As the warm weather arrives in Kansas, De Soto High School students are wanting to spend their afternoons outside.

Around the Kansas City area, there are many calm, relaxing and free places to get outdoors and spend time in nature. Finding two trees and ‘hammocking’ around Shawnee Mission Park is very common among many high schoolers.

This activity is free and always a fun time to lay in the sun and enjoy the weather with your friends by your side.

As well as hammocking, Shawnee Mission Park has a lot more to offer in their 1,600-acre park. The park is open to the public that provides many activities, such as a dog park, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and trails throughout the woods.

At the designated lake house at SMP, kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, canoes and fishing rods are available to rent for the day at a low cost.

Another popular spot is The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In front of the museum is an open yard big enough for many people to sit and have a picnic. This relaxing date is also free.

Sar-Ko-Par Park is also a big hit for walking around and enjoying the scenery. With beautiful trees and a pond, many teens walk around and take pictures, hammock, and eat while trying to get some Vitamin C.

Lastly, neighborhood and city pools are open for citizens to attend and get tan while swimming in the chlorine.

With summer right around the corner, spending time outdoors may take up ones whole day. With these free to little cost activities, teens, adults and children can explore and enjoy the warm weather mother nature is providing us.