staycation

Must-Have Annual Memberships for Kansas City Families!

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Looking for the perfect gift or great summer activity for your family? If you live in or near Kansas City, here is the run-down of what memberships to get (and which ones to skip!) so you can spend your money wisely, and save by getting an annual pass!

 

This winter, I had what many of my friends referred to as my “grinch year.” I was up to my eyeballs in too many toys, and I put a ban on the entire family– NO. TOYS. PERIOD. I was not going to let another toy come into my house when we were overloaded even after getting rid of a bunch. Instead, I encouraged my family to consider ideas that might be more long-lasting and educational, but still fun (like subscription boxes or annual memberships). I also put my money where my mouth was and got my son an annual pass to SeaLife Aquarium, the Legoland Discovery Center, and to Union Station, 3 places we visited last fall and loved.

And this summer? I’m so thankful for my grinch year, because the memberships we have now are perfect for our summer fun, and we’ve been getting tons of use out of each. So, now that my son and I are well-versed in what memberships are worth it in the KC area (and which you might want to skip).

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XTreme Bugs and New Additions to Union Station’s Science City!

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MamaPlusOne is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This post is not sponsored in any way by Union Station, Science City, or its’ affiliates. All opinions are my own.

If you're in the Kansas City area (or even if you aren't), you don't want to miss these exhibits. XTreme Bugs runs through April, and the new Science City exhibits are great permanent additions to the facility! Read what's new, then stop by and visit.

After our trip to Science City last fall, I knew that it was important for us to keep going back. Zach had such a good time, and continued talking about our trip so much, that buying an annual membership was the only option for us– we just knew it was something we’d use. The bright side is that the membership also gets discounted admission to special exhibits, including one very, very exciting exhibit– XTreme Bugs!

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The Ultimate Staycation Planner Printable– Plan a Staycation in ANY Area!

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Want a getaway but can't seem to figure out where to start? Use this handy Staycation Planner to help you plan a vacation in your own area, then take along the handy confirmation number sheet to keep track of your finalized plans!

When planning a vacation, it’s typically pretty easy. You start by picking a destination, and then you plan what you’d like to do. But for some reason, it’s so much harder when you go to plan your staycation! Part of it is because it seems like you may have been to everything there is to do in your area. Or, some of it may be that you feel a bit stuck on ideas of what to do. But, I have 7 great questions that will help you plan your staycation, no matter where you’re hoping to experience it! I’m also providing a handy 4-page staycation planning guide that you can use to stay organized and jump-start your brainstorming using the ideas in this post!

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5 Reasons Everyone Should Take a Staycation

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Planning on a vacation this year? Here are some great reasons to consider a staycation instead!

It seems so often these days, the stress of every day life, the overwhelming (at times) nature of the information pouring at us through channels like Facebook and Instagram, and the beautiful images we see on other networks like Pinterest have us longing to just get away from it all. But sometimes, a vacation just isn’t in the cards. And even if it is, why limit yourself to a vacation where you have to get away? There is another option right in your backyard, and I definitely think it’s worth exploring! That’s why a staycation is a must-try for every person, couple, or family at least once in their lives!

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Don’t Let Them Go Dark…

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I know this isn’t the first summer that I’ve shared with you how much I love Drive-In movies.

Drive-In movies are part of a family tradition for us. I can’t remember how old I was when we went to our first Drive-In, but I know for sure it’s a fun tradition I want to keep alive for my son’s sake. It’s one of the most important traditions we have.

You see, we don’t just go for the movie.

It’s tradition to get there early and play on the playground in front of the screen.

At the beginning of the summer, Zach was unable to make it up the slide without help. Last time we visited, however, he was able to make it up and down the slide all by himself! I love seeing him grow up on this equipment.

We always take a ball in case we decide to play a pick-up game of soccer. This photo shows Javier, a student from Brazil, heading the ball during one of these games.

Drive-In movies are about FAMILY.  The picture above shows family and friends we love attending the Drive-In with, as well as exchange students. We love introducing students to Drive-In movies, because they’re really not as common outside of the U.S.

There’s just something about the Marquee, the Playground, waiting for it to get dark outside, watching the movie…

Most recently, we went to the Drive-In during the Meteor Shower. It meant that, as we watched the movie, above the screen we could see massive amounts of shooting stars.

On one of these stars, I wished that our Drive-In would be saved. You see, Drive-Ins are suffering right now. Most of them cannot afford to survive the shift to digital, and Hollywood keeps raising the cost of keeping a drive-in open. I mean, where else can you see a double feature for only $7? Drive-In movies just aren’t making enough to survive or make the shift.

So, each summer, fewer and fewer drive ins survive. Each summer, there are casualties. And it’s sad.

The thought of our Drive-In closing before my son can be old enough to keep those memories of the drive in devastates me.

I just want these memories to last. I want him to grow old enough to remember the Drive-In. In wishful thinking, I want Drive-In movies to still be a thing when my son is grown. Can you imagine how great it would be for him to take HIS kids to the drive-in?

That’s why I’m desperate to Save the Midway Drive-In that we go to every summer.

If you want to help save my Drive-In, or a Drive-In near you, please head over to Project Drive-In and VOTE. Vote to keep this family tradition alive. Vote to give everyone a chance to visit a Drive-In movie. Vote to give hope to this amazing movie culture that is dwindling.

Please. Don’t let the drive-ins go dark. Save them. The best way to support your local drive in? Spread the word about it. Visit it often. Support the concession stand. If you’re going to the Midway, you always have the option of tipping the Concession Stand– all money goes to the Save the Midway fund.

Speaking of, if you’re in the area, Planes and Smurfs 2 are the movies airing at the final weekend of the season this weekend, August 30, 31, and September 1. I hope to see you there!