riverview Park
- Cave Hollow West Winery
3. Saint Louis
About a 3 hour drive from Kansas City
Saint Louis is a gold mine for families. There are so many FREE and low-cost attractions in St. Louis that you can easily spend a whole weekend with very little investment! #1 for families, is the amazing St. Louis Zoo! Admission to the zoo is free (although you do pay $15 for parking) and they are currently taking timed admissions to ensure social distancing. The Zoo is located inside Forest Park, which is, itself, a destination. Visitors can picnic, catch a summer concert, check out the fish hatchery, visit a museum, take a boat ride, walk, hike, fly kites… at about 500 acres larger than New York City’s Central Park, it definitely has wide open spaces!
Just east of Forest Park is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The Cathedral holds one of the largest mosaics display in the world and visitors can spend hours here (when mass is not in session) exploring the installation. South of Forest Park is the Saint Louis Science Center, a free museum where guests can explore over 700 hands-on exhibits. No need for kids to “keep your hands to yourselves” here!
No St. Louis list is complete without mentioning the iconic Gateway Arch. Part of the National Parks Service, the site hosts a riverfront park, recently renovated museum, souvenir shop, and of course – a memorable tram ride to the top.
Eats: Since I was a child, my favorite place to eat in St. Louis has been the Old Spaghetti Factory. With flavorful pasta dishes and a 3-course meal consisting of salad, pasta, and spumoni, it’s family-owned, authentic Italian like you won’t find in chain restaurants. Definitely worth the visit, and kid-friendly!
Other Saint Louis attractions that work well for social distancing:
4. Springfield
About a 4 hour drive from Kansas City
Springfield is the third largest metropolitan area in Missouri, and few realize how much there is to do here! The recently built Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium opened to rave reviews. It’s actually in the running for USA Today’s Best Aquarium – currently ranking #1! I have to brag – my daughter-in-law, a freshwater aquaculture specialist, actually spawned some of the fish that live there! The aquarium, which is excellent enough for a full-day visit, is connected to the famous Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World – itself a fun place to browse, explore and shop.
Not far from town is Fantastic Caverns – a beautiful and unique cave that guests tour from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram – no crawling or climbing! Following the path of an ancient underground river, the 55-minute tours showcase the cave’s beautiful giant columns, delicate soda straws, tiny cave pearls and crystal-clear water.
During your weekend in Springfield, take time to visit the Springfield Botanical Gardens and saunter through the 7.5-acre traditional Mizumoto Japanese stroll garden. Nearby, the park also features an enclosed Butterfly Garden and an 1860s Homestead (check the website for hours and availability). For outdoor enthusiasts, the 7-mile, paved South Creek Greenway is perfect for biking, running, walking, strollers and wheelchairs.
Eats: I feel like I have to mention Lambert’s Cafe here, though their bulletin boards all down the highway will lead you right to their restaurant just south of Springfield in Ozark. The “Home of the Throwed Rolls,” dining here is more about the experience, although the food is good, too. Throughout your meal, a roll server will patrol the dining room, looking for anyone who needs a dinner roll – just hold up your hand and prepare to catch!
Other Springfield attractions that work well for social distancing:
- Dickerson Park Zoo
- Route 66 Car Museum
- Springfield National Cemetery
- and a short drive away, Wilson’s Creek Battlefield
If you’re looking for a get-away close to home, email me at Kimberly@nextadventurevacations.com – if it’s in Missouri, I’ve probably been there!
Traveling with children? Older Parents? Multi-generational? Friends trip? I’ve done that, too! I’m ready to help you design the getaway you’ve been wanting. Text or call 816.866.8883
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