Kansas City Fall Family Fun That Won’t Break the Bank
Fall is in the air in Kansas City, which means the leaves are turning, the Kansas City Royals are done for the season, and the Kansas City Chiefs are in full swing as the sounds from Arrowhead Stadium reverberate throughout the city.
If you’re anything like us, you’re looking for some family fun things to do outside before we go into hibernation for the winter.
I tell everyone who isn’t from around the Kansas City area that we get the best of both worlds when it comes to the weather. “I say we get the hottest of the hot, and the coldest of the cold.” Of course, that’s all tongue in cheek.
Now, while a game at Arrowhead would be a lot of fun for the family, it does come with a hefty price tag (even sans the kids).
Looking at the most recent upcoming game, you’re looking at $140 per ticket, add-in the cost of parking ($45), and food & drinks (budget minimum of $40/person). For a family of four, you’re easily looking at a minimum of $750 - but probably more - to make this day happen.
That may be a lot of fun one time or once a season, but do you really get that same amount of fun attending multiple games a season?
Some may argue “yes”, especially when your team is winning and you have Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce on your team. It’s a lot of fun, but what is the cost of that fun (see Wakefield Hare’s blog post on calculating the cost of fun)? You may see diminishing returns on the dollars per unit of fun if done repeatedly. Of course, if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl - again - that’s a different conversation and different experience.
So you might be asking yourself, “what are some good fall fun budget-friendly activities for the family?”
You’re in luck! I put together a list of some of the Hill family favorite activities to do in the fall that won’t break the bank.
Notable Family Activities
North of the River (Kansas City)
Line Creek Train
Somewhat a hidden secret in the Northland of Kansas City, MO, enjoy a ride on the miniature trains from the 50’s and 60’s.
For $0.75 per ride which includes two laps around the track, who can argue with that?!
Just on the north side of the Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena, this is fun for the whole family, as parents and kids can ride the miniature trains.
Beware of screams when you go through the tunnel. Cover your ears or throw your hands up in the air like you just don’t care!
It’s a great weekend attraction, but be sure to check their schedule in advance.
Above All Trampoline Park
Ok, so technically not outside, but if you’re looking to catch some air, and wear out those kids, jump on over (see what I did there?!) to the trampoline park in Liberty, MO!
This facility has several options from dodging dodge balls to slam dunks on the basketball goals to just jumping around.
If you have little ones - 6 and under - you can check out toddler time on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-12pm.
For $5.99 per child and adult, you get an hour of fun without the big kids. Just remember your trampoline socks or you’ll have to buy some when you get there for a few dollars.
Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch
The Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch in Kearney, MO has developed into a tradition where our family goes to get our pumpkins for Halloween most years.
Not only do they have a pumpkin patch, but they also have barnyard animals and games, the treehouse village, the jumbo jumper, and the trike track to name a few.
Additionally, in the spring they have strawberry picking - which was a first for me, but probably a new tradition. While the strawberries are seasonal, hopefully, the mini, sugar-covered strawberry donuts are year-round!
Tickets can be purchased online for under $20 per person.
Red Barn Farm
A quick drive north of KCI airport, in Weston, MO, The Red Barn Farm is famous for its pumpkin patch and hayrides.
This is our other spot for getting the family pumpkin for Halloween. In addition to pumpkins and hayrides, check out their barnyard animals and their country store.
Don’t forget the check out their U-pick apple orchard. There is no cost to enter the farm, you only pay for the activities you do!
Hayrides are $3.75 for adults and $2.75 for kids. Ages 2 and under are free.
The Farmer's House
Situated right across the street from the Red Barn Farm in Weston, MO, The Farmer’s House is a fun place to shop, eat, and enjoy some outdoor activities. “A place where exceptional farmers live, work, play, and grow,” is their motto.
They provide opportunities to children, youth, and young adults with developmental disabilities to further develop their life skills on the farm.
They have a shop full of items for the house. Our personal favorite is their specialty jams & cinnamon butter!
Back behind the shop, you’ll find some fun activities for the kids. No need to bring food, as they have picnic tables and a food stand. Be sure to grab a bite of the hot apple fritters and watch the kids get down to live bluegrass on the porch!
No cost for entry, but you’re helping support a good cause with your purchases. Did I mention they’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization?!
South of the River (Kansas City)
Wonderscope
For those looking to travel south of the river - speaking as a Northlander - Wonderscope is often a popular request by my kids.
The historic children’s museum recently relocated to a beautiful, new facility just south of I-435 between Wornall Rd and Holmes Rd, on Red Bridge Rd.
Kids can let their creativity run free by serving up their food creations at the Kansas City Cafe, or letting their imagination loose in the Design Lab and Art Studio. Let them get some energy out - because isn’t that what we’re all trying to do - in the sports zone.
Want to get outside for some fresh air? Check out the backyard in their NatureScape.
The cost for children ages 2-15 is $12 each, while adults 16 and over are $9 each. However, they do offer memberships. A family of 4 will set you back $100 for an annual membership and pays for itself after the third visit.
More good news, Wonderscope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your membership maybe tax-deductible!
KC Zoo
The zoo is a family favorite! It’s a great way to get outdoors and get some steps in while checking out some wild and exotic creatures.
You never know what silly things the animals are going to do. Our favorite animals are probably the lions, the cheetahs, the gorillas, the hippos, and the elephants - all for various reasons.
It’s a great way for kids to see these beautiful creatures up close and in a safe environment. While the kids are running around tapping the glass and pretending to be lions and cheetahs, I like to peacefully observe the animals’ every move, if even just for a moment. It’s fascinating to me.
Tickets for entry will set you back $15 - $18 per person, however, if you’re a Jackson or Clay county resident, you’ll pay half the price since your tax dollars are already going to fund the Zoo.
If you’re like us, a frequent visitor that wants to come and go without feeling obligated to see everything so you get your money’s worth, check out the membership options.
The annual Premier Family membership option for $205 ($145 for Jackson County and Clay County residents) - this is what we do - will get the family into the zoo and you get unlimited rides, which includes the tram, train, boat, and ski safari among other perks.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Halfway to Oklahoma from a Northlanders perspective, the Arboretum is west of 69 highway off of 179th St (way down south). Beautiful gardens, a peaceful pond, and walking trails make this a great place for a family picnic.
Don’t forget to check out the train caboose that is home to the toy trains - my kids’ favorite part!
Currently, they have select dates where admission is free. Otherwise, you’re going to have to fork over $1 for kids ages 6-12, and $3 for ages 13 and above.
Conclusion
I hope this provides some opportunities for some fall family fun!
Let’s cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs, but if we’re trying to save some money, maybe it’s from the comfort of your own home, where the food and beers are cheap, and you don’t have to wait in line to use the restroom… at least most of the time.
Now, are you trying to figure out what to do with that extra money you saved by not purchasing the Chiefs tickets?
Maybe it’s paying down some debt to help eliminate some stress?
Maybe it’s helping build up your cash emergency fund?
Or maybe it’s saving a little bit more for retirement so you can max out your Roth IRA?
Those are all good questions to ask.
What’s the right answer for you?
Answer: It depends.
It depends on your financial situation, your financial goals, and your financial plan.
