Merriam Tutors Come To You

Quaker missionaries looking to convert the Shawnee Indians were the first permanent settlers in what would later be named Merriam, Kansas. Once the railroad invaded the American west beyond the Mississippi River, Kansas became a sought-after area for settlers looking to farm the land. Established as a station of the Kansas, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad, the area received its name from railroad executive Charles Merriam. Because of its proximity to rapidly growing Kansas City, railroad executives purchased 40 acres in Merriam for a “grand amusement” park complete with zoo, concessions, baseball diamond, tennis courts and a horse driven merry-go-round. Dedicated in 1880 by President Ulysses S. Grant, the park drew as many as 20,000 visitors a year until its closing in the early 1900’s. Today, the site of the park is one of the best residential areas in Merriam. For several decades, Merriam was an unincorporated suburb of Kansas City. It wasn’t until 1950 that Merriam applied to the governor and received city status.

Regarded as one of the best suburbs of Kansas City, Merriam has a good reputation for its public schools, diversity and nightlife. Because of its proximity to the metropolitan area, the city benefits from a wealth of activities and attractions. A Merriam tutor can help free up your time and get you on the right track academically so you can enjoy all there is to do in and around Merriam. For those with an interest in the outdoors, Antioch Park offers hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing and an arboretum. The park features a Vietnam Memorial which honors the men and women who gave their lives in the war. In May, Antioch Park hosts the annual Turkey Creek Festival, a chance for family fun highlighted by a carnival, an assortment of vendors, paddle boats in the park’s two lakes and much more.

Farther afield, there’s plenty of things to do just a few miles away in Shawnee, home of the Sky Zone Trampoline Park where visitors can soar through the air playing skyslam, dodgeball or diving into the foam zone. For more fun, the Power Play Family Entertainment Center, also in Shawnee, offers bowling, laser tag, go-karts, ropes course, bumper cars and other carnival style rides. And, if that’s not enough, a short drive into Kansas City will provide even more fun for all ages.

Located in the downtown Crown Center, the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium features over 260,000 gallons of habitat for over 5,000 creatures, 30 fascinating displays and a 180-degree tunnel. Right next door to the aquarium, kids will also want to go to Legoland Discovery Center with its many different attractions including Miniland, Lego 4D Cinema, Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice Ride. For history buffs, Kansas City is the site of the National World War I Museum and Memorial not far from the Crown Center. Originally named the Liberty Museum, the museum and memorial honors those who fought and died in what was then labeled the “War to end all Wars.”