Want to escape KC? Take a day trip to these nearby spots for Memorial Day weekend
Coronavirus restrictions are starting to ease in Missouri, Kansas and KC ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
There’s plenty to do in the KC area, with the zoo, aquarium and other local in-person attractions reopened. Precautions will be taken, but if you want to leave the house for the holiday weekend, there are droves of available choices.
If you are hoping to hit the road, though, getting out of town — with or without kids — is certainly an option. Here are some possibilities for day trips, camping and overnight stays near KC.
The outdoors
Exploring the outdoors and a long weekend are synonymous for some when it comes to the holidays. Whether it’s taking the boat out to the lake, camping, hiking a trail or letting the kids tire themselves out, the possibilities are endless.
Kansas and Missouri state parks are open to the public. While you can still enjoy the outdoors, park officials still recommend maintaining social distancing.
Reservations should be made online in preparation of your trip. On land, keeping a minimum of six feet from other people is still recommended, and mingling with other campsites is discouraged. Park officials also recommend social distancing even in the water. That doesn’t mean staying away from other boats, but anchoring individually instead of tying up to other vessels.
Revisit the glory days
Arguably some of the convenience of KC is how close it is to college towns. Whether you went to KU, K-State, MU or elsewhere, your college town is within a couple hours of driving away.
Campuses are a lot less busy without students, so walking through downtown Lawrence, Manhattan or Columbia might spark some memories.
Swing and relax
It’s not particularly far away from Kansas City — depending on where you are in the metro area — but a visit to Excelsior Spring is a viable option.
Excelsior Golf is open while maintaining social distancing. Bring your clubs and hit the courses, then you can take a visit to the Elms Hotel and Spa. The historic hotel is open, including the spa and pool with restrictions.
Small town vibes
Head to the north and you’ll find a quaint town in Weston, where local businesses are starting to reopen. Step back in time and visit the downtown.