KC Going Places Fall/Winter 2013 by KC Parent Magazine

the ultimate guide to family fun in KC

fall/winter 2012-13

GET OUT &

PLAY! 500+ FAMILY OUTINGS IN KC

FUN FAMILY DINING DISCOVER BURIED TREASURE SLEDDING, SKIING & SKATING!

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kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

healthcare you can trust.

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

LEE’S SUMMIT Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 Raintree Pediatrics

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

821 SW Lemans Lane Lee’s Summit, Missouri

816.525.4700

Urgent Care (Pediatrics Only) No appointment necessary! 8:00-11:00 am Mon-Friday 4:00-7:00 pm Mon-Thursday

NEW LOCATION

Sat 9-11 am • Sun 1-4 pm (Weekend hours available at Blue Parkway office)

Appts: Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm Urgent Care: 8-11 am

Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520

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

LSPhysicians.com • Raintree-Pediatrics.com • BlueSpringsPediatric.com KCGOINGPLACES.COM 3

the ultimate guide to family fun in KC

OUT & ABOUT 14 Hayrides & Wagons 16 Horseback Riding

20 FEATURES 8

Eight Fun Ways to Explore the City Exciting Adventures for All Ages

Destination Near: Crown Center Hot Tips for the Best Day at a Favorite KC Destination

Must-See KC Spectacular Shows, Local Traditions and Family-Friendly Events

Where to Make Gifts in KC Surprise Friends and Family with One-of-a-Kind Gifts

Winter Fun: Christmas Lights The Very Merriest Holiday Displays in Town

Discovering Buried Treasure in the Midwest Five Family Adventures for Treasure Seekers

Destination Far: Ski Adventure Hit the Slopes with a Family Getaway

5 Favorite Family-Friendly Dining Locations Flavorful and Fun Restaurants KC Kids Love

kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

EDUCATION 18 Learn New Things

22 23 24 25

PLAYTIME Know Before You Go Indoor Fun Insider Tips: Dino Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Outdoor Adventures

30 31 31 31 32

NATURE Get Lost in the Woods Animals & Zoos Plants & Gardens Nature Centers Insider Tips: Brett Anthony

33 34 34 34 35 39 39

MUSEUMS Modern Family The Arts For Children Historical Insider Tips: Fairy Princess Science Special Interest

SHOWTIME 40 Inside Look 41 Insider Tips: Heather Loewenstein 41 Dance, Music & Theatre

48 49 49 52

SPORTS Love of the Game Bowling Indoor Pools Ice Skating & Snow Sports

City of Indep

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editor’s letter

hat a great time to be living in Kansas City! Our city recently welcomed LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium. The Kansas City Zoo is getting better and better with the recent addition of the Tiger Trail, and the new Kauffman Performing Arts Center is a jewel in the crown of our city’s downtown skyline. This year, the Kauffman Center is bringing even more new family-friendly shows to the stage with Starlight’s children’s winter production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, many great symphony and ballet performances and more. It’s exciting to celebrate the new with our children, but it is also special to share treasured traditions. Autumn always means a craving for apple cider donuts from Louisburg Cider Mill, great photo ops in local pumpkin patches and hayrides. And holidays are filled with tradition as we enjoy the KC Rep’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, the KC Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker and, of course, the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving. As we celebrate holidays and birthdays this season, it’s a great opportunity to teach our children to give gifts to those they love. If you are running out of ideas for homemade gifts this season, you’ll find inspiration on pg. 26 featuring local venues where children and teens may create one-of-a-kind presents this year. Another favorite gift in our family is the gift of time. We often celebrate occasions with tickets or season passes to favorite venues, all within the pages of KC Going Places where we can make memories together. And, that is just what KC Going Places is all about. Whether you’ve lived in Kansas City your entire life, or you’re a new visitor, you’ll find there is always something new to discover in Kansas City!

Kristina Light, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Managing Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Editor Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Dana Alley, Kansas City Kimberly Brownlee, Liberty Susan Gimotty, Overland Park Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe Sara Keenan, Kansas City Heather Shields, Gladstone Hallie Sawyer, Overland Park Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Find us on Foursquare: foursquare.com/kcparent Member of:

Circulation verified by:

FROM OUR COVER

THE ICE AT PARK PLACE 6

PUMPKIN PATCHES

kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

NERMAN MUSEUM

KANSAS CITY ZOO

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

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2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

Chase Away the Winter Blues! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Join us this season and enjoy some of our best-loved events of the year...

For a full list of winter programming, visit www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org Find us on Facebook!

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tour the town: Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

kansas city classics

a royal experience

KC has loved the lights since 1925.

Take in some live jazz at 18th & Vine.

arthur bryant’s

plaza carriage ride

City of Fountains, Barbecue Capital of America, jazz and blues…a visit to Kansas City would be incomplete without enjoying some of Kansas City’s sensational signatures and the landmarks that celebrate them. Start at 18th & Vine with a visit to the American Jazz Museum (pg. 34) and enjoy live jazz at the Gem or the Blue Room. Then, take a tour of fountains and barbecue. Kansas City knows barbecue, and that means sweet, tangy sauce dripping from ribs and burnt ends with a side of slaw and pit beans. Every local has a favorite, from Fiorella’s Jack Stack (www.JackStackBBQ.com) to Oklahoma Joe’s (www.OklahomaJoesBBQ.com) succulent sandwiches to Arthur Bryant’s (www.ArthurBryantsBBQ.com) and Gates (www.GatesBBQ.com) spicy sauce. Old meets new in the Kansas City Power & Light District, where the greatest in live theater, concerts and shows come to the Sprint Center, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (pg. 42), Municipal Auditorium, the Folly (pg. 42) and the Midland (pg. 43). From family shows to ballet, live theater to sports and contemporary music stars from rock to country to classical…you’ll find it all downtown. Kansas City’s most beloved landmarks are celebrated at MINILAND®, a model city created entirely with LEGO® blocks, inside the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center (pg. 34). Based on the ever-popular LEGO® brick, the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas, including a 4D cinema, workshops, two LEGO®-themed rides and exhibits.

What princess hasn’t dreamt of riding in Cinderella’s carriage? Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza (www.CountryClubPlaza.com) offers carriage rides with Kansas City Carriages and Surrey’s Carriage Company. In the evening, the Cinderella carriages are lit to create an extra touch of magic. This is an especially enchanting experience during the holiday season when the Plaza is decorated with 80 miles of lights! Right in the heart of the Midwest, you will find a beautifully restored 1907 castle. Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle (12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100, www.ReneeKellys.com) is now an event venue and restaurant. The castle boasts a grand staircase, hand-carved European fireplaces, manicured grounds and old world charm. Sunday brunch is offered with children’s meals ranging from $3.50 to $5, and adult fare ranging from $9 to $15. At Christmastime, visit Kansas City’s own Fairy Princess! In 1935, Klein’s Department Store celebrated the opening of its new toy department with a Fairy Princess who greeted customers at Christmas. Children would tell the princess what they wanted, and she’d wave her magic wand as a surprise would slide down a chute. She was a Kansas City tradition at Klein’s until the store closed in the 1970s. In 1987, the Kansas City Museum (pg. 37) brought back the tradition, and now young girls visit her every December! Kansas City also boasts numerous playgrounds with castle themes offering great fairytale play for little ones. Visit www.KCParent.com and search for “Best Parks” to discover these and more magical parks across the Metro.

kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

fun ideas for kansas city families Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

mystery & suspense

majestic & wild animals

See KCParent.com for reviews.

Save on Watch Keeper kids meals Chats to learn more nights! about on Wed. polar bears.

mystery train of kansas city

kansas city zoo

If you love to play the game Clue, you’ll love exploring these attractions full of suspense and intrigue. Enjoy an evening of live interactive mystery at one of Kansas City’s murder mystery theaters. The Mystery Train of Kansas City (816.813.9654, www.KCMysteryTrain.com) serves a delicious dinner between the acts of a fun-filled comic mystery. Each mystery is set aboard an imaginary train with Kansas City as its historical backdrop. Adding to the fun, guests use “bribe bucks” to extract clues from passengers. The Murder Mystery Players (www.MysteryPlayers.com) have been “killing guests with laughter” for more than 20 years. They offer private parties and public events throughout the year. The Holyfield Winery in Basehor, KS (913.724.WINE, www.HolyfieldWinery.com) hosts mysteries throughout the fall and winter. Actors, along with randomly selected audience members, play parts as the mystery unravels. Keep an eye out for clues, because the winning sleuth takes home a sparkling prize, courtesy of Holyfield. The Upstairs Tea Room in Weston, MO (816.640.2825) hosts comedy mysteries throughout the year based on actual dining catastrophes encountered by the cast. The Raven Bookstore (6 E. 7th St., Lawrence, KS, 785.749.3300, www.RavenBookStore.com) is a mystery-lover’s dream. The unique and eclectic shop specializes in mysteries—from Sherlock Holmes to modern cozy mysteries and the newest thrillers. The shop frequently hosts author signings, book readings and discussion groups. For local mystery fans, an intriguing day’s trip is to Atchison, KS (www.AtchisonKansas.net). Enjoy trolley tours through “the most haunted town in Kansas” in the fall, cemetery tours and special mystery events.

Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo (pg. 31), where Nikita, Kansas City’s resident polar bear, especially loves winter weather. This year, the zoo’s newest attraction is the brand new Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, where the big cats enjoy wide open spaces to roam and play. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and the animals are more alert and active in the autumn and winter months when the weather is cool. And an added bonus is that the zoo is less crowded! Sea Life Aquarium (pg. 31), one of Kansas City’s newest must-see attractions, features a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel and an enthralling 2-3 hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Children are captivated by dinosaurs, and T-Rex Café (1847 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS) brings them to life in an unforgettable dining experience! The restaurant is home to giant robotic dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures dwelling among waterfalls, live aquariums and ice caves. Cedar Cove (pg. 31) in Louisburg, KS, is an animal refuge for a variety of endangered or rescued big cats. Tour Cedar Cove where you will see leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. On Saturdays through October, Cedar Cove hosts public feedings of the cats and remains open until 5:00, weather permitting.

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tour the town: art exploration

snow and ice

Don’t miss the festivities at Christmas!

Visit the only outdoor ice rink in Johnson County.

bingham-waggoner estate

park place ice terrace

Explore art from around the world at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (pg. 34), one of Kansas City’s FREE treasures. For added fun, check www.KCParent.com for a Nelson-Atkins scavenger hunt the kids will love! For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (pg. 34) and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (pg. 34) exhibit permanent and temporary galleries with special events and workshops for families. Missouri was home to many famous artists, and you can tour their homes today. The Thomas Hart Benton Home (pg. 38) and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate (pg. 35), former home of artist George Caleb Bingham, are two museums sharing the personal histories of two of Missouri’s most influential artists. Art enthusiasts also enjoy the Kansas City Crossroads District (www.KCCrossroads.org), an eclectic and artistic neighborhood with unique art, boutiques and locally-owned restaurants. On the first Friday of each month year-round, local galleries, retailers and artists feature free exhibits to peruse. Enjoy entertainment and art as you stroll through the galleries and shops in the heart of the city. The Kansas City Museum (pg. 37) hosts First Sunday Family Fun Days for FREE each month with educational activities for kids. Guests 12 and up can take a Hard Hat Tour of the beloved Corinthian Hall, currently being renovated to showcase Kansas City history and culture.

Sledding, skiing, skating, sleighs… let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Kansas City boasts many terrific sledding hills all across the Metro! Over the years, our loyal readers have shared their favorites, and you can learn about them on www.KCParent.com! Take a spin on the ice at one of the local outdoor rinks, The Ice at Park Place (pg. 52) and the Crown Center Ice Terrace (pg. 52). You will also find many terrific indoor rinks open year-round (pg. 52). Or head to the Independence Events Center, where you can watch the Missouri Mavericks (pg. 52) Central Hockey League ice hockey team compete in one of winter’s most exciting sports. Sleigh bells ring at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (pg. 38), where you can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on snowy Saturdays throughout the winter. The historic site offers tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides and a working blacksmith shop. If you’re craving snow, but can’t find any locally, you don’t have to drive to Colorado to enjoy snow skiing. Weston’s Snow Creek (pg. 52) is a short 45-minute to one-hour drive from downtown KC, appealing to skiers and snow boarders alike. Snow gets us in the mood for chili! Satisfy your craving at Dixon’s Chili (www.DixonsChili.com), a Kansas City landmark for over 90 years. Enjoyed by President Truman, this local restaurant serves chili on a plate that you’ll enjoy by the forkful!

10 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

fun ideas for kansas city families CHRISTIAN DE ARAUJO / Shutterstock.com

vroom, vroom, vroom!

year-round amusement

see the Visit KCParent.com truman for attraction home, too! coupons!

skate free Nov. KCParent.com 2, has Speedway AM tips 6-9 for kids.

kansas speedway

zonkers

Adrenaline junkies love to cheer for their favorite drivers as Kansas Speedway (pg. 52) hosts NASCAR races. The Speedway offers many experiences adding to the entertainment for families, whether you purchase a pit pass or scanners to track cars throughout the race. Kansas City is also home to the Harley Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations Plant (pg. 39), one of only a few in the nation. Behind-the-scenes tours are offered to visitors 12 and up to watch the assembly of a V-Rod from start to finish. If old-fashioned rail travel is more your speed, visit the Midland Railway in Baldwin City, KS (pg. 25) for the annual autumn Maple Leaf Festival rides or Christmas rides with Santa. Or, embark on a trip aboard the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad (see pg. 25), where families delight in ice cream social rides, the Pumpkin Express and Santa’s Express. Have a car lover in the family? The Armacost Car Museum (pg. 39) showcases vintage cars in a great space for special events. Plane lovers enjoy the Airline History Museum (pg. 35), featuring many historic airplanes including the famous Lockheed Constellation 1049 Super G.

Race go-karts outdoors at Cool Crest (pg. 51) or Paradise Park (pg. 24), where you can also enjoy miniature golf, arcades and more. Or go indoors to put the pedal to the metal and race your loved ones at Sadlers (pg. 25). This track is home to go-karts imported from Germany that allow racers to reach speeds of 45 mph. Couple dinner with games at Dave & Buster’s (www.DaveAndBusters.com) arcade restaurant, where you’ll find everything from classic to interactive to video. CoCo Key Water Resort (pg. 49) offers a wonderful 55,000-square-foot indoor water park with a wading pool, slides, fast tube rides, activity pools and more! Play for a day or stay overnight at the Holiday Inn (where CoCo Key is located). Missouri, the cave state, is also home to an incredible underground caving system turned paintball arena at Jaeger’s Paintball (pg. 52). Or, go retro with your friendly fire at Incred-a-bowl (pg. 49) with a game of laser tag followed by black light bowling or indoor mini-golf. Zonkers (pg. 25) is a fun-filled indoor amusement park for young children. Kids love the snake roller coaster, carousel, train, kiddie rides, arcades and inflatables. Speaking of inflatables, you’ll find many more great indoor play places on pg. 23.

get more! Many of our favorite attractions offer deals, discounts and special events throughout the year! The www.KCParent.com calendar is bursting with family-fun ideas every day of the year! KCGOINGPLACES.COM

destination near

CROWN CENTER

Kaleidoscope

f you’re looking to spend a day of fun locally, Crown Center is a great outing. Enjoy Crown Center’s free attractions, then splurge on a visit to LEGOLAND or Sea Life.

touch a starfish, participate in educational demonstrations, watch animal feedings and explore this state-of-the-art home for many of the ocean’s most majestic creatures!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center! Kansas City recently celebrated the grand opening of LEGOLAND® Discovery Center in Crown Center (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386, www.LEGOLandDiscoveryCenter.com.) If you haven’t visited this must-see attraction yet, it’s a great addition to your Crown Center itinerary! LEGO® has long held a spot in the hearts of children as one of the must-have toys for creativity, and now, LEGO® makes a home in Kansas City in this brand new larger-than-life attraction. Begin your journey on a ride into the unknown on laser chariots. Play with the world’s biggest box of LEGOS®. Your imagination will run wild in this new family favorite. This is truly one of Kansas City’s newest mustsee attractions!

Kaleidoscope Kaleidoscope’s FREE walk-in sessions for ALL ages (perfect if you have multiple children with a span of ages) tend to have the smallest crowds on weekdays or the earliest weekend session offered. Children love Kaleidoscope (pg. 34), where creativity and imagination play in a magical hands-on world children enter to create masterpieces with super cool, super fun supplies, all in a super amazing atmosphere, thanks to Hallmark. This is truly one of Kansas City’s best family-friendly attractions!

Sea Life Kansas City Next door to LEGOLAND®, you’ll find Sea Life at 2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386. At Sea Life, your family will be transported to an amazing underwater world with up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures! Come nose to nose with sharks in the walk-through underwater tunnel, experience the touch pool where you can hold a crab or 12 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Hallmark Visitor’s Center Visit the Hallmark Visitor’s Center (pg. 39) next door to Kaleidoscope, another FREE attraction and one of our favorite “watch it made in KC” attractions. Children are given a scavenger hunt to follow as they learn the history of Hallmark. Artists demonstrate their craft (you may watch an engraver prepare greeting card designs or machines assemble cards), kids make their own bows with the press of a button and the self-guided walk-through tour almost always ends with a gift (frequently these are music-playing cards for the upcoming holiday). The Visitor’s Center is especially nice if you are visit-

ing with multiple generations (it is a favorite when grandparents are in town visiting) and you’re able to enjoy it at your own pace. Chip’s Chocolate Factory Enjoy “watch it made” fun at Chip’s Chocolate Factory (www.ChipsChocolateFactory.com). From the delicious aroma of warm chocolate to the tasty samples to the beautiful artistry of fudge makers preparing handmade confections in copper kettles and forming it on marble slabs, Chip’s is a delight for all ages. Demonstrations and samples are free. Eating and Shopping at Crown Center Kids love eating at the colorful Crayola Cafe, but another favorite at Crown Center is d’Bronx Pizza. Street Car Named Desire also offers affordable lunches, and Panera (across the street in the Crown Center Square near the fountain) is another favorite. Zoom Toy Store, the Crayola Store, Hallmark, the Best of KC and other shops are fun for everyone. Set a budget and rules before you head out. Coterie Theatre On Crown Center’s first level, you’ll find one of the most magical children’s theaters in the nation. Coterie (www.CoterieTheatre.org) produces professional shows for kids of all ages. This fall, they are showing Dear America: Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie and Shrek: The Musical, and winter 2013 brings Number the Stars and Tell-Tale Electric Poe.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Special Events & Seasonal Attractions Always explore the Crown Center calendar (www.CrownCenter.com/Event-List/). Throughout the year, Crown Center offers many terrific events for families, including FREE puppet shows, concerts and great holiday fun. Take a spin on Kansas City’s only outdoor ice skating rink, the Crown Center Ice Terrace (pg. 52) a winter tradition for generations!

Yes, we have pumpkins this year!

EVERY day is a SPECIAL day at CAROLYN’S Country Cousins! Just 15 minutes from downtown KC! SE of Hwy 210 & Hwy 291 • 17607 NE 52nd St. 60 Acres of U-pick Pumpkins and FUN! Liberty, MO 64068 • www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com Open Sept. 15th to Oct. 31st

Bring in this ad & receive $2 off Single admission. *Cannot be combined with other offers. KCGOINGPLACES.COM

OUT & ABOUT

OUT & ABOUT Paradise Park

HAYRIDES & WAGONS Whether you’re headed to a bonfire to roast marshmallows, riding through a farm or field or surveying the changing colors of the autumn leaves, hayrides and wagon rides are a fun way to enjoy the turn of the season with your family.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

get more!

Stagecoach rides at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (www.olatheks.org). Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is a favorite historic site to visit year-round, with tours of the historic home portraying life on the Kansas frontier in the 1850s and horsedrawn stagecoach rides for guests. In the winter—snow permitting—they even offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, as well! Tractor-pulled hayride Sept. 14-Oct. 27 (Every Friday & Saturday from 6:00 to 10:00 only) at Paradise Park (www.Paradise-Park.com). Enjoy a good old-fashioned tractor-pulled hayride as you sit on bundles of straw, hear stories, play games and huddle close together with family and friends. S’mores and hot chocolate served. Hayrides run weather permitting, no reservations needed.

Wagon rides at Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch (Sept. 15 - Oct. 30, www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com). Bring your family, bring your school class, bring your club and the whole gang. Wagon rides into the pumpkin patch are just the beginning! You’ll love a ride on Little Bud’s Railroad, live pig races, mining for minerals and lots of things to play—plus delicious country food and snacks. All this is right next door to the Liberty Corn Maze, where this year’s non-spooky theme is Harvester’s Community Food Network, for still more family fun! Wagon rides at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (www.opkansas.org) through Oct. 31. Beautiful Belgian draft horses pull you on a wagon ride through the woods on the perimeter of the farmstead. Rides

For a complete list of fall festivals, visit www.KCParent.com.

14 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

patch and much more at the ranch. Pioneer Trails Adventures (www.PioneerTrailsAdventures.com),

are $3/person, children under 2 are free. Wagon rides at Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch (www.JohnsonFarms.net). Sept. 22 begins pumpkin season at Johnson Farms, where you’ll be far from the city but close to home.

Take a wagon ride out to the 30-acre pumpkin patch and grab a wheelbarrow to haul in your pumpkins, run through the giant tunnel crawl, then visit the farm animal corral. Concessions and a large covered picnic area are available.

FELINE CONSERVATORY & EDUCATION CENTER

Hay wagon rides Faulkner’s Ranch

(www.FaulknersPumpkinFarms.com)

open Oct. 1-31. DJ Jack-OLantern spins your favorite fall sing-a-longs on Scarecrow Radio on board each hay wagon! Also enjoy the Wild West Playground, duck races, pedal karts, pumpkin

on the Square in Independence through October (and again with Santa’s Sleigh in December), features wagon rides with historic interpretation. Learn about the town where three trails began, two Civil War battles were fought and, of course, Harry Truman made his home. Ride a mule-drawn covered wagon to see Independence as a pioneer would. Tickets range from $7 to $25, depending on the tour you choose to take.

OUT & ABOUT

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

Fall hayrides at Shawnee Mission Park. The Johnson County Parks & Recreation District (www.JCPRD.com) offers fall hayrides for organized groups. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 913.831.3359.

Autumn has arrived and so have fall allergies.

LOUISBURG, KANSAS

Public Feedings Every Saturday! Cedar Cove is a non-profit, educational sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of endangered species! Summer Hours: April 1st - Oct 31st Saturday: 10am - 5pm (Feed at 4pm) Sunday: 10am - 3pm Winter Hours: Nov1st - March 31st Saturday: 11am - 3pm (Feed at 2pm) Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Open year-round for an educational experience that will grab you! Located in Louisburg, KS 20 min. south of KC on Hwy 69

www.saveoursiberians.org

Call Kansas City Allergy & Asthma today for fall allergy relief.

TIP: FALL ALLERGY cts and insert du ing at he Clean your turning filter before anti-allergy e th r fo on your furnace first time.

913-491-5501 www.kcallergy.com LEE’S SUMMIT OLATHE OVERLAND PARK

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OUT & ABOUT

mamas, let your babies grow up to be

cowboys (or cowgirls!)

know few children who have never played a pretend game of “ponies.” And it seems that every year, Hollywood releases yet another fantasy-filled movie starring a majestic horse with a courageous rider by its side. Together they endure hardships then live happily ever after. No one truly understands the attraction people can naturally have to a horse. Perhaps it’s the flowing mane in the breeze or the softness of a muzzle on your arm. Maybe it’s the fact that the magic Hollywood portrays isn’t too far from the truth. I do know one thing for sure...once you catch the horse bug, you never recover! The sport of horseback riding (and, yes, it is a sport) provides endless benefits to its participating athlete. Many athletic and physical benefits are present right from the get go. Christine Loneman, a pardner at Faulkner’s Ranch, says, “Riding is a physical activity. Learning to ride requires strength training, flexibility, endurance, balMisty ance and coordination. In caring for horses, children learn the value of exercise and proper nutrition.” The hours spent cleaning stalls, hauling water, and even brushing a horse can seem to be quite extraneous, but are so rewarding in the end when you actually do what you are there for… ride! Important mental benefits are prevalent, as well. Cindy Strahm, Misty Rivers Equestrian Center, says, “Children learn a sense of accomplishment and pride in goals reached as they progress to become accomplished riders and knowledgeable horse people. They also learn to respect their horses and learn consideration for the care and well-being of the horse. All of these and more constitute valuable life lessons that can be of great benefit not only to children of all ages, but adults as well.” There is a certain feeling of ma-

16 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

turity and gratification that emerges when taking care of a 1,000-lb. animal. A horse counts on its caretaker 100 percent, and teaching a child horse care management triggers responsibility and commitment. There are many great ways to introduce your child to horse care and horseback riding. Once your child is excited about meeting a horse, consider taking him to a public horse facility. Many local stables offer beginner lessons. Sunset Trails Stables (Lee’s Summit), Holsman Stables (Kansas City) and Misty Rivers Equestrian Center (Independence) all have areas of their lesson programs which focus on the young beginner rider. Several factors are important to look for when choosing a lesson facility. The property should be well maintained and clean, horses should look happy and cared for and the riding instructors Rivers Equestrian Center should be inviting and knowledgeable. Introduce your child to horse care and riding slowly. Don’t make a huge commitment right away. Start with a first contact and good experience. Lead line lessons are an excellent option and are great for boosting confidence. Meet with an instructor; interview him or her about experience, goals and teaching methods. Your child may think horses are the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Great! Or, your child may decide that riding is not for her. Whatever the case, the experience of working around and riding a horse has huge benefits. Take advantage of what your local boarding and riding lesson facility can offer you this year! Dana Alley, a lifelong horse lover, enjoys sharing her passion for horses with others through classes and horse shows.

Ice THE

OPENING DAY NOV. 15

AT PARK PLACE

117th & Nall Just North of AMC Town Center in Leawood The Ice at Park Place, JohnsonOPEN County’s Only Outdoor Ice Rink! NOW Open 7 days a week, including holidays HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m. For the latest news and to sign up for weekly e-blasts: www.parkplaceleawood.com | 913.663.2070

For the latest news and to sign up for weekly e-blasts: www.parkplaceleawood.com | 913.663.2070

Ballet and Dance Classes (3 and up) The region’s most respected program for aspiring dancers ages 3 to 19

Our classes help your child learn poise, balance, rhythm, and how to take instruction and work well with others… all under the guidance of our professional, year-round dance faculty.

Introduce movement to your child with excellent starter classes in... • •

Creative Movement (ages 3-5) Pre-Ballet (Kindergarten-3rd grade)

Watch them achieve, grow and develop their skills from Level 1... to Levels 2-3... on up through Levels 4-7

Two Convenient Locations!

Union Station

Pershing

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

W. 95th St.

W. 97th St.

Nall Ave.

I-3

94th Terr.

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

Broadway

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

•

Academy semesters begin every fall and spring with convenient payment options. Call 816-931-2299 or visit www.kcballet.org/school for a complete list of classes.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

E D U C AT I O N

LEARN NEW THINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

ackpacks, alarm clocks and schedules, oh my! School is in session, and kids are traipsing through school hallways and bringing home homework. Sometimes, however, kids’ minds need to stretch in unique and exciting ways. Consider some other “classrooms” around the Kansas City metro area that provide opportunities for your kids to learn and grow in ways beyond regular school offerings.

Artrageous (www.ArtrageousKC.com) in Prairie Village offers photography classes (as well as drawing, architecture, collaging, sculpture, even fashion illustration). Local artist and teacher Julie Flanagan provides a fun and creative atmosphere while covering all aspects of a child’s creativity. Contact Julie via email at missjulie@artrageouskc.com or call 913.642.8122 for more class information.

Snap This! How does your child see the world? Give him a chance to show you through the eye of a lens. The Kansas City Art Institute (www.KCAI.edu) offers digital photography classes to the 9-11 and 12-14 age groups, as well as drawing and cartooning for the younger ones. They have two campuses: Main Campus located at 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO and a North Campus located at 1801 NW Platte Rd., Riverside, MO.

Earn Their Keep If your child is hitting the tween years and thinking about starting a babysitting career, a great way to prepare is with a first aid/babysitting class.

Kids also can take an online photography class, such as Discovering Digital Photography or Secrets of Better Photography, at Metropolitan Community College-Longview (http://MCCKC.edu). Most classes are $99 and last for six weeks.

Another venue for babysitting training is through the American Red Cross. Registration for their one-day training can be done through www.RedCross.org. First aid, CPR and AED training are also offered.

get more!

Located in Johnson County, Blue Valley Recreation holds a Babysitting 101 class for kids ages 11-14. Students will learn skills in first aid, emergencies, personal safety and baby care. Register online at www.BlueValleyRec.org.

Trying to find a great private school, day care or preschool in your area? Search the “Education Guide” on www.KCParent.com.

18 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Coterie Theatre

The Great Outdoors One of the very best classrooms is the nature that surrounds us. Give your kids a new appreciation for the world around them at the Ernie Miller Nature Center (www.ErnieMiller.com). The center hosts a variety of workshops and classes, such as Go Green Worm Bin Workshop, archery, map and compass and survival hike. They also have Little Cedar Theater, which gives kids a new way to learn about nature through storytelling. At only $5/student, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers seasonal and year-round classes. Kids participate in short hikes, stories and hands-on activities in their outdoor classroom. You can find their calendar of events this fall at www.artsandrec-op.org; click on the Friends of the Arboretum tab for more details. Each season, Powell Gardens (www.PowellGardens.org), located off Hwy. 50 near Kingsville, MO, offers youth, as well as the young-at-heart, a

chance to learn the wonders of nature in an uplifting setting. Something Different If your kids are interested in something unique, check out these courses! The North Kansas City Community Center offers child yoga for ages 4-8. It provides breathing techniques for self-calming, as well as helping with brain balance. They also offer beginner and advanced yoga classes that are open to children 11+ and 13+, respectively.

E D U C AT I O N

Love a New Language Signing is a great way to communicate with your little ones, and it gives them a useful skill for life. Register for classes with Come Sign with Me, an Overland Park-based business (www.ComeSignWithMe.com).

Blue Valley Recreation, located just east of 151st & Metcalf, offers enrichment courses such as Financially Alert Kids and Creative Cooks, as well as a manners workshop. Yes, please! Does your child need to take her dramatic tendencies to the stage? Then the Coterie Theatre is the perfect place for you! With an abundance of locations—Midtown, the Plaza, Lee’s Summit, South Kansas City, Overland Park, Liberty and Parkville—there are classes for all age groups and interests. Find out more at www.CoterieTheatre.org. Overland Park writer Hallie Sawyer is a mother of three and blogger at www.halliesawyer.com/blog.

Brookridge Day School

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

Daily Piglet Race & Pumpkin Popper Launching KC’S REAL PUMPKIN FARM! Wagon Rides

Admission: FREE for 2 and under; $12 for kids 3-12 years; $10 for teens and adults 13-59; $8 for seniors 60+

$1 OFF

FARM ANIMALS

Shaping our future, one child at a time. Ages 3 thru 3rd Grade 913-649-2228 Call for a tour now! • Accredited Kindergarten thru 3rd Grades. • Preschool Accreditation through K.D.H.E. • Parent Friendly Hours - 6:45am to 6:00pm. • Full-time / Part-time Preschool Available. • Minutes away from 69 Hwy., I-35 & I-435.

Kansas School of Excellence in Reading and Mathematics

brookridgedayschool.com

U-Pick Fall Vegetables

Giant Tunnel Crawl Giant Jumping Pillow

included with KIDS $12 ADMISSION

ONE ADMISSION

No photocopies accepted. One coupon per customer per day. No other discounts may be applied. Exp. 10/31/12

Founded in 1968, we offer an affordable private school education KCGOINGPLACES.COM

MUST SEE

KANSAS CITY Right in the very heart of America, Kansas City is a city brimming with possibilities for fantastic family-friendly entertainment and memory making outings. Top to Bottom: The Carlsen Center in Johnson County is known for great entertainment for all ages. On Nov. 16, catch Richard Scarryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Busytown. www.JCCC.edu The Kansas City Zoo keeps getting better, and this year, that means an all new Tiger Trail! www.KansasCityZoo.org The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts brings world-class entertainment to the city and this winter they partner with Starlight to bring The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jan. 16-20. www.KauffmanCenter.org Celebrate KCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cowboy heritage at the American Royal Rodeo, Sept. 6-Nov. 17. www.AmericanRoyal.com. Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association 20 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Top to Bottom: .. The Culture House brings Storling Dance Theatre’s production of The Underground to stage on Feb. 2, during Black History Month. www.CultureHouse.com Celebrate the holidays with the KC Rep’s annual production of Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Nov. 16Dec. 26. www.KCRep.org It wouldn’t be fall without a visit to one of our favorite old-fashioned family-friendly pumpkin patches: Carolyn’s Country Cousins, Johnson Farms, Faulkner’s Pumpkin Patch, Louisburg Cider Mill, and Shuck’s! Visit www.KCParent.com for a complete pumpkin patch guide. The KC Ballet’s holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, Dec. 1-23, is inspiring for all ages. www.KCBallet.com

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

P L AY T I M E

P L AY T I M E WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Coco Key Water Resort Whether the forecast is frightful or favorable, in KC there’s no shortage of year-round family fun!

for lunch and come back. The park’s cafe also offers pizza, sandwiches and beverages.

Monkey Bizness, Olathe Monkey Bizness features multiple bounce areas and a toddler play area. School days present quieter, ideal playtimes for little ones. Parents can play on the equipment with their children “which is actually one of the best parts about coming to our facility,” says Lori Walker, facility manager. Enjoy pizza and play on Wednesday family nights from 4:00 to 8:00.

Awarded the 2012 National Tourist Attractions & Parks Magazine’s “Best Maintained Facility,” Paradise Park prides itself on cleanliness. The ball pit in the Children’s Edutainment Center is sanitized weekly. “We also have a system where kids can put balls into our sanitizing system and watch them be cleaned and put back into the ball pit,” says Jacqueline Sharp, marketing, development and events manager.

Socks are required (also available for purchase). While reentry is not permitted, you can bring a homemade lunch or snacks (no fast food). Monkey Bizness also sells pizza and drinks.

CoCo Key Water Resort, Kansas City Kansas City’s year-round water park, CoCo Key Water Resort (816.737.0200, www.CoCoKeyKansasCity.com) offers fun indoor attractions, making it a great place for some family recreation in the fall and winter. The Shark Slam, Barracuda Blast and Pelican Plunge are three 40-ft. thrilling body and raft water slides for adventure seekers! Guests must be 48” tall to ride down tube slides and 42” tall to ride down the body slide. At Parrot’s Perch, the park also offers slides for those at least 36” tall so little ones can begin to enjoy the fun. You can play for just the day or spend the night. Ask about overnight package bundles with tickets for other local attractions, as well. The water park does offer showers and lockers. Bring your own towels and swim goggles and don’t forget a bit of spending money for concessions and food at the snack bar (you may not bring your own food into the water park).

Worried about germs? Staff clean and sanitize the equipment nightly with Odo-Ban, 409 and Simple Green. Paradise Park, Lee’s Summit Open year-round, Paradise Park includes a rock wall, foam factory, bumper cars and the Children’s Edutainment Center, as well as go-karts, miniature golf and a maze. (Price packages vary.) Moms receive free admission on Mom’s Mondays with the purchase of a child’s admission to the Children’s Edutainment Center. Fall fun nights, Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 14 to Oct. 27, feature an old-fashioned tractor-pulled hayride, hot chocolate and a marshmallow roast. Socks are required in some areas (also available for purchase). Outside food isn’t permitted, but you can leave

get more!

Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe, looks forward to exploring new places and revisiting favorite haunts with her family during the cooler fall days and nights.

Got cabin fever? Check our calendar at www.KCParent.com for indoor outings year round.

22 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

obstacle course, tumble track, trampoline and equipment.

Fun Run

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

Fun Run

1919 Industrial Dr., Liberty, MO 816.781.0386 $ D1 6501a N. Cosby Ave. KC, MO 816.741.0386 $ B2 www.FunRun-4Kids.com Inflatable obstacle course, dual lane slide and bounce houses offer active fun. Enjoy the large toddler area and the Children’s Imagination Village.

KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pgs. 28-29 Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours & directions for each facility.

Game Zone

Open gym time offered for parents to play with their children.

20355 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.390.9993 $ A5 www.GameZoneKC.com Indoor Arcade with a variety of games for many skills and interests. From popular dance machines to time-tested alley bowlers, there is something for the entire family.

Elite Gym

Grapes & Paints

Indoor Fun in KC Advanced Laser Tag

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

Air Zone

7807 N. Oak Trfwy., KC, MO 816.468.9663 $ C2 www.AirZoneKidz.com Inflatables, two obstacle courses and jousting coliseum. FREE Wi-Fi in the café for parents.

Bing! Boing! Bounce!

5006 Parvin Rd., KC, MO 816.223.3792 $ C2 www.BingBoingBounce.com Indoor inflatable play place and bounce house rentals.

Blue Valley Recreation

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

Bounce House Moonwalks

Zona Rosa: 8610 N. Dixson, KC, MO 816.420.0365 $ B2 www.BounceHouseKC.com Children ages 2-12 enjoy this indoor inflatable play zone.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

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

P L AY T I M E

PLAYTIME

Ceramic Cafe

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

Ceramics & Coffeehouse at Paint, Glaze & Fire

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

Chuck E. Cheese

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

A Flip Zone

853 NW O’Brien Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.2636 $ D4 www.AFlipZone.com Occasional open play on the 33-foot

7175 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.314.2650 $$ B4 www.GrapesAndPaints.com A unique social painting studio where you paint a piece of art alongside the instruction of a professional artist (supplies provided, great for groups).

Gymboree Play & Music

Lee’s Summit: 316 SW Blue Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO

10510 Metcalf Ln., OP, KS 913.648.4920 B4 4039 S. Noland Rd., Indep, MO 816.254.6300 D3 15225 W. 134th St., Olathe, KS 913.390.0815 A5 9196 N. Skyview Ave., KC, MO 816.505.0902 $ B1 www.ChuckECheese.com Pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides make a fun time for children.

Coffee Playground Overland Park First Assembly of God

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

Dave & Buster’s

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

Debbie Howard’s Gym

655 N. Somerset Ter., Olathe, KS 913.829.3006 $ www.DebbieHowardsGym.com

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

P L AY T I M E

816.525.7529 D4 Prairie Village: 22 On the Mall, Prairie Village, KS 913.393.0203 B3 Olathe: 12755 S. Mur-Len Rd., Olathe, KS 913.393.0203 B5 Parkville: 180 English Landing Dr., Parkville, MO 816.505.3344 B2 www.GymboreeClasses.com $$ Gymboree offers open play for members and educational classes for young children.

INSIDE SCOOP: DINO O’DELL

Children’s Musician “Basically, I trick kids into learning with music and stories,” says Kansas City’s own Dino O’Dell. “Kids learn best when they are engaged, and they are engaged when the medium is interactive, so I collaborate with a lot of elementary schools and libraries as the assembly guy. And there is always education, like geography, mathematics and astronomy, hidden inside the songs.” See www.DinoOdell.com for his concert schedule. GP: How long have you lived in KC? Dino: I moved to Kansas City from Seattle 15 years ago. I know I’ve become a local because I’m a Royals fan even when we play the Mariners. GP: Favorite kid-friendly places in Kansas City: Dino: The Plaza Library (4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.701.3481) is a great place for family night. On Friday evenings, our family enjoys dinner at the Mixx, and then the library always has a show or activity at 6:30. GP: Favorite family-friendly KC restaurant: Dino: Eden Alley (707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.5415) has a children’s play section with toys and stuffed animals. We get to actually chew our food while junior is distracted by feeding a cucumber to a miniature stuffed giraffe. GP: Best pizza: Dino: Waldo Pizza. Love it. GP: Best ice cream: Dino: Glacé Artisan Ice Cream (4960 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.1117) is high end, but their list of flavors is like eating a Bernie Botts Every Flavored Bean. Here are just a couple of examples: salted pretzel ice cream and Farmer Bob’s sweet corn ice cream. GP: Best barbecue: Dino: Oklahoma Joe’s (3002 W. 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS, 913.722.3366). Despite the gas station ambience, the line for their barbecue stretches to the parking lot on a busy night. 24 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Irene B. French Community Center Indoor Playground

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

Jumping Jax

12022 Blue Valley Pkwy., OP, KS 913.469.5867 $ B3 www.JumpingJaxParties.com Indoor inflatable play facility and birthday party venue. Parents enjoy the lounge, featuring free coffee, Wi-Fi and a big screen TV.

KC Clay Guild

200 W. 74th St., KC, MO 816.363.1373 $ C4 www.KCClayGuild.org Make your own pottery. Learn to use potter’s wheels and painting techniques.

Kid Zone

1255 SW State Rte. 7 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.5439 $ D3 www.KidZoneKC.com An open play center featuring bouncing inflatables, a giant slide, trampolines and more.

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me Program”

13420 Oak St., Shwn Msn, KS 913.541.0209 $ B4 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Preschool toys and activities keep little ones busy. Call for schedule.

Leaping Lizards

11943 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS 913.782.5973 $ A4 www.LeapingLizardsParty.com Leaping Lizards is an indoor inflatable party and play destination.

Little Monkey Bizness

12219 Shwn. Msn. Pkwy., Shwn Msn, KS 913.631.7000 $ B3 www.LittleMonkeyBizness.com Little Monkey Bizness is a full-service coffee house overlooking a nearly

4,000-square-foot play area for kids, including a separate arts & crafts room.

Matt Ross Community Center Indoor Playground

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

The Maze Craze

Zona Rosa 7331 NW 86th Terr., KC, MO 816.587.6293 $-$$ B2 www.TheMazeCraze.com Find your way through our spectacular, mystical Mirror Maze. Climb, crawl and slither your way through the lasers in the Laser Maze!

Mercury Gymnastics

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

Monkey Bizness

The Great Mall of the Great Plains: 20080 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.780.2500 $ A5 www.MonkeyBizness.com Kids will never get bored of climbing, bouncing, swinging and sliding at this inflatable play place.

My Gym

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

Paradise Park

see pg. 23 for ad

1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.5224 $ D4 www.Paradise-Park.com Kansas City’s premier family destination has indoor and outdoor fun for everyone, including children’s edutainment play and discovery area, maze (new), go-karts, jr. go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, rock climbing wall, foam factory, bumper cars, game room, café and coffeehouse.

Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church

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

Space Bound

16509 Cornerstone Belton, MO 816.331.5867 $ C4 www.SpaceBoundLLC.com Indoor inflatable playground with wi-fi for parents too.

Spring Hill Community Center

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

Sylvester Powell Community Center Indoor Playground

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

Toddler Town

Roger T. Sermon Community Center: 201 N. Dodgion Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7370 $ D3 www.ci.independence.mo.us Ride-on toys, slides, ball pit, indoor playground, blocks and toys offer fun for youngsters. Call for schedule.

Urban Arts and Crafts

4165 North Mulberry Dr., KC, MO 816.234.1004 $$ C3 www.urbanartsandcrafts.com Classes in many favorite arts and crafts including knitting, crochet, beading, handwork and more.

Westport Roanoke Community Center Midtown Play Place Potter’s Haven Art Studio

5 SW 4th St., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.9323 $ D4 www.PottersHavenArtStudio.com Paint your own pottery shop.

Potter’s Obsession

13035 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.941.2555 $ C5 www.PottersObsession.com A pottery and mosaic teaching studio.

Power Play

13110 W. 62nd Ter., Shwn Msn, KS 913.268.7200 $ B3 www.PowerPlayKC.com Enjoy more than 80,000 square feet of rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade games, bowling, go-karts, a toddler area and cosmic golf.

Pump It Up

7230 W. Frontage Rd., Shwn Msn, KS 913.236.7867 $ B3 www.PumpItUpParty.com

Have fun in gigantic inflatable-filled arenas for open play. Private party rooms available as well.

Sadlers Indoor Racing

325 N. Mur-Len Rd., Olathe, KS 913.768.7700 $ A5 www.SadlersIndoorRacing.com Indoor go-kart course offers fun & thrills.

Shawnee Civic Centre Open Gym

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

Skyzone Sports

6495 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.213.5900 $ A4 www.kansascity.skyzonesports.com An indoor trampoline facility with open play hours for all ages.

3601 Roanoke Rd., KC, MO 816.784.5200 $ C3 www.KCMO.org Enjoy the indoor playground, blocks, gym mats and toys. Call for schedule.

Xtreme Gymnastics & Trampoline

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

Y.E.S! Kids Fitness

1251 NE Rice Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.0058 $ D4 http://YesKidsFitness.com Family nights, a fitwall, fitness classes and parents’ night out are offered.

Zonkers

Great Mall of the Great Plains: 20070 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.393.3535 $ A5 www.ZonkersArcade.com Enjoy this indoor amusement park

P L AY T I M E

Belton Grandview and KC Railroad

Planning a birthday party?

For KC’s best party places, log on to

www.KCParent.com

and search for PARTY GUIDE.

with kiddie roller coaster, carnival rides, carousel, train, token arcade games and batting cages.

Zonkers-Arcade

Oak Park Mall: 11149 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.894.6900 $ B4 www.TheNewOakParkMall.com A diverse mix of arcade games includes ticket redemption games, prize redemption games, video games, racing games, inflatables and many more.

Outdoor Adventures Belton Grandview and KC Railroad

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

KC Northern Railroad

5940 NW Waukomis Dr., KC, MO 816.746.5663 $ B2 www.KCNRR.com Three 16-inch gauge trains restored and operated by volunteers run on a half-mile track through tunnels that are sure to make your children smile.

Midland Railway

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

Worlds of Fun

4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Nowhere else in the Midwest has such a huge collection of awesome rides. From thrilling roller coasters to the new Planet Snoopy, there’s something for everyone. KCGOINGPLACES.COM

WHERE KIDS CAN

MAKE GIFTS IN KC ‘T

is better to give than receive. Homemade gifts from the heart are always the most loved by grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers. This year, celebrate friends and family at a local venue where children create one-of-a-kind gifts for family, friends and teachers. Best of all, your children will enjoy giving their own creations to those they love!

all ages, so parents and children can participate together. They also offer Santa’s Lil’ Craft Workshops with holiday gift-making in mind!

MAKE A MASTERPIECE

Scrapbooking is all the rage with moms, but teens can get in on the act too! Grandparents would love a scrapbook of favorite memories, a cute ornament or card. Archiver’s (www.ArchiversOnline.com) offers classes in scrapbooking, stamping and card making, and they occasionally offer free projects too!

Create family keepsakes at Ceramics Coffeehouse @ Paint, Glaze and Fire (located at the south end of the Metcalf 127 Shopping Center, 913.661.CLAY, www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net). This is a paint-your-own pottery shop where children can paint their own ceramic masterpieces. They’ll be able to choose anything from piggy banks to plates, mugs to picture frames and many holiday pieces, as well. Find many more paint-yourown pottery studios in KC on pg. 23. Creativity and originality abound at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which offers a series of classes for children to make handmade original gifts this holiday season. Register online for children’s classes at www.Nelson-Atkins.org. Another great art spot is the HodgePodge Art Workshop (www.HodgePodgeWorkshop.com) which offers workshops in batik, candle-making, soap-making, mosaic and ceramics. Best of all, many of their classes are offered for 26 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Budding artists will enjoy honing their skills at ARTichokes (www.artichokeskc.com), where painting classes are offered for all ages, including classes to make gifts.

For fun cards, bows and wrapping accessories, take your children to Kaleidoscope (www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com), Kansas City’s own FREE art center for children. Operated by Hallmark, Kaleidoscope overflows with materials to make cards, crafts and fun holiday projects. Best of all, they offer FREE walk-in sessions for all ages. Simply check Kaleidoscope’s calendar for details.

CRAFTY CREATIONS From sewing to painting, homemade ornaments to crochet, local arts and craft stores offer classes for all ages and all skill levels! Michael’s Arts & Crafts Stores

CULINARY DELIGHTS

JoAnn

Does your child dream of becoming the next Emeril or Rachael Ray? Are you a bit hesitant to turn kids loose in your kitchen? Have no fear! Dream Dinners (119th & Metcalf, 913.491.6733, www.DreamDinners.com) comes to the rescue. This holiday season, plan a parent-child date night to make freezer meals for your friends and family. Are you the mom who prefers store-bought cookies to baking your own at home? Your child can master the art of baking and decorating gingerbread cookies at Lee’s Summit’s A Thyme for Everything. Register in advance at 816.554.3755 or www.AThymeForEverything.com. Or take a class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City (www.KCCulinary.com), where children (and adults) can learn kitchen skills ranging from the most basic baking to gourmet cuisine. Then, let your children create tasty delights for their loved ones at home.

BEGINNING BUILDERS Twice a month, kids can participate in the Lowe’s Build and Grow (www.LowesBuildAndGrow.com) projects on Saturdays 10:00-Noon. Kids complete a wooden project (kits provided) and earn a red apron and patch. Or, on the first Saturday of each month, 9:00-Noon, try the Home Depot Kids’ Workshops (www.HomeDepot.com) for children ages 5-12, where children build a take-home project and receive an orange apron and an achievement pin. Both FREE programs provide the children with a kit to create their own project. Many of the projects make great gifts for grandparents, siblings and teachers. Children learn basic carpentry skills and leave with a sense of achievement and a completed project.

(www.Michaels.com) offer special events in November and December to make a variety of holiday projects perfect for teacher gifts, grandparents and friends. Simply visit www.michaels.com for a current schedule. JoAnn offers simple classes and more complex sewing, quilting, knitting and crochet. Visit www.JoAnn.com for info. In addition, both stores offer free demos on weekends for projects you can make at home. You can also sign up for free classes through the Mid-Continent Public Libraries (www.MyMCPL.org), where several local branches offer workshops throughout the year for children to make cards and gifts for friends and family.

Bonus Tip: Looking for the perfect gift for your child? Consider a gift certificate for a class at one of the venues in this guide! They’ll love learning something new.

Kids Camps in KC The NEW KC Going Places Online Guide has over 500+ great destinations -- view Google Maps, photos, video and reviews at www.KCParent.com/Going-Places/

2246 W. 134th St. Overland Park, KS 66221 Atchison (1) Belton (3)

913-550-1254

Gardner (2) Kansas City (31) Kearney (1) Leawood (12) Merriam (2)

7631 E. 104th St. Kansas City, MO. 64112

Mission (5)

816-233-0124

Lee’s Summit (15)

Overland Park (38) Parkville (8) Cass (17) Jackson (54)

13276 Walnut St. Lee’s Summit, MO. 64112 816-904-1675

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

Johnson County Museum

Now a Permanent Exhibit for Kids! FREE!

Shawnee Mission Parkway & Lackman Road Shawnee, Kansas 66217 913.715.2550 www.jocomuseum.org

10-ACRE

Pumpkin Patch

Made with QRHacker.com

CIDER MILL

SINCE 1977

OPEN 7-DAYS-A-WEEK: Visit our web site for hours, to Shop, or for more information.

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053

& Country Store

AMAZING AMAZING 10-ACRE 10-ACRE

WITCH CORN MAZE Open Thru October 31

• Hay Bale Maze • Teepees • Farm Animals • Straw Fort • Play Area • Live Music & Bonfire on selected evenings • Wagon Ride & More! < Aerial view from 500 ft.

www.louisburgcidermill.com 913-837-5202 28 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Maze With Puzzling Clues

*Map not to scale.

California Guitar Trio and Montreal Guitar Trio 7 p.m., Sun., March 3

Yardley Hall

1 2

Six virtuoso guitarists from four countries – Japan, Canada, Belgium and the United States – fuse more than 40 years of combined performing experience into one unique six-by-6-string “phenomensemble.”

www.jccc.edu/TheSeries

913-469-4445

Performing Arts Series Johnson County Community College

NO ONLINE FEES • FREE PARKING

4 HOT TIP: Each listing in Going Places includes the map coordinates to help you find the nearby attractions! For instance, Kansas City Zoo (p. 31) is located at C4 on this map.

D KCGOINGPLACES.COM

N AT U R E

N AT U R E get lost in the woods should check the area rules before you take things home. Be sure you can identify poison ivy (don’t worry about poison oak or sumac—we don’t have them here). Geocaching and letterboxing add a different dimension to a hike. Geocaching and letterboxing send hikers on a journey to discover a plastic box containing small objects or stamps and a log, called a cache or letterbox.

Overland Park Arboretum

all is a great time to take a hike. From state parks to city parks and natural areas to conservation areas and sanctuaries, there are many places to go and “get lost” in the woods. For destinations, you can check out the Missouri Department of Conservation’s site (www.MDC.MO.GOV), the Missouri State Park site (www.MOStateParks.com/Find-a-Park) or the parks and recreation sites for Johnson County or Wyandotte County (www.JCPRD.COM and www.wycokck.org/parks/) in Kansas. Hiking Kansas City by William B. Eddy and the Hiking Guide to Kansas by John Young are also some resources to consider. If you want to head out of town, many great wooded nature areas are within a day’s drive. Weston Bend State Park is one of my favorite forests to visit in the fall, because the river bluffs provide great fall color viewing. Don’t think that all you can do in the woods is look at the colorful trees. Families can enjoy many other activities in the forest. I like to keep a journal of the things I see on my hikes. It can be as simple as a list of wildlife, or it can include rubbings, photographs or sketches. In some instances, small things like dead leaves, shells, etc. can be collected; however, you

get more!

Letterboxing was invented in 1854 in England. It uses a series of linguistic clues, sometimes in the form of tricky riddles, to lead you to the location of a letterbox. The letterbox has a log and a stamp unique to that letterbox. Letterboxers also have their own unique stamps with which they mark found letterboxes. The goal is to collect as many letterbox stamps as you can. Geocaching clues are in the form of coordinates. Most geocachers use GPS devices to find caches, but area maps can also be used. Most caches include a log book to sign and small inexpensive objects. When a cache is found, an object is taken, another object is left and the log book is signed. Many geocache and letterbox locations are collected online at websites for the hobby. Consulting such a site can be very helpful on your treasure hunt. Websites to learn more about these hobbies: www.Geocaching.com, www.Opencaching.com, www.Letterboxing.org as well as www.Atlasquest.com. Scavenger hunts are also fun. Family members can compete to see who can find the most objects on their trip. Scavenger hunts also help improve observation skills. Some nature areas have scavenger hunts for visitors to complete. If you would like to try something different, make your own scavenger hunt for another family member to complete. Whatever you choose, have fun hiking this fall. Heather Shields is a lifetime Kansas City native, naturalist and science teacher at Ruskin High School.

Kansas City is home to many FREE nature centers. Log onto www.KCParent.com and click on Calendar to find special events at these centers.

30 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Legend: FREE $ (Under $40 for Family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for Family of 4) KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pgs. 28-29 Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours & directions for each facility.

Animals & Zoos American Royal Museum

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

Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary

7300 W. Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.795.8177 Free D4 www.Burroughs.org A library and bird watching center complete with guides to identify local birds, binoculars and great viewing areas. see pg. 15 for ad Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and Educational Center

3783 Hwy. K68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5515 $ B5 www.SaveOurSiberians.org A preserve for tigers and a refuge for big cats which are abandoned, neglected or whose owners are unable to care for them. Keepers at Cedar Cove are educated and trained in the care of Large Exotic Felines or “Big Cats.” Their goal is to ensure that all the felines at the facility are maintained in a stress-free environment and are not exploited.

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

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

Faulkner's Ranch

10600 Raytown Rd., KC, MO 816.761.1234 $-$$ C4 www.FaulknersRanch.com Enjoy hayrides, sleigh rides, trail rides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo and more.

Green Dirt Farm

20363 Mount Bethel Rd., Weston, MO 816.386.2156 Free A1 www.GreenDirtFarm.com Tour the farm and learn about grassfed lambs, sheep, milk and cheeses.

Kansas City Zoo

Faulkner’s Ranch

N AT U R E

NATURE

see pg. 56 for ad

6800 Zoo Dr., KC, MO 816.513.5800 $ C4 www.KansasCityZoo.org In 2010, the KC Zoo welcomed Nikita the polar bear in a state-of-the-art polar bear passage exhibit. In 2011, the African Sky Safari was the newest attraction. And 2012 brought the new Sumatran tiger exhibit. Also visit animals from Africa, Asia, the Tropics and North America. Watch elephants paint or enjoy the sea lion show.

Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure

Fleming Park: US 40 & Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.229.8980 Free D4 www.JacksonGov.org View the 110-acre enclosure where elk, buffalo and deer roam freely.

Screamin’ Oaks Farm

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

Sea Life Kansas City

see pg. 55 for ad

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 16.471.4386 $$ C3 www.sealifeus.com Discover over 5,000 sea creatures in 30 incredible displays at Kansas City’s aquarium! Come nose to nose with sharks in the underwater tunnel. Experience a touch pool where you can hold a crab and touch a starfish. Learn more about sea life through fun talks and feed shows throughout the day every day!

Kauffman Memorial Gardens

4800 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.932.1200 Free C3 www.PowellGardens.org The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is an exquisite garden featuring fountains and sculptures among lush and colorful flowers.

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park

5200 Pennsylvania Ave., KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free C3 www.KCMO.org KC's rose garden features hundreds of roses with a fountain as its centerpiece.

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

1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO 816.697.2600 $ D5 www.PowellGardens.org Set on more than 915 acres, Powell Gardens is a botanical garden with a year-round calendar of special events and classes for the entire family to enjoy.

Nature Centers

Linda Hall Library Urban Arboretum

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

5109 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.926.8747 Free C3 www.LindaHall.org Urban garden on UMKC’s campus features a butterfly garden.

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

Plants & Gardens

National Agricultural Hall of Fame

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

Shatto Dairy Farm

Beanstalk Children’s Garden

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

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

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

1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.3766 Free D3 www.MDC.mo.gov One of the largest nature centers in the Metro, Burr Oak Woods features hands-on exhibits for children, an aquarium with Missouri fish, live animals and nature trails. KCGOINGPLACES.COM

N AT U R E

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

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

Ernie Miller Nature Center

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

INSIDE SCOOP: BRETT ANTHONY

KCParent.com blogger Brett Anthony, the morning meteorologist for 41 Action News, says, “Yes, I forecast the weather but I cannot control the weather, so don’t blame me for any upcoming winter snowstorms! This year, I will be busy coaching Upward flag football and getting ready for the St. Jude’s Memphis marathon. I am running as a St. Jude hero, raising money to fight childhood cancer.” GP: Your family’s favorite destination in KC: Brett Anthony: So far, Worlds of Fun. Every year we go back there seems to be something new for the kids to enjoy. At first, the boys liked Camp Snoopy (now the new and improved Planet Snoopy); now they are looking forward to roller coasters. GP: Favorite family-friendly KC restaurant: Brett Anthony: Fritz’s at Crown Center (2450 Grand Blvd., #135, Kansas City, MO). Nothing beats getting your food delivered by a train. GP: Favorite park in KC and why: Brett Anthony: Shawnee Mission Park (7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS). Great trails, picnic areas and fishing.

F. L. Schlagle Library

mounted wildlife. The grounds feature nature trails, butterfly and water gardens and an arboretum.

Lakeside Nature Center

4701 E. Gregory Blvd., KC, MO 816.513.8960 Free C4 www.LakesideNatureCenter.org Enjoy an incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish and invertebrates.

Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

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

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

George Owens Nature Park

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

1601 S. Speck Rd., Indep, MO 816.325.7115 Free D3 www.GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org Enjoy programs for children, fishing dock and trails. One of the features is a “Storybook Trail” where you read pages from a giant children’s book as you walk the path.

John Barkley Visitor Center

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

Kemper Outdoor Education Center

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

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

Prairie Oak Nature Center

14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.681.0902 Free B5 www.Leawood.org/parks The Nature Center features hands-on activities for children and several live animals, including a king snake.

Prairie Park Nature Center

2730 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 785.832.7980 Free A3 www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/ppnc Investigate animal exhibits, from reptiles to amphibians to birds and mammals. The hands-on center for preschoolers features nature puppets, puzzles and hands-on activities.

George Owens Nature Park

GP: Must-see KC attraction for out-of-town guests: Brett Anthony: The Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO). You can spend the day there. GP: Best-kept secret in KC: Brett Anthony: The Rub BBQ (10512 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS). Their food is outstanding. GP: Best fall tradition in KC: Brett Anthony: Old Settlers Days in Olathe. Great kettle corn, booths and usually great weather! GP: Best Christmas tradition in KC: Brett Anthony: Crown Center, because of the decorations, the mayor’s Christmas tree and the skating rink. Brett Anthony and other parents blog daily at www.KCParent.com. Join the conversation today! 32 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Shatto Dairy Farm

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS MUSEUMS FOR THE MODERN FAMILY

Nerman Contemporary Art Gallery Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

ansas City is a great place to live. In addition to nonstop festivals and activities, our region boasts a wide array of fun and engaging opportunities for families in the many museums KC offers. Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City Laura Taylor, museum educator for the Toy & Miniature Museum of KC, bubbles with enthusiasm while discussing opportunities available to families. “The miniature gallery is brimming with miniature replicas of some of the most celebrated works of art in the world. You can visit Louis XV’s glittering study in the Palace of Versailles, experience the quiet solace of Federico da Montefeltro’s Liberal Arts Studio in Italy and peruse the nooks and crannies of a colonial mansion—all in an afternoon at the Toy and Miniature Museum.” A unique place for informal learning and fun, the museum also hosts hands-on sessions for “toy makers” of all ages. Children will spend time enraptured by the Rube-Goldberglike machine in the marble room and the full range of dolls, while adults laugh as they pore through the antique toys and board games, reminiscing with one another, “I remember when…” Shoal Creek Living History Museum The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is an exciting place for families to visit the 1800s. Standing inside the grounds of Hodge Park near Liberty, the village consists of more than 20 authentic 19th century buildings that take visitors back in time. While the grounds are open daily for self-guided walking tours, families really get a sense of the past during one of the museum’s many events. Summer programs help children see what school was like for our ancestors, while the October Harvest Festival is a real, old-fashioned county fair, complete with baked goods contests and sack races. With reenactments and activities scheduled throughout the year, Shoal Creek Living History Museum provides an opportunity to see living history at its finest.

Nerman Contemporary Art Gallery Johnson County Community College’s campus boasts a family-centered art museum buzzing with activity. Guided tours for children and family groups, available via the museum’s website, include a variety of hands-on elements to enhance children’s learning experiences with the diverse collection of artworks. Karen Gerety Folk, the museum’s curator of education, points out the Early Explorations and Contemporary Creations classes, where, on Saturdays from October through April, students explore and discuss identified pieces of art, then return to the classroom to create “unique finished projects inspired by the art in the museum.” JCCC is hailed as one of the top 10 college campuses for public art in America, with “outdoor sculpture and paintings, ceramics, photography and works on paper installed throughout the campus.” Shawnee Indian Mission In Fairway, KS, history still stands in a 12-acre National Historical Landmark dating to the early 1800s. There, visitors learn where “Shawnee Mission” got its name: in a time of American expansion when many Native Americans faced a changing way of life, the children of Shawnee, Delaware and other Indian nations attended manual training at the Shawnee Mission in three of the now-oldest buildings in the state. This fall, the mission will celebrate its 26th Fall Festival on Oct. 13-14 and the Holiday Open House on Dec. 1. Visit the Kansas Historical Society’s website for schedules and a calendar of events. Liberty mom Kimberly Brownlee loves visiting local festivals with her family to learn about culture, gain insights into history and eat amazing food!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS & TOURS

Innovative art exhibitions and related programming to engage the community through art.

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

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Arts American Jazz Museum

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

Crossroads Art District

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

KC Jewish Museum of Contemporary Art

5500 W.123rd St., OP, KS 913.266.8413 FREE www.KCJMCA.org

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

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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

Nerman see pg. 2 for ad Museum of Contemporary Art

12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.3000 Free B5 www.NermanMuseum.org This 41,000-square-foot museum is the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region, hosting 16 temporary exhibitions annually. Ask for a children’s guide at the front desk to enrich your experience. Additionally, the museum houses the 200-seat Hudson Auditorium, Café Tempo, two classrooms, a museum store and a New Media Gallery.

Stocksdale Art Gallery

500 College Hill, Liberty, MO 816.781.7700 Free D1 www.Jewell.edu Regional and national artists are featured at William Jewell’s Campus Art Gallery.

UMKC Gallery of Art

5100 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.235.1502 Free C3 cas.UMKC.edu/art/gallery-contact.asp The gallery features temporary exhibits on 20th century American and European art.

Children’s Museums Children’s Peace Pavilion

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

Exchange City & EarthWorks

8300 NE Underground Dr., KC, MO 816.974.6110 Free C2 www.ECEWKC.org Children learn social studies firsthand as they participate in city government through hands-on activities. Environmental activities are also presented. Call to book tours.

Kaleidoscope

2500 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8301 Free C3 www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Children create their own unique works of art. Operate a jigsaw puzzle machine, watch paint magically dry, create in a glow-in-the-dark world & more! see pg. 55 for ad LEGO®Land Discovery Center

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com A fun, highly interactive and educational indoor experience, ideal for families with children 3-10 years old. LEGO®Land Discovery Centers provide a range of interactive play areas, including 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; exciting LEGO rides; as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings of Kansas City.

Puppetry Arts Institute

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

Wonderscope Children’s Museum

5700 King St., Shawnee, KS 913.287.8888 $ B4 www.Wonderscope.org Enjoy interactive exhibits featuring science, art, music and technology.

Historic Sites, Museums and Tours 1827 Log Courthouse

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

1859 Marshal’s Home and Jail Museum

217 N. Main St., Indep, MO 816.461.1897 $ D3 www.JCHS.org One-room schoolhouse, Marshal’s home, 1859 jail and museum.

see pg. 28 for ad 1950s All-Electric House

6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.715.2550 $ A4 www.JoCoMuseum.org Whether you’re a child of the Fifties or just curious about lifestyles from this nostalgic era, the 1950s All-Electric House offers an eye-opening look at the technology of the times. Showcased inside are futuristic gadgetry like a hid-

Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association 34 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

the main battlefield is located at present-day Loose Park. Visit the website for a driving tour map.

Airline History Museum

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

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

Alexander Majors Home

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

Amelia Earhart Birthplace

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

Arabia Steamboat Museum

Battle of Westport Museum

Belton Historical Society & Museum

512 Main St., Belton, MO 816.322.3977 $ C5 www.MainStreetBelton.com View artifacts preserving the history of Belton, including the story of Carrie A. Nation, the Shawnee Indians and Order No. 11.

Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum

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

Berlin Wall Monument

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

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

Atkins-Johnson Farm 6508 N. Jackson Ave., Gladstone, MO 816.423.4108 $ C2 www.AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com The farm is in the process of restoration and will depict farm life in the mid-1800s.

Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Battle of Westport Memorials

4000 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 913.345.2000 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The Civil War Battle of Westport was fought Oct. 21-23, 1864. The center of

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

Black Archives of Mid-America

1722 E. 17th Terr., KC, MO 816.701.3590 Free C3 www.BlackArchives.org Call to schedule a tour of the collections featuring the works of black artists, writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

For the most up-to-date museum events, go to

www.KCParent.com and click on Calendar.

MUSEUMS

den television, electric curtain opener, a garage door opener and “the year ‘round” air conditioner…known as the heat pump.

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

INSIDE SCOOP: FAIRY PRINCESS

Kansas City Museum The Fairy Princess has been visiting Kansas City every winter since 1935 to grant children’s wishes for the holiday season! Girls and boys come from all over to celebrate the holidays with the Fairy Princess. Every year, she is at the Kansas City Museum (3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO) on the first three weekends in December, to take pictures with the children of Kansas City. The children also enjoy making crafts and bringing home fun treats. GP: Favorite park in KC: Fairy Princess: I love the beautiful Kessler Park that is nestled next to the museum. It has one of the most wonderful sledding hills in Kansas City. If you’re lucky enough, you just might see me ride down the hill. GP: Must-see KC attraction for out-of-town guests: Fairy Princess: The iconic Cliff Drive (www.CliffDrive.org) that runs through the historic northeast Kansas City community. It’s a beautiful, scenic drive through nature, in an urban setting! GP: Best fall tradition in KC: Fairy Princess: Halloween in the Northeast. Approximately 7,000 people will line Gladstone Boulevard by the museum for a safe trick-or-treating experience. The museum holds a Fairy Princess costume contest each year, and I’ve been known to come down from the North Pole to check out the gorgeous princess costumes. GP: Best Christmas tradition in KC: Fairy Princess: Well, visiting me, the Fairy Princess, of course! KC families have been visiting the princess since 1935 at Klein’s Department Store! Parents and grandparents all throughout KC remember getting their wishes granted and then sharing the experience with their children! GP: Best date night for parents: Fairy Princess: Hard Hat Happy Hour at the museum. It’s truly one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in. You get to see the beautiful architecture of the museum and parents can taste some wines from the Cellar Rat.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

MUSEUMS

Fort Osage

Harris-Kearney House

Frontier Army Museum

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 816.650.3278 $ D2 www.JacksonGov.org/FortOsage Built in 1808, this was the first U.S. outpost in the Louisiana Purchase. Osage Indian history and early military history are depicted through exhibits and special events. 100 Reynolds Ave., Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.684.3767 Free A1 www.FFAM.us Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi. Learn about the history of the Frontier Army from 1804 to1916 and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present.

Grandview Historical Depot Museum

Missouri Town 1855 Burnt District Museum

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

Clay County Courthouse

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

Clay County Museum

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

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

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

Dillingham-Lewis Home

101 SW 15th St., Blue Springs, MO 816.224.8979 Free D4

www.BlueSpringsHistory.org Tour a 20th century pioneer home to see how early settlers in Jackson County lived.

Ensor Farmsite and Museum

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

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum

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

Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum

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

First City Museum

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

36 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

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

Grinter Place State Historic Site

1420 S. 78th St., KC, KS 913.299.0373 Free A3 www.KSHS.org A trip to Grinter Place isn’t just a look inside the oldest home in Wyandotte County. It’s a step back to the days of frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border.

4000 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 816.561.1821 $ C3 www.WestportHistorical.com Tour the 1855 house that served as a hotel in old Westport and stands now as one of Kansas City’s oldest landmarks.

500 US Hwy. 24, Indep, MO 816.268.8200 $ D3 www.TrumanLibrary.org The Presidential Library depicts the history of the Truman administration and events surrounding the Truman presidency.

Herbert Bonnell Museum

20755 Lamar Rd., Weston, MO 816.386.5587 Free A1 www.WestonMo.com Tour an 1874 working farm and museum.

Historic Liberty Jail

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

Historic Pharis Farm

20611 EE Hwy., Liberty, MO 816.736.8500 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Learn about the Pharis farm of 1836, when Fielding Bell, the son of a Revo-

Toy and Miniature Museum

Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

MUSEUMS

lutionary War veteran, migrated to Clay County, MO, from Mason County, KY.

Irish Museum & Cultural Center

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

Jackson County Historical Society Archives

Jackson County Courthouse, Main & Maple, Independence, MO 816.252.7454 Free D3 www.JCHS.org The archives house Jackson County documents dating back to 1840. Harry S. Truman, frontier trails, the Civil War and local outlaws are the focus.

Jesse James Bank Museum

103 N. Water St., Liberty, MO 816-736-8510 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMo.gov Visit the site of the first U.S. daylight peacetime bank robbery.

Jesse James Farm & Museum

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

John Wornall House Museum

6115 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.444.1858 $ C4 www.WornallHouse.org Tour the 1858 mansion and learn about its role in the Battle of Westport. John Wornall was a state senator and civic leader, and his home tells the story of Kansas City’s beginnings.

Johnson County Kansas Archives

19310 W. 159th St., Olathe, KS 913.715.0400 Free A5 www.archives.JoCoGov.org Archives of Johnson County, KS, history are open to visitors. see pg. 28 for ad Johnson County Museum

6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.715.2550 Free A4 www.JoCoMuseum.org This museum includes permanent and changing galleries, including KidScape, a wonderful hands-on child-size city for kids to explore. The museum is a great place to spend the day learning about Johnson County’s history.

National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial Kansas City Gangster Tour

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

Kansas City Historic Garment District Museum

801 Broadway, KC, MO 913.205.8520 $ C3 www.KCGarmentMuseum.org The museum tells the story of Kansas City’s garment factories from the 1920s through the 1980s.

Kansas City Missouri City Hall

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

Kansas City Museum

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

KC Rail Experience

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org The KC Rail Experience is a hands-on

journey through the exciting history of the American railroad that shaped the destiny of the Kansas City region and the nation as a whole.

outbuildings and a visitor’s center. Programs in the schoolhouse feature a costumed schoolteacher who recreates a 1904 school experience.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Kansas City

Leavenworth National Cemetery

Washington Square Park: Pershing & Grand Blvd., KC, MO Free C3 www.MoKoreanWarMemorial.org The Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department donated land for the construction of the memorial. It will be funded by private donations and is currently under construction.

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

Korean War Veterans Memorial Overland Park

Leavenworth Trolley Tour

11902 Lowell Ave., OP, KS 913.888.2497 Free B5 www.KWVA.org The KWVA Memorial features an engraved wall honoring the fallen and missing soldiers of the Korean War. The rock piles on the site were erected to represent Korea’s battlefields.

Korean/Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Wyandotte County Park: 91st St. & Leavenworth Rd., KC, KS 913.596.7077 Free A2 www.WyCoKCK.org America’s first dual war memorial is dedicated to veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. see pg. 28 for ad Lanesfield School Historic Site

18745 Dillie Rd., Edgerton, KS 913.893.6645 Free A5 www.JoCoMuseum.org The Lanesfield School Historic Site is a tribute to rural schooling. It consists of a restored one-room schoolhouse,

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1331 $ A1 www.VisitLeavenworthKS.com Tour Leavenworth and learn her history from Ft. Leavenworth to the invention of the American carousel to the stories of its early citizens.

Lee’s Summit Railroad Museum

220 SE Main St., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.9440 Free D4 www.LeesSummitHistory.net A collection of local artifacts dating back to the 1890s is housed in an old depot.

Legler Barn Museum

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

Leila’s Hair Museum

1333 S. Noland Rd., Indep, MO KCGOINGPLACES.COM

MUSEUMS

816.833.2955 $ D3 www.LeilasHairMuseum.com Check out this curiosity: 159 wreaths and more than 2,000 pieces of jewelry made of human hair, dating to before 1900.

Tour a one-room schoolhouse, where school continued to meet through the Civil War, and a historic church.

National Frontier Trails Museum

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

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

see pg. 29 for ad Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial

Lone Jack Battlefield Museum

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

Missouri Town 1855

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

Mount Gilead Church & School

15918 Plattsburg Rd., Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 Free D1 www.JesseJamesMuseum.org

100 W. 26th St., KC, MO 816.784.1918 $ C3 www.TheWorldWar.org The Nation’s only WWI museum features interactive exhibits depicting the war. Artifacts, weapons and films explain the history of the war and memorialize the soldiers who served.

Oxford Schoolhouse

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

Pioneer Trails Adventures

223 N. Main St., Indep, MO 816.254.2466 $ D3 www.PioneerTrailsAdventures.com Enjoy a mule-drawn covered wagon ride as you learn about the city’s history and famous citizens including Wild

Bill Hickok, General Sterling Price and Harry Truman.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

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

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

Rice-Tremonti Home

Strawberry Hill Museum

Raytown Historical Society and Museum

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

Rosedale Memorial Arch

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

Shawnee Indian Mission

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

Shawnee Town 1929

11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org An active, fun place where visitors of all ages learn what it was like to live in Shawnee in 1929. Experience a typical day in and around the farm town.

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

Thomas Hart Benton Home

3616 Belleview, KC, MO 816.931.5722 $ C3 www.mostateparks.com Tour the home of one of Missouri’s most famous artists. See the artist’s studio and work firsthand. see pg. 7 for ad Toy and Miniature Museum

5235 Oak St., KC, MO 816.333.9328 $ C3 www.ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org The 38-room house boasts the largest collection of nostalgic toys, fine-scale miniatures and marbles in the Midwest. This specialty museum is just a few blocks south of the renowned Country Club Plaza. The young and young-at-heart will be whisked back in time through displays of the toys that defined generations.

Truman Courtroom and Office

Jackson County Courthouse, Main & Maple, Rm. 109, Indep, MO 816.252.7454 $ D3 www.JacksonGov.org Tour the office and courtroom used by Mr. Truman in his early years of elected politics. Closed for remodeling.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Truman Farm Home

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

Truman Home

219 N. Delaware, Indep, MO 816.254.9929 $ D3 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Tour the home of President and Mrs. Truman where they lived. The apple green kitchen, simple furnishings, untouched calendar and family collections reflect their lifestyle. Photo credit: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 38 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

College Basketball Experience

MUSEUMS

more than 27 years ago, and where it is still made today - right before your eyes!

1401 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.949.7500 $ C3 www.CollegeBasketballExperience.com Hands-on exhibits place visitors in game-like situations, from sinking the game-winning shot to announcing the action from the ESPNU broadcast desk.

Hallmark Visitors Center

Truman Home UFDC Doll Museum

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

Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Federal Courthouse

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

U.S. National Archives

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

Vaile Mansion 1500 N. Liberty St., Indep, MO 816.325.7430 $ D3 www.VaileMansion.org Guided tours are offered of the 1882 Victorian mansion. Veterans Memorial Park 1025 S. Harrison, Olathe, KS 913.971.6263 Free A5 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec/ This 4-acre park honors the men and women who served America in the Armed Services. The park features a walking trail and memorial bricks, tiles and benches honoring veterans. Veterans Park

Center & Pawnee St., Gardner, KS 913.856.7535 Free A5 www.GardnerKansas.gov

The park features a Veteran’s memorial as well as park facilities: playground, trail, basketball court, etc.

816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org Planetarium shows for the entire family.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

KU Natural History Museum

43rd & Broadway, KC, MO 816.561.8387 Free C3 Dedicated in 1986 to all Vietnam veterans, with a special salute to veterans from KC, the memorial includes a wall with the names of 336 area veterans killed or missing in action.

Watkins Woolen Mill

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

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

10297 W. 263rd St., Louisburg, KS 913.837.5305 $ B5 www.askc.org/powell.htm Powell Observatory is home to the largest telescope in a five-state area. The main telescope has a 30-inch mirror and is available for public viewing.

Weston Historical Museum

Science City at Union Station

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

Wyandotte County Historical Society and Museum

631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.721.1078 Free A3 www.WYCoKCK.org Hands-on exhibits and artifacts depict the history of Wyandotte County and Native Americans.

Science Museums and Sites Gottlieb Planetarium Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO

Powell Observatory

30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.ScienceCity.com Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to outer space, music to optical illusions, medicine and weather.

Special Interest Museums & Tours Armacost Car Museum

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

Chip’s Chocolate Factory

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

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.5672 Free C3 www.HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com Discover the story of Hallmark from humble beginnings in 1910 to the creation of this world-famous company through interactive displays and fascinating exhibits.

Harley Davidson Assembly Plant

11401 N. Congress Ave., KC, MO 816.270.8023 Free B1 www.Harley-Davidson.com Tour the factory and watch the assembly of Harley Davidson motorcycles firsthand. See robotics utilized in the assembly of America’s motorcycle.

Kansas City Board of Trade

4800 Main St., Suite 303, KC, MO 816.753.7500 Free C3 www.KCBT.com Tour one of the country’s largest commodities and futures exchanges.

Moon Marble

600 E. Front St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.441.1432 Free A3 www.MoonMarble.com Watch marble making, learn marble games and visit the store with old-fashioned toys. Special events throughout the year feature marble artistry and competitions.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.221.1920 $ C3 www.NLBM.com The museum is dedicated to the history of Negro Leagues Baseball with interactive exhibits for all ages.

Royals Hall of Fame

Kauffman Stadium: 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.504.4222 $ C3 http://KansasCity.Royals.MLB.com An education and entertainment venue that includes artifacts, photos, documents and videos tracing the history of Royals baseball, along with unique multi-media interactive experiences. KCGOINGPLACES.COM

SHOWTIME

SHOWTIME If Walls Could Talk:

An Inside Look at Local Theaters

f walls could talk, you might be surprised what local Kansas City theaters could say.

The Folly Theater has undergone drastic changes since its inception in 1900. Originally known as the Standard Theater, this 2,400-seat auditorium was built for a cool $250,000 to showcase vaudeville acts. Through the years, a broad variety of entertainment has graced its stage, including comedians, acrobats, dancers, prizefighters and, in its heyday, stars such as Humphrey Bogart and the Marx Brothers. By mid-century however, the “Grand Old Lady of Twelfth Street” had begun offering less-than-wholesome entertainment and was subsequently “bombed” when a stick of dynamite was placed in one of the theater’s drainpipes. It seemed the theater was destined for demolition as later plans were revealed to pave a parking lot in its place. Thankfully, vast renovations were undertaken, and the Folly continues to thrive more than a century later, with events like the Folly Kids Series and the Folly Jazz Series, making it once again the crown jewel of the downtown district. Municipal Auditorium is a triple threat venue. If its streamline modern architecture appears familiar, it is because the archi-

The Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity

tects responsible also designed another local art deco icon, the KCP&L Building. Municipal’s arena is home to the Kansas City Roller Warriors and has hosted multiple sporting events over the years. Since its opening in 1936, the 7,300-seat arena has also hosted events ranging from rock concerts to U.S. presidential campaigns. Its sister stage, the Music Hall, is a popular venue for touring symphonies and Broadway shows and also houses a 1927 Robert-Morton theater pipe organ. Adjacent to these two halls you will find the Little Theatre, an octagonal ballroom with a private balcony room, used primarily for formal events. The Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity knows something about making diamonds out of coal. Designed by Jarvis Hunt in 1913, the Union Station Power House supplied coal-powered energy to the station and other nearby buildings. Ninety-six years later, through careful preservation and a massive expansion, the new Todd Bolender Center is a rich marriage of modernity and historicity, with design elements such as ash shoots and coal hoppers in the children’s dressing rooms. The Center houses seven studios and a 180seat theater. And while the Kansas City Ballet calls the Bolender Center home, its doors also welcome aspiring dancers who hope to shine like sparkling diamonds though the center’s line of classes. One of the newest venues in the area has been turning heads over the past year. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the- art complex boasting two theaters, Helzberg Hall and the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. The Kauffman Center strives to enrich the Kansas City community by providing rich and diverse performing arts experiences. Free tours are available, allowing one to marvel at this local wonder. Resident companies include the KC Ballet, KC Symphony and the Lyric Opera. A vast array of family favorites includes the symphony’s Family Series and the ballets’ everpopular Nutcracker, performed every December. Lauren Greenlee loves living in a community so rich in the arts. She writes and resides in Olathe.

get more!

Kansas City musicians & entertainers offer free & cheap performances year round. Visit www.KCParent.com and click on “Calendar” for the latest!

40 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

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

Carlsen Center at JCCC

see pg. 2 for ad

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

12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.4445 $$ B4 www.JCCC.edu Concerts, ballet, live theater, puppet shows, and performances from around the world grace the Carlsen Center stage. Enjoy performances for the whole family. From legendary performers like Lyle Lovett, Shirley MacLaine and Garrison Keillor to a performance of Shrek-The Musical, the Carlsen Center offers something for everyone.

Dance, Music & Theatre

Christian Youth Theater

KC – Kansas City OP – Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pgs. 28-29

American Girl Drama Team

Various locations: Lee’s Summit area. 816.204.5702 $ D4 http://AGDT.blogspot.com AGDT is aimed at girls ages 8-12, and a teen class for girls 13 and older. Public performances are held seasonally.

American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center

2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 314, KC, MO 816.842.9999 $$ C3 www.AHTKC.com Take in live professional theatre performances.

Avila College Goppert Theater

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

Barn Players Community Theatre

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

Bell Road Barn Players

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

Big Creek Country Show

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

City Theatre of Independence

201 N. Dodgion, Indep, MO 816.325.7370 $ D3 www.CityTheatreOfIndependence.org Live community theater for all ages includes children’s shows.

Comedy City

817 Westport Rd., KC, MO 816.842.2744 $ C3 www.ComedyCity.cc Improv comedy shows are geared for the entire family. Check schedule for show descriptions.

Coterie Theatre

see pg. 42 for ad

Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 144, KC, MO 816.474.6552 $ C3 www.CoterieTheatre.org The Coterie, a professional Equity theatre, is among the top five theatres serving families and young audiences in the United States, according to TIME magazine. The mainstage season consists of six full productions: three for older students (junior high and high school) and adults, and three for younger audiences and families.

The Culture House

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

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

Blue Springs City Theatre

Dramatic Truth Ballet

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

SHOWTIME

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

INSIDE SCOOP: HEATHER LOEWENSTEIN

StoneLion Puppet Theatre Heather Loewenstein dreams up the puppets and shows StoneLion Puppet Theatre performs around town and around the world. She created the 20-ft. orca whale and the giant icebergs on Brush Creek last spring. She is excited to be part of the group that performed 287 shows for kids and families last year—with plans to top that this year! This fall, StoneLion performs a really fun Halloween show at Crown Center, Power and Light, Gladstone and more every weekend. All shows are free to the public. Learn more at www.StoneLionPuppets.org. GP: What is your family’s favorite place in KC? Heather: My son and I spend hours and hours exploring the Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO). What a great place to learn about our planet, and ride a train or boat, all with enough space to run off kid energy and have quiet talks. GP: Must-see KC attraction for out-of-town guests: Heather: The World War I Museum (100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO). World class museum built to engage young minds and old on a very important subject. GP: Best-kept secret in KC: Heather: Piropos Happy Hour (1 W. 1st St., Parkville, MO). Reasonably affordable wine choices, awesome appetizers like empanadas and fish tacos and the best view looking out over the river from the deck on the hill. They even have fire pits if it’s a chilly fall evening. GP: Best fall tradition in KC: Heather: Bike trails to see the fall color. There’s Weston, Longview Lake, Shawnee Mission. Every autumn we discover a new one. GP: Best date night for parents: Heather: Screenland Armour (408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO). A quiet place to go snuggle on a couch with your honey and a glass of wine. You can watch a great film on the big screen! KCGOINGPLACES.COM

SHOWTIME

Excelsior Springs Community Theatre

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

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

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

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC

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

Puppetry Arts Institute Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

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

KC Ballet

see pg. 17 for ad

Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity: 500 W. Pershing, KC, MO Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.931.2232 $$ C3 www.KCBallet.org A 25-member professional ballet company performing three mixed repertory seasons per year as well as the ever-popular Nutcracker. The ballet’s new home, Kansas City Ballet’s Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, in conjunction with a new stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, is poised to make Kansas City a true destination for dance.

KC Chamber Orchestra

Various performance locations 816.960.1324 $$ C3 www.KCChamberOrchestra.org Classical music is performed by KC’s chamber orchestra. Jan 22- Feb 21, 2013

Feb 23-Mar 10, 2013

KC Friends of Alvin Ailey

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

KC Repertory Theatre

Apr 9-May 24, 2013

Jun 18-Aug 4, 2013

816 • 474 • 6552 Share the

UNEXPECTED

www.c oterietheatre. org

Located on Level 1 of the Crown Center Shops

42 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

see pg. 45 for ad

4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 www.KCRep.org Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the professional theatre in residence at UMKC, continues its four-decadeslong tradition of presenting works that are compelling, passionate and imaginative. Each season offers new productions for all ages, including the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol.

KC Starlight Theatre 4600 Starlight Rd., KC, MO 816.363.7827 $$ C3 www.KCStarlight.com Starlight features Broadway shows, live concerts, touring productions and educational programs. KC Symphony

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

KC Young Audiences

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

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

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

Lyric Opera

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.4933 $$ C3

Martin City Melodrama

9601 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.642.7576 $ B4 www.MartinCityMelodrama.org Live Vaudeville-style theater is sure to leave the entire family laughing!

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

3614 Main, KC, MO 816. 569. 3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre providing a full season of shows for the public.

Midland Theater

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

Northland Symphony Orchestra

Park Hill South High School: 4500 River Park Dr., Riverside, MO Oak Park High School: 825 NE 79th Ter., KC, MO 816.420.3137 $ B2 www.NorthlandSymphony.org Enjoy notable symphony performances.

Olathe Civic Band

Various Locations 913.856.9916 Free-$ B3 www.OlatheCivicBand.org Live musical performances for the community.

Olathe Community Theater

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

Paul Mesner Puppets

Miller-Marley School of Dance

1006 Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.756.3500 $ C3 www.PaulMesnerPuppets.org Puppet shows offered all year to delight young audiences! Audiences from 3 to 93 will enjoy these performances sure to make children laugh.

Musical Theater Heritage

Piccadilly Puppets Various Locations 913.837.3544 $ www.Piccadilly-Puppets.com Touring puppet company performs shows across the KC Metro area.

10448 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.492.0004 $ B3 www.MillerMarley.com Local youth offer live dance performances. Off Center Theatre: 2405 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.5524 $ C3 www.MusicalTheaterHeritage.com MTH presents classic musical theater and revue performances. These are professional productions using all local talent and are presented in concert or semi-staged form.

Mystery Comedy Dinner Playhouse

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

Mystery Train

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

New Theatre Restaurant

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

Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

SHOWTIME

www.KCOpera.org Attend live professional opera performances.

Puppetry Arts Institute

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

Quality Hill Playhouse

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

Roving Imp Theater

ECM Building on KU Campus 1204 Oread Ave., Lawrence, KS 913.441.2309 $ A3 www.RovingImp.com The Roving Imp Theater is an improvisational comedy troupe.

Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park

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

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

Theatre for Young America

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

Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre

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

UMKC Conservatory of Music

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

UMKC Theatre

4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2702 $$ C3 www.UMKC.edu/Theatre UMKC college students offer live theatre performances.

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

Follow Kansas City Parent Magazine on Facebook for the most up-to-date ideas for family fun and great deals in Kansas City.

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Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BEST IN KANSAS CITY

tured on HGTV’s “All Out Christmas” show. Watch videos of the Ultimate Tree to see a sneak preview. The Ultimate Tree turns on Thanksgiving night around 8:00. After that, it will turn on at 5:30 every night and stay on until 10:00—except Fridays and Saturdays when hours are extended until 11:30. It runs through the first week of January. This display is more than 30 minutes long if you watch in its entirety. Bring some cocoa and cookies for the fun!

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

Downtown City Lights

Country Club Plaza

ost displays operate from Thanksgiving through Christmas from sunset (5:30) to 10:00; however, there are a few exceptions. Check websites to verify times.

Christmas in the Park Longview Lake Park (I-470 & View High Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.503.4800) Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10:00; Friday & Saturday, 5:30-11:00; Thanksgiving Eve-Christmas This display is outstanding and worth the drive, even if you live 30-45 minutes away. It is also extremely popular, so weeknights are best to avoid a long wait to see the display. Beware of deer en route as many live nearby! And, you can make an evening of it with dinner at Next Door Pizza (3385 SW Fascination Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO), where kids eat free on Monday nights and they make their own pizza!

Downtown Kansas City Convention Center Area (Barney Allis Plaza, 12th & Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO, www.downtownkc.org) The Christmas lighting display encompasses Barney Allis Plaza and several nearby buildings, including the Downtown Marriott Hotel, which features spectacular computer-generated holiday images across its 22-story facade.

Vince & Associates Animated Lights Vince & Associates Clinical Research (101st & Metcalf, Overland Park, KS) This Christmas light display is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light show your children will love! Turn your radio to the station listed on their sign and watch the show! Tip: Park at Emanuel Baptist Church (directly across the street) for the best view!

Northern Lights at Zona Rosa

Country Club Plaza (Info Center: 4745 Central, Kansas City, MO, www.countryclubplaza.com) Kansas City’s Christmas tradition begins with a lighting ceremony from 6:00 to 7:00 Thanksgiving evening (complete with fireworks). Enjoy more than 80 miles of lights. The best view is atop the Halls parking lot! Enter from the Southeast corner (on Wyandotte) to drive to the top.

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

The Ultimate Tree

Gospel in Christmas Lights (Chicago Street Lights)

Country Club Plaza

In Overland Park, KS. Visit www.theultimatetree.com for a map. The Ultimate Holiday Tree™ is a giant flat panel Christmas tree lighting display with thousands of LED bulbs. Enjoy a light show synchronized to music with animation, lighting effects, patterns and messages. This must-see display was fea44 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Chicago Street in Blue Springs (the 1-mile-long display begins at Hwy. 7 & Walnut St. in Blue Springs, MO) This display, through a Blue Springs neighborhood, depicts the story of Jesus in Christmas lights. Animated lighted figures tell the story from His birth to the Resurrection.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK the best tools and gadgets for foodies

Crown Center Shops

o you make it a habit to keep Bon Appetit, Rachael Ray, Gourmet Magazine, and Cooking Light on your nightstand right next to your most current copy of KC Parent Magazine? Can you spend hours searching for the best recipes on the internet? Are you raising a future Emeril or Julia Child? If you are a foodie at heart, you’ll love these local shops specializing in the best gadgets, tools and tips for the budding chef in you!

Pryde’s of Old Westport (www.prydeskitchen.com, 115 Westport Rd., KCMO, 816.531.5588). Pryde’s, a family-owned Kansas City original since 1968, specializes in gourmet housewares and kitchen & home accessories. You’ll discover unique selections of cookware, bakeware, kitchen gadgets and tools for preparing food from every culture and cuisine. A Thyme for Everything (www.athymeforeverything.com, 229B SE Main St., Lees Summit, MO, 816.554.3755). This quaint shop in Lee’s Summit’s Historic Downtown shopping district offers gourmet ingredients, kitchen tools and cookbooks. Many of

their products encourage your budding jr. chefs... including Sassafras Kids Cooking Kits, cookie cutters, kids’ cookbooks and more. The shop also offers cooking classes by area chefs and cookbook authors for adults and children. Function Junction (www.functionjunction.com, 3rd Floor - Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO, 816.283.3033). Function Junction, a Kansas City company since 1977, specializes in “cool cooking stuff.” The unusual and unique is the name of their game. The shop also offers cooking classes and special events for the foodie-in-you to learn new techniques and ideas. Williams-Sonoma (www.williams-sonoma.com, Two KC Locations: Leawood Town Center Plaza 5204 W. 119th St., spaces 2105 to 2100, Leawood, KS, 913.345.1989 & Country Club Plaza 4764 Broadway KCMO. 816.561.4358). Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a nationally recognized retailer of gourmet cookware specializing in high quality stylish products. The local stores also host special events and classes. Now You’re Cookin’ (109 Main St., Parkville, MO, 816.505.2338). You’ll feel like you stepped into grandma’s kitchen with the cozy shop right next to Christmas on Main Street (a shop that specializes in holiday decor year-round, just as the name suggests). Now You’re Cookin’ sells kitchen gadgets, cookbooks and decorative items.

We’ve got the

DISH

on where your kids EAT FREE IN KC!

KIDS EAT FREE DINING GUIDE AT

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discovering

buried treasures in the midwest Steamboat

Arabia Muse

Crater of D

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By Kristina Light

The intrigue of discovering a hidden treasure beckons the imagination. If only… Arabia Steamboat Museum: In Kansas City 400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4030 www.1856.com Buried treasure! The prospect holds an allure for the adventurous nature in all of us, and it was just that prospect that inspired the Hawley family, of Kansas City, to unearth buried treasure in 1987. David Hawley knew of the Steamboat Arabia. The boat carried passengers and freight to the Western frontier along the Missouri River, until one fateful day in 1856 when the ship’s paddlewheel caught a tree snag and sank along the nearly impassable Mighty Mo. The Hawleys, inspired by the opportunity to unearth buried treasure, set to work locating and recovering the boat from the river. Now, the remains and treasures of the Arabia are on display at a 25,000-square-foot museum. The cargo of the ship is overwhelming. Visitors are amazed by the number of everyday items, ranging from pickles and ketchup to rubber shoes, sewing supplies, precious jewelry and porcelain dolls. Tools, clothing and personal items are also on display. After viewing the cargo, visitors stand on a full-sized reproduction of the boat’s main deck with its original 46 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

boilers and steam engine, where murals depict life in Kansas City in the 1850s. The museum’s story is one of a great adventure. Museum of World Treasures: 2-3 Hours from Kansas City 835 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS, 316.263.1311 www.WorldTreasures.org Right in the heart of Kansas more than 3,000 treasures await! Fossils, Egyptian mummies, secret treasures from ancient civilizations, rare coins and more are on exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures. Children love Ivan, one of the most complete T-Rex discoveries ever made, and Logan the Tylosaurus, a 40-foot-long sea reptile discovered in Logan County, KS. What makes this museum spe-

Museum of World Treasures

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

cial is the creative way interactive exhibits are incorporated into the education and fun. Visitors explore maps, fossils and ancient relics and learn more about their wonder through the hands-on exhibits the museum offers. Ha Ha Tonka State Park: 2-3 Hours from Kansas City 1491 State Rd. D, Camdenton, MO, 573.346.2986 www.mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park In 1903, Robert Snyder, a wealthy businessman from Kansas City, visited what is now Ha Ha Tonka on a hunting trip. He was captivated by the beauty of the property. A honeycomb of tunnels, caverns, springs, Ozark mountains and beautiful foliage, the land is heralded as one of Missouri’s “seven beauty spots.” Snyder dreamt of building a European-style castle on the property with a beautiful view of the river and bluffs below. In 1905, he started work on the castle. Then, in 1906, tragedy struck and Snyder was killed in an automobile accident bringing the project to a halt. Eventually, his sons completed the castle, using it over the years as a home, summer home and hotel. In 1942, the home caught fire and the interior of the castle was gutted. What remains are the external walls over-

Titanic Museum

looking one of Missouri’s grandest state parks. The park offers beautiful hiking trails, fishing, boating and special events throughout the year, and the remains of the castle are one of the state’s treasures. Titanic Museum: 3-4 Hours from Kansas City 3235 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 800.381.7670 www.TitanicBranson.com The story is etched in memory as one of the greatest tragedies in history. One hundred years ago, the majestic Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic. In 1987, treasures from the sunken ship were rescued from the depths of the sea. Now, the Titanic Museum in Branson houses one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Guests are awarded a boarding pass and then welcomed into the museum where exhibits change every year. One of the most impressive sights is an exact replica of Titanic’s hand-crafted grand staircase. Compare travel for those in third class and those traveling in the luxury of first class. Children will be able to step into the captain’s bridge and take the wheel. And guests young and old are moved by the stories of the survivors of the Titanic. Crater of Diamonds State Park: 7-8 Hours from Kansas City 209 State Park Rd., Murfreesboro, AR, 870.285.3113 www.CraterOfDiamondsStatePark.com Imagine the adventure of hunting for real diamonds and getting to keep them as your very own! Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Visitors explore the 37-acre state park and the remains of its diamond mining history, including the mine shaft building, guard house, equipment and artifacts. Three varieties of diamonds, white, brown and yellow, and more than 40 rocks and minerals (staff will identify them for you) are found at the park. The real fun, however, lies in the quest for treasure! Visitors hunt for diamonds, rocks and minerals, and with the park’s “finders keepers” policy, you may keep every treasure you find!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

SPORTS

SPORTS ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILD’S LOVE OF THE GAME Brookridge Relay Team

merica’s problem with childhood obesity is well known and widespread. Kids are struggling to keep fit and healthy, and parents are struggling to encourage an active lifestyle when so many kids prefer to sit in front of the TV/game system all day. Getting your children involved in sports is a wonderful way to combat a sedentary lifestyle and has so many other benefits, as well. But unfortunately, some kids are dealing with another epidemic: over-scheduling and too much pressure to perform at an early age. So as a parent, how do you foster a love of sports and activity without going too far? Consider these suggestions from local coaches and parents.

ence, skill level and competitive nature. It’s better to start kids in a program they can have some success in. Then the parents can make an assessment, with their child, on the appropriate level of competition their child is interested in and ready for.” Look for a league that encourages good sportsmanship in an encouraging and supportive environment. Good sportsmanship is taught by both words and actions, so parents and coaches should model good sportsmanship behavior.

When parents approach sports with young kids, they should keep in mind that the primary reason kids play sports is to have fun, according to Terry Reuter, area director for i9 Sports. He says that parents should encourage their kids to try different sports so they can figure out what they really enjoy playing. “To make sure they have a good first experience, start them out in an instructional, supportive program that allows them to have fun while they are learning new skills,” Reuter emphasizes. He goes on to say, “It’s important for kids to experience success and be encouraged to keep trying. Make sure the program promises equal playing time for all kids so their child is guaranteed the opportunity to participate fully in a game setting to ensure they can apply what they learned in the practice.”

Once you select a sport or league based on your child’s interests, make sure to stick with it for the season. Chris Copeland, Brookridge swim coach, says, “I believe that a child should learn to understand that a sport requires dedication and commitment.” That means making sure the sport schedule works with both kids’ and parents’ calendars before deciding to try the sport. Sports are just one type of activity that kids should be involved in, though, so make sure that there is time for other interests and good old-fashioned free time when planning your child’s schedule. Let your kids explore different things and settle on their own passion. Even Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, agrees, telling www.Today.com recently, “Children have to do what they enjoy. You have to let your kids find what’s best for them and what their own niche is.”

Also avoid starting kids in a program that is too competitive too early. “There is no quicker way to turn a kid off to sports than to be too serious, too soon,” Reuter says. “Kids need to be in a sports program that matches their experi-

Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her two children who both enjoy sports and a variety of other activities. She limits her kids to one sport per season in order to make sure they aren’t overscheduled and burned out.

get more!

Check out the “Giveaways” on www.KCParent.com for your chance to win FREE prizes! New contests every month!

48 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

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

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

Incred-A-Bowl

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

8500 W. 151st St., Stanley, KS 913.851.1700 $ B5 www.IncredaBowl.com Miniature golf and laser tag also available.

Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pgs. 28-29

KC Bowl

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

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

Bowling

Lucky Strike

Aaron’s Westchester Lanes

1901 W. Mechanic St., Harrisonville, MO 816.380.2920 $ C5 www.AaronsFamilyFunCenter.com

AMF

Strike ‘N Spare Lanes: 13001 E. 40 Hwy., Indep, MO 816.356.1900 $ D3 Northland Lanes: 217 NE Vivion Rd., KC, MO 816.454.2695 $ C2 Pro Bowl Lanes: 505 E. 18th Ave., KC, MO (This location also offers miniature golf.) 816.221.8844 $ C3 College Lanes: 10201 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.451.6400 $ B4 www.AMF.com

Blue Springs Bowl

1225 US 40 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.9994 $ D4

Diamond Bowl

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

Mission Bowl ‘N Olathe

1370 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.2316 $ www.BowlLuckyStrike.com

Lunar Bowl

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

Mission Bowl

5399 Martway St., Mission, KS 913.432.7000 $ B3 www.MissionBowl.com Miniature golf is available as well.

Mission Bowl ‘N Olathe

1020 S. Weaver St., Olathe, KS 913.782.0279 $ www.Olathe.MissionBowl.com

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

Premier Bowling & Recreation Center

11400 E. State Route 350, Raytown, MO 816.356.5955 $ www.PremierBowl.com

Olathe Lanes East

Indoor Pools

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

Blue Valley Rec Aquatic Center A2

Retro Bowl

6545 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ www.BlueValleyRec.org

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

Centennial Pool Plex

Skyway Lanes

Holiday Inn KC Sports Complex: 9103 E. 39th St., KC, MO 816.737.0200 $$ C3 www.CocoKeyKansasCity.com 55,000-square-foot indoor water park features: wading pool with slides for little swimmers, water slides, fast tube ride and activity pools.

5037 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 913.727.6650 $ A1 www.SkywayLanes.com

Sterling Bowl

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

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

Panther Lanes, Inc.

Summit Lanes

803 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.3322 $ www.SummitLanes.com

903 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0110 $ D4 www.BlueSpringsGov.com

CoCo Key Water Resort

Gladstone Community Center

Strikerz Entertainment Center

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

2201 S. Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 816.625.1377 $ D4

1523 W. 89th St., KC, MO 816.363.2700 $ www.WardParkwayLanes.com

Belton Parks Community Center

Ranch Bowl

5604 State Ave., KC, KS 913.287.6000 $ www.RanchBowlKC.com C3

Ward Parkway Lanes

Park Lanes Family Fun Center

SPORTS

Gladstone Bowl

SPORTS

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

Great Wolf Lodge

10401 Cabela Dr., KC, KS 866.640.6353 $$ A3 www.GreatWolf.com Enjoy a four-story interactive tree house, winding lazy river and numerous water slides.

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

Henley Aquatic Center

1231 Windsor St., Indep, MO 816.521.5377 $ www4.Indep.k12.mo.us/Henley/

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC 5801 W. 115th St., OP, KS 913.327.8000 $ www.JCCKC.org

KC MO Parks & Rec Community Centers with Indoor Pools

Gregg/Klice Community Center: KCGOINGPLACES.COM

Roeland Park Aquatic Center

SPORTS

913.432.1377 $ www.RoelandPark.net

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

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center

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

The View

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

Indoor Skate Park 9701 W. 67th St., Merriam, KS 913.262.1234 $ B3 www.KCSkatePark.com Enjoy KC’s indoor skateboard park.

Rock Wall Climbing Emerald City Gymnastics

KC YMCA Locations with Indoor Pools

C3 C3 C3

www.KansasCityYMCA.org Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1 Blue Springs Family YMCA: 1300 Adams Dairy Pkwy., Blue Springs, MO 816.224.9620 $ D4 Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 410 N. Bluegrass Dr. # B, Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2 Indep Family YMCA: 14001 E. 32nd St., Indep, MO 816.254.9622 $ D3 Miami County Family YMCA: 300 11th St., Osawatomie, KS 913,755,3622 $ A5 Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5 Paul Henson Family YMCA: 4200 W. 79th St., Prairie Village, KS 913.642.6800 $ B4 Platte County Comm Center North: 3101 Running Horse, Platte City, MO 816.858.0114 $ A1 Platte County Comm Center South:

8875 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.505.2622 $ B2 Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center: 8601 Parallel Pkwy., KC, KS 913.378.9622 $ A2 Red Bridge Family YMCA: 11300 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.2020 $ C5 Richard C. Green, Sr. Family YMCA: 10301 E. 350 Hwy., KC, MO 816.737.3744 $ C4 Vivion Road Family YMCA: 1101 NE 47th St., KC, MO 816.453.6600 $ C2

Legacy Park Community Center

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

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

Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 $ www.OPKansas.org

Park Hill Aquatic Center 8152 N. Congress Ave., KC, MO 816.741.7963 $ www.Parkhill.K12.MO.us

Roeland Park Aquatic Center 4843 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS

50 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

Skate City South

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

Skate World

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

Skate Zone KC

K C Indoor Skate Park

1600 E. 17th Ter., KC, MO 816.784.1135 $ Southeast Community Center: 3601 E. 63rd St., KC, MO 816.784.3200 $ Tony Aguirre Community Center: 2050 W. Pennway Ter., KC, MO 816.784.1300 $ www.KCMO.org

Skate City Legends

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

IBEX Climbing Gym

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

North KC Community Center Climbing Wall

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

Great Mall of the Great Plains: 20070 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.568.2498 $ www.SkateZoneKC.com

Watson’s Rolladium Skate Center 513 SW Keystone Dr., Blue Springs, MO 816.229.7793 $

Wheel Thing Skate Center 1719 Metropolitan Ave., Leavenworth, KS 913.682.7677 $ www.RollinFun.com

Winnwood Skate Center 4426 NE Winn Rd., KC, MO 816.452.1171 $ www.WinnwoodSk8.com

Batting Cages & Sports Complexes 68’s Inside Sports

Roller Skating Rinks

9111 Flint, OP, KS 913.894.4752 $ B4 www.68InsideSports.com Indoor batting cages offer fun and practice.

B & D South Skate Center

Blackbob Batting Cages

13903 E. Noland Ct., Indep, MO 816.252.1084 $ www.BandDSouth.com

Landmark Skate Center 701 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.2000 $ www.Landmark2Skate.com

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

Blue Valley Rec Batting Cages

North & Main Batting Cages: 9701 W. 137th St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ www.BlueValleyRec.org Hit at outdoor batting cages.

The Fieldhouse of Kansas City

River Roll Skate Center

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

14570 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.971.6263 $ A5 www.OlatheKS.org Outdoor batting cages and outdoor miniature golf.

12140 W 135th St., OP, KS 913.897.4667 $ B5 www.FieldhouseofKC.com State-of-the art basketball, volleyball, and gym facility.

The Fieldhouse of Kansas City

Cosmic Mini Golf

SPORTS

816.358.0088 $ D3 www.CoolCrest.com Miniature golf, arcades, indoor play and a 50’s style pizzeria make it the perfect venue for birthday parties, group events or a night out with family and friends. Great Mall of the Great Plains: 20080 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.764.5565 $ A5 www.GlowMiniGolf.com Indoor miniature golf features glow-inthe-dark black light effects.

Family Golf Park

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

Howl-in-One Mini Golf

Golf Club of Kansas

18145 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 913.888.4894 $ B4 www.GCOfKansas.com Enjoy outdoor batting cages.

Mac-N-Seitz Baseball & Softball

Shoal Creek Driving Range & Batting Cages

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

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

Sports City

Martin City Sports Complex

Tom Urquhart’s School of Baseball

1 E. 135th St., KC, MO 816.942.0505 $ C5 www.MartinCitySports.com Batting cages as well as driving range, miniature golf, volleyball, paintball and more.

Mid-America Sports Complex

20000 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.441.2244 $ A4 www.JCPRD.com Outdoor batting cages offer up fun and practice.

Regal Athletic

121 E. 10th Ave., North KC, MO 816.256.2448 $ C2 www.RegalAthletic.com Try out the indoor batting cages and bullpen.

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

www.AaronsFamilyFunCenter.com Play outdoor miniature golf and enjoy indoor bowling, outdoor go-karts and volleyball.

Cool Crest

10735 E. US Hwy. 40, Indep, MO

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

Parkville Mini Golf

7 W. 1st St., Parkville, MO 816.505.9555 $ www.ParkvilleMiniGolf.com

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

Triple Play Baseball Softball Academy

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

The Yard

624B NE Jones Industrial Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525. 9273 $ D4 http://TheYardKC.com Indoor baseball and softball facility.

Miniature Golf Aaron’s Family Fun Center 17070 Aaron’s Ln., Belton, MO 816.322.0488 $

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SPORTS

The Ice at Park Place

Cosmic Mini Golf

see pg. 17 for ad

11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.663.2070 $ B5 www.DestinationParkPlace.com Bundle up. The Ice at Park Place is the only outdoor ice rink in Johnson County. Available for groups, birthday parties, field trips, and fund raisers, The Ice at Park Place is the perfect wintertime destination. The Ice also hosts great family-friendly events throughout the season.

KC Ice Center Outdoor miniature golf course is set on the Missouri River bluffs.

www.DropZonePaintball.com Outdoor paintball fields offer excitement.

Power Play

Jaegers Paintball Park

13110 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS 913.268.7200 $ B3 www.PowerPlayKC.com Cosmic bowling, arcade games, whirly ball and more.

Smiley’s Golf

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

Tiki Hut Mini Putt

8500 W. 151st St., Stanley, KS 913.851.1700 $ B5 www.IncredABowl.com Indoor mini golf has a tropical theme at the Incred-A-Bowl Family Fun Center.

Paintball 280 Paintball

11611 Hickman Mills Dr., KC, MO 816.767.1650 $ C5 www.280Paintball.com Try out the indoor paintball field.

Drop Zone Paintball

811 E. 23rd St., Lawrence, KS 785.841.1884 $

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

Ice Skating & Snow Sports Centerpoint Community Ice

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 816.795.7577 $ D3 www.IndependenceEventsCenter.com Enjoy year-round skating at the indoor ice rink.

Crown Center Ice Terrace

see pg. 7 for ad

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8411 $ C3 www.CrownCenter.com Kansas City’s only public, outdoor ice skating rink has opens for its 40th season on Friday, November 2. Make memories on the ice with the entire family this winter! The Crown Center Ice Terrace offers great events and specials throughout the season.

Centerpoint Community Ice

19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.441.3033 $ A4 www.KCIceCenter.com Indoor ice skating rink offers yearround fun.

Line Creek Community Center Ice Rink

KC T-Bones Community America Ballpark: 1800 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.328.2255 $ A3 www.TBonesBaseball.com KC’s independent professional baseball team offers a great family outing. Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Blvd., KC, KS 913.328.3300 $$ A3 www.KansasSpeedway.com NASCAR races, car shows and classic car races offer plenty of excitement. Lakeside Speedway

5615 Wolcott Dr., KC, KS 913.299.2040 $ A3 www.LakesideSpeedway.net The half-mile dirt track is part of NASCAR’s weekly racing series.

Missouri Mavericks

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

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

Snow Creek Ski Area

Sporting KC

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

Pro, Semi-Pro and College Sports KC Chiefs

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

KC Comets

1699 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.387.3400 $$ A3 www.SportingKC.com Cheer for KC’s outdoor soccer team.

Thunder Lake Speedway

5501 Wolcott Dr., KC, KS 913.299.2323 $ A3 www.ThunderLakeSpeedway.com Oval dirt go-kart track features driving classes for all ages.

UMKC Kangaroos

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

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Indep, MO 816.478.2255 $$ D3 www.CometsIndoorSoccer.com Kansas City’s indoor soccer team.

KC Explorers

301 W. 13th St. #100, KC, MO 816.513.5630 $$ C3 www.KCExplorers.com Enjoy Kansas City’s world-class tennis team in action.

the ultimate guide to family fun in

fall/winter 2012-13

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KC Royals

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

52 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

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Ski Granby Ranch

TAKING THE DOWNHILL PLUNGE:

destination far

OUR FAMILY’S FIRST SKI ADVENTURE how to ski. We were so pleased that it really was just like riding a bike! By midday, we were back to skiing on blues and blacks with no problems. One feature we really appreciated about Ski Granby Ranch is that onlookers can see the ski school participants right at the bottom of the basin. My husband and I would snatch glimpses of the kids throughout the day, and all four seemed to be finding success. Plus, we enjoyed an incredibly fun day just skiing with each other. At 3:00, we picked up the kids, who were all chattering about how much fun they had and how great the lunch was at ski school.

fter talking about it for a few years, we finally did it: We took our large family snow skiing. At one time, my husband and I were very good skiers, but that was 25 years ago. With our four kids now ranging in age from 6 to 12 (and our own bodies adding years all too rapidly), we thought now was a perfect time to give this great winter sport a family try. Lots of research came first—we wanted to find just the right location for our big ski trip. We knew we wanted a family-oriented place where all the ski runs drop down into one basin and where a roomy ski-in condo doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. After much investigation, we settled on Ski Granby Ranch at Granby Ranch, CO (www.GranbyRanch.com). Because our kids hadn’t learned to ski yet, on our first day we drove down to the base where ski school was, instead of skiing straight from the condo to the lift. But we had hopes that by midweek we’d be able to swoosh out in the morning and back in later in the day. The instant we pulled up, we were immediately greeted by a worker at Ski Granby Ranch who made us feel quite at home. Ski Granby Ranch’s ski school is known for its “direct to parallel” way of teaching instead of the traditional “wedge posture”, and we were eager to see this progressive teaching approach’s success. After dropping off the kids, my husband and I were off to see just how well our mid-40-year-old bodies would remember

Before the lifts closed at 4:00, we skied briefly with our children. I was amazed how even my 6-year-old could get on and off the lift by herself after just one day in ski school. After skiing, we hit the hot tub, had dinner and, happy but exhausted, climbed into bed by 8:00. Because Ski Granby Ranch’s ski school is so affordable, we decided it would be good for all the children to do ski school one more day. This turned out to be a great decision, because by Tuesday afternoon, all four were skiing quite well. They could easily go on all the green slopes and some blues and were able to ski right to our condo! On Wednesday, we decided to mix up the fun a bit and go tubing at Colorado Adventure Park in Fraser (www.ColoradoAdventurePark.com). On our last day, we decided to walk down memory lane and head over to Winter Park (www.WinterParkResort.com) for a day of skiing where I had skied several times in high school. It was pretty much just as I remembered it: big, beautiful and boasting numerous beginner/intermediate slopes for our family to ski together. The day was a bit blustery with 13 inches of fresh snow falling the night before, but the fresh powder was breathtaking. We also visited Winter Park Village and enjoyed all of the kid- and budget-friendly activities like free s’mores, playing in the ice sculpture and free ice skating lessons (as long as we rented our own skates). We made so many amazing memories on our trip—and didn’t break any limbs! Overland Park mom Susan Gimotty enjoys vacationing with her husband and four children. KCGOINGPLACES.COM

5 FAVES FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING IN KC

T-Rex Café T-Rex Cafe (1847 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, 913.334.8888) features life-size dinosaurs and theatrical prehistoric settings. Animatronic dinosaurs “come to life” in this oneof-a-kind restaurant among waterfalls, aquariums, flowers and ice caves, all just waiting to be explored. The food also focuses on the dinosaur theme with Jurassic Salad, Lava Me Tender, Gigantasaurus Burger and our favorite dessert—the Chocolate Extinction, a delicious fudge volcano that is part chocolaty goodness and part fabulous volcanic presentation rolled into one! Minsky’s Pizza Minsky’s has been serving gourmet pizza in Kansas City since 1976 (www.Minskys.com for locations). They serve fresh pizzas on handrolled dough with generous portions of fresh ingredients. Families love the Leawood location (12920 State Line Rd., Leawood, KS, 913.317.9965), where a magician and balloon artist entertain Saturdays from 6:00 to 8:00. Fritz’s One of Kansas City’s landmark restaurants since 1954, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, offers three Metro locations (www.FritzsKC.com) and unforgettable experiences. At this favorite eatery, model trains deliver food right to your table,

get more!

and children receive their own engineer caps! Enjoy burgers, fries and shakes at this top pick for Kansas City kids. Genghis Khan If you love to experiment with ingredients, you’ll love Genghis Khan (3906 Bell St., Kansas City, MO, 816.753.3600 or 8634 N. Boardwalk, Kansas City, MO, 816.587.8883), Kansas City’s original Mongolian BBQ. Patrons of all ages create their own bowl of stir-fry from a buffet of ingredients. Suggested recipes are posted, and the buffet is all-you-can-eat, so you may try a variety of combinations. The final step is handing over your bowl of stir-fry to a chef who cooks the meal right before your eyes on a sizzling hot grill in the ancient Mongolian tradition. Sakura Sakura (7474 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.962.6361) is a fun way to introduce kids to Japanese food. If you feel a little uncertain when ordering sushi, Sakura offers the solution... the Sushi Train! A train rolls along at the sushi bar where customers grab their own sushi Fritz’s off the train (buffet style). You can see exactly what you’re about to eat, removing much of the mystery from sushi ordering and making it more appealing when introducing sushi to kids. You can order small plates with a few pieces selected from the train—a great way to sample sushi!

For a list of Kids Eat Free deals all over KC, visit KCParent.com.

54 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013

NOW OPEN at Crown Center!

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Save $2 off admission at SEA LIFE Kansas City up to a maximum of 5 guests with this coupon. Terms & Conditions - Please present the coupon when purchasing tickets. This discount is not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers and can not be used with online or pre-booked tickets. Duplication or sale of this offer is prohibited. No cash value. Not redeemable for cash or credit.Valid until 4/30/2013. Reference-1014

Terms & Conditions - Please present the coupon when purchasing tickets. This discount is not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers and can not be used with online or pre-booked tickets. Duplication or sale of this offer is prohibited. No cash value. Not redeemable for cash or credit.Valid until 4/30/2013. Reference-1015

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KANSAS CITY ZOO HELZBERG

Penguin Plaza Opening late 2013!

2013 FOTZ MEMBERSHIPS Available November 1st!

OPEN DAILY | 816.513.5800 | kansascityzoo.org

TIGER TERRACE

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

56 kc going places | fall & winter 2012-2013