KC Parent Magazine July 2021

FREE | July 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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summer fun guide daycations festivals & fairs patriotic places ALL NEW

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Let Your SUMMER FUN Fly! Voted “Best of KC”

Includes Exciting New

EARLY LEARNING Destinations

Visit KC Visitors’ Choice Awards

SO MUCH TO SEE & DO

at Union Station!

• Internationally Awarded SCIENCE CITY: Endless fun featuring New “Step Right Up!” • Arvin Gottlieb PLANETARIUM: Travel the Universe and be home in time for dinner • Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre: Educational & Feature Films on Largest Screen in Midwest • Model Train Gallery: “Best Kept Secret in Missouri” • Restaurants, Retail, Partner Attractions and So Much More!

Plan Your Visit: UnionStation.org

Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911

That’s why our ER experts stand ready 24/7 to care for you.

Unexpected moments happen. When they do, you can trust that AdventHealth’s ER experts are ready to safely care for you at four locations throughout Johnson County. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule a non-life-threatening emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.

jccc.edu/MTCArtsEd 913–469–4445 DAYTIME PRICES: $5 School Groups • $6 Individuals EVENING PRICES: $9 and $16

THE REMINDERS Oct. 6 / 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Oct. 7 / 7:30 p.m.

An exceptional fusion of reggae vocals, French rap and lyrical themes.

(All ages)

STONELION PUPPET THEATRE Nov. 17 / 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

The Lost Treasure

Nov. 18 / 7 p.m.

How do lost Aztec treasure, an ancient map and a deep cave save the world?

(Grades K - 5)

MESNER PUPPET THEATER Dec. 4–5 / 11 a.m.

The Snowy Day

Dec. 7–10 / 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Celebrate the magic of the first snowfall! Based on the Caldecott Award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. (All ages)

SONIA DE LOS SANTOS and THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground

Oct. 23 / 11 a.m.

Bilingual program shows the power of singing together and learning from each other.

DAN AND CLAUDIA ZANES

The Holiday Sing-Along

Dec. 11 / 11 a.m.

A multicultural winter celebration that’s interactive and fun for all ages!

THANKS TO: Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, ArtsKC, BNSF Railway, Hudson Family Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, Francis Family Foundation, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, The Kennedy Center, National Endowment for the Arts, Victor and Caroline Schutte Foundation, and Yellow Freight System Inc.

Connect

WITH US FOR

• Inspiration • availability • CARE Tips • & MORE! family_tree_nursery #kclocal #overlandparkks #shawneeks #libertymissouri

JULY

2021

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 Media Mix 14 5 Things 17 Word from Dad 18 Ask the Experts 22 Dear Teachers 39 Craft Corner

SUMMER FUN GUIDE, PGS. 38-53

42 Tasty Treats

SPECIAL SECTIONS

FEATURES

32 Party Guide 38 Summer Fun Guide 54 Calendar of Events

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Leadership Skills

Party Guide

Pit Stops

Nine ways to help kids learn to be leaders.

Ideas to help make your next party a success.

Unconventional stops for your next road trip.

Our cover features Cynthia from Olathe.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | July 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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ON THE COVER Cut the Clutter Party Guide Summer Fun Patriotic Places Festivals & Fairs Daycations

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EDITOR’SLETTER JULY 2021

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Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | July 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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JULY- SEPTEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

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summer fun guide

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Happy summer, Kansas City!

Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com

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CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

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EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

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150+ PARTY VENUES

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

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AZINE

CHOOSING A

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daycations festivals & fairs

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

patriotic places

DRESSING THE BUMP

tips and tricks

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ALL NEW

PARTY GUIDE Check out details inside

tips to help

CUT THE CLUTTER

things to do before baby arrives

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

GREAT DATES

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

.com

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

his July marks my 20th year of being a mom. It feels so strange to think I will have a daughter who is 20. That’s practically an adult! She’s my adventure-loving independent thinker with a strong work ethic and a heart of gold. She’s a true and loyal friend. She’s creative and stylish and typically up for anything. I sometimes have to do a double take because when I look at her, I see a young child. And sometimes when I hear her talk, she sounds just like 5-year-old Tori. Life with her is an adventure, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for her. Happy birthday, Tori!

Although I no longer throw birthday parties for her (oddly, she likes to spend her day with friends rather than family ), I’m excited that our July issue features our expanded Birthday Party Guide. Other big news is that this month at our website, KCParent.com, you will find an all-new and improved virtual Party Guide with more than 200 locations all over Kansas City to host your child’s next celebration. This city has so many cool places for parties it almost makes me wish I were still hosting kids’ birthdays— almost! Check it out today to find the perfect spot for your kiddo’s next celebration.

July means summer is in full swing, and our Summer Fun Guide is jam-packed with tons of great info and ideas to help you get the most out of every moment! KC is getting back into the swing of things, and I am so happy that in each recent month, I’ve been able to add more and more pages to the KC Parent calendar. So many great events are happening all month long! Check out our print calendar, starting on pg. 54, and for even more events, head to KCParent.com!

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

CHECK OUT THE

ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE AT KCPARENT.COM!

The comprehensive guide lists over 200 places for you to host your next party!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

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EXPLORE .

IMAGINE . PLAY!

WONDERSOFWILDLIFE.ORG/PLAY

DATES WITH LETTER U

DATENIGHT

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Do “U” and your loved one need some time together? If so, check out these date ideas.

URBAN CAFÉ Located at 55th & Troost in one of Kansas City’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods is Urban Cafe. We decided to try them out for dinner recently. They were offering their regular menu and their all-day breakfast menu. We started out with the crab cakes and chickpea tacos, both of which were especially tasty. The Sambal yogurt sauce for the crab cakes was a nice touch—just the right amount of spice. For an entree, I had the shrimp wrap, which was very fresh tasting. I especially liked the toasted spinach tortilla wrap. My husband had the urban cheddar burger with bacon. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Delicious potato wedges were served with both of our dishes, and the homemade ketchup to go with them was amazing. This place has a chill vibe and is definitely worth a visit. We would like to go back and try their pancakes and sweet potato parfait.

UNWIND AND UNPLUG Every couple needs some time to unwind and unplug on occasion.

We are no exception. So one recent evening, we headed to Back & Bodyworks in the Northland for couples massages. If you can afford it, couples massages are a fun and relaxing way to unwind. Most of us deal with some stress in our day-to-day lives, so a massage is a nice indulgence and a good way to work out the knots and kinks. On another evening, we put our phones away and ventured out for a casual dinner.

Unplugging from the phone, computer, TV and other electronic devices is critical to a healthy relationship. My husband and I are both guilty of being on our phones while talking to each other, which results in only half-listening. Putting our phones away for several hours allowed us to just focus on each other and truly be engaged in conversation. We agreed that we needed to do it more often.

UNITED 93 I had never seen any movies about 9/11, but I had read from reviews that this was the best of the bunch. And with us coming up on the 20year anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we thought it seemed like a good time to watch one. The whole first 30 minutes of the movie, I was holding my breath because I knew what was about to happen.

What ensued was exactly what you think, but it was so much more emotional than I had prepared for. United 93 tells the story of one of four planes that was hijacked that day, while also providing some coverage of the two that hit the World Trade Center. Thanks to the courageous acts of the passengers on board Flight 93, that terrorist attack was foiled. It’s a sad and heart-wrenching story, as one might expect. But it also shows that there are good people in this world. Those passengers saved many more lives by willingly sacrificing their own.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City.

They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.

FOR GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS STARTING WITH A-T, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

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Visit our website at KCTigerRock.com!

kcparent.com july 2021

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MEDIAMIX

Imagine a WOLF, What Do You See? Written and illustrated by Lucky Platt “Close your eyes and imagine a wolf. Do you have a picture of a wolf in your mind? OK, you can open your eyes. Am I what you imagined? SIGH ... I didn’t think so,” begins one wolf’s sad story.

This wolf doesn’t look or behave like other wolves. She wears an apron with open-toed espadrilles and likes to knit. Not exactly the image of a wolf portrayed to children in other books.

Like wolves who show their big, bad teeth all pointy and glistening white, which are all the better to eat children with!

Therein lies the beautiful message behind this debut picture book. Things aren’t always as they seem, and even though we may have preconceived expectations of someone, it’s always better to look past the surface and keep an open mind.

Speak Up Written by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This important picture book encourages children to use their voice in many different situations during a typical school day. Situations like correcting a teacher who mispronounces their name, squelching a hurtful rumor or speaking up when noticing someone is lonely.

These examples empower children to stand up and make a difference using their voice, a sign or a smile.

The Author’s Note in the back of the book tells the story of real kids who spoke up. Malala Yousafzai’s story is told, as is Thurgood Marshall’s. The author also shares a list of ways children can speak up and examples of when it is an appropriate time to speak up (someone may get hurt) and when it is not appropriate (the situation is harmless).

The illustrations are vibrant and celebrate diversity.

An important conversation starter for talking with children about their “voice.”

And Then Comes Summer Written by Tom Brenner, illustrated

by Jaime Kim “When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and leaves and grasses sparkle with dew, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-Jump-Ups jump up …

Then throw on flip-flops and breathe the sweet air,” begins the melodic tribute to childhood’s favorite season.

School is out, and cubbies have been swept clean of cookie crumbs and eraser bits. Extra daylight pushes bedtime back, and children play hideand-seek until dark! It’s time to enjoy all the trappings summer has to offer.

From lemonade stands and ice cream trucks to Fourth of July bicycle parades and trips to the lake, sweet summer traditions are highlighted and celebrated.

Jaime Kim’s illustrations are colorful and fun and will leave readers pining for the lazy, warm days of summer.

Other books by Tom Brenner include And Then Comes Halloween and And Then Comes Christmas.

Sandy Foster lives in Grain Valley and is a Bookstagrammer (@picturebookapotamus), freelance writer and mother of two.

You can find children’s book reviews and resources at HappyBeingMom.com.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WHAT IS OZONE POLLUTION? Even though you can’t always see it, ozone pollution can still make the air in Greater Kansas City unhealthy to breathe. There are two types of ozone. The ozone layer high above the earth protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The second type of ozone — ground-level ozone — can be harmful to your health. Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from sources including cars or lawn and garden equipment react in heat and sunlight.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS? Ozone pollution can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing even in healthy adults. Seniors, children, and people with asthma or COPD may be especially sensitive to ozone pollution.

HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR KIDS HEALTHY THIS SUMMER? • Follow the SkyCast at AirQKC.org for the daily ozone pollution forecast.

• When elevated pollution levels are predicted, limit the time children spend outdoors.

• Tell your child’s caregivers about the SkyCast and the health risks of air pollution.

• Help keep our air clean. Walk, bike, carpool or ride the bus to reduce emissions.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER STEPS TO REDUCE OZONE POLLUTION? • Carpooling is a great way to save money, keep the air clean and keep miles off your car. Talk to friends or coworkers and visit RideShareKC.org to find a carpool partner.

• Postpone refueling your vehicle. Refueling vehicles can release harmful fumes into the air. If you must fill up, do so after 7 p.m. and stop when the pump clicks. Overfilling the tank releases more harmful gases into the air and can damage your car.

• Consider mowing after 7 p.m. Lawn and garden equipment — including mowers — lacks efficient emissions controls resulting in more pollution per hour of use than most cars. Consider mowing after 7 p.m. so emissions can dissipate overnight.

FIVETHINGS Women’s Soccer

Live Shows If you’ve been a KC Parent reader for any length of time, you know of my affinity for live musical performances. While around in 2020, they weren’t as plentiful and required some seeking out. But the curtain has lifted and our fair city is humming again with live shows, almost nightly! My husband and I are regulars at Lenexa’s Friday Night Sound Bites (live bands and a food truck) and have several upcoming shows at Midwest Trust Center (formerly Carlsen Center at JCCC) on the calendar. There’s no better way to spend an evening then with live music, libations and loved ones!

I’ll admit, I’m not the world’s biggest soccer fan. I mean there are people out there that LOVE that sport. A friend recently invited me to attend a Kansas City NWSL game, KC’s professional women’s soccer team. It was so much fun! While I’ll never understand all the rules and what offsides means, the game was so fast paced that even with my lack of understanding it was very enjoyable! The team plays at Legends Field, and a game makes for a fun night out! Score a win by taking the family to dinner at Legends Outlets and then to a game! KCWOSO.com

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THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Word Game I’m a word nerd and love word games.

My current fave is 25 Words or Less (Airs in KC from 2:00-3:00 weekdays. You’re welcome!) and while I don’t think my dream of being a contestant will come true, I can now play in my own home! My rule of thumb for this column is to write only about things I have personally tried and tested, and while I haven’t played this board game yet, I can already tell you it will be a winner. I just need to find someone to play with! TheOP.games

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Coffee One of the smells and sounds of our home each morning is that of the coffee pot. We make a pot daily and all have different ways we enjoy our morning cup of Joe. For years we tried many different brands of coffee, before settling on Chock Full o’Nuts. A brand out of New York that began as nut roasters (hence the name), it’s got a smooth, not bitter taste that can be enjoyed warm or cold. I was more excited than I should be when Hy-Vee began carrying the larger sized containers. Available at local retailers.

Firework Cake Blasts Ok, how fun and cute are these?!? Since my girls are older, we don’t often get the chance to take part in fun, themed activities, but I couldn’t pass up trying out the Firework Cake Blasts. While my endeavors rarely turn out as cute as pictured (case in point, my bunny cake pops resemble pigs), that doesn’t mean the process isn’t fun. If looking for a creative and yummy way to spend quality time in the kitchen, check out I’m the Chef Too! monthly boxes and their limited-edition kits. ImTheChefToo.com

I adopted a kitten and a friend of mine

to feed him leftovers frequently. Does

animals at the shelter during the heat.

told me that cats love catnip, but my

human food cause dogs to beg?

Get a kiddie pool and put some dog

cat does not seem to really like it. First,

– Martha Jensen

toys in there for him to play with. They

is catnip okay for cats? And second, is

also have some fun water toys for dogs

there anything else like catnip that my

Human food does not cause dogs to

such as a doggy fountains and doggy

cat might like?

beg but feeding a dog at every meal

sprinklers that many dogs enjoy. You

– Brielle Chavez

can certainly create begging behaviors.

can also give your dog plenty of cool

I recommend having the dog go to their

treats like ice cubes. Some other tips

You probably will not know if your kitten

“place” or “bed” while you eat to avoid

that we practice are playing in the

will enjoy catnip until they are between

them staring and guilting you for food.

morning or evening and avoiding the

three to six months of age. Many

You can even put your pet in another

middle of the day. Make sure your dog

kittens do not have a response to it

room during mealtimes if it is too

has access to plenty of cold water and

until they are a little older. Many cats

tempting for you at the table. Some

keep your dog off hot roads and

enjoy catnip and it can cause euphoric

owners give leftover food to the pet

sidewalks in the summer to avoid

side effects for them, but it usually only

after the meal to avoid begging. Many

burning his paws. I hope you have a

lasts about 10 minutes. Some cats

vets say that it is okay to give them a

fun and cool summer!

become very calm, while others may

little left-over food here and there, but

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

participate in aggressive playfulness.

moderation is key for their health. Just

Catnip is non-addictive and safe to eat.

a reminder to avoid dangerous, overly

You may want to try cat grass, also

fatty, or sugary foods.

known as wheat grass, for your kitten.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

This is a grass you can grow quickly in your window.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My husband and I are constantly arguing about what our dog can or cannot have for table scraps. I am worried that my dog will beg for food at the table. However, my husband wants

FEATURED PETs

Athens & Boston When Athens and Boston first arrived at

We got a new dog from your shelter in

Great Plains SPCA, they were extremely

November and he really enjoys daily

shut down and terrified, but they have

walks, but recently it has been too hot

made incredible strides in a Foster home!

for us to take him, so we are assuming

They are happy to show off their silly side,

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are very food motivated and love to

some alternative exercises we can do

receive gentle petting. They are five and

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seven year old retriever beagle mixes who

months?

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and Boston thrive on a routine and are ready to be with their forever family,

Thank you so much for adopting! We

surrounded by love. Contact

use water during our play for the

foster@greatplainsspca.org to learn more!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals

www.greatplainsspca.org

annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County. kcparent.com july 2021

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10 EASY WAYS

TO CUT KIDS’ SCREEN TIME

T

ablets, smartphones, television and video games play a major role in our daily lives. Technology can be a positive thing, but when it dominates our kids’ free time, we have to begin limiting it. With these easy tips, even reluctant kids may not notice they are cutting down the time they spend with technology.

STEP OUTSIDE The easiest way to cut down on screen time is to play outside. Kids can ride bikes, use sidewalk chalk, take a walk, play catch or play in the sprinkler. When kids are preoccupied outdoors, they are less likely to think about TV or video games.

SET LIMITS Set clear boundaries for your kids when it comes to electronics. Olathe mom of three Amy Cameron says, “Zero screen time is allowed in the morning before school.”

Many other parents don’t allow any phones or television during meals. Setting limits on how much screen time is allowed and at what times of day is a good strategy.

JOIN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Kids who are busy with sports or the arts have less time to play on electronics because they spend their time practicing and at games and performances.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE When attempting to limit screen time for your kids, take a look at how much time you spend on screens yourself. Good or bad, our kids learn from our actions and we can set a good example about when it’s appropriate to look at our phone and when it’s time to focus on other things.

EARN IT “Screen time checklists need to be completed before kids get their devices,” says Anna Schuster, Olathe mom of five. Many

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parents find a helpful strategy is to give kids a checklist of items to complete before they are allowed to use their screens.

This may include school work, chores, instrument practice or reading time.

HOST A PLAYDATE One way to cut down on time for screens is to host a no-electronics playdate. With friends over, kids can occupy themselves playing and socializing with their pals.

GET COOKING Distract your kids from electronics by keeping them busy in the kitchen. They can help cook and bake and have fun sampling the things they have made themselves.

EXPLORE THE CITY Visit the Kansas City Zoo, Deanna Rose, Union Station, the pool, local parks or the Plaza with your kids. If they are busy exploring our great city, they won’t even miss their screens.

DO A PROJECT Come up with a family project for the day to keep the kids screen-free. This could be a big chore like cleaning up the backyard or something fun like an art project or science experiments.

PLAY A GAME Declare a family game day and choose a few board games to play together. You also could try an outdoor game like hopscotch, foursquare or kickball, or break into teams and have a water balloon fight.

Filling our time with screens comes easily because they are enjoyable and take little effort. However, a little bit of planning for some other activities to distract us from our phones and tablets pays off. You’ll create great memories your kids will remember far longer than the video games they’ve played.

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

WORDFROMDAD

ICED TEA “Awwwww!”

James had just made this guttural noise of frustration while engrossed in his computer, and I turned toward him.

“I haven’t heard that sound for 500 years or more.”

“What sound?”

“Like the one you just made.” I repeated his guttural noise. “My grandmother used to make it whenever I offered iced tea to her.”

James knit his brows. “Why?” “When I was little, there wasn’t any instant tea. Because making it took so much work, we didn’t have it often. It was a summertime treat for us with sugar and lemon, and I wanted to share some with her. So, I offered her a drink.”

“What did she say?” “‘Awwwww!’” Just like you did.”

“Why didn’t she like it?”

“Years later, she told me her family couldn’t afford milk when she grew up, so everyone had tea. They called it ‘gunpowder’ because it came in tiny balls.

After all those years of drinking the brew, she got sick of the flavor and wouldn’t touch it again.”

“Is that all?”

“For the most part. It took me a while to remember, but once I did, I made it into a game and suggested a glass, just to hear her say, ‘Awwww.’ She knew what I was doing and played along. I miss her. She’d talk with me and listen to what I said.”

James turned back to his game, but my thoughts remained on my grandmother.

Was it just coincidence that caused him to make that sound? Perhaps. Or, could it have been some little part of my grandmother that lay dormant within first my mom and then me, only to resurface two generations later to remind me of her? I decided not to make a fuss about it. Who knows? Maybe Grandma taught him how to do it.

Want More in Life?

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org

Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children 4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever.

Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify.

We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.

kcparent.com july 2021

17

ASK THE

EXPERTS Dr. Jeremy Fry

Mary Altman

FRY ORTHODONTICS

MCPL

At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com

Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages.

816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org

Q

Q

Will wisdom teeth affect the correction from braces?

Besides books, what else am I able to get with my library card?

Many people believe that wisdom teeth cause teeth to get crooked following braces. Research has shown that this is NOT true. It is true that teeth can move after orthodontics if retainers are not worn, but the teeth will move regardless of wisdom teeth being there or not. Even though they do not affect the orthodontics, wisdom teeth most likely will need to be removed due to other dental problems: nerve damage, infections, or other pathology. It is best to discuss with your family dentist for timing and need of removal.

People are always surprised when they learn that they can use their Mid-Continent Public Library card to download eBooks and eAudiobooks for both adults and children, download up to five songs per week to keep, learn a language, get free online tutoring and take free online courses in a variety of professional and personal development subjects.

You can also read the Kansas City Star and Kansas City Business Journal for free, and access important information on ConsumerReports.com before a big purchase. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can access with your library card.

Dr. Jeremy Fry Fry Orthodontics

Mary Altman Marketing and Communications, MCPL

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parenting by the numbers ometimes when you’re parenting you just don’t have all the answers, and nothing makes sense, and things don’t add up. Here I present to you some parenting word problems, and I’m curious to see your answers. No cheating off the parent next to you! Come up with your own solutions, please.

If two kids raise their hands to go here, and three raise their hands to go there, how many tears are shed by the ones who do not get to go where they want?

If the household runs the dishwasher twice a day and the washing machine once a day for one month straight, how many hours will Mom have to work to make money for a maid service? How old will the kids be when they will clean the house while Mom eats her bonbons in the tub?

Mom spent five hours scraping wallpaper in the kitchen. She spent two hours washing and sanding one wall in the same kitchen. How long will it be before she stops procrastinating putting on the spackle? When she DOES spackle the joint, how badly will she mess it up, and how long will it take her husband to fix it?

The kids made $35 at a recent garage sale during two days of the adults’ doing hard work and sitting around waiting for customers. The adults made about $25.

Why do we keep having garage sales?

Mom spends $123 at Aldi, $132 at Price Chopper and $21 at Hy-Vee on grocery shopping for two weeks of eating. How much faster did the grocery shopping get done without children?

A stroller travels at a speed of 2 mph when it is empty. How fast does it travel when it is holding the sixth child (a.k.a. the Toshiba laptop) and backpack with a cell phone in it? With how much force did it hit the park lake last week? Why in the world is there not a brake on the stroller? (Don’t worry; no kids were in the stroller!)

If X, Y and Z activities are all going on at the same time in the same week, each week, calculate the trajectory of exactly when and where Mom will lose her mind.

Calculate the distance between your house and the nearest Starbucks. The nearest book store. The nearest chocolate shop. Now figure how much it will cost for Uber to take you to all three.

If your son invites over one friend and your daughter invites over two friends, how quickly will the food in your home disappear and how long until someone is accidentally injured while roughhousing? Bonus: Where is the nearest store where you can purchase earplugs!

If a vacuum cleaner is around 70 decibels, and you have to vacuum four times a week to make your house look halfway decent because you have twin toddlers running around with crackers all day long, how long will you have to save to hire a maid service? Bonus: Calculate the shock and horror on the face of said maid when he/she arrives.

Kerrie McLoughlin is a homeschooling mom of five who just moved from Overland Park to 8 acres in Peculiar, MO, and writes about it at TheKerrieShow.com.

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21

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

PARENTS: Your children may not have had the opportunity to do many hands-on science experiments this past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our summer science activities will give them a chance to not only learn more about basic science concepts, but also have fun doing it.

Be sure to choose activities for them that are age-appropriate. Some will require parental supervision to ensure their safety. You can find more science activities on our Dear Teacher website under “Learning Activities - Science.” Plus, there are endless science activities online.

Just search for “science experiments for kids.” You can add the words easy, fun and video to reveal even more choices.

A SCIENCE EXPERIMENT WITH SOUND

Children love to make noise, and this experiment

is all about an audio ruckus. Sound is part of physical science, so here is an opportunity to learn more about it by making a water xylophone. To do this, kids need

4. Tap the different jars or glasses to observe the sound or pitch each produces.

5. Note how the tapping sounds when tapping the top of containers rather than the sides. Is it a purer sound?

water, four or more mason jars (or the same size tall glasses), wooden sticks (tinker toys, bamboo skewers) and food coloring. Here are the steps they should follow:

1. Tap the empty jars or glasses with the wooden sticks to get an idea of the starting sound.

2. Fill the jars or glasses with varying levels of water.

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3. Add food coloring to each one.

kcparent.com july 2021

EXPANDING THE EXPERIMENT 1. Tap with a table fork instead of a wooden stick and observe whether it produces a different sound.

2. Fill two glasses to the same level with different liquids. See how the sounds differ. Because the liquids have different densities, the sound waves will travel differently through them.

THE SCIENCE OF TASTE Pizza tastes great—and so does chocolate ice

CLEANING COINS IS SCIENCE When you want to get your clothes clean, you

cream. This is mostly thanks to the 10,000 taste buds on

put them in the washing machine with soap. You

your tongue that send a message to your brain. Wait a

do the same thing to yourself when you are dirty

minute! You can’t give all the credit for how foods taste

and hop in the bathtub or shower with a bar of

to your tongue, though. The nose also plays a role. Food

soap. But did you know that you can clean the

releases chemicals that travel up your nose. This activity

penny in your pocket—but not with soap?

will let you investigate how great a role your nose plays in

To remove the dirt on a penny, you need dirty

determining what you taste. Parents should supervise this

pennies and a glass jar, vinegar and salt. Fill half

test to make sure the foods are handled in a safe way.

of the jar with vinegar and put in one teaspoon

1. Choose eight different foods—two each of sweet, salty, sour and bitter flavors.

of salt. When the salt dissolves, add a few dirty

2. Mash up the foods so their texture is not recognizable.

3. Divide the food into bowls so that everyone doing the tasting will have two samples of each food.

pennies. Wait a few minutes, then take out some of the pennies and lay them on a paper towel to dry. Then take out the remaining pennies, but rinse them well in water before putting them out to dry. Next, study the two different sets of dry pennies. You will see some of the pennies are bright and shiny, while the others have turned a bluish-

4. For your taste test, all foods should be at room temperature.

green color.

5. To begin the experiment, have everyone doing the test put on a blindfold and a nose plug like the ones used in swimming.

remained on the pennies that were not rinsed in

6. Be sure to explain to your test volunteers that everything they taste will be a familiar food and that they will taste all the foods first with the nose plug on and then with it off.

7. Have one volunteer at a time taste the food.

The other volunteers should be in another room.

What happened? The vinegar solution water. When the oxygen in the air hit them, they lost their shiny new look and turned bluish-green.

However, when the other pennies were rinsed, the cleaning stopped, so they remained shiny.

You can continue this experiment by trying it on other coins. Do you think the same thing will happen? To learn about how coins are made, visit USMint.gov.

8. Have the volunteer take a sip of water before each food tasting.

9. For each food, ask the volunteer to identify the food, then record the result as correct or incorrect.

10. After the volunteer has tasted all the foods

wearing a nose plug, repeat the experiment

without the nose plug.

11. When all the volunteers have completed the

taste test, your results will show you the role the

nose plays in identifying the taste of foods.

12. Do let the volunteers see the foods after each

one’s taste test is complete, so everyone can see

what role the nose plays in food identification.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website. © Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2020

A great way to keep kids reading over the summer is to get involved with your local library’s summer reading program. Visit KCParent.com for a list of summer reading programs all over the KC metro. kcparent.com july 2021

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Helping Kids Reset After a

BAD DAY

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hen bad days hit, they hit, and not just for parents. Kids have bad days, too, and they aren’t shy about making it known when they return home from a busy day at school or daycare. Seeing them trudge into the house with a scowl immediately puts us in fix-it mode. We want to instantly make them feel better.

However, this is when we need to stop and rethink the situation.

When we try to fix everything for our children, they don’t learn how to work through their problems.

When we try to “make it all better,” it deprives them of the opportunity to feel grumpy and let it out when they return home. Instead, we need to look at why their mood comes out when they return home. They’re exhausted, and home is where they’re comfortable letting off steam after a long day of following rules at school.

So here are some tips on healthy ways to help your kiddos reset their moods while still allowing them to feel their emotions along the way.

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Allow your child to vent. Let her

Bake something yummy. Whether you

know it’s okay to be upset, and it’s good to let it out. Practice “reflective listening.” Pay close attention to what she is saying, and let her know that she is being heard and understood.

choose brownies, cookies or banana bread, make it a special time together. Let your child do most of the work (and decorating).

Take lots of pictures! This is something that is sure to change a bad mood to good (especially when it’s time to taste the finished product).

Breathe together. One of the single best ways to alleviate negativity is with deep belly breaths. Stand across from your child and breathe with him. Take a deep inhale as you raise your arms and a slow exhale as you lower them back down.

Repeat three to five times.

Take a nature walk. Step outside and get some fresh air together. Bring a bag with you so your child can collect nature finds along the way. When you get home, go through the bag of goodies she found and reminisce about your walk.

Enjoy story time. Listen to an audiobook together. Let your child select the story.

Build together. Take out the Legos and build together. It’s very therapeutic and relaxing.

Color them happy. Take out some coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. Coloring is a relaxing, meditative activity that pairs well with music and audiobooks.

Put a puzzle together. Puzzles are peaceful activities that invite conversation and relaxation.

Go to the library. Browsing the aisles of books and checking out some great finds to bring home is always a mood booster for kids. On the drive home, they’ll enjoy relaxing in the car while flipping through their books.

balloon fight or set up an obstacle course in your living room. Getting physical not only boosts your children’s mood, but it also improves their school performance and helps them sleep more soundly.

Play music. The right tune can distract us from fatigue and pain, elevate our mood and increase our endurance and focus. The right music can completely flip your mindset.

Get in the car. Sometimes what everyone

warm water is sure to relax a grumpy child.

Add some bubbles and bath toys, and your little one’s frown is sure to turn upside down.

Play games together. Whether it’s a

Give thanks. Start a daily gratitude

video game or board game, take out your child’s favorite and play! Games always bring out the smiles.

practice, such as a gratitude jar. Have your child write down what he’s grateful for on a small slip of paper at the end of each day and put it in the jar. This can help him default to positivity more often. (This is a great activity for the entire family!)

Get crafty. Pull out the art supplies and get crafty! You can find all kinds of fun things to craft on sites like Pinterest or PBS.org.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein enjoys helping her two teen daughters reset after their bad days with hugs, nature walks, crafts, the library, shopping and the gratitude jar.

Get moving. Have a dance party or water

needs is a relaxing ride around town in the car. Buckle up, turn on some music and then just drive around town. You may decide to stop for an ice cream treat at the drive-thru, or you might just want to cruise favorite parts of the city or countryside for a while. This gives everyone some time to relax, think and reflect.

Take a bath. Spending some time in the

A good reminder for children is that they can do things to make themselves feel better. But sometimes when kids are upset, it’s hard for them to remember the positive, joyful things in their lives. That’s where you come in and remind them what it is that often makes them feel better. For instance, “I’ve noticed you like to listen to your favorite songs when you feel like this, or draw pictures of your favorite characters.” A simple reminder like this is how you help your kids rebound from a bad day and build problem-solving skills.

When your children are having a rough day (no matter what ages), here are some go-to phrases that just may help them feel better.

I love you.

Do you want a hug?

Take a deep breath.

Do you want to talk about it?

I’m here for you.

It will be okay.

Is there anything I can do to help?

I’m already proud of you.

I know you’ll be able to figure this out.

How about some ice cream?

Give a hug. Hugs make everything better.

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tudies show that taking part in a wide variety of experiences can increase positive emotions and minimize negative ones.

But that may be difficult for children who resist trying new things. Whether you have a toddler who rejects every food except pasta, a grade-schooler who’s scared to join an after-school club or a teen who’s learning to navigate a new job, here are a few ways to help kids embrace fresh experiences.

HELPING KIDS EMBRACE NEW THINGS

TODDLER YEARS Almost 50 percent of parents identify their preschoolers as picky eaters, which means time at the dinner table can be a power struggle. We’ve all begged and pleaded with our toddlers to try just one bite of their veggies only to end with a tantrum at the table. The term neophobia refers to an overwhelming fear of new or unfamiliar foods. Fear of new foods is common, but it might be easier to overcome than you think.

Research shows it can take 10-15 tries before a child likes a new food, so don’t give up! If tots don’t like the food the first time, don’t force them to eat it—but don’t let that stop you from introducing the food to them again and again. Try cooking the same food different ways and spicing it up differently each time. Hopefully, you will find how your child likes that food prepared, and the struggle will be over.

To help toddlers embrace trying new foods like veggies, you can also let them choose the new foods they’d like to try while you are shopping at the grocery store. They will be more likely to try it if they make the choice on their own. I know I tend to always buy vegetables I prefer, but I realized my daughter likes different ones than I do. All it took was a trip to the store where she picked out veggies she had tried at school or had seen her friends enjoying at lunchtime.

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It’s also a good idea to pair a new food like broccoli with an old favorite like macaroni and cheese. Seeing a favorite food on their plate will seem much less daunting to kids than facing the task of trying several unfamiliar foods at once.

If your toddlers still balk at the idea of trying new foods, don’t be afraid to sneak in some nutrition in the form of spinach in their fruit smoothies or pureed vegetables in their macaroni and cheese. I still sneak pureed veggies into my 6-year-old’s macaroni and cheese, and she has yet to notice or catch me!

ELEMENTARY YEARS Elementary age is a great time for kids to explore all the extracurricular activities available to them. After-school activities can give them a sense of belonging, help them discover their passions and help with social skills. Whether they opt for coding club, Scouts, soccer or chess club, your children will reap the benefits. The only problem is kids in grade school tend to be reluctant to try new extracurricular activities.

Setting your expectations for them can help with their hesitance. Let your kids know you expect them to participate in at least one activity each school year, no exceptions. It’s important to make sure you ultimately leave the choice of what the activity is up to them. If they aren’t sure, help them explore ideas that would coincide with their interests. Be clear that they must complete the school year or season of the activity they choose. When the school year or season is over, they can decide whether they want to participate in the same activity again or switch to something else.

Fear of failure tends to be a major factor in kids hesitating to try new things. They prefer to only do things they know they will

“People who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences.”

– RICH WALKER, PSYCHOLOGIST excel in, so trying anything new seems like a major risk. This is one reason why it’s important to praise your children for their hard work and effort, rather than just their successes. Comments like “I love watching you play soccer!” instead of “You almost got a goal!” let them know you love them even if they aren’t the best at everything.

They will slowly gain confidence as they progress in the new activity, which will encourage them to get involved in other activities that might be out of their comfort zone. If your kids are still reluctant to try something new, try reminding them of all the other things they have tried and knew nothing about but ended up ultimately loving.

It’s also helpful to let them invite a friend to the activity with them. They might feel more comfortable with a familiar face who is taking a risk and trying something new right along with them.

HIGH SCHOOL High school students face many changes at once, including moving to a larger school, driving and starting their first job.

They are slowly gaining independence through their teen years, and getting their first job is just one of the ways they begin growing into young adults. Teens can often see getting a job as intimidating and as a first step into adulthood. It can sometimes

be a bit overwhelming for them to move out of their day-to-day routine and take on something new. To help them take the leap, be positive and encourage them to pursue a job they would enjoy.

To do this, sit down with them and discuss their interests. Do they love film? Try a job at the movie theater. Do they love swimming?

Try lifeguarding. Do they want to be a writer? Have them intern at a local newspaper. They will gain experience and confidence in their abilities, and hopefully the jobs will inspire them to continue working toward their long-term goals. Hopefully, as they grow into adulthood, they will embrace the idea of taking on a new job, because they know they’ve succeeded before.

You can also talk to teens about what they can get out of starting a job. They can build independence by earning and saving their own money. They might even be able to save enough to buy a car.

They will build friendships by meeting coworkers at their job and relationships with people in the community. They will also gain knowledge about how businesses are run and possibly come out of their job with a new passion to pursue.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 6, and Ensley, 9 months old.

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INTO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Jeans that fit just right

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kcparent.com july 2021

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NINE WAYS TO INSTILL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN KIDS

K

ids who have well developed leadership skills are more confident, responsible and push themselves to their full potential. Leadership helps them develop better and more creative coping skills when it comes to problem solving and project management. The art of compromise, empathy and good decision making skills, things most parents strive to teach their children, are also important benefits of having well developed leadership skills. For some children, leadership comes naturally, and for others it must be developed and encouraged over time. Either way, parents can help develop their children’s leadership qualities so that when they are ready to attend college and enter the workforce, leading others and knowing when to follow someone else’s lead are already second nature.

Set an example Parents can help their kids develop good leadership by showing them what a good leader looks like on a daily basis. When you lead others, including your own children, try to be optimistic and a good listener.

Treat people fairly and do the right thing.

Your kids will learn these skills simply by modeling your good example.

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Set them up for success Kids who are successful at the things they try are more confident and more willing to get out of their comfort zone and help others in the future. You can foster this by encouraging them to try activities where they have natural strengths and talent or assist them in projects just enough to help them succeed while still allowing them to bear the majority of the decisions and work the project involves.

Build communication skills Listening and good communication are keys to making a leader successful and wellliked by peers. Encourage your children to put their communication skills into practice by developing listening skills, speaking in public and expressing their frustrations in a healthy way. Parents can do this by asking their children to order their own food at a restaurant, encouraging them to approach coaches or teachers themselves when there is a problem and teaching them to ask questions after listening to a friend who’s talking.

Be a team player School projects, team sports, clubs or involvement in a band, orchestra or choir

helps kids understand how to work toward a goal as a group. These experiences help your child understand how to be a good leader and when to listen to others—and why both are equally important.

Encourage lifelong skills Integrity, empathy, work ethic, respect, negotiation and compromise are great skills for any leader, as well as any student, employee or friend. You can encourage these skills by setting a good example and talking through situations where these traits are either on display or lacking. Ask your kids how they would have handled this differently and why. Praise them when they have done a good job using these skills and encourage them when needed.

Show them the value of diversity There is great value in diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences and gifts. Encourage your kids to learn about other cultures and experiences and help them see that differences are what make us a stronger team. They can learn to stand up for those who are singled out or viewed as different than others. This is what makes a great leader.

Ask for help Kids who know when to problem solve and when to ask for guidance are better teammates and stronger leaders. It’s also important to offer help to others in the group who may be struggling. Lead by example and be encouraging and helpful when needed.

Develop good work habits Kids who have responsibilities at a young age are better prepared to lead others.

Encourage your child to get a part-time job at a young age or pick up jobs like yard work, babysitting or volunteer work, so they can build their leadership skills, develop their work ethic and get experience in a variety of areas.

Manage time When your children have a large project to complete, encourage them to map out their plan for getting it done on time. Create steps and set goals to accomplish that will help meet the deadline. Good project management skills will serve them well in their roles as a leader and an employee in the future.

As your children develop strong leadership skills, it’s important to understand that they will not always be the person in charge. Having good leadership skills doesn’t mean you are always the one who is leading. Being respectful and willing to listen to others and compromise while not officially being the person “in charge” of the group are still ways to lead others.

Whether your child is a natural leader or a great teammate, these leadership skills will serve anyone well in the future.

Volunteer work – Giving of their time helps kids put others first, work on a project for the greater good, develop a good work ethic and build leadership skills.

Extracurricular Activities That Build Leadership Skills

Music and arts – Not everyone is drawn to

Team sports – Being part of a team helps

build leadership and helps kids learn to work as a group and understand the art of leading and following others.

Student government – Being part of student council or government helps kids learn to lead and build speaking and negotiating skills.

Start your own club – If your children are interested in something specific, chances are others their age are as well. Starting their own club is a great way to learn how to lead others and share common interests.

Academic teams or clubs – Being part of

an academic team or clubs such as robotics, mathletes, speech and debate, National Honor Society and science club, are great ways to build skills in areas that interest kids but also give them leadership skills they can use in college and the workforce. team sports, but being part of a choir, orchestra, band or theater or working on a creative project as a group can have the same benefits as team sports do when it comes to leadership skills.

Scouts – Groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts give kids the opportunity to work as a team and individually while helping others and being exposed to diversity, volunteer work, team building and life skills.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-athome mom living in Olathe with her husband and their six children.

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Having clear, empty or well organized spaces allows me to breathe deeper and opens my mind to thinking about other things besides clutter and junk.

cut the

clutter 30

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any of us have spent more time than ever at home over the last year. If you are like me, you’re looking around at the piles, clutter, things accumulated and all the stuff. It doesn’t seem to matter how old your children are either! Papers, art projects, toys, books, papers, stuffed animals, craft supplies, clothing—did I mention papers?! With six people in our family, our house can feel overrun quite quickly by outgrown clothing, school papers, toys and general clutter. If it drives you nuts like it does me, read on for a few tried and true mom tips, plus a few from a professional organizer too!

At this point, you might even be wondering, “Why should I bother to organize and declutter?” Well, a quick Google search will reveal a multitude of reasons for living in an organized, decluttered home, most having to do with your own health.

Weird, huh? Studies show that living in a clean, organized, clutter free home reduces stress and anxiety, clears your mind, makes you feel happier and less tired, creates more time in your life and can produce healthier air for you to breathe free of toxins. I don’t know about you, but I like the sound of that!

Some people even find it therapeutic! Sarah L., an Overland Park mom of two, shares, “It may sound strange, but I think decluttering is a simple (and free) way to inspire yourself.

Bringing order from chaos is therapeutic for me. I love how a room or space feels after being decluttered and simplified.” Jess, an Olathe mom of two, goes even farther. She says she “feels like a new woman after decluttering.” Doesn’t this sound like something we all need?!

So now that you’re totally convinced to organize and declutter ... what’s next? The process can seem overwhelming, especially when it’s your own house. The best advice I can give is to start small. I have found it helpful to go room by room and break the process down into sections. For example, I don’t go whole-hog and start in our master bedroom and bathroom but may start with just our closet ... and it could take me a week to fully declutter and then organize along the way. Olathe mom of two Sarah W. says her “keep or go mindset” is helpful through this process. “I’m really good about the GO, which is to get rid of it! I don’t like to hang on to ‘stuff.’ If the clothes don’t fit, they go! If I haven’t worn it in a few seasons, it’s gone!

If the kids don’t play with it, I secretly toss it ... otherwise they will claim to ‘always play with it!’”

You might be thinking to yourself that decluttering and organizing are great but wonder what to do with all the stuff you want to get rid of but don’t want to throw away. You have several options. Some people choose to sell their items in a consignment or garage sale or even on Facebook marketplace to make a little extra cash. These options obviously require quite a bit more effort to get items sold. Other people prefer to simply donate their leftover items, which can be fairly quick and easy. Many places around the metro are always taking donations, such as ReStore, Goodwill or Salvation Army. You can also check out places online to schedule a pickup from your house.

Another tip from having four children of my own is to set up systems that work for your house. For example, at our house, we keep canvas bins in each child’s closet, one labeled too small and one too big. Clothes they’ve outgrown get tossed into the too small bin, and once it’s full, it’s carried to the basement to get packed away. Then when I see a clothing need, I can “shop” from the too big bin! I also suggest clear tubs, bins or baskets when organizing kids’ toys. Group like items together and label the containers with words and pictures too.

Once you have organized, make sure to teach everyone in the house how to use the new systems you have put in place to keep the family on the same page.

One last thing ... don’t forget to include the places you’d like to forget—such as bathroom drawers, medicine cabinets, linen closets, under sinks and so on. Sorting through these areas can feel tedious, but I love the advice Sarah L. gives: “When I declutter, I am inspired to think about a space in new ways: Am I using it most efficiently? Is there something else this space could be used for aside from storage? Is there a way to make this space feel more useful, beautiful, functional or help it stay organized better?”

Once you have started the process, I think you may find that it feels so good you are actually inspired to keep going. “Having clear, empty or well organized spaces allows me to breathe deeper and opens my mind to thinking about other things besides clutter and junk,” shares Sarah L. Remember the old saying “a place for everything and everything in its place”? Let this be your guide as you work your way through your house, and don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements! It’s almost always easier to declutter and organize someone else’s space since there’s no emotional attachment to their items. Give your mom, your bestie or maybe even a professional a call to help kickstart your process. You’ll be slaying this decluttering and organizing thing before you know it!

Julie Collett writes from her semi-decluttered house in Overland Park, which is always a work in progress. She loves clean kitchen countertops, though!

Spaces by Lindsey, a home organization business in the metro, recommends the following tips: n Keep

what you need and love ... toss the rest. n Contain n All

things to keep spaces tidy.

like things belong together.

n File

fold clothing (like the KonMari method recommends also) to save space and see everything. n Organize

areas nobody sees.

An organized space should make you feel calm and also give you a lift!

kcparent.com july 2021

31

party

KC Parent’s

guide

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Princess at My Party

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party!

Choose from Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine, Tiana and Snow White. Also, inquire about our new Super Girl, Wonder Woman, Batman, Captain America and Spider-Man parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 35. 816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Tick Tock Escape Room

We are proud to announce the opening of a brand-new party space!

Bring friends and family to Tick Tock and you’ll find exciting adventures filled with secret agents, eccentric billionaires, space travel and ancient Egyptian mysteries. Then celebrate your victory with a pizza party, cake and ice cream, or whatever your group would enjoy. (Food not included. Call us to reserve the party room.) See display ad on pg. 33. TickTockEscapeRoom.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Movies2U

Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger than life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 34. Movies2U.com

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted the Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages!

More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines. Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 32. UrbanAirLenexa.com, UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

Where fun

TAKES FLIGHT! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.

Both locations now open

UrbanAirLenexa.com

8554 Maurer Road • Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 359-5800

UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

14401 Metcalf Ave • Overland Park, KS 66223 • (913) 298-0626

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kcparent.com july 2021

easy party favors Snacks

Bubbles What says summer more than a bottle of bubbles? Throw in a pack of water balloons and you are sending kids home with an afternoon of fun.

Movies

Plant

Everyone loves a movie night! Send kids home with a bag of microwave popcorn and a box of candy for their own at-home movie night.

Give each partygoer a pack of seeds and a small shovel. They will love planting and watching the seeds grow.

Health Supplies Have you noticed all the Band-Aids with different characters? Choose some that go along with the theme of the party and give each child a box to take home. Functional and fun!

Send kids home with a snack for later! Chances are good there’s a fruit snack to match your party theme. Don’t overlook those mini items—mini cereal boxes, packages of muffins, granola bars.

Grab a few and place in a festive bag.

Color Kids love to create, and a blank sidewalk is the perfect canvas!

Buy a pack of sidewalk chalk to allow kids to get creative.

Games Card games or puzzles are both the perfect cost and size for a party favor! Often you can find puzzles to match your theme at the dollar store.

CELEBRATE YOUR EVENT!

Four THRILLING themes to choose from, with four NEW themes on the way in 2021.

New Party Room! Bring in pizza, cake, or other food to enjoy after your game.

For more information see our website: TickTockEscapeRooms.com Tick Tock Escape Rooms · 6398 College Blvd. · Overland Park, KS 66211 · (913) 396-9144 kcparent.com july 2021

33

PARTYGUIDE

THE BUSY PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING

P

utting together the perfect birthday party for your child can be a fun process, albeit a time-consuming feat. So, what’s a busy parent to do to throw an easy, fabulous birthday party for a special little boy or girl? Here are some wonderful tips for planning the event and choosing the perfect decorations, food and activities.

Forget the computer. Instead, sit down with your child and brainstorm. What will make the birthday magical for him or her?

Will there be a theme? Where should the party take place? How many friends will be invited? Write everything down and create a schedule for getting it all together.

Choose a venue. If you’re a busy parent, consider booking a venue that provides everything, including décor, food and entertainment. Roller-skating and ice-skating parties are always a hit with the older kids, as are rock-climbing walls and trampoline parks. Kids under 5 always appreciate a petting zoo, a local park, bounce house, water park or painting/art studio.

Have an Unforgettable Party!

PARTIES STARTING AT

Movies2U is KC’s premier provider & facilitator of outdoor and indoor cinema events

$295

What’s included with your cinematic experience: • • • • • •

34

All NEW equipment Movies2U host for your entire event Huge HD-formatted 16:9 cinema screens with NO blower running High Definition 5,100 Lumens Projector Premium RCF Audio System LOCALLY OWNED Cinema popcorn available

kcparent.com july 2021

Outdoor Cinema • Special Events

913.424.9444

•

Movies2U.com

Send email or online invites. This cuts time having to purchase invitations and write them out. Sites like Evite and Facebook make sending invitations easy! If you prefer paper invites, go for it! Kids usually love getting their own snail mail.

Keep decorations easy and simple. Have balloons delivered rather than trying to blow them all up yourself, and instead of running out to the party store, order what you need online. You can find everything from banners and confetti to party favors and tableware in just a few clicks!

perfect option, and the kids don’t care whether it’s homemade or not (unless there’s a food allergy).

Don’t stress over party favors. If it’s a party full of girls, pick up some cosmetic samples at cosmetic counters to put into goodie bags. Or, buy a pinata, hand out cellophane bags, and let the kids collect their own candy. Piece of cake!

Say thank you. It’s always important to thank friends for their

skills and teach kids how to paint, dance or cook. Play games such as Twister or musical chairs. For a sleepover party, buy mini pillows for the kids to have a pillow fight. They can take them home afterward.

company and gifts, so have a plan on how you wish to go about it. Perhaps your child hugs each friend and says, “Thank you,” immediately after he opens the gift they brought. If you prefer thank you cards, purchase some to send through the mail (be sure your child writes them or at least signs her name), or you may opt to send email thank you’s.

Keep food simple. Seriously. For an easy and quick way to feed your party, pick up a veggie/fruit tray, set up a chili or pasta bar, let kids make their own mini pizzas or sandwiches, or ask other parents to bring a side dish and make it a potluck.

Birthday parties don’t have to be stressful or expensive. If you plan properly and strive for simplicity, your kids still can have just as much fun as they would if you had spent hundreds of dollars!

Make dessert easy. Who needs a custom or homemade cake when you can run to the nearest grocer and let your kiddo pick out a box of premade cupcakes? If you’re short on time, this is the

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein loves throwing parties for her daughters and involving them in the entire process. It makes it more fun!

Entertain with ease. If it’s an at-home party, utilize your own

P rincess at my Party

Have your favorite princess at your party!

Parties Include: Story Games Facepaint Music Prizes & More

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE FOR KANSAS CITY

150+ PARTY VENUES

AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM! Rachel Johnson

rachel@princessatmyparty.com

816.830.4841

www.princessatmyparty.com kcparent.com july 2021

35

The Benefits of Asking Your Children

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

M

ost parents have had the frustrating experience of asking their children questions and receiving one word answers: “What did you do at school today?”

The answer: “Nothing.”

We want to engage our kids in conversation that lets us know what they’re thinking, how they’re feeling and whether or not they need support of some kind. So it’s difficult to hit one word dead ends.

But there is hope. You can teach your children to engage in conversation and open up to you by asking them open-ended questions. And the younger your child is when you begin to do this, the better.

Why Open-Ended Questions?

Big, open-ended questions that can have a thousand answers support your child’s language development as well as critical thinking skills. So you don’t want to ask, “Did you have fun today?” which will elicit a yes or no answer. Instead say, “How was your day? Tell me about it.”

When children respond to open-ended questions they gain confidence in their ability to interact with others. They learn to analyze and evaluate what they’ve done and the things they’ve learned. They’re encouraged to respond with creativity and reflection. Even a shy child will begin to open up when asked a question that gets to the heart of his or her thoughts and emotions.

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How to Ask the Right Question When your purpose in asking a question is to encourage a conversation, you’ll want to ask at an appropriate time. Often the best time to ask questions is when your child is engaged in a project of some sort. Although you may not want to interrupt their thinking, kids are more likely to be open to sharing their thought processes when they’re actively engaged.

If your purpose in asking a question is to problem solve, you’ll want to avoid “Why did you…” and instead open with “How could you fix it?” or “What are your options now?” This puts the responsibility for coming to a solution on your child, and you can guide the thinking to a satisfactory conclusion.

So, again, don’t ask a yes or no question unless you follow up with “Tell me more.” Here are some question starters that may work for you. Some are actually statements geared to thoughtful answers.

• Can you describe …?

• Tell me about …

• I noticed you …. Can you tell me more?

• I’m excited to hear about your day. Can you share three things?

• How do you think …?

• How can I help …?

Three ways to Encourage Full Answers 1. When you ask an open-ended question, wait enough time for your child to process the question and formulate an answer.

2. Use active listening skills: Make eye contact, restate kids’ words to help them solidify and extend answers. “I heard you say …” “Did you mean …?” “Are you saying …?”

3. Use follow-up responses such as “Tell me more about …” and “What else …?”

Parents who take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with their children are building valuable rapport and trust with them. Rather than feeling bombarded by invasive questions that they don’t want to answer, they’ve been taught all along to share their thoughts, emotions, and their “wonderings.”

This invitation to communicate will benefit your children in so many ways. They’ll learn how to gather information, understand how they come to conclusions, extend their vocabulary and their logical thinking skills, know their thoughts are appreciated and gain valuable practice in communication skills that will aid in their learning throughout life.

Jan Pierce is a retired teacher and a writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at JanPierce.net.

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37

E D I U G N U F

table of contents 39 water gun artwork 40 blueberries in kc 41 mad lib 42 summer meals 44 seize the summer 46 scavenger hunt 48 patriotic places 49 july festivals 50 unconventional stops 52 daycations

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CRAFTCORNER

Materials needed:

• White canvas or large posterboard

T

4th of july water gun artwork

• Little water guns • Red, white and blue paint • Three plastic bags (optional) • Scissors (optional) • Water

ime to get festive for the 4th with this super-fun, outdoor-messy craft!

Get brave and give your kids water guns filled with watered-down paint and a target for them to create fireworks artwork! Take it from me— you’ll want to have more than one canvas ready for them to paint! Get the hose ready to spray the kids off after they’re done with this project!

Step one: Start by filling the water guns. You’ll need a solution of about 3/4 paint to 1/4 water or 1/2 paint to 1/2 water, depending on the look you are going for. You can eyeball this and just pour each color and water directly into a separate water gun.

Step two: If you want a bit less mess, put the paint and then the water into a plastic bag. Shake or mix the paint and water, cut a corner of the bag and pour into the water gun.

Step three: Outside, find a place to prop up your canvas.

Step four: Stand back and bravely hand your kids water guns filled with the paint and water mixture!

Step five: Watch them create fireworks on the canvas and then probably ask for another canvas to keep painting!

Tip one: Warm outside temperatures will cause the paint and water mixture to dry quickly. You can continue to paint onto the dried canvas, but it will cause the colors to run.

Tip two: The more water you use in your paint mixture, the more the colors will run. If you are after more of a firework look, use less water.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, son and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts. kcparent.com july 2021

39

PICKING IN KC July is National Blueberry Month. You’ll find many local u-pick blueberry patches in the area, and our online guide will give you up-to-date information. This is a guide to local blueberry patches and nearby field trips.

PRODUCE PICKING TIPS:

•

Call ahead or check the farm’s Facebook page (linked in the status update for each farm) to verify picking times, as they vary from farm to farm. This is a MUST!

• • Bring bottled water and pack a picnic if the farm allows.

Remember comfortable shoes (you will be walking in fields) and wear sunscreen.

BERRYTON BEST: 2049 SE 61st St., Berryton, KS, 785.633.7374.

On the way home from the berry patch, visit Clinton Lake State Park, a popular destination for fishing, picnicking and hiking.

THE BERRY PATCH: 22509 State Line Rd., Cleveland, MO, 816.618.3771. Tip: The largest blueberry patch in the area, they update their phone line with the picking report regularly, so you can visit on the prime picking days. This patch is its own field trip with a playground area, barrel train rides and picnic space.

COLONIAL GARDENS: 27610 E. Wyatt Rd., Blue Springs, 816.229.1277. Visit Burr Oak Woods Nature Center nearby where you can enjoy aquariums, exhibits and nature trails.

GIERINGER’S ORCHARD: 39675 W. 183rd St., Edgerton, KS, 913.893.9626. Visit Lanesfield School Historic Site for a field trip after berry picking.

HAPPY VALLEY FARM 29080 W. 95th, De Soto, 913.706.0370. Go for a hike or spend the afternoon fishing at the nearby Kill Creek Park, home to the 58-foot-tall Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower.

JOHN & LINDA’S U-PICK FARM: 2428 Texas Prairie Rd., Bates City, MO, 816.690.6293. If you follow I-70 a little farther to Odessa, you’ll find One Good Taste cheese store, a shop that sells specialty cheeses from Wisconsin.

OREGON TRAIL FARM: 19022 Santa Fe Trail, Leavenworth, KS, 520.249.0480. Visit one of Kansas’ most unique museums, the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum that tells the story of the man who produced carousels in Leavenworth. Visitors can ride a 1913 Parker carousel there.

SCHWEIZER ORCHARDS: S. Hwy. 169 & FF, St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.3999. The Patee House Museum in St. Joseph is one of the most unique museums in the area with a one-of-a-kind collection of historic artifacts and quirky treasures.

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family mad

GUID

FUN

lib

E

1) Get creative with the list below using your imagination.

2) When you’re done, copy your words into the story blanks at the bottom.

3) Read your mad libs, laugh out loud and share with others.

Adjective __________________________________________

Food _____________________________________________

Family Member ____________________________________

Adjective __________________________________________

Food _____________________________________________

Food _____________________________________________

Food _____________________________________________

Noun _____________________________________________

Food _____________________________________________

Family Member ____________________________________

Family Member ____________________________________

Family Member ____________________________________

Noun _____________________________________________

Animal ____________________________________________

Clothing __________________________________________

Noun _____________________________________________

Liquid ____________________________________________

Noun _____________________________________________

Pet Name _________________________________________

Adjective __________________________________________

One _______________________ summer night, _______________________ decided it would be fun to (Adjective)

(Family Member)

grill ____________________ in the backyard and serve it with ____________________ and ____________________ .

(Food)

(Food)

(Food)

____________________ thought that the family should play ____________________ . Afterward, everyone put (Family Member)

(Noun)

on ____________________ and played in the ____________________ sprinkler. Even ____________________ joined (Clothing)

(Liquid)

(Pet Name)

in the fun. For dessert, we roasted ____________________ over the fire and told ____________________ stories.

(Food)

(Adjective)

______________________ played the ______________________ while ______________________ sang songs.

(Food)

(Noun)

(Family Member)

____________________ noticed ____________________ lighting up the sky and asked for a ____________________ to (Family Member)

(Animal)

(Noun)

keep them in. Then, we pulled out the ____________________ to look at the stars. It was a ____________________ (Noun)

summer night!

(Adjective) ©2020 WordBlanks.com · All Rights Reserved. kcparent.com july 2021

41

TASTYTREATS

A Truly Memorable Summer Menu (Family Features) Summer days are often spent with family and friends, soaking in the sun’s rays and enjoying outdoor living with warm weather activities. Complement this year’s summertime excitement with food that matches your enthusiasm for the season.

Your menu can start with a fruity dip and a salad before diving into steak for the main course and a kid-friendly treat to top it all off. These recipes make the most of what summer has to offer with fresh fruits and veggies, bright and refreshing greens, tender cuts of meat and frozen treats that celebrate those memorable moments together.

Find more summer recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Dip Up a Good Time Whether your summer days include planning extravagant meals, or your on-the-go lifestyle calls for quick and easy recipes, simple snacks can fit a wide variety of menus. Dips are a perfect solution for afternoon pick-me-ups or evening appetizers when the whole family comes together.

This Apple Guacamole can be assembled in mere minutes by combining mashed avocados and seasonings with chopped Granny

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Smith apples, making it an ideal shareable among loved ones.

Visit Culinary.net for more snack ideas.

Apple Guacamole Recipe adapted from the Meredith Corporation Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 8-10 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted 1/2 c. finely chopped Vidalia onion 1/2 c. snipped fresh cilantro

1 lime, juice only Bottled hot pepper sauce, to taste 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped Kosher salt, to taste Tortilla chips In bowl, use fork to mash avocados, onion, cilantro, lime juice and hot pepper sauce to desired consistency.

Stir in apple and season with salt, to taste.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Sweet, Summery Treats After some fun in the pool and time spent in the sun, a cooling treat is often the perfect way to cap off a summer day. Fresh fruits make those sweet eats even tastier and easier.

Make an easy, fruity dessert in the morning and let it freeze while you enjoy the warmth outdoors.

These Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops make dessert about as simple as possible by blending watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and honey before adding to ice pop molds

and freezing throughout the day. With the addition of refreshing watermelon, you’re opting for a flavorful fruit that includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25 percent) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 milligrams per 2-cup serving)—an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection—than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.

To find more summertime snacks, meals and treats, visit Watermelon.org.

GUID

FUN

E

Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops Servings: 8 6 c. watermelon 1 c. blueberries, divided 1 c. raspberries, divided 3 T. honey In blender, blend watermelon, 1/2 c. blueberries, 1/2 c. raspberries and honey until smooth. Press through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.

Fill ice pop molds 3/4 full with liquid.

Add remaining whole blueberries and raspberries to molds. Insert sticks and freeze at least 4 hours, or until completely frozen.

Go for Satisfying Summer Greens Many summer meals start with a simple yet satisfying appetizer: salad.

This year, make sure you set the table with a bright, delightful bowl of greens that sets the tone for an enjoyable and festive meal with loved ones.

This Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad calls for an array of fruits, including a homemade blueberry dressing, paired with Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix for a fresh and flavorful base. Pecan halves add crunch. The salads are thoroughly washed, rinsed and gently dried then sealed in KeepCrisp bags to maintain freshness.

Find more salad inspiration at FreshExpress.com.

Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Blueberry Dressing: 2 c. fresh blueberries 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar 2 T. honey 1 T. lemon juice 1/2 c. olive oil Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 large apples 2 packages (6 ounces each) Fresh Express 5-Lettuce Mix 1 pint strawberries, cut in half

1 pint blueberries 1/2 c. pecan halves, toasted Blueberry dressing To make blueberry dressing: In blender, process blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth. Set aside.

To prepare salad: Cut apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Using 1-1/2-inch diameter star-shaped cutter, cut apple slices into stars.

Place lettuce mix in large bowl; add apples, strawberries and blueberries.

Sprinkle with pecans. Before serving, drizzle salad with blueberry dressing.

kcparent.com july 2021

43

!

E S I E Z the summer

Take every chance you can this summer to make memories and enjoy life to the fullest.

a

fter last summer, it feels like a huge albatross has been removed from our necks and we can stand taller, laugh louder and live again! We need to realize the gift of living a bit less nervously about going to eat ice cream at a picnic table beside an ice cream shop, swimming in a public pool and visiting an amusement park. As long as we practice safety measures, we can truly seize the summer days.

To actually seize an unscheduled day, begin by having the whole family put on their swimsuits and go outside to eat breakfast after running through the sprinkler. Or have all the kids write down on slips of paper something they want to do this summer, then put the papers into a jar. Choose a slip of paper and go—to the zoo, park, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Worlds of Fun, Grandma’s house or just onto the couch to watch a favorite movie. Encourage your kiddos to think outside the box and try different activities.

Encourage spontaneity—grab everyone, get in the car and drive. Wherever you end up, enjoy yourselves. So many lakes in our area offer visitors fun activities. For example, Lake Jacomo’s marina provides boat rental, concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait and dock fishing. It boasts three boat

44

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ramps for easy access, and little fishermen can catch crappie, bluegill, large-mouth bass, carp, catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye.

Lake Jacomo is just one of many … when you search lakes in the greater Kansas City area, you will find many more ideas.

Another is Blue Springs Lake, which offers a swimming beach, boat rental, concessions, tackle, bait, and—if you are very adventurous—you can purchase a boat to stay in overnight. Talk about a staycation on the water!

The most valuable thing you can do is teach relaxation by example. Seizing relaxation is not something to think too hard about. Try picking a nature trail near you. Simply take a walk or run, whichever suits your family, and notice the birds, the rocks, the stream and the leaves.

Local parks are another way to enjoy the season.

Playgrounds are great places for socialization and adventure.

Lea Mckeighan Park is a favorite, with creative animals to climb on, musical instruments made of steel to play with and even a zip line to glide along. There is plenty of grassy space to run around on, too. Be sure to research their website to find out details.

FUN Summer fairs will be happening once again and are nice outdoor walking events to enjoy. Check websites for these delightful events.

Camping is a fantastic way to seize time with your children this summer. There are a variety of ways to do this. Try camping or glamping in a rented camper. Chance Adventure Company offers airstreams to rent with a variety of options.

They will either drive the camper to a location, or you can pull it yourself with your truck. Many companies will rent families an RV. This is a wonderful way to see the country and build strong bonds with your family.

We all attempt to maintain momentum, but slipping into a totally lazy summer of lethargy is an easy trap. Make sure you maintain some sort of schedule during the summer, so when the kids go back to school, whether in person or online, they will not be overwhelmed. Put a schedule on the fridge that you and your kids make together. Who is making breakfast on Tuesday? Who is watering the garden? Who is walking the dog or cleaning the litterbox? With more free time, you also have more opportunities to teach life skills. When you are doing yoga, try showing your kids some simple moves they can do with you. When you are barbecuing outside, make sure the

GUID

E

kids help. They can arrange plates on the picnic table, decide which chips to have and help tear up lettuce and arrange pickles on the platter for hamburgers.

Another key way to keep your child engaged is to read together. Visit your library website to find the best books for your child’s age and interests. Many are available to rent free online, and when you actually select a book from the library list and reserve it, your child will feel anticipation to get the book.

With this summer looking wonderfully different from last summer, make sure to squeeze in as much fun as possible.

Keeping everyone engaged and entertained is a fun task— embrace it! But don’t let an exhausting zeal for fun eclipse savoring the ordinary moments of summertime. You never know what surprises will delight your family!

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

Sources: TheAnxiousMa.com, MomCollective.com

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE FOR KANSAS CITY

200+ PARTY VENUES

AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS

EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

kcparent.com july 2021

45

Summer Fun:

how to plan a photography safari

A

photography safari, or photo scavenger hunt, is a creative, interactive way to usher your kids away from screens and out into nature this summer.

Getting kids outside is more important than ever. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that kids are spending upwards of seven hours a day with screen technology, which means less time outdoors playing. According to a nationwide poll conducted by the Nature Conservancy, only about 10 percent of children spend time outdoors every day. In the poll, kids said they aren’t interested in being outside, they don’t have access to parks or outdoor recreation or they’re uncomfortable outdoors.

But spending time outdoors has numerous mental and physical health benefits. Research finds that kids who spend time outside are more creative in their play, more physically active and have enhanced attention spans. And as they get older, children who’ve spent time outdoors show a greater appreciation for the environment.

I found that by taking my two sons, ages 13 and 11, out on a photography safari at one of our local parks, we were able to

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slow down and intentionally observe nature’s quiet rhythm, including wildlife, insects and seasonal plants and colors.

Here’s how to plan a photography safari with your family:

• select a location. Parks with nature trails, botanical gardens, nature centers and zoos provide plenty of material for a safari. Or start in your own backyard.

• consider the time commitment. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour. If you’re on vacation, turn the safari into a multi-day event where you collect snapshots over the duration of your trip.

• gather your supplies. If you don’t have a digital camera and you’re uncomfortable with your child’s borrowing your phone or iPad, check out inexpensive, kid-friendly digital cameras available online and at large discount stores like Walmart and Target. Another option is to purchase a disposable camera. Remember to pack sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks.

FUN

• construct your list. Do some research of your destination to decide what to include on your list. Maybe you plan to hike in a forest or camp at a national park this summer. Make a list of animals, plants, birds or landscapes to be on the lookout for. Decide how many and what types of items to put on your list according to the age of your child.

• types of lists. If you’re going to the zoo, you might craft a list of adjectives that describe different animals. For example, look for animals that are striped, have tusks, swim, waddle, fly, etc. I opted to keep my list for the park general and stuck to having my kids search for particular colors, shapes and textures. To challenge kids who are already handy with a camera, you might have them hunt for interesting angles, lighting and reflections.

• establish ground rules. For our safari, we decided that we couldn’t choose the same subjects to photograph. Consider how you will structure your hunt. For example: Can we help each other? Is there a time limit to complete the list? Can we only shoot natural objects or are manmade subjects game too? Will we head out together or split into groups? How competitive do we want the hunt to be?

• decide whether you want friendly competition. I opted not to make our safari a competition with prizes at the end, but you could—especially if you’re hosting a large group of kids you plan to split into teams, like a Boy Scout/Girl Scout group or a birthday party.

Post-Safari Photo Ideas • Print out the photos and make a collage or scrapbook.

• Paste a favorite photo into a journal and write about it.

• If you went to the zoo and picked up a map, cut and paste photos onto the map to keep as a souvenir.

• Create a digital photo book.

• Write a make-believe story to go with the

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Dollar stores offer a variety of inexpensive prize options. You might award prizes to teams who capture the funniest, most striking or creative images.

• review and discuss. Go through your photos together and share what you like about each other’s snaps. Ask your kids about their favorite shots and why they like them.

• make it seasonal. Help your kids see the beauty of the changing seasons through the eye of their cameras. They may be surprised about how much nature has to offer even in the winter. Look for wintering birds, animal prints in snow, wild grasses and stick-like tendrils of ivy that will resume its climb when spring arrives.

My sons and I began to see all kinds of various shapes and interesting colors that we’d never before noticed when we’d visited the park in the past. We watched a goose swimming gracefully across the lake, a fisherman casting his line and a kayaker paddling smoothly across the water. We peered over a bridge and marveled at the geometric design engineers used to build the lake’s dam. And best of all, while we walked side by side, cameras in hand, we simply enjoyed each other’s company.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Sample List for Your Photography Safari Snap photos of something:

• Green • Furry • Red • Striped • Orange

• In motion • Feathered • Round • Square • Oval

photos.

• Start a private family blog and have your child write a post about his outing featuring his favorite snapshots.

• Make a movie slide show of photos set to music.

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Patriotic Places to Visit This July in KC National World War I Museum and Memorial

n

Replica Liberty Bell: To celebrate America’s

(TheWorldWar.org). Interactive displays, thought-provoking

bicentennial in 1976, a replica of the Liberty Bell and

films and eyewitness testimonies help guide visitors through

a bicentennial flag were placed at home in front of

one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world.

the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.

Flags for Freedom June 26-July 10 at Merriam Marketplace.

n

George Washington Statue: Located in

Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area

Washington Square Park (Pershing Road & Grand)

transform with perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4

near Crown Center, the 16-foot-tall, 11,000-pound

Freedom volunteers place more than 1,500 U.S. flags. Everyone

statue depicts General George Washington astride

is invited to stop by during the week around the Fourth of

his horse at Valley Forge during the American

July to view an astonishing display that honors our nation.

Revolution.

Harry S. Truman Audio Tours Take an audio tour of the

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historic sites telling the story of the People’s President, the

City, MO, City Hall, the 10-foot-tall, 2,500-pound

Man from Missouri, our 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. Three

statue shows President Lincoln sitting in a chair

smartphone tours covering several tour stops are currently

holding a book and gazing at his son Tad.

available and free to the public. Learn more at NPS.gov/ hstr/learn/photosmultimedia/cell-phone-tour.htm.

Patriotic Statues and Artwork: n

Kansas City’s Two Little Statues of Liberty: You can

n

The Eagle Statue: The bronze statue depicts an eagle with a wingspan of 14 feet and weighs in at 2,000 pounds. The sculpture originally stood in a courtyard of a Japanese temple as part of their

find two 8-1/2-foot-tall replicas of Lady Liberty in Kansas City,

exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, also

MO. One is located across from Research Hospital at Meyer

known as the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. The statue

Boulevard & Prospect Avenue. The other is on the lawn of

was purchased by the J.C. Nichols Company and

North Kansas City High School. Both were installed as part

donated to Kansas City, where it made its home at

of a program led by the Boy Scouts of America to place

Ward Parkway & 67th Street.

about 200 statues around the United States for their 40th anniversary in 1950.

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Abraham Lincoln and His Son Tad Statue: Located on the south plaza of the Kansas

kcparent.com july 2021

JULY

festivals

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ACROSS KANSAS CITY Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855 July 4, 9:00-4:30 at Missouri Town 1855, MakeYourDayHere.com. Patriotic speeches, children’s games, period cooking and dancing are just a few of the many interpretative activities you’ll find as you explore the mid19th-century village.

Water Lantern Festival July 10 at Theis Park, WaterLanternFestival.com/kansascity.php. Water Lantern Festival brings people together in a magical night that includes food, music and beauty as the lanterns light up the water.

Wyandotte County Fair ival

tern Fest

an Water L

July 13-17 at Wyandotte County Fairgrounds, WyCoFair.com. Enjoy Hendricks Petting Zoo and Camel Rides, Hendricks Pig Races, 4-H exhibits, contests for everyone, carnival rides and so much more.

Cass County Fair July 13-18 at Cass County Fairgrounds, CassCountyFairMo.com. A tradition for more than 20 years, the Cass County Fair provides fun for all. From the youth livestock shows to exhibits to the action-packed demolition derby, the fair has it all.

The Great Car Show July 18 at National World War I Museum and Memorial, TheGreatCarShow.com. Join the Kansas City Automotive Museum and the National WWI Museum and Memorial for our annual car show featuring vehicles of all makes and models.

Festival of Butterflies The Great C

ar Show

July 22-Aug. 8 at Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. Summer 2021 marks the 24th annual Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens. Butterflies and moths fill the conservatory. The Butterfly Meadow and Native Butterfly Habitat comes alive with our favorite native winged pollinators.

Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun July 24-Aug. 8 at Worlds of Fun, WorldsOfFun.com/play/events/grandcarnivale. Back for another season of AMAZING in 2021 is Grand Carnivale, Kansas City’s must-see international event! Come to Worlds of Fun during summer 2021 to experience how the world kicks up its heels.

Johnson County Fair July 25-Aug. 1 at Johnson County Fairgrounds, JoCoKansasFair.com.

We have been celebrating all the best in Johnson County while preserving the agricultural heritage of the community since 1939. The Johnson County Fair is a free fair except for the carnival and nightly arena events. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Johnson County Fair

Find the complete Summer Festival Guide on KCParent.com. kcparent.com july 2021

49

Ark Encounter Museum, Williamstown, KY

Unconventional Pit Stops

D

oes the idea of a long car ride with kids make you nervous, anxious or excited? It’s been said of life that it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey.

The same could be said for vacations! Use these tried and true methods to make the most of your long drive time—they’re guaranteed to make the trek as enjoyable as the vacation itself!

prepare Little ones need practice and preparation. If you haven’t ventured far from home as a family, inevitably one of the first questions kids will ask is “Are we there yet?” Give them a tangible and concrete way of measuring time and mileage, like a 30-minute episode of a favorite show (“Only three more Wild Kratts episodes, kids, and we’ll be there!”). Thinking of episodes, hold off on the actual screen time. In fact, if your family vehicle is outfitted with a movie player you use on a regular basis, start weaning your kids’ usage now. By not being dependent on screens at the beginning of the trip, you can use movie time as a last resort/big treat at the end of a long leg of travel.

Likewise, kids need things to keep them occupied for long stretches of road time. Enter the Special Trip Bag. Prior to your trip, hit your local dollar store for coloring books, stickers, small toys and other activities, like extreme dot to dot or

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sudoku. Want to avoid the mess of crayons or markers? Look into purchasing an inexpensive electric tablet like a Boogie Board or bring along a Magna Doodle or Etch n’ Sketch instead.

For classic and unique specialties, check out Cracker Barrel’s gift shop, where you can find vintage toys and travel games like license plate bingo. Next, fill your bag with easily portable snacks that are not standard fare in your own home. Lastly, pick up a dramatized audiobook from the library or purchase one online from Audible. If you need ideas about good family road trip reads, explore a resource like Good Reads or ask the children’s librarian at your local library. Now that your bag is full, keep it in hiding until the trip starts. And once you hit the road, remember not to pull out all the big guns right out of the gate! Pace yourself throughout the trip. For every hour, pull out a new activity or snack.

Lastly, think beyond entertainment. If your travels will take you through rural areas lacking in rest areas and gas stations for bathroom breaks, consider bringing a portable potty chair for your little ones to use when you pull over to the side of the road. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in case anything goes awry during your trip, and don’t forget chargers and batteries for keeping devices running throughout the journey.

Now that you’re outfitted and ready to enjoy the drive time, here are some pit stops to consider along the way.

greasy spoons When my husband and I land on a vacation destination, one of our favorite parts of researching is watching Diners, DriveIns, and Dives episodes filmed in places we’ll either be passing through or landing at. We’ve rarely had a bad experience, and we both agree the majority of the places we’ve visited on account of an episode are places we wouldn’t have been drawn to just by a simple web search. Sometimes, the best eateries come in the form of a food truck that moves locations. Other times, the actual restaurant building isn’t anything to write home about, but the food is out of this world. And it’s hard to pass up opportunities to grab a bite at out-of-the-box food sources, like Kris & Kate’s, a pink ice cream cone-shaped building that serves delectable frozen treats in St. Joseph, MO, or the Undercliff Bar & Grill, nestled inside a cave outside of Joplin, MO.

famous people and products Chicken sandwich and waffle fry loving guests can take an official tour at the Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta. Traveling through Kentucky? Check out the world’s largest baseball bat, situated outside the Louisburg Slugger Museum or a lifesize replica of Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter Museum in Williamstown, KY. Ever wonder how Dr. Pepper is made? Take a walk through the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. Research the states you’ll be driving through to see which famous people lived there and what popular products are manufactured nearby.

In need of some inspiration? Check out the Guinness Book of World Records or state tourism books.

festivals & fairs Sometimes regional fun is seasonal, like state fairs or local festivals. For instance, guests driving through De Smet, SD, can enjoy Old Settlers Day, a festival devoted to celebrating the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Tourists in Minneapolis can

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enjoy a decadent bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies and fresh milk while traversing all the other attractions at the Minnesota State Fair. Other destinations take pride in their town’s heritage, like Leadville, CO, and its Boom Days festival, a summer event that honors the miners that put their town on the map.

landmarks and film sets We all know famous landmarks like Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful are worth stopping for. But don’t forget to think outside of the box by looking into places that were settings for famous films and TV shows, too. My kids, for instance, were elated to find that the animal shelter from their favorite National Geographic show, Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, was conveniently located right across from the Wal-Mart we picked up staple items at on our Colorado Springs vacation. While my husband was picking up groceries, we drove right across the street and snagged a picture in front of the shelter.

think outside the box Tourism websites and magazines often advertise big buck attractions like amusement parks and children’s museums, but big fun doesn’t have to cost top dollar. Look into a city’s park systems, spraygrounds, libraries, mall play areas or local colleges.

Ask the locals where they like to go for free or cheap fun. The answers may surprise you!

Olathe freelance writer Lauren Greenlee lives for taking road trips with her husband and four sons.

Undercliff Bar & Grill, Joplin, MO kcparent.com july 2021

51

5 fabulous summer daycations in kc

This summer, make memories locally by enjoying classic summer fun with the family.

experience a summer of yesteryear Take a break from technology and enjoy an opportunity to get back to the basics at Shawnee Town 1929 (ShawneeTown.org). This living history site welcomes visitors to engage in hands-on history and experience a typical day in and around the 1920s farm community of Shawnee.

Families explore homes and businesses in the town representing the 1920s. An auto shop, grocer, dentist, barber, school and offices are just a few of the buildings you’ll find in the town. The site hosts many events throughout the year (all found on the KCParent.com calendar). Our favorites are the Time Travelers events taking guests back to a time when everyone had “at least one chicken in the pot and five in the coop, washed clothes with lye soap and a washboard, and made dinner with vegetables fresh from their garden.”

Families participate in old-fashioned chores, farming, gardening and cooking activities and learn what life was like for previous generations of Americans.

Tip: Enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream soda or phosphate at the nearby Georgetown Pharmacy (800.279.3026).

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make some waves Summer and swimming—the two go hand-in-hand. Splash into fun at Oceans of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com), Kansas City’s premier outdoor water park. The outdoor water park offers Surf City wave pool, the Caribbean Cooler lazy river, Crocodile Isle for little ones, waterslides and attractions. This summer, race your friends on the brand new five-story-high Riptide Raceway, the world’s longest mat racing waterslide. Racers speed down 486 feet in enclosed, winding tubes and around a 360-degree loop before making a splash landing at the end. Admission to Oceans of Fun is included with a Worlds of Fun ticket, so you can enjoy the thrill of coasters and waterslides or explore Planet Snoopy and float along a lazy river, all in one day!

Tip: Check their calendar in advance for up-to-date ticket and reservation policies. And don’t forget to pack sunscreen!

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go on a treasure hunt As children grow up, their interests and needs do as well.

Could your kids use a new chair or desk for their room?

A bulletin board or reading nook? If you’re inspired by home makeovers and decorating shows on HGTV, Kansas City’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations (Habitat.org/ restores) are the place for you. Each store is a resale outlet where donated goods—home remodeling materials, from hardware, tile and carpet to the proverbial kitchen sink and furnishings—are sold at a fraction of retail. This is a great way to buy inexpensive materials and reuse supplies that may otherwise wind up in a landfill. And, even better, 100 percent of the proceeds benefits local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to fund the construction of Habitat homes within the community.

Take the kids on a treasure hunt to find just the right item to jazz up their bedrooms, refresh it with a fresh coat of paint and voila! You’ve just updated a bedroom, made memories and helped a worthy cause.

Tip: For inspiration to repurpose your treasures, check out 50 Ways to Paint Furniture: The Easy, Step-by-Step Way to Decorator Looks by Elise Kinkead or Furniture Facelifts: A Paint Recipes Book: A Step-By-Step Guide to Revamping Your Furniture by Liz Wagstaff and Mark Thurgood.

spend a lazy day at the lake We love spending summer at the lake, and Lake Olathe is one of our favorite local lakes with a beautiful swim beach and inflatable Aqua Park. For landlocked Midwesterners, it’s great to have a place where you can build sandcastles, swim with the family and jump into the water from a giant floating playground. Lake Olathe Park visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats at the marina. The upper lawn at the lake is surrounded by landscaping and a small stream with a water feature flowing into a waterfall before ending in a pond. A creek leading from the pond wraps around the kid-friendly sprayground before flowing into the lake. Search “Beaches and Boating” on KCParent. com for a complete guide to local lakes.

celebrate america’s pastime The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) has been a favorite local landmark for generations. The south lawn is home to Art Course, a nine-hole miniature golf course inspired by masterpieces within the museum. The playful, whimsical holes are fun and creative. This summer, the museum introduced a new hole based on a favorite piece, Radcliffe Bailey’s Mound Magician in the museum’s contemporary galleries. The hole pays tribute to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the 100th anniversary of the Kansas City Monarchs. Next, visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM.com. TIP: Find a coupon on KCParent.com) that showcases the history of American baseball from the AfricanAmerican perspective, beginning in 1863, and gets you acquainted with many famous local baseball stars. Measure up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond. And take in a game at the Field of Legends where you can cheer for the new Kansas City Monarchs (MonarchsBaseball.com) baseball team!

Tip: After a day at the Nelson, visit the nearby Kauffman Memorial Gardens, Kansas City’s free botanical garden and oasis in the heart of Midtown.

Kristina Light and her girls love local adventures.

Tip: Bring the cooler filled with water and pack a picnic to make a complete day at the beach with the family. Remember some sandcastle building toys too!

kcparent.com july 2021

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july

FOR EVEN

MORE EVENTS, HEAD TO THE ONLINE CALENDAR AT KCPARENT.COM.

CALENDAR

Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun

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

Please call to verify event details.

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kcparent.com july 2021

learn

play

see

listen

enjoy

Bring the kids to Shawnee Town 1929 for Time Travelers.

Kids will enjoy hands-on, historic fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

ShawneeTown.org

On Fridays, head to Crown Center for WeekEnder. Enjoy local bands and favorite food trucks.

Finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars.

CrownCenter.com

Cool off at Snow Zoo July 10-11 at Kansas City Zoo. More than two tons of ice will be delivered to the zoo for polar bears Berlin and Nuniq to enjoy.

KansasCityZoo.org

Enjoy a Community Orchestra Concert on July 17 at Community Covenant Church. The Lenexa Community Orchestra performs a free concert.

Lenexa.com

Enjoy Grand Carnivale July 24 thru Aug. 8 at Worlds of Fun. Authentic entertainment, delicious tastes and sips, lively games, crafts and more!

WorldsOfFun.com

1 Thursday

2 Friday

Christmas in July Thru July 31, Kansas City Zoo. Take an ornament home from the donation tree and return with your donations for animals!

KansasCityZoo.org

Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative environment in this free exhibit where kids can explore the deep blue sea. CrownCenter.com

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Kids will enjoy hands-on, historic fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Shawnee Town.

ShawneeTown.org

Dragons Love Tacos 10:00 & Noon, Coterie Theatre. A hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology has all the ingredients for a fantastic time! TheCoterie.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com

Pop in at the Park 11:00, Roanoke Park. Find the Kansas City Public Library in the park!

Register for summer reading and enjoy handson learning activities. KCLibrary.org

Nature Story Time 11:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Join for music, movement and adventures outdoors hosted by Stepping Stones KC. Pre-reg at 913.685.3604.

Flags for Freedom Thru July 10, Merriam Marketplace. View more than 1,500 US flags at the Merriam Marketplace. Merriam.org

Summer of Music 7:00, Hawk Ridge Amphitheater (Raymore). Bring a chair and a picnic basket and enjoy an evening of live music! Raymore.com/arts Moonlight Movie Night 9:00, Independence Square. Come early to shop or get dinner and then grab lawn chairs for a movie outside the Pharaoh Cinema. 816.252.0344

Spirit of America Celebration 7:00, Recreation Park. Live music, food trucks and concessions, activities and fireworks at dusk!

Raymore.com/parks Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

Grab your lawn chairs and your best buds and enjoy live music under the stars.

LindenSquare.info

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Relax on the lawn (bring a lawn chair) or enjoy the show from the outdoor patios of various restaurants. WardParkwayCenter.com Friday Night Nature Programs 7:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Bring the family to the new outdoor amphitheater for entertainment and education. 913.826.2800 First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues located in the Crossroads Art District showcase art. KCCrossroads.org Outdoor Movie Series 7:30, First Baptist Church Weston. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, water and popcorn. Show starts at sundown.

FBCWestonMo.com Cinderella 8:30, Theatre in the Park. Cinderella is a magical confection for the whole family that includes audience and performer favorites.

TheatreInThePark.org

3 Saturday Lenexa Freedom Run 7:00, Old Town Lenexa.

Race is a family-friendly event for runners, walkers and strollers. Lenexa.com

LH of AAS Winner xcellence! of E Award

FRENCH FASHION DOLLS, 1912–1918 / THROUGH JULY 17, 2021 | EXHIBIT BRIDGING THE GENDER DIVIDE: TOYS THAT BUILD STEM SKILLS / THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | EXHIBIT

Support the T/m Mission at toyandminiaturemuseum.org/get-involved/ Find T/m on social media: Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Exhibit sponsored by: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES 5235 OAK STREET, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112 816.235.8000 TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG kcparent.com july 2021

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Fourth of July Guide For a list of celebrations and fireworks all over the metro, visit KCParent.com!

2021 KC Air Show Today & tomorrow, New Century Air Center. High flying fun for the family! See the US Navy Blue Angels and the US Army Golden Knights! KCAirShow.org Red, White and Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Many animals will be receiving special patriotic enrichment to celebrate the holiday.

KansasCityZoo.org 1860s Independence Day Celebration 1:00, Mahaffie. Enjoy 1860s living history activities.

Visit the blacksmith shop, ride the stagecoach and more! Mahaffie.org Nature Art: Red, Wild & Blue 10:00, 11:30 or 1:30, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Use nature and the sun to make cyanotypes. Prereg at 816.759.7300.

Disney Trivia Night 6:00, the Culture House.

Test your knowledge on all things Disney! Email Ginger@CultureHouse.com to register your team.

W

WEE

Liberty 4th Fest 6:00, Liberty. DJ, inflatables, balloon animals, face painting and more. Bring chairs, yard games, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks.

TheLibertyFest.com Stars & Stripes Picnic 7:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Listen to music, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the iconic grounds.

Fireworks at dusk. TheWorldWar.org.

4 Sunday Four on the 4th 7:30, Ward Parkway Center.

Put on your red, white and blue and run or walk 4 miles. Fun run for the kiddos.

WardParkwayFourOnTheFourth.com

4th of July Celebration 10:00, Downtown Parkville. Pancake breakfast, community parade, food, music, a skydiving exhibition and fireworks! ParkvilleMO.org

Celebrating the 4th at the Farm 9:00, Deanna Rose. Enjoy old-fashioned games and activities and participate in a bike parade. OPKansas.org

Celebration in the Park Noon, Leawood City Park. Family fun includes music, inflatable obstacle courses, treats and an impressive fireworks display. Leawood.org

Independence Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855.

Celebrate our nation’s independence as our forefathers did. Patriotic speeches, children’s games and more. MakeYourDayHere.com

Farm Fresh History since 1858!

Check out our website and Facebook page for summer fun!

Child Development Center ORKSHOP “Where Your Child is Special”

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE FOR KANSAS CITY

2 weeks to 12 years ChildAges Development Center 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Where Your Child Is Special”

Ages 2 weeks to 12 years 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

200+

10% OFF infant room for Two Convenient Locations:

Child Development nd & enrollment.

MetcalfCenter Ave 127th &year Antioch first with162 new “Where Your Child is Special” 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 2 weeks to 12 since years FamilyAges Owned and Operated Part-Time Preschool (Ages 1990 3-5) 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

9:00-11:30 or 9:00-3:00 weeworkshopchildcare.com Mother’s Day Out (12 mos-3 years) 9:00-3:00

Freedom Fling 1:00, Soetaert Aquatic Center & Splash Cove. Games every hour and annual soda pop drop at 2:00. CityOfShawnee.org

PARTY VENUES AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS 7/31/19

Two Convenient Locations: 127th & Antioch

162nd & Metcalf Ave

913.681.2190 Two Convenient913.681.2191 Locations:

162nd &and Metcalf Ave 127th & Antioch Family Owned 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 Operated Since 1990 Family Owned and Operated since 1990 weeworkshopchildcare.com weeworkshopchildcare.com

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kcparent.com july 2021

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas • 913.971.5111 Activities vary by season Visit www.mahaffie.org

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

Independence Day Festival 4:00, Celebration Park (Gardner). Country music concert, zip-lining, face painting, food vendors and fireworks! GardnerKansas.gov Red, White & Blue Springs 6:30, Blue Springs High School. Live music, food truck vendors and fireworks display at 9:45.

BlueSpringsGov.com 4th of July Fireworks 7:00, Weston. Bring your family and a blanket or chairs and watch the sky light up. WestonMo.com/events

5 Monday

6 Tuesday Flags for Freedom Thru July 10, Merriam Marketplace. View more than 1,500 US flags at the Merriam Marketplace. Merriam.org Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters. MakeYourDayHere.com

Sensory-Friendly Days 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Limited-occupancy session for kids with sensory processing differences and autism spectrum disorders. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org

Visit Legoland 9:30, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Family Fun Day Passes Noon, Youthfront Camp (LaCygne). Bring the whole family or a group of friends and enjoy all the fun that Youthfront Camp has to offer! Youthfront.com

Miller Movie Theater Summer Series 10:00 & 12:30, Miller Theater (Blue Springs). Summer movies for only $2.50. This week’s movie is Spirit Untamed. MillerCurbside.com

7 Wednesday Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Dickinson Park.

Explore playgrounds and enjoy crafts at parks through the City of Independence. Ages 2-9.

816.325.7114

Summer Movie Clubhouse 9:30, Cinemark Merriam. Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment. This week’s movie is The Angry Birds Movie. Cinemark.com Schoolhouse Tales 9:30, Oxford Schoolhouse.

Enjoy story time, activities and crafting!

Caregivers must fill out a waiver in advance.

Ages 6-10. Pre-reg at 913.663.9154.

Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Hear a story from long ago read by a guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

8 Thursday Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children.

816.235.8000 Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy great stories and outside adventures. Dress down and wear old tennis shoes. Ages 3-8. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

Fireworks: 1860s Style 6:00, Mahaffie. Enjoy a concert, cookstove demonstrations, stagecoach rides and fireworks. Food available for purchase.

kcparent.com july 2021

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Cinderella 8:30, Theatre in the Park. Cinderella is a magical confection for the whole family that includes audience and performer favorites.

TheatreInThePark.org

9 Friday Food Truck Fridays 11:30, Grandview Historical Depot Museum. Enjoy a variety of tastes just outside City Hall every Friday during lunchtime.

Grandview.org

Matilda Thru July 9, Gladstone Amphitheatre.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life is fun theater! GladstoneTIP.com Seussical 8:00, Ironwoods Park Amphitheatre.

Seussical is fun for the entire family and features performers of all ages with a children’s ensemble. LeawoodStageCo.org

10 Saturday

Snow Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. More than two tons of ice will be delivered to the zoo for polar bears Berlin and Nuniq to enjoy while other animals get “cool” enrichments.

KansasCityZoo.org Kids Club 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or enjoy a coffee at the Bean Counter.

Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

Family Fun Day Passes Noon, Youthfront Camp (LaCygne). Bring the whole family or a group of friends and enjoy all the fun that Youthfront Camp has to offer! Youthfront.com

S’mores Family Geocaching 5:30, Shawnee Mission Park. Search for hidden caches using our GPS devices. Enjoy dinner and s’mores. Prereg at JCPRD.com.

Junque n’ Donuts 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill.

Join the treasure hunt to find something new or old. Grab lunch and enjoy yard games.

LouisburgCiderMill.com

WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Enjoy local bands and favorite food trucks. Finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars.

CrownCenter.com

Yoga on the Farm 8:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm.

Stretch, breathe and relax with yoga classes held outdoors at the beautiful and historic museum. Pre-reg at 816.423.4200.

Family Fun Fridays 6:30, Quail Creek Park.

Merriam. Free summer family fun! Celebrate summer with live entertainment in the park.

Merriam.org

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Raytown Live 7:00, Town Center Greenspace.

Kick up your heels and have some familyfriendly fun while enjoying live music.

Raytown.Live

Olathe Live! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages and enjoy live music. OlatheKS.org

Summer Workout Series 9:30, Legends Outlets. Open to all ages and fitness levels.

Enjoy a workout class on the Lawn. Free.

LegendsShopping.com

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Lexington Lake Park.

Grab your fishing pole and lantern for overnight fishing. Park police officers on duty throughout the night. JCPRD.com

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Water Lantern Festival 6:00, Theis Park. A magical night that includes food, music and beauty as the lanterns light up the water.

WaterLanternFestival.com

11 Sunday

12 Monday

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Enjoy live music in Penguin Courtyard, across from Brio at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania Avenue.

CountryClubPlaza.com

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

American Girl Doll Club 1:00, St Joseph Museum. Explore a doll’s historical time period through a variety of activities.

StJosephMuseum.org Train Ride 2:00, Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad. Take a 40-minute trip along the tracks of the Frisco Railroad and enjoy a fun afternoon! Pre-purchase tickets at KCRRM.org.

Vacation Bible School Thru Friday, Word of Life Community Church (Peculiar). Kids study pieces of the past to learn the truth about who Jesus is. WOLVBS.com Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment.

Concessions available. BlueSpringsGov.com

Destination Dig VBS Thru Thu, Veer Church (Kansas City, KS). Kids learn about Jesus through lessons, crafts and games for children ages 3-11. VeerChurch.com

13 Tuesday Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Kids will enjoy hands-on, historic fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Shawnee Town.

ShawneeTown.org Dragons Love Tacos 10:00 & Noon, Coterie Theatre. A hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology has all the ingredients for a fantastic time! TheCoterie.org Cass County Fair Thru July 18, Cass County Fairgrounds. From livestock shows to exhibits to the demolition derby, the fair has it all.

CassCountyFairMO.com

Wyandotte County Fair Thru July 17, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a petting zoo, camel rides, pig races, carnival rides and much more. WyCoFair.com Popsicles in the Park 6:30, Country Club Park (Independence). Family fun in the park!

Enjoy stories, music and Popsicles!

CI.Independence.mo.us

14 Wednesday Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more.

DowntownLS.org Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Glendale Park.

Explore playgrounds and enjoy crafts at parks through the City of Independence. Ages 2-9.

816.325.7114 Summer Movie Clubhouse 9:30, Cinemark Merriam. Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment. This week’s movie is Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Cinemark.com Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children.

816.235.8000

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SIX-STOP TOUR

NALL HILLS / INDIAN CREEK 1. GNOME HUNT Ceramic Cafe is a favorite paint-yourown-pottery and glass fusing studio.

This year Ceramic Cafe hosted a mega gnome hunt, and they need your help preparing for the 2022 hunt! Gather a group of eight or more sculptors and call the studio to schedule a time to make gnomes for next year’s scavenger hunt.

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2. URBAN TREEHOUSE ADVENTURES

3. I SCREAM… YOU SCREAM…

Meadowbrook Park is one of the metro’s newest and most popular parks. The beautiful 80-acre green space features the Treeline Adventure destination playground, the Grand Pavilion, shelters, the Grove playground, pickleball courts and more. Firsttime visitors soon discover why the imaginative playground is a local favorite.

The Golden Scoop is equally loved for the delicious homemade ice cream served in a variety of tasty flavors and for the friendly atmosphere.

The ice cream and coffee shop employs individuals with developmental disabilities to serve up hearty scoops of yumminess with a smile. The local eatery is a fun summer hangout.

4. GAME NIGHT Cardboard Corner Cafe is more than a cafe. Play board games while enjoying their delicious food.

You can meet new people and make friends at the cafe or bring your own group. Try new games you’ve never played and enjoy a one-ofa-kind game night where they provide the food and cleanup!

It’s a win-win!

5. DISCOVER LOCAL HISTORY Visit the Johnson County Museum, home to awardwinning long-term and changing exhibitions. The museum is a great place to spend the day learning about the county’s history and having fun in hands-on exhibit spaces.

Young children love the KidScape exhibit where they can pretend to experience grownup life in a childsized village.

6. SAVOR A SLICE Dewey’s Pizza is known for their unique pizzas.

The creative combos keep customers coming back for more. If you’re not in the mood for a slice, their salads and calzones don’t disappoint. With the atmosphere of a local pizzeria and a wide selection of tantalizing pies, this is a great spot for lunch or dinner.

Pop in at the Park 11:00, Montgall Park. Find the Kansas City Public Library in the park!

Register for summer reading and enjoy handson learning activities. KCLibrary.org

15 Thursday Miller Movie Theater Summer Series 10:00 & 12:30, Miller Theater (Blue Springs). Summer movies for only $2.50. This week’s movie is Kung Fu Panda. MillerCurbside.com Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy great stories and outside adventures. Dress down and wear old tennis shoes. Ages 3-8. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

Farm Tales 10:30, National Agricultural Hall of Fame. A story and agriculture adventure themed event for children. Ages 3-8. Pre-reg at 913.721.1075.

Moonlight Market 4:00, Shawnee City Hall.

Grab goods from the farmers market, check out local restaurants, breweries and shops and enjoy live music! CityOfShawnee.org Summer of Music 7:00, Hawk Ridge Amphitheater (Raymore). Bring a chair and a picnic basket and enjoy an evening of live music! Raymore.com/arts

16 Friday Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book, then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack.

CeramicCafeKC.com Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery Park. Enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in one of downtown’s most peaceful park space.

816.513.7500 Local Life Today & tomorrow, downtown Overland Park. Explore locally owned businesses, activities and more. Head to DowntownOP.org for details about this month’s theme.

Aloha Aquatics 5:30, the View Community Center. Enjoy a fun night of various games and contests, hula skirt relay, sharks and minnows and more. Pre-reg at 816.316.4888.

Family Fun Fridays 6:30, MCC Pool (Merriam).

Summer family fun! Celebrate summer with a dive-in movie night. Merriam.org Friday Night Nature Programs 7:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Bring the family to the new outdoor amphitheater for entertainment and education. 913.826.2800

Olathe Live! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages and enjoy live music. OlatheKS.org Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

Grab your lawn chairs and your best buds and enjoy live music under the stars.

LindenSquare.info.

Movie in the Park Dusk, Kenagy Park (Raytown). Bring the family to enjoy a movie under the stars. Visit website for tonight’s movie. UnctionMedia.com/rp2019

17 Saturday Dog Days of Summer 8:30, Blue Springs Dog Park. Bring your best friend and enjoy the day.

Enjoy fun activities, contests, treats and more.

BlueSpringsGov.com Family Kayak Lessons 9:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking in this introductory class. Ages 10+. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Lost Trail Days 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. View soda production, hear history of Lost Trail soda and enjoy a nine-flavor flight.

Pre-reg at 913.837.5202.

Collector’s Trade Show 9:00, Fort Osage.

Peruse the wares of antique dealers, military collectors, reenactors and historically inspired craftspeople. MakeYourDayHere.com Panther Playdates 10:00, Oakhill Day School.

PE coaches guide you through an obstacle course. Afterwards, have cookies. Open to all area early childhood families.

OakhillDaySchool.org Ukuleles Beginner Workshop 10:00, Museum Town Hall. Learn tuning, strumming and even a little history about this very popular instrument.

Pre-reg at ShawneeTown.org.

Zookeeper Appreciation Weekend 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. We will deliver enrichment donations collected from Christmas in July.

KansasCityZoo.org Tomato Fest 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Family activities include tractor rides, live music, food trucks, vendor samples, classes, workshops and more. ColonialGardensKC.com Dragonfly Daze 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Catch all kinds of dragonflies. We supply nets, containers, dragonflies and materials to make a craft. 816.325.7115 Community Orchestra Concert 7:00, Community Covenant Church. The Lenexa Community Orchestra performs free concerts for the community. Lenexa.com

18 Sunday The Great Car Show 10:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Car show featuring vehicles of all makes and models.

TheGreatCarShow.com Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org Train Rides 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. Fun for the entire family. Ride a park train from the ’50s and ’60s. Fare is 75 cents per ride. KCNRR.com The Great Adventure Thru July 23, COR Leawood. A fun week filled with Bible stories, games, music, crafts and service. Pre-reg at COR.org/VBC202.

Blippi, the Musical 2:00, Cable Dahmer Arena.

Musical brings the energetic and educational children’s character from the screen to the stage. BlippiTheMusical.com Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment.

Concessions available. BlueSpringsGov.com

19 Monday Visit Legoland 9:30, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative environment in this free exhibit where kids can explore the deep blue sea. CrownCenter.com VBS Thru July 23, Grace Bible Church. Join us for a fun-filled week of games, crafts and a deep sea dive into God’s Word. Pre-reg at GraceBibleChurchStilwellKS.org.

20 Tuesday Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters. MakeYourDayHere.com Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00, Burr Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events. kcparent.com july 2021

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Dragons Love Tacos Thru Aug. 8, Coterie Theatre. A hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology has all the ingredients for a fantastic time! TheCoterie.org

Popsicles in the Park 6:30, Glendale Park (Independence). Family fun in the park!

Enjoy stories, music and Popsicles!

CI.Independence.mo.us

21 Wednesday Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Santa Fe Park.

Explore playgrounds and enjoy crafts at parks through the City of Independence. Ages 2-9.

816.325.7114 Schoolhouse Tales 9:30, Oxford Schoolhouse.

Enjoy story time, activities and crafting!

Caregivers must fill out a waiver in advance.

Ages 6-10. Pre-reg at 913.663.9154.

Christmas in July Thru July 31, Kansas City Zoo. Take an ornament home from the donation tree and return with your donations for animals!

KansasCityZoo.org Platte County Fair Thru July 24, Platte County Fairgrounds. Old-fashioned county fair with games, rides, food, music and more!

PlatteCountyFair.com

22 Thursday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Festival of Butterflies Thru Aug 8, Powell Gardens. Head to the gardens to see caterpillars, butterflies and moths and learn about the plants that sustain them. PowellGardens.org Pop in at the Park 4:00, Gillham Park. Find the Kansas City Public Library in the park! Register for summer reading and enjoy hands-on learning activities. KCLibrary.org Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. The 1860s living history events include visiting the Mahaffie house, cookstove demonstrations and stagecoach rides.

Mahaffie.org

23 Friday Summer Chill Art & Craft Expo 10:00, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Enjoy the creations of Midwestern artists and crafters at 100 booths. IBDPromotions.com Food Truck Fridays 11:30, Grandview Historical Depot Museum. Enjoy a variety of tastes just outside City Hall every Friday during lunchtime.

Grandview.org

RETURNING JULY 24 – AUGUST 8

TICKETS AS LOW AS

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$ PARADE • PARTY • PAGEANTRY worldsoffun.com

©2021 Cedar Fair, L.P. WF21-128

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Fourth Fridays Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy showcases from local artists and live music performances. ExploreLS.com Battle of the Bands 5:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Bands will compete for crowd dominance of the battlefield. Food trucks available. MOStateParks.com Friday Night Nature Programs 7:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Bring the family to the new outdoor amphitheater for entertainment and education. 913.826.2800

NOW OPEN

Olathe Live! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages and enjoy live music. OlatheKS.org

24 Saturday Georgia’s Chicken Run 7:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. On your mark … get set … go. Lace up those shoes for this annual fun run/walk. ArtsAndRec-OP.org Kids Fest 9:00, Linden Square. Join for a day of fun! Games, music, face painting, a huge waterslide and so much more! LindenSquare.info Summer Workout Series 9:30, Legends Outlets. Open to all ages and fitness levels.

Enjoy a workout class on the Lawn. Free.

LegendsShopping.com Grand Carnivale Thru Aug 8, Worlds of Fun. Authentic entertainment, delicious tastes and sips, lively games, unique crafts and more!

WorldsOfFun.com Miami County Fair Thru Aug 1, Paola. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, demolition derby, bike derby, dog show, concerts and more.

MiamiCountyKansasFair.com Main Street Cruise Night 3:00, Belton Main Street. Check out all the cool classic rides parked on Main Street. Enjoy shopping and good food and drinks, too! BeltonParks.org

NOW OPEN!

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Relax on the lawn (bring a lawn chair) or enjoy the show from the outdoor patios of various restaurants. WardParkwayCenter.com

LIMITED Group Size Morning and Afternoon Sessions Enhanced Cleaning

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Grab your fishing pole and lantern for overnight fishing. Park police officers on duty throughout the night. JCPRD.com

25 Sunday Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Museum

8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com

For more info & to book your session: JCPRD.com/Museum kcparent.com july 2021

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Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Enjoy live music in Penguin Courtyard, across from Brio at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania Avenue.

CountryClubPlaza.com Train Ride 2:00, Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad. Take a 40-minute trip along the tracks of the Frisco Railroad and enjoy a fun afternoon! Pre-purchase tickets at KCRRM.org.

26 Monday Douglas County Fair Thru July 31, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Petting zoo, pony rides, live concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more. DGCountyFair.com Vacation Bible School Thru July 30, Indian Heights United Methodist Church. Explore how to put on the armor of God through activities, games and more. Pre-reg at UMCIHKids@gmail.com.

27 Tuesday Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Kids will enjoy hands-on, historic fun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Shawnee Town. ShawneeTown.org Leavenworth County Fair Thru July 31, Leavenworth County Fairgrounds. Enjoy games, contests, pony rides, derbies, food, rides, music and more! LeavenworthCountyFair.com

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Johnson County Fair Thru Aug 1, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Celebrate the best in Johnson County while preserving the agricultural heritage. JoCoKansasFair.com

28 Wednesday Days Out with Frank and Ella 10:00, Mahaffie. Enjoy a different history theme each Wednesday and Thursday with plenty of hands-on activities, crafts and a stagecoach ride! Mahaffie.org Dragons Love Tacos 10:00 & Noon, Coterie Theatre. A hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology has all the ingredients for a fantastic time! TheCoterie.org

29 Thursday Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative environment in this free exhibit where kids can explore the deep blue sea. CrownCenter.com Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org

30 Friday WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Enjoy local bands and favorite food trucks. Finish the evening with a famous flick under the stars.

CrownCenter.com Disney’s Newsies 8:30, Theatre in the Park. See the Tony Award-winning, high energy, tour-deforce of song and dance. TheatreInThePark.org Free Movie Night 8:30, Grandview Amphitheater. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and join us for a movie night featuring Raya & the Last Dragon. GrandviewAmp.com Cinema in the City 8:30, Leawood City Hall.

Join neighbors at the amphitheater behind Leawood City Hall for Babe. The movie starts at dusk. Leawood.org

31 Saturday Yoga on the Farm 8:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm.

Stretch, breathe and relax with yoga classes held outdoors at the beautiful and historic museum. Pre-reg at 816.423.4200.

Songs for a New World 8:00, Belton Memorial Park. Enjoy show that combines pop, gospel and jazz music styles! Bring blankets and chairs but no coolers. BeltonParks.org

6/11/21 9:04 AM

JULY

NATIONAL

BISON MONTH Visit a herd of bison, elk and other hoofed animals at the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure in Fleming Park, near Lake Jacomo.

JULY 7

FUN CALENDAR World Chocolate Day Spend the day at Crown Center visiting Legoland or Sea Life, then stop by Chip’s Chocolate Factory for a treat. Watch as they make homemade fudge by hand and enjoy a tasty dessert.

JULY 10 National Kitten Day Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area. Learn how to adopt a pet, volunteer or help support the cause at GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

JULY 1 International Joke Day Check out some joke and riddle books at your local library. Use the online catalog for Mid-Continent Public Libraries at MyMCPL.org.

JULY 18

Day Celebrate the Fourth of July with a local fireworks show or patriotic event. Find them all in our Fireworks Guide on KCParent.com.

National Ice

Cream Day Kansas City is

JULY 11

JULY 4 Independence

JULY 14 Bastille Day Vive la France! Visit the French Market (FrenchMarketKC.com) in the Village Shops in Prairie Village where you can enjoy made-to-order crepes, hot sandwiches, tapas, charcuterie and wine. You can shop authentic French merchandise, too.

National Free Slurpee Day Stop by your local 7-11 and claim your free Slurpee … the perfect treat on a hot summer day!

home to many outstanding ice cream shops, and you’ll find a map and guide to our top picks on KCParent.com.

JULY 13

National French Fry Day Five Guys Burgers & Fries (FiveGuys.com) is known for their handmade burgers and fresh-cut fries. They are so proud of their ingredients, they even post where the day’s potatoes were grown.

JULY 24 JULY 6

National Fried Chicken Day Founded in 1933, Stroud’s (StroudsRestaurant.com) began as a barbecue restaurant at 85th & Troost. During WWII, beef was rationed, so they began serving fried chicken dinners for 35 cents! Now, the restaurant is a local legend known for delicious pan-fried chicken.

Amelia Earhart Day Learn about the famous female pilot and the story of her childhood in Atchison, KS, at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (AmeliaEarhartMuseum.org).

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Congratulations on 25 years of serving Kansas City!

Create here. Thrive everywhere.

The Culture House Conservatory of the Arts Störling Dance Theater Underground Summer Broadway Series

TCH Recording Studio Störling Conservatory Bachelor’s Degree Program New Works Program STAR Program

www.culturehouse.com

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

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Free Pick Up and Delivery* *Restrictions may apply. Contact dealer for details. Pick Up and Delivery offer valid until 7/31/21

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6601 E. Frontage Rd | Merriam, KS 66202 | 913-384-2834 | Audi-ShawneeMission.com