The Tastiest Summer Camps in Kansas City

Sagasu Family Martial Arts

★★★★★ 4.7 (6)

"Pretty good place to get your karate on. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and understanding. The place is often packed and caters to ages 3 and above. They have a variety of martial arts you can look at and the prices vary base on how many lessons you want to take. Very kid friendly and great extra curricular activity for children."

The Goddard School

★★★★☆ 3.5 (10)

"I enrolled at this Goddard School because it was basically one of the only places with an infant spot within the time frame I needed - and then I became aware how great it actually was.While the facility could do with a little cosmetic facelift, the people who work there go above and beyond to help you out. They also have a great curriculum and my infant daughter actually got to experience many different activities, from sign language to exploring materials while being somewhat "helped" to create art masterpieces (at least in mommy's eyes) at 4 months of age. They make their day so diverse and fun and I just knew that my little one was being well-cared for since she always broke into the biggest smiles when she saw the staff upon her arrival in the mornings.I had the chance to scale back at work and work part-time, so I actually decided to move my little one to another daycare which was quite close to this school and that offered part-time care (unfortunately Goddard does not offer that for infants). They had a beautiful facility and their security system was quite interesting, but once my little one was there, I absolutely did not like it. Their curriculum is practically non existent for infants. At Goddard my little one had books read to her, learned sign language, explored materials, textures and had great interactions with other babies. The teachers really taught my little one things. None of this happened at the new daycare. At the end of week 1 at the new daycare I actually got in touch with Betsy Allen, the owner of this Goddard School and asked whether my little one could return there. She was great and we were able to work something out. I'm glad that my little one will be returning to this awesome place, where I felt that not only was she watched, but she was also loved and taught important lessons while - she may be young to retain much, she is at least being exposed to different activities and possibilities!"

The Goddard School of Overland Park

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"I wouldn't send my children anywhere else! These professionals love on my babies like I would and have been an integral part of their development. I always appreciate the open communication and how hard the leadership works to make the best decisions for the safety of their children - especially during this pandemic. I recommend Goddard to every parent I know!"

La Petite Academy of Blue Springs

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Absolutely amazing. Every teacher is personally invested in each child. This location has the *BEST* daycare staff I have ever encountered. When we pick our kid(s) up, they are always happy and clean. (I've been to other daycare facilities where the kids' noses are never even wiped or your shoes stick to the floor.) The classrooms are spacious and very clean. To top it all off, they are super friendly for foster families. Many daycares are difficult to work with or won't even accept foster children. This facility and their entire staff welcome us with open arms. Wish I could give them 6 stars!"

The Goddard School of Shawnee

★★★★★ 5 (7)

"You won't find better care for your child. My child has been with them since she was a little over the age of two. It has been such a great experience. She has learned so much at such a young age. She's very advanced. All of the stuff genuinely cares about every single student as well."

Elite Gymnastics and Aquatics

★★★★☆ 3.7 (9)

"My daughter started swimming lessons there in June 2013. She had one class prior to coming to Elite, and it was through the Lee's Summit Parks & Rec when she was only 3yo. She's 6yo now, and she started in the Bubble Blowers+ class at Elite. After a month, she moved up to the next level and is rapidly becoming a very strong and safe swimmer. Their classes are small. The teacher/student ratio is 1:4. The swimming program is ten times better than the Lee's Summit Parks & Rec program, and I have talked to other parents who have also had children in other swimming programs who have stated that Elite is probably the best swimming lesson program in the KC area. I have been impressed with the instructors. They make the children listen, and I actually appreciate it when they stop my daughter mid-stroke to correct her form. They also don't let the kids make excuses, and they are constantly working on technique. I would give this facility five stars if it was in better condition. The facility is old. The pool area is old, but nice because it's covered and heated so swimming lessons can be given year-round. There is a parent watch area that is upstairs. One side is for swimming and the other side is for gymnastics. It's nice enough for a parent watch area, and seems to be comparable to other gymnastic centers that I've been in. They gymnastics area is huge and has a lot of equipment, but again, the facility is old. My daughter will be starting gymnastics there in August. She went to a Parents Night Out there and loved it and has decided that she wants to give gymnastics a try, too. There are about eight balance beams, four sets of uneven bars, a large floor area, a vault, a trampoline, foam pits, and all the other necessities needed for gymnastics. The gym smells old, musty, and sweaty. However, if the gymnastic instructors are as good as the swim instructors, I won't have any worries starting my daughter in their gymnastics program, as well. Overall, I think it's a great facility. Great instructors. Friendly staff. It just needs to be updated."

Ernie Miller Nature Center

★★★★☆ 4.4 (21)

"We were looking for an inexpensive family day out, and found it in Ernie Miller Nature Center. It was FREE! Now. That's my idea of inexpensive! The museum was neat for a small town nature museum. It really wasn't that informative. They had lots of live reptiles. Yuk. The museum had some info on primitive pioneer days, but not much.Again, this is for the onlooker, not the enthusiast. The nature hike was. Well. As nature hikes go. Somewhat uninformative as to what we were looking at, (Okay, totally void of info on what we were looking at) but it was cool to take a nature walk and look for wood ticks when we got home!They have a few owls on premises, those are cool. And a hawk? I think. I don't recall.At any rate, take sensible shoes, water, and a snack. The trails can be um....fun!"

Taste Buds Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (17)

"So much fun! We went for a Adult BYOB class and it was everything. We paid around $130 for two people. With that you got class instruction, preparing your own food, and then get to enjoy your creation! They do have you with another couple, which means you have to work closely with strangers. If you are shy I would recommend buying out the entire table. I would love to try some other of their classes!"

New Horizon Academy

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Best School ever! Teachers and management are AMAZING! Our twins love it here! As a former asst director and pre k teacher at different facility I am very conscious of how teachers and staff are treated. Happy teachers means happy kids. I am beyond impressed with New Horizon North Olathe!"

La Petite Academy of Stanley

★★★★★ 5 (7)

"An update to my review last year. We are still so thrilled to have our children enrolled at this facility. The staff treat my kids like family. Both our children, age six and three, love everything about going to La Petite. From the summer program, packed with field trips, to the special classes the kids can take, we are in love with this place!"

SoggyBottom Camp

★★★★☆ 3.8 (4)

"Great people that run the place! Be prepared to get nice and muddy as the trails can get super deep. It's a good idea to have a buddy with you because if you go through any mud holes your probably going to get stuck!!! Camping and showers are available. There is also a nice place to wash off the toys too. Food truck is there on most weekends."

Nature Sanctuary Martha Lafite Thompson

★★★★☆ 3.8 (9)

"Nature-loves rejoice...Martha Lafite offer a nice mixture of terrain with paved and un-paved trails winding through forest, streams and fields. I love relaxing here in the evening with a stroll through the fields. Spring is the best time when the wild flowers are blooming. Unfortunately, furry friends aren't allowed, but if you are looking for a nice place to stroll, this nature sanctuary is highly recommended."

Gage Center

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"Friendly and professional place for some of the highest quality gymnastics instruction in this country."

La Petite Academy on W. 66th Street

★★★★★ 5 (7)

"We have had a wonderful experience at La Petite Academy! Our daughter started as an 8-week old in Infant 1 and is just getting ready to move up to Infant 2. My top motivation for giving this establishment a 5 star rating is the staff. It is clear to me that each caregiver my daughter encounters at La Petite truly cares for her and genuinely wants the best for her. It is very comforting for me to know that she is in loving and capable hands each and every day. In addition to the high quality care that my daughter receives, she also is able to take part in numerous activities to enhance her development. The staff are very creative, and come up with unique curriculum (even for infant 1!) including the arts (painting), music, social, etc. I also greatly appreciate the organization and structure of each day. The system that La Petite has in place to track individual infant schedules and communicate that information efficiently to the parents (through an app) puts me at ease. I know my daughter will be fed and have her diaper changed at regular, dependable intervals. Overall, I highly recommend La Petite Academy for an exceptional childcare experience!"

Kirk Family YMCA

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Hands down this is one of the nicest gyms I've been to. Located in the former KMBC original tv station, this building preserves some of the historic architecture while adding contemporary touches.This downtown location also has a surface parking lot - you can park for FREE for up to 2 or 3 hours. Just take the ticket inside for a staffer to validate.Lots of group classes to choose from. Free weights, swimming pool, basketball court, machines, track and more. There's literally something for everyone. On my visit I took a cycle class with Mark. He is a great instructor. Listening to the top Pop hits distracted your brain from the leg burn. By the time class ended, I was soaking wet. The class was fun and hard.Amenities include: touchless faucets in the restrooms; water bottle filling stations and family changing rooms. The walking/running track above the other workout areas feels like you are suspended above them.If you don't have a membership, your first visit is free. I wish this location was closer, I'd go to this location all the time."

La Petite Academy on Clinton Parkway Court

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (1)

"I sent my children here for a few months and had an incident with the infant room that raised real safety concerns. One day they forgot to feed my 3 month old baby for over 7 hours! They tried to lie and say that they just forgot to mark on her sheet that they fed her, but I dropped my baby off with 3 milk bottles and only 1 was empty. They fed her first thing in the morning and then nothing until I picked her up. They tried to lie again and said they must have fed her formula, but they only mix formula if you bring a clean, empty bottle, which she didn't have. They had young, inexperienced new ppl in the infant room and they simply forgot to feed my baby! They promised to keep "better track" but I insisted on her moving to another room with much better and more experienced workers. Even then I still worried every day and got them out of that facility as soon as possible!"

First City Creatives

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"My daughter had such a great time in the art studio. The staff was fun and engaging and made it a great experience. SHe was able to paint, make clay, and create a cool cloud lamp. Definitely the best art classes I have been to, and will be signing up for some more."

La Petite Academy on NE 81st Terrace

★★★☆☆ 3 (2)

"My son is 2 and has attended this La Petite Academy since he was 10 weeks old. In a word, he LOVES it...so do my husband and I. It is just amazing how much he learns every day all while having a great time! He already knows all of his colors, can count to 20, name the days of the week, and so much more...the teachers and curriculum are outstanding. I would advise anyone in the Northland to check this daycare out, we are so glad we did!"

Camp Fire Heartland

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Had no idea that Camp Fire (kinda like Scouts but more inclusive and outdoor-based) is headquartered in KC. I was invited to their auction, Skylines and Sweets, and it was wonderful- although I was surprised it was a dry event. I think people bid more if they've been drinking too. ;) It was fun to learn about all that Camp Fire offers for kids and does for the community. And the auction items were wonderful- trips, experiences, jewelry, etc. I'll definitely attend their next event."

Heartland Camps & Retreat Center

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"What a wonderful place. I had the privilege of staying here in a recent trip to the Kansas City Area. The Heartland Center is a retreat and conference center run by the Presbyterian Church with a variety of levels of accommodations from hotel-style rooms to campgrounds to dorm style. Food is served in a dining hall and activities include horseback riding, ropes courses, a pool and more.The Staff it great, conference rooms are perfect for many sizes of events and the space is overall very clean.If you need a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a home base from which to explore the KC area or a site to hold a company or church training/retreat, be sure to put the Heartland Center on your list."

The Goddard School

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (5)

"Our child is thriving at Goddard Olathe! We are impressed with the level of care and attention both the staff and the teachers provide. Equally important: they are military friendly! 100% recommend."

Primrose School of Liberty

★★★☆☆ 2.5 (2)

"Like any new organization, you will have a few bumps in the road. However, Primrose has always rectified or explained if an issue ever arises. My son loves Primrose and their teachers. I believe they have my sons best interest at heart and strive to be the best school / care facility in the area."

La Petite Academy on Antioch

★★★★☆ 4.1 (10)

"For those that have been following my daycare review trail, I wanted to finally write a good review about a daycare that my daughter is attending. I no longer feel like I have high expectations because I found a place that reaches those expectations. So, they do exist after all!My daughter (a toddler) has been attending this daycare location for quite some time now. I'm not sure when her first day was, but it's been long enough that I feel I can finally be comfortable. It's been less than a year and more than a season.For starters, the staff is energetic and clearly enjoy the kids. All of the teachers have shown a positive energy and flexibility with each child. My daughter enjoys going. When I drop her off, she will sit at the breakfast table by herself and wait for her morning meal (the food is really good quality too!). There's no drama, she doesn't cry when I leave. It seemed immediately comfortable to her. The last place she attended, it was like she was reaching for me every day, screaming to high heavens. I hated the feeling I had. I know they talk about children crying when you leave and it happens to everyone, but in some cases it just feels different and I made the right choice by choosing here.Another thing I appreciate is how attentive they are with her needs. There was a time when they had to change classrooms because the teacher in the room couldn't stay until all the kids left or she would be overtime. Of course, you don't want a teacher working 10 hour days. So, they placed my daughter in the baby's room for the last portion of the evening. When I came to get her she was usually crying in that room. I don't know why, but she didn't like being in there. It may have been her attachments to the teacher (she has a favorite). Whatever it was, it turns out they weren't comfortable with her being uncomfortable either and the teachers changed their schedules around so she could stay in her regular room without the transition. The teacher offered to come in a little later so she could stay a little later, just so she was comfortable and not screaming every time. They now have a morning teacher to fill that small window of time. That sort of thing is above and beyond the standard. Most daycares would be like, "live with it, the child will get used to it". This place took it further and that makes me feel like I can trust them. This place is a little pricier but they have a special discount for government employees so the increase didn't hurt as bad as it could have. IF you can afford it, it's completely worth paying a little more because they offer what I need. Another place that was even more expensive than this place was terrible (Goddard- And I'm not even going into my experience there but it was not what it should have been. **Just because it's the most expensive, doesn't mean it's better.**Lesson learned). There are some fees throughout the year that catch me by surprise. I'm not thrilled about those, but I like this place so much that it feels worth it. However, I'm looking forward to my daughter getting potty trained so we can get a break!The facility is very clean and bright. The teachers look awake and aware from drop-off to pick-up. My daughter spends more time at her daycare then her own home, so it's really important that she enjoys that time. I will likely be here for the long term.Lastly, they have a lot of events for parents. They had a Christmas Concert, they had a Santa come in. There are potlucks and all kinds of things. I think the community aspect of it is great. I personally don't have time for all of it, but I'm glad it's available for those that do.There aren't really any improvements I would make accept maybe adding cameras to the parking area. Daycares, especially nicer ones, tend to be a target for car theft. There has been theft in the parking lot of this facility. They aren't the only ones with this problem. It's hard to make sure your car is all locked up and your purse is with you when you're handling a child and their diaper bag, diapers, etc. to and from the facility. I make sure my car is locked and purse is hidden. Cameras are an investment, but maybe an important one to consider in the future. Maybe we should have camera fundraiser!"

The J KC - Jewish Community Center

★★★★☆ 3.8 (16)

"I've been a member here semi-regularly since 2002. I'll leave for a year and then be drawn back by the value and features that the JCC offers.The facility offers many features including an indoor pool, a huge 50M outdoor lap pool, water slides, diving boards, squash courts (my personal fav), racket ball courts, kids gym with rock climbing wall, basketball courts, indoor track, weight room, yoga studio, spinning studio, tennis courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields... Whew... That is just the athletic facilities. They also offer many other community related services such as pre-school, day care, child and adult education, self defense training, fine arts programming... etc...The JCC is truly a world-class facility and my corporate membership that costs ~$50 per month is a steal!Generally speaking, for such a large facility with so many members, the place never seems jam-packed with people like Life Time Fitness always seems to be. The longest that I've ever waited for a lane at the indoor pool is about 30 minutes. 95% of the time I dont even need to wait. I've never waited for a lane at the outdoor pool and I always am able to schedule a squash court.I hesitate to write this review because I dont want a mad-rush of new members to spoil my oasis... :-DThe JCC is a truly great facility and a asset to the greater KC Area..."

The Goddard School

★★★★☆ 4.4 (7)

"We are so grateful we found THIS Goddard! Our daughter was at a different school last year, and we saw absolutely no growth. From the day she started at Goddard, she excelled in socialization, academics, self-confidence, and overall growth! The staff is incredible. Lindsey and Ashley are always welcoming and encouraging! There is never a time that we have inquired about information or called to say we might be running late that we weren't welcome with complete understanding and direction. Jeri Dawn the owner, is hands-on, and an incredible leader, she cares deeply about her staff and the children her in school. When choosing a school for my daughter, I researched every school from Lenexa, Overland Park, Leawood, Martin, City, Shawnee, and all surrounding areas. I had interviews with all the schools in those areas, and this Goddard completely stood out. The school is clean, the teachers are knowledgeable and patient, and the school Chef, Larry is exceptional-to the point that any days I do early pick up my daughter requests I get her after lunch. I am extremely mindful and choosing where my daughter spends her day. This is one of those gems in our community. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns This school is amazing.I have to add her teacher Ms Terri is so gifted. She is an incredible teacher and is such an asset to my daughter's development!"

La Petite Academy of Lenexa

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (3)

"La Petite has been an incredible daycare/school to our two girls! They give the best care, and we feel our children have strived due to the curriculum and unconditional love. The staff is amazing, and I truly feel my kids are safe and in the best hands! I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for our girls!"

Camp Wood YMCA

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"The best camp ever. Great leaders, fun horses and awesome food. My kid comes back happy every time. Who doesn't want a week or two unconnected from YouTube and social media for their kid."

Lord of Life Early Education Center

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"Wish I would have found this gem with my first child! My two boys have loved it here! They are so happy to be there everyday. The best part is the before and after school care! I will miss the teachers and the amazing coordinator next year."

Prairie Star Ranch

★★☆☆☆ 2 (3)

"The beds are meh but everything else was good. It had a basketball hoop, that was really fun."

La Petite Academy of Lee's Summit

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (1)

"I have had a lot of bad experiences with this place from my child being left out side, lied on by staff and bullied by other kids with the staff's permission not a good place to send your child and if you do I highly suggest you watch the cameras closely. The communication with resolving issues is very poor as well."