Affordable Summer Bucket List Ideas for Mid-Missouri

Summer’s heating up in Mid-Missouri, and so are your options for low-cost fun. From lakeside lounging and local trivia nights to scenic hikes and weekend picnics, here’s how to soak up the season without soaking up your wallet.

Summer bucket list written on a yellow paper

Missouri often flies under the radar, but it’s far from boring – especially if you’re looking for affordable ways to have fun. Check out these cheap and cheerful ways to make the most of your summer without spending a fortune. 

Outdoor Wallet-Friendly Ideas

  1. Walk at the Runge Nature Center

    Start with your local parks and green spaces. The Runge Nature Center offers a free, active way to enjoy the outdoors in Jefferson City. Inside, you can find interactive exhibits and activities for all ages.

  2. Hit the Trails

    There are plenty of hikes throughout Mid-Missouri, including beautiful state parks. Columbia’s coolest hike (literally) is Devil’s Icebox. This double sinkhole leads to an underground stream that releases a steady flow of chilled air, earning it the name “Icebox.” The cave stays at 55 degrees year-round, offering a nice place to explore during the hottest days of summer. Another popular hike is Ha Ha Tonka State Park at the Lake of the Ozarks. It offers easy to challenging trails with overlooks, wooded paths and even castle ruins to explore for free.

  3. Visit Stephens Lake Park

    In Columbia, Stephens Lake Park is a local favorite. Bring lunch for a picnic, try your luck fishing or just relax on the trails and open spaces. If you’re looking for parks for a quick break or spontaneous day trips, this one’s hard to beat.

  4. Relax Lakeside

    Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of ways to cool off. Swim or sunbathe at public beaches in the state parks, or relax by a pool at a lakeside restaurant or bar. Bring a towel and enjoy an easy, budget-friendly day by the water.

  5. Participate in Food Truck Friday

    Every Friday in Jefferson City, food trucks from the Jefferson City community join together at the Buchheits parking lot from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. There are a variety of foods to choose from, whether you want a full meal, snack, sweet treat or a refreshing lemonade.

Indoor Wallet-Friendly Ideas

  1. Historical Tours

    Soak in some air conditioning while learning about local history. You can take a guided or self-guided tour of the Missouri Capitol building. Another tour you can do is of the old Missouri State Penitentiary. They offer tours that range from history-focused to ghostly.

  2. Get Ice-Cream at Central Dairy

    If history is not your thing, try one of Jefferson City’s most popular attractions, Central Dairy. Located conveniently downtown, Central Dairy has been a staple since the early 1930s. You will surely be able to find something in their 40+ flavors of ice creams and sherberts.

  3. Do Karaoke

    Many restaurants and bars around Mid-Missouri host weekly karaoke, often with family-friendly hours for those under 21. Try Paddy Malone’s or Water Tower Bar & Grill for a fun, low-cost night out.

  4. Fun Local Games

    Try Monday bingo at Knights of Columbus or Tuesday trivia at Last Flight Brewing Co., which also has cornhole boards. Join a cornhole tournament at TJ’s Bar & Grill in Holts Summit, shoot pool at TJ’s, Spectators or Water Tower, or play bocce ball at Prison Brews.

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.