Things to Do in Blue Springs

Scuba enthusiast Jennifer Feller's unconditional love for underwater sightseeing and pruney fingers constantly prompts her to explore the depths of aqueous avenues far and wide. As an IDC-trained PADI instructor and volunteer search-and-rescue diver, she teaches first responders the indispensable skills needed for effective public-safety diving. At The Playground Dive Shop, Feller's very own scuba emporium, her knowledgeable staff, which includes a retired Navy submariner, unveils a collection of the latest diving gear and repairs broken or faulty equipment. They also empower visitors to take their own watery plunges during a variety of scuba-diving courses, which teach participants the basics of underwater breathing, the techniques needed to earn an open-water certification, and underwater photography tips––such as making sure you snap multiple pictures, just in case a fish blinks.

In the 11 years since teaching their first students the art of diving, TD Scuba’s crew of instructors certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors have certified and imparted their passion for scuba upon more than 2,000 divers of all ages. The team leads courses, from Discover Scuba classes for beginners to advanced sessions such as an underwater digital-photography course centered around capturing a sea cucumber's good side on film. Along with onsite instruction, the staff helps divers acquire real-life experience via numerous dive trips scheduled throughout the year to local hotspots such as Beaver Lake as well as excursions to far-flung locales such as Cozumel. They further prepare their patrons for underwater excursions with a host of equipment and gear available for rent or purchase.

Recreational splashers and serious swimmers can find aquatic common ground at Bay Water Park, owned by the City of Kansas City Parks and Recreation. A six-lane lap pool facilitates low-impact workouts and a water playground and family slide let kids splash to their hearts' content. Guests can grab a tube or absurdly large piece of penne pasta and ride down two different tube slides or twist and twirl along the swirl-bowl ride.

The cardio-centric River Walking program takes advantage of the gentle tide of the park's lazy river, as participants stroll leisurely to sharpen balance and become strong enough to water ski without a boat. Both kids and adults can also take swim lessons at the park, while programs such as the Water Safety Awareness Clinic teach proper use of life jackets, rescue equipment, and general water safety.

Family Golf Park brings together golfers of all stripes and sizes to enjoy its nine-hole, par-3 course, multifaceted practice facility, and two 18-hole miniature-golf courses. Soaring drives take flight from 60 hitting stations at the driving range, which boasts nine covered bays and lights for practice after the sun leaves to go challenge the North Star in a skins game. At the par-3 course, golfers can test their short-game skills on a course that features slick, bentgrass greens and runs along a lake stocked with koi fish. Patrons can roll golf balls down the emerald runways of the mini-golf courses, preparing themselves for critical putts necessary to excel in upcoming rounds of golf or Scottish decathlons.

A staff of PGA professionals oversees the improvement of all-around games as juniors and adults refine their skills on Heart of America Golf Academy’s extensive grounds. Encompassing sprawling practice facilities and three golf courses, the facility gives players multiple amenities for working on their form. Golfers can play a nine-hole round at the River Course or practice short-game touch at the par 3 Rock Course; beginners can make a smooth foray into the game at the Hill, a three-hole junior learning center. Players can also head to the 36-station driving range, where grass tees mimic fairway conditions and double as smoothie enhancers for budding golfers.