KC Going Places Spring/Summer 2017

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

spring/summer 2017

kcgoingplaces.com

WHAT’S NEW IN

KANSAS CITY 500+ DISCOVERIES TO MAKE IN KC

ULTIMATE

SUMMER FUN LIST FAVORITE

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

+ BEST-KEPT WEEKEND SECRETS INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT WITHOUT LEAVING KC

LStourism.com

CONTENTS

FEATURES 8 go see kc

8

experience the best of kansas city

16 best festivals

seasonal fun at local fairs

18 what’s new?

the newest attractions and exhibits in town

20 meet the curator

what makes kc attractions special

explore some of our best-kept secrets

buy made-in-kc souvenirs

the season’s ultimate mega-fun list

GO PLACES

CREATIVE PLACES

22 hidden have-to’s 24 shop local

62 50 fantastic ways to see kc

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

FUN PLACES

HISTORIC PLACES

SCIENCE PLACES

42 history museums

48 science museums 48 zoos, aquariums & farms 49 gardens 51 conservation centers

34 amusement parks, arcades

& entertainment centers 35 children’s museums & indoor play

52 live theater, dance & entertainment

ADVENTUROUS PLACES

38 38 39 40

zip lines, rock walls & obstacle courses trampoline parks & bounce houses wheels, water & sky escape rooms & mystery theater

16

THEATRICAL PLACES SPORTS PLACES

56 pro, semi-pro & college sports 56 bowling 57 swimming 60 sports museums/complexes

46

62

MAKE EVERY DAY LEGENDARY Legends Outlets is Kansas City’s premier outdoor shopping and entertainment destination and features more than 100 unique designer outlets and retail, dining and entertainment options. It’s the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay.

Aeropostale | AMC Legends 14 Theatre | Books-A-Million | Buckle | Coach | Dave & Buster’s | Eddie Bauer Outlet | F21 RED francesca’s Outlet | Gymboree Outlet | J. Crew Factory | Justice | Motherhood Maternity Outlet | Nike Factory Store | Vans Outlet

Located at West I-70 and I-435 in Kansas City, KS

LegendsShopping.com

editor’s letter Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

K

ansas City comprises many neighborhoods. Each part of town has its own style, its own heritage and its signature ambiance.

From eclectic West 39th, trendy Leawood and charming Downtown Lee’s Summit, to historic Downtown Overland Park, the reborn treasure of the West Bottoms, classic Midtown with the Plaza and Brookside, and an updated Downtown Kansas City, the metro offers something for everyone.

As different as each area is, they all share a common hospitality and friendliness. We hope you experience Kansas City’s signature hospitality as you visit our attractions, restaurants and shops.

This season knows no bounds when it comes to fun opportunities to experience the best of Kansas City. For the daring: Spend a day riding Worlds of Fun’s world-class roller coasters, ziplining through the woods at Go Ape in Swope Park or rock wall climbing at the Cave. For the history buffs, we recommend a festival at Missouri Town 1855 or Shawnee Town 1929, a visit to the Truman Home and Presidential Library and a day at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Art lovers will want to plan an entire day at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and then make time for First Fridays in the Crossroads, a stop at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kemper Museum.

Spring and summer also mean the beginning of festival season!

My family looks forward to Celebration at the Station, the Festival of Butterflies, the Brookside Art Annual, the Ethnic Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival every year. These are just a few of our best local festivals. With dozens to choose from in every area of town, you’ll find a new festival to discover every weekend.

Another favorite tradition is watching live theater outdoors at our own Starlight Theatre. This summer, my daughters are looking forward to Disney’s The Little Mermaid. We’re also excited for Garfield: The Musical at the Coterie and a chance to visit our favorite Crown Center attractions, including Kaleidoscope, Sea Life, Legoland and the free summer exhibit featuring Thomas the Train.

These are just a few of the things I enjoy about Kansas City. You’ll find many more as you flip through the pages of KC Going Places.

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

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Managing Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Editor Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Margaret Bristow, Kansas City Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Andrea Plunkett Ishmael, Kansas City Karen Johnson, Olathe 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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spring/summer 2017

kcgoingplaces.com

WHAT’S NEW IN

KANSAS CITY 500+ DISCOVERIES TO MAKE IN KC

ULTIMATE

Kristina Light, Editor

SUMMER FUN LIST FAVORITE

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

+ BEST KEPT WEEKEND SECRETS INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT WITHOUT LEAVING KC

6

Cover art by John Bosley For great products featuring Bosley’s artwork, check out BozzPrints.com

KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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.

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GO SEE KC

Go See KC Icons The Country Club Plaza, the first shopping district designed for shoppers traveling by automobile, is the pride of Kansas City. The architecture, inspired by Seville, Spain, makes for one of the prettiest places in the metro and is home to many of the city’s most beautiful fountains and ideal backdrops for family photos. With dozens of shops, restaurants and a movie theater where theater-goers can catch new films and even splurge on a VIP experience, this is a favorite attraction for locals and visitors alike. The district is especially beautiful in the spring and summer as flowers are in bloom and the tradition of outdoor concerts in the courtyards resumes.

Country Club Plaza

Spend a day at Crown Center enjoying family-friendly attractions, great shops and restaurants. Kaleidoscope is one of the best free kid-friendly destinations in Kansas City.

Imaginations know no limit at this hands-on art center. Sea Life features a huge tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel and an exciting journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the deep, dark abyss 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 exhibits. The Coterie produces professional children’s theater year-round. This summer, enjoy the free Thomas the Train Exhibit for young children.

Kaleidoscope, Crown Center

One of Kansas City’s finest museums is the National World War I Museum and Memorial. After exploring the galleries, you may take a tour to the top for breathtaking views of the city’s ever-changing and improving skyline.

One of the most notable landmarks you’ll see is Union Station, home to Kansas City’s Science City, with loads of hands-on science exhibits for children, and the newly updated Gottlieb Planetarium, one of the largest 360-degree domed screens in the Midwest. Nearby, make a stop at the Money Museum, a free museum where visitors leave with a souvenir bag of shredded cash.

While you’re downtown, take a ride on the KC Streetcar to help you explore the area.

National WWI Museum and Memorial 8

KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Go Enjoy the Outdoors Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo in Swope Park, where Berlin the polar bear, the Billy Goats Gruff Play Yard, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, 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. This summer, take part in Jazzoo, the premier fundraising event of the year for the zoo, plus the summer safari is a seasonal favorite kids love. Year-round check out the zoo’s calendar for special events, including animal shows, summer safaris and more. You can enjoy other attractions at Swope Park, including Lakeside Nature Center, Swope Park Soccer Village and the Battle of Westport Museum.

Billy Goats Gruff Play Yard at the Kansas City Zoo

This is the prettiest time of year to explore one of our botanical gardens. Powell Gardens is home to a beautiful island garden, rock wall garden, conservatory, the Heartland Harvest Garden and acres of trails overlooking beautiful flowers, plants and prairie. This summer, enjoy their Gardens of Myth exhibit, attend Booms & Blooms over the fourth of July, the Festival of Butterflies in August and other summer events. The Overland Park Arboretum is home to a Monet garden, a whimsical train garden and beautiful trails to explore. This summer, enjoy Enchanted Forest. Discover the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, trolls, elves, sprites and other garden creatures along a trail in the woodland gardens.

Powell Gardens

We’re proud of our agricultural heritage in Kansas City, and local attractions celebrate that heritage with a dash of education and a lot of fun. Children enjoy the chance to feed baby goats, ride a pedal tractor and learn how to milk a cow at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The farmstead is a top pick for local moms who take their tots to encounter goats, chickens, ponies, cows, bunnies, pigs, horses, bison, prairie dogs and more. The National Agricultural Hall of Fame is home to a small “farm community” where visitors can explore a blacksmith shop, general store, farmhouse, train rides and museum with hands-on exhibits, including ones on Kansas’ early pioneers in agriculture, farm tools, beekeeping and poultry.

National Agricultural Hall of Fame KCGOINGPLACES.COM

9

GO SEE KC

Go on a Daring Adventure Enjoy both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for the price of one ticket. Worlds of Fun boasts seven world-class roller coasters, an amazing kids section with Planet Snoopy, classic amusement park rides and live shows. This year, they introduce two new thrill rides: Mustang Runner, featuring three arms with seven gondolas per arm turning one direction while the base of the ride spins the other way, and Falcon’s Flight, a hair-raising thrill at nearly 100 feet above the ground that spins and rises at the same time.

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

Oceans of Fun

Test your puzzle solving skills at one of the city’s many escape room entertainment venues. You’ll find Exit Room Express at Paradise Park and Breakout KC in the River Market district, the Exit Room in Lee’s Summit and more. Players are given one hour to solve puzzles and unravel codes to escape a real-life scenario. For those who want a daring adventure, head to Go Ape KC, located in Swope Park.

This attraction offers 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.

Go Ape KC

Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a favorite outdoor summer destination with an incredible interconnected river system transporting visitors through miles of rapids, currents and tidal waves. The water slides, water coaster and Boogie Bahn surf ride are favorites. Great Wolf Lodge, an 84-degree indoor water park, boasts more than 38,000 square feet of water-packed excitement, including jaw-dropping slides for thrill seekers and zero-depth entry areas for little ones.

Kansas City is also home to many wonderful spraygrounds. Spraygrounds are water playgrounds where children can run and play through sprinklers and sprays on a safe surface. You’ll find them all on KCParent.com.

10 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

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

Thirsty Palette

If you love to cook, try a class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City, offering more than 450 contemporary classes and demonstrations.

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

Culinary Center of Kansas City

For fun, vintage art, connect with Eat Drink & Stitch, where you can participate in embroidery happy hours, workshops and parties. Restoration Emporium is an eclectic shop selling vintage and repurposed art. They also offer workshops to learn how to paint signs, make wreaths and craft using repurposed materials. The New Dime Store in Brookside offers an array of craft classes, often inspired by the season or holiday. The Studio in historic Overland Park is the place for knitting, crochet and needlepoint classes. Nearby, creative juices flow at Pintervention, a studio specializing in all those Pinterest-inspired projects you want to try, but never get around to creating.

Eat Drink & Stitch KCGOINGPLACES.COM 11

GO SEE KC

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

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Live theater is a centerpiece of summer in Kansas City. Take the family to a live outdoor production at Starlight Theatre. Little Mermaid, Mama Mia! and An American in Paris are a few of the favorites coming this summer. Catch the free Kansas City Shakespeare Festival production of Hamlet June 13-July 2 at Southmoreland Park. Live outdoor music is a tradition at the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, with summer concerts including Funk Fest and Yallapalooza. Mesner Puppets is a professional puppet company with live shows throughout the year. Children also enjoy the Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence, a fun local museum with puppets from around the world, puppet making workshops and shows on Saturdays.

Kansas City Shakespeare Festival

One of Kansas City’s original favorites is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, which recently underwent a magical transformation.

From the first glimpse, visitors know they’re entering a charming world of toys with interactive exhibits taking them on a stroll down memory lane. They encounter treasures from Grandma’s attic, a vast collection of dollhouses, miniatures and toys of yesteryear. Toys enjoyed by generations are waiting to be discovered. This is a favorite attraction for families before heading downtown to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a live show from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 12 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Go on a Historic Outing “The Man from Missouri,” the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman hails from Independence. You can learn about his childhood at the Truman Farm, his humble lifestyle at the Truman Home in Independence and his presidency at the Truman Presidential Library. There, visitors participate in interactive exhibits, including a replica Truman Oval Office; they also explore Truman artifacts and special exhibits. Visit other historic sites including Vaile Mansion, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Jail Museum, and the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence.

For a truly historic experience, take a wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures.

Truman Presidential Library

Living history museums are a favorite local attraction, with several historic sites telling the area’s history through reenactments and hands-on education. Shawnee Town 1929 tells of life in Johnson County in the 1920s through a village where families explore living history firsthand. Summer programs offer hands-on opportunities to crank ice cream, make crafts, play games and experience the past firsthand. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm in Johnson County brings 1850s farming to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop. Throughout the summer, enjoy free living history programs on Thursday evenings.

Shawnee Town 1929

One of Kansas City’s most famous historic neighborhoods is 18th and Vine. Two museums in the district celebrate the city’s past. Visitors can experience Kansas City jazz and celebrate our finest musicians at the American Jazz Museum and enjoy a live concert at the Gem or the Blue Room.

Then, head next door and visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where you’ll discover the history of American baseball from the African-American perspective, beginning in 1863, and get to know many famous local baseball stars. Measure up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum KCGOINGPLACES.COM 13

GO SEE KC

Go Spend a Day Shopping Head west to Legends Outlets for a day of shopping and local attractions. The shopping center commemorates local celebrities with banners, statues and artwork. You even can walk the Yellow Brick Road, a tribute to Kansas’ literary fame in The Wizard of Oz. Play your favorite arcades and enjoy delicious food at Dave and Buster’s or dine with dinosaurs at T-Rex. Grab a burger at Five Guys, watch phenomenal knife skills in action at the Japanese steakhouse STIX or try one of the 130 beers on tap at Yard House.

Shop at one of the Legends’ many top merchants or catch a film at the AMC movie theater.

Legends Outlets

Downtown Lee’s Summit has been awarded the “Great American Main Street Award,” and it’s easy to see why! This shopping district is one of the most vibrant in the area. Start with a discovery of the area’s history at the Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum, housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of downtown. The area offers restaurants ranging from upscale to the local diner. Visit shops and boutiques, including bookstores, hobby shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, cooking stores and more. At Paradise Park in Lee’s Summit, your family will enjoy laser tag, rock wall climbing, miniature golf, the Foam Factory, bumper cars, an arcade and more.

Downtown Lee’s Summit

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

Downtown Olathe 14 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

Paradise Park

For traditional family fun, visit one of Kansas City’s family fun centers. Aaron’s Fun Center in Belton offers bowling, arcades and miniature golf. Main Event boasts two locations with bowling, billiards, laser tag, arcades, obstacle courses and more.

Urban Air in Overland Park is an indoor trampoline park with special play hours and packages for all ages from toddlers to teens. Dave & Buster’s at the Legends and their new Overland Park location offers gaming entertainment and delicious food at their restaurant and entertainment center for all ages. And, Jump City in Belton is an indoor playground with moon bounces and inflatables for young children Urban Air

Adults enjoy arcades too. Tapcade KC is an arcade-themed restaurant in the Crossroads also featuring the Screenland theater, where you can catch classic films on the big screen.

Up-Down is an arcade bar in the Crossroads with arcade video games, pinball and skeeball. The T3 Arcade in Lenexa is an arcade bar with amazing tacos and a collection of retro and reality video games. SoPro Gaming in Overland Park is the place to participate in social professional gaming. With a variety of consoles, gaming systems and games to try, this is every gamer’s paradise.

SoPro Gaming KCGOINGPLACES.COM 15

favorite

festivals

in kansas city

s

pring and summer mean festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals, there is something for everyone! Visit KCParent.com for our complete guide to festivals in Kansas City. These are some of our annual favorites!

Dragon Boat Festival. Photo: Linda Hanley

Brookside Art Annual May 5-7, Brookside District, BrooksideKC.org. This is the first art show of the year and draws more than 70,000 people from the entire region. This show focuses on art!

Old Shawnee Days June 1-4, Old Shawnee,

Strawberry Swing May 6-7, Alexander Majors Barn,

Jazzoo June 2, Kansas City Zoo, KansasCityZoo.org.

TheStrawberrySwing.org. This event has been voted one of the top indie craft fairs in the world. Featuring more than100 handmade and vintage vendors, food trucks, live music, kids crafts, photo booth and so much F-U-N!

Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser, and your attendance helps the zoo feed and care for more than 1,700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through the Zoo Learning Fund. Jazzoo includes live jazz music, performers and a delicious array of food and drink.

Celebration at the Station May 28, lawn of National WWI Museum and Memorial overlooking Union Station, KCSymphony.org. The Kansas City Symphony’s 15th annual patriotic concert event is the largest FREE Memorial Day weekend festival in the Midwest. From a moving symphony concert to the city’s grandest fireworks display, nothing celebrates our military and veterans quite like this event.

OldShawneeDays.org. There’s something for everyone: music, carnival rides, contests, games, the parade, crafts, shopping, festival food and so much more.

Downtown Days June 2-4, Downtown Lee’s Summit, DowntownLS.org. Downtown Days is a family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts, a carnival, delicious food vendors, a kids area and much more in Lee’s Summit’s eclectic downtown district!

Dragon Boat Festival June 10, Brush Creek, KCParks.org.

The day includes cultural games, performances, delicious food and dragon boat races, plus fun activities for children of all ages.

Crown Center Antique Festival June 10-11, Crown Center, CrownCenter.com. The festival’s 16th year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle June 23-24, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa.com. The fun begins on Friday as 185 teams arrive with some of the most unique smoking contraptions imaginable. The park comes alive with entertainment and music.

Kansas City’s Big Picnic

16 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Future Stages Festival June 25, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KauffmanCenter.org. The FREE one-day festival invites youth and families to experience a diverse range of performances and interactive arts activities.

Flags for Freedom July 1-8, Merriam Marketplace, Merriam.org. Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transform into perfect rows of patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom organizers place more than 1,600 U.S. flags.

Throughout the week, enjoy live music, food trucks and more.

Kansas City’s Big Picnic July 23, lawn of the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org. Celebrate National Parks and Recreation month as KC Parks partners with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to host the biggest picnic the region has ever seen! Pack your own picnic or grab dinner from an on-site food truck!

Festival of Butterflies Aug. 4-6 & 11-13, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. Festival days are packed with hands-on fun. Highlights include a native butterfly breezeway by master gardeners, Monarch Watch and the Idalia Society, kids crafts, storytelling, a costume parade, a butterfly catch-and-release area and much more.

MOStateFair.com. The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits, as well as first-class professional entertainment. Admission charged.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 – SUNDAY, JUNE 4 SHAWNEE TOWN 1929 | 11600 JOHNSON DRIVE, SHAWNEE, KS

OLDSHAWNEEDAYS.ORG

Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City Aug. 18-20, Swope Park, KCParks.org. Feel the world beat in the heart of America. This event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation and features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts and performing ethnic music and dances.

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Sept. 1-4, Independence, MO, SantaCaliGon.com. Enjoy more than 500 arts, crafts, food and commercial vendor booths, plus three FREE entertainment stages, a large carnival midway and demonstrations.

Sponsored by the Truman Library Institute, the nonprofit partner of the Truman Library

Missouri State Fair Aug. 10-20, Sedalia, MO,

Missouri State Fair

THE BUCK STOPS HERE« – HARRY S. TRUMAN

HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM « OPEN DAILY / Minutes from Downtown Kansas City « MEMBERS VISIT FREE / Join at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 17 Truman_KCGoingPlaces_Spring2016.indd 1

4/15/2016 4:36:07 PM

What’s

NEW in Kansas City

By Kristina Light

O

ur local attractions just keep getting better. This spring and summer, we’re excited to announce the latest and greatest at Kansas City’s favorite sites.

Kansas City T-Bones: 15th Anniversary The T-Bones are celebrating their 15th Anniversary as Kansas City’s Independent Professional Baseball team playing at Community America Ballpark. T-Bones games are fun for the entire family with fantastic theme nights and specials all season long. On Mondays, kids eat free at the stadium. Saturday night games end with fireworks. 15th Anniversary Fridays will feature the Falcon Skydiving Team and theme nights throughout the season. Friday fun includes: May 19: t-shirt giveaway, June 9: Superhero Night, June 23: 80s Night, July 7: Pirates and Princesses night, July 21: Midget Wrestling Championship, July 28: Christmas in July, Aug. 11: Back-toSchool Night, Aug. 18: Harry Potter Night and Sept. 1: Pink in the Park Night.

Johnson County Museum: New Location The Johnson County Museum has a new home (8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, www.jocogov.org/dept/museum) and it opens to the public this spring! The exhibits at the museum tell the story of how Johnson County became one of the nation’s leading suburban counties. The interactive exploration area for young children, KidScape, is bigger and better than ever, with all-new, hands-on fun in store. In addition, the museum continues to tell the story of Johnson County’s history and heritage through exhibits and programs. The facility also hosts black box theater productions for Johnson County Theatre in the Park, dance classes, art classes and much more!

Worlds of Fun: New Attractions

Worlds of Fun’s new attraction, Facon’s Flight

18 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com) is introducing two new unique and thrilling rides in 2017, as well as a completely redesigned front gate and new events.

The rides are Mustang Runner, featuring

three arms with seven gondolas per arm turning one way while the base of the ride spins the other way, and Falcon’s Flight, “a hair-raising thrill at nearly 100 feet above the ground.” This ride spins and rises simultaneously while carrying 50 riders at once. This year, the park will add a new family tradition of WinterFest, a holiday festival with light displays and entertainment, transforming the park into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to buy a season pass and enjoy the fun all year long.

Kansas City Zoo: Billy Goats Gruff Yard

Powell Gardens: Gardens of Myth

The Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) has introduced amazing improvements every year for the past several years, including Polar Bear Passage, Tiger Trail, Orangutan Canopy, the Tropics, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the African Sky Safari and more. The latest addition is one of the most playful and interactive.

This spring, the zoo opened the brand new Billy Goats Gruff Yard. More than 20 goats inhabit this interactive, goatfriendly playground.

Powell Gardens (PowellGardens. org), our beautiful botanical gardens, welcomes a new exhibit this summer.

Gardens of Myth opens Memorial Day weekend and will be on exhibit through Oct. 22. See goblins, fairies, trolls and other mythical creatures displayed in a collection of incredibly realistic, handmade sculptures. The exhibit depicts creatures of myth from around the world.

They range in size from tiny fairies to an incredible 25-foot dragon.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Bloch Galleries

Crown Center Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails

Overland Park Arboretum: Enchanted Forest

In 2015, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) proudly welcomed to their collections 29 masterworks by the leading Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists of the 19th century. Among the artists are Pierre Bonnard, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Alfred Sisley and Vincent van Gogh.

This spring, the collection moved to a new home at the Bloch Galleries, where visitors may enjoy the masterpieces.

Crown Center’s (CrownCenter.com) newest FREE hands-on exhibit for children, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails, is on display May 27-Sept. 10.

Children will embark on fun learning adventures with Thomas the Tank Engine, helping him be a “really useful engine.” Explore the sights and sounds of the Island of Sodor: Visit Knapford Station and the Sodor Steamworks, climb inside Thomas’ cab, fix Percy’s wobble wheels, pull levers for train noises and race trains along a giant track. On your visit to Crown Center, be sure to check out Sea Life, Legoland, Kaleidoscope and the Coterie.

The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (www.opkansas. org/things-to-see-and-do/arboretumand-botanical-gardens) welcomes their Enchanted Forest exhibit May 29-Sept. 4.

Discover the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, trolls, elves, sprites and other garden creatures along a trail in the woodland gardens. Throughout the summer, the arboretum will host special events in conjunction with the exhibit, including fairy tale story times, builda-gnome-home classes and a Faery Faire with live entertainment, costumed characters and more.

Johnson County Museum

Crown Center: Thomas & Friends

Powell Gardens: Gardens of Myth

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 19

WHAT MAKES IT

GREAT?

local curators tell us why their attractions are special Have you ever wondered what a museum’s curator thinks makes his workplace so phenomenal? Four local curators take time to answer just that!

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site

Steamboat Arabia Conor Carey of Steamboat Arabia says it was seeing commonplace items come through preservation and onto exhibit that drew him into his field, noting that the museum’s personal history makes it unique in its own right. “We are set up a little differently than most museums, as the exhibit is owned and operated by the members of River Salvage, Inc.,” Carey says. “Prior to excavating the steamboat Arabia, they did not have professional museum training. This unlikely group of adventurers brought up the Arabia’s cargo during the winter of 1988-89. It has operated since 1991 without any government support. We rely solely on ticket sales and gift shop purchases to repay the cost of the excavation and the continued preservation of the cargo— over 200 tons!”

Carey explains that the vast array of artifacts within the museum is another unique aspect of the collection. The boat, loaded with supplies for general stores in 16 frontier towns, sank near Parkville in 1856. “It represents the full variety of goods, both expensive and everyday, that people needed to survive in the Old West.”

20 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

For Mahaffie’s interpretive specialist, Alexis Woodall, making history come to life is just another day in the office. Woodall manages special events, markets the homestead’s programs, develops its interpretive programs and even portrays Lucinda Mahaffie on occasion. Prior to her work at Mahaffie, Woodall received a master’s in historical administration from the University of Kansas and did extensive work with historical societies within Kansas, Nebraska and North Dakota.

“There are many reasons I get excited about being a part of such a dynamic and authentic historic site,” Woodall says. “Mahaffie offers a variety of experiences.

Even if you don’t like history, we have many different activities. You can visit our animals, participate in farm activities and play games as our staff and volunteers in 1860s clothing bring history alive. I am very proud to be a part of such an energetic team of staff and volunteers connecting the Mahaffie story to visitors today.”

The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures

American Jazz Museum Director of collections Michael Sweeney, Ph.D,. may be a fresh face to the team at the American Jazz Museum but he’s no stranger to the rich musical and cultural heritage of 18th & Vine. Sweeney’s former roles, which include historian and senior research assistant at the State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center Kansas City, along with collection librarian for the Black Archives of Mid-America, have propelled him to his current position where he now oversees the care of all the American Jazz Museum’s rare and exclusive artifacts, historical documents and photographs. Although he’s an admitted jazz enthusiast, Sweeney would tell you the American Jazz Museum’s rich community story was what ultimately drew him.

“The story of Kansas City’s African-American community, while shaped by segregation and discriminatory policies, is a story of agency,” Sweeney says. “It is the story of people coming together to care for one another, to build institutions that raised the community up and to enhance the well-being of all members of the community. It is a story of resilience, sacrifice and joy amidst hardship, and I think it has much to teach us in the 21st century about the meaning of community.”

Sweeney finds his work at the museum richly rewarding for a number of reasons. “There is no other museum in the nation devoted to telling a comprehensive story of jazz, an original American art form exported around the world,” he says. “Kansas City is one of the four pillar cities of jazz and contributed its own unique sound to the jazz tradition.

Second, we tell not only a national story but also a community story; the museum is in the heart of Kansas City’s AfricanAmerican community during the period of segregation, and it works to honor and commemorate the lives of the black men and women who built its institutions and shaped its culture and sound. Third, we are more than a museum dedicated to the past. The American Jazz Museum helps perpetuate and further jazz music through its Jazz at the Gem concert series, performances at the Blue Room, Jazz Academy for local students and special music events. In other words, the museum invests in the future of jazz.”

You could say that Laura Taylor’s work within the National Museum of Toys & Miniatures was a long time coming. “When I got the job here, my mom said it was fate because I was always interested in miniatures as a child,” Taylor recounts. “She would often put me down for a nap with a small object and I would turn it over in my hands, examining it until I fell asleep.”

For more than a decade now, Taylor has operated as the museum’s curator of interpretation. What makes her workplace so unique? She says a visit to T/M is surprisingly like visiting two museums in one.

“The first floor houses a world-class collection of art miniatures,” Taylor says. “You can see common things in miniature like barbed wire, but you can also see replicas of famous works of art from all over the world. One exhibit that I am really proud of is “The Artist’s Studio,” a space that is devoted to demonstrating how artists make miniatures.” There, visitors can watch artist Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel make a miniature egg tempera painting or William R. Robertson make a tiny brass candlestick.

The upper floor showcases the museum’s antique toy collections. “Not all of our toys are old—you might even see some that you played with!” she says. “Toys reflect what was going on in the adult world at the time that they were made, and they helped children to make sense of their surroundings.”

Lauren Greenlee raises three boys and writes from her Olathe home.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 21

h

idden ave-to’s...

kc’s best-kept weekend secrets!

S

earching for diamonds is tough, and so is finding a needle in a haystack.

Scoping new and not-so-claimed territory can be tricky for anyone, and I know. I’ve lived in Kansas City for almost four years and I still feel fresh to this city and all of its remarkable wonders. I can only imagine how tough it is for someone new moving to this city or even for someone just visiting. Worry no longer, my friend. I’m going to take you and all of Kansas City on a little joy ride. Here, we’ll discover some of the best jewels Kansas City has to offer!

Some are new, some are old, but one thing’s for sure, they’re all worth the trip!

Linda Hall Library

Devoted to the realm of technology,

engineering and science, Linda Hall Library is one for the books! Literally!

This not-for-profit, privately funded library has so much to offer, from its regularly scheduled conversations drawing hundreds of respected researchers together, to its reference services and image reproduction services, Linda Hall Library is definitely a place where great minds go to meet and mingle.

5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO, 64110 816.363.4600 LindaHall.org

22 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Photo Courtesy of VisitKC.com

Brookside Plaza Small sub-areas have a huge impact on the Kansas City community. This is awesome for newcomers and anyone wanting to just get out and try something new. If this sounds like you, give Brookside Plaza a whirl! Unique stores abound, like Brookside Toy and Science that features toys both new and old school. One day in this place is a day in heaven for the kiddos. Another great find is 5B and Co. Candles, setting the mood for your sense of smell and even giving you a chance to make candles of your own with customizable options.

5B & Co. Candles 6231 Brookside Plaza Kansas City, MO 64113 816.361.6393 5BAndCoBrookside.com

Brookside Toy and Science 330 W. 63rd St. Kansas City, MO 64113 816.523.4501 BrooksideToyAndScience.com

The Blue Line Do you like sports? What about food?

How about a nice brew? If you answered yes to all of these or even one of these questions, the Blue Line definitely should be a place on your to-do list!

Voted Kansas City’s number one sports bar and Kansas City’s only hockey bar, this place definitely has the personality to keep you coming back time and time again!

529 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106 816.472.PUCK TheBlueLineKC.com

Mill Creek Sanctuary Looking for a nice, serene place outdoors to relax, read a book or even walk the dog? Mill Creek is it! This small street corner haven is the outdoor place to become one with nature. This mill has two close-knit waterfalls that are oriented in a direction where they both perfectly kiss the sun. This mill also has plenty of verdure and sits adjacent to Mill Creek Park.

4400 J.C Nichols Pkwy.

Kansas City, MO 64111 KCParks.org

Blue Sushi Sake Bar and Grill This place is amazing! If you are a true sushi lover, you have not lived until you’ve tried Blue Sushi Sake Grill. This fan favorite puts a new spin on old classics, and if you’re looking to switch it up for date night or even just wanting to let your hair down for happy hour, they have all you want and more! Blue Sushi even ticks with the times and offers a gluten-free menu for a price tag you just won’t believe. Take my word for it: This place is definitely worth a try!

4705 Rainbow Blvd.

Westwood, KS 66205 913.236.6100 BluSushiSakeGrill.com

Blue Koi and Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ Grill

Kansas City Observation Deck

Not quite ready to go completely raw but love a little Asian flair? Well these next two places have delightful surprises for guests. Blue Koi is a pot sticker’s paradise. This restaurant takes flavor and punches you square in the face with it. Their dishes come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You are sure to find the perfect pairing at this place.

Did I mention that this restaurant has a sister restaurant called the Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill that has a spicier, flavor-packed, kick-you-in-the-stomachin-a-good-way, easy-on-the-pocketbook, not-so-traditional barbecue flair? This restaurant serves some of their family’s best-kept food secrets. Well, there you go—your mind has just been officially blown. Oh, it also is a buffet.

Not into going under the city? Well, this next place will send you over it!

That’s right, the Kansas City Observation Deck will give you the best view this city has to offer. The KC Observation Deck has a beautiful view 30 floors from the ground. The deck is located inside one of the tallest city halls in the nation. The view is compared to that of one from an airplane. Be careful though—this view is by reservation only.

Blue Koi 1803 W. 39th St. Kansas City, MO 64111 816.561.5003 BlueKoi.net

Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill 3906 Bell St., Kansas City, MO 64111 816.753.3600 GKBBQ.com

Birds Botanical This botanical doesn’t feature birds but, rather, is owned by them. David Bird and the Bird family own this underground warehouse and grow their very own plethora of both wild and exotic flowers—mostly orchids. This climate controlled stead has more than 100 varieties to choose from. The family even gives tours and has quite the bragging record.

The Underground Cave 8201 E. 23rd St., Kansas City, MO 64129 816.252.4478 BirdsBotanicals.com

414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 816.513.3600 KCMO.org

Manifesto Looking for a great way to kick off a romantic evening? Manifesto definitely can set the tone and mood you’re looking for. This luxury cocktail lounge’s setting is in the basement of the former Rieger Hotel. This lounge gives you a sexy and sleek start or finish, sure to impress even the pickiest of crowds. The bar even adds a hint of mystery: In order to get in, you have to call ahead and then be escorted through the back of the hotel, downstairs and through a tunnel.

Everyone deserves a good mystery!

1924 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64108 816.536.1325 ManifestoKC.com There you have it, folks, KC’s best-kept secrets. The list of goodies this city offers definitely doesn’t stop here. With a little help from locals, family friends and KC Going Places, you’ll be sure to lengthen this list on your own in no time! Happy finds!

Jessica Samuel is a St. Louis native and current Kansas City resident that enjoys finding hidden gems all over the city.

Photo Credit: Jessica Samuel

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 23

S HOP local kc I’m always looking for fun new places to visit, so I asked people to send me their favorite local Kansas City establishments. The results came in with a mix of places I know and love—as well as several places I haven’t visited yet! In no particular order, here is a list of unique, local Kansas City places to shop.

HAMMERPRESS DESIGN This is a store of which I’ve heard but never actually visited. After browsing their website, I’m definitely going to have to go! They have a variety of letterpress items (which I love), including cards, calendars, stationery, etc. They even do custom printing. I love sending notes through the mail, so I want to go check out their note cards in person. HammerPress.net Photo by Jana Marie

SAVORY SPICE SHOP Savory Spice Shop is in Brookside, and I just recently discovered it. A friend and I took a Valentine’s truffle class and had so much fun! They offer a lot of interesting, reasonably priced classes throughout the year. Our truffle class was only $10, and we made and took home a bunch of fun, delectable chocolates. The store is full of intriguing spices and seasonings. Making purchase selections from such an array was a challenge! I ended up buying a Greek seasoning, a citrus herb seasoning and a really awesome hickory smoked black sea salt. It is amazing—I just used it on homemade pizzas last week. Browsing this shop for fun new spices is a blast—plus it’s a great place to find unique gifts! SavorySpiceShop.com

Photo provided by Savory Spice Shop

INDIGO WILD FACTORY Indigo Wild is the home of Zum soaps (and other fun products). While you can find Zum soaps at Hy-Vee and other local stores, I love to go straight to the source: the factory! They have a huge selection of soaps, as well as all their other products in stock (laundry detergents, face products, animal shampoo, etc.). Bargain-hunters enjoy the bin full of “misfit” soaps on discount, and some sort of sale on seasonal items usually is going on. As a warning, some peoples’ noses can’t handle the factory’s extremely strong smell! Every time we go, my husband waits for me in the car because it makes his nose run like crazy. IndigoWild.com

Photo provided by Indigo Wild Factory 24 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

BOZZ PRINTS Bozz Prints, featured on the cover of KC Going Places, uses inspiration from Kansas City landmarks to design prints, tshirts, posters, magnets, and mugs. Buy yours at BozzPrints.com.

CHARLIE HUSTLE Most folks probably have seen these shirts by now, and they’re made by a cool local company. One of my survey respondents nominated Charlie Hustle, and I definitely agree that it’s a great place to check out. Their shirts are fun—with a KC twist—and they’re super comfortable. Keep an eye out for their warehouse sale (I think it’s once a year). We went in 2016 and all shirts were $5! They also had hats for sale. Even Truman, my dog, ended up with his own stash of Charlie Hustle. At that price, who can resist? CharlieHustleShop.com Photo provided by Charlie Hustle

5B & CO. CANDLES 5B & Co. is one of my favorite candle places in KC. I used to love going every time we visited Weston. Now they are in Brookside! The votives are a perfect little size (I love using them in my office), and the scents are awesome. My go-to fragrances are the burnt sugar, eucalyptus mint, fresh cut grass and peony. The seasonal scents are worth a special trip—I love their smells of fall and Christmas! 5BandCoBrookside.com Photo provided by 5B & Co. Candles

MADE IN KANSAS CITY The Made in Kansas City store is another reader suggestion, with both physical locations and also a great online store. They curate all sorts of fun things made by local KC merchants in one place. I found a huge variety of fun items when I was looking around on their site. MadeInKC.co

Andrea Plunkett Ishmael is a lifelong Kansas City native with a passion for shopping local.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 25

ocals and visitors alike know Kansas City has become a top-rate metropolis with all the quality attractions it has to offer—places like Crown Center, the 18th & Vine District, the Crossroads and the Power & Light District. But other areas wait to be explored and discovered as well: Kansas City’s International scene!

Did you know our city has a smorgasbord of international culinary delights and cultural Browne’s Irish Marketplace sites worth sampling and experiencing?

Let’s begin with the oldest continuous Irish business in Kansas City and all of North America: Browne’s Irish Marketplace! Browne’s was first opened in 1887 by the current owner’s great-grandparents from County Kerry, Ireland. The present location in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods opened in 1901, and since then, each generation has continued the beloved family traditions and business. Kerry Browne, who inherited the establishment in 1981, recently remodeled the market back to its original layout, with the addition of six more retail rooms. Sample one of the many Irish whiskeys available or enjoy a pint of Guinness on tap while devouring one of Browne’s awardwinning, mouth-watering Reuben sandwiches from the deli.

Browne’s has an assortment of imported Irish groceries, as well as an extensive, well-curated selection of Irish wares, jewelry, textiles and keepsakes. Browne’s occasionally offers a traditional Irish breakfast on Saturdays and also hosts

26 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Gaelic music seisiuns. The entire family can enjoy true Irish hospitality at this longstanding establishment.

Another great Browne’s event to attend is their annual Irish Street Festival, held on the grounds every second weekend in June. You can enjoy headliners such as Kansas City’s own The Elders and Eddie Delahunt, while enjoying Irish drinks and food. Our city has a rich Irish heritage, so Browne’s is not the only Green Isle extension to discover in the area. Be sure also to visit Sheehan’s in Waldo, the Irish Center of Kansas City and the Celtic Ranch and O’Malley’s in Weston, MO. Another Kansas City neighborhood known for its long cultural history is Strawberry Hill. Eastern European settlers began arriving in what is now known as the Strawberry Hill area at the turn of the last century, attracted by agriculture and the closeness of the two rivers: the Missouri and Kansas. While setters initially were primarily of Croatian ethnicity, many other cultures soon settled and contributed to this community: Lithuanian, Strawberry Hill

City Market

Polish, Slovakian, Slovenian, Russian, Ukrainian and Dutch.

The Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center celebrates this unique heritage. It’s located in a former orphanage, where you can take a tour (weekends noon-5:00), purchase traditional Baltic-Slavic souvenirs in the gift shop or sample authentic ethnic desserts in the tearoom on the first weekend of each month (1:00-4:00). Speaking of desserts, one

company from Strawberry Hill has made Kansas City famous for its delectable, highly-popular dessert breads: Strawberry Hill Povitica. In 1984, Harley O’Leary took his Croatian grandmother’s sweet nut bread recipe and made it famous.

Baked with love, this delicious treat is now a very popular addition to holiday tables around Kansas City. Be sure to visit their new facility in Merriam, KS, where you can watch the povitica being made, savor free samples and take home your favorite flavor!

Two other Kansas City neighborhood districts are defined by their international cuisine restaurants and businesses: The River Market and West 39th Street. In addition to the farmers market that is in residence every weekend spring to fall, many store fronts are open year-round so guests can experience a slice of international culture. Try out the Taste of Brazil Market, Le Fou Frog, Carollo’s Groceria Italiana, Chinatown Food Market, Vietnam Café and the fun Yoki novelty store, just to name a few. In the Volker neighborhood of West 39th Street, choose from these ethnic eateries: Blue Koi Noodles & Dumplings (Chinese), Island Spice (Jamaican), Taj Palace (Indian), Bob Wasabi Kitchen (Japanese), Aladdin Café (Mediterranean), Sultan’s Café (Middle Eastern) and Komatsu Ramen.

2017 FREE Festivals nelson-atkins.org/events Juneteenth Celebration | JUN 10 Kansas City’s Big Picnic | JUL 23 American Indian Cultural Celebration | SEPT 24 Day of the Dead | NOV 5

45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri | NelsonAtkins_KCParent_GoingPlaces_SprSum2017_FNL.indd 1

3 BLOCKS FROM THE PLAZA

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Werner’s

Kansas City also has a strong German heritage, as can be seen by the many authentic restaurants and breweries throughout the metro. Werner’s on Johnson Drive is a great example and a must-sample! Werner’s got its start all the way back in 1898, and the current proprietors continue the longstanding tradition of making Old World-style sausages from the original recipes. Werner’s is one of the few remaining local butcheries still in operation. The current location in Mission, KS, opened in 1972 and has been serving its faithful customers ever since. Stop by at lunchtime during the week for one of their famous German sausages; a different one is featured every day. You also can stock up on many German groceries not easily found elsewhere while stopping in for a fresh deli sandwich or a package of their famous, high quality sausages to take home. A newer addition to the German heritage scene is the Kansas City Bier Company in Waldo. Steve Holle, the founder, became enamored with German lager-style bier during his time studying abroad.

Serendipitously, the craft beer movement was exploding at the same time in the Midwest, so Steve and his team of brewers were able to combine the best of both worlds to create this hip, local, Bavarian-style brewery. Visit the tasting room, take a tour or, best of all, listen to a German polka band every Saturday in the communal biergarten while enjoying traditional German food. KC Bier Co. is the closest thing to the community-centered, family-operated biergartens of native Germany that you’ll find in the greater Kansas City metro. As in Germany, this biergarten is a family affair, and kids can enjoy the outside play area while their

28 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

parents catch up with friends over a cold Hefeweizen or Dunkel. Other German establishments of note to visit are Grunauer in Westside, Rheinland in Independence and Affare downtown.

A fun, kid-friendly way to explore several nations in one place is the Kansas City Zoo! The whole family can put a stamp on their passport by watching Berlin, the North Artic polar bear, swim and play. Or by watching Antarctic penguins frolic and dive. Over in Africa, children can observe lions lounging, gorillas grooming or gazelles grazing. In Australia, don’t miss the antics of the kangaroos or the petting zoo full of Australian sheep waiting to be fed special treats. There’s also a small, fascinating museum on the extraordinary insects and reptiles native to Australia. Another great place for exploring international cultures with the entire family is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. There you can uncover art treasures in the African and Egyptian, Asian and Southeast Asian, Chinese and Japanese and European and Ancient Greek and Roman galleries.

Our metropolis is truly a mecca of international delights!

Other global-flavored local events and businesses worthy of exploration are the British Gala (April 29), the Kansas City Scottish Highland Games (June 10-11), the Ethnic Festival in Swope Park (August), the Japanese Tea Garden in Loose Park, Brits and Ten Thousand Villages in Lawrence, the Queen’s Pantry in Leavenworth, Redcoats (That British Store) in Overland Park, World’s Window in Brookside, IKEA (Swedish products and food), Jasper’s Italian Restaurant, Cupini’s Italian Deli in Westport, Longboards (Hawaiian) in Mission and Enchilada Madness on Southwest Boulevard (Salvy’s favorite!). Now get out and discover all that the world has to offer in Kansas City!

IKEA

Margaret Bristow grew up in Kansas City and loves to explore new places in her hometown.

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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1

1

A

2

2

3

3

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4 5

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49

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

*Map not to scale.

A

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KCGOINGPLACES.COM 29

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES •

CREATIVE 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 CREATE

Paint, Sew and Make Things Apple Pie Painting Location Varies 816.809.2272 $$ 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.

Blanc Palette

T-Rex Café Build-A-Dino

17 E. Kansas St., #100 Liberty, MO 816.674.6225 $$ C2 http://blancpalette.com/ A painting and wine party experience.

1847 Village West Pkwy.

KC, KS 913.334.8888 $$ A3 www.BuildABear.com Children create their own stuffed bears and other animal friends at this shop.

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 9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 913.383.0222 $ B5 www.CeramicCafeKC.com A paint your own pottery studio.

Eat Drink Stitch Location Varies $$ www.EatDrinkStitch.com A series of embroidery happy hours, workshops and more.

Got Art Gallery 18 SW 3rd St. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.600.5932 $$ D4 http://GotArtGallery.org Local gallery offers painting classes for all ages and skill levels.

Grammy’s Walls of Clay 16625 Midland Dr. Shawnee, KS 913.248.1117

$ A4 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 that caters to all ages.

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.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

30 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Hook Gallery

KC Sewing Academy

Painted Clover

Potter’s Obsession

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

471 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.

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

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

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

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

KC Art Angels

Modern Makers

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

3707 Summit, KC, MO 816.200.1396 $-$$ C3 www.KCModernMakers.com Modern boutique sewing shop and classroom space offering designer-quality fabrics and patterns, sewing notions and all manner of fiber arts classes.

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

Pinot’s Palette 5235 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS 913.451.7466 $$ B5 4165 N. Mulberry Dr., KC, MO 816.492.3772 $$ C2 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 www.PinotsPalette.com An upscale “paint and sip” studio.

Paint, Glaze & Fire

Potter’s Haven Art Studio

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

292 SW Blue Pkwy.

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

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

Stained Glass Station 236 NW Oldham Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.525.8088 $$ D4 StainedGlassTeacher.com Stained glass and glass fusing classes.

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

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 • • FEATURED LISTING • Thirsty Palette

Tea Time IN KANSAS CITY

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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!

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

Touch of Fun Art Studio

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.

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ittle girls and girls at heart LOVE tea parties!

Kansas City’s tearooms all offer unique experiences for tea party lovers. Each tearoom has its own style, presenting an unforgettable experience for ladies of all generations.

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

Tip: Always call ahead for hours and special events.

Wine & Canvas

ANNA MARIE’S TEAS

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

124 S. Terrace Ave. or 343 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO, 816.792.041, AnnasTeaShop.com Highlight: This tearoom is only open for special events, but they host monthly themed tea parties. Anna Marie’s specializes in murder mystery teas, themed parties for little girls and special events. Call for a schedule of events or to book your party!

COUNTRY KEEPSAKES TEAROOM

501 Main St., Belton, MO, 816.348.7888, CountryKeepsakesTearoom.com Highlight: Country Keepsakes is one of the quaint shops lining Main Street Belton. Offering a wide variety of teas, quiches and sandwiches, the home-cooked menu changes every month.

HENRY’S TEAROOM

401 SE Douglas, Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.524.0057, HenrysTearoom.com Highlight: Henry’s is located in one of Lee’s Summit’s oldest churches, now converted to an antique shop and tearoom. Grandmothers love to visit this formal tearoom! Henry’s offers a complete tea service with delicious sandwiches, quiches and salads.

STRAWBERRY HILL’S TEA ROOM

720 N. 4th St., Kansas City, KS, 913.371.3264, StrawberryHillMuseum.org/strawberry-hill-tea-room (select weekends only) Highlight: Housed in Kansas City’s own Strawberry Hill Museum, the tearoom offers a wide array of authentic Slavic desserts and dishes. After tea, take a tour of all the art, clothing and artifacts the Slavic museum has to offer.

32 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Culinary Center of Kansas City

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

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

GO EXPERIENCE FOOD Learn to Cook and Watch as Food Is Made Chip’s Chocolate Factory Crown Center: 2450 Grand Ave., KC, MO 816.421.0012 Free C3 www.ChipsChocolateFactory.com Visit the shop and factory where KC’s very own KC Fudge was developed more than 27 years ago.

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

Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 KS 68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS 800.748.7765 $ B5 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com Watch as fresh apple cider and cider donuts are made.

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

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

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

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

• CREATIVE PLACES • CREATIVE PLACES • Young Chef’s Academy

Epsten Gallery

Leila’s Hair Museum

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

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.

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.

Hallmark Visitors Center

• FEATURED LISTING •

GO TO AN ART MUSEUM

Museums Celebrate the Arts American Jazz Museum 1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.474.8463 $ C3 www.AmericanJazzMuseum.com Learn about the history of jazz through fun, interactive exhibits perfect for kids.

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

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.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art See ad on pg. 27 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, as voted by readers of KC Parent Magazine!

Discover masterpieces in the galleries, spend quality time together at a festival or drop in for a weekend art activity.

Classes, workshops and tours also are offered.

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Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art 12345 College Blvd., OP, KS 913.469.3000 Free www.NermanMuseum.org

This 41,000-square-foot museum is the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region.

The Rabbit Hole 110 Southwest Blvd., KC, MO 816.492.7915 C3 www.RabbitHoleKC.org The world’s first Explorastorium: an interactive museum based on children’s books.

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

UMKC Gallery of Art 5100 Rockhill Rd., KC, MO 816.235.1502 Free C3 http://info.umkc.edu/art/umkcgallery The gallery features temporary exhibits on 20th century American and European art.

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Family Time W

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Adventure Attractions with Purchase of a Private Room for 8!

1 FREE Adult Discovery Play Admission

Individual tickets purchased will be combined to fill room.

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp.9/30/17

With purchase of a child admission.

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 9/30/17

DISE- PAR

K.C OM

$5 OFF Indoor/Outdoor ADVENTURE

Not valid w/ any other discounted offer. Exp. 9/30/17

1021 NE Colbern Rd. • Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 • 816-246-5224 KCGOINGPLACES.COM 33

• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES •

FUN PLACES Dave & Buster’s

Jaegers Paintball Park

The Legends at Village West: 1843 Village West Pkwy.

KC, KS 913.981.6815 $ A3

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.

6811 W. 135th St., OP, KS 913.249.3906 $ B5 www.DaveAndBusters.com Arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards.

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

Family Golf Park LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

LEGEND:

Advanced Laser Tag

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 Laser tag games, a high-tech video arcade, prize counter, party room and observation deck.

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

GO PLAY

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

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

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

Chuck E. Cheese

High Performance Paintball

10510 Metcalf Ln., OP, KS 913.648.4920 $ B4

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.

18701 E. 39th St., Indep, MO 816.254.6300 $ D3 15225 W. 134th St., Olathe, KS 913.390.0815 $ A5 www.ChuckECheese.com Pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides.

Cool Crest 10735 E. US Hwy. 40 Indep, MO 816.358.0088 $ D3 www.CoolCrest.com Four full 18-hole miniature golf courses, video game arcade, go-karts and more!

34 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

Main Event 11950 S. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 913.738.0311 $-$$

A5

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.

Novastar Gaming Center 840 S. 55th St., KC, KS 913.703.6682 $ A3 www.NovaStarGaming.com PC gaming center.

• FEATURED LISTING • Paradise Park

See ad on pg. 33 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 & 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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• FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • FUN PLACES • Parkville Mini Golf 7 W. 1st St. Parkville, MO 816.505.9555 $ B2 www.ParkvilleMiniGolf.com Outdoor miniature golf course is set on the Missouri River bluffs.

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.

• FEATURED LISTING •

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

T3 Arcade 9720 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.492.3900 $$ B4 T3Aracade.com Restaurant with virtual reality, new and vintage arcade games, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, Nintendo 64 and other patio games.

Tapcade 1701 McGee St., #200, KC, MO 816.492.6577 $$ C3 http://screenland.com/tapcade-at-crossroads Restaurant and bar with arcade games for adults.

Up-Down KC

Worlds of Fun

See ad on pg. 35 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Kansas City’s amusement park with 235 acres of family rides, thrill rides and waterslides, including seven world-class rollercoasters and Oceans of Fun, the city’s first waterpark.

Your senses come alive as you enter the gate, the sights and sounds take over, and the little ones in your family take your hand. Breathtaking views from towering coasters, hair-raising thrill rides and a Planet Snoopy kids area that is the playground for new memories. 2017 promises new rides and an all new WinterFest event.

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

GO LEARN THROUGH PLAY

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

Coffee Playground Overland Park First Assembly of God 7700 W. 75th St., OP, KS 913.432.3281 Free B4 www.OverlandParkMOPS.blogspot.com Coffee shop where parents can relax while kids play in the gym.

Exchange City & EarthWorks 8300 NE Underground Dr. KC, MO 816.659.854 Free C2 www.ExchangeCity.org Children learn social studies firsthand as they participate in hands-on activities. Call to book tours.

Highs, Drops, Twists, Turns! Enjoy Them All!

For your BEST PRICE on tickets go to worldsoffun.com today! ©2017 Cedar Fair, L.P

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• FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • FUN PL ACES • Irene B. French Community Center Indoor Playground

Lenexa Community Center “Gym for Me” Program”

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

13420 Oak St. Shwn Msn, KS 913.477.7100 $ B4 www.ci.Lenexa.ks.us Preschool toys and activities keep little ones busy. Call for schedule.

• FEATURED LISTING •

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

Little Monkey Bizness

See ad on pg. 51 12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy.

2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 Shwn Msn, KS 913.631.7000 $ B3 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com ShawneeMission.MonkeyBizness.com Legoland Discovery Center A full-service coffeehouse Kansas City offers a fun, highly overlooking a nearly 4,000-squareinteractive and educational foot play area for kids.

2-to 3-hour indoor experience.

Based on the ever-popular Matt Ross Community Lego® brick, Legoland Discovery Center Indoor Playground Center provides a range of interactive play areas, including 8101 Marty St., OP, KS 4D cinema; master classes from 913.895.6350 Free B4 the Lego Master Model Builder; www.OPKansas.org exciting Lego rides, such as an Three-story “jungle” playground interactive and immersive ride entertains with slides, tunnels called Kingdom Quest. Also and swings. enjoy the popular Miniland exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings and skyline of Kansas City. goingplaces.pdf 1 9/12/15 4:40 PM

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Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church 8839 Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS 913.393.3000 Free B4 www.cedarridge.cc Coffee shop for parents and indoor play for tots! Gym, indoor playground equipment and ride-on toys.

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

Sylvester Powell Community Center Indoor Playground 6200 Martway Mission, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.MissionKS.org Families enjoy inflatables, tricycles, gym mats and more.

Call for schedule.

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

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

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

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

www.urbanairop.com 36 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

Live W

hen I have to fill out any sort of information form or survey that asks for interests and hobbies, I always include “attending concerts.” My husband and I LOVE attending live music shows and do so quite frequently. Whether you are a visitor to Kansas City or call KC home, you’ll find so many places to take in live music. Although not comprehensive, this list will give you a great start on where to hear some live tunes tonight!

Crossroads KC at Grinders

Music in KC

I just can’t seem to adapt. I hadn’t attended a show here for several years and went back last summer for my first Dave Matthews show and I was impressed! The seats looked new and clean, the bathrooms were updated and the lawn area looked well-maintained.

You have several options for seating at Providence: general admission seats on grass, general admission, standing room up close to the stage and reserved seats. If you choose lawn seats, be sure to bring a blanket.

417 E. 18th St. Kansas City, MO 64108 CrossroadsKC.com Located in the Crossroads Art District, Crossroads KC at Grinders is my personal favorite outdoor venue for live music. Each year they bring a diverse array of musical acts to the stage. The venue is the backyard, if you will, to Grinders restaurant (known for their Philly cheesesteaks and pizza). All tickets are general admission (they do have options of bleacher seating and VIP tickets, but I’ve never taken advantage of either), standing room only on wood chips. At some shows, lawn chairs are allowed, but that’s decided on a show-by-show basis and posted on the website 48 hours prior to the performance. If you’re looking for a night out to listen to live music under the stars, I highly recommend!

Providence Medical Center Amphitheater 633 N. 130th St. Bonner Springs, KS 66012 ProvidenceAmp.com I didn’t grow up in Kansas City (I moved here for college in 1988 and have never left, so I consider myself almost a native) but to me, this will always be Sandstone. I know it’s been through several name changes since then, but

Knuckleheads Saloon

Kansas City Live! (KC Live!)

1330 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64106 Kansas City Live! (KC Live!) is located in the heart of downtown KC, in the Power & Light District, which is directly across from the Sprint Center. I’ve seen just a couple of shows here with mixed results. The first show I saw was a local cover band. That performance wasn’t crowded and was a lot of fun. The next show I saw at KC Live! was with a touring band, and the venue was packed! The “it’s so crowded I can’t make it to the bathroom” packed. While I enjoyed the music, I didn’t enjoy being packed in like sardines. The venue itself is surrounded by many restaurants and has a lovely outdoor courtyard/bar/seating area.

When taking in a show at Sprint Center, I highly recommend coming down early to enjoy relaxing in the KC Live! area pre-show.

Knuckleheads Saloon 2715 Rochester Kansas City, MO 64120 KnuckleheadsKC.com Not gonna lie. The first time I visited Knuckleheads, I was a bit put off. It was the early 2000s and during the middle of the day. My husband wanted to purchase tickets for an upcoming show, and we happened to be in the area, so he made a quick detour for tickets.

We drove through a part of KC I hadn’t seen before, right by the train tracks, and pulled up to a “biker bar” (in the early days, the space was used to rehab motorcycles). Over the years, the place has evolved into a bustling live music venue, complete with four stages and throngs of people on any given night.

If you are in the mood for live music, chances are good there is a show at Knuckleheads. Reasonable ticket prices make it the perfect place to take in a local favorite or check out a new group.

This list of spots just scratches the surface on places to take in a show.

Kansas City offers many other outdoor locations, as well as numerous terrific indoor concert venues. To find a show, I suggest checking out JamBase.com. You can search for where a specific band is playing, as well as for shows near you.

Happy listening!

Margaret Sarver has a busy concert calendar planned for 2017. She is most excited to see her favorite band, U2, playing one of her favorite albums, The Joshua Tree.

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• ADVENTUROUS PLACES • ADVENTURO

ADVENTUROUS 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 UP

Zip lines, Rock Walls, Obstacle Courses and Sky Diving APEX Climbing Gym 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

IBEX Climbing Gym

ROKC

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

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.

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

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.

• FEATURED LISTING • Go Ape

See ad on pg. 59 7331 Oakwood Dr., KC, MO 800.971.8271 $$ C4 www.GoApe.com Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Swope Park offers guests much more than just a zip line canopy tour. This exhilarating outdoor adventure course features five sections of treetop obstacles, each leading you higher into the forest canopy. Guests will navigate 39 unique crossings, like the Plank Crossing, Yamazoe Steps, two Tarzan swings and five thrilling zip lines, all with killer views. Go Ape Treetop Adventures will provide a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience worth talking about!

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

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.

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

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Timber Ridge Adventure Center 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.

YES! Kids Fitness 12 NE Skyline Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.0058 $ D4 http://YesKidsFitness.com Family nights, a fit wall, fitness classes and parents night out are offered.

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 Cosmic Jump 12025 S. Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS 913.397.7700 $ www.CosmicJump.com Indoor trampoline park.

A5

Fun Run

KC Northern Railroad 38 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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 • 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 6485 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS 913.213.5900 $ A4 www.skyzone.com/kansascity Sky Zone is the original indoor trampoline park, bringing unmatched, out-of-this-world and high-flyin’ FUN.

• FEATURED LISTING • Urban Air Trampoline Park

See ad on pg. 36 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.

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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

KCParent.com

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

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

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

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

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

A5

Strawberry Swing Festival 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 stories: 1. 50 Ideas Under $5 to Explore Kansas City 2. Calendar of Events 3. Summer Festival Guide 4. 100 Ways to Enjoy Summer in KC 5. Top Picks for Fun Every Month 6. Fireworks Guide 7. Summer Concert Guide 8. Watch It Made Tours 9. Virtual Going Places Guide 10. Local Attractions and Show Reviews 11. Farmers Market Guide 12. Kids Eat Free Guide 13. Summer Movie Guide 14. Berry Picking in Kansas City 15. Best Parks 16. Day Trips from KC 17. Kansas City Camping Guide 18. Great Fishing Spots 19. Indoor Fun Guide 20. Best Local Ice Cream 21. Coupons for Local Attractions 22. Great Giveaways 23. Sprayground Guide 24. Be sure to subscribe to the free eNewsletter on KCParent.com for FREE ideas weekly.

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

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• ADVENTUROUS PL ACES • ADVENTUROUS PL ACES • 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 her history.

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

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.

GO SOLVE

Raytown International Raceway 6133 Blue Ridge Blvd.

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

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.

Escape Rooms and Mystery Theater Breakout KC 114 W. 3rd St., #101, KC, MO 816.945.2633 $$ C3 www.BreakoutKC.com You have 60 minutes to break out from a real life escape room, cracking codes.

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

River’s Edge Aviation

Escape Artist KC

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

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.

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

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

A3

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 Each team of players will have exactly one hour to complete a mission or task giving you the key to escape.

The Great Escape Quest 1502 Main St., Grandview, MO 816.844.9030 $$ C5 EscapeJunky.com Interactive escape room to solve unraveling clues as you go.

Kansas City Gangster Tour

Shawnee Mission Park

40 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

The Murder Mystery Co. Stanford and Sons: 7328 W. 119th St., OP, KS 888.643.2583 $$ C3 www.grimprov.com Show includes three-course meal and interactive murder mystery show.

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

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

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

Tick Tock Escape Games 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 and escape the room.

Trapped KC 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!

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• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES •

HISTORIC PLACES

Truman 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.

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.

42 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Arabia Steamboat Museum

Berlin Wall Monument

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

Grove of Regiments on Bundel 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.

Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum

Bingham-Waggoner Estate

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

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

Battle of Westport Memorial

Black Archives of Mid-America

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

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

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center 3700 Blue Pkwy., KC, MO 816.513.0700 Free C3 www.brucewatkinscenter.com This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers.

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.

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

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Clay County Museum

Ensor Park and Museum

First City Museum

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

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

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

Excelsior Springs Historical Museum

107 Osage St., Sibley, MO 816.650.3278 $ D2 www.JacksonGov.org/FortOsage Osage Indian history and early military history are depicted through exhibits and special events.

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!

Dillingham-Lewis Home 101 SW 15th St. Blue Springs, MO 816.224.8979 Free D4 www.BlueSpringsHistory.org Tour a 20th-century pioneer home to see how early settlers in Jackson County lived.

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.

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 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.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 43

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • 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.

• FEATURED LISTING • Johnson County Museum

National Frontier Trails Museum

• FEATURED LISTING • Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

See ad on pg. 17 500 US Hwy. 24, Indep, MO 816.268.8200 $ D3 www.TrumanLibrary.org The exhibits in the library’s museum emphasize the life and times of Harry S. Truman and the Truman presidency. Among the permanent exhibits are a mural painting in the entrance lobby, “Independence and the Opening of the West,” by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton; a reproduction of the Oval Office as it was during the Truman administration; and the office which Truman used in his retirement years.

•

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

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

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

Irish Museum & Cultural Center 15 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 The 1858 museum offers special events and programs telling the history of Kansas City during the Civil War.

44 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

See ad on pg. 53 8788 Metcalf, OP, KS 913.715.2550 Free B4 www.JoCoGov.org Opening Spring 2017, the museum shares local history through galleries and public programs. The 1950s All-Electric House is the signature museum exhibit. KidScape, the renowned children’s interactive experience, is being updated and enlarged.

At KidScape, kids learn through play about the past. An 1870s farmstead introduces kids to life on the farm. Time travel to 1900, where kids sell fruits and vegetables at the City Market, perform for an audience at the theater and teach at the school.

•

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

KCMO City Hall 414 E. 12th St., KC, MO 816.513.1313 Free C3 www.KCMO.org Tour Kansas City’s City Hall and learn about the inner workings of the city government.

Kansas City 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 Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org

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.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Lee’s Summit Railroad Museum

See ad on pg. 2 220 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

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES •

•

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. 45 1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 913.971.5111 $ A5 www.mahaffie.org

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm offers a unique hands-on experience for visitors of all ages, focusing on 1860s farming, frontier life and stagecoach travel, while preserving the nationally significant Mahaffie story.

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

Visitors tour the historic home, blacksmith shop and farm.

•

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

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

Day Out with Frank and Ella | 3Wednesdays & Thursdays June & July Family Fun Nights | Thursdays June & July 19th Century Fireworks/Olathe Civic Band Night | Thursday, June 29 Summer Living History | Memorial Day through Labor Day Wild West Days | Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24

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.

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

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. 47 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 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.

•

Come Experience Shawnee Town 1929!

• • • • •

Living History Programs Family Friendly Events Concerts Rentals Family Fun

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

www.shawneetown.org

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 45

• HISTORIC PLACES • HISTORIC PLACES • Oxford Schoolhouse

Shawnee Indian Mission

Strawberry Hill Museum

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

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

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.

Pioneer Trails Adventures

• FEATURED LISTING •

Thomas Hart Benton Home

Shawnee Town 1929

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.

See ad on pg. 45 11501 W. 57th St. Shawnee, KS 913.248.2360 $ B3 www.ShawneeTown.org Shawnee Town 1929 is a museum and historic town allowing visitors to experience a typical day in and around the 1920s farm community of Shawnee, KS, through authentic collections, exhibits, programs and events.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events including festivals, summer programming for families and tours for groups.

•

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.

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

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

Remodeled office opening soon.

Truman Farm Home 12301 Blue Ridge Blvd.

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

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 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 Vaile Mansion 46 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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 Street KC, MO 816.561.8387 Free C3 The memorial includes a wall with the names of 336 area veterans killed or missing in action.

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

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

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

It pours!

When it rains...

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 47 TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES •

SCIENCE PLACES LEGEND:

Gottlieb Planetarium

Powell Observatory

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

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., KC, MO 816.460.2020 $ C3 www.UnionStation.org 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.

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

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.

KU Natural History Museum 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.

Science City at Union Station 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.

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.

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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 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.

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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.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

48 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • Screamin’ Oaks Farm 18171 W. 198th St. Tonganoxie, KS 913.845.2775 $ A3 http://screaminoaksfarm.blogspot.com/ Tours are offered of this working farm where children can learn about animals and farming firsthand.

• FEATURED LISTING • Sea Life Kansas City

See ad on pg. 51 2475 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 816.471.4386 $$ C3 www.sealifeus.com This aquarium experience will get you up close and face-to-face with amazing underwater creatures such as sharks, octopus, our green sea turtle named Gertrude, stingrays, sea stars, seahorses, jellyfish and thousands of colorful fish! A favorite attraction is the Interactive Rockpool Experience, where you are able to touch animals like sea stars and sea urchins with the help of a Sea Life Educator!

•

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.

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden 51st Street & Wornall Road KC, MO 816.513.7500 Free C3 www.KCMO.org KC’s rose garden features hundreds of roses with a fountain.

Sea Life Kansas City

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:

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.

Weekday tours are available by appointment.

Admission: Kalyana

Age: 24 months Species: p. tigris

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

Age: 10 years Species: p. tigris

www.saveoursiberians.org KCGOINGPLACES.COM 49

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

C3

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

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

Kauffman Memorial Garden

50 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

• SCIENCE PLACES • SCIENCE PLACES • GO EXPERIENCE NATURE

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center

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

Conservation Centers

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

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

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

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 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.

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.

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

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.

NE W!

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.

Ernie Miller Nature Center

John Barkley Visitor Center

OPEN MAY 2017!

S CLAW IT EXHIB NOW !

OPEN

BOOK ONLINE TO SAVE!Located

in Crown Center!

Get closer

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the mini figure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. © 2017 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity

VisitSEALIFE.com/Kansas-City KCGOINGPLACES.COM 51

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES •

THEATRICAL PLACES 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

Director’s Choice by the Kansas City Ballet

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

GO SEE A SHOW

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

Barn Players Community Theatre

Blue Springs City Theater

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

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

Bell Road Barn Players

Carlsen Center at JCCC

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

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.

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 | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

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

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

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.

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • 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.

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

B5

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

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.

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

KC Symphony

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

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 Spencer Theatre 4949 Cherry St., KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 Copaken Stage 1 H&R Block Way, KC, MO 816.235.2700 $$ C3 www.KCRep.org The premier professional resident theater company of Kansas City, MO, founded in 1964.

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

Lee’s Summit Symphony Lee’s Summit High School: 400 SE Blue Pkwy.

Lee’s Summit, MO 816.401.5251 $ D4 www.LSSymphony.org Classical symphony entertains with live performances for the community.

GRAND OPENING KidScape is back... and better than ever!

JUNE 2017 JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM

8788 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66212 jocogov.org/museum 913-826-ARTS JOHNSON COUNTY ARTS & HERITAGE CENTER

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 53

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • 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

Coterie Theatre

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

Olathe Civic Theatre Liberty Performing Arts Theatre

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

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

3614 Main, KC, MO 816.569.3226 $ C3 http://MetKC.org A not-for-profit professional theater providing a full season of shows for the public.

Lied Center of Kansas

Midland Theatre

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

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

Lyric Opera

Miller-Marley School of Dance

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

Martin City Melodrama Crown Center: 2450 Grand Blvd., KC, MO 913.642.7576 $ B4 www.MartinCityMelodrama.org Live Vaudeville-style theater is sure to leave the entire family laughing!

10448 Mastin St., OP, KS 913.492.0004 $ www.MillerMarley.com Local youth offer live dance performances.

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

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

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.

Folly Theater

54 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

• THEATRICAL PL ACES • THEATRICAL PL ACES • Paul Mesner Puppets

Storybook Theatre

1006 Linwood Blvd., KC, MO 816.756.3500 $ C3 www.PaulMesnerPuppets.org Puppet shows offered all year to delight young audiences!

Various locations: Lee’s Summit area 816.204.5702 $ D4 http://AGDT.blogspot.com Public performances are held seasonally.

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

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

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

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

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

Stanfords Comedy Club 7328 W. 119th St., OP, 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.

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

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

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

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

Youth Symphony of KC Various performance locations 5960 Dearborn, Ste. 206 Mission, KS 913.722.6810 $$ B3 www.YouthSymphonyKC.org Area youth offer live classical music performances.

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

Dinner Show AND A

Enjoy dinner and a live show at one of Kansas City’s premier theaters.

T

he Coterie is Kansas City’s professional children’s theater, located on the first floor of Crown Center. From June 13 to Aug. 6, Garfield takes the stage in this brand new musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby. Crown Center is home to many fantastic restaurants, but all-time faves for the kids will always be Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where trains deliver food to your table, d’Bronx, the New York-style delicatessen and pizzeria, and Three Little Pigs Barbeque. This year, Crown Center welcomed the additions of Unforked, a fast casual restaurant made with locally grown ingredients, and Spin! Pizza, a favorite pizza chain.

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre performs on two stages, one on the UMKC campus near the Country Club Plaza, and the other in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Both shopping districts are home to dozens of excellent restaurants appealing to any palate. The KC Rep proudly presents the world premiere of What Would Crazy Horse Do? April 28May 28, a new play by preeminent Native American writer Larissa FastHorse. Man in Love, April 29-May 28, is a mystery telling of a string of murders, but no one suspects the killer is the quiet, charming librarian, Paul Pare, Jr. Enjoy the Kansas City Ballet’s performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Director’s Choice, May 12-21, is a showcase of Kansas City premieres. The center now offers a dining option in the Founders’ Lounge, featuring a three-course menu with robust selections boasting a variety of fresh, local flavors. Reservations are encouraged for this popular option. Show fans also enjoy nearby restaurants. Los Tules, one of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants in town, is across the street. And for upscale dining, you can enjoy brunch or dinner next door at the elegant Webster House.

Starlight Theatre is Kansas City’s premier outdoor theater.

You can dine at the theater before the show or purchase concessions. Summer 2017 brings Disney’s The Little Mermaid (June 3-11), Mamma Mia! (June 23-25), Jersey Boys (June 27July 2), An American in Paris (July 11-16), Something Rotten!

(July 25-30), The Bodyguard The Musical (Aug. 8-13), Kinky Boots (Aug. 18-20), Motown: The Musical (Aug. 22-27) and Grease (Sept. 8-14).

Little ones will delight in Theatre for Young America’s live plays at Union Station. The upcoming season includes The Velveteen Rabbit, through May 14. This play is a faithful adaptation of the beloved book by Margery Williams. The Realistic Joneses, May 24-June 14, is winner of two Drama Desk Special Awards. The Hare and the Tortoise, June 20July 8 is based on Aesop’s famous fable. Stop in at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a treat before or after the show, or cross the tunnel to the Freighthouse district for lunch at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue!

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 55

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS

SPORTS 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 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 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

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

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.

• FEATURED LISTING •

professional baseball team playing at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, KS. Cheer along with team mascot, Sizzle. Parking is free and there are amenities like a kids’ concession stand and children’s play area in full view of the baseball field so parents never miss any of the action.

•

KU Athletics 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.

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

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.

KC T-Bones

Missouri Mavericks

See ad on pg. 3 Community America Ballpark: 1800 Village West Pkwy., KC, KS 913.328.2255 $ A3 www.TBonesBaseball.com Celebrating their 15th anniversary, the T-Bones are Kansas City’s independent

19100 E. Valley View Pkwy.

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

56 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

Sporting KC

Lunar Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ranch Bowl 5604 State Ave., KC, KS 913.287.6000 $ A2 www.RanchBowlKC.com

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

PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • Sterling Bowl

Great Wolf Lodge

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

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.

Strikerz Entertainment Center 18900 E. Valley View Pkwy.

Indep, MO 816.313.5166 $ www.Strikerz.com Bowling and arcade.

D3

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

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

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

Harrisonville Recreation Center 2400 Jefferson Pkwy.

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

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

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

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

KC YMCA

Olathe Family YMCA: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS 913.393.9622 $ A5 Paul Henson Family YMCA: 4200 W. 79th St. Prairie Village, KS 913.642.6800 $ B4 Platte County Comm Center North: 3101 Running Horse Platte City, MO 816.858.0114 $ A1 Platte County Comm Center South: 8875 Clark Ave., Parkville, MO 816.505.2622 $ B2 Providence YMCA/ Ball Family Center: 8601 Parallel Pkwy., KC, KS 913.378.9622 $ A2 Red Bridge Family YMCA: 11300 Holmes Rd., KC, MO 816.942.2020 $ C5

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

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

Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St., OP, KS 913.895.6350 $ B4 www.OPKansas.org

Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park

Locations with Indoor Pools www.KansasCityYMCA.org

1205 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 913.971.8563 $-$$ A5 www.olatheks.org/parksrec/ olathecommunitycenter

Atchison Family YMCA: 321 Commercial, Atchison, KS 913.367.4948 $ A1

Park Hill Aquatic Center

Blue Springs Family YMCA: 2251 S. 138th St. Blue Springs, MO 816.224.9620 $ D4 Bonner Springs Family YMCA: 410 N. Bluegrass Dr., # B Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.9348 $ A2 Miami County Family YMCA: 300 11th St., Osawatomie, KS 913.755.3622 $ A5

8152 N. Congress Ave. KC, MO 816.359.4080 $ B1 www.Parkhill.K12.MO.us

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

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center 6200 Martway St., Shwn Msn, KS 913.722.8200 $ B3 www.SylvesterPowell.com

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

GO SWIM

Outdoor Pools & Water Parks Adventure Oasis Water Park 2100 S. Hub Dr., Indep, MO 816.325.7946 $-$$ D3 www.ci.Independence.mo.us Adventure Oasis is a water park with three water slides, a 6,000-square-foot pool with zero-depth entry, water play structure, lap pool and a relaxing 900-foot lazy river.

The Bay Water Park 7101 Longview Rd., KC, MO 816.965.9218 $ C4 www.TheBayKC.com Brand new $7 million facility with a zero-entry pool, lap pool, lazy river and water slides.

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

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

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

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 57

• SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS PL ACES • SPORTS Bonner Springs Aquatic Park 1200 S. 134th St., Bonner Springs, KS 913.422.7011 $ A3 www.BonnerSprings.org The aquatic park features a zero-depth entry pool, 2.5-meter lap pool, floatable pods, water playground, diving boards, water slides and basketball goal.

KCMO Parks & Rec Outdoor Pools

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

Brush Creek Community Center: 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.

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

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

Frontier Pool

Leawood Aquatic Center

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

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

Gardner Aquatic Park

Lenexa Parks and Rec Outdoor Pools

Fairway Swimming Pool

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

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

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

Swim lessons are offered also.

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

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

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

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

58 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

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

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

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Oceans of Fun

See ad on pg. 35 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., KC, MO 816.454.4545 $$ C2 www.WorldsOfFun.com Kansas City’s outdoor water park with twisting inner tube slides and Buccaneer Bay with kayaks and canoes. Now, Worlds of Fun offers more value than ever by combining both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun to a one-ticket admission. Every guest will have access to 235 acres of rides, shows and attractions, complete with a massive water park.

•

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

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

Prairie Village Pool Complex 7711 Delmar, Prairie Village, KS 913.385.4650 $ B3 www.PVKansas.com

The complex features two water slides and the plunge pool, zero-depth entrances to the leisure and wading pools, large pool deck area, tubing, lap pool and therapeutic whirlpool.

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

Roeland Park Aquatic Center 4843 Rosewood Dr. Roeland Park, KS 913.432.1377 $ B3 www.RoelandPark.net Features include a 50-meter inverted “C”-shaped pool with a 25-yard by 25-meter competitive area, a dive well, an inflatable slide, four 50-meter lap lanes and a children’s area.

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

• FEATURED LISTING • Schlitterbahn Waterpark

See ad on pg. 66 9400 State Ave., KC, KS 913.312.3110 $$ A3 www.Schlitterbahn.com At Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, families enjoy shared experiences, such as an interconnected river system that takes them through more than a mile of rapids, currents and tidal waves. Guests challenge towering water slides and a thrilling water coaster, then ride the wave on the Boogie Bahn surf ride. Kids splash and play on 13 mini slides. Relax on beaches, in private cabanas, or in a heated pool with a swim-up refreshment bar.

•

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

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

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

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

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

Stonegate Pool 9701 Antioch, OP, KS 913.327.5674 $-$$ www.OPKansas.org

B3

Features include a 22-foot-high spiral water slide, a 1-meter diving board, a youth pool with fountain features, a 25-meter lap lane and more than 25 feet of zero-depth area.

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

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

B & D South Skate Center 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Royals Hall of Fame

KC Sports Lodge

Kauffman Stadium 1 Royal Way, KC, MO 816.921.8000 $ C3 http://KansasCity.Royals.MLB.com An education and entertainment venue that includes artifacts, photos and videos tracing the history of Royals baseball.

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

GO PLAY SPORTS

Mac-N-Seitz Baseball & Softball

College Basketball Experience

Sports Complexes, Batting Cages and Golf

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

68’s Inside Sports

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

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

•

FEATURED LISTING Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

•

See ad on pg. 67 1616 E. 18th St., KC, MO 816.221.1920 $ C3 www.NLBM.com Founded in 1990, the 10,000-square-wfoot 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.

•

11301 W. 88th St, OP, KS 913.888.9247 $ B4 www.68InsideSports.com Indoor batting cages offer fun and practice.

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

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

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

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

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

B5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topgolf 10611 Nall Ave., OP, KS 913.562.9713 $-$$ B4 www.Topgolf.com Features 102 bays over three floors, an amazing rooftop terrace, lively bars and a golf game concept that is sure to blow you away!

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

60 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

K A N SAS CITY

BY THE NUMBERS 11

The Spider in front of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art stands more than 11 feet tall.

45

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (shown on the cover of KC Going Places) features 40,000 square feet of glass.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is home to more than 35,000 works of art.

Visitors to the National World War I Museum and Memorial cross a glass bridge over a symbolic poppy field featuring 9,000 poppies representing the nine million who perished in WWI.

9,000

35,000

The Kansas City Royals are celebrating their 45th season at Kauffman Stadium.

50 Sea Life Kansas City is home to a 50-foot-long see-through tunnel, the highlight of the 260,000-gallon aquarium.

300

The Overland Park Arboretum boasts 300 acres of gardens.

Loose Park grows 168 varieties of roses, totaling about 4,000 roses in the 1.5-acre garden.

The Kansas City Zoo Sky Safari takes passengers on a ride above the plains of the African exhibit, crossing approximately 1,500 feet at 35 feet above ground, and lasts about seven minutes

16 The four great rivers of the world, the Mississippi, Volga, Seine and Rhine, are represented in the figures of the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain.

The KC Streetcar’s route has 16 stops.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 61

y

d

o

o f-a-k e n o in ur

50

View of Kansas City from the City Market

kansas city bucket list make the most of your summer in Kansas City with these favorite local experiences: et an amazing view of the city from the River 1 GObservation Tower as you gaze out over the vast Missouri River. a day at Crown Center, where children can play 2 Sinpend free exhibits, touch sea creatures at Sea Life, explore Legos at Legoland Discovery Center and catch a free film on the lawn on Friday nights in the summer.

3

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

the Truman home and visit the Truman 4 Tour Presidential Library in Independence to learn about President Harry S. Truman. the KC Streetcar and visit the FREE KC Rail 5 Ride Experience at Union Station, play chess on the roof at the Central Library and taste-test a yummy treat at City Market. TIP: Bring our Streetcar Scavenger Hunt from KCParent.com on your trip!

62 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

ppreciate art at FREE First Fridays in the Crossroads.

6 ABoasting restaurants, galleries and live music, the district is one of the best places to enjoy Kansas City’s art scene. the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 7 Visit where admission is just $5 each. oot for the Kansas City Royals and enjoy Friday night 8 Rfireworks.

5

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

14

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

The smoker entices customers in the summer with the promise of juicy ribs and barbecue. ake a FREE tour of the Roasterie and learn about 11 Tcoffee. reate your own custom donut at Donutology in 12 CWestport.

13

Cool off at Schlitterbahn Waterpark with a ride through the water coaster and interconnected river of rapids.

14 Visit the big cats at Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. a free concert in the park. Visit KCParent.com 15 Enjoy for a complete list on our calendar. ake a tour of the more than 200 fountains that grace 16 TKansas City. pend the night at the Kansas City Zoo, where they 17 Soffer overnights in the penguin and polar bear exhibits and campouts in Africa.

ndulge in a hand-crafted soda or snow cone at Little 18 IFreshie, where customers revel in flavors like blackberry lavender, strawberry rhubarb and more.

Downtown Kansas City and take photos 19 Explore featuring public art on display. the Harley-Davidson Factory and watch as a 20 Tour motorcycle is assembled from start to finish. arvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where 21 Madmission is free. to Moon Marble in Bonner Springs and watch a 22. Head marble making demonstration.

AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN

PLAN YOUR

VISIT

• Free Entertainment • Motorsport Events • Livestock Exhibits • Carnival

130.35315 2017 KC Going Places.indd 1

• Concerts • Rodeo

3/31/17 4:10 PM KCGOINGPLACES.COM 63

ake the family to a Kansas City T-Bones game and 37 Tcatch fireworks on Saturdays in the summer. xplore one of the area’s quaint shopping districts 38 Elocated on Main Street in KC’s surrounding suburbs and small towns.

23 Kansas City’s wineries. Visit KCParent.com for a 23 Tour complete guide. pend a Saturday in the West Bottoms, a perfect 24 Sexcursion to get creative juices flowing as you explore antique shops, boutiques and retailers in KC’s most eclectic shopping district.

25 Play at Antioch Park in their Wild West Playground. ide the Mamba at Worlds of Fun and enjoy water 26 Rrides at Oceans of Fun.

atch a retro flick on the big screen at the Alamo 39 WDrafthouse Cinema. a free outdoor summer concert or movie 40 Enjoy featured on the calendar on KCParent.com. earn the fine art of butchering at Local Pig, where 41 Lthey offer hands-on classes in everything meat. iscover a masterpiece and take a photo with the giant 42 Dspider at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. as homemade potato chips are sliced and fried 43 Win atch the machine at Price Chopper at 151st & Metcalf, then indulge in a bag of your favorite flavor.

ttend a free family fun night at Mahaffie Stagecoach 27 AStop (Thursdays in the summer), where history comes to life.

28 Take a class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. et lost in the new glass labyrinth on the lawn of the 29 GNelson-Atkins Museum of Art. ide the rails with the Belton, Grandview & KC 30 RRailroad, the Midland Railway or the KC Northern Railroad. All three offer great train rides on summer weekends. njoy stargazing at Powell Observatory, home to a 31 E30-inch telescope, the largest available for public viewing in the Midwest. tour of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall and go 32 Ttoakethea roof for amazing views of downtown.

33

Learn about the Santa Fe Trail at Cave Springs Nature Center.

34

Step back in time at Shawnee Town 1929 during their summer living history programs.

elebrate African-American baseball history at the 35 CNegro Leagues Baseball Museum. ick blueberries, strawberries and fresh fruit at 36 PKansas City’s u-pick farms. Visit KCParent.com for a complete guide.

64 KC GOING PLACES | SPRING & SUMMER 2017

37 44 Discover Kansas City’s rich history aboard the trolley.

45 Dine with dinosaurs at T-Rex Cafe at the Legends Outlets. ine al fresco at one of the many restaurants offering 46 Dpatio seating at the Country Club Plaza, Brookside Shopping District, Briarcliff Village, Park Place or Prairiefire.

47 Laugh at the live improv comedy at Comedy City. ent a pedal boat at Shawnee Mission Lake or Lake 48 RJacomo. a free trip to the Money Museum and leave with 49 Taake bag of shredded cash. isit KCParent.com and search our calendar for 50 Vmore ideas all year long!

best picnic spots in KC The Parkville Nature Sanctuary & English Landing Park (Parkville, MO) The Parkville Nature Sanctuary and English Landing Park are both ideal picnic locations. Covering 115 acres, the nature sanctuary contains 3 miles of hiking trails and endless opportunities to spy plant life and wildlife native to Missouri. Dogs are not permitted in the sanctuary.

Nearby, you also can picnic at English Landing Park. Local residents rave about the walking, running and biking trails, playground and areas to play sports such as volleyball, soccer and Frisbee. This park provides a great opportunity to picnic along the Missouri River with your family.

Looking for fun Parkville events to enjoy as well? Check out the vintage cars at Parkville Cruise Nights held in downtown Parkville this spring and summer. Also, right there at English Landing Park, you can visit the farmers market on Saturdays from 7:00 to noon and on Wednesdays from noon to 4:00.

Grab some local produce to add to your picnic lunch!

Kaw Point Park (Kansas City, MO) Known as a famous stopping point for Lewis and Clark, Kaw Point offers a beautiful view of Kansas City across the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Have a picnic lunch under the trees while watching planes land and take off from KC’s downtown Charles B. Wheeler Airport. After lunch, your kids can check out the Lewis and Clark statue and tour the educational pavilion where they’ll learn about the history that took place here. Tired of sitting? Take a walk along the gravel hiking trails to burn off some energy!

I

t’s the best time of year in Kansas City! Pack up a picnic lunch and head out to enjoy the fresh air. Here are some great picnic locations, as well as fun attractions your family can visit.

Loose Park (Kansas City, MO) Known for its historic beauty and being one of KC’s largest parks, Jacob L. Loose Park encompasses 75 acres and includes a rose garden of 4,000 roses. If you picnic at Loose Park this summer, you might choose to do so on May 6 or June 10 so you also can enjoy Reading in the Roses. June 4 is another extra-popular popular picnic day for Loose Park, as this is the day of the annual rose show of the Kansas City Rose Society.

sure to walk across the Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge. This park offers beautiful views of both the KC skyline and the river.

For a fun event idea, don’t miss the “May the 4th Be with You” showing of Star Wars at Riverfront Park. As diehard Star Wars fans, my family can think of no better picnic idea than this one! Other attractions nearby include the Arabia Steamboat Museum and the downtown KC farmers market.

Santa Fe Commons Park (Overland Park, KS) All summer long, you can picnic while enjoying free concerts at Santa Fe Commons Park. The Overland Park Civic Band performs on Sunday evenings, and the KC Concession Food Truck sells food if you’d rather purchase your picnic dinner there. On third Fridays, free concerts from other local bands are held here.

Loose Park Learn a bit of history while you’re here.

This park was the location of a major battle between Confederate and Union forces, so don’t forget to check out the Civil War cannon! On a hot day, kids can cool off at Loose Park’s sprayground, so wear your bathing suits and bring a towel.

This park has something for everyone.

Richard Berkley Riverfront Park (Kansas City, MO) This 17-acre is park is probably best known for Riverfest, Kansas City’s Independence Day celebration. But it’s a great place for a family picnic any other day as well. After you’ve filled up on lunch, you can burn off some energy while enjoying views of the river on Riverfront Heritage Trail. Also, make

Santa Fe Commons

The opportunities are endless in KC! Make some sandwiches and get your picnic on!

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 8, 6 and 4. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

KCGOINGPLACES.COM 65

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.

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Kansas City Zoo

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