By Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney of KCKidsFun.com

It's already July, summer is in full swing and the kids are already wondering, "What else is there to do?"  Fortunately for the pocketbook, Kansas City has lots of FREE family fun to offer – that's right, FREE!  (And if not totally free, pretty darn close!)  Locals and visitors alike will appreciate the diversity of available activities.

Here's our list of a DOZEN free or nearly free family-focused activities. Get out and enjoy the city; you don't have to go far or spend much to have a fantastic time.

Outdoor Activities

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

• This FREE farmstead seems to get better each and every year. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the animals in a "petting zoo" setting. There are some activities that cost a few dollars but are well worth it:  horse-drawn wagon rides, fishing, mining for "gemstones" and pony rides. Visit the dairy barn and old-fashioned schoolhouse, too!

Outdoor Summer Movies

• The best part about these movies is that they can be found in parks and shopping areas all over the Kansas City metro. And they are FREE!  Grab the family, a blanket and chairs and some bug spray – and you're set. Movies typically begin at dusk.

Farmers Markets

• Again, these are sprouting up all over Kansas City. The granddaddy of them all, the City Market, is located on 5th Street in the city's River Market. It is open year-round, but summer weekends are fabulous. Other popular locations include the Overland Park Farmers Market (80th Street, west of Metcalf), which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the Brookside Community Market, located at 63rd and Wornall. Many markets have great kids' activities in addition to local meat and produce!

Swimming and Beaching it! 

• The city boasts a surprising number of lakes, some with beaches. The larger ones include Longview Lake and Shawnee Mission Park. Longview Lake is in between Lee's Summit and Raytown, Mo., and has a one-acre swimming beach and full-service marina. On the west side of the city, you'll find Shawnee Mission Park at 79th and Renner Rd. Again, another beach, with open water swim times, and a marina where canoes, small sailboats and fishing boats can be rented. Admission for both lakes is under $5 per person.
• Head north of the city a bit to Smithville Lake for an even cheaper admission price - just $1 per swimmer!

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

• This gem, located in south Johnson County, Kan., features both paved and non-paved walking trails. You might see any number of things including turtles, ducks, sculptures and beautiful plantings. A true educational, recreational and cultural resource for all Kansas Citians. No admission charge here!

Anita Gorman Conservation Discovery Center

• Located just east of the Country Club Plaza, this hands-on educational center is FREE. You can learn about Missouri's plants and trees, about hunting and fishing and even woodworking!  Dubbed "Kansas City's Urban Conservation Campus," this would make for a phenomenal day trip! The Discovery Center's free weekend workshops are fantastic family-fun.

Spend the day at Loose Park

• Located at 51st and Wornall in Kansas City, this wonderful park has seen many weddings in its Rose Garden. But you'll also find a lake (with plenty of ducks and geese to feed), tennis courts and picnic areas. Wear the kids out on the playground and in the sprayground on a hot summer day. Pack a lunch and stay a while – you might even find yourself catching a nap in this relaxing setting! 

Sprint Family Fun Days in the Power & Light District

• A day of games, crafts, activities and Radio Disney downtown! July’s theme is “Scien-tastic: The Fun of Science.” A FREE, interactive science-based experience for the whole family.
• Also a great excuse to check out Kansas City's new Power & Light District and the nearby Sprint Center. This month's event is on July 18th from noon to 4 p.m. If you can't make it in July, Sprint Family Fun Days are held every third Saturday through October.

Indoor Activities

Crown Center

• This one is technically both indoors and outdoors. Crown Center is featuring a wonderful exhibit through September 7, "The Art of the Brick". This FREE exhibit features nearly 30 creations made solely from LEGO blocks. Located at the Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. After taking in the LEGOS, head outside to the Square for a cool run through the fountain! Check the schedule – dancing water shows take place every day. And don't forget your towels!

Kaleidoscope

• This is a FREE, hands-on art experience for children ages 5 to 12. There are specific session times each day, so check ahead. Kaleidoscope is uniquely Kansas City for sure.

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve

• No dollars needed. Take a self-guided or guided tour through the Money Museum for FREE. Not your typical museum, the Money Museum features a cash vault, coin collections and interactive exhibits.

Shawnee Town

• For a mere $1, you can experience a 1920's Kansas prairie town!  Self-guided tours of the museum grounds are available, where you'll find 19 buildings and two gardens. You might even spy guides in period dress and character.

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.