7. Follow the path of Native Americans
With more than 74 varieties of flowers, prairie grasses, meadows and other areas of natural habitat, the Cave Springs Nature Center is a natural haven in Kansas City’s urban core. Keep your eye out for wildlife and discover how Native Americans and pioneers lived off the land. Guided hikes are available, and trails are open daily year-round. The nature center is located at 8701 East Gregory Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. Check www.cavespring.org, or call 816-358-2283 for more information.
8. Explore a farmstead
At the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park, KS, visitors can walk the nature trail, sit in the butterfly garden, feed and pet the goats, take a hayride, pan for gold and hook a live worm for fishing with a cane pole. You’ll find more fun ideas for Deanna Rose Farmstead at www.opkansas.org. Call 913-897-2360 for more information.
9. Canoe a river
The Kaw River State Park in Topeka has forested trails and access to the Kansas (Kaw) River for canoes and kayaks. The river is accessible from a boat ramp and parking area and is ideal for canoes, kayaks and other small craft. You can find additional boat access points in Kansas City and beyond at www.kansasriver.org. For details, call 785-273-6740 or see www.ksoutdoors.com. The park address is 300 Southwest Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS.
10. Hike prairie parks
This time of year, the prairies are flowering with hundreds of native plants and grasses that will bloom into early autumn. The 35-acre Jerry Smith Park and Saeger Woods Conservation Area offers a 2.5-mile hike and 1.5-mile hike through praries. The park is located at 139th Street west of Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, MO. Visit www.kcparks.org or call 816-513-7500 for information.
