FREE | March 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
KC’S #1
CAMP GUIDE! 73 awesome camps featured
plus... budget-friendly
spring break getaways the
BEST
GIFTS we can
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Explore
Kansas City Zoo
March 10 & 11 Zootastik Learning Fest— Camouflage vs. Mimicry March 17 & 18 St. Patrick’s Day at the Zoo March 24 Royals Day at the Zoo March 24 & 25 Species Spotlight—Monkeys March 27 Milo’s Birthday Party
Always a New Adventure!
Open Year Round
STINGRAY BAY
–STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK– Open May 2018 Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!
kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Here For Your Family’s Health,
On and Off the Field. Make an online reservation today at CentraCareKC.com. • Walk in or make an online reservation 7 days a week • On-site X-rays and prescriptions • Shawnee Mission Health providers Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
913-676-6800
With FOUR Convenient Locations: Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park & Shawnee
Dentistry That Will Make Kids
Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Now Welcoming New Patients!
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Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!
(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City
MORE THAN YOURSELF. WORK OUT AND HELP OUT. When you join the Y, you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. You’re supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community. At the Y, children learn what they can achieve, families spend quality time together, and we all build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging.
›
View our 14 area locations and join online today at KansasCityYMCA.org/ Join.
SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINS SOON! Summer break from school doesn’t mean kids’ development has to be on vacation, too. Summertime at the Y focuses on achievement, relationships and belonging — three important drivers of healthy youth development. Explore camps and register online at KansasCityYMCA.org/Camp.
OUR MISSION The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. A UNITED WAY AGENCY
KansasCityYMCA.org
MARCH 2018
IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE, PG. 18
12 Media Mix 14 Teacher Talk 15 Word from Dad 46 News You Can Use
FEATURES
SPECIAL SECTIONS 18 Camp Guide 40 Party Guide 52 Calendar of Events
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Reading Skills
Shopping Guide
Staying Sane
Ways to help your child improve comprehension
Ideas for smoother shopping trips with kids
Tips for when Mom or Dad travels for work Our cover features an illustration by John Hayes, Lenexa. FREE | March 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
ON THE COVER
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KC’S #1
CAMP GUIDE!
Summer Camp Guide
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Life Lessons Learned at Camp
24
The Camp Next Door
32
Best Gifts We Can Give Kids
44
spring break getaways
Budget-Friendly Spring Break Getaways
50
the BEST GIFTS we can
73 awesome camps featured
plus... budget-friendly
give our kids
kid-mergency for those dino-Sized emergencies. Waiting long in the emergency room is ancient history. Our ERs are faster and exceed the national benchmark for treating pediatric emergencies. We’ll get your kids back to their roaring good times. Learn more at KCkidsER.com.
Text “ER” to 32222 to view current average ER wait times.*
* Message and data rates may apply. For more information visit texterhelp.com. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
ER CARE FOR KIDS & ADULTS
3530 A
Belton Belton Regional Medical Center I-49 (Hwy 71) & Hwy 58
Kansas City Research Medical Center Hwy 71 & Meyer Blvd.
Independence Centerpoint Medical Center 39th St. & Little Blue Pkwy
ER of Brookside Rockhill Rd. & Holmes Rd.
Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit Medical Center Northeast of Hwy 50 & Todd George Rd. Lexington Lafayette Regional Health Center 15th St. & State St.
Olathe ER of Olathe East of Black Bob Rd. on 135th St. Overland Park Menorah Medical Center 119th St. & Nall Ave.
Overland Park Regional Medical Center • Main ER • Dedicated Pediatric ER I-435 & Quivira Rd. Shawnee ER of Shawnee West of I-35 on Shawnee Mission Pkwy
EDITOR’SLETTER
Crown Center
Funville Giveaway! Enter to win a private party for 20 in the Funville exhibit along with a
$100
Crown Center Gift Card. Details at KCParent.com
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com
LOCAL CONTENT
Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Liberty), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joe), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Erin McIntosh (Shawnee), Angela Rosheim (Liberty), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)
Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | March 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010
73 awesome camps featured
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common feelings of
FINDING KC’S
FOODIE CULTURE
BOOST BABY’S
VIBRANT, ECLECTIC
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CITY DISTRICTS BIGGER & BETTER:
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WHAT’S NEW IN KC potty train
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500+ ADVENTURES AROUND KANSAS CITY
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elcome, March! Longtime readers know it’s a month I love! Not only does March bring longer days and (hopefully) warmer temps, but it’s also when my mom and I both celebrate our birthdays. Throw in spring break, and it’s a full, fun month! In addition, March is when summer camp planning shifts into high gear. Our KC Parent Camp Guide, both here in print and online at KCParent.com, is bursting with terrific camp options for kids all over Kansas City (and beyond!). From day camps to specialty camps to overnight camps, options are sure to appeal to everyone. I never attended overnight camp (I was a homebody as a child), but both of my girls do and they love it and look forward to it every year. Attending camp lets them try so many things they’d otherwise not be exposed to, make lifelong friends and learn to take care of themselves, all skills that will serve them well now and in the future. Sit down with our Camp Guide and your calendar and get started planning your best summer ever! Every year for spring break we head to St. Louis, as that’s where my family is. This year, my older asked about taking a “real” spring break trip. So I did a little bit of research. Yeowza! I experienced some real sticker shock when I saw airline and hotel prices for the week of spring break. If you’re looking for someplace to take the family that won’t break the bank, check out Kristina Light’s article on pg. 50, for budget-friendly ideas. And, if you’re staying in town over the break, our calendar will keep you busy all week long! So many great activities from which to choose!
MARCH 2018
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Happy spring and happy spring break, Kansas City!
Margaret Sarver, Editor
Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 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 Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent 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.
Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212
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KCPARENT.COM
KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Giveaways
SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Best Parks in KC 2. Coupons and Giveaways 3. St. Patrick’s Day Guide
4. Complete Calendar of Events 5. Best of March 6. Kids Eat Free
kansas city’s
SPOTLIGHT
SPRING BREAK STAYCATION
Plan an amazing and unforgettable spring break staycation taking the time to be a tourist in your own town! All the details at KCParent.com.
Expecting?
kids eat
FREE
(or cheap) guide
7. KC Going Places Guide 8. Free Indoor Fun
HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Check out the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to search hospitals by location, NICU level, classes and more.
Use KC Parent’s virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide to choose
the best medical care for mother and baby.
9. Easter Guide 10. Virtual Camp Guide
4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com
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CRAFTCORNER
This slime recipe is such a fun variation because it involves rainbow glitter and sprinkles!
rainbow sprinkle slime
C
hances are, you are already familiar with homemade slime and probably have made a batch or two at home. The stuff is so easy to make and addictive to play with. This slime recipe is such a fun variation because it involves rainbow glitter and sprinkles! The sprinkles are mixed in as the last step, and they swirl to create a rainbow as kids play with the slime. You will love this recipe!
Materials Needed: • 1 bottle of Elmer’s glue • 1 T. contact solution • Sprinkles • 1 T. baking soda • Glitter Step One: Dump the glue in a bowl and mix in the baking soda. Step Two: Add 1 T. of contact solution and mix until the mixture begins to form a slime consistency. If the mixture seems too wet, add more baking soda.
Step Three: Sprinkle in glitter and keep kneading the slime until it’s the consistency you prefer. Step Four: Add in the rainbow sprinkles and enjoy playing with the slime and watching the colors swirl and mix! Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.
Magic Treasure Rocks
Cotton Swab Flowers
Dyed Pasta Mobile
For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!
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Caring Adults Needed Foster parenting is one of the best ways to help children in crisis In the Kansas City area, there are 4,000 children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges. Foster parenting provides a child with a safe, loving environment. It will also enrich your life with joy and meaning. People from all kinds of life situations can qualify!
We’ll guide you every step of the way by providing: • Free training and ongoing support available 24/7 • A sense of community with other foster parents who share your passion • Assistance finding local resources • A fun weekend away at our Resource Family Conference, which provides a fantastic learning experience for parents and children • And of course, monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs plus assistance with back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts.
Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org We offer FREE training classes and support you every step of the way.
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Preschool - 12th Grade • Biblically Integrated
Summit Christian Academy
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College Preparatory • MSHSAA Member
Join Us for One of Our Campus Visit Days
1:30-3 p.m. March 2, April 13, May 4 Call 816.525.1480 to RSVP or for more information.
1450-1500 SW Jefferson, Lee’s Summit MO 64081 • 816.525.1480 • summit-christian-academy.org kcparent.com march 2018
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MEDIAMIX
the bold and the brave
new titles help children overcome their fears By McGeath Freeman
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again
Be Brave, Little Penguin
The Book No One Ever Read
By Giles Andreae
By Cornelia Funke
By Dan Santat
Illustrated by Guy Parer-Reese
Best for: Ages 4-8
Best for: Ages 4-8
Best for: Ages 3-7 Everyone knows the story of Humpty Dumpty. Or do they? Sure, Humpty fell off a wall. But why was he on the wall in the first place? And what happened after the fall? New York Times bestselling author Dan Santat tackles this misunderstood tale and gives us the real story. Humpty is an avid bird watcher. His favorite place to be is up high so he has a better view of the soaring birds. Then one day, Humpty falls. After he is put back together, the physical scars are not the only scars that remain. Now Humpty is afraid of heights and unable to do many of the things he loves. Soon he finds a way to enjoy heights by building wonderful paper airplanes, launching them and watching them soar. That is, until one plane gets stuck on top of the infamous wall. What is Humpty to do? Santat’s retelling of Humpty’s tale is not about his fall, but of how he responds when it’s time to get up. This is a wonderful lesson for children to learn early and often. We all fall at times. What defines us is not the fall, but how we get back up and what we do when we rise.
The team that brought us Giraffes Can’t Dance is back with yet another adorable and poignant story. Little Pip-pip has a problem. He would love to spend time playing with the other penguins, but he is afraid. Pip-pip is afraid of the sea. He is afraid of the monsters that might swim below the surface. He is afraid of what might happen if he dives in. Rather than tell Pip-pip that his fears are unfounded, his mother helps Pip-pip think positively and look at his situation differently. What if there are friends swimming in the sea for Pip-pip to play with? What if the sea is filled with yummy treats to eat? Andreae does more than share a tale of overcoming fears with Be Brave, Little Penguin. He offers a tangible way–a strategy–for children and their parents to use when facing fears. Though the rhyming text is a little bumpy at times, young children will be drawn in by the vibrant illustrations and leave the book ready to try something new.
What’s good: Familiar story with a new, strong message for all ages.
What’s good: Strong message with a real strategy for facing fears.
What’s bad: Some children may balk at reading a retelling of the “old” Humpty Dumpty story.
times.
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What’s bad: Rhyming text is weak at
The Book No One Ever Read is a love letter, of sorts, from Cornelia Funke to all of the authors and books that inspired her to read, write and become a New York Times bestselling author. Morry is a book on a crowded shelf in a very crowded library. He seeks adventure and what every book should want: to be read. When Morry tells the other books around him on the shelf that he wants to be read, they begin to warn him of all the danger: fingerprints, coffee and broken spines. Morry, who is obviously inspired by Sendak and Where the Wild Things Are, doesn’t care. He flings himself off the shelf and begins a journey to be read. Funke seems to have been having a good time when she illustrated this book. The shelves in the library pay homage to authors Victor Hugo, Beatrix Potter, Friedrich Nietzsche, Alexandre Dumas, Shel Silverstein and many others. The spines of all the books are portraits of famous writers. Try to figure out who each of them is.
What’s good: Two messages for the price of one: Overcome your fears to follow your dreams, and books are meant to be read. What’s bad: Parents will probably get more from this book than young children.
The starting point for a healthy smile. Did you know? Kids and teens need extra help keeping their teeth clean when they have braces. We offer both dental and orthodontic specialties in our office. We can combine appointments to reduce trips to multiple offices. Locations:
Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492
Legends 10940 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City KS 66109 913-948-8688 Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Board Certified Orthodontist
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8 8 1 7 S T A T E L I N E R D | K A N S A S C I T Y, M O | ( 8 1 6 ) 7 3 1 - 1 4 2 4 | W W W. C H A R L E S T O N S . C O M kcparent.com march 2018
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how to improve reading comprehension at home
TEACHERTALK
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ave you ever read something and when you reached the end, you had no idea what you’d just read? Yep, me too! We were not comprehending what we were reading. In other words, we were just reading the words but not creating meaning from them. If this happens to adults, you know young readers experience the same thing. Comprehension is simply the act of understanding what you are reading. That sounds easy, but in reality, comprehending text takes intentional thought and practice using proven strategies to become a successful reader. As parents, we want our children to have strong reading skills so they can become lifelong learners and readers. Teachers at all levels spend hours upon hours teaching children comprehension strategies so they can develop self-monitoring skills for their own reading success. Obviously, additional practice and attention to reading at home will produce greater gains in reading comprehension. Try one or more of these comprehension strategies or practices while reading WITH or TO your child at home.
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Promote reading in your family by setting aside time for it every day that you possibly can! Reading to your child exposes him to a rich vocabulary, which in turn boosts reading comprehension. Read beside your child so he sees you model reading.
2
Allow for choice. Let your child read what she wants to read: graphic novels, comic books, poetry, nonfiction, fiction or magazines. Magazines are engaging, as the articles are high-interest, short and concise. Take your child to the library and let her select her own books—with topics she is interested in, passionate about or curious about!
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Talk, talk, talk and talk some more about what is being read. Ask questions during and at the end of a reading. Ask your child to make inferences about what might happen throughout the book. Connect the book to his own experiences or other books he has read.
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Encourage your child to read out loud. The act of reading out loud slows down the reader, strengthens fluency and helps the reader form mental pictures or what is sometimes called a mind movie. Model for your child what to do when comprehension breaks down. Stop and reread, summarize your reading or explain how you create images in your head. Think aloud for your child so she can learn to do the same thing. Teaching kids to identify when they are not gathering meaning from the text is crucial.
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Organize a book club for your child and a few friends. Reading a common text and engaging in meaningful discussion will deepen understanding of what is being read.
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For terrific titles for kids of all ages, log onto KCParent.com.
By helping children comprehend at a young age, we are preparing them to deeply understand what they are reading and are empowering them to be brilliantly curious about the world around them. They will have the ability to find answers to questions they have, discover the love of lifelong reading and possess the cognitive ability to continue to learn throughout life. Angela Rosheim is a library media specialist in the Liberty Public School District and the mother of three.
QC: CD: AD: AM: PM: PO: MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL
Trim: 3.6" x 9.875 Bleed: none" Closing Date: 2.2.18
Pub:KC Parent Mag
mmobilized. Unable to move. I could breathe, but nothing more. This wasn’t my fault, but I knew exactly how it happened. New construction surrounded my school during first grade, and the rain that started overnight and lasted until after the noon recess had left the grounds covered with thick, sticky mud. When the sun overcame the clouds, we enjoyed the afternoon break outdoors, and I stood on the paved playground, near the muddy edge. I never saw it coming. John, one of my friends, ran at me when my back was turned and gave me a sound push. I flew off the edge of the tarmac and sprawled in the sticky goo. The mud hugged me like a long-lost brother. I struggled and squirmed, but couldn’t pull free. My teacher, a young-ish lady, in high heels, hosiery and a dress, offered suggestions mixed with encouragement, but kept her clothes clean. Soon all of my classmates joined her, powerless to help and caught up in the spectacle. But I’d worked one hand free. Reluctantly, the drying mud gave up its grip, and I struggled back toward the asphalt. When I came within range, my classmates took my arms and heaved, pulling me back onto the dry tarmac. Head to foot covered in mud, I waited in the office for my father. On the midnight shift for two weeks, he wouldn’t be happy with my waking him. I was right, but he didn’t scold me. Instead, I felt his disapproval every inch of the ride home. After changing clothes in the garage and a bath, I thought about telling him it wasn’t my fault and his disappointment in me was unfair. I dressed and considered my options while he went to his room. He’d be in a better mood after more sleep.
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The Busy Parents Shopping Guide Shopping with children of all ages can be a joy, if you plan ahead.
the busy parent’s shopping guide shopping with children of all ages can be a joy, if you plan ahead.
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hether it is for grocery shopping, clothes shopping or a trip to the mall, bringing the children along can be either a massive headache or a memorable teaching time. Try some innovative ways to engage young boys and girls in the whole process. First of all, plan your trip during a “good” time of day, which means when the kiddos are not tired or hungry. And shop at down times if possible, during the morning hours or on weeknights after work. One new Kansas City mom says, “When shopping with my new baby boy, I plan my trip during his naptime and wear my pouch sling. It is a rectangular piece of cloth, sewn into a closed loop. I wear it around my body, from shoulder to hip, and he sleeps in it right next to my body. My hands are free to shop, while he stays warm and snug.” Older children will enjoy the trip if you include reading skills and math skills in the outing. For example, write out a kids’ shopping list, with photos or drawings of things they can look for. If they can read, they can cross off the items as they are placed in the cart. Have them count items in the cart to make sure everything purchased
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matches their list. Even have them compare prices. For example, should you buy the 16-oz. box of Fruit Loops cereal priced at $4.99 or the 10-oz. box of Frosted Flakes for $3.99? Another fun way to add to your trip is by setting your watch or cell phone to go off at a specific time, say 30 to 40 minutes, then tell the kids you must finish the shopping when the alarm buzzes. Be sure to show them how the time ticks by. Colors are a favorite, and they are in abundance in any store. What is red and tastes sweet? What is green that your little brother hates? What is brown that we mash and serve with gravy? What is yellow on the outside and white on the inside? You get the idea. Keep a running stream of fun questions going and challenge their little brains. When you are checking out, have your little ones organize the items on the conveyor belt by color, size, shape, fruits and vegetables, canned goods, liquids, etc. Pack a snack your children don’t normally eat every day, which could include animal crackers, different flavored goldfish crackers, fruit slices or a new juice box.
Your children will look forward to the surprising new flavors they get to try on shopping day. If you feel too overwhelmed after a hard day at work or your children are particularly restless, shop online. Many grocery stores offer online shopping, with delivery or drive-by pickup options. And, of course, many of us already buy clothing and other items online, avoiding crowds and lost children in department stores. One local long-time preschool teacher knows the moods and personalities of little children can vary, so she advises, “Be patient. Be loving. Be understanding. The time your children are young flies, and someday you’ll actually miss that little hand holding the sippy cup in your grocery cart!” An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life. Sources: popsugar.com, pennypinchinmom.com.
Guide Your Child to a Healthy Lifestyle HOT TIP! Scavenger Shop Turn your grocery list into a fun scavenger hunt for your children. Assign each child a specific item to find, such as a gallon of milk, bananas, a loaf of bread or a dozen eggs. This will include them in the shopping trip and make your life easier!
Grocery Bingo Want to make a food bingo card to use at the store? Simply draw squares on a card or piece of paper, then cut out photos of items, such as apples, oranges, cereal, green beans, milk, orange juice, bread, cookies, cheese, hamburger, etc. Anything you typically shop for. You also can find bingo cards online for ideas or to download. Bring along some stickers and have your children place a sticker on each item on their card as they find it or as you place it in the cart. Whoever bingos first wins a prize! This game keeps kids’ attention focused and helps you shop with ease.
Gymnastics not only improves strength, balance, and coordination, but promotes commitment, discipline, social interaction and teamwork.
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piano lessons
Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it! AGES 7+ | ALL SKILL LEVELS | AFFORDABLE | FLEXIBLE VOICE LESSONS | EXPERIENCED TEACHER (10 YRS)
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Special Advertising Section
The Mousetrap.” Overnight Camps include “Fame Jr.” (ages 12-14) and “Oklahoma” (ages 14-19), with full-length performances. 913.681.3318. See display ad on pg. 21. www.CYTKC.org
Cosmosphere
KC Parent’s
Camp Guide
Animal Camp-Cub Creek Science Camp Imagine spending a week feeding lemurs, grooming miniature horses, and playing with foxes and parrots! Join us for an incredible and unforgettable summer with our 300 animals, ropes course, archery range, and 100 different activities. Cabins are spacious and air-conditioned cabins; Meals are delicious and served family style; and learn from some of the friendliest and fun staff from around the world! See display ad on pg. 28. Ask for free brochure! 573.458.2125. www.MoScienceCamp.com
Accelerated Schools Accelerated Schools of Overland Park offers two summer programs from June 5 through July 27. High School students can earn credit for courses such as math, science, English, Spanish, social studies, computer and art. Students entering 4 to 8 grade can attend the Academics & Arts Summer Camp, focusing on individualized academic tutoring as well as creative expression. Call 913.341.6666 for further information. See display ad on pg. 30. www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org
Ceramic Café Ceramic Cafe’s summer program provides instruction in a variety of ceramic art techniques including hand building with clay, ceramic painting and glazing techniques and also glass fusing. Fun themes change every camp session, so kids can sign up for their favorite or enroll more than once. Aspiring Artists sessions run for 4 days and are for ages 8 and up. Several one day Mini Camps and a “Kids and Clay” series are also offered throughout the summer. Visit our website at www. CeramicCafeKC.com for add’l info and registration form. See display ad on pg. 26.
Christian Youth Theater CYT Kansas City offers many highenergy, week-long camps for ages 5-19 all across the KC metro. Day camp themes include “Disney-DreamWorks Musical Time Machine” and “Disney Big Screen to Broadway” for half-day (ages 5-7) and full-day (ages 7-12) campers. Non-musical Xtreme! Camps (ages 10-16) include “Star Wars,” “Knights of the Realm,” and “Heroes in a Half Shell.” High School Master Drama Camp features “Agatha Christie’s
Where else can you train like an astronaut, explore the inner workings of Earth, discover the secrets of the solar system, experience the thrill of flight, build and program robots, simulate microgravity through the wonder of SCUBA, observe survival techniques for journeys to alien worlds, experience real aspects of astronaut training and leave with a new appreciation of the integration of medicine and off-planet travel and MORE! Camp experiences are available for explorers 2nd grade through high school and beyond. See display ad on pg. 22. www.Cosmo.org
The Coterie Acts Theatre Classes and Camps The Coterie offers classes for kids entering grades K-12 at five sites: The Plaza (Pembroke Hill), Overland Park (MillerMarley), Lee’s Summit (MCC Longview), Liberty (Liberty CC), and the Northland (MCC Maple Woods). Half-day and full-day classes led by professional, trained teaching artists include creative drama, acting, and audition skills. 2018 Performance Camps include Spamalot (at Pembroke), The Hobbit (at Liberty), and Seussical the Musical Jr. (at Longview). See display ad on pg. 2. Visit www.TheCoterie.org.
The Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House ... NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS (Olathe & Oak Park Mall)! Programs include dance, theatre, music and art all taught by professionally trained adults. “Sister Act” (ages 13-20), “Aladdin ” (ages 10-13), “Winnie the Pooh” (ages 6-11), Rudimental (percussion) Bootcamp, Painting, Sculpture, Continued on page 20
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COME ALIVE
and dream with your eyes wide open! THEATRE
DANCE
VISUAL ART
MUSIC
THE GREATEST SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA (ages 10-16) THE MUSIC OF MOANA (ages 4-6 or 6-9) NAUGHTY: SONGS OF MATILDA (ages 7-16) ISLE OF THE LOST: MUSICAL & COMBAT CAMP (ages 7-14) IMPROV THEATRE CAMP (ages 9-16) BROADWAY NOW!: MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (ages 7-16) AIDA: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 13-20) ALADDIN JR: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 9-13) WINNIE THE POOH KIDS: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 6-11) WILLY WONKA JR: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 9-14)
SCULPTURE (ages 8-18) ROBLOX & ART (ages 9-18) SMALL BUT BIG ART (ages 5-8) PAINTING (ages 10-18) MODERN ART (ages 8-18) ADVANCED DRAWING (ages 12-18) DRAWING (ages 9-18) MINECRAFT INSPIRED ART (ages 7-18)
LA PETITE PRINCESS BALLERINA (ages 4-6) STORLING DANCE INTENSIVE (Ballet 3 & up) STYLE EXPLOSION HIP HOP (3 levels, ages 7-19) ITTY BITTY BALLERINA (ages 4-6) ME AND MY DOLLY BALLET (ages 4-6) DANCE CONDITIONING BOOTCAMP (ages 12-18) EVENING CLASSES: CREATIVE MOVEMENT, BALLET/TAP COMBO, PRE-BALLET, BOYS ATHLETIC DANCE, HIP HOP, BALLET, TAP, JAZZ
RUDIMENTAL BOOTCAMP (ages 12-14) MARIMBA FUNDAMENTALS (ages 12-15) INTRO TO MUSIC THEORY (ages 12+) PRACTICAL MUSIC THEORY & IMPROV (ages 12+) GIRL POWER MUSIC WORKSHOP (ages 8-14)
ENROLL NOW!
www.culturehouse.com 913-393-3141
est. 1996
TWO LOCATIONS!
Olathe & Oak Park Mall
CAMPGUIDE Drawing, The Greatest Show: Movie Musicals, Songs from Matilda, Music of Moana, Isle of Lost Combat, Broadway Now, Improv, Princess Ballerina, Me & My Dolly Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap & MORE! 913.393.3141 See display ad on pg. 19. www.CultureHouse.com
Drew Diener Camps Rockhurst University Men’s Basketball Coach Drew Diener is leading two summer camp sessions in 2018. Session I: May 29-June 1 and Session II: August 6-9. Both camps are for boys and girls going into 3rd6th grade and boys going into 7-9th grade. The campers will hone their basketball skills in a fun, competitive environment on the campus of Rockhurst University. Each Session is held 9-11am and costs $110 per camper. For more information and registration: www.DrewDienerCamps.com. See display ad on pg. 27.
JCamp Voted #1 Camp in Kansas City, the Jewish Community Center provides day camps all summer long for boys and girls ages 2–13 years. Exciting activities include swimming, sports, crafts, drama, archery, field trips and special events. Specialty camps offered: Sports, Theatre, Art, Dance, Culinary, Robotics, LEGO and Triathlon. Open to everyone—youth do not have to be members or Jewish to attend. Weekly sessions June 4 – August 3, Monday through Friday from 9:00-4:00. Extended care available. See display on pg. 31. www.JcampKC.org.
Johnson County Parks and Rec From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer nearly 60 different and well-supervised camp programs conveniently located throughout Johnson County. Dedicated to providing activities that promote emotional, intellectual, and physical health, our
summer fun choices include nature and science, preschool enrichment, engineering, leadership development, and art, music, theatre, and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and full- and partial-day schedules are available. For details call 913.831.3359 or visit www.JCPRD.com. See display ad on pg. 29.
KampOut-Kanakuk KampOut! brings the fun of one of the largest Christian summer camps in the nation, Kanakuk, to your hometown. Kanakuk professional staff leads this highenergy traveling day camp through five days of guided sports and activity times, Bible study, worship and small-group time for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. To learn more about your local KampOut! visit: www.Kanakuk.com/kampout. See display ad on pg. 28. Continued on page 22
Weekly Camps for EVERY SCHEDULE• EVERY AGE EVERY BUDGET • EVERY INTEREST AREA Plus... EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE
Enroll Online Now! barstowschool.org/summer
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Summertime 2018 Now Enrolling!
CAMPGUIDE Kanakuk Camps
Kansas City Ballet
Kanakuk is a premier summer camp experience for boys and girls age 6–18 located in Branson and Lampe, MO. Our 5 Overnight Kids camps provide children with age-appropriate, fun, safe and professional outdoor youth camping experiences that grow them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kids have fun with friends participating in more than 70 activities, sports and amazing themed parties. Our full-time and summer staff are committed to our mission to develop dynamic Christian leaders. Learn more about customizing your child’s summer camp experience at www.GoKanakuk.com. See display ad on pg. 23.
Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for children ages 2-7. Camp themes include Little Mermaid, Fairy Princess, or Super Hero. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-18. Classes begin June 4th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 33. For more information visit www.KCBallet.org or call 816.931.2299.
Kansas City Young Audiences Kansas City Young Audiences offers children full and half-day week-long
performing and visual arts camps at their home on Main Street. Weekly classes and private instruction are also available. Spring Break Camps will be held March 12-16. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 26. www.KCYA.org
Kansas City Zoo Make your summer a little wilder with Zoofari Adventures Summer Camp. Camp runs May 29 through August 10. Learn the inside scoop about the Zoo’s creatures. A typical week includes exclusive zoo tours, animal encounters/shows, science experiments, games, and crafts. Half day camps for ages 4-5, full day for ages 5-15. Continued on page 27
54,179
visitors to KCParent.com’s camp guide in 2017
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104,000
readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine
DID YOU KNOW? KCParent.com has a NEW Geo-based, searchable Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos and videos. With these stats, it’s easy to see how KC Parent has camps covered!
CAMPGUIDE
life lessons learned at
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ou could say I have a long-standing relationship with summer camp. My dad, a pastor, took large groups of kids to a local church camp every summer from the time before I was born until I was well into elementary school. One of the perks of being a PK (pastor’s kid) was that I got to join in on occasion, even though I was too young to be an actual camper. What it amounted to was I got to be the resident mascot for a week.
Middle school girls fawned over my towhead pigtails and preschool pronunciation faux pas, which meant instead of being annoyed that they had a pint-sized shadow following them around, they greeted me with open arms. I’m told I had a particular gift for finding ways to move my way up the long line in the cafeteria when the dinner bell rang, too. Rather than wait my turn patiently, I would simply tap the person in front of me and reach out with open arms to signify I wanted to be held—only to repeat the exact same stunt with each succeeding person until I found my way to the front of the line. Pretty smooth, when you think about it! Many a night the sound of campfire songs off in the distance serenaded me into dreamland. Camp was utterly magical then—bug bites, calamine lotion and all—and nothing dampened the experience when I was old enough to be an official camper myself. What I experienced from those times away from home taught me much, both about life and myself.
what a difference a day makes My first experience as a camper wasn’t a weeklong excursion, but rather a day camp. I discovered dormitories to explore (which somehow hold a magical appeal when you’re not yet staying in one), a canteen with more candy than a second-grader could ever shake a stick at and craft stations to boot! Sweet new friendships blossomed in the most unsuspecting places (like the nurse’s station after a head-to-head collision with another camper during an unusually rowdy round of bobbing for apples). At the end of the camp session, friendship bracelets were exchanged, as were phone numbers and addresses. That first official tenure as a camper may have been brief, but the friendships forged during that initial stay were enough to keep me busy the following school year with a handful of new pen pals.
absence makes the heart grow fonder It might sound contradictory, but sometimes it takes being away from your parents to realize how much you want to be with them. Life at camp held an allure because it was new and exciting. Only one week a year do you eat a steady diet of junk food, play outdoors all day until your skin burns to a crisp (despite endless applications of sunscreen), stay up until the wee hours of the night, only to have an early wake-up call the next morning and do it all over again. The memories made at camp were fantastic, but the lifestyle wasn’t sustainable long-term. And being apart
from my parents made me realize how much I appreciated all they did for me on a day-in, day-out basis. It was at camp that I discovered my mom’s traditional morning wake-up call (a soft reminder to get up, preceded by a gentle back rub) was far more appreciated than the sound of the camp counselor’s gruff voice streaming through the campground PA system. And even though she sent so many letters that I got an egg on the head in front of the whole camp (camp rules when you get more than five pieces of mail in one day!), it was worth it to know my mom missed me while I was away too.
try new things All throughout elementary school and junior high, my extracurricular life consisted of piano lessons and ballet classes. Camp, however, provided an opportunity to try my hand at different activities without the longterm commitment. In middle school, I tried archery and horseback riding, things I never would have attempted at home but found surprisingly exhilarating. In high school, my camp offered a handful of courses ranging from the arts to athletics to community service. Each year, I stretched myself to try something new. One year I wrote for the camp newspaper (new editions were hot off the press every evening), another I worked in service and helped keep up the facilities. Yet another year, I worked with a performance group that sang to the campers each evening. Each activity appealed to different sensibilities, but I learned something from each one.
enjoy the great outdoors One of the biggest benefits of attending camp is learning that there’s a big world out there beyond screens and electronic devices—and that it’s completely possible to have fun without the use of technology! In an internet-reliant world, unplugging to simply enjoy nature can be hard. Camp affords the opportunity to stop and smell the roses (though a camper might smell more like campfire smoke than roses by the end of a full day!).
Freelance writer Lauren Greenlee comes from a long lineage of camp directors and has been both a camper and a camp counselor. As the mom of three boys, she looks forward to providing the same summer experiences for her own children.
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CAMPGUIDE
overnight camp is your child ready?
A
s the cold winter months near an end, are visions of summertime dancing through your head? If so, you’re not alone. Soon we’ll be saying bye-bye to cabin fever and a welcoming hello to the warm sunshine, flip-flops, bomb pops, summer vacation … and for some of our children, overnight camp! Before enrolling your child in any particular camp, look over the following ways to prepare yourself and your child for the overnight camp experience:
Involve your child in the selection process. You don’t want her to feel as if you’re just sending her off to some strange place. Go through camp brochures and/or websites together. Let your child know what to expect and review the checklist of things that will happen each day.
Ask questions. Ask everything and anything you can think of and don’t feel silly about it. What is the camperto-staff ratio? What is a typical day like at camp? Are there background checks on staffers? What happens if someone bullies your child? Asking questions will help ease your mind.
Plan your correspondence. Email or
Prepare for camp together. Read through the packing list together, bring your child with you when shopping for camp supplies and pack together.
you’re excited for her by telling her things like, “Can’t wait to hear all about the fun things you’ll do at camp!” What you don’t want to do is disrupt her enthusiasm with your own nerves. Don’t linger too long when you drop her off and avoid using the word homesickness or making deals with her by promising to pick her up if she’s sad. Homesickness is completely normal.
Make sure your child can take care of herself. Be sure she can bathe by herself, brush her own teeth, comb her hair, unpack her own bags, decide what to wear and make healthy food choices. It’s also important that she can verbally express her basic needs (i.e. if she needs help or doesn’t feel well).
snail mail? You and your child decide. Make it easy for her by addressing and stamping envelopes which she can use to mail letters home. Camps typically have no-phone-call policies.
Stay positive about the camp experience! Let your child know
Gina Klein writes from her home in Kansas City, where she resides with her husband and two daughters.
Get creative at the Nerman Museum! Classes (ages 5-11) combine engaging, interactive tours with unique studio projects.
create a memory give a gift made with love birthday parties • field trips summer camps • and more! 9510 Nall 913-383-0222
CeramicCafeKC.com
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Tuesdays-Fridays, June 5-August 1 10 a.m. - noon or 2-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required. 913-469-2323 • www.nermanmuseum.org
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College
COST: ½ day: $110, full day: $250, Before/ Aftercare (3:30pm-5:30pm): $15. 10% discount for FOTZ Members. Check out single day camp options the week of Memorial Day and 4th of July. See display ad on pg. 27. www.KansasCityZoo.org/ programs/day-camps
Mesner Puppet Studio We are transforming our theater into a movie studio just for YOU! Spend a week with us, working together to create a story, making puppets and sets, and filming a movie with your new friends. We have green screens, 3D printers, and materials; everything you need to bring your story to life. At the end of the week, we will project our movie masterpiece on a big screen for your friends and family. Spring break camps March 12-16 and March 26-30. See display ad pg. 30. www.MesnerPuppets.org
MidAmerica Nazarene University Does your child want to improve their skills while having fun playing baseball, basketball, cheer, football, soccer, softball, volleyball, and/or strength and conditioning? Learn from one of the top competitive universities within the Kansas City metro area. Bring a friend to MidAmerica Nazarene University’s sport specific camps during spring break, summer, and/or winter break to learn from collegiate coaches. More information about the dates, times, costs, and ages at www.MNUSports.com/camps or call 913.971.3278. See display ad pg. 31.
Nelson-Atkins Museum Get creative this summer with art from around the world! Let the NelsonAtkins be your passport with an exciting array of classes, full-day camps and one-time workshops for all ages. Come to the Nelson-Atkins to discover and learn how to make art from around the globe. Museum members receive earlier enrollment and discounts. Learn more at www.Nelson-Atkins.org/summer-classes. See display ad on pg. 35. Continued on page 28
& Safari Day Campsthe Zoo! Summer Camps at For kids ages 4–15
Join us for Zoo-mazing fun and animal adventures on your days off from school and during the summer too!
Visit kansascityzoo.org/camp for more details! 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.
BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP Presented by
Rockhurst University Men’s Basketball Coach Drew Diener
SESSION 1: MAY 29–JUNE 1 SESSION 2: AUGUST 6–9 9:00A.M.-11A.M. • $110 PER CAMPER Located on Rockhurst University Campus
BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING 3RD-6TH GRADE AND BOYS ENTERING 7TH-9TH GRADE Register Online at
www.drewdienercamps.com COACH DIENER’S SUMMER CAMP is designed to help players improve their basketball skills in a fun, competitive environment. kcparent.com march 2018
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CAMPGUIDE Nerman Museum Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) and Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) are interactive art learning experiences. Students learn directly from JCCC’s diverse permanent collection and temporary exhibitions in the Nerman Museum. After exploring selected works of art, students create original works of art in the studio classroom. Classes are offered Tues.-Fri., June 5-August 1, with individual sessions from 10AM-noon or 2PM-4PM. Register at www.NermanMuseum.org or call 913.469.2323. See display ad on pg. 26.
Notre Dame de Sion Join us and get ready to be extraordinary! At Sion Summer Spectacular students can participate in engaging, innovative, and ageappropriate enrichment camps for PreK-8 boys and girls in the arts, STEM, crafts, tactics, wellness, and fitness led by our outstanding faculty and renowned industry partners. Our program is designed to accommodate your family’s schedule, offering weekly camps, as well as morning and afternoon extended day care options. Whether students take center stage with Camellot Academy, or participate in our weekly classes with our expert instructors, Sion Summer Spectacular will make their inner superhero shine! To enroll please visit www.ndsion.edu/summer. Grade School Campus: 3823 Locust, KC MO. See display ad on pg. 29.
Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 21st season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited—sign up early! Check it out online and find more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 31. 913.661.CLAY (2529). Continued on page 30
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2018 SPRING BREAK CAMPS Lights! Camera! Puppets! MARCH 12-16 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
MARCH 26-30 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Extended day available until 5:30 p.m. ($5 every half hour)
FEE: $240 CALL ALEX AT 816-756-3500
Mesner Puppet Theater 1006 E. Linwood Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64109 816-756-3500 MesnerPuppets.org
CAMPGUIDE Summer at Pembroke Hill If you are looking for a camp that fosters creativity, inspires curiosity and creates a fun learning environment for every student, then let the Summer at Pembroke Hill program be your tour guide. Our program offers flexibility by allowing you to enroll in any of the weeks you choose. Open to the community, students ages 2-18 are able to participate in our comprehensive summer camp. Enroll online today at www.PembrokeHill.org. See display ad on pg. 34.
Play-Well LEGO®-Inspired engineering summer camps that explore STEM concepts through hands on learning with LEGO® materials. Dream it, build it, wreck it, repeat! Our programs are designed by engineers and refined by teachers but kids just think they’re fun. Choose from various themes
Also offering Spring Break Camp March 12-16 or 19-23
Presents
Two Sessions! July 9-20 or Aug 6-10
Act quickly, registration closes soon!
Young artists in grades K-4 learn performance skills and interact with zoo animals, too!
June 18-29 Budding performers in grades 5-8 stage a musical – hands-on-style!
Register at kcstarlight.com/education
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If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem of reach. We specializ If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem outinofworking reach. with stude whostudents don’t always “fit We specialize in working with the box.” who don’t always “fit into the box.”
Summer programs held concerned pare For more thanwill 30 be years, from June 5 until July 27, 2018. have turned to the Accelerated Schools fo High School students in grades individualized learning 9-12 can complete up to programs that help students academic levels with uniqu 1 full creditofinall subjects including math, science,needs social overcome studies, challenges a educational English,academically. Spanish, computer excel and art. All courses are accredited by the State of • and FullAdvancED. Day SchoolMiddle - Grades - 12 Kansas school4students, AftercanSchool - Grades 1-12 grades•4-8, attend Tutoring the Academics and Arts Camp. They • canAccredited spend 2.5 hours in individualized • tutoring Low Student-Teacher r and then participate 1.5 hours of creative • Daily Reportin Cards • Transportation Availabl expression. All programs are from 9 am until 1 pm, • Effective Reward System tutoring • Freeis Academic Testing Monday through Friday. Individualized also available.
The Accelerated Schools of Overland Pa 10713 BarkleyofSt., OverlandPark Park, KS The Accelerated Schools Overland
or visit our website: 913-341-6666 10713Call Barkley St., Overland Park, KS Call or visit our website: 913-341-6666 www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org
like robotics, minecraft, star wars, ninjago and more! We also offer Girl-Powered camps that inspire the next generation of Women in STEM. Grades K - 8. What will your child build this summer? See display ad on pg. 34. www.Play-Well.org
Camp
Science City Science City Summer Camp 2018 provides a fun, hands-on environment to explore exciting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) topics. Campers ages 6-12 engage in life science, physical science, art and innovation each week. Camp runs June 4-Aug 3, Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00. FREE early and late care available. $200/week for Union Station members, $225/non-members. Space is limited! For more information, visit www.ScienceCity.Com/SummerCamp. See display ad on pg. 65. Continued on page 34
Space Limited! AGES 6-12
Enroll by April 2 and receive an 8% discount on J Camp enrollment fees
early
discount!
Enroll Today at JCampKC.org June 4 - Aug. 3 • Ages 2 -13 • Open to all 12 Premiere + Specialty Day Camps • Extended hours available
KIDS ATHLETICS CAMPS
Instruction by collegiate coaches. Camps during spring break and all summer long.
CH Mix & match sessions to fit your schedule!! $
5 OFF $30 PURCHASE
Offer expires 3/31/18. May be combined with 1/2 studio fee special only. May not be used for camp, classes or special events. KCP
paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf, OPKS • 913-661-CLAY
@
EE
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Register at:
mnusports.com/camps kcparent.com march 2018
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CAMPGUIDE
the camp next door:
m
any parents want their kids to
build independence
experience summer camps,
Camp is a great place for kids to explore their own independence, and day camp is no different. Kids are dropped off at camp in the morning where they are challenged with new activities they may not get the opportunity to try at home. They will make friends, eat lunch and follow directions without the help of their parents. Kids start to feel more self-confident and independent as the week goes on.
but the idea of spending several nights away from
home is a little scary for both them and their children. A great alternative, especially for younger kids, is to send them to day camp. Day camp, as the name implies, typically consists of a series of consecutive days where the child is away during the daytime hours. Children leave in the morning to have the camp experience and come home in the afternoon or evening to have dinner with their families and sleep in their own beds. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.
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learn new skills Day camps typically offer opportunities to learn and grow in areas that children may not be exposed to at school. Kids can pick camps tailored to their interests, including a variety of sports, music, dance, theater, science, arts, nature exploration and more. If your child is drawn to a particular activity or subject, chances are there is a camp to interest him. Kids who are not particularly drawn to academics will thrive in day camps because they are rewarded for their talents and interests.
make new friends While you may sign your child up for a camp with a friend, she will meet many new people her age. Children gain confidence as they learn to talk to and work with people they have never played with previously. The opportunity to make friends with children that share similar interests and a fun new experience helps kids feel more comfortable when they are in new situations.
take a break from the screen When children spend time at day camp, they get a muchneeded break from screen time. As video games, apps, TV and tablets take more and more of our free time, getting the kids outside to play or having fun while learning new skills is a priceless benefit. Who knows? When the kids come home from camp, they may realize they don’t need as much screen time as they thought they did.
lifelong skills Day camp helps kids learn skills they can use for a lifetime, including problem-solving and leadership skills, improved confidence and an openness to new things. Depending on the camp, youngsters may learn other skills that will stick with them.
My kids learned how to start a fire and cook their own meal at local Scouting camps. My daughter gained the confidence to get on stage in front of a room full of parents and peers at theater camp. My kids improved their skills at sports camps and they faced their fears while trying the camp obstacle course. These experiences will stay with your children throughout life as they face challenges and successes in the future. Check the parks and recreation department in your area, as well as local preschools, churches and community centers for a variety of day camp themes. As you are deciding whether day camp is right for your family, consider what type of camp would interest your child most. Choose something you know he will be successful at and consider inviting a friend to sign up with your child. This can make him more comfortable that first day. Let your child help you choose the right camp and then let him know you think he will do great.
Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.
ENROLL FOR SUMMER NOW WITH OUR PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2-18 Classes and camps are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun.
BOLENDER CENTER 500 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO 64108
Nall Ave.
I-3 5
Broadway
TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!
Union Station
Pershing
94th Terr.
JOHNSON COUNTY 5359 W. 94th Terr. Prairie Village, KS 66207
W. 95th St.
SPACE IS LIMITED — ENROLL TODAY! Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
816.931.2299 | KCBALLET.ORG/SCHOOL kcparent.com march 2018
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CAMPGUIDE Starlight Theatre Camps At Starlight Theatre’s spring break and summer camps, young artists in kindergarten through grade 8 have options to build skills in acting, singing and dance; create sets, props and costumes; and perform for family and friends. Theatre professionals lead Starlight campers on journeys that uncover hidden talents and feed their passion for performance. Summer choices include Act Like An Animal Camp for grades K-4 (in partnership with the KC Zoo) and Camp Take-a-Bow for grades 5-8. Two sessions of Spring Break Camp for grades 1-5 are offered, too. Visit www.KC.Starlight.com/ education or call 816.997.1134. See display ad on pg. 30.
Summer at Barstow Summer at Barstow offers a unique and spectacular camp experience for children ages 3-14 in academics, sports, arts and enrichment. There are more than 400 programs in the visual and performing arts,
sports, science, technology and more. Summer at Barstow 2018 runs May 29 through August 3 with extended care available to all campers. Catalog available at www.barstowschool.org/summer. Contact summer@barstowschool.org or 816.277.0445 for information. Enrollment begins Feb. 15! Join us and create smiles to last a lifetime! See display ad pg. 20.
Theatre of the Imagination Act! Sing! Dance! Moviemaking! K-8th, no auditions, no leads, everyone gets an equal sized role. Free shows & free costumes. Fun and flexible 1 & 2-week camps, 5/29-8/10 at 127th & Nall. We take partials & pro-rate. Pick your schedule, start and stop at any time. “Pink Fluffy Unicorns from Planet Candy,� “Space Warriors: The Last French Fry,� “Stranger Happenings: The Musical,� “Jurassic Fail� and many more! Mention KC Parent & get $40 off. See display ad on pg. 35. www.DramaKC.com
University of Central Missouri UCM’s primary focus is to offer engaged programming for all ages in full- and half-day sessions. Our camps are offered at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit. From Legos to Stories for Justice our programming introduces students to the fields of criminal justice, science, math, public relations, technology, and teaching to broaden the students’ interest and expose them to future career opportunities. If you have questions, contact Vicki Orcutt at 660.543.8926/orcutt@ucmo.edu. For details: www.UCMO.edu/summit. See display ad on pg. 34.
YMCA Kids can have the best summer ever at Y Summer Day Camps! The focus is on achievement, relationships and belonging. A wide variety of experiences include fields trips, swimming, arts, STEM, outdoor education and more. Locations throughout
READY FOR SOME FUN?
Now enroing!
The Summer at Pembroke Hill program is open to all students ages 2-18.
Enro online today at w.pembrokehi.org 34
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UCM-Lee’s Summit offers a variety of summer programs for everyone in K-12 with more than 10 options to choose from! Register today at ucmo.edu/summit Spring Break & Summer Camps for Future Engineers Grades K-8 For questions, contact: Erin Morse at 816-945-9917 or erin@play-well.org,
www.play-well.org
or sign up at:
the metro. Opportunities for ages 5-12 include traditional camps with exciting weekly themes, and sports specialty camps. Youth Volunteer Corps Summer of Service is available for ages 11-18. Learn more and register at KansasCityYMCA.org/camp. See display ad on pg. 5.
Youthfront 2018 marks 75 years that Youthfront Camps have offered a camp experience for students in Kansas City. Options include, Day Camp for younger campers and overnight stays for Kids, Middle School and High School students. All camps include swimming, theme nights, solitude and attractions like Splash Parks, Nerf Wars, Climbing Walls and more! We provide an authentic community where students grow in their relationship with God and make strong friendships that last a lifetime. Contact info@youthfront.com to learn more. See display ad on pg. 35. www.Youthfront.com
ENROLL TODAY!
SUMMER ART CLASSES Ages 3–Adult
nelson-atkins.org/summer-classes 45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri | 816.751.1278
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anger
management for kids Encourage your child to communicate his feelings. Have him complete the sentence, “I’m feeling angry because …”
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our 6-year-old’s friend had to cancel a playdate because of illness, and now she has no one to play dressup with. With her hands curled into little balls, your sweet little girl’s face reddens as she kicks over the block tower her brother just built, knocking it to the floor. “It’s not fair!” she cries out in anger. You try to comfort her, but to no avail. She’s angry and storming around the room kicking things and throwing toys. Will she ever calm down? First of all, recognize that anger is actually a secondary emotion, basically a mask worn to cover another emotion— one that makes us feel vulnerable. And children confuse it with feeling powerful and in control. What your 6-year-old is truly feeling is sadness and disappointment that her friend had to cancel the playdate, but she’s masking those feelings with anger to feel in control. So in this situation, try redirecting her feelings. Here are some tips on how to cool a hot temper:
Get her moving. Physical activity is a great way to cope with anger. Go for a walk with her, let her run, play Frisbee, jump rope, ride a bike or dance. Movement produces endorphins that amazingly change the brain’s makeup. Send her to a calm, quiet spot. Find a good place in your home where she can go to regain her control, such as a quiet corner in the living room, a space in her bedroom, etc. Offer soothing things, such as books, play dough, gentle music, crayons and paper. Make this her calming corner where she can go when she feels angry.
Tear it up. Have her draw or write what’s upsetting her on a piece of paper. Then, have her tear it into little pieces and “throw her anger away.”
Teach her to stop and breathe. Show her how to inhale slowly to a count of five, pause for two counts and breathe out slowly for five counts. Repeating this sequence will create relaxation and reduced stress.
Create art. When anger strikes, hand her
Be a role model. The best way to
Teach your child how to cope.
a paintbrush or markers and encourage her to get her anger out on paper or canvas. Tell her to paint how she feels. This is a great way to calm the mind and turn anger into something positive and creative!
teach your child how to handle anger is to show her how you deal with your own emotions when you’re angry. If your child sees you lose your temper, then she will probably do the same. However, if she sees you handle your emotions in a gentler way, then she will pick up on that too.
Instead of telling her not to hit her brother when she’s angry, explain what she can do when she’s feeling frustrated. Tell her, “Next time, use your words,” or ask, “What can you do instead of hitting?” You also can use time-out as a tool to help her calm down. Let her know that she can put herself in a time-out when she feels like she’s going to break an anger rule.
Do the anger dance. Turn on music and tell her to dance her anger away. To help your child avoid doing the wrong things when she’s feeling overwhelmed with anger, try teaching her some simple anger management skills. Here are some great examples to get you started:
Teach your child to label her feelings. In other words, differentiate between feelings and behavior. This helps a child verbalize feelings of anger, disappointment and frustration. If you talk about feelings with him often, he will learn to recognize his own much better (e.g., “It’s okay to feel angry, but it’s not okay to hit.”).
List the family anger rules. What behavior is acceptable when your family members are angry and what is not? Create a list of household rules that specify your expectations. For example, no physical aggression, name-calling or destruction of property. This will help your child understand that he cannot hit, throw or break things or lash out verbally or physically when he’s angry. Use a reward system for when your child follows the rules, but when he breaks the rules, be sure to have consequences ready, such as time-out or loss of privileges.
Having trouble handling anger sometimes is quite normal for children, but with proper guidance, things should improve. However, if your child seems to really struggle with controlling his anger and/or it seems to be getting worse, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
Gina Klein is an author and writer who resides in Kansas City with her husband, two daughters and a houseful of rescue animals.
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san e staying
when your spouse is away
Need 5 minutes? Visit KCParent.com for a list of 5-minute refreshers for moms. 38
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y husband began traveling long before we had children, so I have plenty of experience with holding down the fort while he’s away providing for our family. We both do our part, but it’s a bit more challenging when those two extra hands aren’t coming home to help tag-team for a night or a few days. Of course we miss each other, and the kids miss their daddy, but it’s important to stay optimistic and focus on the positive and what we’ll deem the “perks” of having a traveling spouse. We’ll also offer some tips, as well as ideas on how to keep connected as a family.
tips I try to plan ahead as much as possible while my husband is still home. I like to have an idea of my meal plan for the week and go grocery shopping alone beforehand to avoid shopping with all my children on my own. I often discuss the plans for while Daddy is away with my kids and how I need them to be extra helpful while Daddy is gone. Not always—but sometimes—they listen better because they need to help Mommy and be a part of “Team Family,” as we like to say. When your spouse travels, utilize that extra sense of responsibility to your advantage. It’s also a great time to remember that children can, in fact, help out a lot more than we give them credit for. I remind my kids that if they are helpful in cleaning up, then there will be more time for snuggling with Mom afterward. Speaking of meals, keep it simple and kid friendly. Jennifer Willis, Blue Springs mother of four, shares, “When John is out of town, I make sure our dinners are something the kids will eat without complaining! Examples include chicken nuggets, hot dogs, spaghetti and meatballs and “brinner” (breakfast for dinner). I also try to schedule baths so I don’t have to do them by myself while John is gone.” Personally, the worst part for me is getting the kids up and going in the morning and to the bus or school on
time. This is usually a tag-team effort, and Daddy generally walks them to the bus stop. Preparing as much as possible the night before (even more than usual) is key. I usually have to talk myself into doing everything I need to do before I plop exhaustedly on the couch, because my motivation plummets as soon as I finally sit down. During the day, I try to have at least one or two outings just to break up the day since I know I will be homebound for the evenings. Simple outings like going to the library, the gym or a playdate help me to keep busy and give me the opportunity for some conversations with other adults. Check out the events calendar at KCParent.com for ideas.
perks Once you’ve made it through the day, it’s up to you to determine whether the kiddos need to retire early to their rooms so you can enjoy a little extra peace and quiet before the next day dawns. Then the night is your oyster! Choose a series on Netflix that your spouse wouldn’t watch with you and binge on it solo, get your craft on, work on organizing your plethora of photos on your computer, catch up on baby books, journal, read or even have friends over! I often try to host my friends one night while my husband is away. It gives me something to look forward to and motivation to tidy up the house. For long trips, I even have hired a babysitter to come over so I can still go to the scheduled girls night out or book club. Be sure to utilize the help of family and friends, or go ahead and hire a sitter, to catch a break and regroup to get yourself through the rest of the week. Another perk is having the whole bed to yourself! I heat up a rice pack in the microwave to make up for the missing body heat I’m used to warming my toes on though.
staying connected To stay connected, discover how your spouse or child feels loved, which is why I highly recommend reading The Five Love
Languages and The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman. Perhaps your spouse feels loved when he comes home to an orderly house or a planned date night. Maybe you feel loved by a thoughtful gift or encouraging notes left around the house for you to find throughout your spouse’s trip. Your children may light up if Mom or Dad arrives home with a thoughtful gift for them to help them know their parent was thinking of them and missing them while away. Kids love simple things like a new pencil, pen, stuffed animal or keychain. If not a gift, perhaps your kiddos would prefer a family movie night to be assured that the clan is reunited. Communicate with these love languages to make sure everyone in the family still feels loved even when a few days don’t run as usual. Your kids can participate by leaving notes or drawings in Mommy or Daddy’s suitcase before a trip or make a welcome home drawing. Other ways to stay connected include talking at dinner, before bed or using FaceTime to let everyone chat about the day or to have the traveling parent read a story to the kids. Hallmark also makes recordable storybooks that you could have the traveling parent record before a trip. I have found these books helpful to entertain my children while they take turns taking baths when I’m on my own. If you’re new to this traveling lifestyle, I promise it does become easier and you do get accustomed to it after a while. Distance can make the heart grow fonder, but I’m always relieved when my husband returns, and I can sneak out for a long run or a coffee date on my own. Also, I always, always, always have mad appreciation for single parents. Kudos to you all; you’re absolutely amazing.
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 7, Mason, 5, and Slade, 2, and writes from her home. You can check out more of her writing at LettersFromTheLouxs.blogspot.com.
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party guide visit the virtual party guide at KCParent.com!
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party guide 5 simple tips for birthday bash success
w
hether you’re planning a princess tea party or a superhero birthday bash, the secret to organizing a party your child will treasure is to keep your little one’s interests at the forefront. If your child does well in smaller groups, keep the guest list small. Plan the menu around her favorite foods and look for little touches that celebrate the unique joy she brings to your family. Make his big day extra special with these simple tips that make childhood birthday parties manageable but magnificent:
1
Set a theme. Building your
celebration around a theme that reflects your child brings an added touch of fun and excitement. Popular options include a favorite color, sport, activity or character. While the Internet offers a mind-boggling array of ideas for crafting the perfect theme, there also are a variety of party-ready options for busy moms with limited time.
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Decorate the guests. There’s
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3
Amp up the activity. Create opportunities for all the little partygoers to participate in the festivities with interactive games that tie back to the theme of the party. Old-school favorites like pin the tail on the donkey can be updated to reflect today’s popular characters; make-your-own slime or clay is the perfect project for a group of mad scientists; or a treasure hunt can be adapted to nearly any theme.
4
Add some fancy to the food.
If your party menu calls for more than cake and ice cream, you can take advantage of another avenue to carry through your theme. A little creativity, some clever monikers and a few basic modifications can quickly transform everyday snacks into festive fun. For example, a dinosaur party might feature Brontosaurus Burgers and T-Rex Trail Mix. The options are nearly endless, and if you’re at a loss, you can find ample inspiration online.
5
Offer a fond farewell. No birthday party is complete without treats to send partygoers home happy. However, goodie bags need not be costly or elaborate. An inexpensive item such as bubbles or sidewalk
chalk tied in theme-colored ribbon is a fun choice for many ages. When it comes to candy, favorite Hershey’s products—from Kit Kat Miniatures to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures to iconic Kisses chocolates—are now available in birthday-themed designs for a sweet ending to any celebration. Simply package items in a vessel that fits the theme, such as a purse for a princess party or a small pail for a beach blast. (Family Features)
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your undistracted time.
We’re all guilty of checking our work emails, Facebook and Instagram accounts while we are with our kids. Being fully present with our children makes them feel loved, important and a priority. Make a daily goal to spend one-on-one time with your kids with absolutely no distractions. Turn off the TV, put down your cell phone, close your laptop and hang out with your child for a while. Those work emails can wait. Whether you play his favorite game, take a walk, let her cook with you or play Barbies, give your full attention. Next time you’re in the car, try answering all of your 3-year-old’s 20 questions with thoughtful answers…yes, ALL of them! And don’t worry about taking snapshots of these moments to post on social media. The best moments will stick with us, even without the photos!
chores. The gift of chores might not
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a
s parents, we love to make our children happy. We purchase the expensive iPhones, hoverboards and Hatchimals to see that flicker of happiness on their faces when they open their presents, but soon the joy from those gifts fades. Perhaps the best gifts that truly matter can’t be wrapped at all, and perhaps the joy from these gifts creates memories that last a lifetime.
boredom. It never fails. You’re at home on a Sunday afternoon, and your kids say, “I’m bored!” As parents we do our best to keep our children busy with activities. However, unstructured downtime can result in kids’ following their passions and using their imaginations in ways that structured playtime does not allow. Their boredom might lead to a discovery of that long-lost toy they forgot about, the creation of a fun game with their siblings or even the development of a new hobby they love.
be one that your children would like to accept, but they’ll reap many benefits from helping around the house. The Center for Parenting Education says involving children in household tasks at an early age can have a positive impact later in life. “Research indicates that those children who have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification, all of which contribute to greater success in school.” So don’t feel bad next time you ask your kids to do the dishes. It’s good for them! To add a little fun and motivation to the mix, create a chore chart and give rewards when your kids complete their weekly chores!
a giving heart. Teach your children to be grateful and to help others. Take them to help at the food kitchen, have them donate their old toys to children in need, drop off canned goods at the local food bank, help them raise money for a cause close to their hearts. Use these experiences as teachable moments. By giving to those in need, they will learn how fortunate they really are and they will grow into kind, compassionate and giving adults.
financial advice. Teach your
children the value of a dollar from a young age. Beth Kobliner, author of the New York Times bestseller Get a Financial Life, tells Forbes Magazine children as young as 3 years old can grasp financial concepts like saving and spending. Kids can learn how money works by simply starting to save spare change in their penny banks. Take them to the bank to deposit their change into their very own savings accounts. As they get older, involve them in your buying decisions by comparing prices at the grocery store. As they reach their teens, explain the dangers of credit cards before they learn by mistake on their own, and make them earn their weekly allowance. Most importantly, set a healthy financial example for your children to learn from. They will thank you many years from now.
love of reading. Reading to your children every day will quickly become a habit for them, and they’ll more likely be
avid readers in adulthood. Children who read acquire knowledge, an expanded vocabulary, critical thinking skills and imagination. They also learn about different cultures and develop empathy for people who are different from themselves. Not to mention, reading is a great way to keep them entertained when the dreaded “I’m bored” comment rolls around. A trip to the library for their very own library cards is a fun way to get your kids excited about reading!
experiences. Help your children make their best memories with the gift of experiences. Enjoy family traditions during the holidays, organize a playdate with friends, take a trip to the Kansas City Zoo, let them be creative at Kaleidoscope, try to escape at Breakout KC, organize a scavenger hunt for them and their friends, camp out in the backyard, have pizza and game night every week. These experiences are what
memories are made of, not the giant Paw Patrol Lookout Tower they just have to have for their next birthday. Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph with her husband and 3-year-old daughter.
According to T. Rowe Price’s eighth annual Parents, Kids and Money Survey, 41 percent of parents spend more than $200 on birthday presents for their children each year. Trying to spend less on gifts this year? Cut back by purchasing just four items: • Something they want. • Something they need. • Something to wear. • Something to read.
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NYCU
NEWS YOU CAN USE March 2018
What does the latest research say about introducing solid foods to infants, improving your memory and the risks of junk food for teens? Take a look:
FROM LIQUID TO SOLID
A new report published by a national information analytics company, Elservier, suggests that more than half of infants in the United States are introduced to solid foods too early or too late. Dramatically changing guidelines and recommendations over the past several decades have led to confusion. In order to provide consistent and reliable guidelines for parents, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are currently developing the first federal dietary guidelines for children under 2 years. It is expected to be released in 2020. Currently, 6 months is the suggested age to begin introducing solid foods. “Introducing babies to complementary foods too early can cause them to miss out on important nutrients that come from breast milk and infant formula. Conversely, introducing them to complementary foods too late has been associated with micronutrient deficiencies, allergies and poorer diets later in life,” explains lead investigator Chloe M. Barrera, MPH, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
READING OUT LOUD AND EXERCISE HELP MEMORY
A recent study out of the University of Waterloo found that reading out loud helps with long-term memory. The process of speaking and hearing oneself has a significant impact on your ability to remember the information you are consuming—it’s called “the production effect.” “This study confirms that learning and memory benefit from active involvement,” says Colin M. MacLeod, a professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Waterloo who co-wrote the study. The Waterloo study builds on previous research dedicated to enhancing overall memory retention. Regular exercise and movement also are known contributors to increasing memory function. In a related report published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, a new guideline for doctors says that they should prescribe exercise, not medication, to improve mild memory and thinking impairments. “Regular physical exercise has long been shown to have heart health benefits, and now we can say exercise also may help improve memory for people with mild cognitive impairment,” says Ronald Petersen, MD, PhD, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Mayo Clinic.
THE EFFECT OF ENERGY DRINKS AND JUNK FOOD ON THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
New research that was released by the Teratology Society looks at the effects of energy drinks and junk food on teen brain development. These “highly palatable and nutritionally deficient” items are evergrowing in popularity among teenagers, but animal studies indicate they could have adverse effects on learning and memory. “Our review indicates that we don’t know enough about the effects of high consumption of energy drinks and the ingredients found in them at this critical time in mammalian brain development,” says lead author Amy Reichelt, PhD, at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. It is widely accepted that overconsumption of junk food contributes to a variety of health issues, including obesity, but it also may be bad for the teenage brain. “Because key neurotransmitter systems in the brain responsible for inhibition and reward signaling are still developing during the teen years, existing primarily on junk food could negatively affect decision making, increase reward-seeking behavior and influence poor eating habits throughout adulthood,” says Reichelt.
Erin McIntosh is a mom of four children, 15, 12, 10, and 6. She works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and photographer. She is currently working on her first book, a memoir about single parenting. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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spring greens With the fresh, new, clean season upon you, let your kids leap for these beds of spring-green leaves.
Why Your Kids Need Greens SPINACH
ARUGULA
NUTRITION FOR IRON
NUTRITION FOR FIBER
Bursting with iron, spinach delivers a vegetarian avenue for kids to obtain this mighty mineral. Iron helps the blood carry oxygen to the lungs, muscles and all parts of our bodies, so keep kids’ energy levels fueled with iron’s assistance. According to the National Institutes of Health, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron for kids ages 4-8 is 10 mg/day, while boys ages 9-18 need 8-11 mg and girls need 8-15 mg. Just half a cup of this green provides 20 percent of what they need!
KALE NUTRITION FOR CALCIUM Kicking with calcium, kale provides a nondairy alternative to help meet bone growth needs. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, is required for proper bone formation and muscle contraction. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, because children build about 40 percent of their bone mass between the ages of 9-14, and reach 90 percent of their peak bone mass by age 18, bone health is an absolute priority. The RDA for children ages 4-8 is 1,000 mg and for 9- to 18-year-olds it’s 1,300 mg. One cup provides 10 percent!
Filled with fiber, arugula can help keep toilet time easy and your kids out to play! Not only can constipation be painful, stressful and embarrassing for kids, it can take a toll on parents too. Fiber contributes bulk to the stool, making it easier for the digestive tract to move it along. So add a little of this leafy green for pain-free stools.
SIMPLE & VERSATILE HERE’S HOW TO IMPLEMENT BAKE IT: Coarsely chop greens and add to a favorite casserole dish (lasagna, macaroni and cheese) or baked treats (muffins, specialty breads). COOK IT: Overland Park resident Elise, mother of a 12-year-old, suggests cooking greens with olive oil and minced garlic for three minutes. Season with salt and pepper. “It’s such an easy and healthy side dish my daughter enjoys!” BLEND IT: Throw a heaping handful of
greens into the blender, accompanied by frozen fruit (mangos, bananas), along with a splash of orange juice for a quick, tasty treat.
JUICE IT: Juice a full bag of greens with
other green produce (cucumbers, apples, limes) for a refreshing, hydrating beverage.
Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She currently practices as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood. Sources: The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, National Institutes of Health
RECIPE: GREEN MACHINE POWER BALLS INGREDIENTS Olive oil cooking spray 1 (16-oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 c. chopped onion 5 T. olive oil 2 large eggs, beaten 1 (16-oz.) pkg. frozen kale, thawed and drained 1 c. dry seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 t. sea salt 1/2 t. garlic powder 1/2 t. ground thyme 1/2 t. dried rubbed sage 1/2 t. dried rosemary 1/2 t. dried oregano 2 pinches ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine spinach, onion, olive oil and eggs together in a large bowl. Add kale, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, garlic powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano and black pepper; mix thoroughly using hands. Form mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes; flip and continue baking until lightly browned.
As always, please consult your health care provided with any questions or concerns.
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road trip! Traveling can be tricky, especially if you aren’t prepared. Now don’t get me wrong, everyone loves a good visit to Grandma’s, but who’s to say the worst can’t or won’t happen trying to get there? So how can you beat the odds? I know, I know, traffic is worry enough, so here are some keys to peace of mind on a successful road trip.
spare keys When you do the absolute best you can to make sure your trip flows smoothly, some things just fall through the cracks, literally. Have you ever climbed into the car, only to have your keys slip out of your pocket and into the forbidden zones of the car? No worries if you simply keep a set of spare keys close at hand—maybe even in your purse or in the arm rest.
spare tire Traveling can be filled with so many different surprises, including road debris. Plan your answer to road junk by making sure you have a working spare in your vehicle. Most spares are stored in the trunk with a jack and instructions. Always check yours before you hit the road for long distances.
roadside kit Roadside kits have all sorts of goodies in them, from jumper cables to flashlights and even flares.
Smart parents add to them or even get creative and build our own. Either way, just remember to add a tire pressure gauge and a Swiss army knife so you’ll be prepared for anything!
directions Navigation system, paper maps, a notebook and pens. Knowing where you want to be in life is important, but knowing where you’re going on a road trip is essential! Getting lost is a timeconsuming bummer, so make sure you have directions and a backup plan for your directions.
first aid kits These are great for emergency boo-boos, and you always can use things like tweezers, bandages, alcohol wipes, nail clippers, ice packs and pain relievers for more than one thing. Also good to include is an oral antihistamine to help reduce potential allergic reactions. And, it doesn’t hurt to keep a dose or two of any prescription meds family members take, just in case.
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OLathe Infants-Pre-K 14169 Murlen Rd 913.393.2223 OverLand Park Infants-Pre-K 8205 W 108th Terr 913.378.1075
specialbeginningsonline.com
food Travel snacks and finger foods help in the midst of the hustle and bustle of travel, plus they keep you from stopping and spending unnecessarily at restaurants and high-priced convenience stores. Keep plenty of healthy finger foods, energy bars and bottled water at hand in the car.
emergency cash Always, always, always have cash on hand. Both big and small bills (as well as some change) help at toll points, in case you need an emergency tow or just in case you get caught off guard and need a cab.
blankets and warm clothing Both these items are useful in emergency situations. You can use them to stay warm, as well as use them to wrap and carry things, if necessary.
toiletries, soap, sanitizer, tissues and wipes
having these goodies on hand can be a lifesaver. These little travel luxuries also can help you rest well if you’re a germophobe.
portable chargers and connection cables Always stay charged and ready for the unspeakable! Making sure you have the right cables to stay juiced, before you actually leave on a trip, is awesome. Not only will you be prepared if you have to make a quick decision, but you’ll also have an added sense of security. Small life hacks like an open box of dryer sheets to keep the car smelling fresh and portable shower caddies to minimize food spills with little ones in the back seat are also great tools to consider when on the road. In the end, plan well, pack well and keep a sunny outlook. Odds are you will have a great road trip. Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and current Kansas City resident. She’s a freelance journalist and photographer.
For great games to play in the car, head to KCParent.com!
If you have sensitive skin, allergies or messy minors or are frequent stoppers at rest stations,
If They’ve Got Homework,
You’ve Got Help! Jake Miesner Head Instructor If you live or work in Clay,
FIT • FUN • DEFENSE
Certifiedor Public Educator Jackson, Platte County and have a Mid-Continent Public Library card, you can start using FREE online resources for elementary, middle, and high school students today.
Visit mymcpl.org/homework
jake@ninjafit.com www.ninjafit.com
6840 W. 105th St, Overland Park, KS (Inside ACA Business Club)
Ages 2 weeks to 12 years 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
10% OFF infant room for Two Convenient Locations: Child Development nd & enrollment. MetcalfCenter Ave 127th &year Antioch first with162 new “Where Your Child is Special” 913.681.2191 913.681.2190
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jake@ninjafit.com www.ninjafit.com
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. “Where6:30 Your Child Is Special”
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162nd &and Metcalf Ave 127th & Antioch Family Owned 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 Operated Since 1990 Family Owned and Operated since 1990 weeworkshopchildcare.com weeworkshopchildcare.com kcparent.com march 2018
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spring break
getaways
Spring break is a perfect opportunity for a budget-friendly family vacation. These two getaways are both less than four hours away and offer engaging, exciting and educational attractions.
The Cosmosphere
Hutchinson, KS: A STEM Adventure Hutchinson is just three to four hours from Kansas City, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination. Educators are placing a greater emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, and Hutchinson is home to two phenomenal attractions that are a perfect fit for an exciting and educational family adventure. The Cosmosphere (1100 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS, 800.397.0330, Cosmo.org) is our family’s favorite museum in the state of Kansas. The facility is phenomenal. Boasting exhibits, planetarium showings, science demonstrations and attractions, the Cosmosphere is an all-day or multiple-day attraction. This outing is ideal for grade school students through adults. The exhibits and attractions are engaging and well done. As you purchase your ticket, you may choose which attractions to enjoy during your visit. The museum is home to the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world. The exhibits take visitors through the history of the Cold War and up through the modern era and include both the history and science of the space program. Sputnik I and II, space suits, rockets, a moon rock and more than 100 artifacts tell the story of the astronauts’ experience, how movies have been made
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and the history of the American space program. Visitors may even experience what it is like to fly on the naviGATOR Simulator. In addition to spacecraft and exhibits, the museum offers several shows. The Carey Digital Dome Theater shows documentaries on American history, the space program and flight, as well as feature films. The Justice Planetarium presents a selection of planetarium shows. Dr. Goddard’s Lab was our favorite show, as it was a live interactive program taking the audience through the history of early rocketry exploration with live science demonstrations. This interactive museum tells the story of space in a way that is captivating and inspiring. This is a Kansas must-see! Strataca (3650 E. Ave. G, Hutchinson, KS, 866.755.3450, UnderKansas.org) is a one-of-a-kind experience through an underground salt mine museum. This is another must-see! Visitors are taken on a 650-foot journey underground to the 68-degree mine (bring a light jacket), where they discover the history of salt mining in Kansas. Our journey underground began with a ride aboard the Shaft, a double-decker “elevator” taking us to the mine. Once underground, we began our tour through the galleries, which included beautiful views of the salt mine, exhibits explaining the history of the mine from when it opened in the 1920s, the life of the miner with videos and exhibits telling the story from the miners’ perspectives, and the science of mining. The mine is still in operation today with much of the salt being used to deice roads in the winter. My children were intrigued by the Myron-mobile, a car driven through the salt mine, and the antique train that ran through the mine. The kids also enjoyed riding the Salt Mine Express, a 15-minute narrated ride through the mine. We saw items that miners left behind while working, including litter and the underground “restroom,” illustrations of the raw and real side of mining. The favorite ride, though, was the Dark Ride, a 30-minute tour through the mine that ended with the opportunity to select a souvenir piece of salt from the mine. In addition to its history as a salt mine, the facility is also used to store historic artifacts and documents. With an ideal cool temperature and salt that absorbs moisture and creates a low humidity environment, the mine is used to house movie memorabilia, art artifacts, old computers and newspapers. We took photos with superhero costumes and artifacts from Hollywood. This is an educational adventure the entire family enjoyed! Plan to spend at least four hours at this site. There is much to see and do! Note: Children under the age of 4 are not allowed underground. Each visitor is provided with a hardhat to wear on tour for their safety.
that won’t break the bank hideout. The cave was a favorite place to explore for young Samuel Clemens (Twain) and his friends, and their adventures inspired many of Twain’s stories. Guides tell the famous tale of Injun Joe on the tour, capturing the audience’s imagination as the lights dim and suspense builds. At the complex, visitors may take in a show with Mark Twain and learn more about the author’s life in Hannibal. Karlock’s Kars & Pop Culture Museum (114 S. Third St., Hannibal, MO, 573.719.3411) offers an interesting tour featuring classic cars and movie memorabilia. Rockcliffe Mansion (1000 Bird St., Hannibal, MO, 573.221.4140). Visitors may tour the turn-of-the-century 13,500-square-foot mansion and learn about one of the wealthiest families of Hannibal. Kristina Light’s family enjoys exploring and learning on getaways across the Midwest. Read about more spring break vacation ideas on KCParent.com.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Hannibal, MO: A Literary Adventure Foster a love of early Americana and classic literature with a visit to Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal (VisitHannibal.com). Hannibal is a small town that takes great pride in its native son. With many family-friendly attractions, this charming small hamlet is a great weekend getaway. Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum (415 N. Main St., Hannibal, MO, 573.221.9010) is a fun way to learn more about Mark Twain’s childhood and how his experiences shaped many of his most famous stories. We took a self-guided tour through eight buildings including his boyhood home and shops. Exhibits give children the opportunity to wear costumes and pretend to live alongside young Samuel Clemens. Children also relish “painting” the famous fence for Tom Sawyer. We especially enjoyed the new interactive museum with galleries offering visitors a chance to experience Twain’s most beloved stories. The girls enjoyed exploring caves, listening to conversations between Tom and Huck, “riding” a raft down the Mississippi River and pretending to be steamboat captains. The museum complex is interesting and well done. We spent about half a day exploring the various buildings and exhibits. Mark Twain Cave Complex (300 Cave Hollow Rd., Hannibal, MO, 573.221.1656). Missouri offers many cave tours, but this is one of our favorites. The Mark Twain Cave is Missouri’s oldest show cave and is a registered national landmark. It is one of the few caves in Missouri with evidence Jesse James did in fact use it as a
Mark Twain Cave Complex kcparent.com march 2018
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march
THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!
CALENDAR
The Art of the Brick at Union Station
No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.
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visit
see
explore
enjoy
watch
Visit the Art of the Brick at Union Station, a captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org
The popular book, Tuck Everlasting comes to life thru April 4 at the Coterie. See the story of the Tuck family, who drank from a forest spring and never age. Ages 9+. TheCoterie.org
What do you want to be when you grow up? Children experience grownup occupations in a kid-friendly setting at Funville in Crown Center. Free. CrownCenter.com
When school’s out, enjoy Kids Day Out March 9-16 at the Johnson County Museum. Choose from activities including Kidscape, art, dance and more. Pre-reg at 913.826.2787.
See the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 10 in Downtown Lee’s Summit. The annual parade features floats, Irish dancers, musicians and more. DowntownLS.org
1 Thursday
Rhymes, Rap, Miss Mary Mack 10:00, Mesner Puppet Theater. Nursery rhymes, poems and raps brought to life with fanciful marionettes. MesnerStudio.org
Guess How Much I Love You and I Love My Little Storybook 10:00 & 1:00, Carlsen Center. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia adapts these classic bedtime stories. 913.469.4445
Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.
Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free. JumpCityKC.com
Preschool Dance Party 10:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Come shake, shimmy and dance up a storm. Free. 913.971.6874
Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. A nature-focused story time and craft for children. 816.325.7115
Campus Visit Day 1:30, Summit Christian Academy. Visit the school to see all we have to offer your children. RSVP to 816.525.1480.
Toddler Tumbling 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring toddlers for fun exercise while allowing them to build motor skills. $4. 816.784.6100
First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District. Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Thru March 4, Blue Springs Civic Center. Hilarious adaptation of fractured fairy tales. 816.224.1702
Family Fun Night 5:00, Sylvester Powell Jr Community Center. Great family activities plus a move, arts, crafts, indoor playground and more. 913.722.8200
2 Friday Happy Birthday, Dr Seuss! Take time to read some of your favorite Dr Seuss stories today. Search “Seuss” on KCParent.com for Seussian inspiration!
KC Auto Show 5:00, Bartle Hall. Five hundred new vehicles all in one place. Visit the Kids Corner for bounce houses, games, crafts and more. $6-$11. KCAutoShow.com
3 Saturday Girl Scout Cookie Construction Thru March 24, Crown Center Shops. See one-of-a-kind displays made entirely of empty Girl Scout cookie boxes. 816.274.8444 Babysitter Safety 9:30, Olathe Medical Center. Learn helpful tips and techniques on care for infants and children, home safety and more. $50. OlatheHealth.org Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about proportion and scale and then create a distorted self portrait. Ages 8-11. Pre-reg at JCCC.edu/youth. Blue Springs Art League Show Today & tomorrow, Vesper Hall. Show includes displays of photography, mixed media, drawing, sculptures and more. Free. 816.228.0238 Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Read and Draw 2:00, MCPL (Claycomo). Read Eric Carle’s The Grouchy Ladybug and learn to draw your very own ladybug. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
Now Enrolling K–12 Elementary Open Houses: 3/8 & 4/5, 9:00–1:00 AM Exciting expansions underway at Upper School! Call or email to schedule a campus visit today!
East Campus (ElEmEntary & admissions) 9333 W. 159th St., Overland Park, KS 66221 913-681-7622 • elementary@hcakc.org
WEst Campus (middlE & HigH sCHool) 16000 S. Black Bob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062 913-782-3262 • juniorsenior@hcakc.org
Christ-centered academic excellence
hcakc.org kcparent.com march 2018
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Los Angeles Guitar Quartet March 11, 7:00, Carlsen Center. Four uniquely accomplished musicians bring a new energy to the concert stage. JCCC.edu/theseries
Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays, 2:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed, weather permitting. $6-$8. 816.739.0363 Daddy Daughter Date Night 6:30, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Enjoy dancing the night away with dinner and dessert. Pre-reg at 785.330.7361. Family Game Night 6:30, Kick Comedy Theater. A show full of Whose Line-style improv games. Fun for the entire family! $5-$10. KansasCityComedy.com
4 Sunday
art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slide show and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org
5 Monday Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224
Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org
The Art of the Brick Thru May 28, Union Station. A captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org
Chili Challenge 11:00, St Joseph Civic Arena. Sample dozens of chilis while enjoying live music, unique vendors, a silent auction and more. $1-$3. 816.271.4717
Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org
Living Voices 7:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Glimpse a view into the world of Anne Frank from the perspective of her fictional best friend. TrumanLibrary.org Greening the Lawn 7:00, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Program to help you tailor lawn care inputs to match the desired outcomes. Johnson.k-state.edu
Celebrate Seuss
Theodore Seuss Geisel, known to millions as beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, MA, on March 2, 1904. With a bit of creativity, you can celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a celebration your children will never forget!
Seuss Events in KC:
Seuss Party Menu:
Seuss Week at Paradise Park, Thru March 3, (Paradise-Park.com). The theme of the week is Dr. Suess! Specially designed for safe, clean, interactive, fun, imaginative and educational play, Paradise Park’s Discovery Play Center offers more than 20 unique areas, including Pretend Village, a water table, the KCPT Learning Room, miniature play, block play, art studio, cooking studio and a 2-acre children’s garden with a dinosaur dig, pretend fishing pond and 18-hole junior mini golf course and age-appropriate climbing structures.
• Green eggs and ham like those in the Seuss
Seussical, May 17-20 with CYT (CYTKC.org). Children
• Goldfish Jell-O bowl, inspired by the book The Cat in the Hat. For instruction on how to make an edible fishbowl, visit GeniusKitchen.com/ recipe/fish-bowl-jello-59654.
interested in theater are invited to audition for Seussical with CYT in March. Visit the website for information. Or, plan ahead to see the show in May. Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Enjoy all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination, Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
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book Green Eggs and Ham. How to make them: WikiHow.com/Make-Green-Eggs-and-Ham.
• Design your own sandwiches. Make your
favorite sandwiches, then let the children draw pictures of their favorite Seuss characters on the bread using food coloring markers (available in the baking aisle at grocery stores).
• Rainbow Goldfish crackers, inspired by the
book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
• Barnum’s Animal Crackers, inspired by the book If I Ran the Circus.
• Serve apples, bananas and milk, inspired by Hop on Pop. • Bake a cake inspired by the book Happy Birthday to You.
6 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Junie B Jones Is Not a Crook 10:00, H & R Block City Stage. One of the most beloved modern characters comes to life on the TYA stage. TYA.org Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $19.99. PizzaShoppe.com Two-For-One Tuesdays 5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. After 5:00, pay one full-price admission and receive a second for free! CrownCenter.com
7 Wednesday KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru April 6. Calling all young authors and illustrators! Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Developmental toys, inflatable and more for kids in a safe, clean indoor play area. 913.722.82
Elite Nannies of Kansas City A Boutique Childcare Agency Placing Exceptional Nannies
EliteNanniesofKansasCity.com
(816) 459-0008
Info@EliteNanniesofKansasCity.com
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Royals Day March 24, Kansas City Zoo. See the animals enjoy enrichment items like t-shirts, cups, scarves and rally towels and get a photo with Sluggerrr. KansasCityZoo.org
Tuck Everlasting 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. See the story of the Tuck family, who drank from a forest spring and never age. Ages 9+. TheCoterie.org
Funville 10:00, Crown Center. What do you want to be? Children experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly setting. Free. CrownCenter.com
Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com
Open Jump 4:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626
Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org
8 Thursday Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com Open House 9:00, Heritage Christian Academy. We offer Christ-centered academic excellence for your student. HCAKC.org
Draw Like Van Gogh 4:30, MCPL (Parkville). Learn about Van Gogh and study his brush strokes and create your own version of his Sunflower painting. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. The Music Man Thru Sunday, Bell Cultural Events Center. The story of the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill. $9-$13. CYTKC.org
9 Friday Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Developmental toys, inflatable and more for kids in a safe, clean indoor play area. 913.722.8200
Preschool Open Studio 10:00, Jo Co Heritage Center. Get creative! Explore new and exciting materials. Adults stay with children. $8. 913.826.2787 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Interactive experiences in the galleries encourage students to examine art. Includes tour with docent. Free. KemperArt.org Trout Stocking 2:30 (Kill Creek Park) & 3:45 (SM Park). Start your spring break by watching as the lakes are filled with rainbow trout. Free. 913.831.335
SPRING BREAK MARBLE FUN! Included with $5 general admission. Free for members.
MARBLE LESSONS / MARCH 12-30 / 10:30AM AND 1:30PM Join a trained mibster (aka marble player) for daily marble lessons. Learn and practice the art of knuckling down before the Kansas City Marble Tournament on June 9!
MARBLE CRAFTS / MARCH 15, 22, AND 29 / 1-3:30PM Create a special marble craft to take home! On March 15 and 29, create a necklace or keychain made out of a crackled marble. On March 22, craft an animal using clay and marbles.
A collection that speaks for itself.
OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS
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5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112
816.235.8000
TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG
Second Friday Art Crawl 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. 816.630.6161 Moila Shrine Circus 7:00, St Joseph Civic Arena. Fun for the entire family! Doors open one hour prior to showtime. $8-$15. 816-232-5129
10 Saturday Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Learn the differences between animal camouflage and mimicry. Activities in zoo lobby. KansasCityZoo.org Bird Banding 10:00, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center. See the beauty of birds up close and personal. Free. Burroughs.org St Patrick’s Day 4 Miler 10:00, Westport. A great Kansas City tradition for the entire family! StPatricksDay4MileRun.com Hike Swope Park with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Dress appropriately for the weather of the day and enjoy a nature hike. 816.513.8960 Self Defense Class 10:00 and March 24, Ninja Fit. Take a free class to learn self defense. Email jake@ninjafit.com to register.
The Folly Kids’ Series is made possible through generous support from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, Oppenstein Brothers Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee, Theater ROcKs, Theater League’s educational outreach program, R.A.Long Foundation, McDonnell Foundation, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Sullivan Family Foundation, All Sponsors and Donors to the Folly Frolic Benefit Concert.
www.FollyTheater.org 816.474.4444
Huge Savings + Amazing Selection! Kids Clothing & Shoes ~ Newborn to Teen • Toys, Books & Games • Baby Gear & Essentials • and so much MORE!
Shawnee
Overland Park
MARCH 15-17
Johnson County Community College Gym
APRIL 26-29
Overland Park Convention Center
Thurs 9am-8pm | Fri 9am-9pm Thurs & Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-9pm Sun 9am-5pm | 50% Off Sale!* Sat 9am-5pm | 50% Off Sale!* @JBFOverlandPark | tmetzger@jbfsale.com | 913-302-3201 * Many items reduced, items with a star on their tag remain full price.
Sell with us & turn kid clutter into CA$H! Details Online:
jbfsale.com
not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping
Admission $2 first day, all other days free! Shoppers - we accept cash and these cards: DEBIT
kcparent.com march 2018
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Spring Open House March 17 & 18, Family Tree Nursery (Overland Park). Creative display gardens, in-store specials and free kid’s activities. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Emerald Isle St Patrick’s Day Parade Noon, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Annual parade featuring floats, Irish dancers, musicians and more. DowntownLS.org
Arlo Guthrie 8:00, Carlsen Center. Arlo Guthrie performs with his children, Abe and Sarah Lee, playing music of the Guthrie Generations. JCCC.edu/theseries
Stuffed Animal Sleepover 1:00, MCPL (North Oak). Drop your friends off March 9 and then come back for a slideshow of their overnight adventures. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
11 Sunday
Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade 2:00, Brookside. Family fun event! Parade starts at 65th & Wornall. BrooksideKC.org Shamrock Hunt 4:00, Downtown Weston. Look for hidden shamrock discount coupons redeemable at participating shops. WestonMO.com Watercolor Reflections 7:00, Lee’s Summit High School Performing Arts Center. The Lee’s Summit Symphony presents a spring concert. LSSymphony.org
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Daylight Saving Time Begins St Patrick’s Day Parade 1:00, Downtown Shawnee. Cheer for all the great parade entries and enjoy the variety of activities. CityOfShawnee.org The Music Man 2:00, Bell Cultural Events Center. The story of the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill. $9-$13. CYTKC.org Meet the Experts 3:00, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Meet Donna Moore, the KC toy designer who created iconic plush toys. 816.235.8000
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet 7:00, Carlsen Center. Four uniquely accomplished musicians bring a new energy to the concert stage. JCCC.edu/theseries
12 Monday Zoo Camp March 12-14, 20-22 and 26-28, Kansas City Zoo. School’s out, enjoy spring break camp and learn how animals communicate. KansasCityZoo.org
Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224
Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com
Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com
Spring Break Camp Thru March 12-16 or 19-23, Starlight Theatre. Day camp to discover new skills and talents. Enjoy the thrill of performance! Pre-reg at KCStarlight.com/education.
Magic Tree House Space Mission 1:00, Gottleib Planetarium. Travel with Jack and Annie in their tree house as they learn about space. $2.50-$7. ScienceCity.com
15 Thursday
Spring Break Camp March 12-16 or 26-30, Mesner Puppet Theater. Create a story, make puppets and a set and film a movie. MesnerPuppets.org
Conservation Kids: Geocaching 6:30, Burr Oak Woods. Grab GPS units and head out to explore nature and find treasures. Ages 7-13. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.
Spring Break Camp March 12-16, Theatre of the Imagination. Be dramatic in original shows where everyone gets equal roles. DramaKC.com
14 Wednesday
Spring Fling Fun 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Kick off spring break hearing stories and seeing live animals. $3. 913.764.7759
13 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Tuck Everlasting 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. See the story of the Tuck family, who drank from a forest spring and never age. Ages 9+. TheCoterie.org
VISIT THE
Just Between Friends Sale Thru Saturday, the Fieldhouse (JCCC). Get ready for spring and summer! Kids look great and your wallet stays full! Shawnee.JBFSale.com Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free. JumpCityKC.com
Kids Day Out 7:30, Johnson County Museum. Have fun while school is out! Kids choose from activities including Kidscape, art, dance and more. Pre-reg at 913.826.2787.
Toddler Tumbling 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring toddlers for fun exercise while allowing them to build motor skills. $4. 816.784.6100
Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438
This Is Kansas City Story Time 10:00, MCPL (Oak Grove). Author Angela Kmeck introduces kids to the art and landmarks of KC. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Stories and activities for the youngest set, ages newborn through 18 months. 816.701.3481
Junie B Jones Is Not a Crook 10:00, H & R Block City Stage. One of the most beloved modern characters comes to life on the TYA stage. TYA.org
Easter Bunny
Grab your baskets and dress in your favorite spring fashions, for a special event every-bunny in the family will love! Hop over to Summit Fair,
Saturday, March 31st, at Noon, for live children’s entertainment, balloon artists and center-wide trick-or-treating… Easter style!
Visit participating stores and restaurants and collect eggs, candy, and an assortment of sweet treats! Bring your cameras and snap a selfie with the Bunny who will be bouncing around the center!
www.summitfairshopping.com
Summit Fair is located off NW Blue Parkway in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, at I-470 and 50 Highway. kcparent.com march 2018
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what’s your
MARCH KC IQ?
test your local smarts with this quiz 1. March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Which of these children’s books was the author’s first to print?
A) The Cat in the Hat
B) The Butter Battle Book
C) S neetches and Other Stories
6. O n March 3, 1860, William
2. M arch 26 is National Spinach Day.
Rockhill Nelson, patron of this museum, was born (choose from the photos):
Which of these local towns is considered Spinach Capital of the World? A) Leawood
B) Lenexa
D) And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street
C) Lee’s Summit D) Liberty
3. How many full moons will occur in March 2018? A) 2
B) 1
C) 14
D) 0
A)
B)
C)
D)
4. M arch 14 is National Potato Chip Day. Which of these companies is in the Kansas City area? A) Lay’s B) Guy’s
D) 430
1) D : And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street
C) 540
2) B: Lenexa
B) 475
: Two, one on March 2 and the 3) A second, called a blue moon, on March 31.
A) 375
4) B: Guy’s
How many peanuts does it take to make a 12-oz. jar of peanut butter?
5) C: 540
5. M arch 1 is Peanut Butter Lovers Day.
: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 6) D
D) Kettle Brand
ANSWER KEY:
C) Ruffle’s
Teen Art Collective 4:00, Nelson-Atkins. Drop in and create! Guest artists and educators will help with projects. Supplies and a snack provided. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org
St Patrick’s Day Parade 11:00, along Broadway (Downtown Kansas City, MO). The parade has become KC’s largest single-day civic event. KCIrishParade.com
16 Friday
Leavenworth St Patrick’s Day Parade Noon, 4th & Walnut. Celebrate all things Irish with the parade. LVIrish.com
Me and Mini Me Swim 9:00, Olathe Community Center. Parents and children 5 and under can swim in zero-depth area of pool. $6. 913.971.8676 The Art of the Brick Thru May 28, Union Station. A captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org Marble Training 10:30 & 1:30, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Learn the art of knuckling down and practice shooting marbles. 816.235.8000 Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529. Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks. EnglewoodStation.com Winter Jam 6:00 (doors open), 7:00 (showtime), Sprint Center. Christian music spectacular featuring Skillet, Kari Jobe, Newsong and more. $15. 2018.JamTour.com
17 Saturday
St Patrick’s Day Spring Open House Today & tomorrow, Family Tree Nursery (Overland Park). Creative display gardens, in-store specials and free kid’s activities. FamilyTreeNursery.com St Patrick’s Day at the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. See animals enjoy festive enrichments and enjoy a special parade at 11:00. KansasCityZoo.org Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Pick up a self-guided activity and follow the clues on an “ART-astic” adventure. 816.753.5784 Family Class 11:00, Ninja Fit. A great class for families! Parents and kids train together. Email jake@ninjafit.com to register. Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Listen to a naturalist share a tale about an animal and make a fun craft. 816.781.8598 Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays, 2:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed, weather permitting. $6-$8. 816.739.0363
18 Sunday Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278
21 Wednesday Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Stories and activities for the youngest set, ages newborn through 18 months. 816.701.3481 Rabbit Season, Duck Season 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Join storyteller Jo Ho for some lively rabbit and duck tales. $2. 913.831.3359 Babes in the Woods 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. From the sweet smells to the softly muted sounds, you and your child will delight in unique outdoor sensations. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766. Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com
22 Thursday
Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slide show and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org
KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru April 6. Calling all young authors and illustrators! Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org
Matt Otto Quintet 7:00, Carlsen Center. Come warm yourself by the fires of jazz with the Matt Otto Quintet. JCCC.edu/theseries
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com
19 Monday
Junie B Jones Is Not a Crook 10:00, H & R Block City Stage. One of the most beloved modern characters comes to life on the TYA stage. TYA.org
KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru April 6. Calling all young authors and illustrators! Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free. JumpCityKC.com Toddler Town 10:00, Roger T Sermon Center. Kids can run and play at the indoor play area for ages 5 and under. $1/child. ci.Independence.mo.us
20 Tuesday Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784
Open Jump 4:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626
23 Friday Strawberry Swing Pop-Up Thru Sunday, Bartle Hall. Shop from 40 of Kansas City’s best local handmade shops. TheStrawberrySwing.com Baby Book Explorers 9:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Bring Baby (newborn-24 months) to read, learn and play! Free. 913.971.6874 Tuck Everlasting 10:00, Noon & 7:00, the Coterie. See the story of the Tuck family, who drank from a forest spring and never age. Ages 9+. TheCoterie.org
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Easter Event March 31, Summit Fair. Live entertainment, balloon artists and the Easter Bunny! Stop by participating stores to collect sweet treats! SummitFairShopping.com
Open House 6:00, Nexus Prep. Now enrolling for ages 1-5. Drop in and see all we have to offer your child. Anchoring kids in God’s love. NexusPrep.org
Brunch with the Bunny 10:00, Irene B French Community Center. Face painting, craft, games, a light breakfast and an egg hunt. $5-$6. Pre-reg at Merriam.org.
24 Saturday
Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, Arno Park. Prizes, hot dog lunch, balloon entertainment, games, crafts and, of course, the Easter Bunny. Free. StJohnsUMC.org
Underwater Egg Hunt Various times, Gladstone Community Center. Enjoy an egg hunt in water and playtime in the pool. $5-$7. Pre-reg at 816.423.4200. Royals Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. See the animals enjoy enrichment items like t-shirts, cups, scarves and rally towels and get a photo with Sluggerrr. KansasCityZoo.org Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, the Village at Burlington Creek. Visit with the Bunny, cookie decorating, face painting, crafts, egg hunt and more! BurlingtonCreek.com Easter Eggstravaganza 10:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Activities include a petting zoo, play structures and face painting. BlueSpringsGov.com
Spring Jamboree 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Easter egg hunt (bring your own basket), crafts, field games and pictures. 816.792.265 Easter Bunny’s Extreme Egg Hunt 10:00, Antioch Park. The only way to find those prizefilled eggs is with a GPS. Lunch and pictures included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359. Peter & the Wolf 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The symphonic music of Sergei Prokofiev combines with fanciful puppet players. Hazelle.org
Passport to Adventure Kick-off Noon, Bass Pro Shop (Independence). Visit booths and enjoy hands-on activities, then pick up your 2018 passport. KCPassport.com Get Ready for Monarchs 2:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Learn about monarchs and how to create a butterfly garden at home! MOStateParks.com Sirius Quartet 8:00, Polsky Theatre. An unforgettable evening of music that stretches the boundaries of string instruments to their limit. JCCC.edu/theseries
new parks
With the arrival of spring, find a new park to explore with your family Variety KC Playground at Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS. Leawood City Park received a makeover last summer and now it’s better than ever. Variety KC opened the newest inclusive playground in the metro. The adaptive playground features an accessible surface and ramps to access the jungle gym, outdoor toys at wheelchair-height and swings and a zip line with special harnesses, in addition to traditional playground swings. The new park has been designed so both children and adults can play together regardless of their physical or mental abilities. North Lea McKeighan Park 120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO. The park, currently under construction, will be opening in late spring. Families will enjoy the new adventure playground with play areas for various ages. The 5-12 area will include a zip line, a circuit ropes course with agility and balance equipment that is interconnected, and areas to climb and explore. The 2-5 play area will include balance pieces and small rock-climbing areas. The park also features a new and improved skate park and
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volleyball courts. Memorial Day weekend will bring the opening of a brand-new Splash Pad and concession stand.
Quail Creek Park 7024 Grandview Ave., Merriam, KS. This beautiful park, nestled in the Antioch Hills neighborhood, Arbor Landing Park has recently been updated. The park offers passive areas, a paved walking path, picnic areas and playground. The new playground features a Volta spinner, a large swing, a twisted traverse for core and stability, cable climbing activities, a slide, tree climber for problem solving and upper-arm strength, and various percussion pieces to enhance sensory experiences.
Arbor Landing Park 16305 S. Lindenwood Dr., Olathe, KS. This recently opened park features outdoor workout equipment for adults right next to the children’s playground and a walking trail and shelter. The playground includes musical instruments and multiple climbing features. What makes this park special is the crew had some help from a local 5-year-old, Logan Howell, who enjoyed learning about construction and helped build the playground.
25 Sunday The Easter Bunny Visits Noon, Crown Center Shops. Meet and have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. CrownCenter.com Tween Fitness 1:00, Lenexa Rec Center. A program to help tweens get active and engage with each other. Ages 9-11. $.2 913.477.7100 Spring Egg Hunt 2:00, Southeast Community Center. Hunt more than 4,000 eggs in Swope Park! Enjoy candy, treats, games and fun! 816.513.0632 Creepy Crawler Workshop 1:00, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Spend the afternoon making three crawlers. Pre-reg at 816.235.8005.
26 Monday Felted Forms Exhibit Thru April 30, Overland Park Arboretum. Take a stroll along the woodland sculpture garden and discover felted forms. OPKansas.org Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224
Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring little ones 9 months through 5 years to play on the large assortment of toys. $2. BonnerSprings.org
Nature Time Yoga 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Act out stories with animal and yoga moves to encourage creativity and coordination. $2. 913.764.7759
27 Tuesday
Big Bash 6:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A downtown street festival like no other, with shopping, dining and entertainment. DowntownLS.org/event
The Art of the Brick Thru May 28, Union Station. A captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Milo’s Birthday 1:00, Kansas City Zoo. The chimpanzees will enjoy birthday enrichment items. Join to sing “Happy Birthday.” KansasCityZoo.org Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $19.99. PizzaShoppe.com
28 Wednesday Dino O’Dell 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Bring the kids to enjoy Dino’s unique blend of folk-rock and reggae. $5. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.
Dare to Dream Thru Sunday, Sprint Center. Disney’s Moana voyages onto the ice for the first time as Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream. DisneyOnIce.com
29 Thursday KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru April 6. Calling all young authors and illustrators! Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com Marble Crafts 1:00, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Create a special marble craft to take home. 816.235.8000
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Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org
30 Friday
31 Saturday Think Spring Fling Family Frolic 9:00, Powell Gardens. The Easter Bunny, storytelling, an egg hunt, scavenger hunts, brunch and more. PowellGardens.org
Funville 10:00, Crown Center. What do you want to be? Children experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly setting. Free. CrownCenter.com
Egg Hunt 9:30, Shawnee Indian Mission. Three separate hunts for children (based on age groups) through the mission grounds. 913.262.0867
Preschool Open Studio 10:00, Jo Co Heritage Center. Get creative! Explore new and exciting materials. Adults stay with children. $8. 913.826.2787
Easter Festival 9:45, Memorial Park (Raymore). Egg hunt, photos with the bunny and other fun activities for the family! Raymore.com
Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529. Night at the Arboretum 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring your flashlight and walk the Deer Trail to discover this nocturnal animal’s habitat. 913.685.3604 Toughest Monster Truck Tour 7:30, Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. See several of the nation’s toughest trucks! SilversteinEyeCentersArena.com
CHILDREN’S CONFERENCE
Easter Egg Plunge 10:00, Olathe Community Center. Plunge, dive and swim for thousands of Easter eggs throughout three pools. $10-$15. OlatheKS.org
Spring Spotlight 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn more about baby wildlife and how they are not as helpless as you think. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766. Hidden History of Kansas 1:00, Alexander Majors Barn. Author Adrian Zink will discuss some hidden and overlooked stories of Kansas. WornallMajors.org Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Listen to a naturalist share a tale about an animal and make a fun craft. 816.781.8598 Family Game Night 6:30, Kick Comedy Theater. A show full of Whose Line-style improv games. Fun for the entire family! $5-$10. KansasCityComedy.com
Easter Event Noon, Summit Fair. Live entertainment, balloon artists and the Easter Bunny! Stop by participating stores to collect sweet treats! SummitFairShopping.com Egg-Extravaganza Noon, MCPL (Raytown). Story time with Mayor Mike McDonough, and then the Easter Bunny will escort the kids to an egg hunt. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
VENDORS
For TONS more Easter events, head to the calendar at KCParent.com!
WORKSHOPS
April 6-7, 2018
MPE Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair KCI Expo Center • 11730 North Ambassador Drive, KCMO 64153 Providing Information on Homeschooling Techniques & Curriculum Choices FEATURED SPEAKERS: DR. KATHY KOCH CelebrateKids.com
LINDA HOBAR TheMysteryOfHistory.com
DR. JAY WILE BereanBuilders.com
More than 180 exhibitor booths
To find more information visit www.midwesthomeschoolers.org/conference or call 913-599-0311
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SPEND SPRING BREAK AT KANSAS CITY’S
“FAVORITE FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTION” Visitor’s Choice Awards
SO MUCH TO SEE & DO
Fun for the Whole Family!
at Union Station!
• World-Class Touring Exhibits: The Art of the Brick • Internationally Awarded Science Center: Daily Demos & Activities • New Planetarium Shows • Extreme Screen Theatre: Educational & Feature Films on Largest Screen in Midwest • Model Train Exhibit: “Best Kept Secret in Missouri” • Year-Round Special Events and Celebrations • Restaurants, Retail and So Much More! Proud to be a
Smithsonian Affiliate
Presented By
.org n o i t a t S n o : Uni Plan your visit
Endless Variety, Matchless Talent!
OVER 25 PERFORMANCES • 2017-18 SEASON
Mar. 11
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
Featuring a special work by world-renowned jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, plus other classical favorites.
Apr. 7-8
TAO: Drum Heart
Featuring expert Japanese taiko performers.
Apr. 21
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
A contemporary take on the classic tale.
Tickets on sale now! jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE
Spring
SAT MAR 17 SUN MAR 18 10AM-4PM
11AM-4PM
8424 FARLEY ST, OVERLAND PARK DISPLAY GARDENS | SPRING WORKSHOPS IN-STORE SPECIALS | LOCAL VENDORS & ARTISANS | LIVE MUSIC APPETIZERS | REFRESHMENTS | KIDS ACTIVITIES familytreenursery.com
/familytreenursery
@family_tree_nursery