Life is finally getting back to normal for those who are vaccinated, and many are looking forward to exploring our wonderful community anew.
If you are not yet vaccinated, remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
From catching a game at Kauffman Stadium to exploring art museums, there’s so much in our community to enjoy. Sunny skies and warm temps are here, so go soak up the vitamin D (with sunscreen!) and check out one of these memorable summer activities.
Have a Grand-Slam Time at a Kansas City Royals Game
Grab your mitt and Royals hat to head out to “The K”: Kauffman Stadium. Be sure to stop by the new Blue KC gate and interactive dugout experience at Blue KC Gate D! A diehard fan? Head to the left-field area to the 7,000 square-foot Royals Hall of Fame where “the story of baseball in Kansas City unfolds before your eyes.” Here, you’ll find exciting exhibits and memorabilia from the legends.
There are plenty more family-friendly activities inside the ballpark, including state-of-the-art batting and pitching cages and five holes of mini-golf (baseball themed, of course) at Sluggerrr’s Putt-Putt.
It goes without saying Blue KC is a superfan. But did you know that Blue KC is a proud partner of the Kansas City Royals and Royals Charities? Each month, we honor community members through our Hometown Heroes and Coaches with Character programs, both of which are helping to inspire a healthier Kansas City. Hometown Heroes are first responders in our communities who help advance the important conversation about behavioral health and Coaches with Character honorees exhibit dedication to their athletes to be their best on and off the field. You may even see some of these outstanding Kansas Citians at the game!
Buy your tickets for the next Royals game at mlb.com/royals and be sure to tag #BlueKCDugout for a chance to be featured on CrownVision and Blue KC’s social media pages.
Kick It with Family and Friends at a Soccer Match
Another reason for non-Kansas Citians to be envious: Our city has been fortunate to have had a Major League Soccer team for over 25 years.
Head on over to Children’s Mercy Park to cheer on Sporting KC. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snap a photo with cuddly mascot, Blue the Dog!
Blue KC is excited to once again partner with the team as its official health insurance sponsor and through the monthly Sporting Samaritan Award, an honor that highlights students and teachers that make our community a better place to live, work, and play.
Want more soccer in your life? There’s another reason this summer to enjoy being in the “Soccer Capital of America.” The Kansas City National Women’s Soccer League team has been picked up as an expansion team as of December 2020. As we are one of the inaugural sponsors of the team, you will even be able to spot Blue KC’s logo on the right sleeve of each jersey.
Buy tickets for upcoming matches at sportingkc.com and kcwoso.com.
Experience the Other Kansas City Royal: BBQ
After you’ve worked up an appetite, have we got some deliciousness for you. Kansas City holds the crown for our famous barbecue (BBQ) scene. In fact, our American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the largest barbecue competition on the planet—and profits from the event go straight to The American Royal’s mission of supporting youth and education in agriculture. Want to enjoy the smoky goodness? The 41st World Series of Barbecue is taking place September 16-19. Get all the event details.
In the meantime, there are more than 100 Kansas City BBQ restaurants to choose from—each with their own specialty—including fan favorites like Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque and Gates Bar-B-Q. So, hit the pits and decide who deserves your loyalty.
Learn more about the history of Kansas City BBQ from our previous post on The Blueprint.
Blaze Your Own Path: Hike Through Kansas City’s Trails
Want to enjoy the great outdoors? You’ve come to the right place. There are all kinds of trails for all kinds of skill levels in and around Kansas City.
Plus, hiking is a win-win, offering health benefits including boosting cardiovascular fitness, strengthening your core, improving balance and relieving stress. It also provides family time for two and four-legged members alike.
Drive about 20 minutes outside Kansas City to explore Parkville Nature Sanctuary to see wildlife and incredible views. Or take in the gorgeous waterfalls on the Old Kate Trail.
Have little ones? Visit the All Trails website for kid-friendly hiking options, helpful reviews and driving directions.
Be sure to check out our blog post on The Blueprint that describes easy, moderate and challenging trails to experience this summer.
Hit the Links
After a morning hike, give one of Kansas City’s golf courses your best shot this summer. Courses like Shoal Creek and Ironhorse are beloved courses in the state and feature exceptional customer service and state-of-the-art facilities.
Don’t have all day to golf? Check out the nine-hole course at Falcon Valley.
Find a comprehensive directory of Kansas golf courses.
Appreciate Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Staying hydrated when outdoors and exploring indoor activities to keep cool are both important this summer, especially because we know Kansas City can get hot!
Our pick? A visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. From ancient to contemporary works of art, the Nelson-Atkinsmuseum has a rich history and deep appreciation for art across time and genres. And it’s free for the viewing. As the museum says, this enables everyone to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts.
Enrich your minds and celebrate all cultures through museum tours, classes and …putting. Art Course at the Nelson-Atkins is a one-of-a-kind, artist-designed, mini golf experience. Each hole on the 9-hole course is a creative interpretation of a work of art in the museum’s collection.
Ready to plan your visit? Head over to nelson-atkins.org or learn more about our community involvement in The Blueprint.