I am the kind of parent that childless people hate. I take my kids to hip restaurants and am not deterred by the complete lack of booster seats, high chairs, or chicken fingers on the menu. I am simply not content to while away my weekends at home or limit our outings to places that have designated stroller parking. I wheel our mammoth double wide into petite boutiques and carry my cooing baby into austere galleries. We boldly go where no family unit has gone before.

Theme by nostrich.

29th October 2011

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Falling for October at the O.P. Arboretum.

With “Snowtober” burying the Northeast, and record highs (98 degrees!) roasting Los Angeles, I must take this opportunity to crow to my smug coastal dwelling friends: Fall is flat out fabulous in the Midwest!

The air is crisp and cool, yet flowers are still in bloom.  Trees turn breathtaking shades of crimson and gold, while the grass beneath their brilliant canopy remains soft and green.

One of the best places to see fall flora is at the Overland Park Arboretum.  The OPA is a compact, yet skillfully designed botanical garden surrounding a small lake in southeastern Overland Park. 

All of the paths are smooth, paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. It is a great place to take senior citizens or not-so-small children who tire easily. 

The flower gardens are full of exotic blooms just bursting with vibrant color. 

For extra excitement, kids can spot Koi fish in the lake and butterflies flitting from bud to blossom.  

The OPA is FREE and open 7 days a week year round. 

http://www.opkansas.org/Things-to-See-And-Do/Overland-Park-Arboretum-And-Botanical-Gardens

 

Tip: For fall splendor on a much larger scale (but $9.50 admission & 1 hour drive), see my post on Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Missouri: http://thefamilyunit.tumblr.com/post/1467390233/powell-gardens

Tagged: Kansas CityKClocaltraveltravel blogOverland Park Arboretumgardeningmommy blogKansasMidwest

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