When you stop using drugs and alcohol, the way you spend your leisure time changes a lot. The old habits and activities need to be replaced to not only help you pass the time, but to help you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. For those who live in Kansas City, Missouri, the same is true. Luckily, there are many fun and unique things to do in Kansas City when you’re sober.

After getting sober and completing substance abuse treatment in Kansas City, Missouri, you may feel that you do not know where to start when it comes to outings, activities, and hobbies. This may be because, in the past, you spent most of your time either using or recovering from the effects of substance abuse. This is common amongst people who previously centered their fun around drugs or drinking.

However, it is important to find things to do that will help you relax and enjoy your sobriety. At Sana Lake Recovery, we want you to be empowered to make decisions that further your healing journey rather than set you back. That is why we have compiled this list of unique things you can do in Kansas City, Missouri when you are sober.

Visit A Museum

In Kansas City, Missouri, there are many different museums to check out. While this may not be your first choice for a fun activity, museums are a great choice for a leisurely day on the town, a family outing, or a date while in recovery. Additionally, museums are a low-cost way to gain positive experiences in your area, so you won’t break the bank by visiting these institutions.

Museums are often engaging and educational, lending to your personal growth during addiction recovery. The informal learning that happens at a museum can even change attitudes, develop values, and even help you learn new skills. If you are interested in American history, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a great place to learn about the history and the American military.

Not only can you acquire new knowledge, but museums also provide visitors with an opportunity to view and appreciate art. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, for example, is free to the public and known for its internationally recognized collection of art. Other museums that are worth visiting in Kansas City include the following:

• The Arabia Steam Boat Museum: A history museum that focuses on steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856.
• Science City at Union Station: a science museum for kids and adults where you can learn about things like how astronauts train for space and the chemistry of how your favorite soft drink is made.
• The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Money Museum: This museum is a specialty museum that is all about money. Literally! The free museum allows visitors to learn about the economy while engaging in fun activities like trying to lift a real solid gold bar worth $400,000.
• The American Jazz Museum: Music lovers and lovers of jazz will enjoy this museum that highlights the rich history of jazz music. The museum showcases interactive exhibits and films as well as hosts many different educational programs, performances, and special exhibitions.
• The Airline History Museum:  This museum is unique in that it is one of the few aviation museums in the country that is located in a working airport. The museum features over 30 aircraft on display, interactive exhibits, and a motion simulator.

Take A Hike

With over 200 miles of trails, there are plenty of places to hike in Kansas City. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. Further, outdoor activities can have a profound effect on a person’s mental health and contribute to improved self-esteem and a reduction in feelings of depression.

You may not think that Kansas City is home to hiking, biking, or walking trails, but many different scenic trails are open to the public. Some of these even feature waterfalls, rivers, and wooded areas. Some of the best places to hike—or otherwise be outside enjoying nature—in Kansas City include:

• White Tail Trail: The White Trail is a loop trail that goes through an urban forest near Kansas City. The trail is a popular area for biking, hiking, trail running, and birding. Visitors can enjoy sights such as a waterfall, several streams, and wildlife such as deer.
• Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail: Located in Minor Park, the Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail are favored by mountain bikers and hikers alike. This area is also dog friendly, so you can bring your furry friend and take advantage of the on-leash and off-leash areas.
• Hidden Valley Natural Area Loop: Situated in Hidden Valley Park, this trail provides hikers with a unique opportunity to see some of the area’s natural beauty. The 3.2-mile-long loop is perfect for trail walking, biking, and running, but also experiences quieter times of the day.

Taking a walk on a trail may not sound fun at first, but it will give you a great opportunity to explore nature and get some exercise. And, who knows, you may just find your new favorite hobby!

Get Some BBQ

Kansas City, Missouri is known for its many incredible barbecue spots. If you are looking for unique things to do in Kansas City, one option is getting some good food. Different establishments such as Joe’s Kansas City, Q39, and Danny Edward’s Boulevard Barbecue are all great options.

There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of delicious BBQs. One of the most famous BBQ restaurants is even located in Kansas City. Arthur Bryants’s Barbecue is hailed as one of the most popular eateries in town. It was even featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Further, you won’t just be enjoying a great meal, you will be engaged with the city’s rich history.

Barbecue in Kansas City is more than just a menu item. Instead, it is an entire institution. The legacy of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri can be traced back to the 1920s when Henry Perry began serving barbecued meat from an outdoor pit adjacent to his street car. As Kansas began to gain a reputation as a stockyard and meatpacking city, its barbecue culture began to transform and evolve until it became what it is today.

More Unique Things To Do in Kansas City

The aforementioned activities aren’t the only ways to spend your free time after achieving sobriety. Kansas City is home to many unique things to do that don’t include alcohol or other substances. Other highlights of the city include:

Heal With Sana Lake Recovery

At Sana Lake Recovery, we offer a range of addiction treatment services to those in need. Before enjoying a life of sobriety, many people require the comprehensive addiction treatment that we provide. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, contact us today to see how we can help.

Our programs range from drug detox to inpatient and outpatient care. Each program consists of evidence-based treatment methods and is individualized to the unique needs of each patient. Our goal is to help you or your loved one get on the path to recovery and lead a sober, happy life. To learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction, contact us today.