Activities for April

April is famous for being the month of frequent showers and limited days of sunshine. When you hear the routine tap of raindrops outside your window, it’s easy to stay covered under your comforter and pull up Netflix on your computer. But rainy days shouldn’t be wasted, so here are a couple activities that will keep you moving inside just like the clouds in the sky outside. And when you catch those few rays of sunshine outside, don’t immediately head to the Plaza or Loose Park like every other Kansas Citian. Instead, take the high 60 degree weather to explore a local park or the Kansas City River Market.

Rainy Days

I look out my window and see the droplets of rain form across the frame. It was a strenuous day of Chemistry tests, 50-yard sprints in the pool and finishing my logarithm homework and an at-home spa day is the perfect way to clear a teen’s mind.

Instead of sliding out of the comfort of my pajamas, I enjoy forgetting the stress and sore muscles while turning my bathroom into an oasis. Drawing a warm bath complete with Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt will help relieve sore limbs and stress whether they’re from lugging your 50 pound backpack through the halls or the stress of your Algebra 2 unit test tomorrow. The salt’s ability to soothe skin and relax muscles guarantee a rare full night of sleep.

You can’t forget about your dry face due to the two hours of chlorine it endures at swim every day. Sold at Target for $3.99, Miss Spa Clarifying Masks can do the trick making your face moisturized and smooth again. They come in different kinds; clear, exfoliating, detox, and my personal favorite charcoal. After using the facemask you can finally let the stress fade away and relax while looking at the droplets of rain on your window.

When I’m not in the mood to tackle the avalanche in my closet, I tackle something a little less intimidating– my spotify playlist. Playlists are great for anytime: study sessions, pregame pump-ups and relaxation.

This means keeping them updated and at their greatest potential is important. “All I Do is Win” has the ideal lyrics to get “hype” before a race but after hearing it for the 50th time it could use an upgrade. Grabbing your favorite blanket, headphones and Macbook while nestled up to the window watching the rain fall is the ultimate time to focus in on creating a new masterpiece of bops .

Not only are you broadening your music taste, but you are finding new songs to show to your friends the minute you get the chance. By exploring the browse section of Spotify and listening to Your Daily Mixes, you can find new music that you would have never come across of listening to the radio. You can also follow a Discover Weekly playlist that sifts through your most commonly played songs and creates music that is tailored to your taste. By the time you are finished, your playlists will be polished and ready for the next occasion.

Sunny Days

River Market

As I looked around the kiosks in the River Market, I saw everything from hot cross buns to brown leather jewelry. At the end of the isle between the stands was more fruit than I had ever seen, with buckets of watermelon, apples, bananas and more. Seeing food everywhere I looked didn’t help my already meal-deprived stomach.

Surrounding the tents and tables were restaurants, flower stores and boutiques that made me wish I had the time to visit a couple more stores because of the eye-catching jewelry and dresses on display. The loud shouts of merchants, people crowding around the square and an abundance of dessert and fruits sitting out on tables made me want to schedule the River Market on my every Sunday agenda.

After minutes of hearing vendors yell things like, “Would you guys like to try some mango black bean jalapeño dip?” we saw Bloom Baking Company, remembered the photos of their sweets we saw online and made a beeline straight to the store.

Once I changed my mind a countless number of times, I ended up choosing the salted caramel chocolate tart. Even when I thought I couldn’t handle another bite of the almost too rich salted caramel treat, I couldn’t stop myself from finishing the heavenly dessert.

I plan on making the 20-minute drive to the downtown market on many more weekend mornings and maybe even trying the mango black bean jalapeño dip.

Antioch Park Trail

If you ever feel the need for a good workout or calming walk, consider my new go-to: Antioch Park Trail.

The Merriam trail takes a mile-long loop around a cluster of mini playgrounds and a couple of fish-filled lakes. The lakes are swimming with geese, unbothered by the children inching close to the water.

Stress from schoolwork or sports seems insignificant with the landscapes surrounding the path  — it has a little bit of everything regarding scenery. The trail takes you through trees, up and down hills and over bridges with alternate ways to cross over the lakes.

The park was packed with women running the path and families gathered on the patches of grass — it is the perfect place to bring the children you babysit that have a little too much energy. The old men trailing behind their dogs ensured there would never be a boring moment on the trail with chances to pet the animals.

I would cheerfully spend a morning at  Antioch Park. The kids and trees surrounding the path created a fitting atmosphere for a run unlike my block or Franklin Park. When the weather doesn’t call for snow or rain, I recommend trying this path out. The lakes and animals gave an immersive, nature-like feeling that earned this trail a spot on my list of go-to spring activities.