This memorial garden is a public space located in the Powell Botanical Gardens and dedicated to Ewing and Muriel Kauffman. It is open year-round so guests can enjoy all four seasons and the immutable differences they bring. The Kauffman's were the quintessential city philanthropists, in addition to this tranquil oasis, Ewing found the hometown Kansas City Royals as well as establish his eponymous foundation which helps underprivileged youth with charitable contributions to education and the arts. Though the garden is small, it is a nice nook to see a bit of the flora and fauna within the larger Powell Gardens acreage.

Upon first glance, Loose Park doesn't conjure up images of a bloody Civil War battle within the cozy confines of this now tranquil place. Where the park now sits was the site of the bloody Battle of Westport, considered the 'Gettysburg of the West' due to the large number of troops who engaged. Inside the park, there is a monument to this battle, a replica cannon and for a little more levity, the Laura Conyers Smith Memorial Rose Garden.

Sprawling across 1805 acres (730.46 hectares), Swope Park is the forerunner of all the parks in the city and among the biggest urban parks in the United States. Interspersed with woodlands, water bodies and hilly areas, this diverse parkland features many notable city attractions as well. The Starlight Theatre, Lakeside Nature Center, Swope Memorial Golf Course and Kansas City Zoo are some of its key attractions. From entertainment to sports and nature, this beautiful park has something for everyone.

One way to beat the Kansas City summer heat is to venture to the city's biggest water park. Located next to its sister amusement park, Worlds of Fun, this 60-acre park has slides, wave pools, streams and floating rides that offer the best way to cool down for both adults and children. Refreshments are available on the park premises and individual season passports are also available.

The greater Kansas City metro area which includes both Kansas and Missouri is filled with water parks. The Schlitterbahn happens to be in Kansas, but is popular throughout both states for fun in the sun during the sweltering, humid Midwest summers. The newest feature here is the aptly named Verrückt (roughly translated from German as "Insane"), it is a 600ft. slide that extends over two breathtaking drops while carrying four, very scared passengers on a raft! Despite this fearful ride, there are plenty of other rides for kids like 'Kinderhaven', great for small toddlers and 'Banzai Pipeline' for older, more experienced swimmers. Check website for more details on events, party packages, birthdays, etc.