KC Parent Magazine May 2016 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE | May 2016 | KCParent.com

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celebrating

super moms in Kansas city!

pages of

cool camps

Fun outings in KC (that sneak in a little learning)

driving in ks & mo parents of teens: listen up!

physicians

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MAY 2016

DEPARTMENTS BUILDING THE MOM/DAUGHTER BOND, PG. 18

FEATURES

Craft Corner

Media Mix

Word from Dad

Faith & Family

Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Party Guide

Camp Guide

Calendar of Events

End of Year

Spirituality

Divorce

Your A-Z guide to wrap up school year

Ways summer camp can support kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spirituality

Tips on how to discuss a divorce with kids

Our cover features Meade from Louisburg. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com. FREE | May 2016 | KCParent.com

ON THE COVER

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SUPER MOMS IN KANSAS CITY!

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DRIVING IN KS & MO parents of teens: listen up!

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EDITOR’SLETTER

Strawberry Picking

Summer Festival Guide

s s

FREE Summer Fun

Check the “Giveaway” page for lots of great contests!

Happy Mother’s Day, end of school and all things in between, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

MAY 2016 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Tisha Foley (Belton), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Karen Johnson, (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Laura McEachen (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | May 2016 | KCParent.com

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Find MORE this May at KCParent.com!

wrote a few years back that May has become the new December, and this year, is that ever true in the Sarver home! With teacher appreciation week to start the month, a long-awaited anniversary trip to conclude the month and the end of the school year and a graduation in between—my head is spinning! Then throw in Mother’s Day, a couple of birthdays and everyday life just to round out the craziness. How about you? Does the thought of busy days in May make your head spin? To help you get through these crazy days of May, we’ve got some terrific articles in this issue. For the end of the school year, check out “A to Z of Wrapping Up the School Year” on pg. 24. My best end-ofthe-year tip: When kids come home with all that stuff that’s been in their desks or lockers, go through it all right away. Save any supplies that can be reused for next year, stick a few items in their memory boxes and get rid of the rest. My girls aren’t in the door five minutes before I’m going through the mountain of junk! Let’s not allow the busyness to get in the way of remembering that important day in May when we pause to focus on moms! My husband gave me a card recently that read, “A beautiful family, a comfortable home and a wonderful woman at the heart of it all.” That sums up perfectly a mom’s role: She is the heart of the home. Be sure to tell your mom how much she means to you, and be sure to enjoy being spoiled on your special day, moms! Last month, the Parenting Media Association (PMA) held its annual awards ceremony. We are so excited to announce that KC Parent and KCParent.com won 8 awards! See details on pg. 62.

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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 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 Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent 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.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

kcparent.com may 2016

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CRAFTCORNER

Stick some DIY plant markers in potted plants and give them to someone special on Mother’s Day or for end-of-the-year teacher gifts.

Step One: Roll out the clay until it’s about 1/4 inch in thickness. Use a pen or pencil as a rolling pin to make this process easier.

Step Two: Using a knife, cut the clay into 3- to 4-inch long strips. Cut the bottom end of each strip into a V shape.

watercolor plant markers

Step Three: Stamp words into the top section of each strip using the alphabet stamps. Bake the plant markers according to the polymer clay package directions.

or an easy homemade gift idea that everyone will love, try making some watercolor plant markers. Stick some in potted plants and give them to someone special on Mother’s Day or for end of the year teacher gifts. Kids will love the process of making these from rolling out the clay, stamping on words and decorating them with paint. You can either choose inspirational words to stamp on the clay or make labels for herbs. The possibilities are endless with this fun craft!

Materials Needed: Polymer oven-bake clay Small alphabet atamps Acrylic paint

Step Four: After the markers are cooled, paint the markers with watered down acrylic paint.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

kcparent.com may 2016

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

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MEDIAMIX

everything is better with friends

spring delivers books that focus on friendship and fun By McGeath Freeman

Maggi and Milo Make New Friends

The Oodlethunks: Oona Finds an Egg

By Natalie Lloyd

By Juli Brenning

By Adele Griffin

Best for: Ages 8-12

Illustrated by Priscilla Burris

Illustrated by Mike Wu Best for: Ages 7-10

Best for: Ages 3-5 Though not as big as Clifford, Milo is a very big dog. He happens also to be Maggi’s best friend. She is happy to play with Milo in their backyard, which is why Maggi is not sure what to think about her mom’s taking her to the park to meet new friends. At the park Maggi begins to play with three new friends and has a lot of fun. But she misses Milo and thinks he might be bored. So Maggi wants to take him for a walk—and so do her new friends. Before they can walk the “Hercules of dogs,” a price must be paid: roly-polies, dandelion puffs, acorns and more. At the end of the day everyone has had fun, and Maggi has new friends. But she promises that Milo will always be her best friend.

What’s good: The playful kid’s voice makes this a good story time book for young readers.

What’s bad: An omniscient voice scattered throughout the text is a little confusing.

kcparent.com may 2016

The Key to Extraordinary

If you were to reimagine the Flintstones today, you might come out with the Oodlethunks. In this first book of the series, we meet Oona and her family. Oona has always wanted a pet, and when she discovers an abandoned egg, she is sure she finally will have one. With the help of her parents she egg-sits and dreams that it will be something cute. When the egg finally hatches, it’s a stegosaurus. Oona and the bully of the story go head to head over ownership of the baby dinosaur. Filled with cartoony illustrations and funny anachronisms, this new series promises kids plenty of laughter. Set aside historical facts—that’s not what this series is about. Kids today will relate to the characters and their issues while having fun reading the story.

What’s good: Fun illustrations and clever plot twists.

What’s bad: A lot of anachronisms, but they add humor to the story.

If you liked Lloyd’s A Snicker of Magic, you’ll like this new tale set in Blackbird Hollow, a small town in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. This story follows Emma, a young girl whose mother recently passed away and who now lives with her older brother and Granny Blue at the Boneyard Café. The Key to Extraordinary is filled with ghosts, magic, destiny and treasure. It’s all woven into a mystery that incorporates friendship, love and a bad guy we all can dislike. Lloyd does an excellent job building characters around intriguing dialogue and eccentric locations.

What’s good: Intriguing characters and an engaging plot make it difficult to put down. What’s bad: The ending is a little too easily wrapped up.

WORDFROMDAD

birthday cake

“B

ill, what kind of cake do you want?” I’m not sure how old I was, maybe 11 or 12, when Mom let us choose our own cakes. Before, she’d picked the cake, and we loved whatever she baked. Almost always she prepared a layer cake, and I loved her frosting. With six children in the family, we couldn’t afford lavish celebrations, but a budget didn’t stop her creativity. Her cakes were moist and the icing a delight to my sweet tooth, but she went to extra efforts for a birthday. A favorite cartoon character? No problem. Special sparkles or tasty sprinkles? Mom could do it with her eyes closed. She even made an elephant cake for my younger brother. And now it was my turn. Chocolate? Always a favorite, but little kids chose chocolate and I was getting big. White cake? A little bland. Even when young, I had a whimsical nature and opportunity rose inside me, full of mischief and delight. “Marble cake. With marble frosting.” Mom studied me, a serious look on her face. “All right.” I suppressed a giggle and went back to the living room and the TV. Not possible. I knew how frosting was made and the beaters would homogenize all the colors into a creamy blend. I gave it no more thought until the big day. Mom placed the covered cake platter on the table and lifted the lid. I stared at the irregular splotches of white and chocolate icing that covered the cake and broke into laughter. Marble cake. With marble icing. Looking back, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Moms have a way of doing the impossible. I think it’s the love they carry in their hearts that shows in everything they do. Especially when making a birthday cake for a little boy. William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com may 2016

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party guide

simple tips for birthday bash success

(Family Features)

hether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning a princess tea party or a superhero birthday bash, the secret to organizing a party your child

will treasure is to keep your little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests at the forefront. If your child does well in smaller groups, keep the guest list small. Plan the menu around her favorite foods and look for little touches that celebrate the unique joy she brings to your family. Make his big day extra special with these simple tips that make childhood birthday parties manageable but magnificent:

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kcparent.com may 2016

Set a theme. Building your celebration around a theme that reflects your child brings an added touch of fun and excitement. Popular options include a favorite color, sport, activity or character. While the Internet offers a mindboggling array of ideas for crafting the perfect theme, there also are a variety of party-ready options for busy moms with limited time.

Decorate the guests. There’s no reason to stop with streamers and balloons. Integrate your guests into the decor with fun activities that bring your theme to life. Face paint, washable tattoos or stamps let little guests take an active role in the party and express a little creativity of their own.

Amp up the activity. Create opportunities for all the little partygoers to participate in the festivities with interactive games that tie back to the theme of the party. Old-school favorites like pin the tail on the donkey can be updated to reflect today’s popular characters; make-your-own slime or clay is the perfect project for a group of mad scientists; or a treasure hunt can be adapted to nearly any theme.

Add some fancy to the food. If your party menu

Offer a fond farewell. No birthday party is complete without treats to send partygoers home happy. However, goodie bags need not be costly or elaborate. An inexpensive item such as bubbles or sidewalk chalk tied in themecolored ribbon is a fun choice for many ages. When it comes to candy, favorite Hershey’s products—from Kit Kat Miniatures to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures to iconic Kisses chocolates—are now available in birthdaythemed designs for a sweet ending to any celebration. Simply package items in a vessel that fits the theme, such as a purse for a princess party or a small pail for a beach blast.

calls for more than cake and ice cream, you can take advantage of another avenue to carry through your theme. A little creativity, some clever monikers and a few basic modifications can quickly transform everyday snacks into festive fun. For example, a dinosaur party might feature Brontosaurus Burgers and T-Rex Trail Mix. The options are nearly endless, and if you’re at a loss, you can find ample inspiration online.

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Mom & Daughter Time: great ways to build the bond

you away. Instead, hug with a sense of humor! It’s been said that nighttime is the time when ’tweens and teens are least distracted and are willing to open up. Take advantage of bedtime by sitting with your daughter and talking. Oh—and go ahead and tuck her in. You may feel silly, but she’ll probably love it! Help her follow her own path. Accept her goals, no matter what you may think of them, and help her achieve them. If she dreams of being an actress, enroll her in some theater classes. Does she love art? Enroll her in art classes. Allow her to show her true colors! Volunteer together. Show your daughter there are more important things in the world than TV, phones and video games. Help her experience the joy and satisfaction of making a difference. Work school events together, bake cookies for a bake sale, help a soup kitchen, visit a nursing home, bring supplies to an animal shelter and visit the homeless animals. There are so many ways to volunteer!

Talk, listen, trust, be there, be kind and show love to your daughter to begin a bond that will last a lifetime.

t’s not easy being a ’tween or a teen girl; nor is it easy being the mother to one. We see our daughters spend more time in their bedrooms, on the phone, computer and hanging out with friends. Many don’t want us around because we embarrass them. So, what’s a mom to do—or not do? Definitely don’t bail out! They need us now more than ever. As our daughters enter some of the most difficult stages of adolescence, learning to adapt and bond with them becomes increasingly important. Here are some great ways to begin and continue the motherdaughter bonding: Talk and listen. How often do you and your daughter talk? It’s important for your daughter to know she can come to you and talk if she needs anything. When your daughter is talking, be sure to make eye contact to let her know you’re listening, and don’t lecture. Practice gratitude. Begin a gratitude journal together. Give your daughter one page to write on, and you write on the other. Then read back to each other what you are thankful

kcparent.com may 2016

for. This is a great way to learn more about your daughter’s character. Find an activity to do together. Schedule quality time together. Take a yoga class with your daughter, paint pottery, go roller skating, have a spa day or go for a walk or jog. The possibilities are endless! The important thing is to choose an activity that you both agree to and will enjoy. Plan a mother/daughter trip. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Plan a picnic at the park or a day trip to a new location. Changing the scenery is a great way to improve communication because everyone is more relaxed. Bake together. Let your daughter choose the recipe and work together to create something yummy to share afterwards. Be silly in the kitchen; make it memorable! Hug your daughter. Find times throughout the day to hug her. Early in the morning before she leaves for school, in the evenings before bedtime, any time! Don’t feel bad if she pushes

Start a mother/daughter book club. Do you both love to read? Why not read the same book(s) your daughter is reading? Once you both finish the book, sit down and discuss it over smoothies, tea or hot cocoa. Make it a special time. Keep a mother/daughter journal. The purpose of this is to share feelings and improve communication. Give the journal to your daughter to write in at night before bedtime. Before kissing her goodnight, have her give it to you to write in. Then it’s your turn. Spend quiet time before hitting the hay by reading what she wrote and responding. Put it outside her door for her to read when she wakes in the morning. Use humor. When you have a ’tween or teen, laughing is important. Instead of lecturing, turn the situation into something ridiculous or funny. It will help lighten the mood in the room. Even if your stubborn ’tween or teen turns down a bonding activity you suggest, don’t give up. Instead, allow her to choose something for the two of you to do together—and do it. You won’t regret it. Talk, listen, trust, be there, be kind and show love to your daughter to begin a bond that will last a lifetime. Mom and author Gina Klein resides in Kansas City, MO, with her husband and two daughters, one of whom soon will be a teen.

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I Love You, Mom! For even more great ways to celebrate mom, log onto KCParent.com!

oms, we see it every year. Flowers, candy, cards. We keep it together 364 days of the year, never missing a birthday, recital, basketball game or soccer match. But today is the day we take off. The day where we kick our feet up and just relax. The day where we snap our fingers and our wish is their every commandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;maybe in a more perfect world, anyhow.

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As moms, our jobs are never over. So how do we hang up our capes and just enjoy the day? Simple! Follow these steps and you’ll be fine!

love to pull out those aprons for special holidays and celebrations, Mother’s Day is just not one of them.

Hint with every breath in your body!

If you want to do something special for your mom, and distance stands between you two (whether that’s a phone call or a road trip that takes hours), make her feel special by not forgetting! Leaving yourself gentle reminders can help more than you know. “Don’t forget about Mom!” on a sticky note or setting your phone to the date can really save you a headache later. There’s nothing worse than forgetting to give a little love on a day that counts to the woman that gave birth to you.

If you want something specific, be specific! Kids’ minds run a mile a minute. If they know Mother’s Day is coming and they know you want them to clean their rooms more than anything in the world, they will make their best effort to make it happen. There’s nothing wrong with setting your hopes high. After all, who knows better than Mom? Get Daddy involved! It takes two to tango! Dad, get involved. You know better than anyone else what a mom has to deal with, from picky eaters to the principal’s office. Help make her day special with breakfast in bed or even dessert after dinner. Whatever you do, just make sure she doesn’t have to cook. While women

Leave yourself reminders!

The gift that doesn’t keep on giving… Gifts are great, but there’s nothing worse than giving a gift that can’t be used. Moms are usually impressed with the thought, but please…please…PLEASE don’t get her something she does not know how to use! Let’s kick this Mother’s Day up a notch.

Think of her, and if you’re still not sure, ASK HER! High-tech remotes that start the microwave and washing machine at the same time sound super cool but can turn out to be the worst when you’re trying to program them. Spa Day! “I don’t want to be pampered and pleased,” says no mom ever! Spa days are a great getaway from reality. Local spas are great! Custom spas are even better. Creating your own at-home oasis for Mom can be simple and fun for the kids. It’s even a great way to get everyone to help with half the cost. Someone can wash Mom’s hair, polish her nails and maybe slice a few cucumbers to place over her eyes. The sky’s the limit— and a few more tips from her favorite blog or magazine can make things even better! Be creative. Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and current Kansas City resident, journalist, photographer, graduate student and ALLY.

kcparent.com may 2016

FAITH&FAMILY

hen’s the last time you laughed with your kids? Do you notice the way their eyes light up when you, Parent, think they’re funny? Try it and see if it doesn’t instantly draw them closer to you. It’s easy to get so caught up in dayto-day parenting that we forget to delight in our kids. Proverbs 17:11 says, “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Could happiness and joy be the exact prescriptions your family needs to heal broken places? One of my most treasured memories of my mom is from when I was about 3-1/2 years old. She was standing at the door of our open refrigerator when I walked into the kitchen. I could tell she was searching for something when she turned to me and asked, “Jena, have you seen the tub of yogurt we bought at the store a few days ago?” Immediately my hands flew to my face to cover my astonishment and shame. At that instant, I recalled hiding the prized yogurt under my bed the day we came home from

happiness prescribed the store in an attempt to not share it with my brother. My mom could have had several reactions in that moment. However, she chose the most memorable one for me: She laughed! In my 3-1/2-year-old conscience, I knew I had made a bad decision. I’m sure she addressed my new food hoarding

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tendency in her own way, but mostly I just remember her laughter. “A happy heart is good medicine,” the proverb says. What if our happy hearts weren’t meant to be good medicine just for us, but good medicine for those we’re in relationships with as well? My mom passed away from cancer about a year after our yogurt incident. I doubt she knew our moment in the kitchen would forever be etched on my mind and go on to influence the way I parent my own daughters. It’s never about the yogurt. I can parent with joy and delight and still raise up people who know the difference between right and wrong. I can laugh with our kids when they make silly mistakes (even for selfish reasons), and yet still communicate expectations clearly. Because it’s Mother’s Day this month, let your mom know how much you enjoy her, and see if you can’t find reasons to laugh out loud with your kids. Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter hopes your Mother’s Day is filled with joy and laughter.

We Cater to the Dance Enthusiast

HEALTHYKIDS

soothing the itch of eczema:

what causes it and how to treat it

ave you ever looked at your child’s skin and noticed dry, flaky places? Or skin that is a little rough with a yellow hue? Maybe red bumps on her cheeks or arms? While a child may develop a rash on occasion, eczema is a condition that tends to hang on for a period of time. Approximately one in 10 children will develop eczema (KidsHealth.org), but the good news is that the majority of children will outgrow this before they hit the teenage years. Eczema can develop at any age, but most commonly begins before the age of 5 and often presents itself in the first few months of life. While the exact cause is unknown, the belief is a combination of family heredity and everyday conditions trigger the skin to have a reaction (NationalEczema.org). The condition often is found in someone who also suffers from hay fever or asthma. While not dangerous in and of itself, the itchiness of the rash can cause lesions to open up and weep with excessive scratching. Eczema is not contagious but does tend to run in families, and if one

sibling or parent has it, the likelihood of another child’s developing it is greater. Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the age of the child. When eczema first appears, most often between 2 and 6 months, the skin is dry, red and itchy, with small bumps on the baby’s cheeks, forehead or scalp. As the child gets older, the rash may spread to the legs and trunk and may become crusted with open lesions. These symptoms often worsen then improve over time, with flare-ups occasionally occurring. While there is no cure for eczema, treatments can soothe and reduce the side effects. Mild eczema often can be controlled with a few lifestyle changes, a mild soap that won’t dry out skin and a good moisturizer that should be applied immediately after bathing, as well any time it’s necessary. Adding a humidifier and reducing stress also can help (WebMD.com). With severe cases, medication may be needed. Over-thecounter hydrocortisone cream is commonly used. If that is not effective, a doctor

can prescribe a steroid cream. Over-thecounter antihistamines and prescription corticosteroids also may be beneficial. If this medication doesn’t help, your doctor may prescribe other interventions, such as ultraviolet light therapy, immunosuppressants, and immunodulators (WebMD.com). Finding the regimen that keeps your child’s skin from becoming too dry and itchy and avoiding known triggers are the keys to managing eczema. Maintaining open communication with the child’s physician is imperative too. Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse. She lives in Olathe with her family. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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ABCs

of wrapping up the school year

he time is here! The school year is winding down, and kids, teachers and parents are preparing for months of summer fun! But the end of the school year can bring challenges as well: Are your kids overbooked this summer? Will they be bored? Are they ready to graduate to the

next grade level? Have you talked about how the school year went, now that it’s complete? Here’s an A-Z guide to help you and your children wrap up the school year and prepare for summer break.

Accomplishments! Look back on all your child has achieved this year and celebrate the year’s successes.

Take home personal items/special projects from school.

Bucket list for summer. What do you

want to do? See? Experience? Write it down and check items off as you go.

Understand what this time means for your child. Let him exert a bit of independence as he feels bigger now that he’s the next grade level up.

Childcare lined up for summer? If this

Volunteer to help teachers and staff

Does your child know what to expect this summer? Do you have lots of activities booked? Or more open playtime? Make sure she is on board with your calendar.

Write the teacher a letter saying thank

is a need for your family, now is the time to have it figured out.

Enrichment! Summer is the perfect time to delve into activities like drama, art and music. Final report card is received. Have a

discussion with your child. How does he feel about it?

Good-byes can be hard. Prepare for emotions and a bit of sadness as your child may have grown very attached to his teacher.

Host an end-of-the-year celebration

with close friends so your kids know they’ll maintain those friendships throughout the summer. Invite teachers too, but understand if they decline.

IEPs/504s. Finalize transition plans and be prepared for what comes next.

Jump-start for next year. When does school start again? What do you need to do to register? Keep them focused on schoolwork until

the last day—you’re not there yet, kids!

wrap up. Clean, organize, recycle, make lists for supplies needed.

Library books still lying around the house? Return them!

you and share a favorite memory. Kids and parents can both write to the teacher, telling her what the school year has meant for them.

X marks the spot! Take a picture of your

Medications should be brought home

child in the exact spot you took his firstday-of-school picture! Compare and see how much he has grown!

Neighborhood book clubs or writing

Yearbooks received. Grab some

Opportunities over summer. Think

Zzzzzs—It’s not summer yet! Make sure your kids rest as the school year winds down. It might be tempting to play outside until a later hour, but that’s what summer is for!

from the school nurse.

clubs are great ways to keep the brain working and foster friendships over the summer.

about how you can be active, work on citizenship and volunteer.

Presents for teachers—thank them for their hard work!

Questions to ask: Is your child on track for success next year? If not, what does she need to work on over the summer?

Read! Read! Read! Public libraries offer many excellent reading initiatives that take place all summer long. Summer camps booked? If not, better get on it! Time’s a ticking!

signatures!

Kids, parents and teachers might be counting the days until summer break is truly here, but hang in there. Work hard until you reach the finish line and then have a fantastic summer!

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

For great end-of-the-year gift ideas for teachers, head to KCParent.com.

kcparent.com may 2016

Special Advertising Section

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

proud to announce new partnerships with exciting hands-on summer programs. Our classes are motivating, challenging and thought provoking. Each class is designed for learning, conceptualization, and jam packed with lots of playtime experiences. Discover your pathway to summer fun in a higher education setting. See display ad on pg. 34. www.MCCKC.edu/mwcollegeforkids

Cosmosphere

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

Accelerated Schools Accelerated Schools of Overland Park offers two summer programs from June 13 through July 29. High School students can earn credit for courses such as math, science, English, Spanish and social studies. Students entering 4 to 8 grade can attend the Academics & Arts Summer Camp, focusing on individualized academic tutoring as well as creative expression. Call 913.341.6666 for further information. See display ad on pg. 37. www.AcceleratedAchoolsOP.org

Ceramic Cafe

Half-day camps (ages 4-5 and 5-7) and fullday camps (ages 7-12) include “Disney from the Inside Out” and “Muppet Mayhem!” Xtreme camps (ages 10-15) include “Star Wars,” “Sherlock,” “Hunger Games,” “Supernatural” and “Camp Willy: Much Ado About Nothing” (ages 12-18). Overnight camps include “Godspell Jr” (ages 12-14) and “Anything Goes” (ages 14-19), with 4 full-length performances July 22-24 at the Bell Center at MNU. Visit www.CYTKC.org or call 913.681.3318 for all the details! See display ad on pg. 28.

Ceramic Cafe’s summer program provides instruction in a variety of ceramic art techniques including hand building with clay, ceramic painting and glazing techniques and also glass fusing. Fun themes change every camp session, so kids can sign up for their favorite or enroll more than once. Camp sessions are divided by age groups. Creative Kids is for ages 5-7, Aspiring Artists is for ages 8 and up. One day Workshops are also offered throughout the summer. Visit our website at www.CeramicCafeKC.com for add’l info and registration form. See display ad on pg. 36.

City of Grandview Parks and Rec

Christian Youth Theater

Spend time on the MCC Maple Woods Campus, meet new friends, and experiment with new and different digital media. The College 4Kids Program at Maple Woods is

ACT. SING. DANCE. LIVE! CYT Kansas City offers summer theatre camps across the KC metro area that are out of this world!

kcparent.com may 2016

Bring your camper to Camp Kaleidoscope June 6th – August 5th. Each day campers will swim, play outdoors, create arts and crafts, play games and more! Cost is $80 per child, per week. This includes a daily snack, field trip shirt and field trip admission. Campers are required to bring a lunch, tennis shoes, and swimsuit every day. Add swimming lessons for only $20 per week, per child (must be enrolled in Camp Kaleidoscope)! Call 816.316.4888 today! See display ad on pg. 37.

College for Kids

From second graders through high school seniors, Cosmosphere campers spread their wings, expand their minds, and have fun they won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Camps include Space 101501, Mars Academy, Forces of Flight, and Space Medicine. Building robots and rockets, SCUBA training like astronauts, interplanetary missions to solve a crisis, learning to fly, understanding the medical demands of long duration space travel… those are just some of ways your child can spend the summer. See display ad on pg. 35. www.Cosmo.org

The Coterie Acts Theatre Classes and Camps The Coterie offers camps for kids entering grades K-12 at five sites: Liberty (Liberty CC), Lee’s Summit (MCC Longview), Overland Park (Miller-Marley), The Plaza (Pembroke Hill), and the Northland (Park Hill). Half-day and full-day classes include creative drama, acting and audition skills. Performance Camps include Into the Woods Jr., Reckless Days with Robin Hood, Young Sherlock, and Dracula at Large. Visit www.TheCoterie.org. See display ad on pg. 33.

Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House! Our 2016 summer programs include dance, theater, music and art ... all taught by professionally trained adults. “Addams Family” (ages 13-19), “Disney’s High School Musical” (ages 9-13), “Disney’s Aristocats” (ages 6-9), Art Camps, Broadway Showtunes, Songs from Matilda, Fairytale Ballet, Hip Hop, Minion Mania, A Frozen Adventure, Let’s Make a Movie & more!

continued on page 28

CAMPGUIDE PLUS our summer production of “Big Fish” (ages 8-adult) at the Kauffman Center! Openings limited! See display ad on pg. 27. 913.393.3141. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com

Football Fit for Kids featuring NFL Alumni (Chiefs) Designed for kids ages 6-14 years old, camps feature NFL Alumni Heroes (Kansas City Chiefs) and USA Football Coaches. Using safe, non-contact instruction, learn to run, throw, catch, defend and play with proper technique and improved speed. Develop skills and have a blast with Kansas City NFL Alumni Heroes Youth Football Camps. Summer camps in Independence, Overland Park and Shawnee for $124. Visit www.NFLAlumniYouthFootball.com or call 877.226.9919. See display ad on pg. 36.

J Camp The Jewish Community Center provides day camp activities for boys and girls ages 2–13 years. Exciting activities include swimming,

kcparent.com may 2016

sports, drama, crafts, field trips and special events. Specialty camps: Sports, Theatre, Art, Dance, Lego and Triathlon Camp. Youth don’t have to be Jewish or members to attend. Sessions are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 6 through August 5. Extended care available. Costs vary from $230 to 390 per week. See display ad on pg. 37. www.JcampKC.org.

Johnson County Park & Recreation District Come grow with us! From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 65 different and well-supervised camp programs conveniently located throughout Johnson County. Dedicated to providing activities that promote emotional, intellectual and physical health, our summer fun choices include nature and science, preschool enrichment, art, sports, computers, leadership development, and music, theatre and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and full and partial day schedules are

available. For details, call 913.831.3359 or visit www.jcprd.com/activities/camps.cfm. See display ad on pg. 39.

The KCYA Community School of the Arts The KCYA Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps and private instruction on the campus of St. Teresa’s Academy. Spring classes now forming. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 39. www.KCYA.org

KampOut-Kanakuk KampOut! brings the fun of one of the largest Christian summer camps in the nation, Kanakuk, to your hometown. Kanakuk professional staff leads this highenergy traveling day camp through five days of guided sports and activity times, Bible study, worship and small-group time for

continued on page 32

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CAMPGUIDE

arents know that camp is an experience that will last a lifetime. However, they may worry about the cost, especially if there is more than one camp-aged child in the house. The good news for parents is that there is a camp for just about every budget. While fees to attend camp vary, they can range from only $75 to more than $650 per week for American Camp Associationaccredited resident and day camps. Parents may also reduce the costs by asking the right questions. When talking with the camp director, parents should ask the following:

What is the refund policy? Refund policies vary greatly from camp to camp. Some refund for illness only, some will give a total refund prior to a certain date and some do not refund at all. Most camps will ask for a small non-refundable deposit at the time of application, which may or may not go toward the cost of tuition. It is important to know the refund policy before you send any money.

$ $ $

transportation, such as a van ride from a major local train station. Other amenities to ask about are fees for special programs and trips, laundry service, camp canteen, special equipment that is required and service organization membership. Also, ask the camp director if it is appropriate to send spending money with your child.

the bottom line about camp costs Is there financial assistance? Many camps offer camperships, partial or total subsidies of the tuition costs, but parents need to ask if they are available. Although they are usually awarded based on need, do not assume that you make too much to qualify. It is important to apply early.

What is included in the tuition? Day camps will typically include transportation as part of their tuition. Resident camps may offer limited

Are special discounts available? Often, camps will offer special discounts for such things as early registration, full-season enrollment and enrollment of multiple family members. If more than one special discount applies, parents may only be able to take advantage of one. Founded in 1910, the American Camp Association is a national community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. The ACA camp database provides parents with many ways to find the ideal ACA-accredited camp. For more information, visit ACA’s family-dedicated website, www.CampParents.org. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association ©

PLAN AHEAD WITH OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR AGES 3-18 SUMMER PROGRAMS 2016 Classes are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun. Classes begin June 6.

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kcparent.com may 2016

CAMPGUIDE

SUMMER 2016

Camps

children in kindergarten through 5th grade. To learn more about your local KampOut! visit: www.Kanakuk.com/kampout. See display ad on pg. 41.

at KU in Overland Park

Kanakuk Camps

SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES.

Kanakuk is a premier summer camp experience for boys and girls age 6–18 located in Branson and Lampe, Missouri. Our 8 camps provide children with ageappropriate, fun, safe and professional outdoor youth camping experiences that grow them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kids have fun with friends participating in more than 70 activities, sports and amazing themed parties. Our full-time and summer staff are committed to our mission to develop dynamic Christian leaders. Learn more about customizing your child’s summer camp experience at www.GoKanakuk.com. See display ad on pg. 31.

All camps will take place at KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Physical Activity & Youth Fitness Camps

KU Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Camps KU Center for STEM Learning

Science & Chinese Language Camp KU Confucius Institute

EdwardsCampus.KU.edu/SummerCamps

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Kansas City Ballet Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for children age 3-9. Camp themes include Fairy Princesses and Frozen. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-18. Classes begin June 6th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 30. For more information visit www.KCBallet.org or call 816.931.2299.

& Safari Day Campsthe Zoo! Summer Camps at For kids ages 4–15

Join us for Zoo-mazing fun and animal adventures on your days off from school and during the summer too!

Kansas City Zoo Make your summer a little wilder with Zoofari Adventures Summer Camp. Camp runs May 31 through August 12. Your animal enthusiasts will get the inside scoop about the Zoo’s creatures. A typical camp week includes exclusive zoo tours, animal encounters/shows, science experiments, games, and crafts. Topics vary

Visit kansascityzoo.org/camp for more details! OPEN DAILY | 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.

continued on page 34

Ages 7-17

Registration is open 15% off with code: KCP16

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Week-long half-day and full-day drama classes for students entering grades 3-12; week long half-day classes for students entering grades K-2. Travel To Madagascar; This Is Not A Box! Pinkarrific! Summer Term at Hogwarts; Broadcast: Mayhem! Fantasy And Gore Makeup Funny Bones: Intro To Improv Audition Lab Welcome To Musical Theatre Advanced Musical Theatre SMASH (making synthesis theatre) Comedy On Your Feet

PERFORMANCE CAMPS: Grades 5th-8th Grades 5th-10th Grades 5th-10th Grades 9th-12th

Reckless Days Of Robin Hood Young Sherlock Into the Woods Jr. Dracula at Large kcparent.com may 2016

CAMPGUIDE each week. Half day camps are available for ages 4-5, full day for ages 5-15. COST: ½ Day: $110, Full Day: $250, Aftercare (3:30pm-5:30pm): $15. 10% discount for FOTZ. See display ad on pg. 33. www.KansasCityZoo.org/education

KU Edwards Campus Are your children sports-minded? Do they yearn to speak another language? Have they dreamed of working at Google? The KU Edwards Campus is hosting a variety of summer camps for children who are interested in areas such as sports, science, engineering, math, technology and Chinese language and culture. All camps will take place at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Learn more about our camp offerings at EdwardsCampus.KU.edu/SummerCamps. See display ad on pg. 32.

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering

summer camp for its 19th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited - sign up early! Check it out online and find more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 32. 913.661.CLAY (2529)

Pembroke Hill Lights! Camera! Action! Be a part of the Summer at Pembroke Hill cast and take on such roles as artist, engineer, scientist, or chef! Designed to accommodate your family’s busy schedule, our program offers flexibility by allowing you to enroll in any of the weeks you choose. Open to the community, students ages 2-18 are able to participate in our comprehensive summer camp. See display ad on pg. 36. Enroll online at www.PembrokeHill.org.

COLLEGE FOR KIDS

Summer 2016

Sylvan Learning In addition to full range of academic tutoring, Sylvan Learning offers several camps this summer. Elementary students can design video games and create a moving robot in one of our STEM camps, or boost their love of math with Math Edge! For writers – budding or struggling – our Summer Writing Program is just the ticket for students in grades 3 – 12. And what middle or high school student doesn’t need a study skills refresher? Our Study Skills Boot Camp will help your kids move into the next school year confident and prepared! See display ad on pg. 32. 913-681-1141

The First Tee The First Tee of Greater Kansas City is a youth development sports organization teaching young people 7-17 positive values using the game of golf as a tool. Our programs are offered: spring, summer and fall. Summer registration is open

continued on page 40

Camps offered: June 6-August 4, 2016

#BeMoreAtMCC

Discover your pathway to summer fun in a higher education setting at MCC-Maple Woods.

Just a few of the summer camps:

Call us or visit the website to learn more about our variety of camps: Mad Science Australian Adventures

Pinterest and More Crafts Galore Assemblage Assembly Line

To register go to: mcckc.edu/mwcollegeforkids For more information: 816.604.3011 or marti.adams@mcckc.edu

kcparent.com may 2016

MAPLE WOODS

BEST

SUMMER

BEST. CAMP. EVER.

EVER!

Y Summer Day Camps offer adventures for kids ages 3 through 12. Camps include: • A wide variety of camp experiences: field trips, swimming, arts and more! • Specialties, from sports and engineering to community service. • Options for an outdoor overnight traditional camp experience for older kids.

Locations throughout the Kansas City metro Visit YMCASummerFun.org to learn more. OUR MISSION The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. A UNITED WAY AGENCY

› YMCASummerFun.org

kcparent.com may 2016

CAMPGUIDE

Spiritual Growth at Camp

ids grow overnight, and we do our best to facilitate what goes into their bodies. On top of that, we have to make sure they stay busy. Soccer games, piano lessons and, no, it doesn’t just stop because school’s out. Summer camp can provide a great opportunity to learn a new skill, make friends, have tons of fun—and also be a great place to grow your child spiritually. Jim Newberry, director of camps for Youthfront Camp, and Lindsey Rother, assistant women’s director at Kanakuk Camp, share some insights on how the camp experience can support spiritual growth. According to Newberry, Youthfront nurtures spiritual growth by a process they call spiritual formation. “Our mission as

Kanakuk

a camp is to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ,” he says. “A foundation of formation at Youthfront includes regular times of prayer and worship where we do just that three times a day (morning/midday/evening): We stop what we are doing to pause for prayer and worship in our chapel.” While the program changes every year, Newberry says that prayer and worship are the program’s constants. Youthfront provides many ways for kids to grow spiritually, through large group teaching (storytellers), by handson tactile learning experiences, in small group interaction (as cabins) and through reflection. “We try to provide all these practices to help kids be formed the best

FOR FOOTBALL SKILLS, LIFE SKILLS & FUN! FEATURING EXCITING CLASSES FOR ALL STUDENTS AGES 2 - 18 summer is a great time to create!

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kcparent.com may 2016

Now enrolling Summer Camp Ages 5 to 7 8 and up

A great place to create! Pottery painting Glass fusing Birthday parties “Family day” every Sunday 9425 Mission Rd • 913-383-0222

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• NFL Alumni (KC Chiefs) • USA Football Coaches • For Kids Ages 6-14

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they can, the best way they know how,” Newberry says. Fun is also emphasized, because kids need to be kids. By offering attractions like a pool, waterslide, splash park on the lake, ropes course, paintball and more, Youthfront gives everyone the chance to have a blast! Asked about spiritual growth at Kanakuk, Rother says, “I would ask, how can you not grow spiritually at camp?!” At Kanakuk: every activity has a purpose. “Kampers” learn creative tools for Scripture memorization from staff in classes. Each night peers and staff have cabin devotionals in which they discuss what they are learning and how to form a personal relationship with God. A carefully selected, highly trained staff of college students exemplify living in a way that places God first, others second and themselves last. “God is the One who changes hearts, but we are committed to sharing His truth in the most fun ways possible in the

process,” Rother says. “Kampers” also get the chance to ask questions about their faith, discovering a personal relationship with God for themselves. “The spiritual growth kids experience at camp,” Rother says, “can create a foundation of personal, lifelong faith for the rest of their lives.” Camp is a safe place staffed with trusted adults and organized to help kids develop spiritually, socially and emotionally. “At camp, we seek to provide a safe place where kids can make their own decisions—an opportunity kids seldom have in today’s culture. This is an important part of their formation,” Newberry says. Staff members invest lots of time and energy in planning fun activities to support that formation, including friendly team competitions on which kids thrive. Summer camp’s great power lies in its ability to form confidence in kids pushed out of their comfort zones. At camp, kids quickly learn they are capable of making

new friends and decisions on their own, and their self-confidence simply grows in the process. Kids who experience summer camp consistently turn out to be more confident collegians and adults because they’ve had the opportunity to navigate life on their own, in a safe environment, at a young age. Such great value results from helping kids grow in their confidence, but adding Scripture to the mix—including who God says they are—increases the value 10-fold. “I believe in the growth that happens at summer camp, but without the spiritual component it’s simply a fun few weeks,” Rother says. “With the spiritual component, it’s a fun summer camp with lifelong impact.” For more information visit GoKanakuk.com and Youthfront.com. Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and current Kansas City resident, journalist, photographer, graduate student and ALLY.

If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem out of reach. If your child is facing challenges in school,We specialize “excelling” may seem outinofworking reach. with students We specialize in working with students who don’t always “fit into who don’t always “fit into thebox.” box.” the For more than will 30 years, Summer programs be heldconcerned parents from June 13 until 29. have turned to theJulyAccelerated Schools for High School students in grades individualized learning programs that help 9-12 can complete up to students of all academic levels with unique 1 full credit in subjects including educational math, science,needs social overcome studies, challenges and excel English,academically. Spanish and art. All courses accredited the State4of- Kansas • FullareDay School by- Grades 12 and AdvancED. Middle school students, grades 4-8, can Schooland Tutoring - Grades 1-12 attend•theAfter Academics Arts Camp. They can spend•2.5Accredited hours in individualized tutoring•and thenStudent-Teacher ratio Low participate in 1.5Report hours Cards of creative expression. • Daily • Transportation Available All programs are from 9 am until 1 pm, Monday • Effective Reward System • Free Academic Testing through Friday. Individualized tutoring is also available.

The Accelerated Schools of Overland Park The Accelerated Schools Overland 10713 BarkleyofSt., OverlandPark Park, KS

10713Call Barkley St., Overland Park, KS or visit our website: 913-341-6666 Call or visit our website: 913-341-6666 www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org kcparent.com may 2016

CAMPGUIDE

ten tips

to help heal homesickness It is common for campers to feel a tinge of homesickness at some point during the camp session.

s summer begins, millions of children head to summer camp—eager, excited and…homesick? Research indicates that homesickness is the norm and not the exception. It is common for campers to feel a tinge of

The American Camp Association® (ACA) recommends the following 10 tips parents can use to help their child deal with homesickness at camp: Encourage your child’s independence 1 throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment. Involve your child in the process of 2 choosing a camp. The more that the child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp. Discuss what camp will be like before 3 your child leaves. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

By exercising a little preparation and patience, parents can help ease any

Reach an agreement ahead of time on 4 calling each other. If your child’s camp has a

homesickness in their otherwise happy campers.

no-phone-calls policy, honor it.

homesickness at some point during the camp session. So how can parents help?

kcparent.com may 2016

Send a note or care package ahead 5 of time to arrive the first day of camp.

Don’t feel guilty about encouraging q your child to stay at camp. For many

Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp.”

children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

Don’t bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child’s newfound confidence and independence.

Pack a personal item from home, such 7 as a stuffed animal. Avoid the temptation to take the child 8 home early. If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective. Talk candidly with the camp director 9 to obtain his/her perspective on your child’s adjustment.

SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES 2016 Full & Half Day Camps Extended Day Option Scholarships Musical Theatre Available

• Ballet • Visual Arts • Acting • Improv • Garage Band • Hip Hop • and so much more!

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5601 Wyandotte KCMO 816.531.4022 www.KCYA.org

Most of all, parents should trust their instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, approximately 7 percent of the cases are severe. If your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, parents should work with the camp director and other camp staff to evaluate the situation. Remember, camp staff are trained to ease homesickness. However, don’t make your child feel like a failure if their stay at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try camp again next year.

JCPRD Summer Camps...

Come Grow with us!

For more information on homesickness, or expert advice on camp, visit CampParents.org.

54,179

unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2015

104,000

readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine

Did you know? KCParent.com has a NEW Geo-based, searchable Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos and videos. With these stats, it’s easy to see how KC Parent has camps covered! kcparent.com may 2016

CAMPGUIDE IMPACT SOCCER CLUB & UPWARD STARS BASKETBALL Competitive Teams, Developmental Programs & Camps Featuring the 360 Progression—The development of the total athlete mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially applied intentionally through all Upward Stars Programs.

IMPACT SOCCER CLUB

Tryouts June 10-12 for Fall 2016 Season To Play with Purpose means you make smart decisions, improve in your physical development, discover your life’s purpose and put others’ needs before your own. Experienced Coaches guide players through three stages of athletic growth: game discovery, skill development and peak performance while using the teachings of Christ to foster positive sportsmanship and character. Upward Stars is a national, trusted youth sports organization with 19 years of experience and programs in 47 states and 72 countries. For information contact: THOR GARLICK tgarlick@upwardstars.org

H T U

It’s more than just a game, become more than just an athlete— Play with Purpose. www.upwardstarskansascity.org

T N O

kcparent.com may 2016

now! Most programs are offered 1 day a week for 1 ½ hours, for 6 to 8 weeks. We offer programming at six different locations across the metro area. Email info@thefirstteekc.org for more information. See display ad on pg. 33.

Tiger Rock Martial Arts Train all summer at Tiger Rock’s Martial Arts Summer Camp. For only $269, you can spend your summer training at our studio. Fee includes ninja uniform. Hurry! You must register for this offer by June 1. Classes fill up every summer, so register today! 913.829.8818 Olathe) or 913.851.5050 (Overland Park). See display ad on pg. 29. www.KCTigerRock.com

Topgolf Summer Academy Topgolf Summer Academy is an exciting program filled with all of the components that make up the great game of golf. From chipping, putting and full swing to the rules and etiquette, your kids will learn everything they need to know. Each Academy is designed and taught by our Golf Teaching Professionals in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s staffed with a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure each junior golfer receives in-depth, hands-on attention while he or she develops a winning golf swing. See display ad on pg. 38. www.Topgolf.com

Upward Stars Basketball Upward Stars Basketball is bringing the focus of youth sports back to the athlete. Experienced coaches use the 360 Progression to develop the total athlete mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially, while using the teachings of Christ to foster positive sportsmanship and character. Also introducing Impact Soccer Club coming Fall 2016 with tryouts in June 2016. It’s more than just a game - Play with Purpose and become more than just an athlete. Register at www.UpwardStarsKansasCity.org. See display ad on pg. 40.

Visit the online camp for photos, vid

Victory Soccer Camp Victory Soccer Camp is directed by former US National Team member, Goran Hunjak. He played professional soccer for 19 years and coached professionally. Victory Soccer Camp provides professional quality soccer instruction in a fun and exciting environment, helping youth improve skill, gain confidence, and develop a positive self image. Our camp is designed with various levels of athletic ability including beginner level. For more information or to register go to www. VictoryInSoccer.org or call 913.284.7601. See display ad on pg. 41.

YMCA Is your child ready to have their best summer ever? Y Summer Day Camps are full of learning, adventure, active play and friendship! Traditional camps offer exciting themes weekly. Specialty camps include outdoor, art, sports, engineering and community service. And our Adventure Camp keeps teens excited and engaged throughout the summer. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Platte County, Shawnee Mission and Spring Hill School Districts; Camp Naish; North Kansas City; and Riverside. Ages 3-18. Learn more and register at www.YMCASummerFun.org. See display ad on pg 35.

Cam

$89Fee

Ages 5-12 Camper Receives: • Free Soccer Ball • Free Camp T-Shirt Camp Director GorAn HunJAk 19 years Pro and US National Team

Born in Croatia, Goran played professionally 19 years in Europe and US. He coached pro 4 years: 7 time All Star: member of the US Indoor National Team: represented the US in the 1996 Indoor World Cup in Spain; scored over 500 professional goals. Goran played locally for KC Sporting (Wizards), KC Comets, and in 18 different countries.

June 6th – June 10th (9am-noon) Overland Park, KS June 20th – June 24th (8am-11am Lenexa, KS June 27th – July 1st (8am-11am) Blue Springs, MO July 4th – July 8th (8am-11am) Lee’s Summit, MO July 11th – July 15th (8am-11am) Kansas City, MO July 18th – July 22nd (8am-11am) Overland Park, KS

913-284-7601 or Register online:

www.victoryinsoccer.org 2016_Victory_AD.indd 1

3/3/16 4:19 PM

Youthfront Youthfront Camps offer 73 years of camp experience for grades 3-high school. A huge part of being a kid is having fun and a typical camp day holds time for swimming, theme nights, solitude and a NEwS Splash Park at Camp West. We provide an authentic community where students grow in their relationship with God and make strong friendships that last a lifetime. Registration is now open at www.Youthfront.com! Contact us at info@youthfront.com to learn more. See display ad on pg. 40.

guide at KCParent.com deos and more!

BOYS AND GIRLS ELEMENTARY AGE LIFE CHANGING FUN! EXPERIENCE JESUS THROUGH BIBLE STUDY AND WORSHIP SERVANT-HEARTED PROFESSIONAL KANAKUK STAFF A GLIMPSE INTO THE KANAKUK OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.COMETOKAMP.COM kcparent.com may 2016

Secretly Educational outings in Kansas City

he end of the school year is approaching, and with a season of vacation comes summer brain drain. How can the savvy parent sneak some learning and educational reinforcement into the mix of summer fun? Discover secretly educational outings in KC that are so much fun your children won’t even realize they are learning! National Frontier Trails Museum

Curl Up with a NEW Book When they learn that children don’t like books, local librarians often first recommend taking them to the shelves and letting them choose their own books. “They simply haven’t found the right book yet,” a librarian likely will say. It’s okay if your favorite books aren’t your child’s favorites. What’s important is getting kids to read, and summer is a great time to broaden literary horizons! Add to their summer reading fun with terrific incentives local libraries offer when kids participate in a summer reading program. You’ll find a guide to summer reading programs on KCParent.com.

Get Creative with Lego Consistently topping toy lists as a favorite for children of all ages, Lego is certainly at home in Kansas City, where the young and the young-at-heart enjoy creativity and inspiration. Lego KidsFest® is coming to Kansas City, MO, May 1315 (LegoKidsFest.com/Missouri-2016. html). This event brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of Lego building and experiences together in one activityand entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders

kcparent.com may 2016

of all skills and interests. Year-round, you can enjoy the Legoland Discovery Center (LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/ KansasCity), a favorite for families. Imaginations run wild at the 30,000-squarefoot interactive attraction featuring hands-on play areas, a 4D cinema, master classes from the Lego master model builder, Lego rides and exhibits, including Miniland, a Lego model city celebrating Kansas City’s most beloved landmarks.

Explore the world through the eye of an artist Every visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) offers new and exciting discoveries, whether they are treasures in the extensive Chinese and Japanese galleries, African and Indian art, American Impressionists, European classics or modern art. For added fun, print out our Nelson-Atkins scavenger hunt before you go. Other ideas include letting your child bring pencils and a sketchpad to draw his favorite pieces, bringing a camera to take photos or using the artwork as inspiration to write fictional tales together. Remember to save your work for a summer scrapbook! For a hands-on

art outing, visit Kaleidoscope, a FREE art center for children sponsored by Hallmark. Kaleidoscope offers walk-in sessions; simply check Kaleidoscope’s calendar for details at HallmarkKaleidoscope.com.

Live Like Pioneers in Kansas City Step back in time for a hands-on history lesson as pioneers, the frontier, covered wagons and Westward Expansion come to life at local museums through educational programs and tours. Work with a blacksmith at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Mahaffie.org), participate in living history at Shoal Creek (ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com), go West in Independence, where you can load a wagon and learn about the trails at the National Frontier Trails Museum (ci.Independence.mo.us/nftm), experience an 1850s village at Missouri Town 1855, or take a touch-and-learn tour at the John Wornall House Museum (WornallMajors.org).

Take a Jurassic Journey This summer, journey back to the prehistoric world when more than 20 dinosaurs and oversized ancient insects return to Powell Gardens (PowellGardens.org)

May 21-Oct. 3. At Jurassic Garden—A Prehistoric Adventure, you can step back in time to discover the plants and animals of the prehistoric world through an exhibit created by Missouri’s own Guy Darrough. This is just one dinosaur adventure in the area. Other favorites include visits to the KU Natural History Museum (Biodiversity.KU.edu) in Lawrence, where you can see a Mosasaur fossil, the largest known lizard to have lived, and Science City (UnionStation.org), where children can dig for dinosaur fossils. You also can visit Dinosaurs Alive at Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com), an exhibit with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, which are scientifically accurate based on the latest paleontological knowledge and created by Dinosaurs Unearthed.

Undertake an Oceanic Adventure Learning about the ocean and the environment is an interactive experience at Sea Life Aquarium (VisitSeaLife.com/ Kansas-City), a favorite local attraction. Guests explore sea life on a 2- to 3-hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River, then

out into the warm, blue, coral-strewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Come nose to nose with sharks and enjoy astonishingly close views of everything from starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. A favorite is the tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel.

Learn about Economics The Money Museum (KansasCityFed. org) is the best place to get a firsthand lesson on the nation’s financial system. On a tour, you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve Bank works and its role in the U.S. economy. Interactive exhibits explore banking, basic economics and the financial policies that affect your family. You’ll also be able to take a peek into one of the nation’s largest cash vaults, create your own monetary artwork and view coins from each U.S. presidential administration. Visitors also enjoy taking home a FREE souvenir bag of shredded cash.

Discover the Story of World War I Within the walls of the National World War I Museum and Memorial (TheWorldWar.org) lies one of the best

historic sites in the Midwest. With tremendous state-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of World War I and, more importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era—their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions. Realizing that World War I is a complex era of history for anyone, especially the youngest visitors, to grasp, the museum provides a free family gallery guide booklet for children. The guidebook includes a map of the galleries, games, puzzles, question and answer sections for various exhibits and a scavenger hunt to complete throughout the galleries. Hands-on exhibits engage throughout, including large-screen technology allowing visitors to design propaganda, explore World War I-era Kansas City and learn more about the period. Still looking for more great family fun ideas in Kansas City? Check out our calendar of events and Going Places on KCParent.com. Kristina Light, a Kansas City homeschool mom, makes it a priority to include education along with entertainment on outings with her daughters.

kcparent.com may 2016

Clutter Into Cash: T

becoming a garage sale pro

he dark shadow of winter has finally left us for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, that beautiful spring sunshine is now highlighting the stacks of ill-fitting winter clothes, puzzles with missing pieces and toys that haven’t been played with since the kids started school last fall. It’s time for a garage sale. Thankfully, garage sales are infinitely better than what we may remember from our youth. Over are the days of sitting in a lawn chair all day long, hoping at least 10 people show up to rid you of your impulse Target purchases. If you plan well and follow these five tips, your garage sale can be not only profitable, but fun and educational too.

get the date and times right Your neighborhood likely has a garage sale weekend once or twice a year. Check your community newsletter and plan your garage sale accordingly to get the maximum number of customers. Nothing ruins a sale faster than finding out it’s a week too late. Also, set a time limit. No one should be sitting around at 5:00 in the afternoon waiting for those last Nancy Drew books to sell. Pick an early afternoon time to wrap it up and stick to it.

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lay it out Shoppers are accustomed to department stores. You don’t have to create a full-on boutique, but do put some effort into your layout. Place your best deals and large ticket items out front to create interest. If you have loads of kids clothes, create a yard sign advertising what sizes and gender you have. Place a few of the best outfits on a hanger or display that are easily visible from the street. If shoppers can see you have good taste, they’ll be more likely to make the trek up your driveway.

with

create an experience Half the fun of shopping is the atmosphere, and that shouldn’t be forgotten just because it’s happening in a garage. Ever notice that every store you’ve shopped in has music? That’s because no one likes to buy in silence; it’s unsettling. Grab your radio and put on some tasteful tunes. In addition, if the day is hot, ask your kids to set up a refreshing cucumber water stand. They’ll make some additional money and participate in the day with you.

Join us for a host of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) themed events all spring!

Visit our Events Page to learn more and RSVP.

Applications for grades K–12 are now being accepted for Fall 2016

Call (316) 202-2500 for information. MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com

manage your expectations Repeat after me: A garage sale is not Craigslist. The prices you can ask for items at your home are significantly lower than online selling allows for. People are expecting great deals in exchange for helping you clean out your house. Do some research ahead of time to see what items are going for at other sales and follow suit. If you’ve got a beautiful armoire worth hundreds of dollars, consider saving it for an online ad.

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don’t go it alone Enlist help! Create different job titles like cashier, sales and greeter, then rotate the jobs throughout the day. This will give your kids a chance to “work” for a portion of the profits. After all, a lot of the stuff you’re selling is likely coming from their rooms. Why not let them help get rid of it? With a little forethought and help from your garage sale team, the day should be enjoyable and memorable. Take leftover items to a local charity but don’t take them back into the house. Let it all go and revel in your newly decluttered home! Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City and surrounding areas. She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters, son and small zoo of rescue animals.

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DRIVING 101 Do you have a teenager who is nearing driving age? Are you wondering about steps needed to obtain a driver’s license? All 50 states now have a three-step Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system in an effort to reduce teenage driver crashes. Under the system, teens build up driving experience as they develop skills. There is no national GDL law, so individual states make their own laws. Here is what local teens and their parents can expect when getting a driver’s license:

In Missouri Step One: Instruction Permit Eligible Age: 15 Teens must pass the vision, road sign recognition and written tests at a Missouri driver exam station. A qualified person— defined as a parent, legal guardian or certified trainer with a driver’s license— must accompany the teen to the office and sign a permission statement.

With a permit, an under-16 driver must be accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is a qualified person, grandparent, qualified driving instructor, qualified driver designated by a disabled parent or guardian or a qualified driver who is at least 25 and has the written permission from the parent or guardian. With a permit, an over-16 driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 and sitting in the front seat.

In this step, teens must have at least 40 hours of driving instruction with a qualified person, grandparent or driving instructor, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Step Two: Intermediate License Eligible Age: 16 Drivers must have a permit for at least 182 days and not have any alcohol-related offenses in the last 12 months or traffic

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convictions in the last six months. A qualified person or grandparent must go to the license office and verify the driver has received the proper hours of instruction. Drivers must re-take the vision, road sign and written tests if the previous results are more than a year old. They also must take a driving test. With the intermediate license, drivers may not have more than one passenger under the age of 19 (other than an immediate family member) for the first six months and no more than three passengers under 19 after that. Drivers also cannot drive alone between 1:00 and 5:00 in the morning.

Step Three: Under 21 Full Driver’s License Eligible Age: 18 Drivers cannot have any alcohol-related offenses or traffic convictions in the last 12 months, nor a suspended or revoked license. Drivers must pass the vision and road sign tests but do not have to take the written or driving test if already completed.

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In Kansas Step One: Instruction Permit Eligible Age: 14 Teens must pass a vision exam and a written test or provide certificate of completion from a driver education course. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the teen to the exam and sign a permission statement. With a permit, drivers must have a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front seat at all times. In addition, drivers cannot use any wireless communication devices except to summon emergency help or report illegal activity. In this step, teens must log a minimum of 50 hours of driving instruction with a licensed driver over 21, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Step Two: Intermediate (or Restricted) License Eligible Age: 15 Drivers must have a permit for at least 12 months before getting an intermediate license and must pass a vision and written test.

Drivers are restricted to driving to/from work and school when alone; they must be with a licensed driver over 21 at all other times. At 16, drivers move to less restricted privileges if 50-hour requirement is met and driving record is satisfactory. At this stage, teens cannot drive alone between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Wireless communication is not allowed except in emergency situations.

Step Three: Full Driver’s License Eligible Age: 17 Drivers are required to take a vision exam and a driving test or provide certificate of completion from a driver’s education course. There are no passenger or wireless restrictions. Tisha Foley’s children are not yet driving age, but she already is fretting about when that day comes. They live in Belton.

These are highlights of each state’s requirements. For more detailed information, please go to KSRevenue.org for Kansas laws and DOR.MO.gov for Missouri laws.

family faves

2016

OLathe Infants-Pre-K 14169 Murlen Rd 913.393.2223 OverLand Park Infants-Pre-K 8205 W 108th Terr 913.378.1075

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Kansas City, we want to hear from you! Log onto KCParent.com and vote for your favorite business in our KC Parent’s Family Faves. Voting begins May 23. kcparent.com may 2016

how to talk to your children about divorce

lthough this is not a conversation anyone looks forward to having, discussing your divorce with your children in a thoughtful and sensitive manner can ease the transition for them and provide a good start to future co-parenting.

Some things to consider:

Audience: Most experts agree you should tell your children together with your spouse. This conveys that divorce is a mutual decision (even if it isn’t) and doesn’t place blame. Telling one child before the others and expecting him to keep it from his siblings is generally not a good idea. Gather the entire family and tell everyone at the same time. Timing: If you are contemplating divorce, don’t bring it up to your children until you have made a firm decision. Try to find a time when you will have sufficient opportunity to be together and no one has to rush off to school, work or bed. Ideally, you should have at least an initial conversation with your children before it becomes evident that one parent will be moving out. Preparation: Spend some time planning (ideally with your spouse) what you will say. Anticipate tough questions and how you will respond. A bit of preparation beforehand can help lessen your anxiety

kcparent.com may 2016

during delivery. If you are at a loss as to how to begin, seek assistance from books or a counselor. Write down what you are going to say if you need to. For very young children, the Sesame Street website has some useful resources, including a book and a video. The Kansas Children’s Services League also provides educational materials and a parent help line: 1.800.332.6378.

Content: Children typically are concerned primarily with how they will be affected. “Will I go to the same school?” “Will we have to move?” “Where will the dog live?” List for your children all the things in their lives that won’t change. Do not discuss details about your spouse’s behavior. Do not argue with your spouse during the discussion. Be as polite and respectful as you can. If you don’t think you are up to this task, enlist help from a counselor or clergy member until you are able to interact civilly. If that proves to be impossible, two separate conversations are better than a joint talk that escalates. Stick to the basics: Who will move out and when and what the child’s schedule will be. Reassure the children that they will still have lots of time with (and love from) both of you. Make age-appropriate books or videos about divorce available, but don’t require them. Don’t try to overly control your own feelings. Letting your children see you be

sad is okay; however, don’t cast your kids in the recurring role of having to comfort you. Reinforce that the divorce is a joint decision and an adult decision. Focus on the fact that parents never stop loving their children.

Remember that as parents we cannot shelter our children from all adversity, but we can help them learn how to handle it and grow from it. Questions: Address both the questions your children ask and those that may be unspoken, such as “Is this my fault?”, “Do I have to decide who to live with?” and “Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind?” Affirmatively tell your children that the breakup is not their fault, even if they don’t bring it up. Don’t provide lengthy explanations beyond what is asked. Simple, short answers are best.

Follow Up: Most of us know a family that is going through or has gone through the divorce process. Each family is unique, and you shouldn’t set any expectations on how your children will react based on friends’ or family members’ experiences. Even the friendliest of divorces causes a major change in your children’s lives. They

may not tell you if they are hurting. Watch for changes in their behavior. Ask teachers, sitters and extended family to make you aware if they notice anything unusual. Maintain children’s routines as much as possible. Young children may become extra clingy, have problems sleeping or regress to more childish behaviors. Older children may become withdrawn, spend more time with friends or let their grades or activities suffer. Try counseling if the changed behavior doesn’t improve or worsens over time. Most of the local counties require a parent education class as part of the legal process to obtain a divorce. Some counties provide classes for children. Make attending these classes a priority. Children can benefit from talking to other children going through the same thing. Don’t discuss legal or financial details of your case unless it directly affects the kids. Don’t leave paperwork or messages where children can access them. And don’t expect one talk to be the end of the discussion—it will be an ongoing conversation. Remember that as parents we cannot shelter our children from all adversity, but we can help them learn how to handle it and grow from it.

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Laura Miller McEachen is a part-time attorney and full-time mommy. She lives in Overland Park. kcparent.com may 2016

is summer school beneficial?

e’ve all the seen the classic 1980s teen films where the main character is consistently threatened with summer school and, in the end, narrowly avoids it. Viewed as a petrifying scenario back then, summer school is no longer something to dread. According to recent studies, in fact, students who don’t attend some type of summer enrichment program may be the ones missing out. Summer learning loss, as experts label it, is real. According to an article on Parenting. com, over the summer, the typical child loses two months’ worth of the math skills he gained during the school year because of a lack of practice, and lower-income kids also fall behind in reading. The reasoning behind this is that most math concepts, reading and comprehension are more conceptually based. These areas, without practice, are more susceptible to being forgotten. According to a SERVE policy brief on education, summer school programs benefit in a multitude of ways. First, summer learning assists the student in meeting

minimum competency requirements for his grade level. Second, it prevents regression for students with learning disabilities. Third, high schools offer flexible course scheduling so students can work toward their college and GPA goals for advanced programs. Summer school also can curb delinquent behavior in lower-income students who may not have the opportunity otherwise to attend a summer enrichment program. “I am in the Parkville School District, and they encourage everyone to attend the summer school program. They do field trips and fun activities,” Parkville mom Rhonda Miller says. “It’s not just recreation either. My oldest will take P.E. in summer school so that he can select another more important class for credits during the school year.” Whether your child has to go or simply wants to, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth slide into summer academics.

Talk it out. I refer to communication constantly when doling out advice, because it’s one of the simplest but most effective ways of bridging gaps in tough situations. There’s

Over the summer, the typical child loses two months’ worth of the math skills he gained during the school year because of a lack of practice.

a chance that your children may be unhappy about attending summer school if they’ve been recommended for it. They may feel singled out by their teachers, left behind by their peers, frustrated with themselves and unsure of their learning capabilities. It’s up to us as parents to help them sort through their emotions and address them.

Budget appropriately. Prices for summer school classes range between $75 and $200 per class each week. Virtual courses vary per credit, but typically only have a onetime fee versus a weekly one. You also may run into additional fees for textbooks, lunch and transportation. Having your child bring his lunch each day will significantly reduce food costs. If your child has friends also attending summer school, you could work out rotating carpool schedules with other parents to save on transportation costs.

Show enthusiasm. Your child initially may view summer school as more of a chore than a fun opportunity. Starting with the first day, kick off the summer session with a smile. Make a special “first day” breakfast like you might during the regular school year. Pack a few sweet or encouraging notes in their lunchboxes. Ask them at night what the best parts of their day were. Kids take note of our emotions. If we’re feeling apprehensive or disappointed about the financial or scheduling ramifications of summer school, our kids will pick up on that and begin to feel that way too. Summer school is no longer a terrifying prospect or an end to summer fun. Plentiful opportunities abound to give youngsters a great education with a side of excitement and discovery. With a little encouragement, your kids will thrive and be better prepared for the start of a new school year. Perhaps they’ll even find it was better than they ever could have expected! Jennifer Bosse is a former KC mom who now lives in Charleston, SC, with her husband and two sons. She also blogs at Tales of a Southern Sweetheart.

kcparent.com may 2016

What’s Cookin’ Down Under Eat at more than 80 restaurants in one evening! Join us in black tie attire for a party down under. Enjoy savory dishes from these fine restaurants, live music and more! 75th Street Brewery 801 Fish 810 Zone Amigoni Urban Winery BRGR Kitchen + Bar

Coco Bolo’s Wood Fired Grill & Cantina

Lakeview Village Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Cosentino’s Catering

Lew’s

Cooper’s Hawk

Louisburg Cider Mill

Edible Arrangements

Spectators at the Sheraton Crown Center Stroud’s Sunset Grill Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant

El Porton Café

Magnolia’s Modern Southern Cuisine

Espirito Do Sul

MeMa’s Old-Fashioned Bakery

T-Rex Café

Belfonte Ice Cream & Dairy Foods Co.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Murray’s Tables & Tap

Ted’s Cafe Escondido

Gates Bar-B-Q

Nick & Jakes

Bizz & Weezy

Garozzo’s

Noodles & Company

Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

blanc burgers + bottles

North

Brancato’s Catering

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Brasserie at the Westin Crown Center

Hiland Dairy Co.

Baked In Kansas City Barley’s Brewhaus

Carmen’s Café Carmen’s (Food Truck) Charlie Hooper’s Chuy’s Claridge Court Cleaver & Cork

O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

Gram & Dun

O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar Pinstripes

Hilton Kansas City Airport / Asado

Pita Blu RA Sushi

Hy-Vee Catering Isle of Capri / Calypso’s Buffet Jazz – A Louisiana Kitchen

República St. James Winery

Jon Russell’s BBQ of Kansas City

Scratch Office Catering & Bakery

Kaldi’s Coffee The Kansas City Steak Company Kingswood Senior Living

Relish

Sheridan’s Frozen Custard Sheridan’s Unforked

Taco Republic

The Blue Moose Bar & Grill The Blue Moose Truck The Funnel Cake Truck The Melting Pot The Roasterie Café The Well Bar – Grill & Rooftop The Zebra Room at the Aladdin Hotel Urban Table Waffle House Walker’s Food Products Co. Waldo Pizza Zocalo

The 27th annual Jazzoo | June 3, 2016

Get Your Jazzoo Tickets Today! Tickets on sale now at JazzooKC.org

may

CALENDAR

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

Centennial Celebration

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

kcparent.com may 2016

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Camp Wood YMCA is celebrating 100 years! On May 7, enjoy their Centennial Celebration with pony rides, canoeing, hikes, archery and more! Free, but pre-reg at 620.273.8641.

Take the family for some nighttime fun to see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 7. KansasSpeedway.com

The Lego KidsFest visits KC May 1315 at the Kansas City Convention Center. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an entertainmentpacked family event for Lego lovers of all ages and skill levels. LegoKidsFest.com

Take the family and test your golf skills at Topgolf! A great place to go with friends and family for loads of fun games and tasty food! Topgolf.com/us/ overlandpark

Kick off the holiday weekend with Music in the Park on May 27 at Howard Station Park (Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit). Enjoy a free concert featuring a variety of musical genres. DowntownLS.org

1 Sunday Lego Ninjago Weekend 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Ninjago scavenger hunts, laser maze and games throughout Ninjago Training Camp. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Spring Swing 10:00. Alexander Majors House & Barn. Indie craft fair that celebrates the handmade movement. TheStrawberrySwing.org Brookside Art Annual 11:00, 63rd & Brookside. Enjoy a festive atmosphere, hospitality, convenience and, of course, art. BrooksideKC.org Animal Tales & Trails Noon, Crown Center, Level 1. Last day to enter an interactive habitat where children learn about interesting creatures. CrownCenter.com Mr Tiger Goes Wild 1:00, Plaza Library. Coterie Theatre artists read from favorite children’s books while young audience members can jump into the story. KCLibrary.org Mother’s Day Tea 3:00, Gymboree Play & Music (Zona Rosa). Celebrate moms with fun activities, play, snack, craft and parachute time. $15. GymboreeClasses.com The Wizard of Paws 3:30, Crown Center. Martin City Melodrama presents a brand new musical with both human and four-legged entertainment. 816.804.2602 Free Outdoor Concert 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of music. Lenexa.com

#mcplGO

Summer Reading Program May 16 -

July 31, 2

Kindle Fire Kids Edition

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Kindle Fire

2 Monday Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your kids to play on the large assortment of toys in the gym. $2. 913.422.7010 Jazz on the Square 5:30, Corbin Theatre (Liberty). Enjoy live jazz. The music will keep your toes tapping, and the ballads will warm your heart! CorbinTheatre.org Teens at the Library 6:30 MCPL (North Oak). A time for teens to hang at the library. Discover activities planned just for you. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

3 Tuesday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778

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Special Thanks to Our 2016 SRP Teammates:

Toddler Tuesdays 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Tickets are just $14 for one toddler (0-4) and one adult! VisitSeaLife.com Where the Wild Things Are 10:00 & Noon, Coterie Theater. A journey to remember in an interactive adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic. TheCoterie.org Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $9.50/person. CeramicCafeKC.com

MCPL and your child’s school may be in contact next year to share participation records in the Summer Reading Program.

kcparent.com may 2016

May Day May 7, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Join us for this celebration of spring! Dance around the maypole and make a May basket. 913.893.6645

4 Wednesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Pedal to the Metal Thru Aug 28, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Experience America’s obsession with four-wheeled vehicles in this exhibit. 816.235.8000

School Choir Concert 11:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Broken Arrow Elementary School Choir performs a concert at the gazebo. Free. ShawneeTown.org Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

5 Thursday

The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs 10:00, H&R Block City Stage. A hilarious musical treatment of the fairy tale about the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. TYA.org

Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575

Plein Air Fest Thru Saturday, Penn Valley Park. Artists from across the country gather for a paint-off to capture the beauty of Penn Valley Park. PennValleyPark.org

Toddler Time 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Kids can play on mats, slides, scooters and more! We will set up the equipment and you’ll have the fun! $2-$3. BlueSpringsGov.com

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller. Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759

Theater at the Library 5:00, Jo Co Library (Oak Park). The JCCC Department of Theatre presents The Pharaoh & the Rose. Free. JoCoLibrary.org

kcparent.com may 2016

Truman Heritage Festival Thru Sat, Main Street (Grandview). An annual free event full of fun activities and attractions. Grandview.org

6 Friday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org All-American Barbeque & Brew Festival Thru Sunday, Worlds of Fun. 21+ event features craft beers from around the region and tasty barbecue. WorldsOfFun.com Tween Night 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Don’t spend Friday night at home! Come for painting, pizza and fun. $25 includes pizza, drink and pottery piece. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529. Family Bingo Night 6:30, Roeland Park Community Center. A great opportunity for the family to unplug and have fun together. $8-$10. JCPRD.com A Midsummer Night’s Dream Thru Sunday, the Culture House. Enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage. CultureHouse.com Rite of Spring Thru May 15, Kauffman Center. The KC Ballet spring program features four Kansas City premieres. KCBallet.org

10TH ANNUAL

MOTHER’S DAY

FOR MOTHER EARTH CELEBRATION

FREE

Sunday, May 8, 2016

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

FREE

Hands-on Exhibit for Kids!

Shawnee Mission Pkwy. & Lackman Rd. 6305 Lackman Road Shawnee, Kansas 66217

913-715-2550 www.jocogov.org/dept/museum

FEATURING Stone lion Puppets “The Mermaid’s Tail (Tale)” 2 p.m. Performance

kcparent.com may 2016

Lego KidsFest May 13-15, Kansas City Convention Center. An entertainment-packed family event for Lego lovers of all ages and skill levels. LegoKidsFest.com

7 Saturday Dig Day 9:00, Various parks in Kansas City area. Beautify the city for spring. Dig in, get dirty and work alongside the experts from KC Parks and Rec. HOAC-BSA.org First Saturday 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with skits, skirmishes and demonstrations. 816.792.2655

Tractor Cruise 10:00, National Agricultural Hall of Fame. Tractor enthusiasts from all around will gather to drive the 35-mile loop around Wyandotte County. AgHallOfFame.com Comic Book Day 10:00, Science City. Head to Science City today for fun themed demos and workshops throughout the day. ScienceCity.org

Annual Kids Fishing Derby 9:00, Lake Jacomo. Ages 2 to 15 show off their angling skills at this fun-filled family event. Free. 816.229.8980

Centennial Celebration 10:00, Camp Wood YMCA (Elmdale, KS). Activities include pony rides, canoeing, hikes, archery, craft stations and more! Free, but pre-reg at 620.273.8641.

Artifact Identification Day 10:00, Fort Osage Education Center. Professional archaeologists will inspect your treasures. $3-$7. 816.503.4860

Sheep Shearing 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. See the entire process of harvesting wool, from the shearing and washing to carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving. $3-$5. 816.503.4860

Lenexa Art Fair 10:00, Lenexa City Center. A one-day art fair featuring 50 artists. Other activities include a wine and craft beer tasting, live jazz music and food trucks. Lenexa.com

Star Wars Party 9:30, Paradise Park. May the force be with you! Enjoy adventure throughout the park with characters from Star Wars. Paradise-Park.com

Marble Day 9:30, Downtown Bonner Springs. Marble tournaments, parade, cake walk, bike rodeo and much more! Free. 816.807.4611

Enchanted Fairytale Forest 10:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit stations throughout the park. Design a fairy house, enjoy a sweet treat and more. $6-$8. 913.764.7759

May Day 1:00, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Join us for this celebration of spring! Dance around the maypole and make a May basket. 913.893.6645

Four Favorite Festivals in May May kicks off festival season in Kansas City. You’ll find our complete Summer Festival Guide on KCParent.com with hundreds of terrific summer festivals to enjoy. These are our four top picks for the month of May. The Brookside Art Annual April 29-May 1, Brookside Neighborhood (63rd & Wornall, Kansas City, MO, BrooksideKC. org/art-annual). This is the first art show of the year and draws more than 70,000 people from the entire region. This community loves art shows, and this festival consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to Art Source. Sheep Shearing May 7, Missouri Town 1855 (8010 E. Park Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO, MakeYourDayHere.com/Calendar.aspx). Artisans will demonstrate the entire process of making wool, from the shearing of the flock and washing of the fleece to carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving. Handcrafted fiber pieces are available for purchase. Lawrence Busker Festival May 27-29, Lawrence, KS (LawrenceBuskerFest.com). Now in its ninth year, the Lawrence Busker Festival is the area’s largest gathering of street performers. Come join us for three days of family fun with some of the most talented freaks, geeks, artists and musicians around. The weekend includes a full performance schedule to make sure you don’t miss your favorite acts. And for an even more up-close-and-personal experience, come check out Busker Ball on the Thursday before the big weekend.

kcparent.com may 2016

Celebration at the Station May 29, Union Station (Pershing & Main, Kansas City, MO, KCSymphony.org/Celebration). The Kansas City Symphony performs a two-hour concert event featuring crowd favorites such as the Overture to Candide, “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Armed Forces Salute” and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with live cannons. The concert culminates with a grand finale when all eyes turn skyward for a stunning display of choreographed fireworks, presented to the beat of patriotic music above the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial—Kansas City’s largest fireworks display of the year!

Model A Car Cruise & Children’s Pedal Cars 1:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Model A’s on hand for a cruise around museum grounds. Free w/museum admission. ShawneeTown.org

Celebrate Moms 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. What better way to celebrate Mom than with a relaxing day at the Kansas City Zoo? Moms are free! KansasCityZoo.org

Tremendous Trees Art Exhibit Thru June 12, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy artwork from The Tree Who Walked Through Time, a children’s book by local artists. 913.685.3604

Mother’s Day Tea Party 2:00, Spring Hill Civic Center. Enjoy tea, juice and small snacks, and take part in a guided painting. SpringHillRec.org

Mother’s Day 11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy activities and the premiere performance of The Mermaid’s Tail by StoneLion Puppet Theater. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

10 Tuesday

Tartan Tea 2:00, Central United Methodist Church. Dancers perform while you enjoy scrumptious teatime treats. KCHighlandDancers.com

Mother’s Day Brunch & Concert 11:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy brunch in Café Thyme and listen to Victory and Penny. $12-$30. Pre-reg at 816.697.2600 x209.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Go Bowling 400 Kansas Speedway. See the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at night at Kansas Speedway! KansasSpeedway.com

Mother’s Day Gift to Mom Louisburg Cider Mill. Bring Mom in to our country store today to treat her to a small cider and one cider donut! LouisburgCiderMill.com

8 Sunday Mother’s Day

9 Monday

Celebrate President Truman’s Birthday 10:00, Truman Library and Museum. Mr Truman will be on hand to receive birthday wishes. $1 admission. TrumanLibrary.org

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under 4 to run and play in the gym. $1. 816.784.6100 Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens, no coupon required. CoolCrest.com

JUNE 25 & 26, 2016

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Story Time for Babies 9:15, MCPL (Lee’s Summit). Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and interaction. MyMCPL.org Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys! OverlandParkMOPS.com

11 Wednesday Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550

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Masika’s Birthday May 25, 28 & 29, Kansas City Zoo. Help the zoo celebrate with the youngest gorilla, Masika, on her first birthday! KansasCityZoo.org

Stereotypes to Civil Rights Thru Aug 21, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore stereotypes of people of African descent through paper dolls. 816.235.8000 The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs 10:00, H&R Block City Stage. A hilarious musical treatment of the fairy tale about the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. TYA.org Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

12 Thursday Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church (Olathe). A time for kids 6 and under to play, run, kick, ride and jump. Free. IndianCreek.org

Narnia Thru Sunday, Bell Cultural Events Center. CYT presents this unique, enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil. CYT.org Feast of Fountains 5:30, Theis Park. See fountains throughout the city and enjoy food from some of the city’s most popular food trucks. KCParks.org

13 Friday Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg. 913.661.2529 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12. Free. KemperArt.org

Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch. A special story time for babies (newborn to 18 months) with parent or caregiver. 816.701.3481

Lego KidsFest Thru Sunday, Kansas City Convention Center. An entertainment-packed family event for Lego lovers of all ages and skill levels. LEGOKidsFest.com Kansas Softball 5:00, Arrocha Ballpark. Superhero Day! Kids dressed in superhero costumes will receive $5 admission. Superhero mask giveaway. KUAthletics.com Second Friday Art Crawl 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. 816.630.6161

The fun has officially begun.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION!

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join us to meet the Franchise Owners and school staff for a fun-filled day with face painting, a balloon artist, games, arts & crafts, music and more! Primrose School of North Olathe 11194 South Noble Drive, Olathe, KS 66061 913.764.0018 • PrimroseNorthOlathe.com Infants – Pre-Kindergarten & After School Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and Care® are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2016 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for additional information about our schools, curriculum, and programs.

kcparent.com may 2016

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. Bump, set, spike! Enjoy a fun-filled night of volleyball games. For only $15 get a “pick 3” wristband. Paradise-Park.com

Pets in the Park 10:00, Waterfall Park (Independence). A pet parade, contest, pet products, snacks and much more. Free. 816.325.7115

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials. WestonMO.com

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

National Train Day Celebration 10:00, Frank Vaydik Park. Entertainment by Rockin’ Rob, face painting, inflatables, crafts and free train rides! KCParks.org

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

14 Saturday

Amazing Dinosaurs 10:00, Flint Hills Discovery Center. Touch real dinosaur teeth and bones, explore their habitats, stand in their tracks and more! 785.587.2726

National Train Day 8:30, Overland Park Arboretum. Learn about railroad history and enjoy the beautiful train garden. OPABG.org Wings Over Weston 9:00, Weston Bend State Park. A free festival that introduces birds, their migration and the importance of conservation to children. Burroughs.org Astronomy Day 10:00, Science City and Planetarium. Explore the universe and gaze at the stars at Science City and the Planetarium. ScienceCity.com Grand Opening Celebration 10:00, Primrose School (North Olathe). A fun-filled day with face painting, crafts, balloon artist, music and more! PrimroseNorthOlathe.com

Sprint Family Fun Series 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Lots of family fun, today’s theme is superheroes and princesses! PowerAndLightDistrict.com Let’s Go, Royals! 11:00, Johnson County Library (various branches). Come by the library to make signs to support the boys in blue! JoCoLibrary.org Exhibit Gallery Grand Opening 1:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate new exhibit gallery with wildlife presentations, roving naturalists and refreshments. Free. 913.764.7759

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

15 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. Shop for local and fresh produce, meats, herbs, fresh baked goods and more! TheCityMarket.org art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 LEGO KidsFest 1:30 & 7:30, Kansas City Convention Center. An entertainment-packed family event for Lego lovers of all ages and skill levels. LegoKidsFest.com

THIS IS YOUR FUN

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kcparent.com may 2016

may by the numbers

1920 The year Kansas Citybased company Hallmark began selling Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day cards.

Birthday of President Harry S. Truman of Independence, MO, born in 1884.

100+ Barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. Try a new one during National Barbecue Month.

4.41 Average amount of rain, in inches, Kansas City gets in May.

15,000 The amount of money from investors to start Walt Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new animation studio, LaughO-Gram Studios in Kansas City, incorporated on May 23, 1922.

May is the only month in 2016 with a Friday the 13th.

Stations to rent a bicycle in Downtown Kansas City. See KansasCity. BCycle.com. May is National Bike Month.

Author L. Frank Baum, creator of the beloved The Wizard of Oz series set in Kansas, was born this day in 1856.

Date of the full moon, known as the flower moon in May.

Summer Sundays 4:30, Merriam Marketplace. Enjoy live music, an inflatable for kids and various food trucks. 913.322.5550 Free Outdoor Concert 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of music. Lenexa.com

16 Monday Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your kids to play on the large assortment of toys in the gym. $2. 913.422.7010 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

17 Tuesday

What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods. Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

19 Thursday

Jurassic Garden 9:00, Powell Gardens. Opening day! See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more! PowellGardens.org

Homeschool Lunch Bunch Noon, Lackman Library. Bring your lunch and meet fellow homeschool families. JoCoLibrary.org

Armed Forces Day 9:00, Big Shoal Cemetery. Honoring those veterans buried at the cemetery, activities include a gun salute, speakers and period military demonstrations. 816.453.3276

Third Thursdays 5:00, Martin City. Dine, shop and play in Martin City. A percentage of sales will be donated to a different organization each month. MartinCity.org Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent. Nelson-Atkins.org Opening Night 7:05, Community America Ballpark. T-Bones home opener! Free t-shirt to first 2,000 fans and appearance by Falcon Skydiving Team. TBonesBaseball.com

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $9.50. CeramicCafeKC.com

20 Friday

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778

Preteen Course Thru July 5, Hoffman International. A 10-week class that covers visual poise, hair care and styling, nutrition, exercise and more. 913.642.1060

Preschool Playtime 10:30, North Kansas City Parks and Rec. Play with dinosaur eggs, go on a dinosaur dig, play some games and more. Ages 3-5. Pre-reg at KC.org.

Kids Klub Thru July 5, Hoffman International. A 10-week course that covers runway modeling, manners, dining etiquette and more. Ages 4-8. 913.642.1060

Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org

Storyteller Jo Ho 10:00, Johnson County Museum. The excitement of the zoo comes alive in the “zoo’pendous” stories. 913.715.2575 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller. Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759 Mobile Library Summer Reading Kickoff 2:30, Grandview Park Apartments. Join the Mobile Library for a balloon artist, face painting and outdoor games. KCKPL.org

Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more. 816.246.6598

Pedal to the Metal Thru Aug 28, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Experience America’s obsession with four-wheeled vehicles in this exhibit. 816.235.8000

Toddler Tuesdays 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Tickets are just $14 for one toddler (0-4) and one adult! VisitSeaLife.com

18 Wednesday

21 Saturday

Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com 39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District. Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com Chinese Brushwork 6:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Learn about the art of painting with bamboo brushes and ink washes. Children 7-13 w/adult. Pre-reg at Nelson-Atkins.org.

Kids in the Kitchen 9:30, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Learn how to make brunch! This class also will cover food safety and basic cooking skills. Pre-reg at 913.715.7000. Story Time at the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Barn. Enjoy stories followed by a craft or game, all in a rustic barn setting. Free. WornallMajors.org Turkey Creek Festival 10:00, Antioch Park. A petting zoo, delicious food and unique craft vendors, music, giant inflatables and more. 913.831.3355 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Flint Hills Festival 10:00, Flint Hills Discovery Center. Celebrate the food, music and culture of the Flint Hills. 785.587.2726 Legend of Sleepy Hollow 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Watch The Legend of Sleepy Hollow puppet show. Will Ichabod ride again? Hazelle.org Family Field Day 10:00, Macken Park (Shelter 5). Stations with games like gaga ball, sack races, obstacle courses and more! NKC.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics. Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Kids Night Out 5:00, North Kansas City YMCA. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy a night of fun while parents enjoy the evening out on the town. KansasCityYMCA.org Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com

kcparent.com may 2016

Celebration at the Station May 29, Union Station lawn. Attend the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. Free. 816.460.2083

23 Monday

Under the Streetlamp 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Enjoy unforgettable classic hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. JCCC.edu/theseries

Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Full Moon Hike 8:30, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy a guided moonlit hike through the park. Dress for the weather. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under 4 to run and play in the gym. $1. 816.784.6100

22 Sunday

Tremendous Trees Art Exhibit Thru June 12, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy artwork from The Tree Who Walked Through Time, a children’s book by local artists. 913.685.3604

Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. Shop for local and fresh produce, meats, herbs, fresh baked goods and more! TheCityMarket.org art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

24 Tuesday

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

Free Outdoor Concert 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of music. Lenexa.com

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys! OverlandParkMOPS.com

Prep Course Thru July 11, Hoffman International. A 10-week course that covers visual poise, hair care, nutrition and intro to runway modeling. Girls 13+. 913.642.1060

KC Parent Wins Big! We’re thrilled to share that at the recent Parenting Media Association (PMA) awards ceremony, KC Parent received 8 awards! PMA presented 300 Editorial and Design Competition and General Excellence awards at the National Convention in Indianapolis. There were 630 entries submitted in the competition. Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers at member publications. FAITH&FAMILY

t began as a typical car ride home from my oldest daughter’s middle school. “Mom, I like this song. Do you?” Taylor Swift belted one of her latest hits as we drove the 10 minutes home. It was a catchy tune with a fun beat. I remember a day when I could simply listen to a song, but as the mom of a daughter bordering on her teenage years, my discerning ears perked up at one of the opening lines: “Love’s a game, wanna play?” I didn’t want to miss this moment to talk to her about a subject so often misconstrued and misrepresented in our culture. Love. The kind of love I know she may not hear often in the halls of her middle school, in movies or pop music. The kind of love we all so desperately need but look for in all the wrong places. In the Bible, Romans 12:9 directs us: “Let love be genuine.” At first glance the four words are oversimplified and too commanding, but something about that word “genuine” begs for a deeper understanding. It goes beyond an emotion and requires something from the giver:

Genuine Love Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine.”

selflessness. A genuine love, I explained to her in words I hoped she absorbed, always thinks of the other person’s needs first. A genuine or sincere love seeks to understand in the face of indifference. It looks for the light of hope in dark places. It looks for potential in others. It speaks truth, even when it hurts. With a heavy sigh I concluded

quiz . . .

that genuine love is anything but a game. When we experience it for ourselves, we can’t help but want to give it away. We turned the corner toward home and our conversation came to a close. I know genuine love isn’t a topic to simply learn about, but one learned from experience and best practiced firsthand. It’s eye contact and a smile with a stranger, because they’re important too. It’s looking into the eyes of a screaming child and holding to an important “no” when a “yes” would be so much easier. It’s holding a friend and praying through tears of grief. It’s a late night couch conversation with an overworked spouse when you’d rather be asleep. It’s giving until it hurts. It’s making the hard choice to love in the face of hate. For the record, I think Taylor Swift’s music is fun. However, I want my kids to know the true and lasting joy that comes from giving and receiving genuine love. It’s better than any game they could ever hope to play.

ren’t we all a little guilty of labeling other moms? Sure, we all share the common goal of nurturing a happy, healthy family, and we make different choices to get there. But just for fun, have you ever considered what “mom” category you most likely fall into? It is a busy school night. What is for dinner? a. Tofu stir-fry b. Pizza c. Crockpot meal d. Hot dogs e. Mac and cheese f. One of your wholesome pre-made meals from the freezer Your family pet is a: a. Rescue dog or cat b. Cat or purse-sized puppy

kcparent.com february 2015

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Your 13-year-old daughter is begging for the latest smart phone. You say: a. No way. You can use a flip phone when you need to reach me. b. Yes, let’s go shopping! c. Okay, but first we are going to draw up a contract together and discuss the rules and responsibilities of owning a smart phone. d. Well, I don’t want you to be the only one of your friends who doesn’t have one. e. Sure, whatever. Let’s add you to the family plan. f. Are you kidding? A phone will expose your developing brain to harmful radiation. Your child has an early morning soccer game. You are most likely to wear:

Faith & Family writer Jena Meyerpeter loves unexpected conversations in ordinary places.

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f. Agree, but secretly begin agonizing about the safety of the rides.

what kind of mom are you?

c. Golden or Labrador retriever d. A boxer or German shepherd e. Dogs, cats, fish, gerbils... we have a houseful f. Zhu Zhu Pet Your kids want to go to an amusement park with friends. You: a. Say okay, but with strict instructions that they are not to eat anything with artificial colors. b. Warn them not to ruin those jeans you got them. They cost a fortune. c. Look online to see if there are any coupon deals. d. Insist on going, too. You are never too old for roller coasters! e. Say no problem and offer to drive.

a. Yoga pants and an organic cotton t-shirt. b. Designer jeans, Ugg boots, hip jacket and a cute hat. c. Comfy jeans and your favorite t-shirt. d. Team shirt, capris and a great attitude. e. Oops, forgot to do laundry. Pull on something relatively clean. f. Soccer causes concussions. My kids don’t play soccer. You relax by: a. Making homemade soaps and gardening. b. Shopping and a spa day. c. Relax? What? d. Cheering on your favorite team. e. Sleeping in and watching old movies. f. Cleaning and organizing.

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a. Camping. b. Relaxing at a beachside resort. c. Disney World and a full schedule of activities. d. Wherever my child’s tournament is also being played. e. A leisurely drive to your destination with stops at historical landmarks and tourist attractions along the way. f. Family lake house. How many extracurricular activities is each of your children in? a. 0-2 b. 2-3 c. 4-5 d. 6+ e. I don’t have a clue. f. I run all of the extracurricular activities my kids participate in. Your car: a. Has a picture of the earth on it. b. Is detailed at least once a month. c. Has your website on the rear windshield. d. Features decals of your kids’ names and the sports they play. e. Is littered with crumbs, sippy cups and toys. f. Is meticulously clean. Your friend invites you to join her for a manicure. You say: a. Come over! I’ll show you how to do an inexpensive, all-natural mani that you’ll love. b. Sure, I could use a little pampering. c. I’d love to and then post a photo of the two of you enjoying your time on Facebook. d. Absolutely! I wonder if they can put a baseball design on my nails? e. Fun! Let’s have lunch, too! f. Hmmm. Does this place clean their tools between clients? Your favorite workout is: a. Om! Yoga all the way. b. Tennis.

Your toddler has a meltdown at the store. You: a. Hand him homemade fruit leather you stashed in your purse. He is quickly appeased. b. Are surprised. This undesirable behavior clearly runs on your husband’s side. c. Take a photo of your screaming tot and post it to Facebook with the breezy status “Another day in paradise!” Your friends quickly commiserate. d. Annoyed, pick him up, abandon the cart and flee the store. e. Allow him to carry on. He’s only embarrassing himself. f. Get worried and wonder if he is acting out because he is coming down with something. Your parenting mantra is: a. “Eat real food. Live simply. Recycle like there is no tomorrow.” b. “To be the best mom, you have to take care of yourself.” c. “Need something done? Ask a busy mom!” d. “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” e. “Keep calm and carry on.” f. “Cleanliness is next to godliness!”

a. Sadly drop your child off and start researching how to homeschool. b. Skip through the morning routine singing “It’s the most wonderful day of the year!” c. Post Instagram photos of your kids dressed for the first day in Pinterestinspired poses. d. Give your kids a pep talk before dropping them off. e. Weep at the passing of another summer. f. Deliver an extra supply of disinfectant wipes to the teacher. Your kids are performing in the school musical. You:

a. Using an old-fashioned day-planner. b. Hiring a virtual assistant. c. Plugging everything into your smartphone. d. Recording all activities on the family wall calendar, colorcoded according to the family member. e. Taking a fly-by-the-seat-of-yourpants approach. It will all work out. f. Assigning each person a folder.

an around the world adventure in KC

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Europe Local museums celebrate European history. The Strawberry Hill Museum (720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, KS, StrawberryHillMuseum. org) houses permanent exhibits for Croatia, the Ukraine, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Russia. Visitors see household items from these cultures, from clothing to books and toys, jewelry, linens and more. LEGO, the favorite toy for generations, was invented in Denmark in 1949. Enter the world of LEGO at LEGOLAND Discovery Center (2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/kansascity). In addition to two rides, a 4D LEGO Cinema, and Miniland (a LEGO model city showcasing Kansas City’s most famous landmarks), visitors enjoy a variety of fun ways to play with LEGO bricks. New in 2015, each guest must reserve a time to visit. Details can be found on the website, so be sure to head online before heading to LEGOLAND.

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a look back

classic summer fun

avoid brain drain

healthy kids

DC vacation

festive feast

family reunion

craft corner

uring a short vacation, my children and I stopped for a candy factory tour. The girls weren’t impressed by the video and tram drive through the warehouse. They had expected to see the real thing. The following day we paid a visit to a bakery owned by friends. After we ogled the cakes and cookies in the display cases, our owner friend asked, “Have you ever seen how a bakery works?” My three girls’ enthusiastic “No!” set them off on a tour through the behind-the-scenes workings of a real bakery—no videos and boxes, but honest-to-goodness mega-sized mixers, walk-in refrigerators and racks of cooling cakes. While it may not come around often, that magical phrase (in the right context) can be a cue that opportunity awaits. “Have you ever…” is frequently a call to adventure. Here are the ways it can open up new experiences for your family, and why you as a parent should be ready to drop any other plans and embrace that call when you hear it:

A “Have you ever…” invitation worth accepting is often expressed in settings where the person asking can safely assume a “no” answer. While you may not have planned to explore that activity or setting, an invitation from an insider can yield pleasant surprises. And what better way to experience something new than alongside an individual familiar with it?

dancers and acrobats, along with gallery games, art demonstrations and delicious Asian-inspired food.

Union Station LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Africa Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs Feb. 21 at 8:00 at Yardley Hall (JCCC.edu). For more than 50 years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have performed the rhythms and harmonies of

North America Rail travel changed the American landscape, and now imaginations run wild as hobbyists display 8,000 square feet of toy trains at Union Station’s Kansas City’s Model Railroad Experience (UnionStation.org/Venues/Model-Railroad-Experience). The free exhibit features everything from tiny N-scale model trains to the big G-scale giants of the model train world.

38 38

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adventure

experience a “first”

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Carlsen Center

South America Sea Life Aquarium (VisitSeaLife.com/Kansas-City) is home to sea life from around the world, but many of the favorite animals are from South America specifically. Visitors come nose to nose with sharks and enjoy astonishingly close views of everything from starfish and sea horses to graceful rays. A favorite is the tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel. A few of the South American animals who make their home at Sea Life include the cownose stingray, red-bellied piranhas and seahorse.

Asia

(KansasCityZoo.org/PenguinCam), where you can watch the latest (including eggs, baby penguins and penguins at play) in real time.

kcparent.com kcparent.com february 2015 december 2014

ADVENTURE

table of contents

Antarctica

You organize your family by:

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their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. Plus, come and enjoy dinner before the show!

a. Prepare a healthy dinner before performance time. Good food will help them focus. b. Work with the music teacher to ensure the costume designs are just right. c. Arrive an hour and a half before performance time. How else are you going to visit with friends andfamily on a global adventure this month as you explore Kansas City’s ake your get a good seat for your YouTube landmarks. Our art galleries feature masterpieces from every corner of the globe, our recording? zoo offers one-of-a-kind animal adventures from every continent, and local museums d. Rehearse daily with your kids. You would be mortifiedpresent if they exciting exhibits sharing the history of many cultures. Broaden your horizons screwed up. this winter e. Remind your kids to practice their with an around the world adventure…all without leaving Kansas City! lines and assume they have it under control. f. Stay awake worrying the night Featuring Humboldt penguins and nearly 40 cold The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, before. What aifdozen a piece of water penguins, theequipment new Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the MO, FREE admission, Nelson-Atkins.org) has been curating and Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) is a state-of-the-art exhibiting Chinese art since its opening in 1933 and proudly became falls on their exhibit with a 100,000-gallon the first major gallery in the United States devoted to Chinese art. heads? cool pool for cold water penguins and a 25,000-gallonCould warm wet area laced with sand for warm The collection features more than 7,000 works of Chinese art from they water penguins. With views, accurate penguin habitats, Neolithic times to the 20th century. A visit to the museum is a fallfantastic off of the accessibility for all visitors educational displays feeding our perfect family outing year round, but we especially look forward to stage?and You’ve curiosity about the Antarctic animals, the exhibit is a must-see. the annual Chinese New Year celebration, held this year on heard about If you’re planning a these visit tothings the zoo and you want to get to know Feb. 13 (5:00-9:00). Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with familythe penguins beforehappening. your visit, check out the zoo’s penguin cam friendly activities, including special performances by musicians,

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have you ever? an invitation to

On the first day of school. You:

c. Jazzercize. Group exercise is motivating. d. Running. Walking is for whiners. e. Chasing my kids. f. Weights and cardio with a personal trainer.

kcparent.com december 2014

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A vacation for your family looks like:

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summer F

kcparent.com kcparent.com kcparent.com february 2015 july july2015 2015

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go behind the scenes

When they sense a receptive audience, professionals, business owners, coaches and others may open up spaces normally off-limits to the public. We all like to share our lives, and these folks are no different. So when you are asked whether you have ever

Nguide

for the July Summer Fun Guide

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learn from a master When you are watching a professional at his trade or sport, you may find him responsive to interested youngsters. If your children are invited to join in, help them step forward. They will be receiving tips from an expert. They can ask questions about techniques or skills. And it can help to hear how long this person has been working at what he does and what it took to build up to the level he has achieved. After a magic show at her local library, Robyn Whitlock’s sons approached the performer. He asked them to show him some of their tricks and expressed his amazement at their skill. Then he offered a few tips. He spent at least a half hour oneon-one with the boys. “Any time you’re with someone who is a professional like that, it inspires you to go further with it and to learn more,” Whitlock says. “After that, [the boys] did tons of magic to try to get better.”

CALENDAR

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AROUND EVERY CORNER!

Lovies Portraits Thru February, Kia Bondurant Photography. Schedule a time to have your child’s photo taken with a special blankie, stuffed animal or other lovie. KiaBondurant.com Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. A place for children to run, ride and play while exercising and making new friends. $1. Lenexa.com

Presented By

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under 4 to run and play in the gym. $1. 816.784.6100 Family Chess Night 6:30, Olathe Downtown Library (201 E Park). Come and play chess with a worthy opponent. Boards and equipment provided. 913.971.6874

3 Tuesday Walker Time 10:00, Wyandotte Library. Walkers (12-23 months) will enjoy movement activities along with interactive rhymes, songs and short books followed by play time. 913.596.5800

Nerman Museum

create

shop

fix

skate

watch

Museum on the campus of JCCC. Learn about works of art and then make a piece to take home. JCCC.edu/youth

daughter outing at Cupid’s Gems Jewelry Show on Feb. 7 at 10:00 at the Thompson Barn (Lenexa). 913.477.7500

Is your teddy bear in need of some TLC? Bring your injured bears to the Teddy Bear Clinic at the Kansas City Zoo on Feb. 14 and your bear will be fixed right up and good as new. KansasCityZoo.org

Hit the ice with everyone’s favorite big red dog, Clifford, on Feb. 21 at 10:00 at KCPT Kids on Ice Skate with Clifford event. It takes place at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. 816.274.8444

Come watch the Trout Stocking! 1,600 lbs. will be stocked at Kill Creek Park Lake at 2:30 and 3,800 lbs. of trout will be stocked in Shawnee Mission Park Lake at 3:45 on Feb. 25. 913.831.3359

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X TREME DISCOVERIES

Anansi and the Talking Melon 2:00, Kansas City Library (Plaza Branch). Coterie artists read from favorite children’s books giving kids a chance to “jump into the story.” 816.701.3400

2 Monday

Whenever someone asks the question “Have you ever…” she’s about to give you something—whether it be her time, expertise or access. Point out to your children this generosity as you discuss the experience afterward. When possible, help your kids write and send a note of thanks to the people who made the experience possible. You can train your kids to be generous in the same way by finding something you do that others may not have experienced. For instance, each year we make homemade applesauce using a special food mill. And every fall we invite one or more of our girls’ friends to join us in cranking applesauce. We ask, “Have you ever made applesauce?” Inviting others to join you increases the part ofotherwise this calendar be mayan be reproduced in print or web format. enjoyment of what No could ordinary activity for your family. And it allows you to share what you have. In our house, everyone samples hot applesauce when it’s ready. And often we send home a container with our helpers. Take an adventure-seeking mindset with On Saturday Enjoy a day of you and you’ll be ready to answer “Have you kids can mornings, shopping with your ever...” with a “No, but I’d love to!”create You never a masterpiece girlfriends or sisters know what you’ll experience because ofatit.the Nerman or plan a mother-

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and author of Bucket List Living for Moms and Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie into Every Day. She’s also mom to three girls who are learning to seize invitations to try new things.

1 Sunday art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

The Good, the Bad & the Smelly 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Sanctuary. Take a look at some not-so-glamorous animals like spiders, snakes and skunks. $3. 913.764.7759

encounter (and practice) generosity

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2015 Silver Award Winner

seen the inner workings of an establishment (as with our baker friend), or sat in a reserved section of a venue or ridden in a special vehicle—followed by an invitation to do so—jump at the opportunity. Ask your host if you can pause for a moment to prepare. Then take your children aside and review basic ground rules regarding touching, respecting the space and other applicable etiquette. No matter how well-mannered your children are, it’s helpful not to assume they will know how to behave in this new situation. Keep your instructions brief and upbeat. Encourage them to ask questions and be prepared to accept further invitations, such as if they’re invited to sample a product or test out a piece of equipment.

february

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

STARTING AT $7.50

UNIONSTATION.O

NOW OPEN

Half-Price Studio Fees 10:00, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint your own pottery and enjoy half-price studio fees Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. PaintGlazeAndFire.net Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys! OverlandParkMOPS.com 2-for-1 Tuesday 5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. After 5:00, pay for one full price admission and receive a second for free. 816.274.8444

And don’t miss the NEW interactive Science City destinations!

4 Wednesday

Included with Science City admission.

Members see it all FREE!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane 9:45 & 11:45, Coterie Theatre. Edward the china rabbit discovers that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love. TheCoterie.org

YES!

We are open Presidents Day!

Starring Abe Lincoln 10:00, Theatre for Young America (Union Station). President Lincoln takes the stage and reenacts the story of his life. $10. TYA.org Art with Justin 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Join museum educator Justin Border to create Alexander Calder mobiles. 913.715.2575

ScienceCity.com kcparent.com february 2015

Silver Medal Winner for the Calendar of Events

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $9.50. CeramicCafeKC.com Matilda the Musical Thru Saturday, Starlight Theatre. The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. KCStarlight.com

25 Wednesday Mr Stinky Feet 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Come prepared to sing, dance and have fun as a family! $3. Pre-reg at 913.715.2575. Krystle Warren Concert 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). A show that moves between soul, folk, jazz and (a little bit of ) country. JCCC.edu/theseries Masika’s Birthday 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Help us wish our youngest gorilla, Masika, a very happy first birthday. KansasCityZoo.org Warrior Wednesday 7:05, Community America Ballpark. Half off choice and select tickets with military ID and post-game catch on field! TBonesBaseball.com

Get creative at the Nerman Museum! Classes (ages 5-11) combine engaging, interactive tours with unique studio projects.

26 Thursday Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church (Olathe). A time for kids 6 and under to play, run, kick, ride and jump. Free. IndianCreek.org Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Spend the day at Legoland and see the new Lego Movie 4D. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Ready, Set, Read! SRP Kickoff Carnival 6:30, MCPL (North Oak). Opening ceremonies for the summer reading program ! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. Matilda the Musical Thru Saturday, Starlight Theatre. The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. KCStarlight.com

27 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778 Stereotypes to Civil Rights Thru Aug 21, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore stereotypes of people of African descent through paper dolls. 816.235.8000

Summer Living History 10:00, Mahaffie. 1860s hands-on living history activities that may include stagecoach rides, playing 19th-century games and more! Mahaffie.org Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg. 913.661.2529 Opening Day 11:00, Oceans of Fun. The park opens for the 2016 summer season. Come for family fun in the sun! WorldsOfFun.com Final Fridays 5:00, Lawrence. See hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations. Free fun for everyone! FinalFridaysLawrence.wordpress.com Movie in the Park 5:30, movie begins at 8:30, Ad Astra Park (Lenexa). Pack a picnic dinner and blankets for Finding Nemo and enjoy lawn games and live music too. Lenexa.com Busker Festival Thru Sunday, Lawrence, KS. The area’s largest gathering of street performers in the area. LawrenceBuskerFest.com End of School Bash 6:00, Spring Hill Sports Complex. Bouncy houses, kickball game and, at dusk, watch Hotel Transylvania 2! SpringHillRec.org

You can homeschool. We can help along the journey. WE OFFER CHRIST-CENTERED

Weekly seminars for your entire family Encouragement • Accountability Weekly science experiments • College credit Relationships • Joy in the journey

Coming this summer! FREE 3-Day Parent Equipping Events

Tuesdays-Fridays, June 7-July 29 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required. 913-469-2323 • www.jccc.edu/youth

June 6-8: Lenexa, KS June 28-30: Lee’s Summit, MO

July 26-28: Olathe, KS August 2-4: Liberty, MO

To learn more, contact Jill Pettis—jpettis@classicalconversations.com Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College

www.ParentPracticum.com www.ClassicalConversations.com kcparent.com may 2016

Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park (Lee’s Summit). Enjoy a free concert featuring a variety of musical genres. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. DowntownLS.org Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

28 Saturday World Ocean Day Celebration Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Learn all about the world’s oceans and how they impact our everyday lives. KansasCityZoo.org GeoKids 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Kids 7-11 attend a brief classroom presentation and then head out on a treasure hunt. Must pre-reg at OPABG.org.

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

Memorial Day Sale 10:00, (Olathe). One day sale to save 20 percent on resale clothing, toys and equipment. ChildrensOrchard.com

29 Sunday

KS Beach Season Shawnee Mission Park and Kill Creek Park beaches open for the season at noon today. 913.888.4713

Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open-air setting. 816.842.1271

31 Tuesday

Celebration at the Station 8:00, Union Station lawn. Attend the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest. Free. 816.460.2083

30 Monday Memorial Day

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys! OverlandParkMOPS.com

The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free. CrownCenter.com

Science City Open on Memorial Day 10:00, Science City. The museum is open on today’s holiday. Bring the family for a day of fun! 913.963.9158

MO Beach Season Longview Lake and Blue Springs Lake beaches open at 11:00 today for the season. 816.503.4876

Memorial Day Ceremony 10:00, Nat’l World War I Museum. Museum open today, and ceremony includes keynote address from Gen. Richard Myers. 816.888.8100

Body Lab 2:00, Jo Co Library (Antioch). Travel through the body’s systems and enjoy science experiments and activities. Free. JoCoLibrary.org

Pick a time that works best: Afternoon VBS, June 13–17, 1:00–4:00 p.m. 9500 Wornall Road, KCMO Evening VBS, July 25–29, 5:45–8:30 p.m. 12501 West 137th Street, OPKS Colonial Presbyterian Church, EPC Encounter God · Grow With Others · Impact People

kcparent.com may 2016

SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm

Professor Farquar Hula Hoop Contest Wicked Liars Whipped Pie Bubble Blowing Contest Buffalo Chip Throwing Jason Divad Water Balloon Toss Sack Races & Three Legged Races Field Games Benjamin Domask Professor Farquar

SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm

Turtle Races (BYOT) Benjamin Domask Wicked Liars Hula Hoop Contest Buffalo Chip Throwing Relay Races Benjamin Domask Jason Divad Water Balloon Toss Professor Farquar

KC PARENT FAMILY FUN ZONE Located next to Town Hall Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm TONS of FREE Children’s Activities and Performances

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 – SUNDAY, JUNE 5 SHAWNEE TOWN 1929 | 11600 JOHNSON DRIVE, SHAWNEE, KS | OLDSHAWNEEDAYS.ORG THURSDAY 6:00pm – 10:00pm (carnival, concert, & food booths only)

FRIDAY 6:00pm – 10:00pm

SATURDAY 11:00am – 10:00pm (parade at 10:00am)

SUNDAY 11:30am – 6:00pm

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

April 30 & May 1

Teacher Appreciation Weekend

May 8

Mother’s Day

May 13

Goodnight Zoo — Scoop on Poop

May 14

Zootastik Learning Fest — Endangered Species

May 21 & 22

Family Fun Fiesta

May 25, 28, 29

Masika’s First Birthday Party

May 28 & 29

Species Spotlight — Marsupials

Always a New Adventure! Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

Koala Flats NOW OPEN!

kansascityzoo.org

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily 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.

Official LEGO Extravaganza! ®

3 DAYS ONLY! May 13–19 • Kansas City Convention Center

Tour coming to Kansas City for the first time! Don’t Miss Over 3 Acres of LEGO® Family Fun! The extremely popular LEGO KidsFest offers LEGO lovers an exciting, interactive experience — packed with activities and creative fun for the entire family!

Come “swim” in the Big Brick Pile

Learn tips & tricks from a LEGO Master Builder

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#LEGOkidsfest @LEGOkidsfest

GIANT models made entirely of LEGO bricks

Visit www.LEGOkidsfest.com for tickets & more information! LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick & Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. LEGO KidsFest is produced by BuzzEngine. ©2016