19 minute read
Craft Corner
snowflake slime
Being indoors doesn’t have to be boring this winter! Have some fun with this easy snowflake slime!
Step one: With clean and dry hands, pour glue into a large bowl.
Step two: Add baking soda. Mix completely in.
Step three: Add contact lens solution. Mix completely in.
Step four: Take slime out of bowl and mix on a clean and dry surface. If the slime is sticky, add more contact lens solution a few drops at a time.
Step five: Store in plastic zip-lock bag.
Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.
Wooden Snowman
DIY Snow Globe
Sock Snowmen
For even more great craft ideas, log onto KCParent.com!
Materials Needed:
• 6 oz. glitter glue (any color) • 1/2 T. baking soda • 1 1/4 T. contact lens solution • Large bowl • Spatula • Measuring spoons • Plastic zip-lock bag
Indoor Fun to Beat the Winter Blahs!
Ilove that we have seasons in Kansas City, but I have to admit, I am not a fan of winter. Besides the cold and sloppy snow, I don’t enjoy being stuck inside ... but I also don’t love going out in it either! What I do love is figuring out ways to keep everyone sane in our house when we are all together day in and day out. Read on for some what I hope are new ways to beat the winter blahs and help you keep your sanity too!
Sensory Play
Sensory play is an important part of child development, as it encourages free exploration and open-ended creativity, piques curiosity and engages fine and gross motor skills. Some ideas may include:
Play-Doh – Use cookie cutters, blunt scissors, rolling pins and other small tools for play.
Finger painting – You can use more than paint for this activity! If you have a little one in a high chair, put out pudding or applesauce to let him “paint” in. Don’t forget to take off clothing first, though!
Bowl of soapy water – I used to spread towels out on the floor with bowls of various sizes, and our children would be entertained for ages! Give them some straws for blowing and measuring spoons or cups for scooping and you’re good to go!
Moon sand - My children used to call this “fluffy stuff.” Mix 5 cups of flour with 1 cup of baby oil. We put ours into a Tupperware container with a tight fitting lid so we could use it multiple times.
Baking soda/vinegar – One of our favorites is using eye droppers to drip colorful vinegar (just use food coloring) onto a thick layer of baking soda in a pan. Watch it bubble up over and over again. Make little paths or tiny volcanoes with your fingers. Endless entertainment here!
Water beads – Very inexpensive sensory item, but make sure to soak them in water for a while ahead of time. (Soak time depends on how big you want the beads.)
Muffin tin – Fill with rice, sugar, salt, sand, oats, quinoa ... the possibilities are endless!
Snow – Bring a bowl of snow in for indoor play ... and maybe try making snow ice cream! Just make sure you scoop from a pile of nice, clean snow!
Arts/Crafts
Start stocking supplies now! Gather items from the dollar store or recycling or grab some goodies on sale at Michael’s, Joann’s or Hobby Lobby.
Boxes – Don’t just throw these out for recycling! Let your kids decorate with crayons or markers or design a car, spaceship or other amazing item out of them.
Paint – Use watercolors, tempera paint, paint sticks or bingo dobbers for painting but switch up painting utensils. Maybe try cotton balls, Q-tips, sponges or even forks!
Beads – Do a bead swap with a friend to expand your selection, buy some small corded elastic and make jewelry or keychains.
Cards – Make cards for retirement homes, police or fire stations or to mail to grandparents.
Recycling – Save a tub of random recycling items for the week and let your children invent or create whatever they want.
Building
Building can take many different forms. Whether your child is using small blocks, MagnaTiles, food or furniture, constructing things fosters creativity, hand/ eye coordination and motor skills.
Toothpicks and marshmallows – Sneak in a little learning by asking your children to build a few specific shapes or letters, then let their imaginations lead the way.
Obstacle course – Use simple household items and furniture to turn your living room or basement into an obstacle course of crawling, climbing, jumping and more. Put on some fun music and burn off that energy!
MagnaTiles – These are a great investment item for play and building. Use them on the floor, the table, your front door (if it’s steel) or on the fridge!
Forts – Turn the couch cushions into a fort or use some chairs and a blanket. If you are feeling like a really cool mom, have a picnic or bowl of popcorn while you’re in there!
Field Trips
Why, you ask? Because there are only so many things you can do in your house before everyone needs a little change of scenery! Bundle up and pick somewhere each week or two to visit!
Scheels – It’s free to look at the fish and toys, but bring some dollar bills for bowling and, if you’re feeling brave, riding the Ferris wheel.
Library – We have so many wonderfully updated libraries throughout the metro you can visit for new books and movies to help beat the winter blahs!
Target/US Toy – Looking at toys is always free and fun for your kids—as long as you can resist the whines and pleas to buy something!
Car wash – Bonus that you don’t even have to get out of the car for this one!
FUN GUIDE
Jumperoo at Urban Air – Fridays from 9:00 to noon and Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00.
Crown Center – Hit up the free children’s exhibit, then lunch at Fritz’s.
Indoor pool – Many of the community centers have open swim times, so check their websites for hours, fees and age requirements.
Backyard Specialists – Located in Olathe, they offer open play on Tuesday and Friday for just $2/cash.
Check out any of the numerous nature centers and art museums KC has too!
Other ideas
Sarah Allee, a Kansas City mom of five, shares some of her go-to ideas for beating the winter blahs. “An extra bath time during the day with a bowl of ice cubes or bubbles, an indoor Easter egg hunt, glow stick dance party, dressing up to act out a favorite story or movie are all things we like to try to keep us busy during the winter. For older kids, hide 10 buttons in a room for them to find. Keeps them entertained for a while!” Other ideas might include an impromptu movie in the middle of the morning, baking muffins or mixing up Rice Krispie treats or cookies and having an indoor lunch picnic. Let yourself think outside the box, but if you are just tapped out, ask your kids what ideas they have. Who knows? They could surprise you with an amazing brainstorm you might just go for!
Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she will be beating the winter blahs right along with you! Her favorites are baking soda and vinegar and letting the kids make obstacle courses out of the furniture!
by the numbers january
18
Winnie the Pooh Day, in honor of Pooh author A.A. Milne’s birthday.
17.3
Billion quarts of popcorn eaten by Americans annually.
1900
The year L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published. The book inspired Over the Rainbow: Toys from the Land of Oz, the new exhibit opening Jan. 14 at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
1858
Year the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop first started operating. On snowy Saturdays, enjoy horsedrawn sleigh rides.
49
Years the Crown Center Ice Terrace has been the place to skate in Kansas City.
1970
On Jan. 11 of this year, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings.
34
Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th state on Jan. 29, 1861.
30.5
Inches of the greatest January snowfall in Kansas City, which occurred in 1962.
13,000
Units of blood collected by the Community Blood Center (SaveALife.org) in its first year of operation, 1958.
184
Hours of sunshine expected in January in Kansas City.
FUN GUIDE
Winter Nature Walks
These are a few favorite ways to experience nature in the winter.
By Kristina Light
Before Your Winter Nature Walk
Your time outdoors will be more fun if you’re prepared. Consider the amount of time you expect to spend outdoors and prepare accordingly. If you’re taking a 15- to 30-minute walk in the neighborhood, a water bottle and basic winter layers will do. If you’re planning a longer nature walk or hike, you might want to bring snacks and really layer up. Some preparation tips:
Make Trail Mix: My girls love a trail mix bag. I set out favorite ingredients, and they make their own bag of goodies. Granola, mini pretzels, cereal, nuts, dried fruits, coconut, sesame seeds and even some sweet treats (limited) make a tasty snack to take along.
Design Your Own Scavenger Hunt: Let each member of
the family contribute to a hunt list suggesting three to five things you should try to find on your walk. These can include animal prints, squirrels, birds, particular trees, pinecones, feathers, rocks, a creek, pond, nest and shapes in clouds. Let your kids brainstorm for other ideas.
Bundle Up: I purchase inexpensive packs of hand warmers at the local box store and keep them in my van for our winter adventures. For longer walks, I have my kids wear layers, including cuddle duds (think modern long underwear under jeans) and their coats, hats and gloves. We always bring water bottles—remember sunglasses, too.
Pack a First Aid Kit: I keep a complete kit in my van and a small kit to take in a backpack with basic bandages and such. For tips on building a family first aid kit, visit RedCross.org.
Where to Go
Some of our favorites include:
Shawnee Mission Park (JCPRD.com). The park features a 120-acre lake, mountain bike trails, hiking trails and paved nature trails. It is ideal for short walks or long hikes.
Blue Springs Lake (MakeYourDayHere.com). This park is home to a 720-acre lake. Their most scenic trails are the Lake Vista Trail, a 5-mile scenic loop around the lake with bridges, hills and woods.
Watkins Mill State Park (MoStateParks.com). The trail around the 100-acre lake is paved and ideal for walking or biking. The park is also home to an antebellum historic home and woolen mill you may tour.
Ernie Miller Nature Center (JCPRD.com). Visits to the nature center are always fun for children who enjoy seeing the animals and exploring the hands-on exhibits. There are numerous trails to enjoy around the nature center, through the woods and near the creek. You can easily choose shorter or longer routes according to your time.
Cave Spring Nature Center (CaveSpring.org). The trails around the 39-acre park are known for the cave, the old hedge trees and the ruins of old pioneer shelters where you’ll find multiple chimneys, the only surviving landmarks of former homes.
indoor inspiration this winter in kc
Family Fun All Winter Long … no matter WHAT you LOVE to do!
Winter weather often means a family epidemic of cabin fever. Fortunately, many of Kansas City’s family-friendly attractions offer wonderful indoor options to make memories with the kids all season long!
If you love ANIMALS…
Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.595.1234). Yes, you read that right … visit the zoo! Many families think of the zoo as an outdoor attraction, but it is open year-round, and the indoor exhibits are fantastic. Best of all, winter is less crowded, and many animals perk up in the cold. We love watching the polar bears play when it snows! Our favorite indoor exhibits include Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn, the Tropics and Stingray Bay. Tip: Buy a FOTZ membership and enjoy free admission all year long! Sea Life Kansas City (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386). Sea Life Aquarium transports guests into an amazing underwater world with up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures! Walk through the 180-degree underwater tunnel, come face to fin with sharks and rescued sea turtles and explore more than 12 breathtaking exhibits. Stingray Bay, Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Doodle Reef, an interactive exhibit where kids design their own fish, are favorites.
If you love to PLAY…
KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (8788
Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, JoCoMuseum.org) is a whimsical, hands-on, child-sized city. Children time travel to different periods and communities from the region’s past. They enjoy pretend play as they work on the farm, perform at the theater or the puppet show, teach in the school, deliver the mail, care for patients at the hospital and fry up some burgers at the diner. This exhibit is a favorite for early education.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235
Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.235.8000) is one of the most fun and engaging museums in town. The first impression is incredible: A giant rotating spiral of backlit toys greets visitors who delight in finding their own favorites and discovering new ones on the animated real-life collage. Exhibits include a Grandma’s Attic display showcasing toys and presenting their individual stories as treasures to be discovered. Visitors enjoy the interactive exhibits, learning more about the process of making both miniatures and toys.
If you love to MAKE THINGS…
Ceramic Cafe (9510 Nall Ave., Overland Park) is a paintyour-own pottery studio offering clay building, ceramic painting and glass fusing. Enjoy Creative Story Time for little ones, special classes or their walk-in programs to make gifts and holiday decorations. Legoland Discovery Center (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386). Legoland Discovery Center is Kansas City’s ultimate indoor Lego playground! Kids love the variety of play spaces at this indoor attraction and enjoy making Lego creations at the many different stations. The Train Station Adventure is where children climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles. Lego 4D cinema features exciting Lego movies with additional wind, rain and snow effects to really bring the film to life, and Duplo Village lets little ones build a colorful Duplo flower for the garden or wiggle and slide around the cottage and play with the special big, soft bricks.
If you love ADVENTURE…
RoKC Olathe (654 N. Central St., Olathe, 913.318.3600). This indoor rock wall climbing facility features 35- to 50-foot walls for all skill levels from beginner to expert, 15-foot bouldering walls, fitness equipment available for ages 14+, cardio equipment, elliptical equipment, Jacob’s Ladders and facilities for Advanced Climbing Training (for those with a year of experience). RoKC features three types of climbing walls: lead, top rope and auto belay. The lead and top rope walls do require passing certification, but auto belay is open to beginners. The site even has a speed climbing wall where you can time your speed or race friends (the current record is 8 seconds!). The attraction is great for single-day visits (purchase a day pass or multiple visit punch card), memberships and parties. For parents who want to climb, they even provide on-site childcare in a play lounge included with admission. If you are interested in hosting a party, the private event room features 20 of the site’s 32 auto belays.
Urban Air Trampoline Park (two locations: 8554
Maurer Rd., Lenexa, and 14401 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com) is one of our favorite places to play! Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day! Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. The Sky Rider is an amazing indoor ride where passengers zip across the park in a harness. The ropes course, climbing walls, virtual reality games and tunnel play areas are all great additions to the classic trampoline attractions. Tip: Save on admissions with a membership package (choose from several levels, including a meal-included option). FUN GUIDE
If you love to LEARN...
Science City at Union Station (30 W. Pershing
Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2000) is a favorite place to spend a day as a family. Kansas City’s largest, most interactive science museum offers something for visitors of all ages. Little ones especially love three experiential, hands-on exhibitions: Let’s Play! is designed especially for babies, crawlers and toddlers with multiple sensory and role-playing activities, Creative Corner is where art meets science in a whole new way with cool interactive activities, and All Aboard celebrates Union Station’s rail history, allowing families to discover how steam engines work as they play and explore throughout the exhibit that encourages problem-solving and creativity. Kids also love the classic exhibits that include dinosaurs, water, the human brain, energy and more.
National World War I Museum and Memorial
(2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.888.8100) is not only a Kansas City landmark, but an American landmark. The museum tells the story of the Great War through interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies. The museum houses one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world. With family guides and hands-on exhibits, the museum is an educational attraction for all ages.
Kristina Light enjoys the coziness of winter and the chance to enjoy many wonderful local attractions when they are less crowded and more peaceful.
By the end of summer my son Michael is always asking, “When is winter coming?” When I ask why he wants to know, he says, “Because I REALLY want to play in the snow!” As much as I gripe about all the gear that goes on my kids before we head outside in the winter, the thrilled look on my kids’ faces makes it all worth it. With all the fun things to do in winter, ’snow wonder kids and adults alike love it so much! Here are some favorite family traditions for you to make your own:
When there’s snow on the ground, grab your camera and pick a few of these:
Snow angel. Throw on your snow pants and thick coat and flop down backwards in the snow. Move your arms up and down and legs in and out, like jumping jacks, and you’ve got yourself a terrific snow angel. For extra flair, mix some food coloring with water in a spray bottle and decorate your angel! Snowman. Start with a snowball, then roll it all around on the ground so it picks up more snow and turns into a huge ball. That makes the bottom part of the snowman. Do it two more times for the body and head of your snowman. Collect rocks and sticks to use for face, arms, buttons and personality. Put your favorite hat on it, give it a carrot nose and spray it with your food coloring/water spray bottle to give it some character. Snap a picture next to your new pal because he won’t be around too long! Shoveling. Sounds like work, but it can be so much fun. If your child is old enough and has the desire, have your little entrepreneur shovel neighborhood driveways for money. After shoveling your own driveway and sidewalks, you then have the perfect makings for a … Snow fort and snowball fight. Snow forts are so much fun to build from scratch, or you can dig into a huge snowbank. Then roll an arsenal of snowballs to keep behind the fort and toss them at friends and siblings for an awesome snowball fight! Sledding. Google where to find the best sledding hill in your town (small incline for the little ones, bigger incline for older kids), then hop on that sled and zoom away. Skiing/snowboarding. Hit the internet again to find a place to ski or snowboard near you. You’d be surprised how many locations there are!
When it’s just plain cold: Hot chocolate or hot
apple cider. You can make hot chocolate from scratch using cocoa powder, sugar and milk or go easy and just use packets with hot water. Apple cider can be bought cold and heated up or bought in packets. Either way, these are bound to warm you up after some time spent playing outside. Movie night. Snuggling up to watch a movie, preferably with a fire going in the fireplace, sounds like a great night or weekend day to me. Happy Feet and the Ice Age trilogy are favorites for just about any age of kid. Souper supper. Soup or chili is a perfect dinner on a cold night. Head to AllRecipes.com to find any concoction you could ever think of. Paper snowflakes. If you’re craft-challenged like me, check out paper snowflake templates online for some great patterns and other winter crafts. Then you can hang your creations in windows or from the ceiling with string for a really cool winter wonderland effect.
Ice-skating. This is a blast whether you know how to skate or not. In fact, it can be even MORE fun for the inexperienced (my kids like to watch me fall on my rear!). Check out ArenaMaps.com for an easy way to locate a skating rink near you. Game playing. When I was a kid, my parents and I would grab Monopoly or Life from the closet for a few hours of fun on a chilly Sunday. Pair that with some cheese dip (2 cans diced tomatoes and green chilis, 1 rectangle of processed cheese melted together) and chips or veggies, and everyone’s a winner!
Wonderful Winter Traditions Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) just bought fuzzy socks for all seven members of her family, so they can play games, eat soup and be warm.
