By Kiran Ross and Kate McKinney of KCKidsFun.com

The temperatures are heating up and Kansas Citians are antsy to get out and about and enjoy all that the city has to offer!  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.

You won't want to miss 4-year-old sensation “Nikita” at the Zoo. Nikita is a polar bear cub and you can find him near the entrance of the Zoo. Nikita plays to the crowd and adults and kids alike love watching him through the thick glass window.

We’ve compiled a few great options, organized primarily by geography:

A Day with the Kids in Midtown Kansas City

The crown jewel of midtown might very well be Swope Park. The Kansas City Zoo, Lakeside Nature Center and Swope Memorial and Heart of America Golf Courses all call Swope Park home. In addition, you’ll find the unique Starlight Theatre. The outdoor amphitheatre’s summer lineup includes Broadway musicals The King and I, 9 to 5, Guys & Dolls, Cinderella, and Mamma Mia!

The famous Country Club Plaza district is in midtown as well, only a 10-minute drive from Swope Park. You’ll immediately notice the Plaza's world-class shops, great architecture and fountains. There are lots of family-friendly restaurants, as well. Don’t miss Topsy’s for to-die-for popcorn and treats!

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) makes for a wonderful family outing. You’ll want to explore the Bloch Building which is a striking counterpoint to the classic Nelson architecture. Visit the huge south lawn (also known as the Kansas City Sculpture Park) and let the kids run free!

A Day of Sports in Kansas City

If sporting events are your thing, then you’re in luck!  You can head to Kauffman Stadium (“The K”) and take in a Royals baseball game. The newly-renovated stadium is a must-see and families can easily spend the better part of a full day there.

On the city’s west side, you’ll find the Kansas Speedway--NASCAR’s home in the Midwest. Kansas City, KS is also home to The Legends at Village West shopping district. You’ll find lots of premium outlets, terrific restaurants, hotels and even the popular Great Wolf Lodge.

Nestled between the Speedway and the shopping is CommunityAmerica Ballpark, home of the Kansas City T-Bones independent league baseball. The MLS Sporting Kansas City (formerly the Wizards), will have some fancy new digs this summer!  A new soccer stadium has been constructed near CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Any of these options provide very affordable, family-friendly summer fun.

If you’ve got a soccer player in your family, there’s a good chance that sooner or later you’ll find yourself southwest of the city in Overland Park, KS. The city of Overland Park boasts a world-class outdoor soccer complex and hosts scores of youth tournaments and games each year on its 95-acres of synthetic turf fields.

A Day with the Kids at Crown Center

The Crown Center complex is one of Kansas City's most-treasured – and fun – areas.  Ask any Kansas Citian about the “Crown Center Fountains” and they’re sure to tell you how awesome it is to cool off in the dancing waters!  Hit Crown Center Square on a Friday night, and take in one of the free summer flicks shown on a big movie screen.Kansas City's Union Station plays host to a world-class exhibit this summer which you won't want to miss.

Not to be missed is an afternoon session at Hallmark's Kaleidoscope. Children get to be creative- and messy- and create masterpieces made from art supplies generously donated by Hallmark Cards. Another Kansas City treasure is Coterie Theatre. Time Magazine can’t be wrong when it calls Coterie “One of the five best theatres for young audiences in the U.S.”  This summer features The Wiz, from June 21 through August 7, 2011.

A Day with the Kids in Johnson County, KS

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, located in south Overland Park continues to be a major draw for the metro. There have been several additions for 2011.  In addition to a petting zoo, fishing pond, playgrounds and a dairy barn, the Farmstead now boasts an old-fashioned General Store as well as an Ice Cream Parlor!

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. This summer features The Sound of Music and Seussical productions, among others!

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 SuperSpash,  Adventure Oasis or Summit Waves.

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.