Hey there...Blue Springs is considered a suburb of Kansas City, which makes it about 20 min. from the downtown area. Even though Blue Springs has lots to do, there's always the KC area, so that will give you much more to choose from. Blue Springs has Missouri Town 1855, which is like a living history area you can tour. They also have a nature preserve where you can drive right up to a fenced area to view buffalo and elk up close. There are two major lakes, one with a public beach and fishing area. There is a movie theater, and plenty of shopping and dining.
The kansas city area has a science city inside union station, several major art galleries, and other areas of historical and scientific interest in addition to a zoo. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are two amusement parks here also. There are also a few drive-in movie theaters.
You can find plenty to do if you visit the City of Kansas City web site. Hope you have a good stay...you'll find that people are pretty nice and prices are generally low...but expect it to be very hot and muggy in August!