Wellness ►
Getaway Gold
End of Summer Fun On a Budget! by Tara Wolf, contributing writer
We all want a relaxing getaway with the family or just the household fur baby, but sometimes finding things to do on a budget seems daunting. Well, lucky for you, I’ ve done all the research to help you plan your next budget-friendly outdoor getaway to relax and grab some mental wellness time before summer ends!
Let’ s start down in Southern Missouri. Whether you want to float down a scenic river, experience hiking, bird watching, or take in the sights, I have some options for you.
● Niangua River: A classic Ozarks experience with various float trips down the Meramec, Huzzah, or Courtois rivers. Bennet Springs is also a popular place for families.
● Johnson’ s Shut-ins State Park: Popular for its natural waterslides and hiking trails.
● Elephant Rocks State Park: Showcases massive granite boulders and self-guided walking trails.
● Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Castle ruins, hiking trails, and Lake of the Ozarks access for swimming and boating.
● Fantastic Caverns: America’ s ride-through cave. An experience for everyone. Experience the magnitude, stillness, and natural beauty of an ancient underground cave.
Now, let’ s move right on over to the eastern part of the state, towards St. Louis.
● Forest Park is a great place to start, offering free admission to the zoo, art museum, and science center, along with miles of trails for walking and biking.
● Gateway Arch: For a fee, get a birds-eye view of St. Louis. Take a tram ride to the top of a 630-foot monument. Tickets often sell out, so make sure to reserve your spots ahead of time.
● The Magic House: A fun-filled attraction offering kids many hands-on learning activities. With hundreds of exhibits, it’ s easy for families to spend hours here, and the entry fee is just $ 14 per person. Free Family Nights are held on the third Friday of every month.
● Missouri Botanical Garden: For a $ 16 entry fee, step back in time. This botanical garden dates back to 1859, when it was established as a gift from a local businessperson. As old as the garden is, some of its 4.5 million plants are even older, dating back to the 1700s.
Heading west towards Kansas City, here are a few things to do along the way.
● Rock Bridge Memorial State Park( Columbia): About one hour and 40 minutes east of KC in Columbia, visit Rock Bridge Memorial State Park to hike, bike, and bird watch through a scenic environment. The park also offers visitors a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring, and an underground stream.
● Powell Gardens: Immerse yourself in 970 acres of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows. Powell Gardens is Kansas City’ s botanical garden. Want reflection and inspiration? Take a moment to sit in the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.
● Unity Village: Stroll through the rose garden while listening to the background splashing sounds of the largest fountains in the KC area. Release what does not bring you peace on the world’ s largest Labyrinth. Fill your cup back up with a stroll through the walking trails and paths. Unity Village offers a unique experience around every corner.
● Parkville Nature Sanctuary( PNS): Peaceful, relaxing, and full of scenic views. With a waterfall and the historic stone cellar, PNS offers well-maintained walking trails suitable for various skill levels.
● Watkins Mill Falls: This seasonal waterfall can be accessed from a viewing platform along a 3.8-mile trail that loops Watkins Mill Lake. This rocky hideaway is a beautiful haven.
● Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium: Some highlights are the penguins, the elephant exhibit, and the Sky Safari, which gives a unique view of all the Safari Animals. The new Aquarium hosts animal interaction and a seat under the sea!
● River Market: Dive into culture and variety. Start with a coffee or latte at The Opera House and snag a homemade maccarone, then cross the street for some spices, homemade goods, and beautiful flower bouquets. Then jump onto the KC Streetcar for a free tour of Kansas City!
Missouri has a lot to show you— it is, after all, the Show Me State! Take advantage of summer while it’ s here and take a day trip, weekend trip, or a full week getaway! Plan it, budget for it, and enjoy every moment of it!
Stay present, beautiful humans! Love and Light, Tara
Tara Wolf, a Reiki Master, healer, and educator with over 20 years in the health and wellness field, began her journey in the cannabis industry in 2021. She bridges ancient energy work with modern plant medicine, guiding others to heal from the inside out. Through compassionate care, education, and empowerment, Tara helps beautiful humans reconnect with their bodies, purpose, and power! She is also the Grön KC Account Manager.
26 August 2025