KC Going Places Fall 2015 by KC Parent Magazine

kansas cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 travel guide

fall 2015

kcgoingplaces.com

+ 500 reasons to be

#KCProud

arts, antiques &

boutiques

only in KC

souvenirs

food factories in Kansas City

gastropubs

trendy and tasty

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO

Urgent Care Blue Parkway office Mon-Thur 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat-Sun 8:00 -11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri 8:00 am -11:00 am

Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm

trust.

healthcare you can 2

kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

Date Now–Nov. 28 October 3 October 3–4 October 9–11 October 9–10 October 10 October 17 October 17–18 October 18 October 23 October 23 October 31 November 6–7 November 14–15 November 20 November 25 Nov. 25–Dec. 31 December 1 December 11 Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12 & Dec. 19

Event

Time

More Info

Wed. & Sat. 7 a.m.-sell out

downtownLS.org

1–4 p.m.

paradise-park.com

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

jacksongov.org

Downtown Lee’s Summit

4–8 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat.; Noon–4 p.m. Sun.

summitartfest.org

The Pavilion at John Knox Village

11 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.

craftpatchshows.com

Noon

LSsunriserotary.com

7–10 p.m.

downtownLS.org

6–10 p.m.

powellgardens.org

1–3 p.m

truly150.com

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

816.525.4083

6–9 p.m.

jacksongov.org

10 a.m.

downtownLS.org

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

downtownLS.org

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

LScares.org

6:30 p.m.

downtownLS.org

5 p.m.

jacksongov.org

5:30–10 p.m.

jacksongov.org

9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

paradise-park.com

7 p.m.

truly150.com

3–5 p.m.

downtownLS.org

Corner of 2nd & Douglas Paradise Park Missouri Town-Fleming Park

City Hall Plaza Downtown Lee’s Summit Powell Gardens Lee’s Summit History Museum Woods Chapel United Methodist Church Missouri Town–Fleming Park Downtown Lee’s Summit Downtown Lee’s Summit Bernard Campbell Middle School Howard Station Park Longview Lake Beach Longview Lake Park Paradise Park Lee’s Summit High School Downtown Lee’s Summit

the ultimate guide for tourists in KC

12 FEATURES 8 Tour the Town Eight itineraries for every interest 12

Unique Souvenirs Products we love made in Kansas City

Must-See KC 12 events you don’t want to miss

Hometown Proud Local cities and suburbs and their claims to fame

Art, Antiques & Boutiques Eclectic shopping districts around town

38 Gastropubs Trendy and delicious local dining 40

KC Weekend Planner Monthly events in cool neighborhoods

Food Factories & Farms Watch food being made

kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

14 20 27 31

OUT & ABOUT Trail Treasures Fall Day Trips Apple Picking Christmas Lights

PLAYTIME 22 Play Places for All Ages 23 Indoor Fun 26 Outdoor Fun

28 29 29 30

NATURE Favorite Camping Spots Animal Attractions Plants & Gardens Nature Centers

42 43 43 44 49 49

MUSEUMS Secrets from the Curator Arts Children’s Museums History Science Special Interest

SHOWTIME 52 Dinner and a Show 53 Dance, Music & Theater

58 59 59 60 62

SPORTS Crossword Bowling Indoor Pools Ice Skating & Snow Sports Pro, Semi-Pro & College Sports

Anything for a fan!

Could I get your autograph?

A collection that speaks for itself.

open daily: 10 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

5235 OAk STrEET k AnSAS CiT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYAnDMiniATUrEMUSEUM.Org

editor’s letter Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

’ve always been #KCProud, and after you visit the City of Fountains, you’ll see why. Located in the heart of America, Kansas City has something for everyone. From an exciting urban center where updated shopping and entertainment districts are thriving, to growing suburban areas with new attractions opening almost every month, there is something for everyone. As a mother of four energetic daughters, I’m excited about the opening of the new Urban Air Trampoline Park in Overland Park for days when we need to burn off energy, and the reopening of the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures when we’re in the mood for a bit of whimsy and fun. Our family loves the traditions of autumn and winter. In September, we head to our favorite orchard for apple picking. In October, we’re off finding the perfect pumpkin at area pumpkin patches (all listed on www.KCParent.com). November means Thanksgiving and the flipping of the switch that illumines the Country Club Plaza Lights for the holidays. December is filled with fun holiday traditions, including A Christmas Carol at the KC Repertory Theatre, The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet, a visit with the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum and drives through local lights. Local performance groups are offering some of their best shows in January (featured in our Showtime section on pg. 52), and every winter my husband and I look forward to trying some of the best restaurants in town during KC Restaurant Week (KCRestaurantWeek.com). Many of our favorite attractions are open year-round and just keep getting better. We love visiting Science City at Union Station, where new hands-on exhibits are educational and fun. The Kansas City Zoo, home to many animals, including our beloved polar bear, penguins, orangutans and sea lions, is always improving and open year-round with programs offered daily from zookeeper chats and animal feedings to special events, including overnights for families. When I need to recharge my creative juices, I love to head to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, our always-free art gallery where new exhibits and special events keep the beauty fresh for each visit. These are just a few of my favorite places in Kansas City. You’ll find many more as you flip the pages of KC Going Places. Welcome to Kansas City! We’re happy you’re here and we hope you love it just as much as we do!

Kristina Light, Editor Fall cover photo: The cover features Landen and Koen from Lenexa at Grinter Farms. Winter cover photo: The cover features Ethan from Shawnee in front of the Toytisserie sculpture at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Covers and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com 6

kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Managing Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Editor Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Margaret Bristow, Kansas City Tisha Foley, Belton Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Karen Johnson, Olathe Gina Klein, Kansas City Margaret Sarver, Lenexa Melanie Somogie, Kansas City Heather Shields, Gladstone Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Pinterest.com/KCParent

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KC Going Places is published 2 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Going Places’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Going Places Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Going Places will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Going Places often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Kansas City Metropolitan Area Use this map to help plan your tourism itinerary. Each listing in KC Going Places includes the map coordinates to help you find the nearby attractions! For instance, Kansas City Zoo (p. 29) is located at C4 on this map. B

4 5

Check out www.KCParent.com for exact venue locations, interactive maps and more!

*Map not to scale.

kcgoingplaces.com

getting to know kansas city: barbecue, jazz and local landmarks

kansas city’s fall traditions

union station kansas city

powell gardens

A visit to Kansas City would be incomplete without enjoying some of Kansas City’s sensational signatures and the landmarks that celebrate them. It’s been said that jazz was born in New Orleans, but it grew up in Kansas City. There’s no better place to experience Kansas City jazz and celebrate our finest musicians than at 18th & Vine with a visit to the American Jazz Museum and a live concert at the Gem or the Blue Room. Then, head next door and visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where you’ll discover the history of American baseball from the African-American perspective. Kids and adults alike will love measuring up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond. Kansas City knows barbecue, and that means sweet, tangy sauce dripping from ribs and burnt ends with a side of slaw and pit beans. Every local has a favorite, from Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue to Joe’s Kansas City BarB-Que, Gate’s to a neighborhood barbecue joint. The Country Club Plaza, modeled after the architecture of Seville, Spain, is one of Kansas City’s most recognized landmarks and home to many of the city’s most beautiful fountains, best restaurants and shops—and an ideal backdrop for family photos. Last year, Union Station Kansas City celebrated its 100th anniversary. Currently home to Science City, the Gottlieb Planetarium, Amtrak and local shops and restaurants, the station remains a premier visitor attraction. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is the newest crown jewel in Kansas City’s skyline, and this fall visitors will delight in live shows from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions. Head west to the Legends Outlets for a day of shopping and local attractions. The shopping center features statues commemorating local celebrities. Nearby, adrenaline junkies love to cheer for their favorite drivers as the Kansas Speedway hosts NASCAR races.

Autumn is pumpkin season in Kansas City, and that means a visit to the local pumpkin patch and corn maze for a hayride and hunting in the field to discover the perfect pumpkin. From jumping pillows to zip lines, pumpkin chomping dinosaurs to petting zoos, each patch features unique attractions. Visit www.KCParent.com for a virtual Pumpkin Patch Guide to discover the coolest attractions at each patch. Kansas City is no longer the cow town it once was, but it holds its cowboy heritage dear with many local traditions. Most notable is the American Royal, which hosts rodeos, agricultural competitions and education through programs and the American Royal Museum. The American Royal hosts a professional rodeo every September and the world’s largest barbecue contest every October, an appropriate event for Kansas City, the barbecue capital of the nation. Embark on a journey back in time at the annual KC Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs (weekends Sept. 5-Oct. 18). With jousting tournaments, a royal court, period costumes, village shops, food and 20 stages of entertainment, the 16-acre village is a one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy the crunch of crisp autumn leaves beneath your feet at local nature centers, many of them offering terrific fall events. Make it an annual tradition to attend Magic Woods at Lakeside Nature Center or visit Burr Oak Woods or Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, each offering costumed character evening events for kids. Powell Gardens hosts GLOW, an annual jack-o’-lantern walk with more than 750 carved pumpkins. Hike through the Parkville Nature Sanctuary or George Owens Nature Center. The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (open AprilOctober) depicts a turn-of-the-century farm at an incredible 12-acre park with more than 200 farm animals, gardens, a dairy barn, pony rides and much more. Every autumn, they host fall-themed events for the entire family.

kc going places | fall & winter 2015-16

tour the town! kansas city’s winter traditions

Photo by John Brehm

FREE fun

overland park arboretum luminary walk

kemper museum of contemporary art

Kansas City boasts many terrific sledding hills all across the metro! Over the years, our loyal readers have shared their favorites, and you can learn about all of their picks on www.KCParent.com! Take a spin on the ice at one of the local outdoor rinks, the Ice at Park Place and the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Winter means comfort food and we have featured the best of KC’s comfort food on www. KCParent.com. Simply search for “Best Soup” or pancakes, sandwiches, waffles, cookies, or pizza to discover our favorite places to dine locally. Stroll through a winter wonderland on a luminary walk at the Overland Park Arboretum, Powell Gardens or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. George Owens Nature Park hosts a winter solstice event with beautiful ice sculptures every winter. Call the sites for a schedule. Enjoying holiday classics at live shows is an annual tradition. The Kansas City Ballet performs The Nutcracker to the delight of thousands of visitors, and this year they have revamped the show for a new, never-before-seen-production. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre brings A Christmas Carol to stage, a celebrated tradition in Kansas City for decades. Christmas in Kansas City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum, where children take photos and leave with a special gift. For something more whimsical, visit the City Market for Holidays in Whoville on weekends. Kids make special Seussian crafts and take photos with the Grinch. And be sure to visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures for the opening of the giant Coleman Dollhouse. Local landmarks are aglow with holiday lights from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The Country Club Plaza, Legends Shopping Center, Zona Rosa, Christmas in the Park at Longview, the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree and Candy Cane Lane are just a few of our favorites. See pg. 31 for a complete guide to the best Christmas lights in the city.

If you’re looking for family fun on a shoestring, Kansas City offers an abundance of terrific choices. These are a few of our top picks for free family fun! See www.KCParent.com for “Free Fun” all year long on our calendar. Also, search “50 ideas under $5” for more budget-friendly ideas. What could be better than free cash? Visit the Money Museum, where you’ll take home a souvenir bag of cash—shredded cash, that is! Interactive exhibits explore banking, basic economics and the financial policies that affect your family. Driving through Kansas City you notice a building with an airplane mounted on the roof, and it arouses your curiosity. What could it be? That airplane has become the trademark of the Roasterie, known for selling premier airroasted coffee. The business offers one of the most fun free tours in town. Visitors watch as coffee goes from bean to brew. Call 816.931.4000 for reservations. Experience the story of Kansas City’s own Hallmark, from its founding in 1910 to today. Explore the Hallmark Visitors Center and watch as greeting cards and wrapping paper are made, then participate in hands-on fun as you make a souvenir gift bow with the push of a button. Unleash your inner motorcycle enthusiast with a free behind-the-scenes tour of the Harley Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations Plant, where visitors 12 and up watch the assembly of a V-Rod from start to finish. Kansas City is home to many remarkable art galleries, with three of her finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. Visitors enjoy the galleries and, on sunny days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit permanent and temporary galleries with special events and workshops for families. kcgoingplaces.com

getting to know kansas city: a world of whimsy and fun

kansas city history

c.w. parker carousel museum

national world war I museum and memorial

One of Kansas City’s original favorites is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures and it recently underwent a magical transformation. From the first impression, visitors enter a charming world of toys with interactive exhibits taking them on a stroll down memory lane. They encounter treasures from Grandma’s attic, a vast collection of dollhouses, miniatures and toys of yesteryear. Toys enjoyed by generations are waiting to be discovered. Back in 1932, Hazelle Hedges Rollins opened a Kansas City-based puppet company. The company no longer exists, but her collection inspired and started the collection for the Puppetry Arts Institute, where visitors learn about puppets from around the world. The museum shows monthly puppet performances. After shows, kids may sign up to make their own hand puppet. Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Kansas City. If Willy Wonka were commissioned to create an art center for children, Kaleidoscope would be the outcome. Hallmark and Crayola sponsor this free art center, and kids discover a magical world where they create glow-in-the-dark art, watch their paintings dry in a robot-inspired dryer right before their eyes, wash their hands in modern art sculptures and create masterpieces they transform into jigsaw puzzles with the turn of a wheel. The merry-go-round is one of childhood’s fondest memories, and you can take a trip to see where it all began with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, one of the recipients of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Award from the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Carousel Museum pays homage to C.W. Parker’s innovation and designs, including the 1913 carousel. The museum is still actively creating and restoring carousel animals. You’ll also enjoy seeing a variety of merry-go-rounds, including the oldest operating primitive wooden carousel and even miniature carousel music boxes. Best of all, every visit includes a nostalgic merry-go-round ride for fun memories and the perfect photo op!

Buried treasure! The prospect holds an allure for the adventurous nature in all of us. Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and learn about the excavation of the 1850s steamboat and her treasure on display at a 25,000-squarefoot museum. Visitors are amazed by the number of everyday items, ranging from pickles and ketchup to rubber shoes, sewing supplies, precious jewelry and porcelain dolls. The museum’s story is one of a great adventure. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Johnson County brings 1850s farming to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop. On snowy Saturdays, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on the property. Learn firsthand about life in the 1850s on a tour of the John Wornall House Museum or the Alexander Majors House, home of the founder of the Pony Express. Missouri Town 1855 and Shoal Creek Living History Museum are two historic villages teaching pioneer life through fun events, festivals and programs. Shawnee Town 1929 is a slightly more modern village where families explore living history firsthand. At the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, you can load a wagon bound for Oregon and learn about the Westward Expansion. For a truly historic experience, take a wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures. Independence was home to the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman. Learn about his childhood at the Truman Farm, his humble lifestyle at the Truman Home in Independence and his presidency at the Truman Presidential Library. There, visitors participate in interactive exhibits including a replica Oval Office; they also explore Truman artifacts and special exhibits. Spend a day at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the nation’s museum dedicated to the history of the Great War. Be sure to take a tour to the top of one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city’s ever-changing and improving skyline.

10 kc going places | fall & winter 2015-16

tour the town! do-it-yourself

get out & play

culinary center of kansas city

urban air trampoline park

Do-It-Yourself classes, workshops and businesses are popular now. Whether you want to express your creativity with fine arts or fine foods, there is something for everyone. One of the most unique DIY opportunities in Kansas City is offered at Local Pig, where you can sign up for culinary classes to learn a variety of skills, including the fine art of butchering. For a more traditional cooking class, the Culinary Center of Kansas City (7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS, 913.341.4455, www.kcculinary.com) offers more than 450 contemporary classes and demonstrations in the culinary arts for all ages, interests and skill levels. Learn ethnic cooking, baking, basic kitchen skills, gourmet recipes and culinary classics. A Thyme for Everything (www.athymeforeverything.com) is a quaint shop in Lee’s Summit’s Historic Downtown shopping district and offers cooking classes for children and adults. Create family keepsakes at Paint, Glaze and Fire or Ceramics Cafe and more paint-your-own pottery shops. Patrons select and paint their own ceramic masterpieces—anything from piggy banks to plates, mugs to picture frames and many holiday pieces, as well. BYOB paint-your-own-canvas shops are very popular across the city, each offering diverse calendars with a variety of masterpieces you can create by following simple step-by-step instructions. One of our favorites, Thirsty Palette in Leawood, offers adult and kid projects. Read our guide to “Canvas Shops” for listings on www.KCParent.com. Twice a month on Saturdays, kids can participate in the Lowe’s Build and Grow program, completing a wooden project and earning a red apron and patch, or in the Home Depot Kids Workshops for children ages 5-12, where children build a take-home project and receive an orange apron and an achievement pin. Both free programs provide children with a kit to create their own project. Some projects include toolboxes, fire trucks, jewelry boxes, banks, planters, birdhouses and picture frames. Children learn basic carpentry skills and leave with a sense of achievement and a completed project.

The newest trend to hit the scene in Kansas City is the escape room entertainment concept. Two local venues offer this game experience: Breakout KC and Escape Room KC. Players are given one hour to solve puzzles and unravel codes to escape a real life scenario. Grab a group of friends or family and work as a team to crack the code. For the adventurous, head to Adventure Zip KC in Bonner Springs, where you can enjoy a 143-acre park with a 300-foot elevation change. They offer a variety of zip line tours with up to five zip lines and a mix of hiking and zip lining for an unbelievable and unforgettable adventure. Kansas City’s own Worlds of Fun (open through October) is a roller coaster enthusiast’s dream park! It’s home to seven world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world, the Mamba, with a first drop of 205 feet. The Patriot is a giant inverted coaster that carries the daring through four inversions at a top speed of 65 mph. For traditional family fun, visit one of Kansas City’s family fun centers. Miniature golf, go-karts and arcades are all the rage at Cool Crest. At Paradise Park your family will enjoy laser tag, rock wall climbing, miniature golf, the Foam Factory, bumper cars, an arcade and more. While you’re there, climb a rock wall or explore the Children’s Edutainment Center. For more great indoor play, visit Little Monkey Bizness or Amazing Play indoor fun centers, with great play equipment for children to enjoy. Urban Air Trampoline Park is the city’s newest indoor trampoline park, with an indoor playground and fun for all ages. Wonderscope Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits for young kids. The Lego Ocean Adventure includes a Lego submarine inside which children can play. Other exhibits include H2O Water Play, a child-sized grocery store, raceways where children race golf balls on wooden tracks and much more.

kcgoingplaces.com 11

OUT & ABOUT

uniquely

KC Souvenirs

If your kids are anything like my kids, souvenirs

SouveNEAR

are a big deal to them. I see souvenirs as things

SouveNEAR offers locally-designed, locally-made goods, providing travelers with a convenient source of creative souvenirs. You’ll find the goodies in a vending machine at Terminal B in Kansas City International Airport and at Union Station, home of Amtrak, and it includes items from artists, designers and makers in Kansas City. The collection features jewelry, artwork, apparel and other travel-sized mementos ranging in price from $2.50 to $40.00. So when, like me, you are in the airport scrambling to find something to bring home, SouveNEAR has you covered! Souvenear.com

that take up more space in my home, but my kids see treasures that they HAVE to have. The trick is to find something unique to the location you are visiting, not just some “Made in China” trinket. So whether you are visiting Kansas City and searching for a souvenir to bring home or have visitors and are trying to help them find the perfect tchotchke to take away, here are some “Made in KC” goodies that fit the bill!

For great gift shop finds at various locations all over Kansas City, visit www.KCParent.com.

12 kc going places | fall & winter 2015-16

Cherry Mash Here’s the great thing about candy as a souvenir… it is enjoyed and then doesn’t collect dust in your home. Win-win! The Cherry Mash was invented in St. Joseph, MO, in 1918 in a candy factory started by Dr. George Washington Chase and his son, Ernest. Originally called the Cherry Chase and then the Cherry Chaser, the Cherry Mash is the third oldest candy bar in the nation. After a brief stint of being manufactured in Chicago, the Cherry Mash returned to St. Joseph, where it is still made to this day. A yummy way to remember a visit to Kansas City! CherryMash.com

Barbecue Sauce

A souvenir that not only serves as a reminder of Kansas City but also smells terrific? Yes, please! The products, manufactured at a factory in the Crossroads district, are all vegetarian, vegan and most are gluten free—and many contain a high percentage of essential oils. From bath bars and salts, lip balms and body mist to home and cleaning supplies like laundry soap and counter cleaner, these souvenirs will last long after your trip to Kansas City. And you can replenish your stock after returning home! Select products are available in Target stores throughout the nation and always available online at IndigoWild.com.

Charlie Hustle KC T-Shirt T-shirts are usually my go-to souvenirs. They are functional, and the memories associated with the trip can be relived over and over. I have a shirt from my honeymoon and while I don’t wear it anymore, when I see it in my drawer it always takes me back. The Charlie Hustle Heart KC is widely recognized and created to have a vintage feel and look. This stylish t-shirt is the perfect souvenir to take back home after your visit to Kansas City. CharlieHustleShop.com

Kansas City and barbecue go hand-in-hand. What better way to remember a trip to KC than to bring home some yummy sauce? As a challenge while in Kansas City, visit as many barbecue restaurants as possible and try to determine each family member’s favorite. Almost every Kansas Citian has a sauce that is tops. For my husband, it’s Arthur Bryant’s, while I prefer Zarda. Sauce also makes a great thank you gift to someone outside of Kansas City. On many occasions I’ve sent along a few bottles as a way to say thanks. One of the great things about barbecue sauce as a souvenir? It won’t break the bank!

Sunny Seeds Kansas’ state flower is the sunflower. And what comes from sunflowers? Sunflower seeds. The Sunflower Food Company, based in Lenexa, takes these seeds and kicks them up several notches by covering them in chocolate and a candy coating. The result is a yummy treat that makes the perfect souvenir to take home as a reminder of time spent in Kansas City and the Sunflower State. In addition to Sunny Seeds, the company makes many other tasty snacks. SunflowerFoodCompany.com

Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa (home of Sunny Seeds!) with her husband and two daughters. Her favorite part of a vacation is not having to cook meals.

kcgoingplaces.com 13

OUT & ABOUT

Indigo Wild-Zum Products

trail

treasures 14 kc going places places || fall fall & & winter winter 2015-16 2015-16

More than 125 hiking and walking trails trace the Kansas City metro, and fall is one of the best times to head out to enjoy them. Be sure to observe good trail etiquette: Take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

ne of the prettiest walks in Kansas is the Gary L. Haller Trail, which follows the Mill Creek Streamway Park. The paved trail is 17 miles one way, traveling from Olathe to the Kaw River. There are many trail heads, and it can be hiked in shorter increments. The trail features old growth forests, prairies, wetlands and scenic views of Mill Creek. At the north end is a bridge that arches over to Nelson Island in the Kaw River. Little Blue Trace in Jackson County, MO, is a similarly long trail, following the Little Blue River from Lee’s Summit Road to Blue Mills Road. The paved trail is 10 miles one way and also has multiple trail heads, so it can be hiked in sections. The trail head off of 24 Highway is the location of a Civil War skirmish, and a historical marker highlights the location. The trail winds beneath roads, through fields and forest. Periodically, views of the old river channel can be seen where turtles bask on logs. Another nice hike in Kansas is the Kill Creek Park Trail in Olathe, which takes the hiker through tallgrass prairies, woods, by Kill Creek and the lake. The remnants of old homesteads can be seen from the trail as an additional discovery. The area features a variety of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. William M. Klein Park in Raytown, MO, is also known as Cave Spring Park because of the cave and spring on the property. The trails intersect and branch off frequently, giving the area the feel of an enchanted maze. Features like the cave, waterfall and ruins are indicated by signage. The path to the cave is close to the park entrance. Next to the cave are the remnants of a water cooling shed and, farther down, a remnant wall. A handful of stone cabin foundations are also present; follow the signs for the “chimneys.” The chimneys and foundations are all that are left of a country club that once resided on the property. The waterfall, dubbed “Three Eagles Landing,” has an adjacent rest area to enjoy.

River Bluff Nature Reserve in Sugar Creek, MO, is the most beautiful hike I have experienced in the metro area. The trail head is a bit obscure, marked by a small sign off of Atherton Road. Hikers will have to brave some dense underbrush until they come out onto a field, then return to an amazing old forest. This trail is rated “difficult” because of the fairly steep hills, but it is worth the effort. The trail loops around limestone bluffs reminiscent of those at Bethany Falls Trail at Burr Oak Woods in Blue Springs, MO. The Old Kate Trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, in Parkville, MO, hugs White Alloe Creek. The trail passes through a variety of wetlands, woods and meadows. The northernmost point of the trail features a gorgeous waterfall that drops three times before making its way through the sanctuary. The area used to be a Park College farm, where students tended livestock, vegetables, fruit and bees. Near the overlook you can find a remnant of the buildings from the Farm College and, farther down the trail, an old root cellar. Two areas farther away that are worth a visit are Wallace and Weston Bend state parks. Wallace State Park in Cameron, MO, has a woodland similar to what would be found on the eastern side of the state. Be sure to get a map of the trails, as they intersect. Our family always tries to make it out to Weston Bend State Park, in Weston, MO, in the fall. The overlook is well marked and easily located. It offers an outstanding view of the Missouri River and Kansas floodplains. The fall colors and view’s beauty are worth the drive. Don’t forget to hike the West Ridge and Harpst Valley trails, which are near the overlook. They also overlook the river and wind through the forest, letting you walk among the colors. There are many other trails in the metro that make for a lovely fall hike. Regardless of which you choose to explore, you and your family will experience a wonderful autumn adventure.

Heather Shields is a local science teacher and nature enthusiast.

kcgoingplaces.com 15

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures reopened

(www.ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org)! The museum reopened this summer with new exhibits and interactive experiences showcasing the world’s largest collection of finescale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of antique toys. The two-story rotating Toytisserie sculpture (on the cover of KC Going Places) features small, donated playthings.

kansas city 12 must-sees in

the not-to-be-missed list for your fall & winter

t Morphos in March March 11-April 3 at Powell Gardens (www.PowellGardens.org). Brilliant Blue Morpho butterflies from Costa Rica take flight during Powell Gardens’ second annual spring butterfly exhibit. Explore the rainforest habitat in the indoor conservatory filled with hundreds of dazzling blue butterflies.

s New Rides at Worlds of Fun in 2016. Five new family rides will join

an expanded Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun (www.WorldsofFun.com). On Woodstock Gliders, young guests control their own flight with moveable stationary wings. Get your aviator glasses ready for Flying Ace, a high-flying adventure with Snoopy. On Snoopy Space Buggies, riders defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back. Experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling on the Linus Launcher. All aboard Snoopy Junction! Snoopy the conductor leads kids on a railroad adventure.

16 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

t Performing Arts Series at JCCC (www.JCCC.EDU). There is something for everyone throughout the year at Yardley Hall. Some of this season’s highlights include The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Oct. 9, Jim Brickman Dec. 12, Blue Man Group Jan. 22-24, Danú Feb. 27 and shows with kids in mind like Elephant & Piggie on March 9.

s The American Royal September & October at the American Royal

Complex and Arrowhead Stadium (www.AmericanRoyal.com). With horse shows and rodeos in September and the annual World Series of Barbecue in October, the American Royal celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage and has been one of Kansas City’s trademark traditions since 1899.

s Da Vinci: The Exhibition from Oct. 23, 2015, to May 1, 2016, at Union Station (www.UnionStation.org). The experience follows the genius of Leonardo da Vinci on a journey of innovation, creativity, art, science and wonder. Throughout the exhibition’s themed galleries, visitors will discover the breadth and depth of da Vinci’s advanced understanding of science, mathematics, nature and the relationship among the three.

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A Christmas Carol

Nov. 20-Dec. 24 at the KC Rep (www.KCRep.org). A ripping good telling of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costuming and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating—at the holidays or any time!

kansas city 12 must-sees in

the not-to-be-missed list for your fall & winter

s Sleep with Penguins at the Kansas City Zoo. The zoo (www.KansasCityZoo.org) offers penguin, polar bear and African overnights for groups and families throughout the year. Zookeepers provide hands-on fun for an interactive and unforgettable experience.

18 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

KC Ballet’s 2015-2016 Season (www.KCBallet.org)

is better than ever. Enjoy The Three Musketeers Oct. 9-18, an all new production of The Nutcracker Dec. 5-24, Swan Lake Feb. 19-28, New Moves April 1-9 and Rite of Spring May 6-15.

t Folly Theater Kids Series (www.FollyTheater.org). The Folly, one of the city’s most majestic and regal theaters, built in 1900, hosts a variety of professional shows for children throughout the year. This year, enjoy Dog Loves Books on Oct. 27, Fly Guy & Other Stories on Nov. 13, Harriet Tubman on Feb. 9 and The Very Hungry Caterpillar on March 10.

t NASCAR Race Weekend Oct. 16-18 at Kansas Speedway (KansasSpeedway.com). The fall NASCAR weekend at Kansas Speedway is a much-anticipated event for race fans. On Oct. 16 watch the practice and qualifying races. On Oct. 17 it’s the Kansas Lottery 300, and the weekend wraps up on Oct. 18 with the Hollywood Casino 400.

s FREE Festivals at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (www.Nelson-Atkins.org). Celebrate different cultures, special holidays and more with a FREE Family Festival including the Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos Festival in November, Chinese New Year each winter and the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park Celebration. The festivals include art activities, family-friendly performances, in-gallery experiences and more.

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Kansas City

Fall

Day Trips

Parkville, Missouri

lthough Kansas City itself has endless opportunities for enjoyment this fall, several cities and towns within driving distance of our great city provide a memorable day trip, especially for an out-of-town visitor just getting to know the KC area.

Parkville, MO Distance from KC: 15-minute drive Parkville is a perfect blend of chic restaurants and shops with historic relevance and appreciation. Just 15 minutes from downtown, this vibrant town is accessible and worth the quick jaunt. English Landing Park, on the Missouri River, hosts endless festivals and events for Parkville’s residents and visitors. You are sure to find yourself welcomed and entertained here.

Recommended fall event: Parktoberfest (Oct. 4)

eateries, this 1850s town is an excellent choice for a tourist looking to have a memorable day while experiencing some Missouri history.

Recommended fall event:

Weston Apple Festival (Oct. 3-4) For the past 27 years, Weston’s Apple Festival has drawn crowds from miles around. The event boasts a wide variety of children’s activities, such as pony rides and pumpkin decorating, as well as live music including Mr. Stinky Feet. Visitors also will enjoy vendors, such as Garden Harvest Market Vendors, that sell unique fall foods and décor. Come and enjoy endless apple dumplings and apple pies served in Weston’s churches throughout the event.

Also recommended: Irish Festival (Oct. 9-11) Second Saturdays Holiday Open House (Nov. 14) Visit www.westonmo.com for more information.

Held at English Landing Park, this annual event is jampacked with entertainment for all. Visitors will enjoy a live performance from Landslide (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band), good eats from Stone Canyon Pizza and beers on tap to be poured by the Fountain City Roller Derby traveling team. Kids will revel in the fun as well, with a Halloween costume parade, a rocket launch, pumpkin painting and a pinewood derby.

Also recommended: Winter Wonderland (Nov. 20-Dec. 28) Christmas on the River (Nov. 20) Turkey Trot (Nov. 26) Visit www.parktoberfest.net & www.parkvillemo.org for more information.

Weston, MO Distance from KC: 40-minute drive Beautiful, quaint and historic, Weston is a must-see at any time of the year for a Kansas City visitor. Voted #1 Day Trip by The Pitch, Ingram’s Magazine and Rural Missouri Magazine, Weston has something for everyone. From wineries to underground cellar pubs to unique shops and 20 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Weston, Missouri

St. Joseph, MO Distance from KC: 60-minute drive Another great historic city within driving distance of Kansas City is St. Joseph (known around here as St. Jo). Most famous for being the birthplace of the Pony Express, this small city has done an excellent job of preserving its historical significance. Antique-lovers will never run out of shops and unique finds in St. Jo’s endless (often hidden!) antique shops.

Recommended fall event: Pumpkin Fest (Oct. 10-12) This annual tradition is probably most famous for the lighting of Great Pumpkin Mountain, when more than 800 carved pumpkins are lit to create a breathtaking display. Visitors also will enjoy a children’s costume parade, wagon rides, reenactments, games and storytelling. Live entertainment this year includes Will Stuck, Professor Farquar & Pole Cat Annie and Jay & Leslie - Laughing Matters. www.stjomo.com for more information.

mineral water industry declined, the town still maintains its historical charm and has developed new growth and new industries as it moves forward. Visitors can stop by the famous Elms Hotel, which has entertained guests like outlaw Al Capone and President Harry Truman, who stayed there the night of his presidential victory in1948. Also worth a viewing is the Excelsior Springs Hall of Waters and Cultural Museum, where mineral waters can still be found today.

Recommended fall event:

Pumpkin and Mums Festival (Oct. 17) Excelsior Springs’ annual Pumpkin and Mums Festival provides fun for all ages. Children can enjoy a pumpkin carving contest, a scarecrow decorating contest, pony rides and a petting zoo. Stay late and enjoy the E-Town Hoe Down, complete with square dancing, a best-dressed contest and a quick-draw contest, held at the Broadway Bar & Grill.

Also recommended: Tombstone Tours (Oct. 3) Visit www.visitexcelsior.com for more information.

St. Joseph, Missouri

Liberty, MO Distance from KC: 20-minute drive Founded in 1822, Liberty is the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River. Visitors will find eclectic shops, eateries and microbreweries in the same city as Civil War museums and statues. Rich in history, yet promising in future, Liberty is an easy drive from KC and well worth a visit.

Recommended fall event: Fall Festival (Sept. 25-27) Started in 1934, this annual tradition symbolizes everything Liberty is about. Boasting 175 arts and crafts booths, a carnival, live music, pedal car races and homegrown fruit and vegetable stands, Liberty’s Fall Festival will not disappoint. Families also will enjoy a parade on Saturday morning at 11:00. Food and beverages are sold throughout the event, with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations. Eat and support a good cause! Visit www.historicdowntownliberty.org for more information.

Excelsior Springs, MO

Kingsville, MO Distance from KC: 40-minute drive Ask local KC residents to suggest an outdoor excursion and, chances are, they will recommend Powell Gardens. This 915-acre botanical garden hosts year-round seasonal displays, includes the Fountain Garden for kids to splash in and has the spectacular Heartland Harvest Garden as one of its main attractions. America’s largest edible landscape, this 12-acre garden takes visitors through the journey of seed to plate and even includes a tasting station! Powell Gardens is a place to which visitors return time and time again because they experience so much beauty and knowledge.

Recommended fall event:

GLOW: Jack-o’-Lantern Festival (Oct. 17-18) Powell Gardens truly comes to life through this event, which includes more than 700 jack-o’-lanterns. Costumed characters can be found throughout the grounds, and children can enjoy hayrides, face painting, music and crafts, while relishing Mother Nature’s beauty preserved here.

Also recommended: Scarecrows in the Garden (Oct. 1-31) For more information visit www.powellgardens.org.

Distance from KC: 35-minute drive

Come visit KC’s surrounding towns and cities and experience an autumn day trip to be remembered!

During the first half of the 20th century, Excelsior Springs was known as a premier destination for health and relaxation because of its natural mineral waters. Although the

Karen Johnson is a local writer who loves exploring off-thebeaten-path places in the Midwest. kcgoingplaces.com 21 21 kcgoingplaces.com

P L AY T I M E

Paradise Park

oh, the weather outside is frightful... so head inside for fun!

he temperature outside may be dipping, but plenty of fun can still be found indoors in Kansas City! Check out these indoor adventures that will appeal to the entire family.

Splish, Splash and Swim

Even if the weather outside is frightful, families can have their own tropical adventures at one of the area’s indoor resorts. Great Wolf Lodge With a constant 84 degrees, 38,000 square feet of water, twisting slides, zero-depth entry areas, lazy rivers and more, this waterpark offers something for every age. 10401 Cabela Dr., Kansas City, KS, 913.299.7001, GreatWolf.com/Kansas-City CoCo Key Featuring 55,000 square feet of fun, this waterpark has numerous slides, an aquatic jungle gym, baby pool, lazy river, adults-only spa and more. 9103 E. 39th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.737.0200, CocoKeyKansasCity.com

Skating Fun

Make memories at one of Kansas City’s ice or roller skating rinks, which offer public skate sessions. KC Ice Center 19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.441.3033, KCIceCenter.com Centerpoint Community Ice 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.442.6128, CenterpointCommunityIce.com Landmark 2 Skate (roller) 701 SE Oldham Ct., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.524.2000, Landmark2skate.com

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Discover, Explore and Play

Kansas City offers lots of places for families to burn off energy while exploring, building and discovering new adventures. Paradise Park This fun-filled attraction offers entertainment for the entire family. From the Children’s Edutainment Center to a multi-level foam factory, arcade, bumper cars, mini-bowling and rock climbing wall, this attraction will keep your clan busy for hours. 1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com Legoland Discovery Center Located in Crown Center at the heart of Kansas City, this popular attraction is an indoor playground for Lego lovers of all ages. Highlights include a 4D cinema, factory tour, Kingdom Quest Laser Ride and Miniland. 2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386, LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity

Game On

Show your sporty side at these family-friendly attractions: Retro Bowl More than bowling lanes, Retro Bowl also offers batting cages, an arcade and more. 906 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO, 816.781.1998, RetroBowlFunCenter.com Sports City Attractions feature indoor batting cages, indoor blacklight mini golf, arcade and more. 425 NE Mock Ave., Blue Springs, MO, 816.229.1314, SportsCityKC.com Belton resident Tisha Foley and her family love to find warm indoor adventures during the cooler months.

Legend: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC - Kansas City OP - Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 7 Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours & directions for each facility.

Indoor Fun in KC 360 Gymnastics

431 N. Lindenwood Dr., Olathe, KS 913.782.3300 $ B3 www.KC360Gym.com Open play offered. Call for schedule.

Advanced Laser Tag

2026 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe, KS 913.254.9678 $ B4 www.AdvancedLaserTag.com New laser tag games every 10 minutes, a high-tech video arcade, prize counter, party room and observation deck!

523 N. 291 Hwy., Liberty, MO 816.994.2160 $ C2 http://amazingplayfuncenter.com/ Indoor play place with laser tag, laser maze, arcades and giant sky maze.

Apple Pie Painting

9525 Melrose Street, #3, OP, KS 816.809.2272 $$ B5 www.ApplePiePainting.com A painting studio for all ages.

Breakout KC

114 W 3rd St. #101, KC, MO 816.945.2633 $$ C3 www.BreakoutKC.com Your goal is simple: You have 60 minutes to break out from one of their real life escape rooms.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

17 E. Kansas St., #100, Liberty, MO 816.674.6225 $$ C2 http://blancpalette.com/ A painting and wine party experience.

Oak Park Mall: 11465 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.307.0328 B3 Zona Rosa: 8640 N. Dixson Ave., KC, MO 816.587.6515 B2 Indep Center: 18813 E. 39th St. South, Indep, MO 816.795.5266 D3 T-Rex Café Build-A-Dino: 1847 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.334.8888 $$ A3 www.BuildABear.com Children create their own stuffed bears and other animal friends at this shop.

Blue Valley Recreation

Ceramic Cafe

Art Experience.us at the MOD Gallery

1809 McGee St., KC, MO 816.695.4670 $$ C3 www.artexperience.us Fun night out painting classes.

Blanc Palette

6545 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ B5 www.BlueValleyRec.org Play in the gymnastics area with trampoline, hoops, balls, parachute, etc.

9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.383.0222 $ B5 www.CeramicCafeKC.com Paint your own pottery shop.

Chuck E. Cheese

10510 Metcalf Ln., OP, KS 913.648.4920 B4 18701 E. 39th St., Indep, MO 816.254.6300 D3 15225 W. 134th St., Olathe, KS 913.390.0815 A5 9196 N. Skyview Ave., KC, MO 816.505.0902 $ B1 www.ChuckECheese.com Pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides.

Coffee Playground Overland Park First Assembly of God

7700 W. 75th St., OP, KS 913.432.3281 FREE B4 www.OverlandParkMOPS.blogspot.com Coffee shop where parents can relax while kids play in the gym.

Cosmic Jump

12025 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS 913.397.7700 $ A5 www.CosmicJump.com Indoor trampoline park.

Dare to Dabble

1329 Swift Ave., North Kansas City, MO 816.287.1531 $$ C2 www.daretodabble.com A painting and creative arts studio.

Painting PartyS tudio KAnSAS CiTy’S

Ladies Night | Birthdays | Corporate Events Call 913.669.0501 to Reserve Your Spot Today!

Why People Choose Thirsty Palette n

No painting experience needed

Fully stocked bar for flexible accommodations

Perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults

Fun and flexible for corporate team-building events

Ladies Night Out!!!

Jenny Ball, OWner 11958 Roe Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209 jenny@ThirstyPalette.com

913.669.0501 www.ThirstyPalette.com kcgoingplaces.com 23

P L AY T I M E

Amazing Play

PLAYTIME

P L AY T I M E

Irene B. French Community Center Indoor Playground

5701 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 913.322.5550 $ B3 www.Merriam.org Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes riding toys and more.

KC Clay Guild

200 W. 74th St., KC, MO 816.363.1373 $ C4 www.KCClayGuild.org Make your own pottery.

Kookiedoodle Crafts

7924 Santa Fe, OP, KS 913.387.4065 $ B4 www.KookiedoodleCrafts.com Kookiedoodle Crafts is a walk-in arts and crafts studio.

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me Program”

13420 Oak St., Shwn Msn, KS 913.477.7100 $ B4 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Preschool toys and activities keep little ones busy. Call for schedule.

Thirsty Palette

Dave & Buster’s

The Legends at Village West: 1843 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.981.6815 $ A3 www.DaveAndBusters.com Arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards.

Debbie Howard’s Gym

655 N. Somerset Ter., Olathe, KS 913.829.3006 $ A5 www.DebbieHowardsGym.com Open gym time offered for parents to play with their children.

Elite Gym

13600 W. 108th St., Lenexa, KS 913.469.5554 $ B4 www.EliteGymSwim.com Obstacle courses, tree houses, inflatables, zip line, trampoline and gym mats.

Escape Room

511 W 4th St., KC, MO 816.656.5158 $$ C3 www.EscapeRoomKC.com A live escape game where you have 60 minutes to solve a mystery. It’s full of secrets, codes and puzzles.

Extreme Grand Prix Family Fun Center

A Flip Zone

3411 NE Ralph Powell Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.2636 $ D4 www.AFlipZone.com Occasional open play on the 33-foot obstacle course, tumble track, trampoline and equipment.

Fun Run 1919 Industrial Dr., Liberty, MO 816.781.0386 $ D1 www.FunRunKansasCity.com Inflatable obstacle course, dual lane slide and bounce houses offer active fun. Enjoy the large toddler area and the Children’s Imagination Village.

Got Art Gallery

18 SW 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.600.5932 $$ D4 http://gotartgallery.org Local gallery offers painting classes for all ages and skill levels.

Grapes & Paints

7175 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.314.2650 $$ B5 www.GrapesAndPaints.com A social BYOB painting studio which caters to all ages.

6731 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 816.286.4156 $ C3 www.ExtremeGrandPrix.com Indoor kart racing with high performance European karts of 45 mph.

24 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Gymboree Play & Music

Leawood: 10517 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.262.3339 $$ B5 Zona Rosa: 7360 NW 87th Ter., KC, MO 816.505.3344 $$ B2 www.GymboreeClasses.com Gymboree offers open play for members and educational classes for young children.

Hook Gallery

1409B Westport Rd., KC, MO 816.531.4665 $$ C3 www.HookGallery.com BYOB and they provide the rest: supplies, instruction and a one-of-a-kind masterpiece created by you.

I-49 Fun Center

17217 S. Outer Rd., Belton, MO 816.331.5867 $ C3 www.I-49FunCenter.com Indoor Inflatable play facility and birthday party venue.

Integrity Gymnastics

7373 W. 107th St., OP, KS 913.766.8918 $ B3 www.IntegrityOP.com Open play is offered at this gymnasium.

Little Monkey Bizness

12219 Shwn. Msn. Pkwy., Shwn Msn, KS 913.631.7000 $ B3 www.LittleMonkeyBizness.com Little Monkey Bizness is a full-service coffee house overlooking a nearly 4,000-square-foot play area for kids.

Matt Ross Community Center Indoor Playground

8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 Free B4 www.OPKansas.org Three-story “jungle” playground entertains with slides, tunnels and swings.

Mercury Gymnastics

10551 N. Ambassador Dr., KC, MO 816.880.9996 $ B1 www.MercuryGymnastics.com Mercury Gymnastics offers preschool gymnastics facility for open play. Call for a schedule.

My Gym

8532 W. 133rd St., OP, KS 913.685.9005 $ B5 www.My-Gym.com My Gym Children’s Fitness Center offers classes, parties and open playtime in the play rooms.

Paint, Glaze & Fire

12683 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.661.2529 $ B5 www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net Paint your own pottery, make your own mosaics or enjoy the coffeehouse.

1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.5224 $ D4 www.Paradise-Park.com The 35,000-sq.-ft. building is home to the Children’s Edutainment Center (CEdC), integrating children’s educational experiences into a fantasy of discovery play, exploration and fun! With a multi-level foam factory, you can fire foam balls through our air-powered cannons, geysers and blasters. A 24-ft. rock climbing wall, go-karts, miniature golf, bumper cars and laser tag add to the fun. 

Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church

8839 Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.393.3000 Free B4 www.cedarridge.cc Coffee shop for parents and indoor play for tots! Gym, indoor playground equipment and ride-on toys.

Pinot’s Palette 5235 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS 913.451.7466 $$ B5 4165 N. Mulberry Dr. KC, MO 816.492.3772 $$ C2

6943 Tomahawk Rd., Prairie Village, KS 913.671.1837 $$ B3 721 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.856.3254 $$ A3 www.PinotsPalette.com An upscale “paint and sip” studio where painters are taught to create their own works of art.

Potter’s Haven Art Studio 292 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.9323 $ D4 www.PottersHavenArtStudio.com Paint your own pottery shop.

Potter’s Obsession 13035 Holmes Rd., Suite B, KC, MO 816.941.2555 $ C5 www.PottersObsession.com A pottery and mosaic teaching studio.

Power Play

Pump It Up 7230 W. Frontage Rd., Shwn Msn, KS 913.236.7867 $ B3 www.PumpItUpParty.com Have fun in gigantic inflatable-filled arenas for open play. Private party rooms available as well.

Sky Zone is the original indoor trampoline park, bringing unmatched, outof-this-world and high-flyin’ FUN.

Spring Hill Community Center

Raytown International Raceway

613 S. Race, Spring Hill, KS 913.592.3664 Free A5 www.SpringHillKS.com Visit this indoor playground with toys.

www.RaytownInternationalRaceway.com

Sylvester Powell Community Center Indoor Playground

6133 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 816.353.7568 $ C3 Race slot cars on a 1/24th scale quarter mile drag strip, and a 155-ft. Blue King road course. Location sells and rents cars and controllers for the road course.

Shawnee Civic Centre Open Gym

13817 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.631.5200 $ B3 www.CityOfShawnee.org Enjoy climbing toys, toddler sports, ride-on toys, etc. Call for schedule.

Shawnee: 13110 W. 62nd Ter., Shwn Msn, KS 913.268.4386 $ B3 North: 509 NW Barry Rd., KC, MO Sky Zone 816.268.4386 $ C1 6495 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS www.PowerPlayKC.com 913.213.5900 $ Enjoy more than 80,000 square feet 2801 NE McBaine Dr., of rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade Lee’s Summit, MO games, bowling, go-karts, a toddler Coming Winter 2016 area and cosmic golf. North Kansas City

Coming Soon www.skyzone.com/kansascity

6200 Martway, Mission, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.SylvesterPowell.com Families enjoy inflatables, tricycles, gym mats and more. Call for schedule.

 FEATURED LISTING Thirsty Palette See ad on pg. 23.

11958 Roe Ave., OP, KS 913.669.0501 $$ B5 http://ThirstyPalette.com The Thirsty Palette is Leawood’s trendiest painting party hotspot. Sign up for any future party of a painting that you are interested in. That night, the artist of that painting will guide you and your classmates step by step, shape by shape, to create a nearly identical version of it—but with your own flair of course! 

LASER TAG Exp. 2/28/16

Exp. 2/28/16

KCGP

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 FEATURED LISTING Paradise Park See ad on pg. 25.

P L AY T I M E

Tipsy Red Fox

817 Jefferson, KC, MO 816.359.1015 $$ C3 http://TheTipsyRedFox.com Entertaining people as a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beverage) art and social studio.

Toddler Town

Roger T. Sermon Community Center: 201 N. Dodgion Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7370 $ D3 www.ci.independence.mo.us Fall and winter indoor play center with educational fun for toddlers.

Touch of Fun

4809 Leawood Dr., Olathe, KS 913.609.5057 $$ B4 Indoor play and special events for kids.

 FEATURED LISTING Urban Air Trampoline Park See ad on pg. 61.

14401 Metcalf, OP, KS 800.960.4778 $$ B3 www.UrbanAirOP.com Overland Park’s newest indoor trampoline park, with over 35,000 square feet of indoor fun complete with wall-towall trampoline arenas, Warriors course, and an indoor playground for kids of all ages. Conveniently located at 143rd and Metcalf, it is the perfect venue to host kids’ birthday parties as well as church and corporate events. 

Walls of Clay

Walls Of Clay Pottery Studio 16625 Midland Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.248.1117 $ A4 Paint your own pottery at this shop.

Westport Roanoke Community Center

Midtown Play Place 3601 Roanoke Rd., KC, MO 816.784.5200 $ C3 http://kcparks.org/facility/westportroanoke-community-center/ Enjoy the indoor playground, blocks, gym mats and toys. Call for schedule.

Xtreme Gymnastics & Trampoline

725 NW Commerce, Lee’s Summit, MO 816.347.8008 $ D4 www.XGTKids.com Open play occasionally offered at this 18,000-square-foot fitness facility where children can leap and tumble.

Y.E.S! Kids Fitness

12 NE Skyline Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.0058 $ D4 http://YesKidsFitness.com Family nights, a fitwall, fitness classes and parents night out are offered.

Young Chef’s Academy

10082 Woodland Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.764.0077 $ B4 Cooking classes offered for kids.

KC Timber Challenge

Outdoor Adventures

12829 Loring Dr., Bonner Springs, KS 913.747.5053 $$ A3 www.KCTimberChallenge.com A one-of-a-kind natural 5K obstacle course.

Adventure Zip KC

Midland Railway

12829 Loring Rd., Bonner Springs, KS 913.302.8881 $$ A3 www.AdventureZipKC.com A zipline adventure under trees and through trees to an awaiting 45-ft. tower.

Belton Grandview and KC Railroad

502 E. Walnut St., Belton, MO 816.331.0630 $ C5 www.BeltonRailroad.org Train rides will appeal to the entire family. Some trips include hot dog trains, ice cream rides and more.

KC Northern Railroad

6060 NW Waukomis Dr., KC, MO 816.746.5663 $ B2 www.KCNRR.com Three 16-inch gauge trains restored and operated by volunteers run on a half-mile track through tunnels that are sure to make your children smile.

Open Sept.19-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

1515 W. High St., Baldwin City, KS 913.721.1211 $ A5 www.midlandrailway.org Enjoy an inexpensive family outing where you can experience the fun of riding the rails. Take a 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City via Norwood, KS, to Ottawa Junction, KS.

 FEATURED LISTING Worlds of Fun See ad on pg. 66.

4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Your senses come alive as you enter the gate, the sights and sounds take over, and the little ones in your family take your hand. Breathtaking views from towering coasters, hair-raising thrill rides, and a Planet Snoopy kids area that is the playground for new memories. Now enjoy two parks (Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun) for the price of one ticket! 

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission. Cannot be combined with other offers.

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apple picking in kansas city

utumn is apple picking season! Each of the u-pick apple farms on our list is a locally owned family operation designed to provide the best in healthy produce and a great family outing. So grab the camera and the cooler and take the kids on a trip they won’t forget!

Apple picking season: Mid-August through October. Some farms do not open until Labor Day weekend; be sure to call for hours.

Apple picking tips:

• VERY important: Call the farm for a picking report before you leave to make

sure apples are ready to harvest. Some farms have limited availability that can vary within even a few hours. We have encountered farms’ having apples in the morning and running out before the afternoon. • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. • Bring bottled water and snacks for the kids. • Don’t forget your camera. Apple picking makes great photos for the scrapbook. • Check out www.KCParent.com for fun places to visit near the orchard of your choice!

Alldredge Orchards 816.330.3448, 10455 Hwy. N, Platte City, MO www.alldredgeorchards.com Tucked in the foothills of the Missouri River you’ll find picturesque Alldredge Orchards. The century-old barn welcomes guests with beautiful hardy mums, fresh fruit and autumn treats. Children enjoy riding pedal go-karts and feeding the chickens and ducks that roam the farm and greet visitors.

Fieldstone Orchard

Schweizer Orchards 816.232.3999, S. Hwy. 169 & FF, St. Joseph, MO www.schweizerorchards.com Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mo is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in the area. Schweizer Orchards is so popular that visitors come not only from Missouri and Kansas, but also from Texas, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas on annual trips for apple picking! The orchard features Early Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonagold, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, HoneyCrisp and Winesap apples.

Wagon Wheel Orchard 913.893.6050, 15380 Edgerton Rd., Gardner, KS www.wagonwheelorchard.com The Wagon Wheel Orchard is one of the newer u-pick farms in the area, but they already boast 133 varieties of apples.

Bonus outing—Louisburg Cider Mill: 913.837.5202, 14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS www.LouisburgCiderMill.com At the mill, watch cider and apple cider donut making. Lost Trail root beer and soda are manufactured there as well. Cider, donuts, pumpkins, Lost Trail sodas, specialty foods and fall treats are available for purchase in the gift shop. Visit the pumpkin patch and corn maze with a fishing hole, farm animals, play area, picnic area, straw castle and hayrides. The entire family will love this outing. The kids are fascinated by the cider making and machinery until they discover something even better: the donuts! The pumpkin patch and corn maze are great fun too.

785.665.7643, 7049 E. 149th St., Overbrook, KS http://www.fieldstoneorchard.com This farm uses “Beyond Organic” practices and grows crops from organic seed, including heirloom varieties. Their fruit trees and berry bushes will be sprayed with a mixture of herbal infusions, neem oi, kelp, humic and fulvic, EM and more to help build the soil food web and feed and strengthen the trees and bushes from bugs and fungus, as well as make nutrient dense foods.

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favorite places to camp

othing feels so much like fall as sitting by a crackling fire on a cool autumn evening with s’mores and a warm mug of apple cider. From Lawrence, KS, to Weston, MO, our region has numerous options for a great fall campout. Here are a few favorites:

In Missouri Weston Bend State Park

mostateparks.com/park/weston-bend-state-park 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, 816.640.5443 Campground features: Nearby apple picking and beautiful fall foliage make this an obvious choice for your fall camping exploits. Downtown Weston is a small town with classic charm and local shops, including McCormick Distilling’s country store that features hard-to-find offerings and free samples. This town hosts two fantastic fall festivals each year, AppleFest (Oct. 3-4) and the Weston Irish Festival (Oct. 9-11).

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

mostateparks.com/park/watkins-mill-state-park 26600 Park Rd. N., Lawson, MO 64062, 816.580.3387 Campground features: A fantastic choice for history buffs. The Music Festival and Back Porch Jam (Sept. 12) invites attendees to join in or just enjoy folk music at the Watkins home. Fall on the Farm (Oct. 10) features a number of reenactment activities and fun for the whole family. For those looking for a creative trick or treat option, the park has a Halloween Campout (Oct. 24) with dog costume contests and a spooky nature program.

Lake Jacomo

www.jacksongov.org/ 22807 Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015, 816.503.4800 Campground features: A great option for camping near the city with boat rentals, fishing and a hooved animal 28 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

enclosure to view bison, elk and white tail deer. For canine lovers, the Kemper Outdoor Education Center hosts Dogtober Fest on Oct. 18. Or step back in time with a visit to Missouri Town 1855 for the Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music (Oct. 3-4) or a spooky Spirits from the Past experience (Oct. 23-24; advance reservations required).

In Kansas Clinton Lake State Park

ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Clinton 798 N. 1415 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66049, 785.842.8562 Campsite features: Clinton Lake offers tent camping as well as ADA compliant cabins for those who want an indoor escape from the cold autumn nights. The park offers eight trails, fishing and archery for a variety of outdoor adventures. Camping only 4 miles from Lawrence, you can explore Mass Street’s shops and restaurants or the Museum of Natural History at KU. Of course, for any basketball fan a trip to Lawrence would be incomplete without visiting the Booth Hall of Athletics at Allen Fieldhouse, re-opening in early October.

Hillsdale State Park

ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Hillsdale 26001 W. 255th St., Paola, KS 66071, 913.783.4507 Campsite features: Hillsdale State Park offers equestrian, biking and hiking trails. You’ll be only 20 minutes from Louisburg Cider Mill, so be sure to pick up a gallon of cider or a six-pack of Lost Trail root beer to enjoy as you sit around the campfire. Louisburg Cider Mill also hosts Ciderfest Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 4-5, featuring a corn maze and pumpkin patch, cider donuts, bluegrass and lots of local arts and crafts vendors. Melanie Somogie lives in Kansas City and enjoys a campout with her family.

Animal Attractions American Royal Museum

1701 American Royal Ct., KC, MO 816.221.9800 $ C3 www.AmericanRoyal.com Museum is dedicated to agriculture, show animals and petting zoo.

Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary

7300 SW West Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.795.8177 Free D4 www.Burroughs.org A library and bird watching center com-

 FEATURED LISTING Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and Educational Center See ad on pg. 30.

3783 Hwy. K68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5515 $ B5 www.SaveOurSiberians.org A preserve for tigers and a refuge for big cats that are abandoned, neglected or whose owners are unable to care for them. On Saturday evenings (summer – autumn) watch as the big cats are fed by trained staff. Special events and tours are offered through the year. 

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

13800 Switzer, OP, KS 913.897.2360 Free/$ B5 www.OPKansas.org 12-acre park with farm animals, a dairy barn, a fishing pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides and more.

Green Dirt Farm

19915 Mount Bethel Rd., Weston, MO 816.386.2156 Free A1 www.GreenDirtFarm.com Tour the farm and learn about grassfed lambs, sheep, milk and cheeses.

Sea Life Kansas City

 FEATURED LISTING Kansas City Zoo See ad on pg. 68.

6800 Zoo Dr., KC, MO 816.595.1234 $ C4 www.KansasCityZoo.org The Kansas City Zoo gets better every year. Visitors now enjoy polar bear Berlin and riding the African Sky Safari for a bird’s eye view of the world-class African exhibit. Also enjoy the new Helzberg Penguin Plaza, watch elephants paint or catch a sea lion show. Visit the zoo website for great events all fall and winter long. 

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.sealifeus.com Discover over 5,000 sea creatures in 30 incredible displays at Kansas City’s aquarium! Come nose to nose with sharks in the underwater tunnel.

Shatto Dairy Farm 9406 N. Hwy. 33, Osborn, MO 816.930.3862 $ D1 www.ShattoMilk.com Tour the dairy farm and watch milk processing and bottling firsthand.

Plants & Gardens

Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure

Fleming Park: US 40 & Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.503.4800 Free D4 www.JacksonGov.org View the 110-acre enclosure where elk, buffalo and deer roam freely.

Beanstalk Children’s Garden

Screamin’ Oaks Farm

Kauffman Memorial Gardens

18171 W. 198th St., Tonganoxie, KS 913.845.2775 $ A3 http://screaminoaksfarm.blogspot.com/ Tours are offered of this working farm where children can learn about animals and farming firsthand.

6917 Kensington, KC, MO 816.931.3877 $ C4 www.KCCG.org Children’s garden features educational programs on gardening and nutrition.

4800 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.932.1200 Free C3 www.PowellGardens.org It showcases five designs beginning with a beautiful entrance alley of Peking Tree Lilacs shading billowing blue Endless Summer Hydrangeas and other seasonal flowers.

2 and under FREE

Mon-Thur Fri-Sun

$11

$13

Adults 13-59 $9 Seniors 60+ $7

$11 $9

Kids 3-12

(includes jumping pillow)

All pRicing includes tAx

20 Acre co

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15,000 garden

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Mums in 70 Varie

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small & large gr oup discounts

Birthday party pack

ages

u-pick pumpkin

s, Flowers and Ve

lots of neW AttR ActiOns every Year

$2.00 OFF

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purchase of $10 or more at the Barnyard grill. good every day of the week.

One coupon per order, per customer. Must show coupon on phone or print it out. Offer expires 10/31/15.

CINNAMON STICKS • CIDER SPICES • GIFT BASKETS • CUSTOM OR BASKETS TO GO • HONEY • UNIQUE GIFTS

Admission:

❤ Lost Trail

Root Beer

& Soda Flavors!

Great Place To Visit!

Our Country Store is open all year. ❤ Natural Cider Old-Fashioned Goodness

❤ Gift Baskets

Wide Selection of Delicious Treats!

Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm

www.louisburgcidermill.com 913-837-5202

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053

❤ Creative Gifts From Our Store & Online! Friends, Relatives, Or Treat Your Boss!

❤ Fresh

Cider Donuts!

• CIDER & SPICE • PEACH BUTTER • HOT’N SPICY SNACK • FRUIT SPREADS •

17701 Holmes Road, Belton MO Mon.- Fri. 12 to 6 PM • Sat.-Sun. 9am to 6pm www.johnsonfarms.net • 816.331.1067

Only 20 minutes from Kansas City!

DIET ROOT BEER • APPLE CIDER JELLY • APPLE BUTTER • CIDER DONUT MIX • PANCAKE MIX • SPARKLING CIDERS

• MIXES • SEASONING • SPARKLING APPLE CIDER • LOST TRAIL ROOT BEER •

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plete with guides to identify local birds, binoculars and great viewing areas.

NATURE

N AT U R E

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden

51st St. & Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free C3 www.KCMO.org KC’s rose garden features hundreds of roses with a fountain.

Linda Hall Library Urban Arboretum

5109 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.926.8753 Free C3 www.LindaHall.org Urban garden on UMKC’s campus features a butterfly garden.

Overland Park Arboretum

8909 W. 179th St., OP, KS 913.685.3604 Free - $ B5 www.OPKansas.org Savor beautiful gardens, including a Monet garden and a children’s garden.

Powell Gardens

1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO 816.697.2600 $ D5 www.PowellGardens.org Within the gardens, explore the Heartland Harvest Garden, the nation’s largest “edible” landscape, the Island Garden and Waterfall Garden.

Nature Centers Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

4750 Troost Ave., KC, MO 816.759.7300 Free C3 www.MDC.mo.gov Explore the nature center, hiking trail, special programs and more.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.3766 Free D3 www.MDC.mo.gov Features hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, animals and nature trails.

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

8701 E. Gregory Blvd., KC, MO 816.547.9679 Free C4 www.CaveSpring.org Visit the nature center and hiking trails.

Ernie Miller Nature Center

909 N. Hwy. 7, Olathe, KS 913.764.7759 Free A5 www.ErnieMiller.com The nature center features animals native to Kansas, hiking trails and educational programs.

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F. L. Schlagle Library

4051 West Dr., KC, KS 913.299.2384 Free A3 www.KCKPL.org Nature library offers trails, nature art gallery, bird watching and classes.

George Owens Nature Park

1601 S. Speck Rd., Indep, MO 816.325.7115 Free D3 www.GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org Enjoy programs for children, fishing dock and trails.

John Barkley Visitor Center

7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.888.4713 Free A4 www.JCPRD.com Local and national parks exhibits, fishing and trails are available to visitors.

Kemper Outdoor Education Center

8201 Jasper Bell, Blue Springs, MO 816.229.8980 Free D4 www.JacksonGov.org See reptile displays, rock and fossil exhibits and a natural resource library.

Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

407 N. Lafrenz Rd., Liberty, MO 816.781.8598 Free D1 www.NatureSanctuary.com Provides engaging hands-on environmental and natural science education.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

12th St. & Hwy. 9, Parkville, MO 816.741.7676 Free B2 www.ParkvilleNatureSanctuary.net Explore the nature sanctuary and hiking trails.

Prairie Oak Nature Center

14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.681.0902 Free B5 www.Leawood.org/parks The nature center features hands-on activities and several live animals.

Prairie Park Nature Center

2730 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 785.832.7980 Free A3 www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/ppnc Investigate animal exhibits including reptiles, birds and mammals.

Lakeside Nature Center

4701 E. Gregory Blvd., KC, MO 816.513.8960 Free C4 www.LakesideNatureCenter.org An incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife.

Visit the calendar at KCParent.com for fun events all year!

the best christmas lights in kc

Sar-Ko-Aglow

Kansas City sparkles in holiday splendor with magnificent displays across the metro! These are our top picks for the best Christmas lights in KC! Most displays operate from Thanksgiving through Christmas from sunset (5:30) to 10:00; however, there are a few exceptions. Check websites to verify times.

Christmas in the Park

Longview Lake Park (I-470 & View High Drive, Kansas City, MO, 816.503.4800); open Thanksgiving Eve through Christmas, Sun.-Thu., 5:30-10:00; Fri. & Sat., 5:30-11:00. This display is outstanding and worth the drive, even if you live 30-45 minutes away. It is also extremely popular, so weeknights are your best chance to avoid a long wait to see the display. Beware of deer en route as many live nearby!

Lee’s Summit Magic Tree

Lee’s Summit Magic Tree is located at I-470 & View High Drive (a great addition to your Christmas in the Park light-seeing trip). Hours of Operation: 5:00-1:00 daily. The tree is lit with more than 12,000 LED lights in every color of the rainbow. You are invited to pull into the drive, take photos with the family and share them on social media with #LSmagictree. Donations are accepted at the tree in partnership with Lee’s Summit Social Services to provide a charitable outlet for those interested in supporting the community’s families in need.

Country Club Plaza

Country Club Plaza (Info Center: 4745 Central, Kansas City, MO, www.countryclubplaza.com). Take in the lights Thanksgiving through midJanuary. Kansas City’s Christmas tradition begins with a lighting ceremony, complete with fireworks, from 6:00 to 7:00 on Thanksgiving evening. Enjoy more than 80 miles of lights. The best view is atop the parking lots.

The Ultimate Tree

At the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 138th & Switzer in Overland Park. The display will run each night 5:00-10:00, Thanksgiving through Jan. 5. Visit http://www.theultimatetree.com/news.html for information. The Ultimate Holiday Tree™ is a giant flat panel Christmas lighting display with thousands of LED bulbs. Enjoy a light show synchronized to music with animation, lighting effects, patterns and messages. This must-see display was featured on HGTV’s All Out Christmas. The display is more than 30 minutes long if you watch its entirety. Bring some cocoa and cookies for the fun!

Kansas City Mayor’s Christmas Tree

Crown Center Square (2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, www.crowncenter.com). Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas. The tree is lit with a special ceremony (including fireworks choreographed to music) on Friday following Thanksgiving at 5:30. The 100-foot-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights. Tip: Beneath the mayor’s tree enjoy a delightful wooden playground that makes a wonderful backdrop for family photos!

Downtown Marriot

Downtown Marriot (200 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO). The 20-story hotel provides an animated holiday display showing your favorite holiday characters and greetings.

Legendary Christmas

Legends Outlets Kansas City (1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, www.legendsshopping.com). Enjoy the lights mid-November through Christmas. Unique lighting display on a 45-foot holiday tree created by a world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights team, all synchronized to music.

Vince & Associates Animated Lights

Vince & Associates Clinical Research (101st & Metcalf, Overland Park). From mid-November through Christmas, this display is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light show your children will love! Tune your radio to the station listed on their sign and watch the show! Tip: Park at Emanuel Baptist Church (directly across the street) for the best view!

Northern Lights at Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa (I-29 & Barry Road, Kansas City, MO, www.zonarosa.com). From mid-November through Christmas, Zona Rosa restores the local tradition of using crowns as holiday décor. A variety of lighted crowns are featured throughout the center during the holidays, as well as at the featured Christmas tree in the town square. Lighting ceremony (with the arrival of the Fairy Princess, Santa and real reindeer) on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Dickens carolers will perform on the square on select dates throughout the season. After seeing the lights, visit the Grove for a fun indoor playground.

Stagecoach Park

Animated light show at Stagecoach Park (1205 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe). The show features 41,000 lights and runs Mon.-Thu., 5:30 to 10:00, and Fri.-Sun., 5:30-11:00.

Sar-Ko-Aglow

Sar-Ko Aglow at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th & Lackman, Lenexa) features beautiful trees around a pond.

Gardner’s Christmas in the Park

Cornerstone Park (215 N. Center, Gardner).

Search “Christmas Lights” on www.KCParent.com for more local neighborhoods and homes decked out in holiday splendor. kcgoingplaces.com 31 31 kcgoingplaces.com

Nichols Fountain Photo courtesy of VisitKC.com

Hometown Proud: Kansas City Area Cities and Suburbs and Their Claims to Fame

By Kristina Light

he Kansas City metropolitan area is home to several major cities with populations exceeding 150,000 and numerous suburbs. Each community boasts its own signature style, landmarks and claim to fame. This is what our local hometowns are famous for:

Kansas City, MO Famous People Walt Disney got his start working for the Kansas City Star and he started Laugh-O-Gram Studios in Kansas City, where he and Kansas Citian Ub Iwerks created many beloved cartoon characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Kate Spade, the renowned fashion designer, is a Kansas City girl and St. Teresa’s Academy alum. Don Cheadle of Oceans 11 grew up in Kansas City.

Famous Food: Kansas City is best known for its specific style of sweet, tangy barbecue.

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Famous Fact Kansas City boasts more fountains than any other city but Rome and, with its beautiful boulevards and architecture, is known as the “Paris of the Plains.” World Record On Sept. 29, 2014, Kansas City Chiefs fans set a Guinness world record for loudest crowd at an outdoor stadium by creating 142.2 decibels worth of noise. Architectural Icon The Country Club Plaza, opened in 1922 by J.C. Nichols, is the nation’s first shopping center. The Plaza Art Fair and Christmas lights are two seasonal traditions enjoyed by generations of Kansas Citians

Independence, MO Famous People The 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, called Independence home. His house (pg. 48) and presidential library (pg. 46) in Independence are museums open to the public.

Famous Food Dixon’s Chili (9105 E. US Hwy. 40, 816.861.7308) is celebrating more than 90 years in the business of serving chili you eat with a fork. Famous Fact Independence is known as the “Queen City of the Trails” because it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails. Today visitors learn more of that history at the National Frontier Trails Museum (pg. 47).

World Record Independence is home to Leila’s Hair Museum (pg. 47), the only museum of its kind in the world. The museum displays more than 350 hair “wreaths” and 1,500 pieces of artwork made partially or completely out of human hair.

Truman Presidential Library

Architectural Icon The Community of Christ Temple is the denomination’s headquarters. The building, designed by Gyo Obata with a steel spire rising 300 feet in the air, looks like the spiral shell of the nautilus.

St. Joseph, MO Famous People Walter Cronkite, the famous television reporter, was born in St. Joseph and got his start in reporting in Kansas City, where he worked for the Kansas City Star, KMBC and other local news organizations before achieving national fame on CBS. Famous Food Cherry Mash is a chocolate covered candy bar with a soft, cherry-flavored center, invented in 1918 and manufactured by the Chase Candy Company in St. Joseph. Famous Fact St. Joseph was one of two endpoints of the Pony Express, providing fast mail delivery over land that was then inaccessible by rail, and visitors can enjoy the Pony Express Museum. Jesse James’ home in St. Joseph also houses a museum still sporting the bullet from the fateful shot that killed the infamous guerrilla. St. Joseph’s slogan is “Where the Pony Express started and Jesse James ended.”

World Record This record cannot be verified, but no one wants to compete. East Hills Mall in St. Joseph earned notoriety in 2014 when their television commercial went viral as the worst commercial in history. Pony Express Statue

Architectural Icon Cathedral Hill District (between North 9th and 13th along Powell Street) is home to Greek Revival and late Victorian mansions as well as the old Cathedral of St. Joseph, known for its spires and stained glass.

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Hometown Proud Lee’s Summit, MO Famous People The Younger brothers, of James-Younger Gang notoriety, are from Lee’s Summit. The American outlaws and Confederate bushwhackers included Cole, Jim, John and Bob Younger. bushwhackers, Cole, Jim, John and Bob Younger, ran with Frank and Jesse James.

Famous Food Custard’s Last Stand is western Missouri’s answer to St. Louis’ beloved frozen custard. Founded in Lee’s Summit in 1989, the local frozen custard shop is a Lee’s Summit favorite with a loyal following.

Famous Fact Since 2006, Lee’s Summit has ranked on CNN/Money and Money Magazine’s 100 Best Cities to Live in the United States, ranking 27th in 2010.

Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum

World Record Mark Curp, of Lee’s Summit, held the world record for the half-marathon from 1985 to 1990. Architectural Icon The centerpiece of Downtown Lee’s Summit’s eclectic and historic shopping district is the Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum (http://downtownls.org/museum-historic-train-depot/), located in a 1905 train depot.

Overland Park, KS Famous People Paul Rudd, the actor, comedian and movie star, has Overland Park roots and enjoys cheering for the Kansas City Royals along with another famous Overland Park native, Jason Sudeikis of SNL.

Famous Food Historic Downtown Overland Park (DowntownOP.org) is a popular shopping district with a variety of locally owned restaurants. Famous Fact Overland Park is proud of the fact that the city is consistently ranked in the top 10 of CNNMoney.com’s 100 Best Places to Live in the United States.

World Record According to the Guinness World Records, the most people sending a text message simultaneously is 2,193 and was achieved by the National Speech & Debate Association (USA) in Overland Park on June 19, 2014. Downtown Overland Park

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Architectural Icon The Museum at Prairiefire (pg 47) is the only building in the United States to use dichroic glass developed by NASA. The beautiful exterior is a new but much loved landmark—the glass changes color throughout the day.

Lenexa, KS Famous People James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok lived on 160 acres at what is now the corner of 83rd & Clare Road.

Famous Food Lenexa was named the “Spinach Capital of the World” in the 1930s, and they celebrate their history with a festival each year with fun activities.

Famous Fact According to legend, Lenexa is derived from the name of Shawnee Chief Thomas Blackhoof’s wife, who was variously recorded on census records as Na-Nex-Se and Len-Ag-See. A statue in her honor is located on the Lenexa City Hall grounds. World Record The world’s largest spinach salad (150 pounds of fresh, washed spinach) is served annually at the Spinach Festival.

Architectural Icon The dam at Black Hoof Park (9053 Monticello Rd.) is a masterpiece of engineering and art. The artistic design represents the water cycle and features fountains, sculptures and cascading pools.

Statue of Na-Nex-Se

Kansas City, KS Famous People Jazz musician Charlie Parker grew up in KCK, and a statue in his honor is located outside the American Jazz Museum (pg. 43). Ed Asner of the Mary Tyler Moore Show also grew up in KCK. Famous Food Downtown, near Minnesota and Central avenues, is a mecca of Mexican grocery stores and taquerias known for the best street tacos in the metro.

Famous Fact Kansas City, KS, is the “newer” of the two neighboring cities sharing the same name. It was incorporated in 1872, almost 20 years after Kansas City, MO.

World Record The tallest water slide in the world is the Verrückt at Schlitterbahn Water Park, measuring 51.38 m (168 ft., 7 in.). Nearby enjoy shopping at Legends Outlets, races at Kansas Speedway, Sporting KC soccer games and more! Verrükt at Schlitterbahn Water Park

Architectural Icon The Rosedale World War I Memorial Arch on Memorial Drive in Mount Marty Park was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. If you visit the arch, you will discover an amazing view of the downtown Kansas City, MO, skyline.

More Notable People From Belton, MO Tate Stevens, winner of the second season of U.S. The X Factor in 2012, is a famous American country music artist who calls Belton home. Dale Carnegie, American writer, lecturer and author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, called Belton home and is buried in the Belton Cemetery.

From Blue Springs, MO David Cook, winner of the seventh season of American Idol, is an American rock singer-songwriter.

From Shawnee, KS Dr. Phil McGraw, the famous television psychologist is an alum of Shawnee Mission North High School.

From Leavenworth, KS Melissa Etheridge, the rock and roll singer, grew up in Leavenworth. kcgoingplaces.com 35

Enjoy the Best of Kansas City’s

Avenues Bistro, Brookside

ooking for the perfect antique mall or boutique shop to spend an afternoon in Kansas City? How about an arts district unlike any other? If you’re in the greater Kansas City area, you’re in for a treat! You’ll definitely want to visit these top must-see antique, boutique and artsy areas in the metro:

want to miss. Shops like Good Ju-Ju, Nook & Cranny, Bella Patina, Bottoms Up Antique Market and many more are open first Friday weekends each month. Mark your calendar! For more information about the KC West Bottoms, visit www.westbottomsantiques.com. Address: West of downtown Kansas City off 12th Street

The West Bottoms.

The Historic River Market.

If you’re looking for some of the best antiques and vintage goodies in Kansas City, head to the renowned West Bottoms area. This area has a long history that dates back to the early 19th century and is part of the historic district of downtown Kansas City. If you’re looking for reclamation, repurposing, reupholstering or refurbishing services, this is an area you don’t

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Kansas City’s River Market (www.kcrivermarket.com) is best known for its diverse dining (including African, Italian, Asian and Mediterranean markets), shopping, the City Market Farmers Market and the River Market Antique Mall. With four stories and 30,000 square feet of great heirlooms and artifacts, River Market Antiques is home to more than 175

dealers—heaven to all collectors! The River Market boundaries are from the Missouri River south to I-70 and from the Heart of America Bridge on the east to the Bluffs on the west side. Address: 20 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO 64106

Historic Downtown Parkville.

There’s a little bit of everything in historic Parkville, MO. Home to Park University and English Landing Park, Parkville offers a wide range of dining experiences, a hometown coffee shop and shopping galore! You’re bound to find whatever it is you’re looking for: art galleries, antique shops, one-of-akind boutiques, home décor, fashion or collectibles. And with a plethora of events year-round, such as Parkville River Jam (a jazz, blues and fine arts festival), carnivals, Christmas on the River and the Parkville Farmers Market, there’s always something to look forward to. For more information on downtown Parkville, visit www.parkvillemo.org. Address: Northwest Kansas City, three miles west of I-635 along Highway 9

Crossroads Arts District. If you’re on the hunt for unique boutique shops, antiques, one-of-a-kind restaurants, creative businesses, studios and art galleries, Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is another great place to add to your list. With more than 400 local artists and 100 independent studios, it’s one of the most concentrated gallery districts in the nation. First Fridays, a local favorite, occur on the first Fridays of every month year-round. On these evenings you’ll find art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues in the Crossroads Arts District showcasing art from 7:00 to 9:00. For a great place to find antiques, stop in at the Webster House. Located inside a Romanesque-style school, it offers guests a shopping and dining experience they won’t forget: beautiful views and a shop filled with European antiques, gifts, clothing, jewelry and accessories. It’s just another addition to the

Pete N Repeat, KC West Bottoms

eclectic experience of the Crossroads! Learn more about the Kansas City Crossroads at www.kccrossroads.org. Address: 19th & Main, Kansas City, MO 64108 (downtown area)

Brookside. Planned and built in 1920, Brookside was the city’s first suburban shopping area. Today it is home to more than 70 unique shops and boutiques, restaurants and offices. The Brookside area holds numerous events throughout the year, a favorite being the Brookside Art Annual, the first art show of the year. Having just celebrated its 30th year, this show consistently ranks in the top 25 shows, according to Art Source. For more information on Brookside, visit www.brooksidekc.org. Address: 63rd & Brookside Boulevard, Kansas City, MO

Weston, MO. Stroll the historic streets of Weston and you’ll find an array of clothing boutiques, specialty foods, home décor, antiques, art galleries, museums and wineries. Artisans, craftsmen, musicians and writers abound. For those interested in antiquing, you can enjoy shops like the Farmer’s Daughter, the Vintage Garden Cottage and many more. Don’t forget to stop in at the Main Street Galleria, where you’ll find a soda fountain that offers a variety of old-fashioned goodness, plus a candy and fudge counter. When you spend a day in historic, peaceful Weston, you’ll want to stay! Visit www.westonmo.co for more information. Address: Just 30 minutes north of Kansas City. Take exit 20 on I-29. Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein absolutely loves antiquing around Kansas City with her husband and two daughters, ages 12 and 9.

Kansas City River Market

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n the ever-changing and innovative world of gourmet food and drink, a new and trendy sensation is taking America by storm: the gastropub. What exactly is a gastropub? It is a combination of the best of both worlds: specialty chef-created dishes that complement the popular explosion of craft beers. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the gastropub as “a pub, bar or tavern that offers meals of high quality.” All major cities, like New York, now abound with many options when it comes to choosing a gastropub destination. Lucky for us, Kansas City is one of the many metropolises to offer a variety of delightful culinary/brew combinations. Here is just a small sampling of gastropub options in greater Kansas City:

The Standard Pour: First off, the food here is amazing. Seriously, I can’t rave about it enough. For a starter, try the soft pretzel. Now ubiquitous, the Standard Pour’s pretzels are the best I’ve ever had, hands down. The white queso dip comes with housemade pale ale mustard, uniquely squiggled on top. The combination with warm, fluffy salted pretzels is so satisfying. For an entrée, try the Bolt, a thick, crunchy sandwich

loaded with bacon and tomatoes. And as far as brews go, Standard Pour has a nice selection of draft beers, as well as craft bottles and cans. KC Bier Company’s Hefeweizen is on tap and is very refreshing on a warm autumn’s day. 1511 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111, 816.531.7687. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m.; Kitchen Hours: Mon.Thu., 11:00-10:00, and Fri.-Sat., 11:00-11:00.

Gastropubs in K C

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Blvd. Tavern: Blvd. Tavern is a hip, eclectic, newer offering on Southwest Boulevard. The atmosphere is casual but intimate—a cozy French farmhouse comes to mind. And the culinary dishes and drink selections don’t disappoint. A great small plate is their poutine, French for a dish of “fries, beef gravy, cheddar cheese curds and parsley” that originated in Quebec. Does life get any better than a bowl full of potatoes, cheese and gravy?! A nice dinner entrée at the Blvd. Tavern is their version of an American staple, the burger. Their daily grind burger (Swiss, red wine shallot jam and peppercorn mayo) is definitely worth sampling. Top it all off with one of Blvd.’s ciders—they have a nice selection, like Sonoma’s the Hatchet Apple Cider. 320 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.421.1023. Dining Room Hours: Tue.-Fri. lunch, 11:00-2:30; Tue.-Thu. dinner, 5:00-10:00; Fri.-Sat. dinner, 5:00-11:00; Sun. brunch, 10:00-2:30; Sun. dinner, 5:00-10:00. Bar Hours: Tue.-Thu., 11:00 a.m.-Midnight; Fri., 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.; Sat., 2:001:00; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-Midnight.

The Westside Local: What are you doing this Sunday? Hopefully, you already have made your reservation for “blunch” at the Westside Local. If you haven’t, get on the phone right now and do so—you won’t be disappointed! This gastropub, nestled between boutique shops and other restaurants, doubles as the perfect place to brunch (called blunch at the Westside Local) on Sundays. Everything on this special menu is drool-worthy, but a good place to start is with the Almond French Toast. The farm-to-market sourdough bread used in this dish is the piéce de résistance, making it so mouthwatering, then slivers of almonds, thick cream and raspberries are added to this decadent breakfast. Another great dish is the Avocado Plank, which comes with a perfectly poached egg and a generous amount of avocado atop farm-to-market Italian wheat bread, along with breakfast potatoes and brown sugar bacon. Need I say more? On any given evening, the Beer Garden or pub is where “fresh beer meets local fare” and is the perfect place to enjoy one of the beverages on tap: the Torn Label “House Brew” Coffee Wheat Stout is out of this world.

you can find grub and suds beyond the usual ballpark fare. You can sample one of their craft plates, like the popular potato puffs (artisanal tater tots) or the hoisin glazed pork belly sandwich with sriracha sauce. They also serve made-to-order craft pizzas, and their beer list is quite extensive (with better price ranges and selections than in the rest of the stadium). Best of all is the view of the game while enjoying your gourmet meal and drink—the dining seats look out over third base! www.kansascity.royals.mlb.com/kc/ticketing/craftanddraft.jsp

Martin City Brewery: This little brewery in Martin City, MO, is big on the local pub scene! There are two options to choose from: the Pub or the Pizza & Taproom. The Pub is located in a quaint 100-year-old building and has more than 50 beers on the menu. The Pizza & Taproom is fun, with a signature train décor theme and an amazing menu of top-notch chef creations. The blanco (white) pizza is not to be missed. All of the Martin City brews are fantastic; the trouble will be choosing which one to try. 500 E. 135th St., Kansas City, MO 64145, 816.268.2222. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.-Midnight Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native always on the search for the best new dishes on local menus.

1663 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64108, 816.997.9089. Hours: Tue.-Thu., 11:00-9:00; Fri.-Sat., 11:00-10:00; Sun. brunch, 11:00-3:00 and regular menu, 5:00-9:00; Tue.-Sat. limited menu, 3:00-5:00.

Craft & Draft: Did you know there is a gastropub at the K? Well, there is! It’s a new offering at Kauffman Stadium for 2015, where

Craft & Draft kcgoingplaces.com 39

Your Kansas City Weekend

Planner

Kansas City Power & Light District

ansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long with special hours, sales and events on weekends. These events occur monthly on the first, second, third or final “day” of the month.

First Fridays in the Crossroads (KCCrossroads.org), starting at 5:00. First Fridays have become a Kansas City tradition in just a few short years. Every month more than 10,000 residents and visitors head to the cultural arts district for free peeks at galleries and studios, delicious treats from food trucks and local restaurants, and entertainment from street performers and buskers showcasing their talent. Tip: Christopher Elbow Chocolates sells their gourmet edible works of art for $1 apiece during First Fridays, a discounted way to enjoy the local treat.

FIRST WEEKEND

SECOND WEEKEND

Second Saturday Sprint Family Fun Days

(PowerAndLightDistrict.com). Sprint Family Fun Days events are held on 14th Street and Walnut Street in the Kansas City Power & Light District on the second Saturday of each month, May through October. The monthly festivals are all themed events with booths, activities, entertainers and fun for the entire family. Admission is free, but there may be a fee for some activities and food purchases.

Second Saturday in Weston (WestonMo.com). Weston is a favorite day trip from Kansas City with a historic shopping district, local winery, great restaurants and B&Bs. The shops are open late on the second Saturday of each month, and the Upstairs Tea Room performs a murder mystery dinner theater (reservations required).

First Friday Weekend in the West Bottoms (WestBottoms.com), Fri.-Sun. The historic West Bottoms district, home to the KC Stockyards in the 1940s, is now famous for its haunted houses in the fall and its antique and boutique shops year-round. On the first weekend of each month, the shops are open late. Some shops in the district are open daily all year, and others open only for the first weekend of the month.

The Standard Pour

THIRD WEEKEND

The Westside Local

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Third Thursday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org), 6:00-9:00. An evening designed with adults in mind, this event features live music, free programs, art activities, local artists and entertainment.

The Blvd. Tavern

Third Thursday in Martin City (MartinCity.org), from 5:00 to 9:00. Small businesses in the Martin City shopping district are open for extended hours on the third Thursday of each month. Relish dinner at Jack Stack, RC’s, the Martin City Brewery or Jess and Jim’s, then enjoy shopping at a local boutique.

Third Friday in Downtown Overland Park (DowntownOP.org), 5:00-9:00. Historic Downtown Overland Park is a mecca of local shops, galleries and restaurants. During this event, enjoy cooking demos, specials, live entertainment and samples at local businesses.

Third Friday Englewood Art Walk (EnglewoodStation.com), 5:30-9:00. The Englewood District, along Winner Road from Sterling to Ralston Avenue, was originally developed in the 1940s in Independence. The original buildings now house galleries, shops and restaurants. On third Fridays, enjoy live entertainment and specials.

Third Saturday Wine Walk on Delaware (WineWalkOnDelaware.com), 5:00-8:00 April through October. Delaware Street in the River Market is home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, hosting a wine tasting for those 21 and over each month. Purchase your tickets at 412 Delaware, Kansas City, MO (Café al Dente) or 300 Delaware, Kansas City, MO (The Farmhouse). $15/person.

FOURTH WEEKEND

Fourth Fridays in Downtown Lee’s Summit (DowntownLS.org), 5:00-8:00 March through October. Enjoy art, theater, author readings, music and special events monthly.

Nelson-Atkins

Olathe Fourth Fridays (OlatheFourthFridays.org), 5:00-7:00 spring through fall. This event features live concerts, food trucks, freebies, familyfriendly fun, giveaways and entertainment for all ages.

Final Fridays in Lawrence

FINAL WEEKEND

(FinalFridaysLawrence.wordpress.com). Featuring hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations, this free event is fun for everyone.

For TONS more events, visit the online calendar at www.KCParent.com.

Crossroads Arts District

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MUSEUMS

Doran Cart, senior curator at the National World War I Museum & Memorial

secrets from kc curators Have you ever wondered what a museum’s curator thinks makes his workplace so phenomenal? Three local curators took time to answer just that!

enior curator Doran Cart has an impressive 41 years in the museum field to his credit, 21 of which have been at the National World War I Museum & Memorial. His responsibilities are both varied and full, ranging from design, creation and installation of the main exhibit, as well as consulting for television documentaries, films, books and other museums. “People are always asking me what my favorite object in the museum is,” Doran says, “and I respond that it is the object I am looking at right then. This is because each object tells a compelling story and adds to the global history of World War I. I believe the World War I Museum offers unique opportunities for visitors to understand the history of the war from the vantage point of actual participants.”

“When I tell people I work at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, they automatically think that I play with toys all day, and I kind of do!” curator Kristine Dobbins quips. “It’s not all fun and games, but I love working with the museum’s collection of toys and miniatures because

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they are so approachable. Many great works of art are recreated in 1:12 scale in the museum’s miniatures galleries. Not only is it mind-boggling, but I find the pieces a lot more approachable and less intimidating than their fullscale counterparts.”

Paula Rose, coordinator of education and preservation at Steamboat Arabia, first entered her employers’ doors as a student on a field trip. After completing KU’s graduate program in art history, she became a tour guide, working her way up to her current position where she oversees all tours, along with the museum’s growing collection in its preservation lab. She says, “Steamboat Arabia is fascinating because it’s specifically related to local history. And it’s a work in progress, something new to see with each visit!”

Writer Lauren Greenlee loves living in a city home to worldclass museums!

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours & directions for each facility.

The Arts American Jazz Museum

1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.474.8463 $ C3 www.AmericanJazzMuseum.com Learn about the history of jazz through fun, interactive exhibits perfect for kids.

Crossroads Art District

Various Galleries in Downtown KC, MO Free C3 www.KCCrossroads.org Offers more than 100 art galleries, plus tour for free the first Friday evening of each month.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.3000 Free B5 www.NermanMuseum.org This 41,000-square-foot museum is the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region.

5842 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 913.677.0400 $ B4 www.KCStrings.com Groups may tour the stringed instrument shop and discover how master craftsmen make world-class instruments.

Stocksdale Art Gallery

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

5100 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.235.1502 Free C3 http://info.umkc.edu/art/umkcgallery/ contact/ The gallery features temporary exhibits on 20th-century American and European art.

4420 Warwick Blvd., KC, MO 816.753.5784 Free C3 www.KemperArt.org This art gallery features free modern art exhibits. The colossal spider and block-style “Thinker” delight children.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

4525 Oak St., KC, MO 816.751.1278 Free C3 www.Nelson-Atkins.org The Nelson-Atkins features art from around the world, from ancient to modern times. Classes, workshops and special tours are also offered.

500 College Hill, Liberty, MO 816.781.7700 Free D1 www.Jewell.edu Regional and national artists are featured at William Jewell’s campus art gallery.

UMKC Gallery of Art

Exchange City & EarthWorks

8300 NE Underground Dr., KC, MO 816.659.854 Free C2 www.tlekc.org Children learn social studies firsthand as they participate in city government through hands-on activities. Environmental activities are also presented. Call to book tours.

Kaleidoscope

2500 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8300 Free C3 www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com Children create their own unique works of art. Operate a jigsaw puzzle machine, watch paint magically dry, create in a glow-in-the-dark world & more!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

Children’s Museums

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com A fun, highly interactive and educational indoor experience, ideal for families with children 3-10 years old.

Children’s Peace Pavilion

Puppetry Arts Institute

1001 W. Walnut St., Indep, MO 816.521.3033 Free D3 www.cofc3.org/kidpeace/default.asp This is a “do touch” children’s museum designed to teach the concepts of peace through creative, fun, childcentered learning activities.

11025 E. Winner Rd., Indep, MO 816.833.9777 $ D3 www.Hazelle.org The PAI hosts workshops where students make their own hand puppets or marionettes. Tour the museum for a history of puppets from many countries and watch live shows.

Santa Breakfast: Nov 28 & Dec 12 • Christmas Open House: Dec 5

Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 7

KC Strings

KC - Kansas City OP - Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission

5500 W. 123rd St., OP, KS 913.266.8414 Free B5 www.epstengallery.org Innovative art exhibitions and related programming to engage the community through art.

October Cemetery Tours: Oct 8-9-10 • Fall Scout Day: Oct 17 Trick or Treat OFF the Street: Oct 24

Legend: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4)

Epsten Gallery

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MUSEUMS

Alexander Majors Home

Battle of Westport Museum

Amelia Earhart Birthplace

Belton Historical Society & Museum

8201 State Line Rd., KC, MO 816.461.1897 $ C4 www.AlexanderMajors.com Alexander Majors was one of the founders of the Pony Express. The home was built in 1856.

223 N. Terrace St., Atchison, KS 913.367.4217 $ A1 www.AmeliaEarhartMuseum.org Tour the birthplace and childhood home of Kansas’ famous female aviator. Atchison tells the legend of Amelia and preserves her story.

Arabia Steamboat Museum

400 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.1856 $$ C3 www.1856.com The steamboat Arabia sank in 1856 in the Missouri River, and the treasures of the shipwreck and their history are on exhibit.

Wonderscope Children’s Museum

 FEATURED LISTING Wonderscope Children’s Museum See ad on pg. 43.

5700 King St., Shawnee, KS 913.287.8888 $ B4 www.Wonderscope.org Fun, dynamic exhibits and programs that integrate the arts, sciences and literature for children 10 and under, their parents and teachers. Interactive learning experiences with family and friends engage children’s natural motivation to learn and discover their world. Wonderscope also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year including children’s concerts, story time, puppet shows, family festivals and more. 

1950s All-Electric House

6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.715.2550 $ A4 www.JoCoMuseum.org The 1950s All-Electric House offers an eye-opening look at the technology of the times.

Airline History Museum

201 NW Lou Holland Dr., KC, MO 816.421.3401 $ C3 www.AirlineHistory.org The Airline History Museum contains a collection of photographs, artifacts, printed material and audio/visual displays telling the story of flight.

Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum

6607 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 816.453.3276 $ C2 www.AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com The museum depicts farm life in the mid-1800s.

Battle of Westport Memorials

4000 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 913.345.2000 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The Civil War Battle of Westport was fought Oct. 21-23, 1864. The center of the main battlefield is located at present-day Loose Park. Visit the website for a driving tour map.

6601 Swope Pkwy., KC, MO 913.345.2000 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The museum depicts the history of the famous Civil War battle in western Missouri.

512 Main St., Belton, MO 816.331.1905 $ C5 www.BeltonHistoricalSociety.org View artifacts preserving the history of Belton, including the story of Carrie A. Nation, the Shawnee Indians and Order No. 11.

Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum

220 Ferrel St., Platte City, MO 816.431.5121 $ A1 This 1881 home is a replica of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion. County historical archives and exhibits are housed here.

Berlin Wall Monument

Grove of Regiments on Bundel Rd., Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.682.4113 Free A1 www.VisitLeavenworthKS.com The monument memorializes the historic barrier that separated West and East Berlin during the Cold War.

Bingham-Waggoner Estate

313 W. Pacific Ave., Indep, MO 816.461.3491 $ D3 www.BWEstate.org This 1855 museum depicts the history of George Caleb Bingham, one of Missouri’s most famous artists and politicians, and the mansion in which he lived.

Historic Sites, Museums and Tours 1827 Log Courthouse

107 W. Kansas Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7111 Free D3 www.VisitIndependence.com Tour the 1827 log courthouse and learn about the controversial slaveland dispute and westward expansion issues that were resolved there.

1859 Marshal’s Home and Jail Museum

217 N. Main St., Indep, MO 816.252.1892 $ D3 www.JCHS.org One-room schoolhouse, marshal’s home, 1859 jail and museum.

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1722 E. 17th Ter., KC, MO 816.221.1600 Free C3 www.BlackArchives.org Call to schedule a tour of the collections featuring the works of black artists, writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

3700 Blue Pkwy., KC, MO 816.513.0700 Free C3 www.brucewatkinscenter.com This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early AfricanAmerican pioneers, portraying the artistic, cultural and social history of the African-American experience.

Burnt District Museum

400 E. Mechanic, Suite 203, Harrisonville, MO 816.380.4396 $ C5 www.casscountyhistoricalsociety.com Civil War Museum with exhibits including a diorama of the Battle of Morristown, timelines, first edition print of George Caleb Bingham’s “Martial Law, Order #11,” photo archives and more.

Clay County Courthouse

11 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 816.407.3250 Free D2 www.Circuit7.net A self-guided tour tells the history of Clay County, including stories of Jesse James.

Clay County Museum

14 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 816.792.1849 Free D1 www.ClayCountyMuseum.org Step into the past in a museum on the historic Liberty Square where the James Gang carried out the first daylight bank robbery in American history, and Civil War soldiers once marched.

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1331 $ A1 www.FirstCityMuseums.org Learn about Kansan C.W. Parker, the legendary manufacturer of carousels and amusement rides. Tour the museum to learn the history of the carousel and enjoy a ride as well!

Dillingham-Lewis Home

101 SW 15th St., Blue Springs, MO 816.224.8979 Free D4 www.BlueSpringsHistory.org Tour a 20th-century pioneer home to see how early settlers in Jackson County lived.

Ensor Farmsite and Museum 18995 W. 183rd St., Olathe, KS 913.592.4141 $ A5 www.ensorparkandmuseum.org The Marshal Ensor Park and Museum in Olathe is a seasonal museum devoted to the teacher, craftsman and amateur radio operator and his influence.

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum

101 E. Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 816.630.0101 Free D1 www.ExSMO.com Located in the former Clay County Bank building, the museum allows guests to view historic records and artifacts and learn the history of Excelsior Springs.

Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum

1 Memorial Dr., KC, MO 816.881.2683 Free C3 www.KansasCityFed.org Tour Kansas City’s Federal Reserve Bank and learn about the U.S. monetary system. Children can make their own money and leave with a shredded souvenir!

First City Museum

743 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1866 $ A1 www.FirstCityMuseums.org Exhibits highlight the history of Kansas’ first city.

Fort Osage

107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 816.650.3278 $ D2 www.JacksonGov.org/FortOsage Built in 1808, this was the first U.S. outpost in the Louisiana Purchase. Osage Indian history and early military history are depicted through exhibits and special events.

Frontier Army Museum

100 Reynolds Ave., Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.684.3767 Free A1 www.FFAM.us Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi. Learn about the history of the Frontier Army from 1804 to 1916 and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present.

Grandview Historical Depot Museum

1205 Jones St., Grandview, MO 816.761.6271 $ C4 www.Grandview.org The museum, housed in a caboose, preserves Grandview history.

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MUSEUMS

Black Archives of Mid-America

MUSEUMS

Grinter Place State Historic Site

Historic Pharis Farm

Harris-Kearney House

Irish Museum & Cultural Center

1420 S. 78th St., KC, KS 913.299.0373 Free A3 www.KSHS.org A trip to Grinter Place isn’t just a look inside the oldest home in Wyandotte County. It’s a step back to the days of frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border. 4000 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 816.561.1821 $ C3 www.WestportHistorical.com Tour the 1855 house that served as a hotel in old Westport and stands as one of Kansas City’s oldest landmarks.

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

500 US Hwy. 24, Indep, MO 816.268.8200 $ D3 www.TrumanLibrary.org The exhibits in the library’s museum emphasize the life and times of Harry S. Truman and the Truman presidency.

Herbert Bonnell Museum

20755 Lamar Rd., Weston, MO 816.992.0102 Free A1 www.WestonMo.com Tour an 1874 working farm and explore the museum.

Historic Liberty Jail

216 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 816.781.3188 Free D1 www.LDS.org Discover the history of the jail and learn the story of Joseph Smith, the Morman leader who was imprisoned in the jail in 1838 for his beliefs.

20611 EE Hwy., Liberty, MO 816.736.8500 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Learn about the Pharis farm of 1836, when Fielding Bell, the son of a Revolutionary War veteran, migrated to Clay County, MO, from Mason County, KY.

30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.474.3848 Free C3 www.IrishCenterKC.org Discover Kansas City’s Irish history. Learn about early immigrants to our city, research genealogies and learn the art and culture of Ireland.

Jackson County Historical Society Archives

Jackson County Courthouse, Main & Maple, Independence, MO 816.461.1897 Free D3 www.JCHS.org The archives house Jackson County documents dating back to 1840. Harry S. Truman, frontier trails, the Civil War and local outlaws are the focus.

Jesse James Bank Museum

103 N. Water St., Liberty, MO 816.736.8510 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMo.gov Visit the site of the first U.S. daylight peacetime bank robbery.

Jesse James Farm & Museum

21216 James Farm Rd., Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 $ D1 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Tour the Jesse James home and learn about the famous outlaw and pre-Civil War history in northern Missouri.

Johnson County Museum

John Wornall House Museum

6115 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.444.1858 $ C4 www.wornallmajors.org The 1858 museum offers special events and programs telling the history of Kansas City during the Civil War.

Johnson County Kansas Archives

19310 W. 159th St., Olathe, KS 913.715.0400 Free A5 www.archives.JoCoGov.org Archives of Johnson County, KS, history are open to visitors.

Johnson County Museum

6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.715.2550 Free A4 www.JoCoGov.org The museum is a great place to spend the day learning about Johnson County’s history.

KC Fun Trolley Tours

Tours Board at Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.500.5417 $$ C3 www.KCFunTours.com Tour the popular sights and local favorites aboard an authentic trolley.

Kansas City Gangster Tour

Tours Board at Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.471.1234 $$ C3 www.TheKCTours.com Call to schedule a tour. The Gangster Tour puts you hot on the trail of this city’s most notorious Goodfellas.

Kansas City Historic Garment District Museum

801 Broadway, KC, MO 816.474.2112 $ C3 www.KCGarmentMuseum.org The museum tells the story of Kansas City’s garment factories from the 1920s through the 1980s.

KCMO City Hall

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures 46 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

414 E. 12th St., KC, MO 816.513.1313 Free C3 www.KCMO.org Tour Kansas City’s City Hall and learn about the inner workings of the city government. Climb the stairs to the top to enjoy the observation deck with a beautiful view of downtown.

MUSEUMS

Kansas City Museum

3218 Gladstone Blvd., KC, MO 816.483.8300 $ C3 http://kansascitymuseum.org/ The museum is currently under restoration. Enjoy restoration tours of the mansion and KC history stories in the Story-Tarium, as well as the annual Fairy Princess visit at Christmas.

KC Rail Experience

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org Experience sights and sounds from the golden age of rail travel. Personal histories, vintage rail cars and unique artifacts bring to life a great American tradition.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Kansas City

Washington Square Park: Pershing & Main, KC, MO Free C3 www.MoKoreanWarMemorial.org A memorial dedicated to the memory of those who served during the Korean War.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Overland Park

11902 Lowell Ave., OP, KS www.KWVA.org Free B5 The KWVA Memorial features an engraved wall honoring the fallen and missing soldiers of the Korean War. The rock piles on the site were erected to represent Korea’s battlefields.

Korean/Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Wyandotte County Park: 91st St. & Leavenworth Rd., KC, KS 913.596.7077 Free A2 www.WyCoKCK.org America’s first dual war memorial is dedicated to veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Lanesfield School Historic Site

18745 S. Dillie Rd., Edgerton, KS 913.893.6645 Free A5 www.JoCoMuseum.org The Lanesfield School Historic Site is a tribute to rural schooling.

Leavenworth National Cemetery

150 8th St., Leavenworth, KS 913.758.4105 Free A1 www.Cem.VA.Gov This historic cemetery is the burial site for many soldiers, beginning with the Civil War. In 1919, a monument was erected in memory of “Soldiers Who Died for Their Country.”

Amelia Earhart Birthplace

Leavenworth Trolley Tour

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1023 $ A1 www.VisitLeavenworthKS.com Tour Leavenworth and learn her history from Ft. Leavenworth to the invention of the American carousel to the stories of its early citizens.

 FEATURED LISTING Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm See ad on pg. 43.

220 SE Main St., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.287.4477 Free D4 www.LeesSummitHistory.net A collection of local artifacts dating back to the 1890s is housed in an old depot.

1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 913.971.5111 $ A5 www.mahaffie.org Visit the only working stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail. Relive the adventures of early stagecoach passengers. Tour the home, blacksmith shop and farm. Mahaffie offers many events throughout the year, including handson programs for children, stagecoach rides and living history days. 

Legler Barn Museum

Missouri Town 1855

Lee’s Summit Railroad Museum

14907 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 913.492.0038 Free A4 www.LenexaHistoricalSociety.org The historic site was believed to be a Jesse James and Quantrill hideout during the 1861 Lawrence raid. The site displays changing exhibits on local history.

Leila’s Hair Museum

1333 S. Noland Rd., Indep, MO 816.833.2955 $ D3 www.LeilasHairMuseum.net Check out this curiosity: 159 wreaths and more than 2,000 pieces of jewelry made of human hair, dating to before 1900.

Lone Jack Battlefield Museum

301 S. Bynum Rd., Lone Jack, MO 816.697.8833 Free D5 www.HistoricLoneJack.org Enjoy this museum and battlefield tour of the Battle of Lone Jack.

8010 E. Park Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.503.4860 $ D4 www.JacksonGov.org/MissouriTown Missouri Town is a reconstructed 1850s farming community. Tour 30 buildings, including a school, church, farm homes, general store and more.

Mount Gilead Church & School

15918 Plattsburg Rd., Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 Free D1 www.JesseJamesMuseum.org Tour a one-room schoolhouse, where school continued to meet through the Civil War, and a historic church.

The Museum at Prairiefire

National Agricultural Hall of Fame

630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.721.1075 $ A3 www.AgHallOfFame.com Learn about agriculture in the Heartland. Enjoy train rides, hayrides, tractor tours, special events and more.

National Frontier Trails Museum

318 W. Pacific Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7575 $ D3 www.CI.Independence.MO.us/NFTM Features the history of the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails. Learn about local trail history and wagon swales, load a wagon and learn the history of westward expansion.

 FEATURED LISTING The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures See ad on pg. 5.

5235 Oak St., KC, MO 816.235.8000 $ C3 www.ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights adults and children through the museum’s collection and preservation of toys and miniatures. The newly remodeled museum delights visitors of all ages with innovative and engaging exhibits. 

5801 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.333.3500 $ B5 www.VisitPrairieFire.com The museum showcases world renowned exhibits. kcgoingplaces.com 47

MUSEUMS

Truman Farm Home

12301 Blue Ridge Blvd., Grandview, MO 816.254.9929 $ C5 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Built in 1894, this was Harry Truman’s childhood residence from 1906 to 1917.

Truman Home

219 N. Delaware, Indep, MO 816.254.9929 $ D3 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Tour the home of President and Mrs. Truman where they lived. The apple green kitchen, simple furnishings, untouched calendar and family collections reflect their lifestyle.

UFDC Doll Museum

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

 FEATURED LISTING National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial See ad on pg. 45.

100 W. 26th St., KC, MO 816.888.8100 $ C3 www.TheWorldWar.org Through original objects and documents, video, recreated trenches and interactive tables, the museum shares a comprehensive history of the First World War with visitors. Limited-run exhibitions tell newly curated stories of the Great War, often drawing from the museum’s comprehensive archives of more than 75,000 objects and documents. 

Oxford Schoolhouse

Ironwoods Park: 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.339.6700 Free B5 www.Leawood.org/Parks Oxford School is one of the oldest schools in the state of Kansas, now offering living history programs where children experience the one-room school day of pioneers.

Pioneer Trails Adventures

217 N. Main, Indep, MO 816.254.2466 $ D3 www.PioneerTrailsAdventures.com Enjoy a mule-drawn covered wagon ride as you learn about the city’s history and famous citizens, including Wild Bill Hickok, General Sterling Price and Harry Truman.

Raytown Historical Society and Museum

9705 E. 63rd St., Raytown, MO 816.353.5033 $ C3 www.RaytownHistoricalSociety.org Museum features a general store, Raytown history and traveling exhibits.

Rice-Tremonti Home

8801 E. 66th St., Raytown, MO 816.358.7423 $ C3 www.Rice-Tremonti.com Visit the oldest standing frame house in Jackson County, MO.

Rosedale Memorial Arch

35th St. & Booth, KC, KS 913.677.5097 Free B3 www.WyCoKcK.org Inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, this arch was built in 1923 to pay tribute to WWI veterans. In 1993, a monument was installed under the arch to honor WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans.

Shawnee Indian Mission

3403 W. 53rd St., Fairway, KS 913.262.0867 $ B3 www.KSHS.org Johnson County is named for Thomas Johnson, the founder of the Shawnee Indian Mission. Learn the history of the Shawnee and early Johnson County, KS.

Shawnee Town 1929

11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org

48 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

An active, fun place where visitors of all ages learn what it was like to live in Shawnee in 1929. Experience a typical day in and around the farm town.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

7000 NE Barry Rd., KC, MO 816.792.2655 $ C1 www.KCMO.org Shoal Creek Living History Museum is a village of more than 20 authentic 19th-century buildings. Hands-on history is taught through programs and events.

Strawberry Hill Museum

720 N. 4th St., KC, KS 913.371.3264 $ B3 www.StrawberryHillMuseum.org This Queen Anne-style 1887 home tells the story of immigrants from Eastern Europe. Visit the Russian Tea Room for lunch or brunch!

10900 N. Pomona Ave., KC, MO 816.891.7040 $ B1 www.UFDC.org Museum features exhibits on dolls from around the world and throughout history.

Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Federal Courthouse

400 E. 9th St., KC, MO 816.426.3963 Free C3 www.GSA.gov/portal/content/101540 Tour the Federal Courthouse and learn how the judicial branch of government works.

U.S. National Archives

400 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.268.8000 Free C3 www.Archives.gov Kansas City has one of the 11 branches of the National Archives. The collections include historical, diplomatic, genealogical and military documents, artifacts and exhibits.

Vaile Mansion 1500 N. Liberty St., Indep, MO 816.325.7430 $ D3 www.VaileMansion.org Guided tours are offered of the 1882 Victorian mansion.

Thomas Hart Benton Home

Veterans Memorial Park 1025 S. Harrison, Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 Free A5 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec/ This 4-acre park honors the men and women who served America in the Armed Services.

Truman Courtroom and Office

Veterans Park

3616 Belleview Ave., KC, MO 816.931.5722 $ C3 www.mostateparks.com Tour the home of one of Missouri’s most famous artists. See the artist’s studio and work firsthand.

Jackson County Courthouse, 112 W. Lexington, Indep, MO 816.881.3000 $ D3 www.JacksonGov.org Tour the office and courtroom used by Mr. Truman in his early years of elected politics. Remodeled office opening soon.

Center & Pawnee St., Gardner, KS 913.856.7535 Free A5 www.GardnerKansas.gov The park features a veterans memorial as well as park facilities: playground, trail, basketball court, etc.

Broadway & W. 42nd St., KC, MO 816.561.8387 Free C3 Dedicated in 1986 to all Vietnam veterans, with a special salute to veterans from KC, the memorial includes a wall with the names of 336 area veterans killed or missing in action.

Watkins Woolen Mill

26600 Park Rd. N., Lawson, MO 816.580.3387 $ D1 www.WatkinsMill.org The mill is America’s only 19th-century textile factory with original machinery. Tour the home, visitor’s center, farm, and brick mill and see how workers turned fleece into fabric.

Weston Historical Museum

601 Main St., Weston, MO 816.386.2977 Free D3 www.WestonHistoricalMuseum.org From rare Native American moccasins to early physician instruments to vintage clothing displays, the Weston Historical Museum has preserved local artifacts to enjoy today.

Wyandotte County Historical Society and Museum

631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.573.5002 Free A3 www.WYCoKCK.org Hands-on exhibits and artifacts depict the history of Wyandotte County and Native Americans.

Science Museums and Sites  FEATURED LISTING Gottlieb Planetarium See ad on pg. 66.

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org The Gottlieb Planetarium’s 360-degree domed screen and advance projection system immerse visitors in an experience that is simultaneously entertaining and informative. From a regular presentation about the solar system to the occasional special musical collaboration, the planetarium dazzles with one of the largest dome experiences in the Midwest. 

KU Natural History Museum

1345 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 785.864.4450 $ A3 www.NaturalHistory.KU.edu Four floors of exhibits help you explore the life of the planet. You will discover the animals and plants of the Great Plains, see a live bee colony and a toothy mosasaur fossil.

Powell Observatory

26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS 913.837.5305 $ B5 www.askc.org/powell.htm Powell Observatory is home to the largest telescope in a five-state area.

 FEATURED LISTING Science City at Union Station See ad on pg. 66.

30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.ScienceCity.com Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to outer space, music to optical illusions, medicine and weather. Housed in Union Station, a popular destination drawing tourists who marvel at the Grand Hall’s 95-foot ceiling and 3,500-pound chandeliers. 

Special Interest Museums & Tours Ambiance on the Water

200 Ward Pkwy., KC, MO 816.365.7101 $$ C3 www.AmbianceOnTheWater.com Enjoy a ride aboard one of two custom designed boats for a romantic tour of the Plaza River Walk.

Armacost Car Museum

4200 E. 135th St., Grandview, MO 816.763.9683 $$ C5 www.PetersonCarMuseum.com Two floors of restored vintage cars in a space available for special events.

Chip’s Chocolate Factory

Crown Center: 2450 Grand Ave., KC, MO 816.421.0012 Free C3 www.ChipsChocolateFactory.com Visit the shop and factory where KC’s very own KC Fudge was developed more than 27 years ago.

Harley Davidson Assembly Plant

11401 N. Congress Ave., KC, MO 816.270.8023 Free B1 www.Harley-Davidson.com Tour the factory and watch the assembly of Harley Davidson motorcycles firsthand.

Kansas City Auto Museum

15095 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS 913.322.4227 $ B5 www.KansasCityAutoMuseum.com A new museum honoring the rich heritage of Kansas City’s automotive manufacturing and collector community.

 FEATURED LISTING Louisburg Cider Mill See ad on pg. 29.

14730 KS 68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS 800.748.7765 Free B5 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com The entire family will enjoy watching cider and donuts being made firsthand. Then enjoy samples of both. Special events throughout the year include pumpkin season, Ciderfest and opportunities for group tours. Plus enjoy their extensive gift shop. 

Moon Marble

600 E. Front St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.441.1432 Free A3 www.MoonMarble.com Watch marble making, learn marble games and visit the store with oldfashioned toys.

 FEATURED LISTING Negro Leagues Baseball Museum See ad on pg. 67.

1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.221.1920 $ C3 www.NLBM.com Founded in 1990, the 10,000-squarefoot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the rich history of AfricanAmerican baseball. Experience a tour of multimedia displays, museum store, hundreds of photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. Through educational programming and innovative exhibitions, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the history of African-American baseball. 

The Roasterie Inc.

1204 W. 27th St., KC, MO 816.931.4000 FREE C3 www.TheRoasterie.com Tour the coffee company and learn about cupping, roasting and blending.

Roller Coaster Model Museum

11415 E. 23rd St. S., Indep, MO 816.656.5106 $ D3 www.RollerCoasterModelMuseum.com Home to working scale model roller coasters that operate like their reallife counterparts.

Royals Hall of Fame

Kauffman Stadium 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.921.8000 $ C3 http://KansasCity.Royals.MLB.com An education and entertainment venue that includes artifacts, photos and videos tracing the history of Royals baseball.

College Basketball Experience

1401 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.949.7500 $ C3 www.CollegeBasketballExperience.com Hands-on exhibits place visitors in game-like situations.

Hallmark Visitors Center

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.3613 Free C3 www.HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com Discover the story of Hallmark from humble beginnings in 1910 to the creation of this world-famous company through interactive displays and fascinating exhibits.

Jesse James’ Bank kcgoingplaces.com 49

MUSEUMS

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

fun things to do

Science City, Union Station

in Kansas City in the fall and winter • Attend a Kansas City area fall festival. Visit www.KCParent.com for a complete list.

• Walk the Country Club Plaza and admire the art and fountains. Three favorite events in the fall and winter are the Plaza Art Fair, the Waterfire Festival and the Plaza Lights.

• A ttend one of Shoal Creek Living History Museum’s FREE events.

• Paint faces and play pretend at Paradise Park. • Ride a horse-drawn stagecoach or sleigh at

Mahaffie

Stagecoach Stop.

• Take a FREE tour of the Roasterie and learn about coffee. • Stroll through the farmers market and find one new food to try. Search “Farmers Markets” on www.KCParent.com for a complete list.

• Tour the Truman home in Independence. • Ride the Pumpkin Express or Santa Train aboard the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad.

Cedar Cove, Feline Sanctuary

• Take a tour of Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site, the only 19thcentury textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact.

• Attend GLOW: A Jack-o’-Lantern Festival at Powell Gardens

(Oct. 17-18). Walk a jack-o’-lantern trail featuring more than 700 pumpkins.

• Stroll through Kauffman Memorial Gardens. 50 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

• Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. • Buy a caramel apple at Sweet Caroline’s. • Visit the Overland Park Arboretum. • Share a Skyscraper at Winstead’s. • Create a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope. • Imagine and play at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum.

• Cheer for your favorite bull rider at the American Royal Rodeo.

• Tour

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary in Louisburg and learn about big cats up close and personal.

• Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where admission is FREE.

• Take a tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall and go to the roof for amazing views of downtown.

• Hike at Ernie Miller Nature Center. • Visit the National Archives of Kansas City and explore their FREE exhibits.

• Discover a masterpiece at the FREE Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

• Get FREE money at the Money Museum. • Taste test every flavor of Glacé ice cream until you find your favorite.

• Learn about the Santa Fe Trail at Cave Springs Nature Center.

• Explore the Central Branch of the Kansas City Library, because any library with a parking garage painted with classic books has to be cool.

• Tour the Harley-Davidson Factory, a favorite activity for ages 12 and up.

• Bike Trolley Trail. • Tour the FREE Hallmark Visitors Center. • Imagine you’re in the Wild West at Antioch Park. • Eat delicious barbecue on a quest to find the very best.

Vaile Mansion, Independence

Watkins Mill State Park

• Take a photo from the top of the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial.

• Tailgate at Kauffman Stadium or Arrowhead Stadium. • Ride all seven roller coasters at Worlds of Fun. • Build a giant Lego tower at Legoland Discovery Center. • Bottle feed baby goats at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

• Touch a sea star at Sea Life Kansas City. • Cheer for Sporting KC. • Delight in delectable gourmet chocolates at Andre’s or Christopher Elbow’s.

• Rent a paddleboat at Lake Jacomo. • Learn about Lewis and Clark at Fort Osage. • Sleep with penguins at the Kansas City Zoo. • Ride a bicycle across a high wire at Science City. • Watch a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway. • Applaud the Kansas City Ballet at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

• Find faces in the woodwork at Vaile Mansion. • Visit the Fairy Princess at Christmas at the Kansas City Museum.

Steel Hawk, Worlds of Fun kcgoingplaces.com 51

SHOWTIME

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

dinner and a show

njoy dinner and a live show at one of Kansas City’s premier theaters. The Coterie is Kansas City’s professional children’s theater, located on the first floor of Crown Center. From Sept. 22 to Oct. 25, watch The Miracle Worker, the story of Helen Keller, a child who has been deaf and blind since infancy, and Annie, her young, determined teacher who opens Helen’s world to language. From Nov. 17 to Jan. 3, A Charlie Brown Christmas takes the stage. The Peanuts holiday mood is set with a live jazz trio playing the original Vince Guaraldi arrangements! And Justice for Some: The Freedom Trial of Anthony Burns is showing Jan. 26-Feb. 21. Crown Center is home to many fantastic restaurants, but all-time faves for the kids will always be Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant where trains deliver food to your table, d’Bronx, the New York-style delicatessen and pizzeria, and Streetcar Named Desire, a cozy bar and grill. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre performs on two stages, one on the UMKC campus near the Country Club Plaza and the other in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Both shopping districts are home to dozens of excellent restaurants appealing to any palate. From Oct. 16 to Nov. 15, watch Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin, directed by Phylicia Rashad and telling the story of Bayard Rustin, the brilliant proponent of nonviolent civil resistance in the 1960s. A Christmas Carol, showing Nov. 20 to Dec. 26, is back for its 35th season. 52 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Santaland, showing Dec. 3-24, is a hysterical tale of the misguided career of Crumpet, a Macy’s elf. The Diary of Anne Frank is showing Jan. 29-Feb. 21. Newly discovered writings from her diary and actual survivor accounts are interwoven to tell the chilling story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. Enjoy the Kansas City Ballet’s performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The Three Musketeers is showing Oct. 9-18, a ballet of swashbuckling, swordplay and daring in the French court of Louis XIII. Dec. 5-25 this year marks the presentation of an all new production of The Nutcracker. Kansas City Ballet artistic director Devon Carney promises a traditional yet boisterous, adventurous and reimagined production. Swan Lake, showing Feb. 19-28, is one of ballet’s true romantic classics. Los Tules, one of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants in town, is across the street. And for upscale dining, you can enjoy brunch or dinner next door at the elegant Webster House. Little ones will delight in Theatre for Young America’s live plays at Union Station. The upcoming season includes Skippy Jon Jones (Oct. 13-Nov. 14), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Oct. 27-31), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Nov. 24-Dec. 26), The Toughest Kid in the World (Jan. 19-23) and Junie B. Jones: The Musical (Feb. 9-March 19). Stop in at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a treat before or after the show!

Bell Road Barn Players

David Theater at Park University: 8700 NW River Park Dr., Parkville, MO 816.587.0218 $ B2 www.BellRoadBarn.com Live community theater performances.

Big Creek Country Show

110 Veterans Pkwy., Pleasant Hill, MO 816.524.6856 $$ A5 www.BigCreekCountry.com Country musicians and comedians offer shows for the family.

Blue Springs City Theater

Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours & directions for each facility.

2000 NW Ashton Dr., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0137 $ D3 www.BlueSpringsCityTheater.com Live community theater performances.

Dance, Music & Theater

Carlsen Center at JCCC

Avila College Goppert Theatre

11901 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.501.3699 $$ C5 www.Avila.edu Students offer live theater performances.

Barn Players Community Theatre

6219 Martway, Mission, KS 913.432.9100 $ B3 www.TheBarnPlayers.org Enjoy live community theater performances.

12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.4445 $$ B4 www.JCCC.edu Concerts, ballet, live theater, puppet shows and performances from around the world grace the Carlsen Center stage.

Christian Youth Theater

Various locations 913.681.3318 $ www.CYTKC.org CYT is an after-school theater arts program for children ages 5-18.

City Theatre of Independence

Dramatic Truth Ballet

Comedy City

Excelsior Springs Community Theatre

201 N. Dodgion, Indep, MO 816.325.7370 $ D3 www.CityTheatreOfIndependence.org Live community theater for all ages includes children’s shows. 3600 Broadway, Ste. #107, KC, MO 816.842.2744 $ C3 www.ComedyCity.cc Improv comedy shows are geared for the entire family. Check schedule for show descriptions.

Coterie Theatre

Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 144, KC, MO 816.474.6552 $ C3 www.CoterieTheatre.org The Coterie, a professional Equity theater, is among the top five theaters serving families and young audiences in the United States, according to TIME magazine.

The Culture House

Various performance locations 14808 W. 117th St., Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 $ A5 www.CultureHouse.com The entire family can enjoy live theater, dance and musical performances.

10510 Grandview Rd., KC, MO 816.767.9222 $ C4 www.DramaticTruth.org Local Christian ballet troupe performs live shows for the whole family.

Various performance locations in Excelsior Springs, Richmond and Liberty, MO. 816.637.3728 $ D1 www.ESCTheatre.org Live community theater for all ages includes children’s shows.

Folly Theater 300 W. 12th St., KC, MO 816.474.4444 $$ C3 www.FollyTheater.com Live theater and music performances entertain at this venue. Gem Theater

1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.474.8463 $$ C3 www.AmericanJazzMuseum.com The Gem Theater features everything from films and live theater productions to dynamic live jazz performances.

ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

ENROLL NOW THE REGION’S MOST RESPECTED PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING DANCERS ENHANCE POISE, FOCUS AND RHYTHM IN YOUR CHILD WITH EXCELLENT STARTER CLASSES IN: • Creative Movement ages 3-5 • Fundamentals of Dance ages 5-6

Union Station

Johnson County 5359 W. 94th Terr. Prairie Village, KS (95th & Nall)

Nall Ave.

Downtown Bolender Center 500 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO

Broadway

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! I-3

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

• Pre-Ballet ages 6-7

94th Terr.

W. 95th St.

Pershing Rd.

SPACE IS LIMITED. . .ENROLL TODAY! 816.931.2299 | kcballet.org/school

kcgoingplaces.com 53

SHOWTIME

Martin City Melodrama

3808 E. 98th Ter., KC, MO 913.642.7576 $ B4 www.MartinCityMelodrama.org Live Vaudeville-style theater is sure to leave the entire family laughing!

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

3614 Main, KC, MO 816.569.3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theater providing a full season of shows for the public.

Midland Theatre

1228 Main St., KC, MO 816.283.9900 $$ C3 www.MidlandKC.com Live theater, concerts and other performances entertain guests.

Miller-Marley School of Dance Carlsen Center

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC

5801 W. 115th St., Suite 101, OP, KS 913.327.8000 $$ B5 www.JCCKC.org Live theater and music performances entertain the whole family.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.994.7200 $$ C3 www.KauffmanCenter.org Home to resident organizations the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and other innovative programming.

 FEATURED LISTING Kansas City Ballet See ad on pg. 53.

Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity: 500 W. Pershing, KC, MO Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.931.2232 $$ C3 www.KCBallet.org The ballet’s homes, Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, are poised to make KC a true destination for professional dance. The 2015-2016 season features The Three Musketeers, an all-new Nutcracker, Swan Lake and more! 

KC Chamber Orchestra

Various performance locations 816.960.1324 $$ C3 www.KCChamberOrchestra.org Classical music is performed by KC’s chamber orchestra.

KC Friends of Alvin Ailey

1714 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.471.6003 $$ C3 www.KCFAA.org Professional dance group features ballet, modern and jazz dance.

 FEATURED LISTING KC Repertory Theatre See ad on pg. 55.

4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 www.KCRep.org The premier professional resident theater company of Kansas City, MO, founded in 1964. Each season offers new productions for all ages including the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol. Other shows for the season include The Diary of Anne Frank and The Fantasticks.

KC Starlight Theatre

4600 Starlight Dr., KC, MO 816.363.7827 $$ C3 www.KCStarlight.com Get into the spirit with starry nights, great food and the best Broadway entertainment in Kansas City each summer.

KC Symphony

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.0400 $$ C3 www.KCSymphony.org Enjoy professional live classical symphony. The symphony’s Family Series is especially popular with KC kids, as it features fun holiday music and familiar favorites.

54 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

KC Young Audiences

5601 Wyandotte, KC, MO 816.531.4022 $ C3 www.KCYA.org Live music, dance, drama and poetry entertain patrons ages 5 and up.

Lee’s Summit Symphony Lee’s Summit High School: 400 SE Blue Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.401.5251 $ D4 www.LSSymphony.org Classical symphony entertains with live performances for the community. Liberty Performing Arts Theatre

1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 816.439.4362 $$ D1 www.LPAT.org The entire family can enjoy live theater performances.

Lied Center of Kansas

1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.2787 $ A3 http://lied.ku.edu/ Celebrating 20 years as the performing arts center at the University of Kansas, featuring world famous live entertainment with theater, concerts and shows.

Lyric Opera

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.4933 $$ C3 www.KCOpera.org Attend live professional opera performances.

10448 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.492.0004 $ www.MillerMarley.com Local youth offer live performances.

B3 dance

The Murder Mystery Co.

Stanford and Sons: 7328 W. 119th St., OP, KS www.grimprov.com $$ C3 Show includes three-course meal and interactive murder mystery show.

Music Hall

301 W. 13th St., KC, MO 816.513.5000 $$ C3 www.KCConvention.com Host to live theater in Kansas City since 1936, this facility is known for bringing world-class shows and entertainment.

Musical Theater Heritage

Crown Center: 2450 Grand, KC, MO 816.221.6987 $ C3 www.MusicalTheaterHeritage.com MTH presents classic musical theater and revue performances.

Mystery Comedy Dinner Playhouse

Various Locations, KC, MO 816.333.5999 $$ C3 www.MysteryComedy.com Live mystery comedy theater is performed at various locations in KC.

Mystery Train

Various Locations 816.813.9654 $$ C3 www.KCMysteryTrain.com Interactive mystery dinner theater enjoyed by teens and adults.

9229 Foster St., OP, KS 913.649.7469 $$ B4 www.NewTheatre.com Live dinner theater features famous stars in each performance.

Northland Symphony Orchestra

Park Hill South High School: 4500 NW River Park Dr., Riverside, MO Oak Park High School: 825 NE 79th Ter., KC, MO 816.316.0477 $ B2 www.NorthlandSymphony.org Enjoy notable symphony performances.

Olathe Civic Band

Various Locations 913.669.3388 Free-$ B3 www.OlatheCivicBand.org Live musical performances for the community.

Olathe Civic Theatre

500 E. Loula, Olathe, KS 913.782.2990 $$ B4 www.OlatheTheatre.org Live community theater is produced for the entire family.

Paul Mesner Puppets

1006 Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.756.3500 $ C3 6801 W. 95th St., OP, KS 816.756.3500 $ B4

www.PaulMesnerPuppets.org Puppet shows offered all year to delight young audiences! Audiences from 3 to 93 will enjoy these performances sure to make children laugh.

Piccadilly Puppets Various Locations 913.837.3544 $ www.Piccadilly-Puppets.com Touring puppet company performs shows across the KC metro area. Puppetry Arts Institute

11025 E. Winner Rd., Indep, MO 816.833.9777 $ D3 www.Hazelle.org Enjoy puppet shows, make your own puppets and tour the museum.

Quality Hill Playhouse

303 W. 10th St., KC, MO 816.421.1700 $$ C3 www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com Live music concerts range from classical to jazz.

Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park

7710 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.236.1237 $ A4 www.TheatreInThePark.org Live outdoor theater is performed for the entire family every summer.

Sprint Center

Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre

1407 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.949.7100 $$ C3 www.SprintCenter.com Multi-use indoor arena in the Power & Light District.

12480 S. Blackbob, Olathe, KS 913.254.4444 $ A5 www.TrilogyCulturalArts.com Live theater, dance and musical performances are produced for the entire family.

StoneLion Puppet Theatre Various Locations 816.221.5351 $ www.StoneLionPuppets.org Live puppet shows are tailored for children.

Storybook Theatre Various locations: Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit area 816.204.5702 $ D4 http://AGDT.blogspot.com Storybook Theatre is aimed at girls ages 8-12, and a teen class for girls 13 and older. Public performances are held seasonally.

Theatre for Young America Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2083 $ C3 www.TYA.org Theatre for Young America provides family shows all year.

UMKC Conservatory of Music James C. Olson Performing Arts Center: 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2900 $$ C3 www.Conservatory.UMKC.edu Live musical performances entertain the entire family.

UMKC Theatre 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.6222 $$ C3 www.UMKC.edu/Theatre UMKC college students offer live theater performances.

Youth Symphony of KC Various performance locations 5960 Dearborn, Suite 206, Mission, KS 913.722.6810 $$ B3 www.YouthSymphonyKC.org Area youth offer live classical music performances.

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kcgoingplaces.com 55

SHOWTIME

New Theatre Restaurant

The Roasterie

Food

Factories & Farms:

watch food made in Kansas City

By Kristina Light

Kansas City

is home to local farms, orchards, chocolate shops and factories where many delicious foods are produced right before your eyes. Nothing says autumn quite like a nice glass of apple cider or a warm cider donut. You can watch as cider and donuts are made on a tour of the Louisburg Cider Mill (14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS, 913.837.5202, LouisburgCiderMill.com). Visitors watch the entire process as apples are washed, made into cider and bottled. Then some of the cider is used to make Louisburg’s famous apple cider donuts on site, and if you arrive in time, you can enjoy a fresh, warm one. Every autumn, the mill’s pumpkin patch, corn maze and annual Ciderfest attract many visitors. Another delicious locally-produced beverage can be found in beautiful glass bottles in the dairy section at your local store. Missouri’s own Shatto Milk Company (9406 MO33, Osborn, MO, 816.930.3862, ShattoMilk.com) is a work-

56 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

ing dairy farm and milk bottling company selling many unique flavors of milk, including root beer, strawberry, orange crème, banana and traditional whole or chocolate milk. The Shatto family has farmed their land for more than 120 years, 70 of those as a dairy farm. The milk bottling company opened in 2003, and the brand new cheese making factory opened earlier this year. Families are invited to tour the farm, where they’ll enjoy petting calves, milking cows and Shatto Milk Company

27th St., Kansas City,MO, 816.931.4000, TheRoasterie.com), known for selling premier air-roasted coffee. The business offers one of the most entertaining free tours in town. Visitors watch as coffee goes from bean to brew. Call for reservations.

Green Dirt Farm meeting the famously happy herd. Watch processed and bottled, then conclude your tour sampling new flavors of milk and cheese! While we often associate cows and cheese, sheep’s milk also makes delicious gourmet cheeses. The Green Dirt Farm (20363 Mt. Bethel Rd., Weston, MO, 816.386.2156, GreenDirtFarm.com) is a working sheep farm on the bluffs of the Missouri River Valley, offering educational tours unlike any other. Guests learn why grass is the best food for the 150 ewes on the farm, how important healthy soil is to the environment and what makes the cheese so good. Visitors also learn about pasture rotation while watching the dairy sheep graze on the hills. The highlights of the tour, though, are the final steps: watching as the sheep are milked, the cheese is made in the kitchen and tasting samples! Green Dirt Farm is one of only two sheep dairies in Missouri.

From the delicious aroma of warm chocolate to the tasty samples and beautiful artistry of fudge makers’ preparing handmade confections in copper kettles and forming it on marble slabs, Chip’s Chocolate Factory (in Crown Center, 816.421.0012, ChipsChocolateFactory.com) is a delight for all ages. Kansas City Fudge was originally developed by the Chip’s team more than 27 years ago. With a vision for entertaining and educating, the shop was designed for live demonstrations, which are offered daily. Visitors also can schedule a private tour for groups for a full experience in “Chocology” that includes tastings and souvenirs. Bonus Tip: Be sure to visit the special FREE exhibits for kids on Crown Center’s first floor or visit Kaleidoscope to complete your day! Consider a two-hour road trip to Whiting, KS, where you can tour Schlaegel’s Homegrown Popcorn Factory (must call for tour information: 800.844.7494). Gary and Marian Schlaegel started raising popcorn on their farm nearly 30 years ago, now devoting 10 acres of crop ground to yellow and white popcorn each year. Their business sells 30 flavors of popcorn! Visitors learn how popcorn is grown, prepared and sold. Bonus Outing: The Price Chopper grocery store at 151st & Metcalf is home to a potato chip machine! Homemade potato chips are fried and sold daily.

One of the most educational and delicious outings for food lovers is a visit to the Heartland Harvest Garden at Powell Gardens (Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600, PowellGardens.org). Set on 12 acres, the Heartland Harvest Garden is the largest edible landscape in the United States. After a visit, children better understand where their food comes from and they enjoy sampling foods at the tasting stations, which are open during growing season. “On any given day, you’re likely to find several things to try, from basics like strawberries to more unusual items like yard-long noodle beans,” Callen Zind, Powell’s marketing and events director, says. “With more than 2,000 types of food plants, we can almost guarantee there will be something to surprise you!” You notice a building with an airplane mounted on the roof, and it stirs your curiosity. What could it be? That airplane has become the trademark of The Roasterie (1204 W.

Chip’s Chocolate Factory

kcgoingplaces.com 57

SPORTS

kansas city sports trivia ACROSS 5 Two NASCAR race weekends are held annually at the Kansas ______. 6 This team was the longest-running franchise in the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues. 8 At 142.2 dbA, sports’ loudest fans, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, cheer at this stadium. 9 The Kansas City Royals played against this team in the 2014 World Series. 10 This stadium is home to the largest privately funded fountain (322 feet) in the world. 12 As of 2015, Lamar Hunt, Jr., son of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, became owner of the metro’s hockey team, the ______. 13 The mascot for the Kansas City T-Bones baseball team.

DOWN 1 The Kansas City Chiefs were named in honor of this Kansas City, MO, mayor’s nickname. 2 At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, this Overland Park native earned a gold medal as a member of the winning U.S. relay team in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. 3 In 2013, this race car driver became the first to win four races at Kansas Speedway. 4 A pinto horse was the first mascot for the Kansas City Chiefs. His name was ______. 5 This professional soccer team won the MLS Cup in 2013. 7 The American Royal Rodeo is held annually in the month of ______. 10 Photo Clue: This is a picture of which KC mascot? 11 This eight-time Gold Glove winner and five time All-Star player wore #20 on his Kansas City Royals jersey.

WORD BANK: White, Warpaint, Vreeland, Sporting KC, Speedway, Sizzle, September, Monarchs, Mavericks, Kimmel, KC Wolf, Kauffman, Giants, Bartle, Arrowhead 58 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Park Lanes Family Fun Center

Strikerz Entertainment Center

7701 Renner Rd., Shwn Msn, KS 913.248.1110 $ A4 www.ParkLanesKC.com

18900 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 816.313.5166 $ D3 www.Strikerz.com Bowling and arcade.

Pinstripes 13500 Nall Ave., OP, KS 913.681.2255 $ B5 www.Pinstripes.com In addition to bowling, enjoy bocce and bistro.

Summit Lanes

Premier Bowling & Recreation Center

Ward Parkway Lanes

11400 E. 350 Hwy., Raytown, MO 816.356.5955 $ C3 www.PremierBowl.com

Bowling

Ranch Bowl

Aaron’s Family Fun Center

5604 State Ave., KC, KS 913.287.6000 $ A2 www.RanchBowlKC.com

17070 Aaron Ln., Belton, MO 816.322.0488 $ C5 www.AaronsFamilyFunCenter.com

AMF

Strike ‘N Spare Lanes: 13001 E. 40 Hwy., Indep, MO 816.356.1900 $ D3 Pro Bowl Lanes: 505 E. 18th Ave., KC, MO (This location also offers miniature golf.) 816.221.8844 $ C3 College Lanes: 10201 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.451.6400 $ B4 www.AMF.com

Retro Bowl

803 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.3322 $ D4 www.SummitLanes.com 1523 W. 89th St., KC, MO 816.363.2700 $ C3 www.WardParkwayLanes.com

Indoor Pools Belton Parks Community Center

16400 N. Mullen Rd., Belton, MO 816.348.7400 $ C5 www.BeltonParks.org

906 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO 816.781.1998 $ D2 www.RetroBowlFunCenter.com This location also offers batting cages, billiards and more.

Blue Valley Rec Aquatic Center

Sterling Bowl

Centennial Pool Plex

11216 US 24, Sugar Creek, MO 816.252.2111 $ D3 www.SterlingBowl.com

6545 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ B5 www.BlueValleyRec.org 2401 NW Ashton Dr., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0188 $ D4 www.funattheblue.com

CoCo Key Water Resort

Adam’s Mark Hotel & Conference Center: 9103 E. 39th St., KC, MO 816.737.0200 $$ C3 www.CocoKeyKansasCity.com The 55,000-square-foot indoor water park features wading pool with slides for little swimmers, water slides, fast tube ride and activity pools.

Gladstone Community Center

6901 N. Holmes St., KC, MO 816.423.4200 $ C2 www.Gladstone.mo.us

Great Wolf Lodge

10401 Cabela Dr., KC, KS 913.299.7001 $$ A3 www.GreatWolf.com Enjoy a four-story interactive tree house, winding lazy river and numerous water slides.

Harrisonville Recreation Center

2400 Jefferson Pkwy., Harrisonville, MO 816.380.8980 $ C5 www.CI.Harrisonville.MO.us

Henley Aquatic Center

18200 E. MO 78 Hwy., Indep, MO 816.521.5377 $ D3 www4.Indep.k12.mo.us/Henley/

Diamond Bowl 218 N. Osage St., Indep, MO 816.252.8003 $ D3 www.Diamond-Bowl.com

Gladstone Bowl 300 NW 72nd St., Gladstone, MO 816.436.2695 $ C2 www.GladstoneBowl.com

KC Bowl 8201 State Ave., KC, KS 913.299.1110 $ A3 www.KCBowl.com

Lunar Bowl 2001 NW 7 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.220.7722 $ D3 www.LunarBowl.com

Mission Bowl ‘N Olathe 1020 S. Weaver St., Olathe, KS 913.782.0279 $ A5 http://missionbowl.com/ Second location coming soon.

Olathe Lanes East 303 N. Lindenwood Dr., Olathe, KS 913.764.4568 $ A5 www.OLEast.com

Integrity Gymnastics kcgoingplaces.com 59

SPORTS

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center

6200 Martway St., Shwn Msn, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.SylvesterPowell.com

The View

13500 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO 816.316.4888 $ C5 www.Grandview.org

Ice Skating & Snow Sports Centerpoint Community Ice

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 816.442.6100 $ D3 www.IndependenceEventsCenter.com Enjoy year-round skating at the indoor ice rink.

Matt Ross Community Center

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC

5801 W. 115th St., OP, KS 913.327.8000 $ B5 www.JCCKC.org

KC MO Parks & Rec Community Centers with Indoor Pools

Gregg/Klice Community Center: 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way, KC, MO 816.784.1135 $ C3 Southeast Community Center: 4201 E. 63rd St., KC, MO 816.513.0631 $ C3 Tony Aguirre Community Center: 2050 W. Pennway, KC, MO 816.784.1300 $ C3 www.KCMO.org

KC YMCA Locations with Indoor Pools

Platte County Comm Center South: 8875 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.505.2622 $ B2 Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center: 8601 Parallel Pkwy., KC, KS 913.378.9622 $ A2 Red Bridge Family YMCA: 11300 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.2020 $ C5

Legacy Park Community Center

901 NE Bluestem Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.969.1550 $ D4 www.CityOfLS.net

Liberty MO Community Center 1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 816.439.4360 $ D2 www.CI.Liberty.MO.us

Matt Ross Community Center

8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 $ B4 www.OPKansas.org

Crown Center Ice Terrace

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8411 $ C3 www.CrownCenter.com Kansas City’s only public, outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 41st season in November.

The Ice at Park Place

Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park

1205 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 $-$$ A5 www.olatheks.org/parksrec/olathecommunitycenter

11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.663.2070 $ B5 www.parkplaceleawood.com Bundle up. The Ice at Park Place is the only outdoor ice rink in Johnson County.

Park Hill Aquatic Center

KC Ice Center

8152 N. Congress Ave., KC, MO 816.359.4080 $ B1 www.Parkhill.K12.MO.us

Roeland Park Aquatic Center

19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 913.441.3033 $ B3 www.KCIceCenter.com An indoor ice skating rink.

4843 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS 913.432.1377 $ B3 www.RoelandPark.net

www.KansasCityYMCA.org Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1 Blue Springs Family YMCA: 2251 S. 138th St., Blue Springs, MO 816.224.9620 $ D4 Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 410 N. Bluegrass Dr. # B, Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2 Miami County Family YMCA: 300 11th St., Osawatomie, KS 913.755.3622 $ A5 Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5 Paul Henson Family YMCA: 4200 W. 79th St., Prairie Village, KS 913.642.6800 $ B4 Platte County Comm Center North: 3101 Running Horse, Platte City, MO 816.858.0114 $ A1

Crown Center 60 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

NE 70th & N. Cherry, Gladstone, MO 816.436.2200 $ C2 www.Gladstone.mo.us The outdoor rink is a synthetic ice surface accommodating between 100 and 120 skaters at once.

Line Creek Ice Rink

5940 NW Waukomis Dr., KC, MO 816.513.0760 $ C2 www.KCMO.org Indoor ice skating rink offers family fun.

Rink at Burlington Creek

6109 NW 63rd Ter., KC, MO 816.249.2600 $ B2 www.KCIce.net Outdoor ice skating rink in the Northland.

Snow Creek Ski Area

1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO 816.640.2200 $$ A1 www.SkiSnowCreek.com KC’s only ski course, Snow Creek features man-made snow and snowboarding and skiing lessons.

Miniature Golf Aaron’s Family Fun Center

Cool Crest

10735 E. US Hwy. 40, Indep, MO 816.358.0088 $ D3 www.CoolCrest.com Four full 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 7,000-square-foot video game arcade, a full pizzeria and restaurant, go-karts, batting cages and more!

Family Golf Park

1501 NE 40 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.1550 $ D3 www.FamilyGolfPark.com Outdoor miniature golf, arcade, bumper boats and party facilities.

Howl-in-One Mini Golf

Great Wolf Lodge: 10401 Cabela Dr., KC, KS 913.299.7001 $ A3 www.GreatWolfLodge.com Outdoor miniature golf.

Parkville Mini Golf

7 W. 1st St., Parkville, MO 816.505.9555 $ B2 www.ParkvilleMiniGolf.com Outdoor miniature golf course is set on the Missouri River bluffs.

Power Play 17070 Aaron’s Ln., Belton, MO 13110 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS 816.322.0488 $ C5 913.268.4386 $ B3 www.AaronsFamilyFunCenter.com www.PowerPlayKC.com Play outdoor miniature golf and enjoy Cosmic bowling, arcade games, whirly indoor bowling, outdoor go-karts1 and9/12/15 goingplaces.pdf 4:40 PM volleyball. ball and more.

CMY

SPORTS

Linden Square Ice Rink

Extreme Grand Prix

SEND YOUR KIDS FLYING Open Jump • Ninja Warrior Course • Indoor Playground • Dodgeball • Parties + More

www.urbanairop.com

Urban Air Trampoline Park 14401 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66223 +1 (913) 730-8622 kcgoingplaces.com 61

SPORTS

Smiley’s Golf

KU Athletics

10195 Monticello Ter., Lenexa, KS 913.782.1323 $ B4 www.SmileysGolf.com Outdoor miniature golf features beautiful gardens and fun hazards.

1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 785.864.2700 $$ A3 www.KUAthletics.com College teams for the University of Kansas, including basketball, football, baseball, cross country, track and field.

Paintball 1224 N. 1st Rd., Overbrook, KS 785.841.1884 $ A3 www.DropZonePaintball.com Outdoor paintball fields offer excitement.

Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., KC, KS 913.328.3300 $$ A3 www.KansasSpeedway.com NASCAR races, car shows and classic car races offer plenty of excitement.

High Performance Paintball

Lakeside Speedway

1500 Sandy Links Ln., Harrisonville, MO 816.868.5675 $ C5 http://highperformancepaintball.net Outdoor paintball field with 10+ acres and three varying paintball fields and terrain.

5615 Wolcott Dr., KC, KS 913.299.9206 $ A3 www.LakesideSpeedway.net The half-mile dirt track is part of NASCAR’s weekly racing series

Jaegers Paintball Park

1 Champions Dr., Columbia, MO 800.228.7297 $$ D3 www.MUTigers.com College teams for the University of Missouri, including basketball, football, baseball, cross country, track and field.

Drop Zone Paintball

wild rides in kansas city • Bicycle across a high wire at Science City (816.460.2020).

• Ride the rails with the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad, where they offer hot dog rides, ice cream trains and more throughout the summer.

• Step back in time with a horse-drawn stagecoach ride at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (913.971.5111), or on snowy Saturdays in the winter enjoy a sleigh ride.

• Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Africa aboard the Sky Safari at the Kansas City Zoo.

• Ride shotgun at speeds of up to 165 mph or get behind the wheel and drive a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car for eight to 18 laps at the Richard Petty Driving Experience (800.237.3889) at Kansas Speedway.

• Ride seven world-class roller coasters at Worlds of Fun (816.454.4545).

• Tour the city aboard an old-fashioned trolley with KC Fun Tours, where you’ll learn the history and secrets of the city.

• Rent

a bike and (BikeShareKC.com).

explore

downtown

• Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and take in the holiday lights of the Country Club Plaza (CountryClubPlaza.com)

• Explore the city aboard a Segway with Kansas City Segway Tours (KansasCitySegwayTours.com). Each tour focuses on a different neighborhood and aspect of the city’s history and culture.

• Ride Verrückt, the tallest, fastest and steepest water slide in the world at Schlitterbahn (open summer only).

62 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

9300 NE Underground Dr., KC, MO 816.452.6600 $ C2 www.Jaegers.com Underground paintball field and laser tag is set in one of KC’s oldest limestone mines.

Martin City Paintball

MU Athletics

Missouri Mavericks

13501 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.885.2134 $ C5 www.martincitypaintball.com Six unique outdoor paintball fields.

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 816.252.7825 $$ D3 www.MissouriMavericks.com KC’s minor league ice hockey team offers family excitement.

Pro, Semi-Pro & College Sports

Sporting KC

KC Chiefs

Arrowhead Stadium: 1 Arrowhead Dr., KC, MO 816.920.9300 $$ C3 www.KCChiefs.com Cheer for KC’s professional football team.

KC Comets

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 855.452.4625 $$ D3 www.CometsIndoorSoccer.com Kansas City’s indoor soccer team.

KC Royals

Kauffman Stadium: 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.921.8000 $$ C3 www.Royals.MLB.com Visit the K to watch KC’s professional baseball team.

KC T-Bones Community America Ballpark: 1800 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.328.2255 $ A3 www.TBonesBaseball.com KC’s independent professional baseball team offers a great family outing.

1 Sporting Way, KC, KS 913.387.3400 $$ A3 www.SportingKC.com Cheer for KC’s outdoor soccer team.

UMKC Kangaroos Various locations $$ C3 www.UMKCKangaroos.com College teams include basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, cross country, track and field and volleyball.

Rock Wall Climbing The Cave Bouldering Gym

3150 Mercier St., #641a, KC, MO 816.569.5792 $ C3 www.TheCaveBouldering.com Kansas City’s only dedicated bouldering gym is now open.

Emerald City Gymnastics

9063 Bond, OP, KS 913.438.4444 $ B4 www.EmeraldCityGym.com/rockwall Monster Mountain is 5,000 square feet of vertical and horizontal indoor climbing.

801 NW South Outer Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.9988 $ D3 www.ClimbIBEX.com Challenge yourself on the 32-foot walls, lead cave and bouldering area.

North KC Community Center Climbing Wall

Northland Rolladium

1020 Kent St., Liberty, MO 816.792.0590 $ D2 www.SkateLiberty.net

Rink Ratz

513 SW Keystone Dr, Blue Springs, MO 816.229.7793 $ D4 www.rinkratzsk8.com/home

Wheel Thing Skate Center

1719 Metropolitan Ave., Leavenworth, KS 913.682.7677 $ A1 www.RollinFun.com

Winnwood Skate Center

4426 NE Winn Rd., KC, MO 816.452.1171 $ C2 www.WinnwoodSk8.com

1999 Iron St., North KC, MO 816.300.0531 $ C2 www.NKCCC.org Try the 25-foot indoor climbing wall.

River Roll Skate Center

4720 NW Gateway Ave., KC, MO 816.587.0131 $ C2 www.RiverRoll.com

Sports Complexes

Roller Skating Rinks

Skate City Overland Park

11301 W. 88th St, OP, KS 913.888.9247 $ B4 www.68InsideSports.com Indoor batting cages offer fun and practice.

B & D South Skate Center

13903 E. Noland Ct., Indep, MO 816.252.1084 $ D3 www.BandDSouth.com Remodeling and scheduled to reopen soon.

Landmark Skate Center

701 SE Oldham Ct., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.2000 $ D4 www.Landmark2Skate.com

10440 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.888.6668 $ B4 www.SkateCityKansas.com

Skate City Legends

7838 Washington Ave., KC, KS 913.788.7788 $ A3 www.SkateCityLegends.com

Skate City Shawnee

9800 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS 913.262.0711 $ B3 www.SkateCityShawnee.com

68’s Inside Sports

Blackbob Batting Cages

14570 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.254.7409 $ A5 http://blackbobpark.com/ Outdoor batting cages and outdoor miniature golf.

Blue Valley Rec Batting Cages

9701 W. 137th St., OP, KS 913.685.6030 $ B5 www.BlueValleyRec.org Hit at outdoor batting cages.

Canyon Farms Golf Club

Martin City Sports Complex

1 E. 135th St., KC, MO 816.941.9000 $ C5 www.MartinCitySports.com Batting cages, as well as driving range, miniature golf, volleyball, paintball and more.

Mid-America Sports Complex

20000 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.826.2900 $ A4 www.JCPRD.com Outdoor batting cages offer up fun and practice.

Shoal Creek Driving Range & Batting Cages

5757 NE 96th St., KC, MO 816.734.9595 $ C1 www.ShoalCreekDrivingRange.com Visit the outdoor batting cages and golf course.

Sports City

425 NE Mock Ave., Blue Springs, MO 816.229.1314 $ D3 www.SportsCityKC.com Indoor batting cages, indoor black light miniature golf, throwing tunnels and indoor soccer offer family fun.

Tom Urquhart’s School of Baseball

18145 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 913.529.2235 $ B4 www.canyonfarmsgolfclub.com Enjoy outdoor batting cages.

7875 Mastin Dr., OP, KS 913.385.2255 $ B4 www.385ball.com Improve your skills at indoor pitching tunnels, batting cages and field.

Drive5

Topgolf

12140 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.897.4667 $ B5 http://drive5sports.com/ State-of-the art basketball, volleyball, and gym facility.

KC Sports Lodge

19310 E. 50th Ter., Independence, MO 816.795.7171 $ D3 www.KCSportsLodge.com The 70,000-square-foot facility offers youth and adult indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball and flag football.

Mac-N-Seitz Baseball & Softball

13705 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.9992 $ C5 www.Mac-n-Seitz.com Enjoy two major league-size infields, two full-size bull pens, indoor batting cages, six 70-foot hitting tunnels and party room events.

10611 Nall Ave., OP, KS 913.562.9713 $-$$ B4 www.Topgolf.com Topgolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout.

Triple Play Baseball Softball Academy

1315 SW 40 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.220.7529 $ D4 Indoor batting cages are available.

The Yard

4802 S. Noland Rd., KC, MO 816.525.9273 $ D3 http://TheYardKC.com Indoor baseball and softball facility.

Save on local attractions when you click “Coupons” on www.KCParent.com. Topgolf kcgoingplaces.com 63

SPORTS

IBEX Climbing Gym

summer fun in the

Winter

in kansas city

By Kristina Light

Pack a Picnic

Kansas City Zoo

ou can beat the winter blues with a bit of “summer fun.” If you long for swimming, baseball, ice cream, playing outside.... have no fear! The fun of summer can be here all winter long. All it takes is a touch of creativity and a sense of adventure!

Go Swimming! Kansas City boasts dozens of terrific indoor pools (see pg. 59)! From lap pools to full indoor water parks complete with slides, lazy rivers and more, there is something for swimmers of every age! Best Bang for Your Buck: Many local community centers offer terrific indoor pools with additional amenities. Our three favorites for inexpensive but fun-filled options are: Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park (913.895.6350) has a lap pool, zero-depth entry pool, spray toys, an 18-foot tall water slide for swimmers, water bucket drop and a lazy river. Legacy Park Community Center in Lee’s Summit (816.969.1550) features a 141-foot-long figure-eight water slide, spray features, large play area and a zero-depth beach entrance. The View Community Center in Grandview (816.316.4888) features a lap pool, zero-depth recreation pool, lazy river, coconut tree, umbrella, and spray features, plus a 22-foot-high slide. Polar Plunge! For the truly daring, there is nothing like the Polar Plunge...a dive into one of Kansas City’s lakes on a freezing cold winter day! Missouri and Kansas both host Polar Plunge events throughout the winter benefiting the Special Olympics. All proceeds support local Special Olympics athletes. Register for Polar Plunge online. 64 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

Picnics are even better in the winter! You don’t have to worry about bugs, heat, or crowds, and your family will make fabulous memories with a picnic at one of our favorite outdoor winter venues. Picnic with a Polar Bear! The Kansas City Zoo is a favorite summer outing for many families. Did you know it is open year-round? In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit, as the animals are especially playful and crowds are small. The indoor exhibits at the Tropics, Discovery Barn, and Snake House are great on chilly days, and the highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Polar Bear Passage, where your children will delight in watching Berlin swim and play right before their eyes! Pack a picnic and eat inside while watching Berlin play. Bonus: Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the carousel or train for more fun. (www.KansasCityZoo.org). Play at the Park. Kansas City’s weather can be fickle. One year, we enjoyed snow on the first day of spring. Conversely, it’s not unusual for a few “warm days” to surprise us mid-winter. When the opportunity strikes, surprise the family with a day of play and picnic. Search Kansas City’s “BestParks” on www.KCParent.com.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Celebrate America’s favorite summer pastime...baseball! Whether you love to play, or you’re an avid fan rooting for the home team, your passion for the sport can continue all winter long! Take a Swing! Does your child dream of being the next all-star baseball player? Beat cabin fever with a day at an indoor batting cage. Check out all the batting cages in our Sports Complex listings (pg. 63). Learn about the Monarchs. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the heart of the Jazz District is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Negro Leagues Baseball, including the KC Monarchs. Interactive exhibits appeal to fans of all ages. For information, call 816.221.1920 or visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum site.

kcgoingplaces.com 65

G I N FA R O D M U IV IL PS ID IE UA S LS

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66 kc going places | FALL & WINTER 2015-16

L EXP

ORE

KANSAS CITY ZOO Koalas

Coming Summer 2016

Over 200 acres

of adventure filled

with more than 1,100 animals to explore. Travel all over the

world with a trip to

the Kansas City Zoo.

OPEN DAILY

Always a New Adventure!

Meet Milo! kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234

The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.