Day 1 - Outdoor Adventures

1. Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Located northeast of downtown on I-435 at exit 54. Worlds of Fun is open weekends beginning April 12 and daily starting May 12. Oceans of Fun opens daily May 24 through August 24, roughly 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends through September 7. Call 816-454-4545.

A day could easily be spent at each these outdoor amusement parks, no matter what the age of your children. Worlds of Fun has more than 50 rides and attractions, but is best known for its inverted new roller coaster called PATRIOT. Oceans of Fun is the largest water park in the Midwest that includes everything from slides and wave pools to kayaking and sunning. The two parks cover 235 acres and including camping and picnicking facilities. A discounted one-day admission to both parks is available.

Day 2 - Indoor Explorations (with children)

1. Kaleidoscope

Located at 2408 McGee in the Crown Center complex. Open Monday through Saturday. Art session times vary. Call 816-274-8301.

Designed to stir the creativity of children, Kaleidoscope’s stimulating environment, along with an endless supply of colored paper, crayons, glue, yarn, stickers and more, encourages children to go wild and explore their own sense of creative expression. Family sessions are held on Saturdays.

2. Science City

Located inside Union Station at 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m. Call 816-460-2020.

One of the many family activities inside Union Station, Science City includes numerous interactive learning stations that allow children to dig fossils and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures that lived in this area more than 65 million years ago. A newsroom, a crime lab and a medical center encourage children to explore the science and technology that contributes to our daily lives.

3. Puppetry Arts Institute

Located east of downtown at 11025 E. Winner Road in Independence, this creative place is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 816-833-9777.

Using the molds of Hazelle Rollins, one of the world’s premiere puppeteers who worked in Kansas City for 30 years, the Puppetry Arts Institute allows children to make their own puppets and then put on a show in the adjacent theatre. Another room explores the countries of the world via puppets.

Day 3 - Kansas City with Teenagers

1. Jaegers Subsurface Paintball

Located in Kansas City’s famous underground limestone caves at 9300 N.E. Underground Drive, near Worlds of Fun. From downtown, take I-435 north to exit 55B. Open Monday through Friday 5p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday noon to 8 p.m.

With underground and above ground playing fields, this is a fun activity for older kids and their parents that combines the unique opportunity to explore Kansas City’s limestone caves.

2. Kansas City International Raceway

Approximately five miles south of I-70 on Noland Road in Independence, the track is open daily, weather permitting. Call 816-358-6700.

On Wednesday and Friday nights, from about 6 to 10 p.m., teenagers with a valid drivers license are allowed to drive their personal vehicle on the track and race Kansas City area cops without the risk of getting a ticket.

3. College Basketball Experience

Located in downtown Kansas City next to the new Kansas City Power & Light District, the CBE is open Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Connected to the new Sprint Center arena via a common lobby, the 41,500-square-foot entertainment facility contains hands-on, interactive basketball exhibits and houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.