Good Road Trip for 18 Month Old

Updated on January 28, 2009
C.M. asks from Lenexa, KS
4 answers

We're thinking of going on a long weekend vacation with our 18 month old. Any ideas for a fun place around the KC area?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from St. Joseph on

Ok, I'm NOT going to tell you NOT to do it...you're doing this more for yourself and to watch the expression on your kids face...I get that...I did the same thing.

If you are overnighting it, I would recommend Great Wolf Lodge at the Legends. There is a zero gravity pool there that is just tons of fun for the kiddos and small waterslides that (yes) I've even seen 18 mos kiddos going down. They have lifejackets there free to use so no need to bring your own. They also have craft and story time sessions that go on periodically throughout the day. Take a T-shirt or Raglan for the kiddo as sometimes the waterpark tends to get cool.

Nearly across the street in the Legends is TRex Cafe by the same makers of Rainforest Cafe except it is only 1 of 2 in the United States. VERY COOL and VERY LOUD...but it will keep her interest throughout the meal as there are always things going on. There is also a Build-A-Bear franchise inside that only does dinosaurs and a dinosaur expedition where they can dig up bones and fossils.

Also in Legends is Cabela's...although most people who don't hunt wouldn't go there it is fun to walk through and look at the animals. They have quite a wonderful taxidermy exihibit of all kinds of wildlife and best of all IT'S FREE! Also across the street is a Russell Stover's outlet complete with ice cream shoppe.

The KC Zoo is ok...be prepared to walk FOREVER...and hope you really like African animals because that is their speciality. Frankly I like the Topeka zoo for your age range and the Omaha Zoo is really top notch.

Crown Center is always lots of fun if you know where to go. Hallmark has a great exhibit for kids called Kaldeoscope (call ahead on times) but it is free and a great artistic experience. There is also a Crayola shop in the Center that is fun to experience too. Skip the Crayola cafe and eat at Fritz's. It's a burger joint where you place your order via phone from your table and a train literally delivers your meal. Tons of fun and will keep your kiddos eyes and ears going through the whole meal (and extremely reasonably priced). There is also ice skating still going on at the Center.

Across the Street is Union Station...haven't been there yet but have heard great things about it. I do understand they have a great children's section so it's worth checking out. I also have not been to the Chilren's museum in KC but have also heard fantastic things about that.

You might also want to check Sprint Center to see what shows are coming in...I do know Seasame Street or Elmo is coming in and they generally have some kind of kid show coming into KC at least quarterly. We've seen Go Diego Go Live at the Music Hall, The Backyardigans at the Midland, and Disney Princesses on Ice at Sprint so look around.

Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I can second Deanna Rose, but they're closed right now. They close from Nov. 1 - Mar. 30 (open Apr 1), so you have to wait until it's warmer. The website is http://opkansas.org/_Vis/Farmstead/index.cfm

If you're really wanting to do the road trip thing, what about St. Louis? The zoo is wonderful (and free), even in the cold (you just dash from house to house when it's cold out!), and the Magic House is wonderful. I haven't been to the Magic House lately, so I can't promise what they have for toddlers, but I remember it fondly from taking my brothers when they were younger. Plus, if you wait until it's warmer, Grant's Farm is fantastic (and also free!). I don't think they're open right now, but they are a fun 1/2 or 3/4 day with the tram ride through the hoofed mammal pastures (antelope, bison, wild horses, deer, longhorns, etc.), the animal shows (elephant and birds), and just walking around the beautiful grounds.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Have you ever heard of Deanna Rose Farm? It is a one day thing but it is free and a ton of fun for the kids. They have a website if you want to Google it. It won't be as fun when it is cold but if you come when the weather is a little warmer, your little one will have a blast.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Wichita on

C., Just my opinion, but save your money! Your 18-month old won't remember this vacation, so wait until your child is older and can make memories of it.

Go to the mall or the park, when it warms up, your child will have just as much fun.

Don't mean to rain on your parade, but the memories you make with your child will last a lifetime. ls

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions