KC Going Places Spring/Summer 2018

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

spring/summer 2018

kcgoingplaces.com

BETTER THAN EVER WHAT’S NEW IN KC

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING FEAST ON TASTY LOCAL DISHES

NATURAL WONDERS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

517

WAYS TO EXPLORE KANSAS CITY

STEP INTO THE CONVERSATION Visit the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the largest collections of antique toys. Enjoy hands-on activities every Wednesday and Saturday this summer, June 13-August 11.

You rock!

Thanks, doll.

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

“Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” Visitors’ Choice Awards – Visit KC

Fun for the Whole Family!

SO MUCH TO SEE & DO

at Union Station!

• World-Class Touring Exhibits: The Art of the Brick – Closes May 28 Your Prehistoric Journey Begins in Early July • Internationally Awarded Science Center: Daily Demos & Activities •Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium: Twin 4K, State-Of-The-Art Projectors & New Educational Shows • Extreme Screen Theatre: Educational & Feature Films on Largest Screen in Midwest • Model Train Exhibit: “Best Kept Secret in Missouri” • Year-Round Special Events and Celebrations • Restaurants, Retail and So Much More!

Plan Your Visit: UnionStation.org

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 Go See Kansas City

Explore the best our city has to offer

16 Fabulous Festivals and Fairs

Fun awaits at seasonal fairs

18 New and Improved Kansas City

Local attractions just keep getting better

20 Must-See KC with Kids

Districts with something fun for everyone

Eat across town—a food lover’s paradise

One-of-a-kind local hot spots

Creative classes across the metro

22 Farm-to-Table Dining

24 Cruising KC’s Unique Hangouts 26 Learn New Things

14

62 50 Fun Ways to Enjoy KC

The ultimate KC bucket list

GO PLACES

CREATIVE PLACES

30 paint, sew, make things 32 culinary experiences 33 art museums

FUN PLACES

34 amusement parks, arcades and entertainment centers 35 children’s museums and indoor playgrounds

ADVENTUROUS PLACES

38 zip lines, rock walls, obstacle courses

and sky diving 38 trampoline parks and bounce houses 39 wheels, water and sky 40 escape rooms and mystery theater

10

HISTORIC PLACES

SCIENCE PLACES

42 history museums and tours 48 science museums 48 zoos, aquariums and farms 49 gardens 50 conservation centers

THEATRICAL PLACES

52 live theater, dance and entertainment

SPORTS PLACES

56 pro, semi-pro and college sports 56 bowling 57 pools 60 skating 60 sports museums/complexes

22

64

Best Day Ever

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Fashion, flavor and fun for the whole family are never far away!

Shop Crazy 8 and Carter’s/OshKosh, treat yourselves to something tasty at Auntie Anne’s or Cold Stone, and play the day away at Dave & Busters.

LegendsShopping.com | Follow us

editor’s letter

K

ansas City is my hometown, and for years I enjoyed hearing stories from my grandparents of their adventures in our town. Now, I’m proud to share KC adventures with my own family.

I was there for the opening day of the Timber Wolf, Kansas City’s first wooden roller coaster, and I was ecstatic to be one of the first to ride this fierce thriller. The Timber Wolf has undergone a makeover, and now my daughters are excited to ride the revamped coaster with a new finale featuring a high-speed, over-banked, 70-degree turn.

Coasters are just one fun adventure awaiting visitors to Kansas City. Zip KC offers unforgettable adventures for riders as they zip through the treetops in Bonner Springs.

KC Copters offers breathtaking views of the city’s downtown.

If you love old-fashioned fun, the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad takes passengers on great train rides with fun themes, including hot dog and ice cream rides. The city is also home to many beautiful lakes, gardens and parks, many hosting great festivals throughout the season. You’ll find a guide to our favorite festivals on pg. 16. My family looks forward to Celebration at the Station, the Festival of Butterflies, the Brookside Art Annual, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival every year.

For history buffs, we recommend a festival at Missouri Town 1855 or Shawnee Town 1929, a visit to the Truman Home and Presidential Library and a day at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Art lovers will want to plan an entire day at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and then make time for First Fridays in the Crossroads, a stop at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kemper Museum.

A visit to Kansas City would not be complete without visiting downtown, where you can enjoy shopping at Crown Center, creating art with children at Kaleidoscope, taking a trip to the top of the tower at the National WWI Museum and Memorial and visiting Union Station. As you explore downtown, take a ride aboard the free KC Streetcar, where you can enjoy stops along the way, including the KC Power & Light District and City Market.

These are just a few of the things I enjoy about Kansas City.

You’ll find many more as you flip through the pages of KC Going Places.

Welcome to Kansas City! We’re happy you’re here and we hope you love it just as much as we do! kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

spring/summer 2018

kcgoingplaces.com BETTER THAN EVER WHAT’S NEW IN KC

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING FEAST ON TASTY LOCAL DISHES

NATURAL WONDERS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Kristina Light, Editor

517

WAYS TO EXPLORE KANSAS CITY

6

The cover features the Prowler, a wooden roller coaster at Kansas City’s amusement park, Worlds of Fun

KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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 Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Margaret Bristow, Kansas City Judy Goppert, Lee’s Summit Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Andrea Plunkett Ishmael, Kansas City Jessica Samuel, Kansas City Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone 913.681.5139 fax

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KC Going Places is published 2 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Going Places’ opinions.

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LEE’S SUMMIT:

A hop, skip and jump...

Lee’s Summit is just a short drive from downtown Kansas City. Explore dozens of specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment options, as well as over 100 family friendly community and cultural events. Isn’t it time we escape the hustle and bustle of life, if even for just one day?

Yours Truly, Visit LStourism.com for a complete listing of events and attractions.

GO SEE KC

Go See KC Icons Spend a day at Crown Center enjoying familyfriendly attractions, great shops and restaurants.

Kaleidoscope is one of the best free, kid-friendly destinations in Kansas City. Imaginations know no limit at this hands-on art center. Next door, you’ll find the free Hallmark Visitors Center, where you can discover the history of the greeting card company, based in KC. The Coterie produces professional children’s theater year-round. This summer, enjoy the free Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure Exhibit for young children. Throughout the summer, Crown Center hosts several festivals, including an antique festival, chalk walk, Irish Fest and more.

Weekender events throughout the season feature free outdoor movies and live entertainment.

Crown Center

The Country Club Plaza, the first shopping district designed for shoppers traveling by automobile, is the pride of Kansas City. Throughout the year, this district along Brush Creek is home to several festivals and fairs, including Illuminated Waters over Memorial Day weekend, the Dragon Boat Festival in June and the Plaza Art Fair. With shops, restaurants and a movie house where theatergoers can catch new films and even splurge on a VIP experience, this is a favorite attraction for locals and visitors alike. The district is especially beautiful in the spring and summer as flowers are in bloom and the tradition of outdoor concerts in the courtyards resumes.

The Country Club Plaza Art Fair

One of Kansas City’s finest museums is the National World War I Museum and Memorial. After exploring the galleries, take a tour to the top for breathtaking views of the city’s ever-changing and improving skyline. One of the most notable landmarks you’ll see is Union Station, home to Kansas City’s Science City, with loads of hands-on science exhibits for children, and the newly updated Gottlieb Planetarium, one of the largest 360-degree domed screens in the Midwest. Nearby, make a stop at the Money Museum, a free museum where visitors leave with a souvenir bag of shredded cash. While you’re downtown, take a ride on the KC Streetcar to help you explore the area.

National WWI Museum and Memorial 8

KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Go Enjoy the Outdoors Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo in Swope Park, where Berlin and Bam Bam the polar bears, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Sumatran Tiger Exhibit and the Tropics are favorite attractions. This summer, the new stingray touch pool will be home to docile cownose rays and small bamboo sharks that visitors will have the opportunity to pet and watch in their brand new aquarium. Ride the train, carousel, boat, tram and Sky Safari to enjoy terrific views of the animals. You can enjoy other attractions at Swope Park, including Lakeside Nature Center, Swope Park Soccer Village and the Battle of Westport Museum.

Kansas City Zoo

The Overland Park Arboretum is home to a Monet garden, a whimsical train garden and beautiful trails to explore. This summer, enjoy Whirlwind: Art in Motion exhibit featuring kinetic art. This unique art form utilizes the environment to enhance the aesthetic experience for the viewer.

Visitors also enjoy the Kauffman Memorial Garden where something new is in bloom all through the spring and summer. Loose Park at 51st and Wornall is one of the city’s most beautiful parks with a rose garden, a beautiful pond, walking trails, tennis courts, a playground and a spray park. Antioch Park in Kansas is also home to a rose garden as well as picnic spaces.

Overland Park Arboretum

We’re proud of our agricultural heritage in Kansas City, and local attractions celebrate that heritage with a dash of education and a lot of fun. Children enjoy the chance to feed baby goats, ride a pedal tractor and learn how to milk a cow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The farmstead is a top pick for local moms who take their tots to encounter goats, chickens, ponies, cows, bunnies, pigs, horses, bison, prairie dogs and more. Throughout the year, Kansas and Missouri host farm tours where visitors are invited to learn about local farms firsthand. You’ll find more events on the calendar on KCParent.com.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead KCGOINGPLACES.COM

9

GO SEE KC

Go on a Daring Adventure Enjoy both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for the price of one ticket! Worlds of Fun boasts seven worldclass roller coasters, including a newly revamped Timber Wolf. Kids love Planet Snoopy, classic amusement park rides and live shows. This year, ride the brand-new Nordic Chaser. Passengers board mini ships that rotate speedily around a circuit. The ride captures the imagination as guests experience the sensation of rising and falling along ocean waves.

Oceans of Fun offers fantastic attractions, including Aruba Tuba, Surf City Wave Pool, Buccaneer Bay, Coconut Cove and Splash Island, a 4,200-square-foot interactive water attraction!

Worlds of Fun

Test your puzzle solving skills at one of the city’s many escape room entertainment venues. You’ll find Exit Room at Paradise Park, Tick Tock Escapes in Overland Park, Breakout KC in the River Market district, and more on p. 40. Players are given one hour to solve puzzles and unravel codes to escape a real-life scenario. For those who want a daring adventure, head to Zip KC in Bonner Springs. Soar high above the bluffs of the Kansas River on nine zip lines stretching over 5,800 feet and reaching speeds up to 50 mph.

This thrilling zip line park even offers sunset tours and glow-in-the-dark night zipping.

Zip KC

Great Wolf Lodge, an 84-degree indoor water park, boasts more than 38,000 square feet of water-packed excitement, including jaw-dropping slides for thrill seekers and zero-depth entry areas for little ones. Nearby, visitors enjoy watching races at Kansas Speedway, soccer at Sporting KC, and a day of shopping at Legends Outlets. Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers an interconnected river system transporting visitors through miles of rapids, currents and tidal waves. Kansas City is also home to many wonderful spraygrounds. Spraygrounds are water playgrounds where children can run and play through sprinklers and sprays on a safe surface. You’ll find them all on KCParent.com.

10 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Sprayground

Go Create Things BYOB paint-your-own-canvas shops are very popular across the city, each offering a diverse calendar with a variety of masterpieces you can create by following simple step-by-step instructions. One of our favorites, Thirsty Palette in Leawood, offers adult and kid projects. Customers sign up for a class, bring their own beverage and spend an evening creating a personal work of art to take home and display. Create family keepsakes at Paint, Glaze & Fire or Ceramic Cafe and more paint-your-own pottery shops across Kansas City.

Thirsty Palette

If you love to cook, try a class. Function Junction at Crown Center is a haven for kitchen gadgets and tools, and they offer hands-on workshops to hone your cooking skills. A Thyme for Everything is a quaint shop in Lee’s Summit’s historic downtown shopping district that offers cooking classes for children and adults. Savory Spice in Brookside is a spice shop with every seasoning imaginable and a great course offering to add flavor to your cuisine. For something unique, head to Local Pig, where you can sign up for culinary classes to learn a variety of skills, including the fine art of butchering.

A Thyme for Everything

For fun, vintage art, connect with Eat Drink & Stitch, where you can participate in embroidery happy hours, workshops and parties. Restoration Emporium is an eclectic shop selling vintage and repurposed art.

They also offer workshops to learn how to paint signs, make wreaths and craft using repurposed materials. The New Dime Store in Brookside offers an array of craft classes, often inspired by the season or holiday. The Studio in historic Overland Park is the place for knitting, crochet and needlepoint classes.

Nearby, creative juices flow at Pintervention, a studio specializing in all those Pinterestinspired projects you want to try, but never get around to creating.

Pintervention KCGOINGPLACES.COM 11

GO SEE KC

Go Appreciate the Arts Kansas City is home to many remarkable art galleries, with three of her finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. Visitors enjoy the galleries and, on sunny days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Kansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long with special hours, sales and events on weekends.

You’ll find a complete schedule of events online in our Weekend Guide. First Weekends in the West Bottoms is located in one of the city’s most historic districts and former home to the KC Stockyards. On first weekends, shop the antique and boutique shops. Food trucks and live music are part of the fun too. Third Fridays in Downtown Overland Park offer a mecca of local shops, galleries and restaurants. Third Saturday Wine Walk on Delaware is an adult favorite in the River Market.

First Weekends in the West Bottoms

One of Kansas City’s original favorites is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, which recently underwent a magical transformation. From the first glimpse, visitors know they’re entering a charming world of toys, with interactive exhibits taking them on a stroll down memory lane.

They encounter treasures from Grandma’s attic, a vast collection of dollhouses, miniatures and toys of yesteryear. Toys enjoyed by generations are waiting to be discovered. This is a favorite attraction for families before heading downtown to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a live show from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions.

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures 12 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Go on a Historic Outing Living history museums are a favorite local attraction, with several historic sites telling the area’s history through reenactments and hands-on education. Shawnee Town 1929 tells of life in Johnson County in the 1920s through a village where families explore living history firsthand. Summer programs offer hands-on opportunities to crank ice cream, make crafts, play games and experience the past firsthand.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Johnson County brings 1850s farming to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop. Throughout the summer, enjoy free living history programs on Thursday evenings.

Shawnee Town 1929

One of Kansas City’s most famous historic neighborhoods is 18th and Vine. Two museums in the district celebrate the city’s past. Visitors can experience Kansas City jazz and celebrate our finest musicians at the American Jazz Museum and enjoy a live concert at the Gem or the Blue Room. Then, head next door and visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where you’ll discover the history of American baseball from the African-American perspective, beginning in 1863, and get to know many famous local baseball stars. Measure up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

The 33rd U.S. president, Harry S. Truman was known as the “man from Missouri” and hails from Independence. You can learn about his childhood at the Truman Farm, his humble lifestyle at the Truman Home in Independence and his presidency at the Truman Presidential Library.

There, visitors participate in interactive exhibits, including a replica Truman Oval Office; they also explore Truman artifacts and special exhibits. Visit other historic sites including Vaile Mansion, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Jail Museum and the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence. For a truly historic experience, take a wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures.

Truman Presidential Library KCGOINGPLACES.COM 13

GO SEE KC

Go Spend a Day Shopping Head west to Legends Outlets for a day of shopping and local attractions. The shopping center commemorates local celebrities with banners, statues and artwork. You even can walk the Yellow Brick Road, a tribute to Kansas’ literary fame in The Wizard of Oz. The Lawn is a new green space where visits enjoy outdoor LED screens, live entertainment and a festive atmosphere. Play your favorite arcades and enjoy delicious food at Dave and Buster’s, watch knife skills in action at the Japanese steakhouse STIX or try one of the 130 beers on tap at Yard House. Shop at one of the Legends’ many top merchants or catch a film at the AMC movie theater.

Legends Outlets

Downtown Lee’s Summit has been awarded the “Great American Main Street Award,” and it’s easy to see why! This shopping district is one of the most vibrant in the area. Start with a discovery of the area’s history at the Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum, housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of downtown. The area offers restaurants ranging from upscale to the local diner. Visit shops and boutiques, including bookstores, hobby shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, cooking stores and more. Summit Fair is one of the newest shopping districts in Lee’s Summit with a variety of stores and restaurants for every interest.

Downtown Lee’s Summit

Downtown Olathe comes to life every month at Fourth Fridays in the Johnson County Square, 100 W. Park St., next to the Johnson County Courthouse. The eclectic shopping and dining district becomes a community party with live music, entertainment, giveaways and activities for all ages. Favorite local food trucks head out for the event, where you can sample everything from a barbecue sundae to the best walking tacos and waffles in town. Local shops are open late. Kids love the Mad Science demonstrations, balloon artists, face painting and bubble station.

Downtown Olathe 14 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Go Play the Day Away At Paradise Park your family can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including laser tag, escape room, bumper cars, go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf, a rock wall and arcade games. The favorite attraction for little tykes is the Children’s EduTainment Center, with everything from a miniature grocery store and bank, to an indoor water play exhibit and art center with face paints and special projects with children in mind. Dine at the Paradise Café, where you can enjoy pizza, nachos and sandwiches. Be sure to check out their special events, including character meet-and-greets, live concerts and outdoor summer theater and more.

Paradise Park

For traditional family fun, visit one of Kansas City’s family fun centers. Main Event offers two locations, one in Olathe and one in Independence, with bowling, billiards, laser tag, arcades, obstacle courses and more.

Urban Air in Overland Park, Above All in Liberty, Sky Zone in Lee’s Summit and Shawnee and Get Air in Independence are indoor trampoline parks with special play hours and packages for all ages, from toddlers to teens. And Jump City in Belton is an indoor playground with moon bounces and inflatables for young children. These are just a few great places to enjoy family fun. You’ll find even more on p. 34.

Urban Air

The Crossroads District in Kansas City is a favorite fun spot for adults. Tapcade KC is an arcade-themed restaurant also featuring the Screenland Theater, where you can catch classic films on the big screen. Up-Down is an arcade bar with video games, pinball and skee-ball. On the first Friday of the month, more than 10,000 residents and visitors head to the cultural arts district for free peeks at galleries and studios, delicious treats from food trucks and local restaurants, and entertainment from street performers and buskers showcasing their talent.

Christopher Elbow Chocolates even sells their gourmet edible works of art for $1 apiece during First Fridays.

Crossroads District KCGOINGPLACES.COM 15

Brookside Art Annual

Kansas City’s Favorite Festivals & Fairs

May 4-6 in the Brookside District 63rd & Wornall, Kansas City, MO BrooksideKC.org/Art-Annual This annual art show features hundreds of artists, children’s activities, live music and food booths.

Strawberry Swing May 19-20 at Alexander Majors Barn 8201 State Line, Kansas City, MO TheStrawberrySwing.org More than 100 vendors of handmade and vintage goods celebrate spring with food trucks, live music, a photo booth, kids crafts and more.

Illuminated Waters May 25-26 at Theis Park, Oak Street & West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO www.stonelionpuppets.org/festivals Experience new artists, strolling musicians and activities before the show. After the show, enjoy glowing art, glow performers, blacklight fun, music and interactive games alongside illuminated puppets.

Kansas City Symphony’s Bank of America Celebration at the Station

Illuminated Waters

K

May 27 at Union Station Kansas City 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO KCSymphony.org/Celebration

ansas City

From a moving symphony concert to the city’s grandest fireworks display, nothing celebrates our military and veterans quite like Bank of America Celebration at the Station.

adorns spring

Old Shawnee Days

and summer

May 31-June 3 at Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS OldShawneeDays.org

with fabulous

festivals celebrating our local heritage, the arts, music and food.

These are a few of our favorites. You’ll find a complete Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

Enjoy a carnival, parade, live music and entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts and family fun.

Jazzoo June 1 at the Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO JazzooKC.org Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser, and your attendance helps feed and care for more than 1, 700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through the Zoo Learning Fund.

Old Shawnee Days

Future Stages Festival June 10 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO KauffmanCenter.org/Open-Doors/FutureStages-Festival/ This FREE community festival showcases hundreds of young performers on the Kauffman Center stages every year, and guests are invited to enjoy a wide range of diverse performance styles and engaging arts activities.

Crown Center Antique Festival June 16-17 at Crown Center 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO CrownCenter.com The festival features pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. Shop from more than 40 vendors at nearly 100 booths.

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle June 22-23 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park 87th & Lackman, Lenexa, KS Lenexa.com Enjoy live music, entertainment and competition! The real contest begins Saturday as the judging tent buzzes with activity preparing for the first barbecue samples to arrive at noon.

Maker Faire Kansas City June 23-24 at Union Station 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO KansasCity.MakerFaire.com

Celebrate things people create themselves—from modern technology and electronic gizmos to urban farming and slow-made foods, to homemade clothes, quilts and sculptures.

biggest picnic the region has ever seen! Pack your own picnic or grab dinner from an on-site food truck!

Missouri State Fair

Stems: A Garden Soiree June 23 at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th, Overland Park, KS www.opkansas.org/events/stems-agarden-soiree Enjoy two bands, dancers, artists, over 25 featured restaurants, fine wines and beers, fireworks and a photo booth experience to entertain everyone at this fun summer party (rain or shine).

Kansas City’s Big Picnic July 22, 4:00-8:00, on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 4525 Oak, Kansas City, MO Nelson-Atkins.org KC Parks partners with the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art to host the

Aug. 9-19 in Sedalia, MO MOStateFair.com The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits, as well as firstclass professional entertainment.

Admission charged.

Stems: A Garden Soiree

Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City Aug. 17-19 at Swope Park East Meyer Boulevard & Swope Parkway Kansas City, MO KCParks.org This event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation and features more than 60 different cultures selling native foods and crafts and performing ethnic music and dances.

Missouri State Fair

There’s more to discover in Kansas City than great museums and barbecue!

Visit and learn more about your family history.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 31 – SUNDAY, JUNE 3

• ACCESS FAMILY HISTORY • FREE ACCESS TO BOOKS AND RECORDS • FREE ONLINE GENEALOGY TOOLS • FREE CLASSES • FREE WI-FI AND PUBLIC COMPUTERS • FREE PARKING • ORAL HISTORY RECORDING EQUIPMENT • PATRON LOUNGE WITH VENDING MACHINES • FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL STAFF 15 minutes east of Downtown Kansas City off I-70

3440 S. Lee's Summit Rd. Independence, MO 64055

Open daily!

midwestgenealogycenter.org

SHAWNEE TOWN 1929 | 11600 JOHNSON DRIVE, SHAWNEE, KS

OLDSHAWNEEDAYS.ORG KCGOINGPLACES.COM 17

new

and improved Kansas City

Kansas Speedway

O

ur city just keeps getting better! Enjoy new rides, touch a shark, play mini golf among masterpieces and relax on a giant lawn. This season, whether you crave adventure, relaxation or just something new, Kansas City has it all!

Kansas Speedway: New and Enhanced Seating New this year, Kansas Speedway (KansasSpeedway.com) is offering enhanced seating options with drink rails in select sections, a perfect spot for your beverage and scanner headsets, along with more leg room and space for softsided coolers. Several of these sections also have youth pricing for kids 12 and under, so ask about availability in these sections when ordering your tickets. This spring, mark your calendar for the race weekend May 11-12!

Friday is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and Saturday is the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Rowdy Ribbit’s Rowdy Ribbit’s (RowdyRibbits.com) is Kansas City’s first-ever inflatable waterpark, coming to Longview Lake Beach the summer of 2018. Adventurous swimmers will

18 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

enjoy running, jumping, sliding and bouncing through the inflatable obstacle course at the lake. Schedule a session for your unforgettable water adventure.

Worlds of Fun: Nordic Chaser and Revamped Timber Wolf This season, Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com) welcomes a new ride, the Nordic Chaser. This family ride takes guests aboard mini ships that rotate speedily around a circuit as you experience the sensation of rising and falling along ocean waves. And this year, the Timber Wolf, the city’s original wooden coaster, opens with a brand new makeover. The park has replaced the helix with a high-speed, over-banked, 70-degree turn. This thrilling final corner turns riders nearly sideways! Guests will continue to enjoy seven thrilling coasters, more than a hundred rides and attractions, and seasonal events.

Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure Crown Center (CrownCenter.com) brings a brand new FREE exhibit to its Level I Showplace this summer. Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure will be on display May 26 - Sept. 3. This pretend trek across the U.S.A. features an activity for every state and the District of Columbia. Ride a mule in the Grand Canyon, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square, hit a home run at Fenway Park, guide your sled dog team on the Iditarod Trail and more! Answer hundreds of U.S. trivia questions at interactive game stations that encourage a little friendly competition and enjoy photomurals that feature of some America’s most beautiful and iconic destinations and lots of fun facts.

Kansas City Zoo: Stingray Bay May of 2018 brings the brand new Stingray Bay to the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org). Visitors will have the chance to touch cownose and southern stingrays and white-spotted bamboo sharks in this shallow touch pool. This indoor/outdoor facility is ideal for year-round guests, but most importantly, the state-of-the-art exhibit features a water filtration system providing a healthy habitat for the animals. Entrance to Stingray Bay is included with regular zoo admission. For an additional fee, you may participate in one of a limited number of feeding opportunities.

Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure, Crown Center

Legends Outlets: the Lawn Legends Outlets (LegendsShopping.com) is transforming the west end of the property into a new community space named the Lawn. This spring, shoppers can enjoy park-like features and interactive elements, including a jumbo outdoor LED screen placed on Legends Outlets’ iconic smokestack, and a smaller LED display facing the property’s Civic Courtyard Fountain. The space is ideal for picnics, screenings and experiences.

Stingray Bay, Kansas City Zoo

Timber Wolf, Worlds of Fun

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 19

FAMILIES MUST-SEE KC WITH

UNION STATION

What You Need to Know: Once a bustling train station, Union Station is now a mecca for family fun. Within its 850,000 square feet and 900 rooms lie KC’s premier science center, Science City, along with the Gottlieb Planetarium, a bustling theater district featuring live theater and big screen movies, a permanent train exhibit known as the KC Rail Experience and world-class traveling exhibits.

And just as was possible a century ago, visitors can hop aboard a train at Union Station’s very own Amtrak stop. Guests easily can spend a full day partaking of all the fun Union Station has to offer, but this destination pairs nicely with other nearby attractions, such as the Money Museum, Liberty Memorial or the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Costs: Nearby parking garages cost a minimum of $5. The Money Museum is free; other attractions vary in price.

Helpful Tips: If you’re running short on time while trying to couple visits with neighboring attractions, breathe easy and hit Union Station first! Tickets to the National World War I Museum and Memorial are valid for two consecutive days.

20 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

SWOPE PARK

What You Need to Know: At 1,805 acres, Swope Park is both Kansas City’s largest park and one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Home to more than a dozen different attractions, Swope Park draws more than two million visitors every year. Learn more about the largest Civil War battle to take place west of the Mississippi River at the Battle of Westport Museum and Visitor Center, take in a Broadwaystyle show at the nation’s second largest theater of its kind, Starlight Theatre, or view more than 1,000 animals from around the world at the award-winning Kansas City Zoo. Costs: Admission to Swope Park is free. Special attractions, the KC Zoo and Starlight vary in price.

Helpful Tips: Regardless of where you roam within Swope Park, be sure to bring your shades, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. And don’t forget to check out Swope Park’s 39th Annual Ethnic Festival, taking place the third weekend in August. More than 60 nations will be represented through authentic food, beautiful art, music, dancing and more.

Families visiting Kansas City will find a plethora of entertaining attractions and great sites to include in their plans:

CROWN CENTER DISTRICT

RIVER MARKET DISTRICT

What You Need to Know: For more than half a century, Crown Center has graced the Union Hill district of Kansas City with a variety of entertainment and shopping venues and restaurants, making it a premier destination for family fun.

Named after Hallmark’s signature logo, Crown Center includes the Hallmark corporate headquarters, along with three stories of restaurants and shops. The grounds include open-air fountains and an ice skating rink, while surrounding areas are replete with sculptures, gardens and green space. Crown Center connects to Union Station through a series of overhead walkways, making for a great destination pairing. Guests can explore the history of Hallmark within the Hallmark Visitors Center, while children can try their hand at arts and crafts next door at Kaleidoscope, Hallmark’s very own children’s workshop.

Both attractions are free (though same-day reservations are recommended at Kaleidoscope). Take in a world-class show at the nationally-recognized Coterie Theatre, peruse the children’s exhibit hosted next door or watch as a fresh batch of fudge is made in Chip’s Chocolate Factory. And remember, no visit to Crown Center is complete without checking out Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center.

What You Need to Know: In the mid-1800s, pioneers would visit the City Market to stock up on supplies and outfit their wagons as they prepared to venture out West into the great unknown. Nowadays, visitors can make their rounds at the same market just a stone’s throw from the riverbanks of the Mighty Mo. With more than 600,000 guests annually, the City Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the Midwest. Guests can peruse more than 180 open-air stalls on weekends and Wednesdays during warm weather (30 permanent shops, selling a range of produce, flowers, baked goods and more are open seven days a week), all while taking in live cooking demonstrations and street musicians. The City Market finds itself situated in the center of the River Market District, a neighborhood listed in full on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fittingly, Steamboat Arabia, a museum committed to the ongoing preservation of pre-Civil War artifacts unearthed from a sunken riverboat, welcomes guests to take in its vast collection just east of the City Market.

Costs: Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope and the children’s exhibit are free. Other attractions have varied costs. Three-hour parking within the Crown Center parking garage is free with validation.

Helpful Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring reusable grocery sacks and/or a cooler to store any perishable goods purchased and bring cash (many vendors don’t accept checks or credit cards). Looking for a fun way to get from here to there?

Check out the KC Streetcar, a free transit system that takes patrons from the City Market as far south as Union Station.

Helpful Tip: Get your parking pass validated when you first walk into any one of Crown Center’s shops or attractions so you don’t forget. And be sure to check out the fun activity room within the Crayola store!

Costs: Admission to the City Market is free. Exhibits, concerts and special events vary in price.

Lauren Greenlee has the pleasure of calling KC home and loves nothing more than a good staycation. She writes and resides in Olathe.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 21

farm-to-table IN KANSAS CITY

Happy Gillis Café & Hangout

Farm-to-table products and restaurants are becoming more prolific in the greater metro area and are quickly gaining in popularity and accessibility. This is a great development for food lovers in Kansas City! Here are just a few locations—both new and established—worth exploring:

Brady’s Public House: Brady’s Public House

Urban Table

The Sundry

A newer farm-to-table option is Brady’s in Kansas City, MO. Formerly Mike’s Tavern (which had occupied the site for 50 years and was a favorite of nearby Rockhurst and UMKC alumni), Brady’s is an Irish pub and eatery with a full bar and dining room and features a scratch kitchen. Opened in August of 2017 by business partners Ray Dunlea and Irish executive chef Shaun Brady, this new eatery looks just like a traditional Dublin pub. The atmosphere is cozy, dark and casual—just as an Irish snug should be.

Brady’s family recipes that span more than a century inspire the food. “We do every single sauce from scratch, and I order what I can from local purveyors and farmers,” the chef says. A house special to try is the traditional fish and chips: beer battered, with house-made fries and slaw. Another featured menu item is the steak sandwich: grilled skirt steak with beef from Hatfield Farms, crispy onions and a four-cheese sauce. So messy, but so good! The kitchen also takes desserts very seriously—the Irish creme brulee was truly decadent, especially when paired with an Irish coffee. And of course, no Irish pub would be complete without a well-stocked whiskey cabinet. Or, in

22 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Brady’s case, many cabinets. They have an extensive, curated selection of Irish whiskeys, as well as other libations and local craft beers. Brady’s Public House is a romantic, intimate establishment.

5424 Troost Ave. Kansas City, MO 64110 Hours: Tue.–Sat., 11:00 a.m.–Midnight 816.437.9400 bradyskc.com

Urban Table: Located in Prairie Village, Urban Table is a modern Italian-American bistro with an urban cool, upscale atmosphere. All menu items are made from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients, many from local farms and businesses. Some examples include bread from Farm to Market Bread Co., beef from Hatfield Signature Beef, produce from Missing Ingredient and cheese from Green Dirt Farm. A few dishes to try are cacio e pepe, a native Italian favorite of spaghetti, toasted peppercorn and a touch of cream, and the pappardelle, pasta with smoked bacon in a tomato cream sauce and parmigiano-reggiano. Go for the social hour, daily from 4:00 to 6:30 at the bar, for specials on small plates and libations.

Another bargain is the everyday eats

Monday through Sunday. On the way out, grab a warm loaf of hearth bread to take home from the Great Harvest Bread Co. next door.

8232 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS 66208 Hours: Mon.–Thu.: 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Fri.:11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Sat.: 8:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Sun.: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

913.948.6900 Urbantablekc.com

The Sundry: Now on 39th Street in Kansas City, this local market and kitchen prides itself on its craft food and beverages with natural ingredients that come from sustainable food systems. Their beef, pork and chicken dishes, like their daily special burger, come fresh from Barham Farms. Their cheese comes from Little Bill’s Pimento Cheese, and their breads from Farm to Market. Two other menu items to try are the chicken tikka and the tacos de tierra. The Sundry also makes its own craft sodas and seltzers.

300 E. 39th St. Kansas City, MO 64111 Hours: Mon.–Sat.: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Sun.: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

816.844.7878 thesundry.com

Happy Gillis Café & Hangout: Established in 2013, Happy Gillis is a favorite of Columbus Park locals and many others. The owners live and have their business in the same community and support local farmers, retailers and restaurants. At Happy Gillis, the quality ingredients are the main focus of the seasonal fare. Locals and visitors alike can sit together at the diner’s tables and enjoy the relaxing, social atmosphere of the small neighborhood café. While hanging out, be sure to try the morning hash, a bowl of potatoes, seasonal veggies, béarnaise aioli, spicy greens and sunny eggs. The breakfast sandwich is also a classic: Webster City bacon on scrambled farm fresh eggs with aged white cheddar, nestled between two slices of grain toast.

For brunch, why not try a kimchi bloody mary or a gin and soda? And no stop here would be complete without enjoying a bottomless cup of coffee while catching up with friends or loved ones.

549 Gillis St. Kansas City, MO 64106 Hours: Tue.–Sat.: 8:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Sun.: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

816.471.3663 happygillis.com

Green Dirt Farm and Creamery: Raising sheep in Weston, MO, since 2002, the owners of Green Dirt Farm opened the Creamery in 2008 in order to share their delicious, small-batch cheeses with the rest of the world— they were even featured on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on the Travel Channel. The Creamery is a charming, rustic building with a modern flair, where you can purchase Green Dirt Farm cheeses in a variety of flavors and styles. You can pick up a picnic to enjoy at nearby Weston Bend State Park, sample the different cheeses or dine in-house and try one of their mouth-watering cheese sandwiches— all grilled to perfection. “The Moo One” is particularly noteworthy and features three different cheeses: aux arcs (a hard, Swiss-style cheese made of blended sheep’s and cow’s milk), ruby (a Stracchino-style blended milk cheese with buttery, floral and grassy notes and a tangy, yogurt-like flavor) and traditional provolone. They also serve several unique, fun flavors of ice cream (like root beer), made in-house of course.

Green Dirt Farm hosts farm table dinners throughout the Kansas City area; check their online calendar for the schedule. To tour the sheep farm and cheese kitchen north of Weston, book an appointment through their website. Besides their own awardwinning sheep’s cheese, all the other products and produce offered at the Creamery come from local farms and businesses. A few examples are

Hearth Bakery, Fair Share Farms, Messner Family Farms and the Weston Brewing Co. (A trip to Weston should always include a stop at O’Malley’s Irish underground pub!) The Creamery shares their building with the local Vox Winery storefront, so enjoy a wine tasting to pair with these flavorful cheeses, a win-win! For those who can’t make the trek to Weston, several Kansas City grocery stores and restaurants carry Green Dirt Farm’s cheeses—check their website for a current list.

1099 Welt St. Weston, MO 64098 Hours: Thu.–Sun.: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

816.386.2156 greendirtfarm.com Margaret Bristow is a Kansas City native with a love for local restaurants.

Other KC Farm-to-Table Places: • Aixois Bistro (Kansas City) • Howard’s Grocery Café • Justus Drugstore • Novel (Perfect for date night) • Room 39 (Leawood and Kansas City)

• Pigwich • The Westside Local (Kansas City) • Black Dirt • Shatto Farms • Oz Highland Farms • The Rieger–Kansas City (great seasonal pastas)

• The Antler Room (small plates sharing)

• The Homesteader Café • Blue Bird Bistro (Kansas City) • Cleaver and Cork • Rye (Leawood) • Brookside Poultry Co. (Kansas City)

• Happy Food Co.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 23

cruising kc’s unique

k

ansas City is a wonderful city. I mean, think about it. Kansas City is known for a lot of things, from its fountains, to its incredible districts, right on up to the mom-and-pop restaurants where we love to get that famous barbecue. But what else can KC offer? How can we keep our weekends fun, fresh, youthful and still very unique? Easy! Just try a few of our suggestions, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

hangouts Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company With 24 very different beers on tap on their second floor alone, Boulevard is the place to get the party started. Not only does Boulevard have great beer, but they also have a beer hall, their very own gear shop, daily tours and great parties! Throughout the year, Boulevard hosts several different events partnered with all sorts of organizations. Just keep your eyes on their website and you’ll be in for a real treat!

Boulevard.com 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO 816.701.7247

Blade and Timber

This next place has a whole new take on the phrase “battle axe.” Blade and Timber gives you an opportunity to try your aim with axe throwing! Here’s how it works: Visit the company’s dot-com address, book your appointment at their Kansas City West Bottoms location, speak to one of the associates (they usually give you tips and instructions at this point) and have at it! Axe throwing at Blade and Timber is a great way to release a little stress and tension and keep you on your toes. A second location will soon open in Leawood.

Blade and Timber

24 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

BladeAndTimber.com 1101 Mulberry St., Kansas City, MO and 5203 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS 816.343.8489

Hammerspace Hammerspace is a community workspace for inventors, 3D designers and craftsmen of all ages to get together and simply be creative! If you consider yourself a techie or love do-it-yourself projects, this is the place to go!

Hammerspace is a members-only organization that welcomes newcomers with an open house and open arms each week. The club features a classroom, an electronics lab, video conference room, craft room, 3D printing lab, an assembly bay, woodshop, metal shop, jewelry- and blacksmithing, painting booths and so much more! This space is even kid-friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring them along too!

Hammerspace

HammerspaceHobby.com 5200 E. 45th St., Kansas City, MO 913.686.6562

Thou Mayest

If you’re getting a bit burned out and need a little recharge, we have you covered! Thou Mayest is a fun little roastery that gives you a fresh cup to look forward to, serving both coffee and cocktails right at your table.

Thou Mayest is a one-of-a-kind roastery that will keep you coming back time and time again. This shop also offers their beans for sale online, so if you can’t make it in, the coffee can find its way directly to you.

ThouMayest.com 419 E. 18th St., Kansas City MO 816.897.0505

Mud Pie Bakery

This fan favorite is vegan-friendly and will leave your sweet tooth satisfied! Mud Pie vegan bakery and coffee shop is attracting a lot of attention, perhaps because they have cookies as big as your face! In what world is this NOT okay? But you won’t be dipping your cookies into regular 2% here. This establishment’s options include soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk and the list goes on. If you’re in the neighborhood, definitely give this place a try!

Thou Mayest Roastery

MudPieBakery.com 7319 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 913.283.8060 1615 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111 816.931.4539

Jessica Samuels is a UMKC student and writer who loves to hang out with friends at KC’s hot spots.

Mud Pie Bakery

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 25

learn new things: creative classes across kansas city expand your horizons and learn new things at these local classes:

food

Kearney Culinary Academy The Kearney Culinary Academy is a hidden gem north of the river. It offers a variety of classes (several a week) for both kids and adults. They have hands-on classes, Chopped-style cooking competitions and full, five-course themed meal events. The class fee includes a glass of wine or beer, and you can purchase more at the full bar.

The facility itself has multiple cooking stations, so you have a full mini kitchen and all ingredients provided to you to try out your new culinary knowledge. My favorite classes have been a pasta making class (It was so helpful that I’ve made pasta myself at home several times since class!) and a Dim Sum Date Night class. KearneyCulinary.com

Savory Spice Savory Spice is a cozy, fully stocked spice shop in the heart of Brookside. Aside from a fun shopping experience, they regularly offer classes on a variety of topics: natural body products, truffles, curries and salad dressings. Many of the classes are free or have a nominal charge. They keep their Facebook page up to date, so it’s easy to see their latest offerings. SavorySpiceShop.com

The Culinary Center of Kansas City

Savory Spice

26 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

You’re likely to find any style of cooking class you’re looking for at the Culinary Center of KC. They have more than 600 classes a year in their Overland Park facility. From Asian cuisine and barbecue to homemade cinnamon rolls— there is something for everyone! Some classes are handson and some are demo style, so you can choose the type of outing you’re looking for. They also have kids cooking classes! You can see their full schedule and register on their website. KCCulinary.com

Bacchus & Barleycorn, Ltd. This full service beer and wine supply store also has classes and interesting events, and several of them are free! A variety of classes throughout the year teaches you to make beer, wine and even cheeses. If you decide to continue brewing or wine making as a hobby, they have many kits and ingredients to choose from in the store, and their staff is great about helping you through the process. Bacchus-Barleycorn.com

Sweet and Saucy Life April of Sweet and Saucy Life hosts several classes each month on the art of making beautiful sugar cookies. For beginners, she’ll walk you through the process of decorating with royal icing, and each student will take home her creations. For those who have taken her classes before, she offers an advanced techniques class with the same theme as that month’s beginner class, but where students can build on their skills. Aside from her regular classes, she offers private parties and classes! SweetAndSaucyLife.com

art

Public Glassworks

making, but she also hosts nationally- and internationallyknown guest artists for weekend workshops. Students can expand their bead-making skills from basic beads to marble making, specialty cane and frits, sculpture work and more.

Classes generally fill up quickly, so it’s best to sign up early!

PublicGlassWorksKC.com

Public Glassworks Kansas City

Monarch Glass

Sara, the owner of Public Glassworks, has a full flameworking studio located in Lenexa. She hosts beginner classes regularly for those wanting to learn basic bead

Anyone interested in glass art needs to know about Monarch Glass, a full-service glassblowing studio in the heart of the city. Beginners can learn the basics of glassblowing in

Painting PartyS tudio KAnSAS CiTy’S

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

Why People Choose Thirsty Palette n

No painting experience needed

n

Fully stocked bar for flexible accommodations

n

Perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults

n

Fun and flexible for corporate team-building events

n

Ladies Night Out!!!

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

913.669.0501 www.ThirstyPalette.com KCGOINGPLACES.COM 27

a four-week class, and those with experience can continue their practice in intermediate classes. Monarch also hosts occasional specialty workshops like glass sculpting.

Classes are small and fill up, so you’ll want to keep an eye on their website for when new classes are announced!

MonarchGlassStudio.com

KC Clay Guild The KC Clay Guild is a nonprofit organization that’s open to the public. They host adult and children’s classes with a flexible scheduling structure. They also have advanced specialty workshops and events. In addition to classes, you can purchase a membership or rent studio time by the hour!

KCClayGuild.org

Gale Nation Handlettering

Gale Nation Handlettering Gale is an amazing local artist who has her work featured at Hallmark and other local boutiques. Luckily for Kansas Citians, she also shares her talent with the public at her lettering classes. She teaches in various cities and at Bella Patina in the West Bottoms. She posts upcoming classes on her Facebook page, and no experience is necessary!

GaleNation.com

misc.

Yoga

Kansas City is home to a variety of great yoga studios and communities. If you’re looking for something outside the studio, watch for pop-up yoga events in the summer months (like free yoga classes at the Nelson-Atkins (www. facebook.com/groups/yogaintheparkkc/about/), yoga classes at the Kauffman Center (www.facebook.com/ events/1783859461916204/) or even hip hop yoga (www. facebook.com/ThePortKCFitnessAndPerformance). Of course, if a traditional class is more your preference, you’ll easily be able to find a studio that fits your particular style.

Natural Farm Soap Strawberry Hill Museum

Strawberry Hill Museum The Strawberry Hill Museum not only is home to a unique museum that celebrates the many ethnicities that call Kansas City home, it also hosts a variety of classes throughout the year. With more traditional classes like pysanky egg decorating or cabbage rolls, to crochet or painting events, it’s a great place to explore. They also have a tea room that serves traditional Eastern European treats on select weekends. StrawberryHillMuseum.org

Andrea Plunkett Ishmael loves to learn new things and explore her hometown.

28 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Based in Blue Springs, Natural Farm Soap creates handcrafted natural bath and body products. They also have classes so you can learn to make your own soap, bath bombs and body products. Classes typically include all ingredients and instructions so you can make your own soap products to take home. NaturalFarmSoap.com Natural Farm Soap

Kansas City Metropolitan Area Use this map to help plan your tourism itinerary. Each listing in KC Going Places includes the map coordinates to help you find the nearby attractions! For instance, Kansas City Zoo (p.48) is located at C4 on this map.

B

C

D

1

1

A

2

2

3

3

4

4 5

5

49

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

*Map not to scale.

A

B

C

D

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 29

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES •

CREATIVE PLACES Board & Brush Creative Studio

Grammy’s Walls of Clay

13970 Santa Fe Trail Dr. Lenexa, KS 913.298.9570 $$ A4 BoardAndBrush.com/Lenexa DIY workshop for creating unique and personalized wood decor projects from scratch.

16625 Midland Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.248.1117

$ A4 www.wallofclay-KC.com Paint your own pottery at this shop.

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

Ceramic Cafe

Indep Center: 18813 E. 39th St. S. Indep, MO 816.795.5266 D3 www.BuildABear.com

LEGEND:

ARTichokes

Ceramic Cafe

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

Location Varies 913.638.7929 $$ www.ArtichokesKC.com Mobile art classes bringing art to the community.

9510 Nall, OP, KS 913.383.0222 $ B5 www.CeramicCafeKC.com Ceramic Cafe is a paint-yourown pottery and glass fusing studio welcoming all ages.

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

GO CREATE

Paint, Sew and Make Things Apple Pie Painting Location Varies 913.602.8296 $$ www.ApplePiePainting.com A mobile painting studio that comes to you.

Art House 7526-B NW Prairie View Rd. Platte Woods, MO 816.853.4094 $$ D1 www.ArtHouseKC.com Painting classes and gallery.

Arvo Art 14104 W. 135th St. Olathe, KS 913.228.0408 $ B5 ArvoArtGlazingStudio.com A walk-in paint-your-own pottery studio.

Blanc Palette 17 E. Kansas St., #100 Liberty, MO 816.974.7778 $$ C2 www.blancpalette.com/ A painting and wine party experience.

30 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Create It Studio 1409 W. 11th St., KC, MO 913.624.3120 $ C3 CreateItKC.com A place for artists, crafters and DIYers, to gather, share ideas, try new things and work on projects.

Eat Drink Stitch Location Varies $$ www.EatDrinkStitch.com Embroidery happy hours and workshops.

Got Art Gallery 18 SW 3rd St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.600.5932 $$ D4 www.GotArtGallery.org Painting classes for all ages.

Grapes & Paints 7175 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.314.2650 $$ B5 www.GrapesAndPaints.com A social BYOB painting studio.

Harper’s Fabrics & Quilt Co. 7918 Santa Fe Dr., OP, KS 913.648.2739 $$ B5 www.HarpersFabricAndQuilt.com Quilting and sewing classes at local shop.

Hook Gallery 1409B Westport Rd., KC, MO 816.531.4665 $$ C3 www.HookGallery.com A one-of-a-kind masterpiece made by you.

Kaleidoscope 2500 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8300 Free C3 www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com Children create their own unique works of art.

KC Art Angels 13416 Santa Fe Trail Dr. Lenexa, KS 816.820.9055 $$ B4 KCArtAngels.com Art classes for all ages including painting, pottery and more.

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

KC Sewing Academy 417 SW Ward Rd., Ste. 7 Lee’s Summit, MO 816.607.1360 $ D4 www.KCSewingAcademy.com Sewing classes are offered for students ages 6 years to adults.

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • MOD Gallery

Painted Clover

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

5720 Nieman, Shawnee, KS 913.730.6833 $ B3 www.PaintedClover.com Paint with easy step-by-step instructions.

Moscato’s Masterpiece 20120 B E. Jackson Dr. Indep, MO. 816.756.9463 $$ D3 MoscatosMasterpiece.com A learn-to-paint studio.

Paint and Party 1600 Genessee St., Suite 667 KC, MO 816.719.7889 $$ C3 PaintAndPartyKC.com Painting workshops offered for all ages.

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.

970 NW Blue Pkwy, Suite B Lee’s Summit, MO 816.744.3161 $$ D4 Blue Springs Coming Soon www.PinotsPalette.com An upscale “paint and sip” studio.

Pieces of My Art

Pinspire, LLC

713 Jesse St., Kearney, MO 816.716.4448 $$ D1 PiecesOfMyArtKC.com Step-by-step painting classes are offered.

12-1/2 SW 3rd St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.434.0120 $$ D4 PinspireStudio.com A DIY studio offering Pinterestinspired classes.

Pinot’s Palette 5235 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS 913.451.7466 $$ B5 11945 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS 913.732.3768 $$ A5 6943 Tomahawk Rd. Prairie Village, KS 913.671.1837 $$ B3 721 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.856.3254 $$ A3 4165 N. Mulberry Dr., KC, MO 816.492.3772 $$ C2

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

Primary Colors 109 W. Lexington Ave. Indep, MO 816.254.2106 $ D3 www.PrimaryColorsGallery.com Painting classes and gallery.

Pintervention

Stained Glass Station

14872 Metcalf Ave, OP, KS 913.828.2400 $$ B5 PinterventionKC.com A Pinterest-inspired DIY craft studio.

1900 S. Broadway Oak Grove, MO 816.525.8088 $$ D4 StainedGlassTeacher.com Stained glass and glass fusing classes.

Potter’s Haven Art Studio 292 SW Blue Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.9323 $ D4 www.PottersHavenArtStudio.com Paint-your-own pottery shop.

Sunfire Ceramics 1002 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 785.749.2828 $ A3 www.SunfireCeramics.com A locally owned pottery painting and glass fusing shop.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 31

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • GO EXPERIENCE FOOD

The Makery KC 1331 Union Ave., KC, MO 660.864.1039 $$ C3 DIY craft classes are offered.

•

FEATURED LISTING Thirsty Palette

Summer of Oz IN KANSAS CITY, KS

T

his summer, enjoy Kansas’ most beloved story with a celebration of The Wizard of Oz all season long.

The Wizard of Oz at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Aug. 1-5, 8:00. The production features a cast of 50 in this beloved MGM movie musical. “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard” and “Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead!” come to life on the huge Providence Amphitheater stage. And for the first time ever, classic movie scenes of Munchkinland, the Yellow Brick Road, Emerald City and more will be integrated into the live stage musical.

Oz Week at the National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame, Aug. 1-5. Come spend the day with Dorothy and see what it was like to live on a farm. Visitors can experience farm activities such as feeding chickens, milking a cow, attending class in an old schoolhouse, running through a corn maze and riding the miniature train through Farm Town USA. There will be live entertainment throughout the week, as well as food vendors, children’s activities, a petting zoo and so much more.

Check out Wizard of Oz-themed events, specials and exhibits throughout the summer that will also include hotel, attraction and food specials.

See VisitKansasCityKS.com for information.

32 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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See ad on pg. 27 11958 Roe Ave., OP, KS 913.669.0501 $$ B5 http://ThirstyPalette.com The Thirsty Palette is Leawood’s trendiest painting party hot spot. Sign up for any future party of a painting that you are interested in. That night, the artist of that painting will guide you and your classmates step by step, shape by shape, to create a nearly identical version of it – but with your own flair of course!

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Tipsy Red Fox 3205 Broadway Blvd., KC, MO 954.982.5542 $$ C3 TheTipsyRedFox.com A BYOB painting studio.

Learn to Cook and Watch As Food Is Made

Chip’s Chocolate Factory Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. 239, KC, MO 816.421.0012 Free C3 www.ChipsChocolateFactory.com Visit the shop and factory where KC’s very own KC Fudge was developed more than 30 years ago.

Culinary Center of Kansas City 7920 Santa Fe Dr., OP, KS 913.341.4455 $$ B5 www.KCCulinary.com More than 600 cooking classes offered all year along.

Dunn’s Cider Mill 17003 State Hwy. D, Belton, MO 816.331.7214 $ C3 MillSite.Homestead.com Seasonal cider mill. Watch as apple cider and donuts are made.

Green Dirt Farm

11712 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.609.5057 $$ B4 Painting and art classes for all ages.

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

Wine & Canvas

Louisburg Cider Mill

Location Varies 816.844.5639 $$ www.WineAndCanvas.com Painting parties and classes.

14730 KS 68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 $ B5 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com Watch as fresh apple cider and cider donuts are made.

Touch of Fun Art Studio

Wine & Design 6052 NW 63rd Ter., KC, MO 816.944.0644 $$ C2 217 SE 291 Hwy. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.875.9707 $$ D4 www.WineAndDesign.com Painting parties and classes.

Zoelee’s Fabrics & Sewing School 1329 NE Deer Valley Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.7217 $$ D4 www.Zoelees.com Classes make sewing fun for any age.

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

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

Sur La Table 430 Nichols Rd., KC, MO 816.756.5400 $$ C3 www.SurLaTable.com Gourmet cooking classes.

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Thyme for Everything 229 SE Main St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.554.3755 $$ D4 www.AThymeForEverything.com Cooking classes taught by local chefs.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 4420 Warwick Blvd., KC, MO 816.753.5784 Free C3 www.KemperArt.org This art gallery features free modern art exhibits.

Young Chef’s Academy

Leila’s Hair Museum

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

1333 S. Noland Rd. Indep, MO 816.833.2955 $$ D3 www.LeilasHairMuseum.net Wreaths and pieces of jewelry made of human hair, dating to before 1900.

GO TO AN ART MUSEUM

Museums Celebrate the Arts American Jazz Museum 1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.474.8463 $ C3 www.AmericanJazzMuseum.org 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.

Epsten Gallery

4525 Oak St., KC, MO 816.751.1278 Free C3 www.Nelson-Atkins.org The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is Kansas City’s favorite free attraction.

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

The Rabbit hOle 919 E. 14th Ave. North, KC, MO 816.492.7915 B3 www.RabbitHoleKC.org The museum is in development with special events throughout the year as they prepare to open.

Hallmark Visitors Center

Stocksdale Art Gallery

2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.3613 Free C3 www.HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com Discover the story of Hallmark through interactive displays and fascinating exhibits.

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

5842 Merriam Dr. Merriam, KS 913.677.0400 $ www.KCStrings.com Group tours of the stringed instrument shop.

UMKC Gallery of Art B4

Experience the whimsy and fun of trains with these family-friendly local adventures:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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

KC Strings

ALL ABOARD: Fun with Trains in KC

203 Fine Arts Building 5015 Holmes St., KC, MO 816.235.1502 Free C3 info.umkc.edu/gallery The gallery features temporary exhibits on 20th century American and European art.

Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad

Ride the Rails: Agricultural Hall of Fame Train

AgHallOfFame.com Ride a narrow-gauge Union Pacific miniature train through the site. Explore museum exhibits and living history displays. Season: spring-fall.

Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad

BeltonRailroad.org The BG&KC offers excursions running south from Belton on a 5-mile, 45-minute round trip. Season: May-December.

Kansas City Northern Railroad

KCNRR.com The three restored G-16 open air trains operate on a half-mile of track. Season: first weekend of May-last weekend of September.

Kansas City Zoo Train

KansasCityZoo.org The zoo features an open air, large-scale train. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel. Season: year-round; operates daily if the weather is above 50 degrees.

Midland Railway

Midland-Ry.org Train rides feature a more than 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City to Ottawa Junction. Season: June-October.

Watch & Enjoy Trains: Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

Three Locations: FritzsKC.com Model trains travel around the perimeter of the restaurant delivering burgers and fries to your table.

Overland Park Arboretum

8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS, OPABG.org Enjoy the magical Train Garden, where trains wind through bluffs, over streams and through an old town.

Union Station

30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO, UnionStation.org Union Station celebrates it’s rail history as a station for Amtrak, home to an 8,000-square-foot model train exhibit and the KC Rail Experience.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 33

• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES •

FUN PLACES Gamer’s Quest 10344 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.730.0199 $ B4 www.GamersQuest.net A virtual reality gaming arcade.

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

Howl-in-One Mini Golf Great Wolf Lodge: 10401 Cabela Dr., KC, KS 913.299.7001 $ A3 www.GreatWolfLodge.com Outdoor miniature golf.

Dave & Buster’s

LEGEND:

Advanced Laser Tag

Dave & Buster’s

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

2026 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe, KS 913.254.9678 $ B4 www.AdvancedLaserTag.com Kansas City’s original two-story laser tag attraction!

The Legends at Village West: 1843 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.981.6815 $ A3

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

GO PLAY

Amusement Parks, Arcades & Entertainment Centers Aaron’s Family Fun Center 17070 Aaron Ln. Belton, MO 816.322.0488 $ C5 AaronsFEC.com Play outdoor miniature golf and enjoy indoor bowling, outdoor go-karts and volleyball.

Chuck E. Cheese 10510 Metcalf Ln., OP, KS 913.648.4920 $ B4 18701 E. 39th St., Indep, MO 816.254.6300 $ D3 15225 W. 134th St., Olathe, KS 913.390.0815 $ A5 www.ChuckECheese.com Pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides.

Cool Crest 10735 E. US Hwy. 40 Indep, MO 816.759.2634 $ D3 www.CoolCrest.com Miniature golf, video games, go-karts and more!

34 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

6811 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.249.3900 $ B5 www.DaveAndBusters.com Arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards.

Draftcade 7260 NW 87th St., KC, MO 816.759.3474 $$ B2 Arcade restaurant and bar for adults.

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

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

Jaegers Paintball Park 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.

Main Event 11950 S. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.768.4444 $-$$

A5

8081 NW Roanridge Rd., KC, MO 816.281.2020 $-$$ B2 4600 S. Cochise Ct. Independence, MO 816.350.1000 $-$$ D3 www.MainEvent.com Bowling, billiards, laser tag, ropes obstacle course, video games and more.

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

• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • Novastar Gaming Center

Parkville Mini Golf

SoPro Gaming

2701 S. 47th St., KC, KS 913.703.6682 $ A3 www.NovaStarGaming.com PC gaming center.

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

9240 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.703.5183 $ B4 SoProGaming.com Social professional gaming center.

• FEATURED LISTING • Paradise Park

See ad on pg. 36 1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.5224 $ D4 www.Paradise-Park.com Paradise Park is Kansas City’s premier family destination, offering family fun and adventure, unique attractions, educational and discovery play, and professional development opportunities in a wholesome, safe, clean and friendly environment! Favorite attractions include the Children’s EduTainment Center, go-karts, rock wall, arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, escape room, miniature golf, miniature bowling, batting cages and more.

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Power Play Shawnee: 13110 W. 62nd Ter. Shwn Msn, KS 913.268.4386 $ B3 North: 509 NW Barry Rd., KC, MO 816.268.4386 $ C1 www.PowerPlayKC.com Rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade games, bowling, go-karts 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.

9/12/15

4:40 PM

Tapcade 1701 McGee St., #200, KC, MO 816.492.6577 $$ C3 TapcadeKC.com Restaurant and bar with arcade games for adults.

Up-Down KC 101 Southwest Blvd., KC, MO 816.982.9455 $$ C3 www.UpDownKC.com Arcade and bar with a retro vibe for adults.

• FEATURED LISTING • Worlds of Fun

See ad on pg. 67 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com

Kansas City’s amusement park with 235 acres of family rides, thrill rides and waterslides, including seven world-class rollercoasters and Oceans of Fun, the city’s first waterpark.

Your senses come alive as you enter the gate, the sights and sounds take over, and the little ones in your family take your hand. Breathtaking views from towering coasters, hair-raising thrill rides and a Planet Snoopy kids area that is the playground for new memories. 2018 introduces the new Nordic Chaser and revamped Timber Wolf.

•

GO LEARN THROUGH PLAY

Children’s Museums and Indoor Playgrounds Children’s Peace Pavilion 1001 W. Walnut St., Indep, MO 816.521.3033 Free D3 www.cofc3.org/kidpeace/default.asp Children’s museum designed to teach concepts of peace.

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

www.urbanairop.com

Urban Air Trampoline Park 14401 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66223 +1 (913) 730-8622 KCGOINGPLACES.COM 35

• FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • Irene B. French Community Center Indoor Playground 5701 Merriam Dr. Merriam, KS 913.322.5550 $ B3 www.Merriam.org Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tikes riding toys and more.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center 2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City offers a fun, highly interactive and educational 2- to 3-hour indoor experience.

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me” Program” 13420 Oak St. Shwn Msn, KS 913.477.7100 $ B4 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Preschool toys and activities keep little ones busy. Call for schedule.

Little Monkey Bizness

Shawnee Civic Centre

12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy.

Shwn Msn, KS 913.631.7000 $ B3 ShawneeMission.MonkeyBizness.com A full-service coffeehouse overlooking a nearly 4,000-squarefoot play area for kids.

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.

Matt Ross Community Center Indoor Playground

Sylvester Powell 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.

6200 Martway, Mission, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.MissionKS.org Families enjoy inflatables, tricycles, gym mats and more.

Call for schedule.

Parkside Coffeehouse

Toddler Town

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

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

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

Wonderscope Children’s Museum 5700 King St. Shawnee, KS 913.287.8888 $ B4 www.Wonderscope.org Hands-on children’s museum for little ones with a variety of interactive exhibits.

Visit www.KCParent.com for a look at the calendar year-round event guide.

Family Time 8 FREE

Adventure Attractions with Purchase of a Private Room for 8!

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 9/30/18

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1 FREE Adult Discovery Play Admission

With purchase of a child admission.

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 9/30/18

$5 OFF Indoor/Outdoor ADVENTURE

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 9/30/18

1021 NE Colbern Rd. • Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 • 816-246-5224 36 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Natural Wonders OF KANSAS CITY

White Tail Trail

I

t’s time to slap on the sunscreen and don the tennis shoes or hiking boots and go discover your outdoor Kansas City! So many natural wonders surround the area, all enhanced by being only a short trek away and as varied as the people of our city.

Whether you enjoy water, flowers, rocks, mountains or bird watching, you won’t have to look hard to discover your passion. In fact, 11 of the greatest hiking trails on earth are located in the Kansas City area.

Fox Hollow Trail

Fox Hollow Trail in Swope Park East Meyer Boulevard & Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO Swope Park is the most convenient area for many Kansas Citians to get outdoors. Of course, being in the city doesn’t make the natural area any less beautiful. This tiny 0.3-mile trail loop is an ideal place to enjoy nature.

White Tail Trail in Parkville Nature Sanctuary Parkville Nature Sanctuary, located below the Platte County Health Department, 12th & Highway 9 This stunning 3-mile loop trail features a waterfall and is the perfect nature getaway in this urban forest.

However, the waterfall means it’s a little more popular than other trails around Kansas City, so don’t expect to have a day to yourself here.

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center 8701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, MO These dirt hiking trails feature three loops of different lengths.

Along the trail you will see remains of old cabins, creeks, ponds and a small cave with a spring in it. Old stone fireplaces still stand, although the houses that once surrounded them have crumbled away. Once owned by President Harry Truman’s maternal grandfather, the park (also known as William M. Klein Park) is now owned by Jackson County and is operated by a 250-member Cave Spring Association. Today, visitors can enjoy nature center exhibits, 4 miles of walking trails, a water garden, campground and educational programs.

Maple Woods Natural Area Trail

Maple Woods Natural Area Trail in Maple Woods Nature Preserve 2603-2617 NE 76th St., Gladstone, MO Maple Woods is an apt name for this trail, and the scenery here is amazing. The moss-lined paths and forest area make this 1-mile loop a perfect little stroll.

Mountain Bike Trail in Swope Park 6599, 5601 Oakwood Rd., Kansas City, MO For those who like to explore on wheels rather than on foot, this mountain bike trail in Swope Park is the best around. It’s under 5 miles so it won’t take long, but the beautiful path and scenery are sure to slow you down a bit. It’s another great place to get away from the concrete when you need to relax.

Sources: Onlyinyourstate.com and alltrails.com.

Judy Goppert enjoys the beauty of the Kansas City area.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 37

• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO

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

Go Ape 7331 Oakwood Dr., KC, MO 800.971.8271 $$ C4 www.GoApe.com Exhilarating outdoor adventure course.

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.

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

APEX Climbing Gym

North KC Community Center Climbing Wall

7200 W. 106th St., OP, KS 913.283.7341 $ B4 ApexClimbingGym.com Climbing gym with Warped Wall and other Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacles.

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

The Cave Bouldering Gym

ROKC

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

1501 Howell St., North KC, MO 816.843.7652 $ D2 www.ClimbKC.com Indoor rock wall climbing facility.

Olathe location coming soon.

38 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

GO JUMP

Trampoline Parks and Bounce Houses

1927 Industrial Dr., Liberty, MO 816.439.5300 $$ D1 AboveAllPark.com Take flight on the massive indoor court of connected trampolines for an unforgettable adventure.

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

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

12829 Loring Rd. Bonner Springs, KS 913.302.8881 $$ A3 www.ZipKC.com A zip line adventure under trees and through trees to an awaiting 45-foot tower.

10975 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.305.4359 $$ B5 www.IFlyWorld.com Indoor skydiving adventure.

GO UP

Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 29

Zip KC

Above All Trampoline Park

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

Zip lines, Rock Walls, Obstacle Courses and Sky Diving

12300 S. Homestead Ln. Olathe, KS 913.764.7759 $$ A5 www.JCPRD.com Outdoor recreation activities, including a ropes course, zip line and climbing tower.

iFLY Kansas City

KC Timber Challenge Timber Ridge Adventure Center

Timber Ridge Adventure Center

Fun Run 1919 Industrial Dr., Liberty, MO 816.781.0386 $ D1 www.FunRunKansasCity.com Inflatable obstacle course, dual lane slide and bounce houses offer active fun.

Get Air 18900 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.897.3456 $$ D3 GetAirIndependence.com Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, trampoline dodgeball, a ninja obstacle course and more.

Jump City 8020 E. 171st St., Belton, MO 816.425.4966 $ C3 www.JumpCityKC.com Indoor inflatable play facility and birthday party venue.

OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • Pump It Up 7230 W. Frontage Rd. Shwn Msn, KS 913.236.7867 $ B3 www.PumpItUpParty.com Have fun in gigantic, inflatablefilled arenas for open play.

Sky Zone 2801 NE McBaine Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.457.0068 $ D4 6485 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.213.5900 $ A4 www.skyzone.com/kansascity Sky Zone is the original indoor trampoline park, bringing unmatched, out-of-this-world and high-flyin’ FUN.

• FEATURED LISTING • Urban Air Trampoline Park

See ad on pg. 35 14401 Metcalf, OP, KS 800.960.4778 $$ B3 www.UrbanAirOP.com Overland Park’s newest indoor trampoline park, with more than 35,000 square feet of indoor fun, complete with wall-to-wall trampoline arenas, warriors course and an indoor playground for kids of all ages.

Conveniently located at 143rd & Metcalf, it is the perfect venue to host kids’ birthday parties, as well as church and corporate events.

•

So Pro Gaming

GO FOR A RIDE

Wheels, Water and Sky Ambiance on the Water 200 Ward Pkwy.

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

Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad

Extreme Grand Prix Family Fun Center

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

6731 Blue Ridge Blvd.

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

Blue Springs Lake Marina 1700 NE Bowlin Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.795.1112 $$ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat rental.

Hot Expectations Balloon Company 11915 W. 143rd Ter. Olathe, KS 913.897.1030 $$ A5 www.KCBalloonRides.com Hot air balloon tours of Kansas City.

KC Copters 12921 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 913.440.9499 $$ A5 www.KCCopters.com Helicopter tours of Kansas City.

KC Northern Railroad 6060 NW Waukomis Dr. KC, MO 816.746.5663 $ B2 www.KCNRR.com Three 16-inch gauge trains restored and operated by volunteers run on a half-mile track through tunnels.

KC Copters

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• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO

KCParent.com 25 ways to make the most of your stay in Kansas City with a little help from KCParent.com

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

Kill Creek Park Marina 11670 Homestead Ln. Olathe, KS 913.312.8847 $$ A5 www.JCPRD.com Kayak, canoe, pedal boat rental.

Lake Jacomo Marina

KC Going Places is a product of Family Media Group’s family of magazines and it resides on KCParent.com.

We have limited page count in the magazine, but unlimited space online—so you’ll find even more great ideas to enhance your time in Kansas City when you visit KCParent.com. Look for these great pieces: 1. Spring/Summer Festival Guide 2. Memorial Day weekend planner 3. 4th of July Fun Guide 4. 100 things to do with kids in KC 5. 50 ideas under $5 6. Free and cheap summer movies 7. Water Fun Guide 8. Farmers markets 9. Top picks for fun every month 10. Animal outings 11. Calendar of events 12. Virtual Going Places Guide 13. Local attractions and show reviews 14. Kids Eat Free Guide 15. Day trips from KC 16. Midwestern waterfalls 17. U-pick farms 18. Coupons for local attractions 19. Favorite fishing spots 20. Thrillseekers: Adventures in Kansas City 21. Camping Missouri and Kansas 22. KC Streetcar scavenger hunt 23. Great giveaways 24. Be sure to subscribe to the FREE eNewsletter on KCParent.com for great ideas weekly.

25. And, follow Kansas City Parent Magazine on Facebook for up-to-date info!

40 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

7401 W. Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.795.888 $$ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat, bass boat, canoe, pedal boat and kayak rental.

Leavenworth Trolley Tour 320 S. Esplanade Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1023 $ A1 www.VisitLeavenworthKS.com Tour Leavenworth and learn its history.

Longview Lake Marina

Richard Petty Driving Experience 400 Speedway Blvd., KC, KS 913.328.3300 $$ A3 www.DrivePetty.com High-speed racing venue where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle.

River’s Edge Aviation 500 NW Richards Rd. KC, MO 816.590.4033 $$$ C3 www.RiversEdgeKC.com Helicopter tours of the city.

Shawnee Mission Park Marina 7900 Renner Rd. Shawnee, KS 913.888.4713 $$ D4 www.JCPRD.com Fishing boat, canoe, pedal boat rental.

Wyandotte County Lake Marina 9100 Leavenworth Rd. KC, KS 913.573.8327 $$ www.WYCOKC.org Fishing boat rental.

A3

9898 Longview Rd., KC, MO 816.966.0131 $$ C5 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Pontoon boat rental.

GO SOLVE

Midland Railway

Breakout KC

1515 W. High St. Baldwin City, KS 913.721.1211 $ A5 www.midlandrailway.org Take a 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City via Norwood, KS, to Ottawa Junction, KS.

114 W. 3rd St., #101, KC, MO 816.945.2633 $$ C3

Old World Balloonery 11640 Cody St., OP, KS 913.338.2628 $$$ B5 www.OldWorldBalloonery.com Hot air balloon tours of the city.

Raytown International Raceway 6141 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Raytown, MO 816.353.7568 $ C3 Race slot cars on a 1/24th scale quarter-mile drag strip, and a 155-foot Blue King road course.

Escape Rooms and Mystery Theater

11535 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.298.1081 $$ B5 www.BreakoutKC.com You have 60 minutes to break out from a real life escape room, cracking codes.

Clue Pursuit 3953 Broadway, KC, MO 913.982.1076 $$ C3 www.CluePursuitLive.com Clue Pursuit is proud to have been the first escape room in Missouri.

The Dinner Detective 1301 Wyandotte St., KC, MO 866.496.0535 $$ C3 TheDinnerDetective.com/Kansas-City Live mystery comedy theater.

OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • Escape Artist KC

The Great Escape Quest

408 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.472.6699 $$ C3 www.EscapeArtistKC.com Uncover clues and crack codes to allow your group to solve the puzzle.

1502 Main St. Grandview, MO 816.844.9030 $$ C5 TheGreatEscapeQuest.com Interactive escape room to solve unraveling clues as you go.

Escape Room

Kansas City Gangster Tour

511 W. 4th St., KC, MO 816.656.5158 $$ C3

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.

Mystery Train

Mastermind Escape Games

1st Floor Union Station 30 W. Pershing, KC, MO 816.656.5158 $$ C3 www.EscapeRoomKC.com A live escape game where you have 60 minutes to solve a mystery.

The Exit Room 304 SW Market St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.434.5808 $$ D4 www.TheExitRoomKC.com Your team of players will have exactly one hour to complete a mission or task giving you the key to escape.

7810 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.827.0999 $$ B5 MastermindEscapeGames.com An interactive escape room game.

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.

Old School Escape 116 W. 4th St. Cameron, MO 816.558.2623 $$ D1 OldSchoolEscape.com Live escape room game experience.

Tick Tock Escape Games

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

6398 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.396.9144 $$ B5 www.TickTockEscapeGames.com An hour of fun where anyone can be the one who “gets it” and solves the next clue to save the day.

Novus Escape Room

Trapped KC

4142 Main St. KC, MO 816.982.9775 $$ C3 NovusEscapeRoom.com Character-based escape room providing a challenging mystery to solve.

618 SW 3rd St., Ste. E Lee’s Summit, MO 816.457.7410 $$ D4 www.TrappedKC.com Clues are hidden throughout the room that will need to be cracked and assembled to escape before the time’s up!

Visit www.KCParent.com for a look at the calendar year-round event guide.

An Educational Experience for All Ages!

Cedar Cove is a non-profit, educational sanctuary dedicated to the care & preservation of large cats and other endangered species while educating the public on their behavior and importance, the threats they face in captivity as well as the wild, and the impending danger of extinction.

Public Feedings Every Saturday!

Hours:

Kalyana

Summer (Apr - Oct) Sat: 10am - 5pm* Sun: 10am - 3pm

Winter (Nov- Mar) Sat: 11am - 3pm* Sun: 11am - 3pm

*Feeding times on Saturday: Summer: 4 p.m. / Winter: 2 p.m.

Sunday: Summer: 2 p.m. / Winter: 2 p.m.

Admission:

Adults: $8.00 Kids 4-12 & Seniors: $6.00 Kids 3 and under are free!

Location:

3783 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053

Phone:

(913) 837-5515 or (816) 739-0363

(see website for map & directions)

Kimar

www.saveoursiberians.org KCGOINGPLACES.COM 41

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES •

HISTORIC PLACES 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.

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

Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

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

GO BACK IN TIME

History Museums and Tours 1827 Log Courthouse 107 W. Kansas Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7111 Free D3 www.VisitIndependence.com Learn about the slave-land dispute and westward expansion issues.

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

Airline History Museum 201 NW Lou Holland Dr. KC, MO 816.421.3401 $ C3 www.AirlineHistory.org A collection of photographs and artifacts.

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

Battle of Westport Memorial 4000 Baltimore Ave., KC, MO 913.345.2000 Free C3 www.BattleOfWestport.org The center of the main battlefield is located at present-day Loose Park.

Battle of Westport 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.

Alexander Majors Home

Belton Historical Society & Museum

8201 State Line Rd., KC, MO 816.461.1897 $ C4 www.WornallMajors.org Alexander Majors was one of the founders of the Pony Express.

The home was built in 1856.

512 Main St., Belton, MO 816.331.1905 $ C5 www.BeltonHistoricalSociety.org View artifacts preserving the history of Belton.

42 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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

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

Bingham-Waggoner Estate 313 W. Pacific Ave. Indep, MO 816.461.3491 $ D3 www.BWEstate.org The 1855 museum depicts the history of George Caleb Bingham.

Black Archives of Mid-America 1722 E. 17th Ter. KC, MO 816.221.1600 Free C3 www.BlackArchives.org Collections featuring the works of black artists, writers, musicians and leaders.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center 3700 Blue Pkwy.

KC, MO 816.513.0700 Free C3 www.brucewatkinscenter.com This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Burnt District Museum

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS 913.682.1331 $ A1 www.FirstCityMuseums.org Tour the museum to learn the history of the carousel and enjoy a ride as well!

101 E. Broadway St. Excelsior Springs, MO 816.630.0101 Free D1 www.ExSMO.com View historic records and artifacts and learn the history of Excelsior Springs.

Clay County Courthouse

Dillingham-Lewis Home

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.

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.

Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum

Clay County Museum

Ensor Park and Museum

First City Museum

14 N. Main St. Liberty, MO 816.792.1849 Free D1 www.ClayCountyMuseum.org A museum where the James Gang carried out the first daylight bank robbery, and Civil War soldiers once marched.

18995 W. 183rd St., Olathe, KS 913.592.4141 $ A5 www.ensorparkandmuseum.org A seasonal museum devoted to the teacher, craftsman and amateur radio operator and his influence.

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

400 E. Mechanic, Ste. 203 Harrisonville, MO 816.380.4396 $ C5 www.CI.Harrisonville.MO.US Civil War museum with exhibits including a diorama of the Battle of Morristown, timelines, photo archives and more.

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.

Fort Osage 107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 816.650.3278 $ D2 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Osage Indian history and early military history are depicted through exhibits and special events.

Frontier Army Museum 100 Reynolds Ave. Fort Leavenworth, KS 913.684.3767 Free A1 www.FFAM.us Learn about the history of the frontier Army from 1804 to 1916 and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present.

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

EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S “BEST PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM”

MUST-SEE! FASCINATING! OUR KIDS LOVED IT!

OPEN DAILY MINUTES FROM KANSAS CITY

TrumanLibraryInstitute.org 816.268.8267

TripAdvisor Reviews

TRU Hero « TRU History « TRU Fun

TRUMAN

HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 43

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Grinter Place State Historic Site

Irish Museum & Cultural Center

1420 S. 78th St., KC, KS 913.299.0373 Free A3 www.KSHS.org A step back to the days of frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border.

19 W. Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.474.3848 Free C3 www.IrishCenterKC.org Discover Kansas City’s Irish history.

Harris-Kearney House The Roasterie

Watch It Made KC

T

ake a tour of one of Kansas City’s local businesses where you can watch as coffee is processed, povitica is crafted, violins are created and more.

You notice a building with an airplane mounted on the roof, and it stirs your curiosity. What could it be? That airplane has become the trademark of The Roasterie, known for selling premier air-roasted coffee. The business offers one of the most fun free tours in town. Visitors watch as coffee goes from bean to brew. Call 816.931.4000 for reservations.

Strawberry Hill’s povitica, a beloved traditional Eastern European dessert, made an interesting journey to find a home in Kansas City. Strawberry Hill is a community that still celebrates its Eastern European heritage, traditions and customs, including the beloved povitica (swirled bread)! In 1984, the Strawberry Hill Povitica Company (7226 W. Frontage Rd., Merriam, KS, 913.631.1002) was opened and, now a legacy in Kansas City, the bakery is a true delight for the senses!

Visit the bakery where you will be welcomed to enjoy a free sample with coffee and watch as artisan bakers guide you on a fun tour demonstrating the process of creating the specialty bread.

Experience the story of Kansas City’s own Hallmark, from its founding in 1910 to today. Visit the Hallmark Visitors Center and watch as greeting cards and wrapping paper are made and participate in hands-on fun as you create a souvenir gift bow with the push of a button.

Only one shop in the United States crafts professional level violins, violas, cellos and basses, and it is located right in Downtown Merriam. K.C. Strings is the shop where more than 20 craftsmen make world-class instruments. You can schedule a tour for an in-depth view into the science of stringed instruments by calling 913.403.8999.

For the young and the young-at-heart, a visit to Moon Marble in Bonner Springs is a wonder. Explore the enchanting toy store and marble shop where visitors can watch marble making demonstrations. Call 913.422.1432 for hours.

44 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

See ad on pg. 43 500 US Hwy. 24, Indep, MO 816.268.8200 $ D3 www.TrumanLibrary.org The exhibits in the library’s museum emphasize the life and times of Harry S. Truman and the Truman presidency. Among the permanent exhibits are a mural painting in the entrance lobby, “Independence and the Opening of the West,” by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton; a reproduction of the Oval Office as it was during the Truman administration; and the office which Truman used in his retirement years.

•

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

Historic Liberty Jail 216 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 816.781.3188 Free D1 www.LDS.org Discover the history of the jail and learn the story of Joseph Smith, a Mormon leader.

Historic Pharis Farm 20611 EE Hwy., Liberty, MO 816.736.8500 $ D2 www.ClayCountyMO.gov Learn about the Pharis farm of 1836.

Jackson County Historical Society Archives Jackson County Courthouse Main & Maple Independence, MO 816.461.1897 Free D3 www.JCHS.org

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.wornallmajors.org The 1858 museum offers special events and programs telling the history of Kansas City during the Civil War.

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

Johnson County Museum 8788 Metcalf, OP, KS 913.715.2550 $ B4 www.JoCoGov.org The museum shares local history through galleries and public programs.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Kansas City Historic Garment District Museum 801 Broadway, KC, MO 816.474.2112 Free C3 www.KCGarmentMuseum.org The museum tells the story of Kansas City’s garment factories from the 1920s through the 1980s.

KCMO 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.

Kansas City Automotive Museum 15095 W. 116th St. Olathe, KS 913.322.4227 $ A5 www.KCMO.gov KansasCityAutoMuseum.com Museum celebrating the history of automobiles.

Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd., KC, MO 816.483.8300 $ C3 www.KCMO.gov KansasCityMuseum The museum is currently under restoration. Enjoy restoration tours of the mansion.

• FEATURED LISTING • KC Rail Experience

See ad on pg. 3 Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org Experience a hands-on journey through the fascinating history of the American railroad. Rail travel has united Americans from coast to coast, shaping the destiny of the Kansas City region and the nation. This exhibit shares the sights and sounds from the golden age of rail travel, including a locomotive simulator that offers an engineer’s view of the rails.

•

Korean War Veterans Memorial Kansas City Washington Square Park: Pershing & Main, KC, MO

Free C3 www.MoKoreanWarMemorial.org A memorial dedicated to the memory of those who served during the Korean War.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Overland Park 11902 Lowell Ave., OP, KS

Free B5 www.KWVA.org The KWVA Memorial features an engraved wall honoring the fallen and missing soldiers of the Korean War.

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

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

Leavenworth National Cemetery 150 8th St., Leavenworth, KS 913.758.4105 Free A1 www.Cem.VA.Gov This historic cemetery is the burial site for many soldiers, beginning with the Civil War.

• FEATURED LISTING • Lee’s Summit Railroad Museum

See ad on pg. 7 220 SE Main St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.287.4477 Free D4 www.LeesSummitHistory.net Displays include a re-creation of the Vogue Theater, a WPA kitchen, information on local musical families the Brownings

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 45

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • National Agricultural Hall of Fame

Pioneer Trails Adventures

630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.721.1075 $ A3 www.AgHallOfFame.com Learn about agriculture in the Heartland.

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

National Frontier Trails Museum

Raytown Historical Society and Museum

318 W. Pacific Ave., Indep, MO 816.325.7575 $ D3 www.CI.Independence.MO.us/NFTM Features the history of the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Johnson County Museum and Methenys and an exhibit on the Border War, including Lee’s Summit’s notorious resident Cole Younger. Much more can be found at the museum, including a gift shop and research room.

•

Legler Barn Museum 14907 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.492.0038 Free A4 www.LenexaHistoricalSociety.org The site displays changing exhibits on local history.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

See ad on pg. 47 1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 913.971.5111 $ A5 www.mahaffie.org Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm offers a unique hands-on experience for visitors of all

ages, focusing on 1860s farming, frontier life and stagecoach travel, while preserving the nationally significant Mahaffie story.

Mahaffie is the last remaining stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail.

Visitors tour the historic home, blacksmith shop and farm.

•

Missouri Town 1855 8010 E. Park Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.503.4860 $ D4 www.MakeYourDayHere.com Missouri Town is a reconstructed 1850s farming community.

Mount Gilead Church & School 15918 Plattsburg Rd. Kearney, MO 816.736.8500 Free D1 www.claycountymo.gov/historic Tour a one-room schoolhouse where school continued to meet through the Civil War, and a historic church.

The Museum at Prairiefire 5801 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.333.3500 $ B5 www.MuseumAtPF.org The museum showcases world renowned exhibits.

46 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

See ad on pg. 2 5235 Oak St., KC, MO 816.235.8000 $ C3 www.ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures features exhibits and interactives of antique toys and fine-scale miniatures. The museum educates, inspires and delights adults and children through its collections. The innovative and engaging exhibits are fun for all ages. Throughout the year, enjoy special events including hands-on workshops, holiday events and special tours.

•

•

FEATURED LISTING National WWI Museum and Memorial

•

See ad on pg. 45 100 W. 26th St., KC, MO 816.888.8100 $ C3 www.TheWorldWar.org Through original objects and documents, video, re-created trenches and interactive tables, the museum shares a comprehensive history of the First World War with visitors.

Limited-run exhibitions tell newly curated stories of the Great War, often drawing from the museum’s comprehensive archives of more than 75,000 objects and documents.

•

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

Rosedale Memorial Arch 35th Street & Booth, KC, KS 913.677.5097 Free B3 www.WyCoKcK.org Arch was built in 1923 to pay tribute to WWI veterans.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Shawnee Town 1929

See ad on pg. 47 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org An understanding of our past enriches our lives today. Shawnee Town 1929 invites visitors to experience a typical day in and around the farm community of Shawnee, KS, in the 1920s through authentic and engaging exhibits, programs, events and historical collections.

Oxford Schoolhouse

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

Ironwoods Park: 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.339.6700 Free B5 www.Leawood.org/Parks Living history programs where children experience the oneroom school day of pioneers.

7000 NE Barry Rd., KC, MO 816.792.2655 $ C1 www.KCMO.org A village of more than 20 authentic 19th-century buildings.

Hands-on history is taught through programs and events.

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Strawberry Hill Museum

Truman Home

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.

219 N. Delaware, Indep, MO 816.254.9929 $ D3 www.NPS.gov/HSTR Tour the home of President and Mrs. Truman where they lived.

Thomas Hart Benton Home 3616 Belleview Ave., KC, MO 816.931.5722 $ C3 www.MoStateParks.com Tour the home of one of Missouri’s most famous artists.

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

Remodeled office opening soon.

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.

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 Courthouse 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

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

Day Out with Frank and Ella | 3Wednesdays & Thursdays June & July Family Fun Nights | Thursdays June & July 1860s Fireworks/Olathe Civic Band Night | Thursday, July 5 Summer Living History | Memorial Day through Labor Day Wild West Days | Saturday, September 22 & Sunday, September 23

Farm Fresh History Since 1858!

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 913.971.8563 Free A5 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec/ This 4-acre park honors the men and women who served America in the Armed Services.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Broadway & W. 42nd St., KC, MO 816.561.8387 Free C3

The memorial includes a wall with the names of 336 area veterans killed or missing in action.

Watkins Woolen Mill 26600 Park Rd. N. Lawson, MO 816.580.3387 $ D1 www.WatkinsMill.org Tour the home, visitor’s center, farm and brick mill and see how workers turned fleece into fabric.

Weston Historical Museum 601 Main St., Weston, MO 816.386.2977 Free A1 www.WestonHistoricalMuseum.org The Weston Historical Museum has preserved local artifacts to enjoy today.

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

Come Experience Shawnee Town 1929!

• • • • •

Living History Programs Family Friendly Events Concerts Rentals Family Fun

Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th Street • 913. 248.2360

www.shawneetown.org

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 47

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES •

SCIENCE PLACES LEGEND: FREE $ (Under $40 for family of 4) $$ (More than $40 for family of 4) KC - Kansas City OP - Overland Park Indep - Independence Shwn Msn - Shawnee Mission Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 29 Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

GO EXPLORE

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

• FEATURED LISTING •

The Gottlieb Planetarium’s 360-degreed domed screen and advanced projection system immerse visitors in an experience that is simultaneously entertaining and informative. From a regular presentation about the solar system to the occasional special musical collaboration, the planetarium dazzles with one of the largest dome experiences in the Midwest.

•

Gottlieb Planetarium

KU Natural History Museum

See ad on pg. 3 Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org

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.

• FEATURED LISTING •

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and Educational Center See ad on pg. 41 3783 Hwy. K68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5515 $ B5 www.SaveOurSiberians.org A preserve for tigers and a refuge for big cats that are abandoned, neglected or whose owners are unable to care for them. On Saturday evenings (summer – autumn) watch as the big cats are fed by trained staff.

Special events and tours are offered through the year.

•

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

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.

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.

Powell Observatory

• FEATURED LISTING •

• FEATURED LISTING •

Science City at Union Station See ad on pg. 3 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.ScienceCity.com Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to outer space, music to optical illusions, medicine and weather. Housed in Union Station, a popular destination drawing tourists who marvel at the Grand Hall’s 95-foot ceiling and 3,000-pound chandelier.

•

48 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Zoos, Aquariums and Farms

Moon Marble

26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS 913.837.5305 $ B5 www.ASKC.org Powell Observatory is home to the largest telescope in a fivestate area.

Cedar Cove

GO SEE ANIMALS

Kansas City Zoo

See ad on pg. 68 6800 Zoo Dr., KC, MO 816.595.1234 $ C4 www.KansasCityZoo.org Visitors love the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, world-class African exhibit, venturing to Australia and the Tropics exhibit. Live animal feedings and shows are offered daily, and watching elephants paint, sea lions train and the bird show are a few favorites. The zoo also hosts family-friendly weekends with character visits, holiday specials and workshops to educate visitors on the animals. Visit the zoo website for great events all year long.

•

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure Fleming Park: US 40 & Woods Chapel Road Blue Springs, MO 816.503.4800 Free D4 www.JacksonGov.org View the 110-acre enclosure where elk, buffalo and deer roam freely.

Sea Life Kansas City

Kauffman Memorial Garden 4800 Rockhill Rd. KC, MO 816.932.1200 Free C3 www.PowellGardens.org Free 2-acre public garden with serene and tranquil spaces in the heart of the city.

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 VisitSeaLife.com Get up close and personal with underwater creatures from the Missouri River to the ocean.

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

GO VISIT GARDENS

Linda Hall Library

Botanical Gardens and Learning Gardens

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.

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

C3

C3

Kauffman Memorial Garden

Plan Your Visit Free Entertainment Livestock Exhibits

Motorsport Events Carnival

Concerts Rodeo

MOSTATEFAIR.COM 36313 2018 KC Going Places Ad.indd 1

4/4/18 9:03 AM

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 49

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

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

Parkville Nature Sanctuary Prairie Park Nature Center

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

Powell Gardens 1609 NW US Hwy. 50 Kingsville, MO 816.697.2600 $ D5 www.PowellGardens.org With special exhibits, performances, drop-in activities, acres of gorgeous gardens and the nation’s largest edible landscape, you can tailor a visit based on your own interests.

GO EXPERIENCE NATURE

Conservation Centers Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center 4750 Troost Ave., KC, MO 816.759.7300 Free C3 www.MDC.mo.gov Explore the nature center, hiking trail, special programs and more.

Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary 7300 SW West Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 816.795.8177 Free D4 www.Burroughs.org A library and bird watching center complete with guides to identify local birds, binoculars and great viewing areas.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

John Barkley Visitor Center

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

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

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

Kemper Outdoor Education Center

8701 E. Gregory Blvd.

KC, MO 816.547.9679 Free www.CaveSpring.org Visit the nature center and hiking trails.

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

C4

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.

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

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

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

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

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

50 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Gottlieb Planetarium

Photo by J. Robert Schraeder

CATCH A

T

show

The Coterie

ENJOY A LIVE SHOW AT ONE OF KANSAS CITY’S THEATERS THIS SEASON

he Coterie is Kansas City’s professional children’s theater, located on the first floor of Crown Center.

Through May 20, enjoy Jack and the Bean Mágico!, a delightful production that is both bilingual and interactive. The classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk is told with the audience’s help, assisting Jack as he climbs the beanstalk to the giant’s rich and fertile land. Young audiences will become tiny bugs in the giant’s garden. Goosebumps is showing June 19-Aug. 5. Brooke and Zeke have been cast as the leads in the school’s new production of an old play about a phantom. Mysterious things start interrupting rehearsals, and they have to wonder: Is this someone’s idea of a joke, or is the Phantom real? Disney’s Newsies is showing July 7-29.

Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, this is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. Crown Center is home to many fantastic restaurants, but all-time faves for the kids will always be Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where trains deliver food to your table, d’Bronx, the New York-style delicatessen and pizzeria, Unforked, known for tasty burgers, tacos and quesadillas made with locally grown ingredients, and Spin! Pizza, a favorite pizza chain.

Enjoy the Kansas City Ballet’s performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts including Peter Pan (May 11-20) this spring. The center offers a dining option in the Founders’ Lounge, featuring a three-course menu with

robust selections boasting a variety of fresh, local flavors.

Reservations are encouraged for this popular option. Show fans also enjoy nearby restaurants. Los Tules, one of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants in town, is across the street. And for upscale dining, you can enjoy brunch or dinner next door at the elegant Webster House.

Starlight Theatre is Kansas City’s premier outdoor theater. You can dine at the theater before the show or purchase concessions. Summer 2018 brings On Your Feet (May 22-27), Dirty Dancing (June 5-10), The King & I (June 12-17), Chicago (June 22-27), Cinderella (June 29July 1), Hairspray (July 27-Aug. 2), Love Never Dies (Aug. 14-19) and The Illusionist (Sept. 28-30).

A beloved summer tradition includes packing a picnic and enjoying free live outdoor theater. Some favorites for free shows include Gladstone Theatre in the Park (GladstoneTIP.com) showing Oklahoma! (July 6-8) and Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Aug. 3-5), Leawood Stage Company’s outdoor venue at Ironwoods Park Amphitheatre (LeawoodStageCo.org) presenting West Side Story (July 13-21) and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival (KCShakes.org) showing Much Ado About Nothing June 12-July 1.

Search the calendar on KCParent.com for more live shows, concerts and free outdoor movies throughout the summer.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 51

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES •

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

Big Creek Country Show 110 Veterans Pkwy.

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

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

Carlsen Center at JCCC

Folly Theater

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

GO SEE A SHOW

Live Theater, Dance and Entertainment Avila College Goppert Theatre 11901 Wornall Rd., KC, MO 816.501.3699 $$ C5 www.Avila.edu Students offer live theater performances.

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

52 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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

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

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

Comedy City 3600 Broadway, Ste. 107 KC, MO 816.842.2744 $ C3

www.ComedyCity.cc Improv comedy shows are geared for the entire family.

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

The Culture House Various performance locations 14808 W. 117th St. Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 $ A5 www.CultureHouse.com Live shows including musicals, dance and theater. Also home to the Storling Dance Theater.

See ad on pg. 53.

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

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.

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • Gem Theater

Kansas City Ballet

KC Improv

KC Symphony

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

Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity: 500 W. Pershing, KC, MO

7260 NW 87th St. KC, MO 816.759.5233 $$ B2 ImprovKC.com Live improv comedy theater.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.471.0400 $$ C3 www.KCSymphony.org Enjoy professional live classical symphony.

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC 5801 W. 115th St., Ste. 101 OP, KS 913.327.8000 $$ www.JCCKC.org Live theater and music performances entertain the whole family.

B5

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

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.931.2232 $$ C3 www.KCBallet.org Kansas City Ballet offers an eclectic repertory from the traditional classics to exciting contemporary ballets.

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

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

KC Repertory Theatre Spencer Theatre 4949 Cherry St. KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 Copaken Stage 1 H&R Block Way KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 www.KCRep.org Kansas City Repertory Theatre pursues theatrical excellence and advances the art form.

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

KC Young Audiences 3732 Main St., KC, MO 816.531.4022 $ C3 www.KCYA.org Live music, dance, drama and poetry entertain patrons ages 5 and up.

Kick Comedy Theater 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., KC, MO 816.806.4000 $$ C3 Live improv and sketch comedy shows.

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.

head to

kcparent.com for the

kids eat

FREE

(or cheap) guide the BEST resource for finding places all over kc where kids eat for FREE (or really cheap)!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 53

• T H E AT R I C A L P L A C E S • T H E AT R I C A L P L A C E S • Northland Symphony Orchestra Park Hill South High School: 4500 NW River Park Dr. Riverside, MO Oak Park High School: 825 NE 79th Ter., KC, MO 816.316.0477 $ B2 www.NorthlandSymphony.org Enjoy notable symphony performances.

Olathe Civic Band

Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park

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

Lied Center of Kansas 1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.2787 $ A3 www.lied.ku.edu/ World famous live entertainment with theater, concerts and shows.

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

Martin City Melodrama 702 Blue Ridge Blvd.

Grandview, MO 913.642.7576 $ C5 www.MartinCityMelodrama.org Live Vaudeville-style theater is sure to leave the entire family laughing!

Mesner Puppet Theater 1006 Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.756.3500 $ C3 MesnerPuppets.org Mesner Puppet Theater is an award winning, professional puppet theater.

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre 3614 Main, KC, MO 816.569.3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org

A not-for-profit professional theater providing a full season of shows for the public.

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

Miller-Marley School of Dance 10448 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.492.0004 $ www.MillerMarley.com Local youth offer live dance performances.

B3

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

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

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

54 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stanfords Comedy Club 1867 Village W. Pkwy., D-201 KC, KS 913.400.7500 $$ B5 www.StanfordsComedyClub.com Relaxed venue with adultoriented comedy acts.

Stone Lion Puppet Theatre Various locations 816.221.5351 $ www.StoneLionPuppets.org Live puppet shows are tailored for children.

Storybook Theatre Various locations: Lee’s Summit area 816.204.5702 $ D4 StorybookTheatreKC.com Public performances are held seasonally.

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

Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre 12480 S. Blackbob Olathe, KS 913.254.4444 $ A5 www.TrilogyCulturalArts.com Live theater, dance and musical performances.

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

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

Youth Symphony of KC Various performance locations 290 W. 18th St., KC, MO 816.897.0577 $$ C3 www.YouthSymphonyKC.org Area youth offer live classical music performances.

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS

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

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

GO BOWLING Aaron’s Family Fun Center Oceans of Fun

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

GO TO A GAME 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.

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

KC Comets

Kansas Speedway

AMF

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 855.452.4625 $$ D3 www.CometsIndoorSoccer.com Kansas City’s indoor soccer team.

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

Strike ‘N Spare Lanes: 13001 E. 40 Hwy., Indep, MO 816.356.1900 $ D3

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

KC T-Bones 1800 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.328.2255 $ A3 www.TBonesBaseball.com The T-Bones are Kansas City’s independent professional baseball team.

KU Athletics 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

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

56 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

Lakeside Speedway

Pro Bowl Lanes: 505 E. 18th Ave., KC, MO (This location also offers miniature golf.)

816.221.8844 $ C3

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

College Lanes: 10201 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.451.6400 $ B4 www.AMF.com

MU Athletics

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

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

Missouri Mavericks 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

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

Diamond Bowl

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

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

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

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

Olathe Lanes East

GO SWIM

Indoor Pools & Aquatic Centers Belton Parks Community Center 16400 N. Mullen Rd. Belton, MO 816.348.7400 $ C5 www.BeltonParks.org

Blue Valley Rec Aquatic Center

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

6545 W. 151st St., OP, KS 913.685.6000 $ B5 www.BlueValleyRec.org

Park Lanes

2401 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0188 $ D4 www.funattheblue.com

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

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

Premier Bowling & Recreation Center 11400 E. 350 Hwy., Raytown, MO 816.356.5955 $ C3 www.PremierBowl.com

Retro Bowl 906 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO 816.781.1998 $ D2 This location also offers batting cages, billiards and more.

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

Summit Lanes 803 SW Oldham Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.524.3322 $ D4 www.SummitLanes.com

Ward Parkway Lanes 1523 W. 89th St., KC, MO 816.363.2700 $ C3 www.WardParkwayLanes.com

Centennial Pool Plex

CoCo Key Water Resort Adam’s Mark Hotel & Conference Center: 9103 E. 39th St., KC, MO 816.737.0200 $$ C3 www.CocoKeyKansasCity.com A 55,000-square-foot indoor water park.

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

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

Harrisonville Recreation Center 2400 Jefferson Pkwy.

Harrisonville, MO 816.380.8980 $ C5 www.CI.Harrisonville.MO.us

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

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC 5801 W. 115th St., OP, KS 913.327.8000 $ B5 www.JCCKC.org

KC MO Parks & Rec

Lenexa Rec Center Pool

Community Centers with Indoor Pools

17201 W 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.477.7529 $ A4 Lenexa.com

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

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

Matt Ross Community Center

KC YMCA

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

Locations with Indoor Pools www.KansasCityYMCA.org

Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park

Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1 Blue Springs Family YMCA: 2251 S. 138th St. Blue Springs, MO 816.224.9620 $ D4 Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 410 N. Bluegrass Dr., # B Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2 Miami County Family YMCA: 300 11th St., Osawatomie, KS 913.755.3622 $ A5 Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5 Paul Henson Family YMCA: 4200 W. 79th St. Prairie Village, KS 913.642.6800 $ B4 Platte County Comm Center North: 3101 Running Horse Platte City, MO 816.858.0114 $ A1 Platte County Comm Center South: 8875 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.505.2622 $ B2 Providence YMCA/ Ball Family Center: 8601 Parallel Pkwy., KC, KS 913.378.9622 $ A2 Red Bridge Family YMCA: 11300 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.2020 $ C5

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

1205 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 $-$$ www.OlatheKS.org

A5

Park Hill Aquatic Center 8152 N. Congress Ave., KC, MO 816.359.4080 $ B1 www.Parkhill.K12.MO.us

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

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

GO SWIM

Outdoor Pools & Water Parks Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 S. Hub Dr., Indep, MO 816.325.7946 $-$$ D3 www.ci.Independence.mo.us Water park with three water sides, pool, lazy river and more.

The Bay Water Park 7101 Longview Rd., KC, MO 816.965.9218 $ C4 www.TheBayKC.com A zero-entry pool, lap pool, lazy river and water slides.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 57

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS Black Bob Bay

Fairway Swimming Pool

Grain Valley Aquatic Center

Leawood Aquatic Center

14570 W. 151st St., Olathe, KS 913.971.5345 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org Features include raft water slides, a lazy river, shallow water play structures, a dive well, a 50-meter pool and a baby pool.

62nd & Mission Rd., Fairway, KS 913.722.3161 $ B3 www.FairwayKansas.org This location features a pool with two designated lap lanes, high and low diving boards, an 11-foot slide and a fenced 12-inch deep wading pool for toddlers to play.

713 Main St., Grain Valley, MO 816.847.6230 $ D3 www.CityofGrainValley.org Features include a zero-depth entry pool and water slides.

Swim lessons are offered also.

10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS 913.327.3977 $-$$ B3 www.Leawood.org Olympic size 50-meter pool, with youth pool, fountains and slides.

Bluejacket Pool 10101 Bond, OP, KS 913.327.5671 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features include a 15-foot-tall water slide, 3-meter and 1-meter diving boards and zero-depth entry youth pool with a dolphin water slide.

Frontier Pool

Blue Springs Centennial Pool Plex

Gardner Aquatic Park

2401 NW Ashton Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.228.0188 $-$$ D3 www.funattheblue.com The complex sports three pools: an indoor pool (year-round), an eight-lane 50-meter outdoor pool that features high-speed water slides, and an outdoor wading pool.

Bonner Springs Aquatic Park 1200 S. 134th St. Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.7011 $ A3 www.BonnerSprings.org The aquatic park features a zero-depth entry pool, 25-meter lap pool, floatable pods, water playground, diving boards, water slides and basketball goal.

15909 W. 127th St., Olathe, KS 913.971.5349 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org/ParksRec Features include a water slide, zero-depth entry, dive well, spray features and a lap pool.

Cornerstone Park, 215 N. Center Gardner, KS 913.856.0962 $ B5 www.GardnerKansas.gov/pool Special amenities include zerodepth entry, an active in-water play area, lazy river, multiple water slides, floatable walk, climbing nets, spraygrounds and a tot pool.

Gladstone Municipal Pool Central Park: 7011 N. Holmes, Gladstone, MO 816.436.2299 $ C2 www.Gladstone.mo.us This pool features zero-depth entry, sprayground, dumping bucket, open flume slide and a drop slide.

KC Watersports 25825 Edgemore Rd., Paola, KS 913.783.4300 $ A3 www.kcwatersports.com KC Watersports is the best wakeboarding destination in the Midwest.

KCMO Parks & Rec Outdoor Pools Brush Creek Community Center: 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.

KC, MO 816.513.0730 $ C3 Budd Park: Budd Park Esplanade & Denver Ave., KC, MO 816.784.2600 $ C3 Grove Park Pool: Truman Rd. & Benton Blvd.

KC, MO 816.784.2500 $ C3 Swope Park Pool: 6700 Lewis Rd., KC, MO 816.513.8915 $ C3 www.KCMO.org Enjoy affordable outdoor swimming at Kansas City’s Parks & Rec pools.

Lenexa Parks and Rec Outdoor Pools Ad Astra Pool: 83rd & Maurer Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.492.7946 $ B3 Flat Rock Creek Pool: 103rd & Hauser, Lenexa, KS 913.888.3202 $ B3 Indian Trails Aquatic Center: 87th & Greenway Ln., Lenexa, KS 913.888.4659 $ B3 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Enjoy affordable outdoor swimming at Lenexa’s pools.

Liberty Community Center Pools 1600 S. Withers Rd., Liberty, MO 816.439.4360 $ D1 www.ci.Liberty.mo.us This location boasts two outdoor pools, including a children’s fountain pool and two indoor pools.

Marty Pool 7405 Conser, OP, KS 913.327.5672 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features a youth pool, fountains, a tropical fish slide, sand area, a main pool with a zero-depth entry and water slide.

Merriam Aquatic Center 6040 Slater, Merriam, KS 913.322.5518 $$ B3 www.Merriam.org The center features zero-depth (beach entry) pool, a variety of slides for all ages, pulsating water jets, water riders, spray toys and a 50-meter pool.

Mill Creek Pool 320 E. Poplar, Olathe, KS 913.971.5337 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org The pool features a water slide, zero-depth entry, dive well, spray features and a lap pool.

Mission Family Aquatic Center

Chicken N Pickle 58 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

5930 W. 61st St., Mission, KS 913.722.4590 $-$$ B3 www.missionks.org This large outdoor pool also has an additional kiddie pool.

PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • • FEATURED LISTING • Oceans of Fun

See ad on pg. 67 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Kansas City’s outdoor water park with twisting inner tube slides and Buccaneer Bay with kayaks and canoes. Now, Worlds of Fun offers more value than ever by combining both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun to a one-ticket admission. Every guest will have access to 235 acres of rides, shows and attractions, complete with a massive water park.

•

Oregon Trail Pool 1750 W. Dennis, Olathe, KS 913.971.5348 $-$$ B4 www.OlatheKS.org Features include a water slide, zero-depth entry, dive well, spray features and a lap pool.

Parkwood Swimming Pool 950 Quindaro Blvd., KC, KS 913.551.0402 $ B2 www.WYCoKCK.org With daily admission at only $1, this is one of the most affordable pools in the metro.

Prairie Village Pool Complex 7711 Delmar, Prairie Village, KS 913.385.4650 $ B3 www.PVKansas.com The complex features two water slides and the plunge pool, zero-depth entrances to the leisure and wading pools, large pool deck area, tubing, lap pool and therapeutic whirlpool.

Riverside Community Center Pool 4498 NW High Dr., Riverside, MO 816.741.4172 $ B2 www.RiversideMO.com The 3,750-square-foot pool features a zero-depth entrance for the little ones, diving boards for the bigger kids and a splash and play area for everyone.

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

Features include a 50-meter inverted “C”-shaped pool with a 25-yard by 25-meter competitive area, a dive well, an inflatable slide, four 50-meter lap lanes and a children’s area.

Roe Pool 10400 Roe, Overland Park, KS 913.327.5673 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Roe has water depths ranging from 3 feet, 6 inches to 12 feet. It also has a small slide, water rock climbing wall, 1-meter diving board and youth pool.

Rowdy Ribbit’s 11101 Raytown Rd., KC, MO 816.351.0447 $$ C5 RowdyRibbits.com Kansas City’s FIRST inflatable water park making its debut at Longview Lake Beach! Run, jump, slide and bounce at this summer attraction.

Pinstripes

• FEATURED LISTING • Schlitterbahn Waterpark

See ad on pg. 65 9400 State Ave., KC, KS 913.312.3110 $$ A3 www.Schlitterbahn.com At Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, families enjoy shared experiences, such as an interconnected river system that takes them through more than a mile of rapids, currents and tidal waves. Guests challenge towering water slides and a thrilling water coaster, then ride the wave on the Boogie Bahn surf ride. Kids splash and play on 13 mini slides. Relax on beaches, in private cabanas or in a heated pool with a swim-up refreshment bar.

•

Splash Cove 5800 King Ave., Shawnee, KS 913.631.7177 $-$$ B4 www.CityOfShawnee.org Splash Cove features a mini wave pool, 125-foot full body slide, interactive playground features, instructional pool, WiFi access and a party cabana.

Super Splash USA 5330 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO 816.356.5300 $$ C3 www.SuperSplashUSA.com Whether you’re looking for thrills or just want to catch some rays, Super Splash has something for everyone.

Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center 13805 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.631.0054 $ A4 www.CityOfShawnee.org Features an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, diving boards, two body slides, a lazy river, vortex, interactive aquatic features, enclosed baby pool area with water playground.

Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center 11950 Lowell, OP, KS 913.327.5675 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features a zero-depth entry, cooling fountains, diving boards, a 60-foot-long family slide and a twisting slide, 25-meter lap lane, youth pool and a large sand area for playing.

The Springs Aquatic Center 9400 N. Congress Ave. KC, MO 816.880.0279 $ B2 http://thespringskc.com/ Two water slides, a lazy river with a vortex, two splash playgrounds, a zero-depth entry pool with play features and an Olympic size 50-meter competitive pool.

Stonegate Pool 9701 Antioch, OP, KS 913.327.5674 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Features include a 22-foot-high spiral water slide, a 1-meter diving board, a youth pool with fountain features, a 25-meter lap lane and more than 25 feet of zero-depth area.

Summit Waves 120 SW Blue Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO 816.969.1545 $-$$ C3 www.CityOfLS.net Features a 904-foot action river, body slide, tube slide, six-lane lap pool with diving boards, a water playground area featuring mini-slides and more.

Young’s Pool 8421 W. 77th St., OP, KS 913.327.5676 $-$$ B3 www.OPKansas.org Overland Park’s only Olympic size pool, and a 200-foot flume body slide, diving boards, zerodepth pool with fountains and youth pool with slides.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 59

GO ROLLER SKATE

KC Ice Center

B & D South Skate Center 13903 E. Noland Ct., Indep, MO 816.252.1084 $ D3 www.BandDSouth.com

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

Landmark Skate Center

Line Creek Ice Rink

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

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

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

Rink Ratz 513 SW Keystone Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.229.7793 $ D4 www.rinkratzsk8.com

River Roll Skate Center 4720 NW Gateway Ave., KC, MO 816.587.0131 $ C2 www.RiverRoll.com

Skate City Overland Park 10440 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.888.6668 $ B4 www.SkateCityKansas.com

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

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

Wheel Thing Skate Center 1719 Metropolitan Ave. Leavenworth, KS 913.682.7677 $ A1 www.RollinFun.com

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

GO ICE SKATE Centerpoint Community Ice 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

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

GO LEARN ABOUT SPORTS Sports and Motorsports Museums 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.

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

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

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

See ad on pg. 66 1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.221.1920 $ C3 www.NLBM.com Founded in 1990, the 10,000-square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the rich history of African-American baseball.

Experience a tour of multimedia

60 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

displays, museum store, hundreds of photographs and artifacts dating from the late 1800s through the 1960s. Through educational programming and innovative exhibitions, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the history of African-American baseball.

•

Royals Hall of Fame

Fieldhouse of Blue Springs 425 NE Mock Ave. Blue Springs, MO 816.229.1314 $ D3 www.BlueSpringsGov.com Indoor batting cages, indoor black light miniature golf, throwing tunnels and more.

KC Sports Lodge

Kauffman Stadium 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.921.8000 $ C3 http://KansasCity.Royals.MLB.com A venue that traces the history of Royals baseball.

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

GO PLAY SPORTS

Mac-N-Seitz Baseball & Softball

Sports Complexes, Batting Cages and Golf 68’s Inside Sports 11301 W. 88th St, OP, KS 913.888.9247 $ B4 www.68InsideSports.com Indoor batting cages offer fun and practice.

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

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

Canyon Farms Golf Club 18145 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 913.529.2235 $ B4 www.CanyonFarmsGolfClub.com Enjoy outdoor batting cages.

Chicken N Pickle 1761 Burlington North Kansas City MO 816.537.1400 $-$$ B3 www.ChickenNPickle.com Play pickleball, grab a healthy bite to eat or enjoy lawn games.

Drive5 12140 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.897.4667 $ http://drive5sports.com/ State-of-the art basketball, volleyball and gym facility.

13705 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.9992 $ C5 www.Mac-n-Seitz.com Two major league-size infields, two full-size bull pens, indoor batting cages and more.

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

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

Shoal Creek Driving Range & Batting Cages 5757 NE 96th St., KC, MO 816.734.9595 $ C1 www.ShoalCreekDrivingRange.com Visit the outdoor batting cages and golf course.

Tom Urquhart’s School of Baseball 7875 Mastin Dr., OP, KS 913.385.2255 $ B4 www.385ball.com Indoor pitching tunnels, batting cages and field.

Topgolf B5

10611 Nall Ave., OP, KS 913.562.9713 $-$$ B4 www.Topgolf.com Features 102 bays over three floors.

SAVOR AN

E

MUSIC RT, FA O

ING N VE

OD & W FO IN

E

a

2018

rée i o s en d r a g

BE OUR GUEST AT THE EVENT OF THE SUMMER! Come join The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park for an evening of fun at the OP Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the new “Whirlwind: Art in Motion” exhibition displayed throughout delightful landscapes as you’re treated to fine wine, delicious food, and a variety of entertainment options – including a dazzling fireworks display. It’s the premier networking event of the season!

Purchase your tickets or sponsorship package today and enjoy early purchase benefits.

Visit stemssoiree.org or call 913.322.6467 for all ticket and event information.

Presenting Sponsors:

in partnership with the Regnier Family Foundations

JUNE 23, 2018 7-11 p.m.

At the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

50

Kansas City Royals

fun faves to enjoy in kansas city Explore Kansas City’s favorite attractions and hidden gems:

oot for the Kansas City Royals and enjoy Friday night 1 Rfireworks.

Legos at Legoland Discovery Center and catch a free film on the lawn on Friday nights in the summer.

2

Spend the night at the Kansas City Zoo, where they offer overnights in the penguin and polar bear exhibits and campouts in Africa

ppreciate art at FREE First Fridays in the Crossroads.

4 ABoasting restaurants, galleries and live music, the district is one of the best places to enjoy Kansas City’s art scene.

njoy a night out at Chicken N Pickle, a wood-clad, 5 Echicken-centric joint with a patio, rooftop bar and pickleball courts.

the National World War I Museum at Liberty 3 Visit Memorial and grab a free family guide at the entrance with a scavenger hunt for the kids. End your trip with photos at the top of the tower.

the KC Streetcar and visit the FREE KC Rail 6 Ride Experience at Union Station, play chess on the roof at the Central Library and taste-test a yummy treat at City Market. TIP: Bring our streetcar scavenger hunt found on KCParent.com on your trip!

62 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

a day at Crown Center, where children can play 7 Sinpend free exhibits, touch sea creatures at Sea Life, explore

hop at one of the city’s farmers markets, including 8 SCity Market with hundreds of vendors. Find them all on KCParent.com.

reate a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope, KC’s FREE 9 Chands-on art center for children.

6

McGonigle’s ribs. Since 1951, the market has 10 Savor been selling some of the tastiest meats in the city.

pend a Saturday in the West Bottoms, a perfect 21 Sexcursion to get creative juices flowing as you explore

The smoker entices customers in the summer with the promise of juicy ribs and barbecue. et an amazing view of the city from the River 11 GObservation Tower as you gaze out over the vast

Missouri River.

antique shops, boutiques and retailers in KC’s most eclectic shopping district. njoy brunch at André’s Confiserie Suisse or Henry’s 22 ETea Room. Discover more tea rooms on KCParent.com.

Kansas City’s wineries. You’ll find a complete 23 Tour guide on KCParent.com.

at Antioch Park in the new and improved Dodge 24 Play Town playground.

earn Independence’s pioneer history aboard a horse25 Ldrawn wagon ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures.

ake a tour of the more than 200 fountains that grace 26 TKansas City.

12 et lost in the glass labyrinth on the lawn of the 12 GNelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

27

reate your own custom donut at Donutology in 13 CWestport.

for Kansas City’s soccer team at a Sporting 14 CKCheer game.

15 16 Enjoy a free concert in the park. Visit KCParent.com for a complete list on our calendar.

Jazzoo on June 1 at the Kansas City Zoo 27 Attend where you’ll enjoy food, drink and entertainment while

helping feed and care for more than 1,700 animals.

Visit the big cats at Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary.

ndulge in a hand-crafted soda or snow cone at Little 17 IFreshie, where customers revel in flavors like blackberry

lavender, strawberry rhubarb and more.

ttend a free family fun night at Mahaffie Stagecoach 28 AStop (Thursdays in the summer), where history comes

to life. ry rolled ice cream at one of Freezing Moo’s 29 Tlocations, or try gourmet one-of-a-kind ice cream at Betty Rae’s in Waldo or Glacé near the Plaza. You’ll find more favorite ice cream shops on KCParent.com.

18

Explore Downtown Kansas City and take photos featuring public art on display.

Take the family on a trip to a local u-pick farm to pick fresh berries and veggies. Visit KCParent.com for a complete guide.

arvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where 20 Madmission is FREE.

the rails with the Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad, 30 RtheideMidland Railway or the KC Northern Railroad. All

19

three offer great train rides on summer weekends. njoy stargazing at Powell Observatory, home to a 31 E30-inch telescope, the largest available for public

viewing in the Midwest.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 63

atch a retro flick on the big screen at the Alamo 39. WDrafthouse Cinema.

ide the sky bike, a high-wire bicycle, at Science City 40 Rand catch a show at the new 4K Gottlieb Planetarium.

earn about Kansas City’s fashion history at the 41 LHistoric Garment District Museum and take a photo

with a giant needle and thread. as homemade potato chips are sliced and fried 42 Win atch the machine at Price Chopper at 151st & Metcalf,

then indulge in a bag of your favorite flavor.

43 Discover Kansas City’s rich history aboard the trolley.

32

rab coffee and a croissant at the newly remodeled 32 G3-story Messenger Coffee Co./Ibis Bakery.

tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall and go 33 Ttoakethea roof for amazing views of downtown.

animals at the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure 34 Fineed Fleming Park.

elebrate African-American baseball history at the 35 CNegro Leagues Baseball Museum.

44

esearch your family history at the Midwest Genealogy 36 RCenter where librarians will help you uncover your

ancestry.

iscover a masterpiece and take a photo with the 44 Dgiant spider at the free Kemper Museum of

36

Contemporary Art. al fresco at one of the many restaurants offering 45 Dine patio seating at the Country Club Plaza, Brookside

Shopping District, Briarcliff Village, Park Place or Prairiefire.

46 Laugh at the live improv comedy at Comedy City.

47 Sample Kansas City’s signature barbecue at Jack Stack, Gate’s, Joe’s KC, Q39 or another local restaurant and

find your favorite. ent a pedal boat at Shawnee Mission Lake or 48 RLake Jacomo.

ake the family to a Kansas City T-Bones game and 37 Tcatch fireworks on Saturdays in the summer.

xplore one of the area’s quaint shopping districts 38 Elocated on Main Street in KC’s surrounding suburbs

and small towns.

64 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2018

a free trip to the Money Museum and leave with 49 Taake bag of shredded cash. isit KCParent.com and search our calendar for 50 Vmore ideas all year long!

IT’S

AMAZING IN HERE

TM

Twice the Thrills, where guests enjoy 235 acres of rides & slides in Kansas City.

• Going from zero to 360° with thrill rides and 7 world-class rollercoasters • The most amazing place to be a kid with 21 rides in Planet Snoopy™ • The all new Nordic Chaser family ride and new finale of our original classic wooden coaster Timber Wolf • Splash into the Midwest’s Largest Water Park, Oceans of Fun May 25 – September 3, 2018 • Over 100 rides, slides, shows and attractions designed for families

Save up to $21 online at www.worldsoffun.com Worlds of Fun • Oceans of Fun • Kansas City, MO • 816.454.4545 © Peanuts Worldwide LLC, peanuts.com ©2018 Cedar Fair, L.P. WF18-105

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore. Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo.

Visit Today!

STINGRAY BAY STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK Open May 2018

OPEN DAILY | kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.