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.

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28th December 2011

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A Slam Dunk! The College Basketball Experience.

When the winter wind howls and bays like a dog at the door, you can rally your spirits and warm your bones at the College Basketball Experience.   You don’t have to be a rabid sports fan to be impressed by 41,500 square feet of hoops, history and high tech interactive exhibits. 

College basketball devotees will no doubt linger longer over the trivia and biography tidbits that are peppered throughout the vast facility, but a floor to ceiling photo packs a visual punch even if you don’t know which iconic player you are craning your neck to view.

At first glance, the admission price seems a bit steep:  $12 for adults, $9 for kids 4-17 and seniors.  However, I can tell you that everyone in our group agreed it was 100% worth it.  We spent two full hours inside and would have stayed even longer if the baby hadn’t been on the verge of an acute meltdown.  

I was blown away by the size of the place and the sheer number of things to do.

CBE certainly exceeded my expectations (and I’ve been to other “Experience” attractions that did NOT – EMP in Seattle, I’m thinking of you!).

One of my favorite sections was the enormous open gym with racks of balls, an abundance of baskets, and bleachers for tired spouses and parents to become spectators. 

My husband loved the slam dunk challenge and “Beat The Clock” timed trials (how many 3 point shots can you make in 3 minutes, etc.). 

 Our six year old had a blast with the Big Shot Ball.

And his baby sister had fun blasting him with it.

Another highlight was the replica ESPNU sportscaster desk where pint sized role players can see their commentary played back on an enormous screen.

In short, CBE is a very cool place with a truly unique experience to offer. 

And if you are anything like the “Cameron Crazies” and “Rock Chalk Jayhawks” in my family, you’ll be off and dribbling before you can say triple-double!

Notes/Tips: The CBE entrance is inside of the Sprint Center.  Special pricing on Sunday Family Packs.

http://collegebasketballexperience.com/

Tagged: Kansas CityKCMissourilocaltravelMidwestbasketballsportskidsfamilytravel blogmommy blogparentingCollege Basketball Experience

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  1. thefamilyunit posted this