KC Going Places Magazine Fall-Winter 2018-2019

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kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

fall/winter 2018-19

kcgoingplaces.com

instaworthy kc: eye-catching sites

after hours:

evening fun for all ages

wild things:

exotic animal excursions

500+ ways to

experience the best of kc


ONE MUSEUM / two must-see collections

Toys / Explore one of largest collections of antique toys in the nation.

/ miniatures Discover the world's largest collection of fine-scale miniatures.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS/MINIATURES OPEN WED – MON 10AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUES 816.235.8000 TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG 5235 OAK STREET, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112


“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 Exhibition: Dinosaurs Revealed: Limited Engagement • Internationally Awarded Science Center: Daily Demos & Activities •Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium: Twin 4K, State-Of-The-Art Projectors & New Educational Shows • Extreme Screen Theatre: Feature & Educational 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 Fall’s Best Fests

Celebrate the season at a local fair

18 Kansas City After Hours

One-of-a-kind adventures and entertainment

20 Walk on the Wild Side

Meet exotic animals nose to nose

Let your creative juices flow

Murals and art walls create an urban landscape

Uniquely local experiences for all ages

22 Try New Things

26 Insta-worthy KC

60 Family-Friendly KC from A to Z

8

64 Night and Day

City nights and daytime adventures

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, mystery theater and thrills

19

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 58 skating 59 sports museums/complexes

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64


From high-end looks to world-class dining—fashion, flavor and fun are never too far away. Michael Kors Outlet | Coach J.Crew Factory | Kate Spade

™

LegendsShopping.com | Kansas City, KS at I-435 & I-70 | Follow us


editor’s letter

T

he season of traditions in Kansas City has arrived. Fall and winter welcome festival season, holidays and many beloved traditions for our city. Whether choosing the best pumpkin at the local patch, trickor-treating with Snoopy at Worlds of Fun or enjoying a hike along one of our nature trails, you’ll find fall is full of fun tradition. Autumn also brings so many terrific festivals that choosing a favorite is impossible! The Renaissance Festival, the Plaza Art Fair, Glow: A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival at Powell Gardens and Ciderfest are just a few of my personal favorites. Kansas Citians are proud of our city’s professional sports teams, signature barbecue (Jack Stack will forever get my top vote, but Joe’s Kansas City and Q39 are close runners-up), fabulous architecture, world-class performing arts, eclectic neighborhoods, local artisans and Midwestern hospitality. Before we know it, autumn will give way to winter, and that means our favorite holiday traditions, beginning with the lighting of the Country Club Plaza Christmas lights. Then, we make plans to see our favorite holiday shows, The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet and A Christmas Carol at the KC Repertory Theatre. We’re also looking forward to the return of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Coterie. With beautiful holiday light displays and traditions, Christmas in Kansas City truly is magical. When we’re not enjoying seasonal favorites, we love taking in a First Friday in the Crossroads or Third Thursday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We always can find something to enjoy in Kansas City. 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 glad you’re here to experience the best Kansas City has to offer, and we hope you come to love this city just as much as we do! kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

fall/winter 2018-19

kcgoingplaces.com

Kristina Light, Editor

instaworthy kc: eye-catching sites

after hours:

evening fun for all ages

wild things:

exotic animal excursions

500+ ways to

experience the best of kc

6

The cover features the touch pool at the Kansas City Zoo’s new Stingray Bay.

KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 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 Digital 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 Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Judy Goppert, Lee’s Summit Andrea Plunkett Ishmael, Kansas City Jessica Samuel, Kansas City Margaret Sarver, Lenexa Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone 913.681.5139 fax

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

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


LEE’S SUMMIT:

A hop, skip and jump...

Located just outside Kansas City, Lee’s Summit is a place where you can stroll the bricks of our historic downtown streets as you discover one-of-a-kind locally owned shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment options. You’ll also enjoy more than 100 annual community and cultural events as the sound of the train whistle takes you back in time.

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


GO SEE KC

Go Explore Midtown Kansas City boasts many remarkable art galleries, with some 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 nice days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden. Throughout the year, enjoy free festivals, including the Deaf Cultural Festival (Sept. 8), American Indian Cultural Celebration (Sept. 16), Day of the Dead Festival (Nov. 4) and Chinese New Year Festival (Jan. 27). For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Country Club Plaza, with beautiful towers, sculptures, paintings and mosaics inspired by Seville, Spain, is one of the prettiest places in Kansas City and is home to many of the city’s most beautiful fountains. A favorite autumn tradition is the Plaza Art Fair, held annually during the third weekend of September. The holiday season is not complete without a visit to the Plaza to enjoy the Christmas lights. Nearby, visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The museum houses a charming world of toys with interactive exhibits taking visitors on a stroll down memory lane.

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Visit Swope Park, Kansas City’s gem of a green space that is even larger than New York’s Central Park. Attractions include Go Ape KC, offering treetop and private group adventures. The two- to three-hour obstacle course includes 40 crossings that feature rope bridges, five zip lines, Tarzan swings and net bridges. Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo at Swope Park, where Berlin and Bam Bam the polar bears, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Billy Goats Gruff, Sumatran Tiger Exhibit and the Tropics are favorite attractions. Ride the train, carousel, boat, tram and Sky Safari to enjoy terrific views of the animals. 8

KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Kansas City Zoo


Go Explore the Crown Center District Visit Crown Center for many attractions, great shops and restaurants. The Coterie produces professional children’s theater year-round. Kaleidoscope is consistently ranked as one of the best kid-friendly destinations in Kansas City. Imaginations know no limits as kids create jigsaw puzzles, glow-in-the-dark art, crowns and more at this hands-on art center. Sea Life features a walkthrough underwater tunnel and an enthralling journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean. The Legoland Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas including a 4D cinema, classes, an exciting Lego ride and one-of-a-kind Lego exhibits.

The Coterie

Spend a day at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, then take a tour to the top of this iconic landmark, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view 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 great hands-on science exhibits for children and the 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. National World War I Museum and Memorial

Photo by Alistair Tutton Photography

At Union Station, you may board the KC Streetcar for a free ride from Union Station to City Market, with many stops along the way. Nearby, visit the National Archives of Kansas City with free history exhibits and staff on hand to assist with research projects. Enjoy lunch at a variety of restaurants nearby. For barbecue, enjoy Jack Stack Barbecue, for Italian eat at Lydia’s, and if you’re dining with kids, enjoy Fritz’s where trains deliver to your table. Wanting to eat locally grown food? Try Unforked, or for steak try Pierpont’s. These are just a few favorite restaurants in the area.

Unforked KCGOINGPLACES.COM

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GO SEE KC

Go Explore Downtown The jewel of downtown is the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences enjoy professional performances from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions. The holiday season brings annual traditions to the stage, including Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker and the Kansas City Symphony’s holiday concerts. Throughout the year, both local and traveling productions include professional entertainers as well as educational programming from comedians to musicians, short plays to lectures. Before the show, enjoy a delicious meal in the Founders’ Lounge, where they offer a three-course menu featuring modernAmerican cuisine.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

One of Kansas City’s most famous historic neighborhoods is 18th and Vine. Two museums in the district celebrate the city’s past. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum showcases the history of American baseball from the AfricanAmerican perspective, beginning in 1863, and gets you acquainted with many famous local baseball stars. Measure up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond. 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. American Jazz Museum

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 on KCParent.com when you search “Weekend Guide.” Top picks include First Fridays in the Crossroads, enjoyed by people who head to the cultural arts district for free peeks at galleries and studios, delicious treats from food trucks and restaurants and entertainment from street performers. Third Saturday Wine Walk on Delaware is an adult favorite in the River Market. On a tour of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, also in the River Market, learn about the excavation of the 1850s steamboat. 10 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Arabia Steamboat Museum


Go Explore Eastern Jackson County “The Man from Missouri” and 33rd president of the United States Harry S. Truman hailed 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, many of which host special events throughout the year and are decorated for the holidays. Truman Presidential Library

Experience one of the area’s botanical gardens while you’re here. Powell Gardens is home to a beautiful island garden, rock wall garden, conservatory, Heartland Harvest Garden and acres of trails overlooking beautiful flowers, plants and prairie. In the fall, enjoy scarecrows in the gardens, Glow: A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival and cooking demos by local chefs. During the holiday season, make reservations for the annual luminary walk. Nature lovers also will enjoy a visit to Burr Oak Woods Nature Center where you can walk miles of trails and enjoy their annual Halloween event and free workshops. Powell Gardens

Downtown Lee’s Summit is home to shops and boutiques, including bookstores, hobby shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, cooking stores and more. At Paradise Park, your family will enjoy laser tag, rock wall climbing, miniature golf, the Exit Room, the Foam Factory, bumper cars, an arcade and more. Visit Sky Zone in Lee’s Summit (additional locations available across the metro), a trampoline park with obstacle courses and games. Or, entertain the gang at Main Event in Independence, where you can enjoy arcades, laser tag, obstacle courses, bowling and more family fun. Take a spin on the ice at Summit Ice the city’s newest outdoor rink or indoors at Centerpoint Community Ice. Downtown Lee’s Summit KCGOINGPLACES.COM 11


GO SEE KC

Go Explore Johnson County Living history museums are a favorite local attraction, with several historic sites telling the area’s history through reenactments and hands-on education. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Johnson County brings 1850s farming to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop. On snowy Saturdays, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on the property. Shawnee Town 1929 is a slightly more modern village where families explore living history firsthand. Families also enjoy Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead before it closes for the season in October. The 12-acre park is home to more than 200 farm animals, gardens, a dairy barn, pony rides and much more. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm

BYOB paint-your-own-canvas shops are a fun trend across the city, each offering diverse calendars with a variety of masterpieces you can create following simple step-by-step instructions. In Johnson County, Thirsty Palette in Leawood is one of our top picks. 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, Ceramics Cafe and more paint-your-own pottery shops. Patrons select and paint their own ceramic masterpieces—anything from piggy banks to plates, mugs to picture frames and many holiday pieces, as well.

Urban Air Overland Park 12 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Thirsty Palette

Adventure lovers enjoy iFly KC, an indoor skydiving facility. The indoor skydiving is a simulation of true freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. The dream of flight becomes a reality! This is a top pick for visitors who have come to town for an event at the Overland Park Convention Center. Nearby, be sure to spend an evening at Topgolf, an entertainment complex for golf enthusiasts. Play point-scoring golf games for anyone from experts to children and enjoy the luxury of indoor play on a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground. Urban Air Overland Park is a favorite indoor trampoline park, with an indoor playground and fun for all ages with obstacle courses and games.


Go Explore Kansas Head west to Legends Outlets for a day of shopping and local attractions. The shopping center features tributes to 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. Catch a movie at the theater or listen to a concert on the Lawn. Play your favorite arcades and enjoy delicious food at Dave and Buster’s or enjoy Kansas City barbecue at Arthur Bryant’s. Then, visit Nebraska Furniture Mart, the largest furniture retailer in the region, and Cabela’s, an outdoor store with an amazing aquarium and animal exhibits

Legends Outlets

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Kansas Speedway allows fans to take a ride or get behind the wheel of a 600 hp NASCAR race car on the 1.5-mile tri-oval track at speeds of up to 155 mph. Or watch a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway as professional drivers race to the finish line. Then, head to Zip KC in Bonner Springs, where you can take a tour that mixes hiking and zip lining. For an unforgettable experience, spend the night at Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park and resort hotel with seasonal fun, including a giant gingerbread house for the holiday season. Kansas Speedway

Cedar Cove in Louisburg, KS, is an animal refuge for endangered or rescued big cats. See leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. Enjoy fresh-made cider at Louisburg Cider Mill, where visitors watch as cider is pressed and cider donuts are made. The mill is also home to a seasonal pumpkin patch and corn maze. On Saturdays through October, visit Powell Observatory for a public stargazing session through one of the largest telescopes in the region. The Overland Park Arboretum is home to a Monet garden, train garden and beautiful trails to explore. The gardens are glorious with fall foliage, and their holiday luminary walk is a favorite tradition for many families. Overland Park Arboretum KCGOINGPLACES.COM 13


GO SEE KC

Go Explore the Northland The Village at Briarcliff in the Northland features Tuscanstyle architecture and offers spectacular views of Downtown Kansas City and an upscale boutique shopping and dining experience. From Nell Hill’s to Made in KC, Lillian’s to Boutique Collective, the village offers a variety of clothing, decorating and boutique-style shops. Piropos restaurant serves authentic Argentinian cuisine, Trezo Mare is a favorite for Italian dining, and you will find casual dining options as well. With spas, salons, event spaces and even Pinot’s Palette, a painting experience, visitors have a lot to see and do. Throughout the year, enjoy ladies night out events, fall open house, holiday open house and shopping specials.

Made in KC

Winter sports are beloved in Kansas City. You can take a spin on the ice at one of the local rinks, including Line Creek Ice Rink and Linden Square Ice Rink in Gladstone. In November, families compete in turkey bowling on the ice at Line Creek Arena. Weston’s Snow Creek is a short 45-minute to one-hour drive from Downtown KC, appealing to skiers and snowboarders alike. You’ll find ice skating rinks and a guide to the best sled hills in Kansas City on KCParent.com. While you’re in Weston, enjoy boutiques, farms and wineries. Weston’s Snow Creek

Historic Downtown Liberty is home to the Jesse James Bank Museum, site of the first recorded daytime bank robbery. On the square, enjoy local cafes, boutiques and shops, including Blanc Palette, a paint-your-own masterpiece studio where pet paintings are a favorite project. For entertainment, catch a live show at the Corbin Theatre, where you can enjoy musical theater, live music and stage shows. Throughout the year, catch a performance with the Liberty Symphony, whose annual holiday concert is a family tradition for many Northlanders. Jesse James Bank Museum 14 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018


Go Explore All Around Town Creative juices flow at Create-It, the Makery KC and Pinspire Craft Studio, new local businesses specializing in all those Pinterest-inspired projects you want to try but never get around to creating. For fun vintage art, connect with friends at 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 Studio in historic Overland Park is the place for knitting, crochet and needlepoint classes. Eat, Drink & Stitch

Test your puzzle solving skills at one of the city’s many escape room entertainment venues. You’ll find Exit Room at Paradise Park and Union Station, Breakout KC in the River Market district, the Escape Room, Tick Tock Escape and more. Players are given one hour to solve puzzles and unravel codes to escape a real-life scenario. Or, participate in an interactive murder mystery with a live show at a local restaurant courtesy of Mystery Train. Holyfield Winery in Bonner Springs and Belvoir Winery in Liberty also host regular murder mystery events. You’ll find more on KCParent.com. Exit Room at Paradise Park

Enjoy classic fun with a visit to one of Kansas City’s fun centers. Adults enjoy a bit of nostalgia at one of the area’s arcades. Local restaurants also feature gaming, including Tapcade, Draftcade, Up-Down Arcade, Pawns & Pints, Throwback KC and Dave & Buster’s. Miniature golf, go-karts and arcades are all the rage at Cool Crest. Aaron’s Fun Center in Belton offers bowling, arcades and miniature golf. Little Monkey Bizness is the ultimate indoor attraction for tiny tots, with indoor play equipment and a handson art room. Main Event boasts three locations with bowling, billiards, laser tag, arcades, obstacle courses and more. Dave & Buster’s KCGOINGPLACES.COM 15


fall fests

the best

in the midwest

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Weekends Sept. 1Oct. 15, Bonner Springs, KS. Pay heed to the exploits of jousting knights on thundering steeds, delight in comedy, music and magic and more. KCRenFest.com

Topeka Huff ‘n Puff Balloon Festival Sept. 7-9, Topeka, KS. Balloon glow, live performances, vendors, activities, hot air balloon launch and family fun. Huff-N-Puff.org

Deaf Cultural Festival Sept. 8, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO. Live entertainment, hands-on art activities, storytelling, poetry and more! Nelson-Atkins.org

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Kansas

Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival Sept. 8-9, Crown Center Square, Kansas City, MO. Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and transform them into masterpieces. KCChalkWalk.org

alk Festival City Chalk & W

Spinach Festival Sept. 8, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, KS.

utumn means fall festivals in Kansas City! From apples to pumpkins, crafts to carnivals, ethnic festivals and much, much more, you can celebrate everything autumn at a local fair.

Experience the world’s largest spinach salad, learn local history, enjoy live entertainment and children’s activities. Lenexa.com

Read our complete guide to festivals on KCParent.com. These are some of our annual favorites!

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 15-Oct. 28, Worlds of Fun (4545 Worlds of Fun Dr., Kansas City, MO). Enjoy Halloween-themed activities plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

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M A D E W I T H N AT U RA L G O O D N E S S

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DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX. MILITARY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.

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purchase of $10 or more at the Barnyard Grill. Good every day of the week.

One coupon per order, per customer. Must show coupon on phone or print it out. Offer expires 10/31/18.

16 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sept. 15, Shawnee Town 1929, Shawnee, KS. Shop more than 130 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy food, live entertainment and family activities. ShawneeTown.org

Plaza Art Fair Sept. 21-23, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO. Featuring 240 artists, three live music stages and more than 25 featured restaurant booths, this is Kansas City’s unofficial welcome to the fall season. PlazaArtFair.com Wild West Days Sept. 22-23, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop &

KC Games for Good Oct. 6, National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, MO. One-day event includes competitive games for all, a scavenger hunt, food and entertainment. KCGamesForGood.org.

Glow: A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival Oct. 19-20, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO. This spooktacular annual festival features a 1-mile path of 750 expertly carved jack-o’-lanterns, fall hayrides, hands-on activities and food and beverage vendors. PowellGardens.org

Farm, Olathe, KS. Visit cowboy camps, buffalo soldiers and Buffalo Bill! Other activities include the Chuckwagon CookOff and Rose Marie’s Fiesta Mexicana Dancers. Mahaffie.org.

Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest Sept. 28-29, Downtown Lee’s Summit, MO. Enjoy Kids Street, arts and crafts, German meals, beer and brat tents, the Biergarten, carnival, German dancers and much more. LSOktoberfest.com

Ciderfest Weekends Sept. 29-30 and Oct 6-7, Louisburg Cider Mill, Louisburg, KS. Enjoy activities such as pony rides, inflatable slide, cider and donut-making and craft booths. LouisburgCiderMill.com/ciderfest Kansas Chocolate Festival Sept. 29, Downtown Topeka. Chocolate, baked goods and sweets from regional businesses. Stage demonstrations, live music, food trucks and a children’s play area. VisitTopeka.com

Open Sept.15-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Wild West Day

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Fabulous Fun on the Farm!! • World Famous Pumpkin Donuts • Company Outings and Birthday Parties • The Amazing Jumping Pumpkin • Historic Country Carousel • Pig Races on Weekends • Homemade Fudge, Mouthwatering Kettle Corn and Delicious Roasted Nuts • Traditional Farm Animals • Mammoth Corn Pit • 60 Acres of Pumpkins

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

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 17


kansas city after hours Smitty’s Garage

18 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018


A

re you in Kansas City to visit one of our worldclass museums or fabulous family-friendly attractions? You’ll have a great time at these attractions that typically operate during daytime hours, but how can the vacation continue after the dinner hour? These are some of our favorite attractions to enjoy in the evening (or during the day in between tours, shows and exhibits).

you prepare for your adventure. In the flight chamber, you will experience the wind tunnel as your own personal playground. This is a truly incredible and unforgettable must-experience adventure.

eat, bowl, play Main Event offers three locations in the metro where you’ll have a blast enjoying their state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, thrilling high ropes adventure courses, video games, billiards and fast-casual restaurants. The 45,000- to 75,000-square-foot family entertainment centers offer specials throughout the week and great packages for groups.

axe throwing

iFLY is the ultimate bucket list attraction. Float on air as you experience body flight at this indoor skydiving facility. The KC iFly offers a variety of packages for all ages and abilities. Participation in an iFly experience includes training with a flight instructor certified by the IBA (International Bodyflight Association). Your instructor will teach proper body positioning and hand signals to help

Axe throwing is the latest rage in indoor entertainment. Blade & Timber offers two locations (Downtown and Leawood), Bury the Hatchet is in Overland Park, and Bad Axe is Downtown. At these entertainment venues, families, groups and friends enjoy an hour or two of axe throwing. Coaches offer instructions for first-timers, then your group is given a bay where you compete for the most points aiming for the bull’s eye. Several of the locations also offer food and drink, making this a super cool hangout.

iFLY

Main Event

indoor skydiving

bingo night and burgers Smitty’s Garage at Ward Parkway Mall is a fast-casual restaurant serving burgers, house-made chips and appetizers. With a cool neighborhood vibe and tasty quick-to-serve dishes, they make their customers feel at home. Friday nights at 8:00, they host bingo night, and it’s free to play and win great prizes! So order a burger and fries and enjoy game night.

laugh out loud Comedy City is a live family-friendly improv comedy show on weekends. The shows are clean (offensive language isn’t allowed), funny and one-of-kind. Two comedy teams take suggestions from the audience to create improv sketches as they compete to earn your laughs. The shows are great for older kids, teens and adults.

wonderful weekends Every weekend in the month, Kansas City celebrates our finest districts with art walks, wine walks, family festivals and special events. You’ll find a complete guide when you search “Weekend Planner” on KCParent.com.

Comedy City KCGOINGPLACES.COM 19


a walk on the WILD side

meet exotic animals nose to nose on one of these adventures: See tigers up close and personal!

1

2

Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center 3783 K68 Hwy. Louisburg, KS 66053 913.837.5515 www.saveoursiberians.org

4 Take a Jurassic journey with these prehistoric creatures at Dinosaurs Revealed: Journey Across America (running until Jan. 2). Hurry before this exhibit runs extinct!

3 Feed bison and elk — don’t forget to bring your own carrots! Native Hooved Animal Enclosure Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816.503.4800 www.makeyourdayhere.com/230/NativeHooved-Animal-Enclosure

Meet Badonkadonk, the dwarf donkey and the rest of his barnyard pals! Johnson Farms 17701 Holmes Rd. Belton, MO 64102 816.331.1067 www.johnsonfarms.net

View an array of freshwater fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks. Bass Pro Shops 18001 Bass Pro Dr. Independence, MO 64055 816.795.4300

horsepower!

20 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

5

Here, fishy fishy!

Hop aboard a stagecoach ride and feel some real Mahaffie Farmstead 1200 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061 913.971.5111 www.mahaffie.org

Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO 64801 816.460.2020 www.unionstation.org/dinosaurs-revealed

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Bass Pro Shops 12051 Bass Pro Dr. Olathe, KS 66061 913.254.5200 www.basspro.com


Check out sheep up close and personal! Tour the farm, enjoy a cheese tasting or schedule a farm-to-table dinner. Green Dirt Farms 1099 Welt St. Weston, MO 64098 816.386.2156 www.greendirtfarm.com

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Chickens strut their stuff at Shawnee Town 1929. View a variety of hens or purchase their equally colorful eggs on site. Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th St. Shawnee, KS 66203 913.248.2360 www.shawneetown.org

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Pet an alpaca and take home a beautiful alpaca fiber product to remember your visit. Timber View Farms 14713 W. 311th St. Paola, KS 66071 509.750.7401 www.timberviewfarmalpacas.com

Red-bellied woodpeckers are known to stop for a snack on these trails. Burr Oaks Nature Center 1401 NW Park Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64015 816.228.3766 www.nature.mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/places/burroak-woods-ca

Dip your hand into the new Stingray Bay touch tank

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to feel just how slippery a cownose ray and a southern stingray really are!

Sea stars aren’t just for viewing. Feel them in this interactive rockpool exhibit. Sea Life 2475 Grand Ave. Kansas City, MO 64108 816.471.4386 www.visitsealife.com/kansas-city

KC Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr. Kansas City, MO 64132 816.595.1234 www.kansascityzoo.org

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Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe mom with three wild boys who love adventures spotting wild animals. KCGOINGPLACES.COM 21


try new things Channel Your Inner Tarzan If you’re ready for an outdoor adventure, there’s a scenic zip line and ropes course right here in Kansas City. Go Ape, located in Swope Park, is a suspended obstacle course good for several hours of adrenalinefilled fun. You’ll encounter obstacles like the Tarzan swing, plank crossing and five zip lines. The minimum age is 10 (height and weight restrictions also apply). Go Ape 7331 Oakwood Dr. Kansas City, MO GoApe.com/Locations/ Missouri/Kansas-City

Go Ape

A Historic Spa Oasis Tucked away in historic Excelsior Springs, just a 35-minute drive from Kansas City, is the Elms Hotel and Spa. The Elms was established in 1888 and has recently undergone extensive renovations. The spa is the perfect destination for a day of relaxation—they have a comprehensive list of spa treatments that come with access to their grotto, featuring saunas, hot tubs, a steam shower and exfoliation bar. They have a full restaurant on site to complete your day of pampering. The Elms Hotel and Spa 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, MO ElmsHotelAndSpa.com The Elms Hotel and Spa 22 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018


Set Sail for Cocktails and Dinner Aside from the handcrafted cocktails, the Ship is worth a visit for its rich history. Originally located downtown, the restaurant and bar opened shortly after Prohibition. In 1995, the building it was in was torn down by the city to make room for Davis Park. Luckily, a few locals salvaged the interior furnishings, and today, visitors can enjoy the Ship reconstructed as true to history as possible. Messner Bee Farm

All Abuzz for Local Honey Located just south of Kansas City, Messner Bee Farm is home to a charming store and active honey bee operation. They sell a variety of all-natural products made from their honey and bee byproducts, like lip balms, deodorant, beard oil and solid perfume. If you’re looking for something edible, you’re also in luck. They have delicious raw honey, honey comb and creamed honey for sale in their store and online. If you’re looking for a unique place to hold an event, they also have a 1920s rock barn complete with dance floor and kitchen! Messner Bee Farm 8301 Westridge Rd., Raytown, MO MessnerBeeFarm.com

The Ship 1217 Union Ave., Kansas City, MO TheShipKC.com

The Dog Days of Autumn It’s a dog lover’s dream: a dog park, restaurant and bar all rolled into one! Bar K is a community meeting place for canines and their humans. The new location in Riverfront Park, opened in August, features a 2-acre off-leash dog park, as well as amenities like a juice and coffee bar. Whether you’re looking for a fun place for your pup to let off steam or to attend one of Bar K’s training or social events (like dog yoga, training classes or puppy socialization), Bar K is worth a visit! Bar K 501 Berkley Pkwy., Kansas City, MO BarkDogBar.com

Old-Fashioned Treats If you’re looking for old-fashioned refreshments, head to Clinton’s Soda Fountain in Independence. Housed in a building that dates back to the 1800s, the establishment will transport you back in time with favorites like phosphates, malts and floats served on their 100-year-old marble countertop. Harry Truman even worked at a soda fountain in this very building! Clinton’s Soda Fountain 100 W. Maple Ave. Independence, MO ClintonsSodaFountain.com

Bar K

Wine and Spirits First established as an Odd Fellows Home in the late 19th century, Belvoir Winery today sprawls across 170 acres and features an inn, ample event space and a wine-making operation. As with some wines, the revitalization of the property took time. Acquired in 1992, the facility wasn’t ready until 2011 to open to the public. Since then, the property has been the site of countless events—including a few drawing on its reputation as a hotbed of paranormal activity. History? Yes. Ghosts? Maybe. Good wine? Definitely. Belvoir Winery 1325 Odd Fellows Rd., Liberty, MO BelvoirWinery.com Andrea Plunkett Ishmael is a native Midwesterner with a passion for trying all the things.

Belvoir Winery KCGOINGPLACES.COM 23


dine and play

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ho doesn’t love a meal out? And who doesn’t love a good time? Why not combine the two with a place that offers both? Kansas City is home to several fun locations where you can enjoy a meal while having a good time. The places below are good for families, couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a fun night out!

Chicken N Pickle

Pinstripes

Pinstripes Pinstripes, located in south Overland Park, offers dining, bowling and bocce all in one location! First and foremost, if you’d like to bowl or play bocce, be sure to make a reservation, as there may be a wait if you just walk in. You can choose to dine at the restaurant and then play or you can eat while playing. Bar tables, along with a sofa, are in by the bowling alley, so eating while playing isn’t difficult. In addition to lunch and dinner, Pinstripes offers a Sunday brunch. We went to the brunch for my birthday one year and then stayed and bowled. It made for a nice way to spend the day! The atmosphere at Pinstripes is relaxed and intimate. A day or night there is always a good time! Pinstripes.com/overland-park-kansas

Topgolf Topgolf combines good food and good fun and serves up an evening out to be enjoyed by all (even teens, who can be notoriously hard to please). If you are a first-time visitor, here a few things you should know. To play, you need a Topgolf card ($5). The line for the card is different than the line to get on the waitlist, and you can’t join the waitlist without said card. So check which line you are in. You will be outside, something to keep in mind if the weather’s really hot or really cold. If you encounter a wait, Topgolf offers levels of fun while you wait. You’ll find pool tables, foosball, life-sized Jenga and more. There is also a bar area if you’d just like to dine. Tables are first-come, first-served. My best tip? Order the brisket grilled cheese. You can thank me later. Topgolf.com/us/overland-park 24 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Locally owned Chicken N Pickle brings together the game of pickleball with good food and fun times. They have indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and if you’ve never played or aren’t familiar with the game, no worries! The staff will help you with the rules. The establishment also offers ping-pong tables, life-sized Battleship, Jenga, sidewalk chalk, table board games and more. Two of the courts are for open play, the rest can be reserved online for a fee. (Booking for the courts opens 30 days out and dates fill quickly, so be sure to reserve a court in advance.) The food is fast-casual, order-at-the-counter, and it will be brought to your table. Everything is made fresh and in house—the pulled pork sandwich was very flavorful and tender! Prepare to spend several fun hours at Chicken N Pickle! ChickenNPickle.com

More Food and Fun Other options include Dave and Buster’s (two locations, DaveAndBusters.com), Main Event (three locations, MainEvent. com), Tapcade (TapcadeKC.com) and PowerPlay (two locations, PowerPlayKC.com). Margaret Sarver resides in Lenexa with her family and enjoys a night out where they can play and eat!


wonderful waterfalls of the midwest

Waterfall Park, Independence

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here is something magical and dreamy about exploring nature, hiking trails and discovering waterfalls. This is your guide to beautiful waterfalls in the Midwest.

Playing at Waterfall Park is an escape to the woods right in the midst of the city.

Waterfall Park in Merriam

The lobby of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.474.4400 As our only indoor waterfall on this list, the Westin’s waterfall is perhaps one of the most famous in the metro. The limestone bluff with a rock garden and 60-foot waterfall is the centerpiece begging to be photographed. Walk the Link to Union Station or Crown Center for a day of fun!

5191 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS The 15-acre park features an access point to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, a scenic walking path and practice fields. Nearby: KC Strings and Shawnee Town 1929

Waterfall Park in Independence 4501 S. Bass Dr., Independence, MO, 816.325.7375 The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops in Independence, is nestled in a wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls. It features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic tables, restrooms and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall.

Nearby: Main Event Independence and Silverstein Eye Centers Arena

Waterfall in the Westin Crown Center

Nearby: Crown Center, Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Kansas City, Kaleidoscope, Science City at Union Station

Cedar Creek Falls Lake Olathe, 625 Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS, is also the home to Cedar Creek Falls, 143rd & Dennis Avenue. An overflow dam on Cedar Creek just

above Lake Olathe, the waterfall flows year round, but, like most waterfalls, is prettiest after a heavy rain. Fishing, boating, hiking and playgrounds are available for fun. Nearby: Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm and Ernie Miller Nature Center

Waterfall at Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 Hwy. 7, Olathe, KS, 913.764.8580 The nature center is home to a small stream and waterfall, which you may view from the Wildlife Viewing Room or the trails. Nearby: Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm

Waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary MO Hwy. 9 & 12th St., Parkville, MO The hiking trails are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity, just 15 minutes from the city! Nearby: Parkville Mini Golf, Historic Downtown Parkville KCGOINGPLACES.COM 25


insta-worthy kc Photo credit: Jessica Samuel

k

ansas City is known for many great things: music,

art, brew, baseball and barbecue, just to name a few. Get up close and personal with some of the city’s best pictureready murals and nearby hangouts. Not only will these must-sees help you create some great stories, they’ll also provide great visuals for life and for your timeline.

Let’s start this list with a whole lot of love. Found in the heart of Kansas City near 19th & Main, this mural is the ideal designation to hashtag your love not only for the one you love, but also for the Royal City. Kansas City’s own #KC Loves is a massive backdrop that watches over the entire Kansas City downtown area. This mural is surrounded by many thriving businesses, including Affare, a modern German restaurant with a hearty menu sure to leave you satisfied. Affare 1911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64108 816.298.6182

Second on the list with its very own mural to mark its hip hangout is the Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange. The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange is a real Kansas City gem that’s been around for decades and is still kicking up a lot of fun. The establishment’s motto, “Beautiful Food for the People,” is a phrase Chef Howard definitely keeps in mind. Keeping the people happy and the drinks rolling are this crew’s goal—and a mission accomplished! What’s your job at Rieger’s? Make the mural and the restaurant your must-see! The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange 1924 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64108 816.471.2177

26 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018


Up next on the countdown is Foxx Equipment Company. This business is nestled in the Crossroads District of Kansas City, and one of its many murals actually decorates its parking lot. Foxx Equipment’s building has some of this city’s best artwork all over its exterior. Local cartoonist and graffiti artist D. Ross Scribe (nicknamed Scribe) definitely has a story to tell and has partnered with Foxx and even the Royals to tell it. Check out both Foxx and Scribe, snap a shot and tag the artist. Foxx Equipment Company 421 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City MO 64108 800.821.2254

For your next stop, roll right over to the Flying Pig Local Mercantile. This booming biz has a more than 6-footlong mural on the east side of the building that has quite an artsy perspective. Its galaxy glamour draws you right in, and then you’ll experience an almost gravitational pull on into the shop. But trust me—you’ll love it! The staff is friendly and they’re all about Kansas City! Flying Pig Local Mercantile 221 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City MO 64108 816.569.4726

Next to follow is a new addition to the KC mural family. The Kansas City Urban Youth Academy has an Insta-ready view that is sure to give you tons of likes. This mural sits just outside the building entrance and pays homage to the Royals, Major League Baseball as a collective and the greater Kansas City community. This organization is not only propelling the community, it’s also giving breathtaking views. The Kansas City Urban Youth Academy 1654, 1622 E. 17th Ter., Kansas City, MO 64108 816.207.4118

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 27


The Rockhill Grille sits at 20th & Grand and is surrounded by a handful of smaller Instagram-worthy murals. Where Kansas City and brew meet, you are sure to have a good time. And the fresh-cooked fragrance emanating from the restaurant will have your mouth watering while you’re still on the sidewalk! The Rockhill Grille 2000 Grand Blvd., Kansas City MO, 64108 816.389.5800

Right around the corner from the Youth Academy sits another eye-catching artwork. This dedication is designed to make Negro Leagues Hall of Fame icon Buck O’Neil proud. The tribute stands tall (over 50 feet) aside the Paseo YMCA. This massive mural is so tall that standing next to it is sure to make you look like an ant. It truly portrays giants! Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center 19th & Paseo, 1499 19th St. Kansas City, MO 64108 816.691.3842

Last but not least, travel over the bridge to the Kansas side of things and into Strawberry Hill country. The Strawberry Hill area has tons of great finds to enjoy and loads of places to take photos for your social sites. Mr. Strawberry is by far the most photogenic! Just right across the street you’ll find the delicious Slaps BBQ. Hang with Mr. Strawberry for a little while, then grab some lunch—they’re both worth the trip. Just promise me you’ll post about it! Slaps BBQ 553 Central Ave., Kansas City KS, 66101 913.213.3736

28 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Every corner of this city provides food and photo ops. All you really need is imagination and a hearty appetite, so make sure you have your eyes peeled and your flash ready!

Jessica Samuel is a photographer and writer currently studying at UMKC.


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

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2

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

*Map not to scale.

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KCGOINGPLACES.COM 29


• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES •

CREATIVE PLACES LEGEND:

Blanc Palette

Got Art Gallery

KC Sewing Academy

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Board & Brush Creative Studio 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.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Oak Park Mall: 11465 W. 95th St., OP, KS 913.307.0328 B3 Zona Rosa: 8640 N. Dixson Ave., KC, MO 816.587.6515 B2 Indep Center: 18813 E. 39th St. S., Indep, MO 816.795.5266 D3 www.BuildABear.com

Ceramic Cafe 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.

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.

30 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Grammy’s Walls of Clay 16625 Midland Dr., Shawnee, KS 913.248.1117 $ A4 www.wallsofclay-KC.com Paint your own pottery at this shop.

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.

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

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

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.

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


• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Pieces of My Art

Pinspire, LLC

Stained Glass Station

Tipsy Red Fox

16224 NE 185th St., Holt, 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.

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

3205 Broadway Blvd. KC, MO 954.982.5542 $$ TheTipsyRedFox.com A BYOB painting studio.

Sunfire Ceramics

Touch of Fun Art Studio

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

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

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 $$ C2 970 NW Blue Pkwy., Suite B Lee’s Summit, MO 816.744.3161 $$ D4 483 NE Coronado Dr. Blue Springs, MO 816.598.0598 $$ D3 www.PinotsPalette.com An upscale “paint and sip” studio.

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

Potter’s Obsession 13035 Holmes Rd., 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.

• FEATURED LISTING • Thirsty Palette

See ad on pg. 31 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!

C3

Wee Create 8839 Roe Ave. Prairie Village, KS 913.721.7477 $$ B3 WeeCreateKC.com An art space created with the smallest artists in mind.

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

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

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Fully stocked bar for flexible accommodations

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Perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults

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Fun and flexible for corporate team-building events

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Ladies Night Out!!!

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

913.669.0501 www.ThirstyPalette.com KCGOINGPLACES.COM 31


• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Wine & Design

KCParent.com

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

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch

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. Calendar of Events 2. Pumpkin Patch Guide 3. Fall Guide 4. Trick or Treat Guide 5. 100 things to do with kids in KC 6. Christmas Guide 7. Family-friendly New Year’s Eve 8. Apple picking 9. Camping in Missouri and Kansas 10. Top picks for fun every month 11. Animal outings 12. Virtual Going Places Guide 13. Local attractions and show reviews 14. Kids Eat Free Guide 15. Day trips from KC 16. Live show reviews 17. Ice skating and skiing 18. Coupons for local attractions 19. Favorite photo spots 20. KC Streetcar scavenger hunt 21. Free and cheap date ideas 22. Party Guide 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!

32 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

GO EXPERIENCE FOOD 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 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.

• FEATURED LISTING • Louisburg Cider Mill

See ad on pg. 16 14730 KS 68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 $ B5 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com A regional destination that offers customers a unique opportunity not only to taste great apple cider and apple cider donuts, but to see where and how the cider and donuts are made. The cider mill hosts the Cider Mill Swap Meets, Ciderfest, the corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall and many more events throughout the year.

The Roasterie Inc. 1204 W. 27th St., KC, MO 816.931.4000 $ 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.

Taste Buds Kitchen 5336 W. 151st St. Leawood, KS 913.257.5667 $$ B5 tastebudskitchen.com/leawood Top culinary entertainment experience for kids, families and adults.

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

Young Chef’s Academy 10082 Woodland Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.764.0077 $ B4 Lenexaks.youngchefsacademy.com Cooking classes offered for kids.


• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • 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 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.

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

KC Strings 5842 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS 913.677.0400 $ B4 www.KCStrings.com Group tours of the stringed instrument shop.

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.

Leila’s Hair Museum 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.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 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.

Stocksdale Art Gallery 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.

21c Museum and Hotel 219 W. 9th St., KC, MO 844.577.5542 Free/$$ C3 www.21cmuseumhotels.com/ kansascity Visit this free contemporary art gallery housed in a hotel. The museum is free, reservations at the hotel are not.

UMKC Gallery of Art 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.

Kansas City BARBECUE Trivia Kansas City-style barbecue defined: Kansas City’s style differs from the popular methods of cooking barbecue in Texas or Memphis. Here in the heartland, our barbecue meat is slow smoked over wood, typically hickory, and slathered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.

25 cents: The price of slowcooked ribs first sold in Kansas City by Henry Perry in the 18th & Vine neighborhood in 1908. The restaurant later became Arthur Bryant’s. The most barbecue: According to the Kansas City Barbecue Society, we have more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States.

11-13: The number of ribs in a full slab.

18 hours: Some Kansas City barbecue dishes are smoked up to 18 hours to reach perfection.

Chips too: The popularity of KC-style barbecue carries on in other local products. The most popular flavor of Guy’s potato chips, founded in 1938 in Kansas City, MO, is Legendary BBQ, which sold 230,134 bags in 2012.

Sides: The five most popular side dishes are baked beans, onion rings, potatoes (mashed, baked, fried or potato salad–it’s all good), cole slaw and corn.

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.

SoPro Gaming

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

Chuck E. Cheese

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

10510 Metcalf Ln., OP, KS 913.648.4920 $ B4

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

18701 E. 39th St., Indep, MO 816.254.6300 $ D3

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.

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 | FALL & WINTER 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. 41 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

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. 36 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. Annual events include the Great Pumpkin Fest select days in September and October, Halloween Haunt on select evenings in September and October and Winterfest, select nights in November and December.

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.ThePeacePavilion.org Children’s museum designed to teach concepts of peace.

4:40 PM

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 twoto three-hour indoor experience.

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me” Program” 13420 Oak St. Lenexa, 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

8835 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.

36 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.


summer fun

in the winter in kansas city Pack a Picnic

Picnics are even better in the winter! You don’t have to worry about bugs, heat or crowds, and your family will make fabulous memories with a picnic at one of our favorite outdoor winter venues.

Go Swimming Kansas City boasts dozens of terrific indoor pools (see pg. 57)! From lap pools to full indoor water parks complete with slides, lazy rivers and more, there is something for swimmers of every age!

Best Bang for Your Buck. Many local community centers offer terrific indoor pools with additional amenities. Our three favorites for inexpensive but fun-filled options: Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park (913.895.6350) has a lap pool, an 18-foot-tall water slide, water bucket drop and a lazy river. Legacy Park Community Center in Lee’s Summit (816.969.1550) features a 141-foot-long figure-eight water slide, spray features and large play area. The Lenexa Rec Center (913.477.7529) features a lap pool, warm water wellness pool plus two tall water slides.

Polar Plunge! For the truly daring, there is nothing like the Polar Plunge...a dive into one of Kansas City’s lakes on a freezing cold winter day! Missouri and Kansas both host Polar Plunge events throughout the winter benefiting the Special Olympics. All proceeds support local Special Olympics athletes. Register for Polar Plunge online.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame Celebrate America’s favorite summer pastime...baseball! Whether you love to play, or you’re an avid fan rooting for the home team, your passion for the sport can continue all winter long!

Take a Swing! Does your child dream of being the next all-star baseball player? Beat cabin fever with a day at an indoor batting cage. Check out all the batting cages in our Sports Complex listings on p.56. Learn about the Monarchs. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the heart of the Jazz District is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Negro Leagues Baseball, including the KC Monarchs. Interactive exhibits appeal to fans of all ages. For information, call 816.221.1920.

Picnic with a Polar Bear! The Kansas City Zoo is a favorite summer outing for many families. Did you know it is open year-round? In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit, as the animals are especially playful and crowds are small. The indoor exhibits at the Tropics, Discovery Barn and Snake House are great on chilly days, and the highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Polar Bear Passage. Pack a picnic and eat inside while watching Berlin and Bam Bam play.

Play at the Park. Kansas City’s weather can be fickle. One year, we enjoyed snow on the first day of spring. Conversely, it’s not unusual for a few “warm days” to surprise us mid-winter. When the opportunity strikes, surprise the family with a day of play and picnic. 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.

ROKC

713 US-40, Blue Springs, MO 816.228.8179 $ D3 GigglesNJiggles.com An indoor play facility with a variety of fun inflatables.

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

Go Ape

Timber Ridge Adventure Center

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.

• FEATURED LISTING • iFLY Kansas City

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

GO UP

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

APEX Climbing Gym

Grid location (C2, D3) refers to map on pg. 29 Note: Remember to call ahead for current hours and directions for each facility.

Zip lines, Rock Walls, Obstacle Courses and Sky Diving

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

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

38 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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

Giggles-N-Jiggles

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

Tick Tock Escape Games

North KC Community Center Climbing Wall

See ad on pg. 39 10975 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 913.305.4359 $$ B5 www.IFlyWorld.com Indoor skydiving is the simulation of true freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. It’s where the dream of flight becomes a reality. When you come to iFLY, get ready to be blown away—literally. Experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air. There’s no parachute, no jumping and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you FLYING in the air.

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

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.

Zip KC 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.

GO JUMP

Trampoline Parks and Bounce Houses Above All Trampoline Park 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.

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.


OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • 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.

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

6495 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.

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 39


• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO KC Fun Tours

River’s Edge Aviation

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.

500 NW Richards Rd., KC, MO 816.590.4033 $$$ C3 www.RiversEdgeKC.com Helicopter tours of the city.

Kill Creek Park Marina

Johnson Farms

enjoying fall in kansas city

f

all has arrived, and that means it’s time for apple and pumpkin spice season! The weather should remain warm for a few more weeks, which means this is the perfect time to plan some fun family activities before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season descend upon us. This autumn, create a bucket list (or at least plan of a couple of outings) including some fabulous activities Kansas City has to offer. Surprise the kids with one last trip to Worlds of Fun to soak up the last drops of summer. Limited seasonal hours last until the end of October. Then head into fall by embracing apple picking season. KC has a great selection of orchards, so whether you head to Alldredge Orchards in Platte City, Wagon Wheel Orchard in Gardner or Cider Hill Family Orchard in Kansas City, KS, apple picking is a simple and fun activity for all ages. Be sure to partake of some sweet apple cider and apple cider donuts! You’ll find a complete Apple Picking Guide on KCParent.com. After getting your apple fix, it’s time to focus your attention on pumpkin season. Young children delight in choosing the perfect pumpkin, but young and old alike will have a grand time at the amazing pumpkin patch experiences offered around the area. Check out all the great patches in the area for not only pumpkins, but also zip lines, corn mazes, jumping pillows, petting zoos, live entertainment and more! Visit KCParent.com for our Pumpkin Patch Guide, where you’ll find details on all the best patches in town, including maps and directions. For a calmer approach to embracing fall, head to an area nature center to enjoy the change of seasons. Also remember to head out to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead before they close for the winter months at the end of October. Stephanie Loux is a freelance writer and mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 6, and Slade, 3.

40 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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

Lake Jacomo Marina 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.

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 $$ A3 www.WYCOKC.org Fishing boat rental.

GO BE DARING

Escape Rooms, Mystery Theater and Thrills Bad Axe 1727 and 1729 Oak Street KC, MO 888.435.0001 $$ C3 BadAxeThrowing.com Try your hand at axe throwing.

Longview Lake Marina

Blade & Timber

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

1101 Mulberry St., KC, MO 816.343.8489 $$ C3

Midland Railway 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.

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

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.

5203 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS 913.205.5421 $$ B5 BladeAndTimber.com Axe throwing entertainment venue.

Bury the Hatchet 7105 W. 105th St., OP, KS 913.218.0945 $$ B5 BuryTheHatchet.com Throw a hatchet at the target and try to hit the bull’s eye.

Breakout KC 114 W. 3rd St., #101, KC, MO 816.945.2633 $$ C3 11535 Ash St., Leawood, KS 913.298.1081 $$ B5 www.BreakoutKC.com You have 60 minutes to break out from a real life escape room, cracking codes.


OUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PLACES • 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.

Escape Artist KC 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.

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

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.

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

Mastermind Escape Games

Novus Escape Room

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

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

Mystery Comedy Dinner Playhouse

Tick Tock Escape Games

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

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.

Mystery Train

Trapped KC

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

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.

Family Time 8 FREE

Adventure Attractions with Purchase of a Private Room for 8!

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 4/15/19

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1 FREE Adult Discovery Play Admission With purchase of a child admission. Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 4/15/19

$5 OFF Indoor/Outdoor ADVENTURE

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 4/15/19

1021 NE Colbern Rd. • Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 • 816-246-5224 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

Alexander Majors Home

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.

Alexander Majors Home 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.

42 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

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

Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum 220 Ferrel St. Platte City, MO 816.431.5121 $ A1 visitplatte.com/ben-ferrel-museum 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 black pioneers.


• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Burnt District Museum 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.

C.W. Parker Carousel 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!

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.

Clay County Museum

Dole Institute of Politics

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.

2350 Petefish Dr., Lawrence, KS 785.864.4900 FREE A3 DoleInstitute.org Museum celebrates public service, civil discourse and the legacy of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole through its programs, archive and museum.

Ensor Park and Museum

First City Museum

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.

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum

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.

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.

Federal Reserve Bank & Money Museum 1 Memorial Dr., KC, MO 816.881.2683 Free C3 www.KansasCityFed.org Tour Kansas City’s Federal Reserve Bank and learn about the U.S. monetary system.

Fort Osage

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.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 43


• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Ginger Rogers House and Museum 100 W. Moore Street Independence, MO 816.833.1602 $ D3 TheGingerHouse.org Visit the birthplace of Ginger Rogers.

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.

Grinter Place State Historic Site 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.

Harris-Kearney House

Herbert Bonnell Museum

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.

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

FEATURED LISTING Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

See ad on pg. 45 500 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.

Wild West Days 3| September 22 and 23 Cemetery Tours | October 11, 12 and 13 Trick or Treat OFF the Street | October 27 Breakfast with Santa | November 24 and December 8 Christmas Open House | December 1 Pancakes with the Presidents | February 23

Farm Fresh History Since 1858!

44 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

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

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

There’s more to discover in Kansas City than great museums and barbecue! Visit and learn more about your family history.

• ACCESS 750,000+ FAMILY HISTORY RESOURCES • 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


• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • 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.jcprd.com/museum The museum shares local history through galleries and public programs.

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.

• FEATURED LISTING •

KCMO City Hall 414 E. 12th St., KC, MO 816.513.1313 Free C3 www.KCMO.org Take a free tour to the top for a panoramic view of the city, or schedule a tour to learn about the inner workings of 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.

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 Street & Leavenworth Road 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.

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 45


• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Leavenworth National Cemetery

Missouri Town 1855

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

National WWI Museum

The Centennial of World War I’s End

T

he Great War ended on Nov. 11, 1918. Kansas City is the perfect place both to honor the story of those who served in World War I and learn from it. To begin your historic tour, visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial (100 W. 26th St. Kansas City, MO, 816.784.1918), home to one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world. Officially designated as the National World War I Museum by the 108th Congress, the facility is the only U.S. museum solely dedicated to preserving the history of World War I. On Saturdays at 11:00, history comes to life in the museum’s family‑friendly program in which kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. Next, head to Independence where you can view Heroes or Corpses: Captain Truman in WWI, a special exhibit at Truman Presidential Library and Museum (500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO, 816.268.8200). Through Dec. 31, visitors to the museum can see a special exhibit telling the captivating story of Harry Truman’s service in the Great War through neverbefore-exhibited photographs, personal letters and more than 40 artifacts from Truman’s personal World War I collection. World War I helped transform Harry Truman into the man who would one day become one of the most respected presidents in our nation’s history, and this year only, visitors can view this fascinating story in depth at the Truman Library.

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 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. 44 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.

46 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

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

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

• FEATURED LISTING • The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

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. 43 100 W. 26th St., KC, MO 816.888.8100 $ C3 www.TheWorldWar.org Through original objects and documents, video, re-created trenches and interactive


• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • tables, the museum shares a comprehensive history of the First World War with visitors. Limited-run exhibitions tell newly curated stories of the Great War, often drawing from the museum’s comprehensive archives of more than 75,000 objects and documents.

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

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

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

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

Rosedale Memorial Arch 35th 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.

Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org Shawnee Town 1929 invites visitors to experience a typical day in and around the farm community of Shawnee, KS, in the 1920s.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum 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.

Strawberry Hill Museum 720 N. 4th St., KC, KS 913.371.3264 $ B3 www.StrawberryHillMuseum.org This Queen Anne-style 1887 home tells the story of immigrants from Eastern Europe.

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.

Pioneer Trails Adventures

Trailside Center 9901 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.3581 FREE C4 TrailsideCenter.org Resource center with artifacts from New Santa Fe’s historical collection.

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.

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

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 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, 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, visitors 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.

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-degree 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.

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

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

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

• FEATURED LISTING •

Science City at Union Station

Science City at Union Station 48 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

UMKC’S Richard L. Sutton, Jr., M.D. Museum of Geosciences UMKC Flarsheim Hall, Room 271 5100 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.235.1334 FREE C3 cas.umkc.edu View a collection of rocks, minerals and fossils including the museum’s Crinoid collection.

GO SEE ANIMALS

Zoos, Aquariums and Farms

• FEATURED LISTING •

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary and Educational Center See ad on pg. 49 3783 Hwy. K68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5515 $ B5 www.SaveOurSiberians.org A preserve for tigers and a refuge for big cats that are abandoned, neglected or whose owners are unable to care for them. On Saturday evenings (summer – autumn) watch as the big cats are fed by trained staff. Special events and tours are offered through the year.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Kansas City Zoo

See ad on pg. 68 6800 Zoo Dr., KC, MO 816.595.1234 $ C4 www.KansasCityZoo.org


• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • 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.

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 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.

GO VISIT GARDENS 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.

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.

UMKC’s Richard L. Sutton, Jr., M.D. Museum of Geosciences

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 49


• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary

Kemper Outdoor Education Center

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.

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.

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

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center 8701 E. Gregory Blvd. KC, MO 816.547.9679 Free www.CaveSpring.org Visit the nature center and hiking trails.

C4

Ernie Miller Nature Center

Prairie Park 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.

F. L. Schlagle Library Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden 51st Street & Wornall Road KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free www.KCMO.org KC’s rose garden features hundreds of roses with a fountain.

Powell Gardens

C3

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

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

1609 NW US Hwy. 50 Kingsville, MO 816.697.2600 $ D5 www.PowellGardens.org With its 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

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.

Conservation Centers

John Barkley Visitor Center

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

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.

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

50 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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 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.

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


show

The Kansas City Ballet performs The Wizard of Oz at the Kauffman Center

CATCH A

T

THE FALL AND WINTER MONTHS ARE PRIME TIME FOR ENTERTAINMENT AROUND KANSAS CITY

he Kansas City Repertory Theatre is well known for its wildly popular holiday show, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Nov. 16 through Dec. 30 in the Spencer Theatre. You can find a wide variety of shows all through the fall and winter, including Last Days of Summer, Sept. 7-30, a new musical about baseball, hero worship and true friendship. Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men plays Oct. 19 through Nov. 11. Indecent, which runs Jan. 18 through Feb. 10, is inspired by true events surrounding the controversial Broadway debut of God of Vengeance. The hilarious School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play runs Feb. 22 through March 17, and be sure to catch Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice March 22 through April 14. The Coterie, Kansas City’s professional children’s theater, is housed in the iconic Crown Center on the first floor. Becoming Martin, running Sept. 18 through Oct. 21, is a world premiere centering on the mentorship Martin Luther King, Jr., receives when he enters Morehouse College at age 15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, based on the animated television special, is back by popular demand Nov. 6 through Dec. 30. Catch Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise, a coproduction with UMKC Theatre, Jan. 22 through Feb. 10. The play portrays the true accounts of four women who, for different reasons, served as men in the Civil War. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a charming musical of the Newbery Honor Book by Richard and Florence Atwater, running Feb. 26 through March 31. Also at Crown Center, color outside the lines as you dine at the Crayola Café and enjoy the colorful décor and playful accents. Then satisfy your sweet tooth in a big way at Chip’s

Candy Factory, which offers more than 450 tempting choices. Want your food delivered by a choo choo? Take a trip inside Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant! Mesner Puppet Theater, located at 1006 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO, is celebrating its 30th performance season as a globally-known professional puppet theater. The company performs a local season of plays and tours internationally, performing to more than 30,000 audiences annually. Check their website for shows. The Kansas City Ballet performs at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and will perform The Wizard of Oz in October and The Nutcracker during the holiday season. Dine at the center’s own Founders’ Lounge for fresh, local flavor or Los Tules, one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in town, just across the street. You may think Starlight Theatre is only hopping during the warmer months, but never fear. The new indoor series of shows provides entertainment year-round. The live indoor theater series called Starlight Indoors features small comedies, musicals, parodies and other unconventional shows presented inside the heated performance space of Starlight’s Cohen Community Stage House. Single, VIP and group tickets are available. Check their website for upcoming shows.

Search the calendar on KCParent.com for more live shows and concerts throughout the fall and winter. Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons. KCGOINGPLACES.COM 51


• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES •

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

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 1000 E. 9th St., Ste. 225, KC, MO 913.432.9100 $ C3 www.TheBarnPlayers.org Enjoy live community theater performances.

Bell Road Barn Players

GO SEE A SHOW

Live Theater, Dance and Entertainment Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland 1228 Main St., KC, MO 816.283.9900 $$ C3 www.MidlandKC.com Live theater, concerts and other performances entertain guests.

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.

52 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

• FEATURED LISTING • The Culture House

Johnson County Community College Carlsen Center

See ad on pg. 53 Various performance locations

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.

Olathe Conservatory: 14808 W. 117th St., Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 $ A5

Christian Youth Theater A Christmas Carol at the KC Repertory Theatre

The Coterie is among the top five theaters serving families and young audiences in the United States, according to TIME magazine.

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

City Stage 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $$ C3 Boxoffice.unionstation.org Live theater performances for all ages.

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

Oak Park: 11149 W. 95th St., OP, KS www.CultureHouse.com Cultivating artistic excellence for personal growth positive cultural direction, experience live shows including musicals, dance and theater. TCH is also home to the Störling Dance Theater.

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.

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


• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center 8788 Metcalf Ave, OP, KS 913.826.2787 $-$$ JCPRD.com Live local theater.

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

B4

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.

Kansas City Ballet Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity: 500 W. Pershing, KC, MO Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 1601 Broadway, KC, MO 816.931.2232 $$ C3 www.KCBallet.org Kansas City Ballet offers an eclectic repertory from the traditional classics to exciting contemporary ballets.

3131 Broadway Blvd, Ste. 101 KC, MO 816.225.4949 $$ C3 KCJazzOrchestra.org Live jazz concerts preserving the city’s jazz heritage.

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

• FEATURED LISTING •

KC Symphony

See ad on pg. 55 Spencer Theatre 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3

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

KC Repertory Theatre

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 Rep builds community by connecting people through productions and programming that educate, entertain, challenge and inspire including the annual production of A Christmas Carol, as well as new and classic works of theater.

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 KansasCityComedy.com Live improv and sketch comedy shows.

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children’s books come to life

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.

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

m

Mo Willems exhibit at Kansas Discovery Center

o Willems, the beloved children’s author, is one of the most engaging writers for early readers. This fall, the Pigeon Comes to Topeka! A Mo Willems Exhibit makes its Topeka premiere at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center on Sept. 24. Children will be delighted to play with their favorite characters including the Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie and Knuffle Bunny. Children will love the playand-learn exhibit where they can experience a hilarious conversation in the voices of Elephant Gerald and Piggie at a double-sided phone booth, make Elephant and Piggie dance with old-time animation, put on a wearable bus and take a drive around the exhibit, spin the laundromat washing machine and uncover Knuffle Bunny, dress up Naked Mole Rat and send him down the runway for a one-of-a-kind fashion show, and launch foam hot dogs at the Pigeon and play the Plinko game to give Duckling a cookie. In addition to these interactive activities, children also will have the opportunity to try out art techniques Mo uses for his own books. Love for literature takes the stage on Oct. 30 in the play Tomás and the Library Lady at the Carlsen Center’s Yardley Hall. The bilingual musical production tells the story of the young son of migrant farm workers who spends the summer with his family following the crops north from Texas to Iowa, passing long days in the fields listening to his grandfather tell stories. When a chance encounter brings him to the local Carnegie Library, he meets the library lady who recognizes his thirst for knowledge and encourages him to read. Theatre for Young America performs at Union Station, bringing beloved children’s classics to the stage for generations of Kansas Citians. This fall, enjoy Chicken Little, The Musical Oct. 16-Nov. 10, a musical theater version of the timeless fable about panic in the barnyard when Chicken Little mistakenly announces the sky is falling. And just in time for the holidays, Nov. 22-Dec. 27, take the kids to see Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, a holiday classic featuring the beloved storybook heroine.

54 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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.

Main Street Theater 510 Main St, Belton, MO 816.406.9422 $ C5 MainStreetTheater.com Community theater performed on the historic city hall stage.

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 3927 Main St, KC, MO 816.569.3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org A not-for-profit professional theater providing a full season of shows for the public.

Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice 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.

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

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

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

Piccadilly Puppets Various locations 913.837.3544 $ www.Piccadilly-Puppets.com


• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • 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

Theater League

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

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

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 9001 State Line Rd., Ste. 110 KC, MO 800.776.1463 $$ C4 BroadwayKC.com Live Broadway musicals, plays and jazz shows.

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.

The White Theatre at the J 5801 W. 115th St., Ste. 101 OP, KS 913.327.8000 $$ TheJKC.org Live theater and music performances entertain the whole family.

B5

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.

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• 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 KC Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium

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.

KC Comets

KU Athletics

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

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.

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

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.

56 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

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

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

MU Athletics 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.

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

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

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

Gladstone Bowl 300 NW 72nd St. Gladstone, MO 816.436.2695 $ C2 www.GladstoneBowl.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 303 N. Lindenwood Dr. Olathe, KS 913.764.4568 $ A5 www.OLEast.com

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

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

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

CoCo Key Water Resort

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

Locations with Indoor Pools www.KansasCityYMCA.org Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1

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

Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 410 N. Bluegrass Dr., # B Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC

Miami County Family YMCA: 300 11th St., Osawatomie, KS 913.755.3622 $ A5

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

Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5

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

Premier Bowling & Recreation Center

Gladstone Community Center

Gregg/Klice Community Center: 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way KC, MO 816.784.1135 $ C3

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

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

Southeast Community Center: 4201 E. 63rd St., KC, MO 816.513.0631 $ C3

Retro Bowl

KC YMCA

Blue Springs Family YMCA: 2251 S. 138th St. Blue Springs, MO 816.224.9620 $ D4

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.

Pinstripes

Tony Aguirre Community Center: 2050 W. Pennway, KC, MO 816.784.1300 $ C3 www.KCMO.org

KC MO Parks & Rec Community Centers with Indoor Pools

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

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

Kansas City Auto Museum

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• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS 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

Lenexa Rec Center Pool 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 913.477.7529 $ A4 Lenexa.com

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

Matt Ross Community Center

The View

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

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

Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park

GO ROLLER SKATE

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

B & D South Skate Center 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

13903 E. Noland Ct., Indep, MO 816.252.1084 $ D3 www.BandDSouth.com

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

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

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

Crown Center Ice Terrace 2425 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.274.8411 $ C3 CrownCenter.com Kansas City’s original outdoor ice rink.

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

Ice Rink at Bois D’Arc Park W. 88th Terrace, Lenexa, KS. 913.477.7100 FREE B4 Lenexa.com Seasonal rink. Bring your own skates and skate at your own risk.

KC Ice Center

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

Skate City Legends

Linden Square Ice Rink

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

602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, MO 816.423.4200 $ C2 LindenSquare.info/ice-rink An affordable outdoor ice rink.

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

58 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

Centerpoint Community Ice

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

Skate City Overland Park

Linden Square Ice Rink

GO ICE SKATE & SNOW SKI

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

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

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


PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • Snow Creek Ski Area 1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO 816.640.2200 $$ A1 Man-made snow is used for this ski area where you may enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Summit Ice 120 NE Chipman Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.249.2600 $ D4 KCIce.net A new outdoor ice rink for skating, hockey, curling and broom ball.

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.

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. 67 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 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 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.

GO PLAY SPORTS

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.

Chicken N Pickle

Blackbob Batting Cages

Fieldhouse of Blue Springs

Mid-America Sports Complex

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

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.

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

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 KC, 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.

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

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

Martin City Sports Complex B5

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.

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

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 59


family-friendly kc

from A to Z

By Kristina Light

b

uild an “earthquake proof” Lego tower at Legoland Discovery Center, where you can play with the world’s biggest box of Legos, watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D cinema, enjoy rides and explore a miniature Kansas City in Lego Miniland.

a

pple cider donuts made from scratch right before your eyes are just one of the delicious treats to enjoy on a visit to Louisburg Cider Mill, a favorite fall attraction. Watch as cider is made at the mill, explore the corn maze and play at the pumpkin patch.

c

andlelit paths throughout Overland Park Arboretum create a festive atmosphere at the annual luminary walk with live musical entertainment, Santa Claus in the depot, horsedrawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical gnome and fairy villages.

e

at the ultimate Kansas City concoction at Betty Rae’s, an ice creamery offering an original frozen confection incorporating famous Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que into one of its many amazing madefrom-scratch ice cream flavors.

G

iant sunflowers greet thousands of visitors every autumn at Grinter Farms where acres of the beautiful yellow flowers bloom in the heart of Kansas.

60 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

d

ine at Fritz’s restaurant (multiple locations across the metro), where trains deliver food straight to your table.

f

ly through the air at iFly, an indoor sky diving adventure where instructors will give you the adventure of a lifetime.


h

ug Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang at Winterfest at Worlds of Fun. Be dazzled by thousands of holiday lights, live festive shows and holiday activities as the amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland.

i

magine and pretend at the Johnson County Museum where their interactive KidScape exhibit is a child-size village fostering creative play.

j

ump to new heights through the Warrior Obstacle Course or Slam Dunk Zone at Urban Air, Overland Park’s ultimate indoor trampoline park.

L

ace up your ice skates this winter and enjoy the city’s outdoor rink at Crown Center’s Ice Terrace.

k

ansas City is known as the City of Fountains, boasting more fountains than any city other than Rome. Be sure to check out some of the more than 200 fountains officially recognized by the City of Fountains Foundation.

m n

ake a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope, a free, handson children’s art center where imagination knows no limits.

ose-to-nose views of historical U.S. aircraft include the first Lockheed Constellation ever restored, a Martin 404, a DC-3 and a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar at the Airline History Museum.

O

scarwinning films, holiday classics, current and retro films are shown at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where your moviewatching experience is unforgettable. Catch a movie party where favorite films are celebrated with games, delicious food and drink and fun.

p

hotograph the family with an 11-foot-tall bronze spider and her baby on the lawn of the Kemper Museum of Modern Art, one of the city’s free art galleries.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 61


Q

uestions are answered for those learning about their past at the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence. The center is one of our nation’s preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials in 52,000 square feet of space.

r

ide a real stagecoach at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop where history comes to life and you can learn about early pioneers on the Kansas prairie.

S

hare a Skyscraper, a giant ice cream soda, with your favorite pals at Winstead’s, one of Kansas City’s original diners.

t

ake a ride through downtown aboard the free KC Streetcar. Visit KCParent.com for a streetcar scavenger hunt.

U

nderwater pumpkin carving is a thing, and you can watch as scuba divers carve jacko’-lanterns at Sea Life in October.

W

ind your way through a corn maze. Discover local corn mazes in the Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com.

V

iew the city from atop the City Hall Observation Deck (Mon.-Fri., 9:00-3:00) on the top floor of Kansas City’s City Hall. It’s a great site to capture panoramic photos of the city skyline.

62 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

y

eX

it the ultimate familyfriendly escape room at Paradise Park. The venue offers 45-minute escape experiences where you unravel the mystery of Sasquatch or solve a puzzle as a cyber sleuth.

ell and cheer for Sporting KC, KC Mavericks, Royals and Chiefs as a fan of our city’s sports teams.

Z

oo visits are especially memorable overnight when you enjoy a family slumber party in the penguin, polar bear, stingray or African exhibits of the Kansas City Zoo.


C hristmas Traditions IN KANSAS CITY

Legends Outlets Kansas City is home to one of the city’s most unique lighting displays a 45-foot holiday tree created by a world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights team, all synchronized to music. You’ll see the Mayor’s Tree at Crown Center Square beginning with a ceremony the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ceremony includes fireworks choreographed to music. The 100-foot-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights.

Legends Outlets Holiday Tree

C

hristmas is a magical time of year, and Christmastime in Kansas City is no exception. Perhaps you are drawn to the traditional pastimes of your own childhood, or maybe you’re looking for a fresh take on holiday traditions to start with your own family. Either way, you’ll find a multitude of options in KC for your family this holiday season.

The Kansas City Zoo has a few programs to delight your children—and your inner child as well—including Holiday Wild, Santa Dives, Winter Wonderland and Zoo Year’s Eve. And, Kansas City’s amusement park, World of Fun, hosts WinterFest, a holiday extravaganza with live shows, character meet-and-greets, holiday lights and traditions. Holiday lights are always a fun pastime during the season, so check out Holiday Lights at Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park, KS, for their show synchronized with music. Or head to Paulie’s Penguin Playground in Olathe and help raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Lee’s Summit Magic Tree

In Lee’s Summit at I-470 and View High Drive, you can visit the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree lit with more than 12,000 LED lights in every color of the rainbow. And, a visit to Kansas City at Christmastime would not be complete without seeing the 80-miles of lights at the Country Club Plaza. With so many options for fun in KC during the holidays, be sure to put a few on the calendar—but also remember to leave some space to enjoy a peaceful season with your family and friends! You’ll find even more opportunities on KCParent.com with our annual Christmas Fun Guide. Stephanie Loux is a freelance writer and mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 6, and Slade, 3.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 63


NIGH

NIGHT AND DAY Heart of America Is the One ’Neath the Moon or Under the Sun

KANSAS CITY, MO: Swope Park: Did you know you can spend the night at the Kansas City Zoo? For a truly special experience for its patrons, the zoo offers differently themed overnights throughout the year. Choose from Polar Bear PJ Party, Slumber Down Under or Nocturnal Safari, to name a few. The zoo also offers twilight tours; check their website for upcoming dates. After a day at the zoo or exploring Kansas City, head over to Starlight Theatre inside the park for a Broadway show or music concert! Crown Center: For a night excursion, or even a night away, have dinner at a new restaurant, catch a show at the MTH Theater

64 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

or the Coterie and stay at the Westin Crown Center. Worlds of Fun has special evening attractions in the fall and winter: the Great Pumpkin Fest, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. Looking for more entertainment in North Kansas City? Jaegers Paintball and Laser Tag is loads of fun— inside a cave! For date night, Screenland Armour movie theater is the best in town, or you can get a late night cup of joe or craft brew at Colony KC, or catch a band or trivia night at the Rino.

PARKVILLE, MO: For late night fun, nothing is better than miniature golf! Parkville Mini Golf is unique, as

the course teeters on a hill with sweeping views of the charming town and university. Several unique restaurants are open late for dinner in the old downtown.

LOUISBURG, KS: Powell Observatory is a spectacular way to view the night sky. Away from the lights of the city, view the expanse of space up close through the viewing telescopes or attend an educational presentation.

SPRINGFIELD, MO: For a serene late night stroll or a picnic under the stars, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is open late. Or, take a night ride through Fantastic Caverns!


DAY KANSAS CITY, MO:

PARKVILLE, MO:

Swope Park: Historic Swope Park has so much to offer the entire family! The Kansas City Zoo, of course, is always a favorite, but have you been to the Lakeside Nature Center? The nature trails have many hidden delights, and the scenery invites tranquility and reflection. Children will love climbing the huge rock formations along one section of the trails while watching trains pass in the ravine below. You’ll also find a picnic pavilion for your convenience, and the nature center is both educational and fun.

Parkville is a fun day trip north of Kansas City. Stroll along the Missouri River at English Landing Park or hike the trails at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. In the mood for antique shopping? Parkville’s historic downtown has you covered—just watch out for the train that runs straight through this quaint little town.

World War I Museum: Ride to the top of the memorial tower for breathtaking vistas of the city, then tour the awardwinning museum. Across the street, you can enjoy the many attractions Union Station has to offer. And if that isn’t enough, take the skywalk over to Crown Center for more fun! Shop until you drop, take the kids to Kaleidoscope for a free creative art session or explore Legoland Discovery Center or Sea Life. You also can hop on the streetcar outside Union Station and catch a free ride to the City Market. Worlds of Fun: If you’re a thrill-seeker, then Worlds of Fun is the place for you! Attracting crowds since 1973, this amusement park has more than 100 rides. Every member of the family is sure to find something appealing.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

LOUISBURG, KS:

Kansas City Zoo

The Louisburg Cider Mill is a popular farm open year-round. The best time to visit is during autumn to enjoy their pumpkin patch and especially their apple cider and donuts during Cider Fest! If you like big cats, take an excursion to the Cedar Cove Feline Conservation and Education Center. On the way home, explore the extensive, beautiful grounds of the Overland Park Arboretum.

SPRINGFIELD, MO: For a mini-vacation, take a trip down to Springfield. The Dickerson Park Zoo and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium are both fun attractions worth visiting.

Get out and explore the world around you—day or night! Lakeside Nature Center

Margaret Bristow is a lifelong Kansas City resident with a passion for adventure.

City Market

Crown Center

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 65


winter sports Kansas City’s Indoor Ice Skating Rinks Open Year-round: Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice Rink 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.795.7577, CenterpointCommunityIce.com Kansas City Ice Center and Pavilion 19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.441.3033, KCIceCenter.com Line Creek Community Center Ice Rink 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.0760, KCParks.org/places/line-creek

Kansas City’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks:

Crown Center Ice Terrace

h

ead to Weston, MO, for skiing and snowboarding at Snow Creek Ski Resort (816.640.2200). The facility offers snow skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing and lessons for beginners. The most daring experience at Snow Creek is tubing at Tornado Alley. Slide down a 700-foot-long slope and then jump onto a special conveyor carpet “twister” for a ride back up! If you’re more into spectator sports, catch an ice hockey game in Independence as you cheer for the Kansas City Mavericks (19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.252.7825).

Top off the winter family fun with a spin on the ice at one of these indoor or outdoor ice skating rinks:

Kansas City Mavericks

66 KC GOING PLACES | FALL & WINTER 2018

WinterFest at Worlds of Fun Nov. 23-Dec. 30 at Worlds of Fun. Holiday cheer rings out at Worlds of Fun during the annual WinterFest celebration. Thousands of sparkling lights transform the park with an inviting glow that warms the heart and lifts the spirit. Witness live shows, meet iconic holiday characters and experience winter activities like ice skating and cookie decorating. And, of course, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts Gang will be there to celebrate with live shows and photos with your favorite characters.

The season for the outdoor rinks is typically November through February or March. Please call for hours for each location. Crown Center Ice Terrace 2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8411, CrownCenter.com. The city’s original outdoor rink opens on Nov. 2 when you may enjoy free early morning skating, coffee and hot chocolate from 6:00 to 9:00. Beginning at 10:00, regular admission of $7 and $3 skate rental apply. On Tuesdays after 5:00, pay one full-price admission and receive a second for FREE. Summit Ice 120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit MO, 816.249.2600, KCIce.net. Enjoy skating, pond hockey, curling, broom ball and ice skating lessons at this facility. The Ice at Park Place 11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS, 913.663.2070, ParkPlaceLeawood.com. Throughout the season enjoy special events like Skating with Santa, Princess Skate and Valentine’s Day Skate. Linden Square Ice Rink 602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, MO, 816.423.4200, LindenSquare.info/ice-rink. Children 4 and under skate free at this affordable local rink. Ice Rink at Bois D’Arc Park in Lenexa West 88th Terrace, Lenexa, KS. This rink is only open when temps are cold enough for the ice to be solid. The rink is open during daytime hours and is free to use, but you must bring your own skates. Lenexa.com



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!

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


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