By Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney of KCKidsFun.com

School's out and the kids are itching to get out and have some fun. Whether you're local or visiting, finding family fun in Kansas City has never been easier. Kansas City offers a wide variety of economical, family-friendly attractions in all corners of the city! 

Generations of families have found traditional summer fun at Worlds of Fun, Kauffman Stadium and the Kansas City Zoo – and for good reason; those attractions are quintessential Kansas City.

But there's more to Kansas City to discover – and if you already live in KC, that unique adventure could be just around the corner in your own neighborhood!

Depending on exactly where you find yourself, here are a few great options:

A Day with the Kids at Crown Center/Union Station

The Crown Center complex is one of Kansas City's most-treasured – and fun – areas.  

Begin your day by letting your kids be challenged at Union Station's Science City or spend the day exploring The Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit at Union Station (May 22 through August 23) and taking in a live performance of The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe at the Station's City Stage (through June 20). Download Coupon Now - Union Station.

A quick walk through the sky link connecting Union Station to Crown Center will lead you to lunch at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant (always a hit!). Check out The Art of the Brick Lego art exhibit (through September 7), catch a free afternoon art session at Hallmark's Kaleidoscope and finish your long day with a Free Friday Night Flick on the Crown Center Square or a play at the Coterie Theatre, also at Crown Center.

And then collapse for the evening!

A Day with the Kids in the Country Club Plaza Area

If your agenda for family fun includes the Country Club Plaza, you've got a full day ahead of you! Start by ducking into the Plaza's shops and checking out the great architecture and fountains.

Then head over to the award-winning Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) before burning off some energy on the museum's huge south lawn (also known as the Kansas City Sculpture Park).

Next, trek a few blocks east to the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is an oasis of gardens in the midst of an urban neighborhood. Your kids will have a blast exploring six nature-related workshops there. The Toy & Miniature Museum is also nearby on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A Day with the Kids in Johnson County, KS

Considered by many to be a great place to raise a family, suburban Johnson County also a great place to entertain a family!

A day with your kids in Johnson County can start at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park.

The Farmstead is a 12-acre city park with a fantastic petting zoo, fishing pond, playgrounds, and dairy barn. Once the kids have had enough sun, grab some lunch and then head north to the Wonderscope Children's Museum, a unique (and air-conditioned!) experience.

If you're looking for something family-friendly during June evenings in Johnson County, don't miss Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park.

A Day with the Kids in Eastern Jackson County, MO

There's also plenty to keep the kids busy in cities such as Independence, Blue Springs and Lee's Summit on the east side of the metro.

If your kids appreciate history, don't miss the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, as well as historic Independence Square with its authentic old-fashioned soda fountain.

For straight-up summer fun, try Paradise Park family fun center, the swimming beach at Longview Lake, a show at the Puppetry Arts Institute or an exhausting day of swimming at Adventure Oasis or Summit Waves.

A Day with the Kids in Kansas City, KS/Wyandotte County, KS

Sparked by the construction of the Kansas Speedway, an explosion of new shopping and entertainment options has arrived on the west side of the metro in Kansas City, KS. The Legends at Village West shopping district includes Cabela's (think big aquarium and lots of exotic taxidermy on display), Dave & Buster's and T-Rex Cafe.

Nestled between the Speedway and the shopping is CommunityAmerica Ballpark, home of the Kansas City T-Bones independent league baseball and the MLS Kansas City Wizards, both very affordable, family-friendly summer fun.

Coming soon to this area is the brand new Schlitterbahn Water Resort too!

Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney are two Kansas City metro-based businesswomen and mothers. Kate and Kiran operate KCKidsFun.com, an online resource that assists readers in finding activities and classes for children as well as family-friendly events in the Kansas City area.