Box Office: 913–469–4445
Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
@MidwestTrustCenterJCCC
@MTC_JCCC
A funky, foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’, body movin’ and groovin’ dance-until-you-drop party for all ages!
SAT. MAR. 23 | 11 AM | FREE NO RESERVATION REQUIRED. SCAN THIS CODE FOR MORE INFO.
PUBLIC SHOW: Thu. Apr. 11 | 7 pm
YARDLEY HALL | ALL AGES
SCAN THIS CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
An action-packed theatrical circus full of amazing acts, enhanced with video projection, 3-D mapping and live music. Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure, but so much more!
THANKS TO: Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, Francis Family Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, JCCC Foundation, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, Shawnee Mission Education Foundation, Brooks and Carol Sherman, Speak Up! and Yellow Freight System Inc.
This is where miracles happen every day.
The Birthing Center at Liberty Hospital provides the premier experience you and your growing family deserve. With family-friendly birthing suites and advanced medical care, it’s no wonder more moms across the Northland choose Liberty Hospital for a comfortable, safe and nurturing place to welcome their new babies into the world.
Together, our teams of obstetric and neonatal nurses, lactation experts, and others care for you and your baby in a state-of-the-art medical facility, including a NICU for newborns who need highly specialized care. We provide many welcoming amenities for the whole family and a complete range of classes to support a healthy start for mom and baby.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Learn more libertyhospital.org/birthingcenter.
This is where health happens.
Bring on spring! After that long winter stretch in January when I was sure I might never leave my house again, the warmer temperatures and longer days of March are welcome and refreshing! To be sure, the rhythm of the seasons refreshes my soul, and I’m glad the milder weather beckons us out of our cocoons.
Kansas City boasts so much to see and do! And so much to be proud of! Not only our football dynasty (has a nice ring to it, eh?), but also our world-class venues. I hope you are ready to get out and get exploring. This month, The Rabbit hOle springs on the scene. I got to peek inside when I delivered something there, and I assure you that you do not want to miss this long-awaited storybook experience.
Our pages this month are packed with ideas to embrace KC’s character around town and to thrive at home. So whether you need fresh eyes to create traditions around Easter, hope to find your own fitness love story or experiences yet to be had as you enjoy a spring break staycation, come along.
Summer will arrive promptly and has loads of fun all its own. Be sure to get a jump on planning with our Camp Guide, here or online.
In the meantime, hug your people and have a happy spring, Kansas City!
Lauri Clapper, Editor
Copy Editor
Susan Crainshaw
Susan@KCParent.com
Intern
Iris Enna
Distribution
To be added to our distribution list, email Distribution@KCParent.com
Local Contributing Writers
Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Kansas City), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Elizabeth Hammond (Overland Park), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)
Mailing Address
11937 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax
For details and to enter, head to KCParent.com.
It’s time to plan for spring break, and that means many terrific family fun outings, great classes for Kansas City kids and special spring break programs. Visit KCParent.com for your guide to have the best spring break ever!
1. Spring Break Guide
2. Camp Guide
3. St. Patrick’s Day Fun Guide
4. Best of March
5. Egg Hunt Inspiration
6.
7.
Ready to take painting to the next level? This homemade squish paint will definitely be one to remember! This is a longer project, so allow at least an hour between setting up and cleaning up!
SUPPLIES:
• Large, clean work area and a plastic tablecloth
• White glue
• Cheap white shaving cream (not gel)
• Food coloring
• Popsicle sticks or paintbrushes
DIRECTIONS:
• Large plastic cups or bowls (you will want to toss after)
• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Old towels/paper towels/wipes
Step one: Cover your workspace with the plastic tablecloth.
Step two: Pour glue into plastic cup.
Step three: Add food coloring.
Step four: Stir glue and food coloring.
Step five: Add equal parts shaving cream.
Step six: Stir glue and shaving cream.
Step seven: Add additional color if needed.
Step eight: Paint onto the cardstock.
Step nine: Allow to completely dry and then cut out your shamrocks!
BONUS TIPS:
• Allow 24-48 hours for squish paint to dry, depending how thick it’s painted.
• If the paint is sticky, add a little bit more shaving cream. If the paint is foamy, add a bit more glue. Ideally, you want half glue and half shaving cream. We tried it with measuring cups, but it’s way too messy to measure out!
Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, three children (1, 3 and 5) and two senior dogs. Janelle is mainly a stay-at-home mom in addition to being a mediator at a local counseling center. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.
Awarm bowl of soup on a cold day is a perfect winter meal! Treat your family to a delicious steaming bowl from Kansas City’s own eateries where local chefs know how to create tasty, filling and nutritious soups for every palate! Tip: Most of the restaurants below change their soup offerings frequently with new choices throughout the week.
549 Gillis St., Kansas City, Mo., 816.471.3663, HappyGillis.com
Happy Gillis, in Old Columbus Park, was founded by Todd Schulte, who started his culinary career in the soup business. His expertise at creating delicious recipes with healthy, allnatural ingredients makes Happy Gillis an absolute must on a KC soup tour.
Most popular soups: White bean soup and tomato soup are both super popular among reviewers. Truly, though, at Happy Gillis, where the soup changes seasonally, you can’t go wrong with any choice!
Great for kids because … Happy Gillis is committed to using all-natural, healthy ingredients, and they offer a super fun vintage atmosphere with white paper and crayons on the tables.
6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913.782.1505, MakeThemSmile.com
At Best Regards Bakery & Cafe, everything is made from scratch. In addition to great soups, the grilled cheese is something that has everyone talking.
Most popular soups: It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the San Marzano tomato basil soup and oven roasted potato soup are two that top the list.
Great for kids because … BRB&C uses healthy ingredients and the finest products they can find. They use no corn syrup, no preservatives, no artificial flavors and as little salt and sugar as possible.
“Dad, there’s nothing to do.” Ian threw himself onto the sofa, the very picture of dejection.
“Why don’t you go outside?”
“Too cold.”
“How about some baseball?”
“Nobody wants to play in weather like this.” He peered around the drapes. Solid, low clouds and dormant grass did nothing to lighten the Saturday morning or Ian’s mood. “What did you do on days like this when you were little?”
I leaned back in my chair. “March is tough. Temperatures can get below freezing, but there’s no snow, and spring feels like it’s months away.”
A fond memory drifted through my mind. “My parents wouldn’t let March stop them. One time, Dad made a bunch of hamburger patties while Mom cored apples, filled them with cinnamon candy, and wrapped them in aluminum foil.”
Ian sat upright and stared at me. “What did you do then?”
“They took us out for a picnic. We bundled up and drove to the park. Once there, we had our pick of the tables, and Dad sent us out to get sticks for the fire. My sisters were too little to help, so my two brothers and I brought back a boatload.”
I studied the skies through the picture window. “A leftover snowbank in the shade chilled our bottles of soda, and, after the fire burned down, Mom put the apples in the coals while Dad cooked the burgers. We climbed in the rocks and boulders until everything was ready.”
Ian slouched back on the couch. “Then what?”
“A funny thing happened. The sun came out and warmed things up. We ate hamburgers, chips, cottage cheese and steaming baked beans, all washed down with snow-cold soda. And, for dessert, cinnamon apples, fresh from the fire.”
“Sandi?” I rose from my chair. “Feel like going on a picnic?”
William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.
1,600+ rare disease diagnoses
1,600 rare disease diagnoses (and counting). Our first-of-its-kind pediatric genetic data repository delivers answers and enables new treatments.
BUILT FOR KIDS
BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS
PARENTS: If you want your child to be a math whiz, the number one thing to do is to never say, “I was never any good at math.” And the number two thing not to say is,“I hated math when I was in school.” Say either of these things, and there is a strong likelihood that your child will also be saying these things or use them as a justification for not being a math whiz. Whether you were good at math in school or not, you can definitely help your child like math and have the skills to succeed in this subject.
Young children are so fascinated with math that they begin to explore mathematical concepts long before they enter school. They explore such things as the sizes of objects, the similarities and differences of objects and people, and the sequence of events. By age 3, they start to use words like more, bigger and in the car, demonstrating they are beginning to learn about math concepts such as volume, size and the location of objects. They learn these concepts by handling objects and using all of their
senses. Support this early interest by providing them with objects to explore. Ordinary objects like plastic measuring cups, pots, pans, empty carboard food cartons and nesting mixing bowls are all you need.
Be sure to help your children learn how to sort objects, which is the most basic of all mathematical skills. They can help you sort the laundry by putting all the socks or shirts together. You can dump a variety of pastas on a table and have them put the like ones in a container. Since numbers can be placed in order from smallest to largest, your children can learn about this mathematical concept of ordering by having them physically place objects in size order like shoes, cups, spoons, various sized pieces of spaghetti, and other household items. Do give them this opportunity.
Before they go to kindergarten, your children should be introduced to numbers. Of course, this may be started at school if they attend nursery school or pre-kindergarten. The first step is rote counting of numbers 10 or less to help them learn the names of the numbers. No matter what they may have learned
away from home, do have them do some rote counting at home. You can play games to help them learn For instance, count one, two, three, buzz, five, six and on up to 10 both forward and backward saying “buzz” instead of a specific number and then going on to another player.
Once your children are able to count by rote, you want to have them apply this skill to counting sets. This is the meaningful counting of a collection of things that belong together like pennies, raisins, pencils or books. You can enhance this skill by asking them to count the forks on a table, the ducks in a picture or the windows in a room. Keep the number of objects small at first—typically under 10. Expand this skill by playing board games with them where they have to advance a number of spaces by either the roll of dice or the spin of a spinner.
The next step in learning about numbers is to have your children learn to identify a number by its written form, a numeral. This is a skill they will need by the time they are in first grade. Begin by teaching them the numerals 1 to 5. You can
do this by showing them the numerals on playing cards and tracing them in sand. Once they can identify the numbers up to 10, you can introduce them to dot-to-dot activity books so they can trace them in numerical order to make pictures.
All the ways you have given your children a good introduction to math before kindergarten will prepare them well for the early skills of addition, subtraction and beyond that they will be taught in school. To continue helping them like—or, better yet, love math— there are a number of things that you can do. Introduce older children to mental math tricks at the dinner table. Play games with them like 21 or Yahtzee that require some math skills. Take them to the grocery store and have them read the price labels to determine which brand of soup is the best bargain. Have them read speed limit signs as you travel. In other words, bring math into their daily lives in as many ways as you can. And be willing to strengthen early skills by drilling addition, subtraction and multiplication facts and finding games that require these skills.
Many websites have helpful drills and math games to enhance your children’s math skills. Just search for “best math websites” and choose those that appeal to you. And when you are lost and can’t help your child with a math topic, you will find explanations of every possible topic online. On our own DearTeacher.com website, you can find lots of interesting math activities for your children to do, from math riddles to math books to mental math tricks. In addition, our two math books on the website, Helping Your Child with Mathematics and Helping Children with Mathematics , each have fun activities and games for turning young children into math whizzes.
This is honestly one of my favorite kitchen appliances because it gets the job done. We’re on our second one in 10 years as we wore the first one out! It’s fun to use. I daresay it’s easy to clean too! The more you pull, the finer it chops. The best part is I can easily invite my family in—no matter the age—for help with a meal prep task. #momwin, Amazon.com
With zippers stretching from waist to hem instead of traditional pull-on pant sleeves, befree zipOns make it so kids and parents don’t have to take their shoes off first—or even be standing—to zip their pants completely on and off from the sides. We found them to be very fun during basketball season. Great anytime you need to quickly layer up without a place to change! befreeco.com
In anticipation of my baby sister having a baby, I have been reviewing some of our favorite as well as some new children’s stories. This tender book captured my heart as it reflects the fierce love and natural connection between 14 pairs of animal mothers and their babies. The watercolor renderings are beautiful. Snuggle up and read this to someone you love. Penguin.com
When we want some help creating conversation more engaging than “How was your day?” we reach for the Table Topics. We have had some lively conversations at the dinner table, in the car, waiting at a restaurant and more with these handy conversation starters. Highly recommend for game night or relationship building. Amazon.com
I have been anxiously awaiting the debut of The Rabbit hOle for years. Our first encounter was a pop-up in Downtown KC in 2016. My family walked and climbed through The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, and we were enthralled. I can hardly wait to embrace my favorite storybooks in a new way. Plan to get your timed tickets now! You can also win some at KCParent.com! The Rabbit hOle opens March 12. RabbitHoleKC.org
Adventures in eating! Grab your significant other and make your way to one of these fun places.
Recently, the hubby and I visited a new-to-us restaurant called Sakura Japanese Sushi. We went to the location in Shawnee, but they also have one in Olathe. This no-frills place offers traditional table service, hibachi and—our reason for going—a sushi train. It’s like Fritz’s for grown-ups! You sit at a bar around the outside of an oval sushi prep area and wait for the train to come by with a plate of something yummy. They have a mix of raw and cooked sushi, and the food is served on colored plates. Each color represents a specific price point, like $3. We each had four plates of sushi, with two pieces of sushi per plate. It was all delicious. In addition to sushi, once in a while the train will bring by a piece of cheesecake. It’s almost impossible to resist. All in all, Sakura is the perfect place for a fun and laid-back date.
When we are looking for some great Thai food with a little fun mixed in, we head to Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop. They have a diverse menu that offers a little something for everyone, from street food (appetizers) and soup to wok dishes and curries. For a perfect date, we love to share the lettuce wraps to start and then get our own entrees. My husband is a big fan of the Lulu’s Sampler, which has spring rolls, crab rangoon and two types of dumplings. I enjoy their pineapple shrimp fried rice and the rainbow peanut noodles. As for the “fun” part of Lulu’s, they have a robot that delivers food to the tables and, I have been told, will also bus them. Be sure to ask for the robot, as the servers still do food service to the tables as well.
Have you ever had ice cream made with nitrogen? If not, grab your other half and give Foggi Ice Cream a try. They are located in Mission and offer ice cream made fresh to order, boba tea and coffee. Ice cream made with nitrogen is very different from traditional ice cream. It has a different texture, but it is good. And the process of its being made is fun to watch. They offer a create-your-own option, with a base of chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry or salted caramel ice cream and two toppings. Or they have specialties, like rocky road, strawberry cheesecake and cookies and cream. For more fun, they offer retro video games, board games and toys for the kiddos.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.
We all need hope. Easter is God’s message to us that the worst thing is never the last thing, and that darkness doesn’t have the final word. Join us at Resurrection March 30 and 31 as we celebrate the meaning of Easter with moving music and an inspiring message that will fill you with hope.
Join us in person
for
Easter
March 30 & 31
LEAWOOD
5009 W. 137TH ST., LEAWOOD, KS 66224
SAT. MAR. 30: 10 AM* AND 5 PM
SUN. MAR. 31: 7, 9 AND 11 AM
WEST (OLATHE/LENEXA)
24000 W. VALLEY PKWY., OLATHE, KS 66061
SAT. MAR. 30: 3* AND 5 PM*
SUN. MAR. 31: 7, 9 AND 11 AM
DOWNTOWN AT THE KAUFMANN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
1601 BROADWAY BLVD., KANSAS CITY, MO 64108
SUN. MAR. 31: 9 AND 11 AM
BLUE SPRINGS
601 NE JEFFERSON ST, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64104
SUN. MAR. 31: 7, 9 AND 11 AM
OVERLAND PARK
8412 W. 95TH ST., OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212
SAT. MAR. 30: 10 AM*
SUN. MAR. 31: 9 AND 11 AM
BROOKSIDE
5144 OAK ST., KANSAS CITY, MO 64112
SAT. MAR. 30: 10 AM*
SUN. MAR. 31: 7, 9 AND 11 AM
Join Us Online at resurrection.church/worship
Sat. Mar. 30: 10 am and 5 pm
Sun. Mar. 31: 7, 9 and 11 am Or On Demand on YouTube
Join Us On Television
KMCI: 8 and 11 am
KSMO: 9 am
FOX: 10 am
NBC: 8 am
You are invited to hop, hop, hop on over for an Egg-Venture event on Saturday, March 23 at all of our our Resurrection locations. This is a family-friendly FREE event for kids of every age with an egg hunt, meaningful craft, and fun-filled activities.
Learn more at resurrection.church/Easter.
One of the most significantly meaningful aspects of parenting for me has been preparing for holidays side by side. Advent, in particular, is a beautiful process in which both sacred and secular aspects collide with the lighting of candles, daily readings, acts of service, memorizing and singing carols and more. Having time to ponder, reflect and anticipate the season helped me to appreciate and savor it more thoroughly. I thought in pursuing these rhythms I was giving something to my children, but I found I gained just as much through the process. Reading by candlelight or making a simple ornament to place on our tree was an inherently slow process, something my own heart needed as much as theirs during a season that can get lost in stress and hoopla.
Christmas Advent programs abound, but if you’re not from a liturgical tradition, you might be surprised to find that there are Easter “advents” all their own. Here are some ways to anticipate the season together as a family.
I stumbled upon a series of four historical fiction books written by Dr. Arnold Ytreeride (pronounced “it-tree-ide”) years ago, each offering a unique account of the Christmas story through four different children’s perspectives as their personal narratives kept colliding with famous events of the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth. It was a great way to capture attention, bring life to Advent and help my kids see what life might have been like during that time and place. In Amon’s Adventures, we fast forward 30-some years only to find that one of the initial characters, Jotham, is now married and has a son of his own who—you guessed it—has an adventure that finds him brushing shoulders with Jesus during his final year on earth. We found these books to be well-written, fast-paced and accurate (nothing graphic, but it does elaborate on the real and cruel world that Jesus was born into). If you start reading at the beginning of Lent, you’ll have adequate time to complete it by Easter. As a bonus, there are freebies available on the book’s website, including photos, printables, pronunciation guides, maps and more.
Having time to ponder, reflect and anticipate the season helped me to appreciate and savor it more thoroughly. I thought in pursuing these rhythms I was giving something to my children, but I found I gained just as much through the process.
This fun and interactive way to tell the Easter story comes in a set of brightly colored Easter eggs, each containing a clue to the next part of the Easter story. Families can hide them for extra fun or just take them out one at a time and read the booklet that correlates to each egg’s unique symbol that depicts Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection. Our initial set was a homemade one given to me from a Moms of Preschoolers group. If you’re creatively inclined, you, too, could make your own set. Homemade or store-bought, resurrection eggs will be an heirloom piece you can bring out Easter after Easter. We love to pair this with Melody Carlson’s book Benjamin’s Box: The Story of Resurrection Eggs.
When my oldest two were preschoolers, we stumbled upon a resource called Truth in the Tinsel, a wonderful Advent program with simple crafts designed to engage little ones in the story of Christmas. I was thrilled when I discovered its founder, Amanda White, created an equally immersive Easter program. White describes it as follows: Easter is one of the most beautiful, happy days of the year. However, it easily gets swept up into church attendance, Easter baskets and pretty dresses. How do we make this super holy day into a holiday that celebrates, focuses on and leads our kids to Jesus? This is the same question I had when my kids were little bitty. As we discovered more of the great story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and as I tried to explain it to them in kid-friendly ways, we noticed how hands-on and gritty the story really is. There’s the smell of vinegar, the sound of roosters, the taste of broken bread and the color of a deep purple robe. I began to lead my children in experiencing the story bit by bit using our five senses. We put together crafts, we tasted bread and made memorials in our house and memories during our days. And we started to get a sense of what the death and resurrection of Jesus must have been like.
White’s program is a printable download that can be reused for years to come.
If there’s anything better than cookies, it’s having cookies for breakfast! These simple meringues are to be made the night before Easter. Each ingredient correlates with a verse describing Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. For example, vinegar reminds us that Jesus was forced to drink it on the cross, and egg whites remind us that by giving up his life, we can have eternal life. The finishing touch is when kids tape the oven door shut after placing the cookies inside, as though they are sealing the tomb shut. The cookies remain in the oven, the heat is turned off and, in the morning, everyone awakens to hollow meringues that remind us of the empty tomb! Christ has risen!
A cursory web search will showcase a myriad of ways to make this visual reminder of Easter: a terracotta pot with wheatgrass, three crosses and empty tomb. The benefit of this project is that everyone can enjoy the process of watching the grass grow (it takes a minimum of one week) and, once complete, it makes a perfect tablescape.
We inherited a seder kit from a family member, and it’s a wonderful way to understand the Jewish culture in which Jesus grew up. Consider hosting this dinner with friends or family during the Easter season.
Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday/Stations of the Cross are all additional church services that signify key events leading up to Easter. These are great opportunities to grow in faith as a family and build memories together.
The Legend of Easter Treasury
The Colt and the King
The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross
The Donkey Who Carried a King
Lauren Greenlee is a boymom of four ranging from toddler to teenagers. She writes from her Olathe home.
the dreaded witching hour. You know, that time when the littles are up from naps, and bigger kids are home from school. They’re hangry, but you don’t want them to eat too much because you’re trying to start dinner. Everyone comes home and leaves their things all over the place, and you’re ready to check out for the day too. It can be a lot!
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the majority of my motherhood journey and have had a traveling husband for most of that time, so I have lots of experience with learning how to handle this challenging time. Every family is different— between stages of life, age gaps, number of kids and how your household runs—but here are a few suggestions if you’re desperate for some magic spells to combat the witching hour.
First things first: food! Have an afternoon snack ready to go and a plan for dinner. Have a snack ready once they wake up from naps or get home from school, so you can rule out that reason for crankiness. My amazing friend Amanda Wettersten over at One Hundred People Project makes happy hour snacks for her boys, and it’s simple yet the cutest thing. It’s such a great way to pause and connect with your children after a day apart. If I start prepping dinner during snack time, I often find that hungry children will eat fresh-cut veggies while I’m cutting them, which is an easy way to sneak some healthy snacks in and then not have to worry if they don’t eat more at dinnertime.
When my children were younger, we had a pretty solid daily schedule, a routine that we could rely on. Routines and
Get them outside! Yes, we still have more chilly days than warm, but bundle them up even if it’s for a quick 10-20 minutes of playing outdoors. Bundle them up in the stroller, walk to a nearby playground or just run around the yard for a few minutes. The noise of my children always got more manageable once we were outside. The change of scenery can do wonders.
Check out @onehundredpeopleproject and start changing the witching hour into a happy hour with your kids!
TIPS AT A GLANCE: Food Routine
Themed Days
Arts and Crafts Outside Water
Sensory Bins
Mother’s Helper
Save Screens
schedules can sound lame and boring, but they can really add a sense of safety and control for both a mom and kids. I liked routines because, in the chaos of three tiny humans 5 and under, at least I knew what my next step was. That could look like waking them up for an afternoon snack, taking a short walk to wake up and get some fresh air, then coming back to play while I made dinner.
Meal planning was a magical hack that made our evenings so much easier once we implemented it. It sounds so basic to me now, but having a weekly menu with all ingredients ready and meat thawed is so much better than frantically figuring out what’s for dinner at 5:00. I also discovered The Lazy Genius Podcast, and she introduced me to meal matrices where you can meal plan for a whole season. One fewer decision is always helpful in the life of a mom.
If your kids are older and coming home from school, routine can be helpful for them to know what to expect and be able to take a breath from a long day at school. Our basic after-school routine is to wash up, have a snack, get snacks and water bottles ready for the next day, do homework and play outside while the sun is still out for a while. Nowadays, we’re in the season of many extracurriculars, so our evenings can be a little chaotic for other reasons, but keeping that weekly menu is still helpful to know when dinner should be prepared in case someone needs to eat earlier.
If a routine is nice but your family still likes some fun sprinkled on top, consider themed days of the week. This piggybacks on the idea of routine but makes each day a little more special. Mondays could be playing at the park, Tuesdays could be arts and crafts, Wednesdays could be a trip to the library, Thursdays could be building forts or with blocks, and Fridays could be cartoons. I had a few of these ideas written out for days at home with my kids too. It’s nice to have some built-in ideas to start from. I’ve made lists of ideas for inside and outside play for my kids that come in so handy over the weekend or on no-school days. If you’re up for it, sometimes a quick outing or stop after school can break up the time before dinner and bedtime. Themed days can also help with meal planning: meatless Mondays, taco Tuesdays, whatever Wednesdays, pasta Thursdays and pizza Fridays. In the fog of those little years, any easy buttons are helpful.
Here are some other ideas when children’s moods are extra witchy. Get them outside! Yes, we still have more chilly days than warm, but bundle them up even if it’s for a quick 10-20 minutes of playing outdoors. Bundle them up in the stroller, walk to a nearby playground or just run around the yard for a few minutes. The noise of my children always got more manageable once we were outside. The change of scenery can do wonders. I know many families let kids play at a nearby playground after school pickup just to get that extra energy out before they head home for the night.
Water is another tool that changes moods pretty quickly. So instead of baths after dinner and before bed, change it up and do baths before dinner. This could mean that baths can last longer or be more fun too. For example, you could do glowstick baths, wash a waterproof baby doll, play with other toys in the bath or eat a Popsicle in the bath. This can also be a calming time to set the tone for the evening ahead. This works for big kids with big emotions too. Sometimes a nice bath and feeling cared for are just what the doctor
ordered. (Check out Jen Hatmaker’s “Awesome Bath” or “Feelings Bath” for more on how to pamper cranky big kids.) Having this nightly routine done earlier can allow for more family time after dinner, especially if older siblings or another parent comes home later. Sensory bins are another great tool to keep handy and can also tie back into the themed days. Ideas include play dough, rice/ dry beans/dry pasta bins, containers with lids from the recycling bin, cotton balls and tongs and more.
If possible, consider hiring a mother’s helper to come over during this stressful time to entertain your kids while you prepare for the evening. This is a great way for older children to gain experience for babysitting down the road and to have a different energy come into your home. Think about any neighbors with older children that may be interested or ask around your neighborhood or mom circles to find a mature older elementary or middle school-aged child who would be willing to help you out—even for just once or twice a week. This scenario also gives a potential future babysitter a great way to get to know your family and how your household runs. We once had a student teacher live with us for a semester, and she entertained my then 18-month-old and 3-year-old when she came home from school, so I could make dinner. It was extremely helpful! Our kids would run into her arms and look forward to reading time with Natalie.
Finally, save screen time for when it’s most useful to you. This can go along with routine too. Make it a house rule that screens are only after homework is done and they’re ready for school the next day. This can be a great way for younger kids to learn in a fun way with shows on PBS, a way for older kids to decompress after a long day at school and a nice way for siblings to spend time together. We’re pretty intentional about screen time in our house, but it is fun to see our kids share inside jokes about shows they watch together, play video games together and make those little memories together too. As a parent, you get to set the house rules, so you can say PBS shows only, or they must watch a show all kids agree on or set a time or episode limit. Then they know when to turn it off and move on to the next thing, which could be dinner and starting the nighttime routine.
Karen Hepp, mother of four, agrees: “Save the day’s screen time for that time of day, make freezer pops or a special treat in the morning and bring it out at that time, and rotate toys and bring out fresh ones at that time.”
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 13, Mason, 11, and Slade, 8, and remembers many endless dark evenings during the little years. Now she’s trying to feed dinner to everyone while being the taxi mom between extracurricular activities.
Kids need camp now more than ever! For over 100 years, Camp Wood YMCA has inspired kids to discover who they are and lead lives of adventure. Our week-long camp lets campers engage in archery, canoeing, high ropes and so much more—all while growing in character and making new friends. Come visit us during one of our free open houses – April 27 or May 5! See display ad on pg. 28. 620.273.8641, CampWood.org
Campers will explore the fascinating world of the fired arts with creative, hands-on projects including: clay sculpting, ceramic painting techniques, and fused glass. We will feature new projects for camp 2024 using our favorite fired arts materials in new and
creative ways! Items created will be fun and functional. Glazed ceramics are food safe. There will be built-in breaks for snacks and fun activities to get everyone up and moving around. Don’t wait; many of our sessions sold out last summer. See display ad on pg. 30.
CeramicCafeKC.com
We’re proud to offer educational summer camps that ignite curiosity and inspire young minds. We offer STEM programs that encompass various fields of science and technology, making us your ideal destination for academic summer camps in Kansas City. Our courses are hands-on, engaging and fun. Discounts available for multiple children, multiple sessions and referring a friend. We believe that learning is at its best when it’s
an adventure, and that’s what we provide. KansasCity.ClubSciKidz.com, 913.475.3121. See display ad on pg. 37.
The Coterie offers summer acting and drama classes to students entering Grades K-12 at five sites: Crown Center (at the Coterie), The Plaza (Pembroke Hill), Overland Park (Miller-Marley), Liberty (Liberty Community Center), and Kansas City, KS (KCKCC). Led by professional, trained teaching artists, Summer 2024 week-long, halfday classes include creative drama, acting, and audition skills; and full-day performance camps for Grades 6-12 will be held at the Plaza, Liberty, and KCK locations. Get class schedules & descriptions or enroll online now at TheCoterie.org. See display ad pg. 38.
We are passionate about culinary arts! The Culinary Center of Kansas City, a beloved institution in Downtown Overland Park, has been serving the community for 25 years. Our vision is to set the standard of excellence for interactive cooking experiences in the Midwest. We host 500 cooking classes and 250 private interactive cooking events each year. We offer a range of cooking classes for kids throughout the year, including summer camp classes with award-winning instructors. KCCulinary.com. See display ad on pg. 29.
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59,540 unique page views at KCParent.com’s ’23 Virtual Camp Guide
104,000 readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine
KCParent.com has a 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!
Many parents want their kids to experience summer camps, 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. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.
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.
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.
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.
When children spend time at day camp, they get a much-needed 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.
Day camp helps kids learn skills they can use for a lifetime, including problemsolving 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.
Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.
MONDAY – FRIDAY | MAY 29 – AUGUST 9
Morning and afternoon hands-on cooking classes
Little Chefs: Ages 5 – 8
Junior Chefs: Ages 9 – 14
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
kcculinary.com | 913-341-4455
7920 Santa Fe Dr. | Overland Park, KS
A summer of fun your kids will always remember happens at The Culture House, where performing and fine arts camps fill the building with creativity, inspiration and friendship. There are all kinds of camps for your children: theater, musical theater, dance, music and art. Parents will love how smoothly all aspects of registration and logistics are handled, making it easy for all to enjoy a summer filled with great memories and new friendships. Sign up today before camps are full at CultureHouse.com. See display ad on pg. 31.
From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 95 different and wellsupervised 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, art, sports, computers, leadership development, music, theater and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and fulland partial-day schedules are available. For details, call 913.831.3359 or visit JCPRD.com/Camps. See display ad on pg. 29.
Kanakuk
Kanakuk is a premier Christian summer sports camp experience for kids ages 6-18 with locations in Branson and Lampe, Missouri. Five overnight camps provide Kampers with fun, safe experiences that develop them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kampers make memories while
participating in more than 70 sports and activities. Sessions run all summer with one-, two- and four-week options. Learn more about customizing your child’s summer camp experience at Kanakuk.com or call 417.266.3000. See display ad on pg. 27.
Sing, dance, act, make and play in KCYA summer camps! Join professional teaching artists for weeklong performing and visual arts camps designed to help children discover and develop their own unique talents. From Broadway Bound to Puppet Play, Dance Camp to Musical Theatre, there is a camp to engage and inspire every child! Scholarships and multi-camp discounts are available. Spring break
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59,540 unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2023
104,000 readers each month of KC Parent Magazine
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!
disc er it a at youthfront.com/summercamp
day camp • overnight camp • grades 1-12 water features • outdoor activities • faith formation
camps are March 11-15 and March 25-29. Summer camps begin June 3! Learn more here: KCYA.org. See display ad on pg. 30.
Go wild this summer with summer break camps at the zoo! Camp runs June 5 through Aug. 18. Day camp curriculums are age-appropriate and are properly chaperoned at all times. Activities may include but are not limited to educational games, crafts, shows, rides, science experiments and educational movies. Full-day camps are available for ages 5-17, Monday-Thursday, 8:30-3:30. COST: $260 or $234 for FOTZ members. Single-day camps also available. Learn more at KansasCityZoo.org. See display ad on pg. 37.
register with code to receive $15 o KCP24
Choose an action-packed camp adventure with Lenexa Parks & Recreation. From sampling art in the great outdoors and hands-on science experiments to performing exciting live theater, your kids will explore new activities, stay active and have a great time. Camp options include spring, summer and winter break camps, as well as other school’s out days. Learn more and register at 913.477.7100 or Lenexa.com/GetActive. See display ad on pg. 36.
Every day is a blast at Oakhill Fully
Charged! Our dynamic weekly themed day camps, for ages 2 through middle school, blend play and creativity. Experience the essence of summer with field trips, camp-wide water balloon fights, pool days, and more led by our amazing Fully Charged counselors! Enroll online: OakhillDaySchool.org. See display ad on pg. 33.
Looking for a fun, safe, and Bible focused day camp for your children this summer? Look no further! Enroll your K-5th graders in Nexus Prep’s Summer Adventure Club, spanning May 28th to August 9th. Choose from flexible plans: Full Time at $225/wk, 3 Days (M/W/F) at $185/wk, or 2 Days (T/TH) at $150/wk. Dive into daily adventures, Bible studies, and four off-site field trips weekly! Limited spots – enroll now for an unforgettable summer! Contact us at nexusprep@gmail.com or visit NexusPrep.org. See display ad on pg. 32.
Since 1946, Rock Springs Ranch has been host to generations of young campers. They unplug, explore, learn lifelong skills and grow in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas, a wondrous place with wide-open spaces. Many make friends for life. Open to ages 8-17 with choice of three- or five-night adventures with enrichment activities, outdoor fun and expanded programming, including a focus on leadership skills. RockSpringsRanch4HCamp.org, 785.257.3221. See display ad on pg. 33.
Have you heard the buzz? Summer at Barstow is Kansas City’s favorite summer camp program for kids ages 3 and up. Campers love Summer at Barstow’s action-packed adventures in creative arts, athletics and—new this year— STEAM campus for grades 1-12 at the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space just down the road in Leawood. Kids love exclusive camps and adventures; parents love our experienced instructors, 4-to-1
we all remember that first time we were dropped off at summer camp. I recall going with a couple of my girlfriends and traipsing down the dirt path to our cabin and choosing our bunks together. Making new friends is great when you’re all in it together.
One biggie that helps your child feel love from home is to get the address of the camp and mail a postcard or care package ahead of time so your camper will get mail early in the week. Also, be sure to provide enough cookies, granola bars or juice boxes for everybody in the cabin so your child can share. Another idea is to hide a special comfort item from home, perhaps a stuffed animal, blanket or hat, so your child will find it when he unpacks his bag.
Most camps provide a list of recommended items, so take time to read over it with your child. It’s okay to begin packing in advance so you can find all the items and eliminate last-minute searches for sunglasses and bandanas. Don’t pack what you know won’t be used, such as a washcloth if your child never uses a washcloth
to wash his face, or anything else out of the ordinary routine. And don’t buy all new clothing for camp! At camp, children shouldn’t have to worry about getting dirty, so pack the old sneakers, flip-flops, t-shirts and shorts. Of course, purchasing a few new things for them to wear while there builds anticipation. Plenty of socks and underwear are a must—include a baggie for kids to stash stinky items. Some shirts and shorts can be worn more than one day. Also, toss in a jacket, just in case.
Invest in a label maker. Many brands are available; seek out labels that will stay in place on everything. Also, make sure your kids can handle carrying their bags themselves, which helps with independence.
Check the swimsuit requirement for girls. Some camps only allow one-piece suits for girls. And for boys, make sure their swim trunks fit properly.
We parents want our kiddos to be happy, but be careful about what you commit to. Don’t promise your child she will be bunking with her best friend or cousin if the camp doesn’t honor these requests. Also, resist the urge to make the vow to come rescue a child who wants
to come home. That kind of promise makes camp tough on everyone—camper, counselor and parents.
Another good idea is to practice independence skills with your children before camp. For instance, if your child needs practice combing her long hair or handling basic cleanup chores, give her the time to learn. A little toothbrush holder and small tube of toothpaste will seem like a treat, and a small deodorant or new hair ties will add to the desire to clean up.
And do go to the camp preview day if there is one. That way, you can answer questions your child may have and you’ll get to see where the kids will be sleeping and eating and hanging out.
Remember, you know your children better than anyone. Take your cues from them, and this will be a camp experience you all talk about for years!
Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
camper-to-staff ratio and extended care options. Check out camps for every budget, age, interest and schedule at BarstowSchool.org/Summer or call 816.277.0445 for more information. See display ad pg. 34.
of the Imagination Acting! Singing! Dancing! Movie making! Fun and flexible week-long camps let you start and stop whenever you like. Open to grades first-eighth (in fall 2024), no previous experience needed. No auditions, no leads and small class sizes. Big performance at the end of each week. Free shows and costumes. Shows include Swift/ Kelce: The Musical!, Unicorns, Space Warriors, Larry Spotter, Frozen Princess, Stranger Zombies, Ninjas
and more! Mention KC Parent and get $25 off (some restrictions apply). See display ad on pg. 37. DramaKC.com
Unleash the potential within your child this summer at Tiger Rock’s Martial Arts Summer Camp! For just $189, dive into a world of excitement and growth at our studio. Your fee covers a sleek summer training uniform and endless martial arts lessons. Act fast! Secure your spot by June 1. Our classes are in high demand every summer, so don’t miss out— register today! Call or text 913.851.5050 (Overland Park) or 605.595.5284 (North Overland Park) to reserve your spot. Don’t forget to check out our display ad on pg. 35 and visit KCTigerRock.com for more details. Let the adventure begin!
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Dive into summer with an EdVenture at Wonders of Wildlife. Experience the wonder with summer camps that run from the end of May through mid-August. Your camper will learn about the creatures that call Wonders of Wildlife home while testing their survival skills, encountering live animals, exploring nature and creating memories. From kindergarten to high school, students learn through games, crafts and experiments for an unforgettable summer experience. Kindergarten-12th grade, full-day 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in Springfield, Mo. Education office: 417.225.1162, WondersOfWildlife.org/camps. See display ad on pg. 3.
Youthfront
Youthfront Camp has provided a fun and faith-building experience to kids and teens for more than 80 years. Campers have a blast at the splash park on the lake, zip lines, waterslides and more. Faith formation activities and worship gatherings create space for campers to experience God in a personal way. Overnight camp is offered for grades three through 12, and day camp is available for grades one through five. Learn more and register at Youthfront.com/summercamp. See display ad and coupon on pg. 32.
KCParent.com
I have a 14-year-old miniature poodle that came from a puppy mill and has separation anxiety. He follows me everywhere and when he can’t, he cries and howls loudly until I return. When I leave the house, he sits on a pillow in the upstairs hall and waits to see my car. When he does, he runs downstairs and goes crazy. I always walk him when I get home and sometimes I let him run because he has so much energy. I realize that I have created a monster. I’ve tried a thunder vest and that did nothing. Is there anything you recommend doing to stop or at least lessen this behavior?
- John GlessnerIt is good news that he can stay on the pillow and wait calmly for you without being destructive, so it sounds to me that he needs to build some confidence. Something that will help is to not talk to him or give him any attention when you come back home. Ignore his undesirable behavior and once he settles, give him attention and petting. This will teach him that leaving and coming back is no big deal at all. I recommend leaving your pup with some enrichment that he can play with while you’re gone and teaching him the “wait” and “settle” commands. It may take him longer than most to learn these behaviors since he is a puppy mill rescue, but these will help him get on the right path. –
Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
We have a border collie, Josie, who is quite reactive! So much so that she makes it miserable to take her anywhere. She is so hyper (we didn’t do our homework when someone asked if we wanted her) that we take her to Cuddle Up Pup for daycare every weekday. If we didn’t, she would drive me nuts! Our goal is to be able to take Josie out and about without her going crazy and barking at every person and every dog she sees. Any ideas or help you can give would be appreciated!
– Dana BradleyBorder collies have a lot of energy and need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep their intelligent brains content. I recommend increasing Josie’s exercise and providing her with brain games and puzzle feeders to keep her busy. There are doggy treadmills or you could get a weighted backpack where you add weight to make her walks more work. You should add weight slowly and acclimate to the weight changes to not injure her. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Have you ever noticed that when you go on a long walk or exercise, you have more energy? Have you noticed that when you work all day on the computer or problem solving at work, you’re exhausted? That is because mental stimulation tires your brain which is what your border collie needs. You can tire
Josie’s mind by providing environmental enrichment and puzzle feeders. Puzzle feeders are food dispensing toys that dogs must figure out how to maneuver to release the food. I recommend using a puzzle feeder for all of Josie’s meals. Have her work for her food and she will be happier in the end. There are tons of cheap enrichments you can make for your pet. Search online for DIY enrichments for your dog and you will get hundreds of results. Have fun!
- Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior and Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.
Ask five different people about their association with the word fitness and you’ll get five different answers. There are those who have a lifelong relationship with fitness and health and won’t say a bad word about it. Others have a visceral reaction, correlating fitness with pain, suffering and perhaps even harsh ridicule. Some are merely indifferent, only occasionally stopping to wonder whether wellness and fitness are even something they’re interested in pursuing. Each of these connotations is completely valid.
If you fall into the very common category of not loving fitness with your every waking breath, you might be thinking about giving it a try, and that can be daunting. Where do you start? Who do you enlist to help? Do you just start running around the block and drinking protein shakes willy nilly? Is there a path that actually ends in our enjoying the world of fitness for the rest of our lives?
Fair questions. Let’s get you some answers.
The rules around fitness have changed dramatically over the last few decades—for the better! In fact, there are no rules any longer. This is an “all are welcome” world now. So whatever misconceptions you’ve been carrying around about fitness you can set down. Start fresh and see where it takes you. Were you a runner once? You don’t have to be a runner now. Always despised yoga? Maybe your body will respond differently now. You aren’t the same person you were 10 years ago or even one year ago. Keep an open mind. Whether you’re 19 or 89, there is a fitness world out there for you. You just have to go find it.
Start slowly. Really slowly.
One of the biggest mistakes people make in fitness is going way too hard way too fast. Behavior changes take time to create. Rather than telling yourself you’re going to start getting up at 5 a.m. and walking 3 miles every single day, dial it back a bit. Simply start waking up at 5 each morning for a week. That’s it. That’s the change. Then when that feels like it’s become somewhat habitual, add in that walk. This approach is called habit stacking, and it’s designed to help you progress over time and celebrate the small wins.
Get a buddy.
True story: I used to hate fitness. I mean loathe. I’d start a regimen with the best of intentions and abandon it days later. Tale as old as time. But one day I had a friend ask me to try a class with her at a local studio that just opened. I said yes because, frankly, I was too embarrassed to say no. My body struggled during that class, but afterward my friend and I messaged each other back and forth about the experience—and we decided to try it again. Five years later I’m still taking those classes and I don’t even need my friend to go with me anymore. All this is to say that sharing an experience with someone else makes things a little less intense, a little more fun and, most importantly, creates accountability. If you know your friend is attending the 6:15 class, you can’t just skip it. She needs you as much as you need her!
We’ve been told we are what we eat, but we’re also the sum of what we consume that isn’t food. Like our social media content. Go follow 10 new accounts on your preferred social media platform that will encourage good habits. Maybe it’s a self-help guru or an athlete that inspires you. Take the time to look at their next few posts or even comment on them as a way to tell your personal algorithm, “This content matters to me.” Social media is designed to show you content that interests you. The more you see people working out, making healthy choices and learning about their habits, the more likely you are to emulate them.
A common reason for backing out of a workout or fitness regimen? “I just don’t have the motivation.” Congrats, you aren’t alone! Even the fittest of the fit don’t always have it either. Motivation is a synonym for desire, and it’s true that sometimes we just don’t have the desire to walk on our treadmill or show up for that HIIT workout. The key to fitness is to do it anyway. Your desire to be feel better and be better just needs to be stronger than your desire to skip. And until fitness becomes more of a habit, you might have to get sneaky to keep that motivation up. Consider promising yourself a reward for the days you get it right. For example, if you can get three days of exercise in, you can stream an extra episode of your favorite show tonight.
There is no perfect path to finding fitness. One of the single best ways to stay steady on the journey is to discover your “why.” Ask yourself honestly why you are doing this and craft a true answer. Do you want to get healthier so you can stick around to watch your kids grow? Is it to accomplish a goal you’ve always secretly wanted to try for? Maybe you just want to feel more confident when you look in the mirror. Whatever your reason may be, clearly identify it so you can keep coming back over and over when you need that extra motivation. Having a “why” will keep you focused and determined, and sooner than later, you just might find yourself loving fitness too.
Ways to work in a little fitness today:
Walk it out. No equipment. No class times. Just get outside or on a treadmill and go. Want to multitask? Listen to a great audio book or podcast and don’t stop until the chapter or episode is over.
Squeeze in one-minute fitness. When you’re reheating your coffee in the microwave, try doing some squats or pushups against the kitchen counter until the time ends. Being active doesn’t have to mean a gym membership—anything that gets your heart rate up is worth doing as often as possible.
Don’t be a parking lot stalker. Forget getting as close to the store as possible. Pick the farthest parking spot and commit to it. Your car will be safe from door dings, and you’ll get some extra steps in.
Kim Antisdel is a writer, sales rep and mother. She lives with her husband and son in Liberty.
This year, consider giving your child the Ultimate Birthday Party, one where he can play, have fun and just be a kid. The added bonus is that you get to keep your sanity and money. Follow these steps and you’ll have a stress-free celebration everyone can enjoy.
1. The night before the party, bake the cake (from a box, of course!) or cupcakes. Feel free to get fancy on the cake if you have that talent; otherwise, most kids are just thrilled
to have sugar in any form. You could even bake a special small cake (maybe heartshaped!) just for the Birthday Kid and let him decorate it himself.
2. On party day, don’t worry about setting up a craft or handing out costly goodie bags for the kids. Most parents these days are into decluttering and find their kids have way too much junk. Parents will appreciate not having to take home anything except for
their child and won’t feel guilty because you spent more on a goodie bag than they did on your child’s gift.
3. To kill some time, consider a piñata (filled with something quickly disposed of like candy or fruit snacks instead of junky toys). Otherwise, kids don’t need every minute of their day scheduled for them … running wild is what they are best at, especially at a birthday party!
4. Make the decorations simple, especially for younger kids who probably don’t watch enough television to even have a favorite cartoon character. Colored paper plates work great, as do regular plastic forks (recycle those forks if you’re going green!). Rather than buy expensive Mylar balloons, blow up some store-bought colored balloons yourself and tape them to walls and doorways or leave them loose on the floor.
Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) lives in Peculiar and enjoys throwing five birthday parties a year for her kids!
Ioften visualize myself as a delightful Mary Poppins with rosy cheeks and, thankfully, no warts—just a tad more plump. I usually carry an oversized couture satchel, akin to a carpet bag, filled with various objects to keep my children’s minds and hands busy when we are out and about. Only motherhood can redefine the contents of a woman’s handbag from necessities like department store lipstick and tiny tubes of fragrant hand cream to dollar-store trinkets that amaze and entertain little ones for hours.
Now that I’m exiting the toddler and grade school years with my younger children and will soon be heading into the middle, high school and young married years of my oldest children, I can’t help but ponder the 22 years of sanity saving entertainment my handbag has bestowed upon my motherhood. Let me dive in and share my bag of tricks—you may find something that will save a little sanity as you travel through parenting!
Creativity and engagement cannot be overemphasized enough with our children, especially since those traits seem to be seeping out of society. Just look around at restaurants, community events and even doctor offices, and you will see robotic children engrossed in their handheld devices, utterly unaware of what’s happening around them. Awareness is an
attribute that starts with parents’ creating an environment and providing tools that foster a sense of independence and creativity. Rather than relying on battery-powered gadgets to babysit our children, imagine the delight instead of engaging them in the moment and helping them connect to the community and world around them. I ran across this quote by Albert Einstein, and I love his description of imagination: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Let us encourage our children to encircle the world with their creativity!
My husband and I would often pack up our firstborn in her Sherpa coat and Land’s End gloves, tuck her in ever so snugly in her car seat and head out to date night—the three of us. We didn’t have many childcare options, so we just took her with us everywhere. I found myself relying on organization and preparation, so we could enjoy our outings together as a family and not feel stressed or confined to home. Organically, over the years, I refined my skills as the rosy-cheeked but plump Mary Poppins, always ready to meet the challenge of entertaining my young ones with pipe cleaners, tiny snack-sized bags of playdough and plastic googly eyes, all tucked away in recycled breast milk storage bags that I repurposed when I was through nursing.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
~ Albert Einstein
So what can you pull out of your couture bag to provide endless moments of creativity and entertainment for your little ones, as well as sanity and preparedness for yourself?
• Snack-size Ziploc bags are perfect for small amounts of play-dough. You can find plastic cookie cutters or small play-dough tools at thrift stores or in the dollar section at Target to include for motor skill practice. We made many tiny play-dough snowmen and pizzas while we waited for dinner at restaurants!
• Pipe cleaners, googly eyes and Wikki Stix are great manipulatives for fine motor skill play and are great additions to kids’ play-dough creations—plus they’re easy to store in Ziplocs or reusable Stasher bags.
• Snacks are imperative! Food can be a lifesaver at a doctor office or a family reunion. Stasher bags are fantastic for no-fail snack icons like Goldfish, Sun-Maid raisins or Annie’s Building Block fruit snacks. Throw in a Larabar for yourself for an afternoon pick-me-up and some sugar-free peppermint gum because, well, peppermint is great for when you might not feel up to par.
• Speaking of that, peppermint, lavender and lemon essential oils have been a must for me as a mom. Dabbed on my temples or wrists, peppermint always calmed me down when I was stressed or needed an afternoon pick-me-up. It kept headaches at bay, and a drop or two was refreshing in my water bottle!
• Reuse prescription bottles and pack them full of crayons for coloring and tic-tac-toe games. No one likes a broken crayon, and those plastic bottles are also great to keep them from spilling all over your bag. I also like to pick up miniature notepads in the dollar section to have on hand.
• I still have the little 4x6 photo album I made years ago for my toddlers. I picked one up at a hobby store and inserted pictures I had printed of Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy, Daddy and other family members and pets for my little ones to look at when we were in waiting rooms or at dinner. They loved it! Now, you can have these little books made at Shutterfly, Snapfish, Walgreens or Vistaprint.
• Believe it or not, dog poop bags are great for storing poopy diapers and tiny clothing items marred by blowouts and dining messes! They conceal the smell well and come on little portable rolls you can clip on your bag.
• Stash a larger wet bag or two to have on hand for bigger blowouts and wet clothes to keep your actual handbag dry. I loved having a wet bag for emergencies!
• Breast milk storage bags are also great for emergency items like bandages, eye drops, nail files, rubber bands and safety pins. Their sturdy seal and elongated shape also make them great for storing snacks and baby spoons!
• Make sure you have an emergency Ziploc with gauze pads, a thermometer, rubbing alcohol pads, tweezers, bandages, bobby pins, baby wipes, pads and an extra pair of undies for Mom and a Clorox wipe or two.
• I’ve had a toddler toothbrush tucked away in my bag for those little ones who are teething or just want to chew on something. I have even carried a wide-mouth water bottle and kept it full of ice with a teething toy or toothbrush tucked inside to soothe sore gums!
• Travel toothbrush holders are great for storing plastic straws for on the go because we all know those climate-friendly paper straws don’t hold up to little ones who aren’t yet drinking from a cup.
• A travel wipe box makes great storage to hold Legos, small puzzles, colored pencils and little sheets of paper to keep little ones entertained.
• Cotton muslin blankets had just started to become popular when I had my second baby 20 years ago. I still have one in my bag to this day. They are thin, breathable and multipurpose— use one as a nursing cover, stroller cover, changing pad cover, swaddler for Baby or draped over your own shoulders poolside. They roll tightly and barely take up space in your bag. Not to mention, we played lots of peekaboo and made tabletop tents with muslin blankets.
It doesn’t take a lot to keep tiny hands and minds busy. Just a little preparation from Mom and Dad can be a sanity saver for all in the long run. Everyone can have a little magic in their bags alongside their tube of fragrant hand cream and tube of lipstick!
Elizabeth Hammond is a rosy-cheeked, red lipstickwearing mama of six who has a vast collection of couture carpet bags filled with magical tricks and her latest knitting project.
Branson is a favorite family destination from Kansas City. Many families love visiting Silver Dollar City and taking in family fun on the strip. However, Branson also offers hidden gems of adventures Best of all, each of these experiences can be enjoyed by children, teens, parents and grandparents—ideal for multigenerational trips to Branson.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri/Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. At Dogwood Canyon, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts or savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the waterfall. We were very impressed with the staff’s hospitality and helpfulness. Next, you may explore the park—rent bicycles or Segways or walk the trails. The attraction also offers amazing tram tours, a favorite experience for all ages. Knowledgeable guides are passionate about the wildlife at
the park and provide many opportunities to take photos along the way. We loved watching the beautiful elk, longhorns and bison on our tour. The tram tour is one of the most popular attractions at the park, and slots fill quickly, so make your reservations early. DogwoodCanyon.org
For a truly unique adventure, we can’t recommend Stained Water Bowfishing enough. Guides with Stained Water Bowfishing took our family on a nighttime adventure on Bull Shoals Lake. Their widebottom Legend SS Jet boats are equipped with Evinrude outboard motors and lights to be able to see in the shallow waters of
the lake. Each boat is fully equipped with compound bows designed for big fish and a 15- to 40-pound draw weight range, which worked well for my teen daughters. Bryan, the company owner and lead guide, loves the outdoors and loves fishing ... he has over two decades of experience on the water, and you can tell. Before we began, they taught us how to use the bows and how to aim at fish. On our trip, my 16-year-old daughter, Kayla, caught a 21-pound buffalo fish, and Uncle Jeff caught a 12-pound drum. Stained Water Bowfishing offers truly unforgettable experiences for all ages and skill levels, from novices to experienced anglers.
StainedWaterBowfishingCharters.com
At Good Shepherd Ranch, guides James and Tiffany share their passion for horses with visitors of all ages.
The Clydesdale Experience, a unique encounter, gives visitors the chance to get to know and interact with the horses. Families are invited to hold a Clydesdale hoof (you’ll be amazed at the sheer size) and pet, brush and even lead the horses.
On our visit, my daughters learned how to help hook up the horse wagon then enjoyed a wagon ride through the woods, some in the front seat, others in the back. That excursion was followed by a ride on a Clydesdale in the corral. Good Shepherd Ranch offers a variety of packages and can customize to fit the needs of your group. You can choose trail rides or wagon rides, all affordably priced. TheGoodShepherdRanchMo.com
Branson is famous for its shows. This year, our family highly recommends Sight & Sound Theatre’s musical production Queen Esther Queen Esther is a truly captivating story of a brave Jewish girl who becomes the queen of Persia. Throughout the story, the people wrestle with the apparent hardships, trials and struggles they face, asking why the Lord is allowing these things and whether he cares. Esther must find the courage to trust God’s plan, knowing that she is made for such a time as this. Sight-Sound.com
37 North Expeditions is a locally-owned business serving southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The company offers adventure tours for people of all skill levels to experience the great outdoors. Visitors may select from a variety of adventures in Missouri and Arkansas, including horseback riding, yoga, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, wineries and breweries, goat hiking, fly fishing, zip-lining, kayaking, train rides and more! Adventures range from half-day to multi-day treks.
Our family participated in horseback riding, barnyard pets and wine tasting at Twin Willows Stables and Whistling Springs Brewing Company. The tour began with an introduction to the horses, all of whom were gentle giants perfectly trained for trail rides. The staff partnered riders in our group with the horse best suited to each person’s size and disposition. Children and adults who wanted one were outfitted with riding helmets. Then, we each received riding instructions. On the 90-minute trail ride, we wound through the Ozark mountains and prairie. Our friendly guide was great at instructing our group and leading us along the way. After the ride, we enjoyed a delicious soup and corndog lunch at Whistling Springs, the small brewery and restaurant on the Twin Willows property. This family-owned business is known for delicious wood-fired pizza on Saturdays and soups and other goods on Fridays and Sundays. They are a small-batch brewery with a variety of beers and hard ciders— the mango habanero hard cider was my personal favorite. Additionally, they offer craft soda for the kids, including root beer
and grape. The owners pay homage to local veterans with a wall of honor for each branch of service. The food and hospitality were truly outstanding, making this eatery a great destination on an Arkansas getaway.
37NorthExpeditions.com
Runaway Mountain Coaster was the very first mountain coaster in the Ozarks, and it’s our favorite. Mountain or alpine coasters are incredible thrill rides where you control your speed as you barrel down mountains, through the woods, experiencing your natural surroundings all from the seat of a toboggan-style coaster. Runaway Mountain Coaster, at 4,900 feet long (1,900 feet up and a 3,000 feet down), can speed up to 30 mph and is the fastest, longest and most exciting alpine coaster in Branson. Runaway Mountain Coaster offers daytime and nighttime rides with a fully lit colorful track to enjoy at night. BransonAlpineCoaster.com
Kristina Light writes about family fun on KCParent.com all year long.
The StepCrew at Midwest Trust Center for Performing Arts
The StepCrew, March 3, 7:00, Midwest Trust Center for Performing Arts
Accompanied by some of the most virtuosic musicians from the Celtic, traditional and rock genres, the StepCrew achieves the ultimate balance of respecting traditional forms of dance while creating exciting modern fusions never seen or heard before.
The Irish Tenors, March 6, 7:00, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
The Irish Tenors—Declan Kelly, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan—have been the acknowledged Celtic music kings since they burst upon the scene during a 1998 special. With 10 best-selling CDs to their credit, they share company with the likes of the Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli, among the most successful acts in PBS history.
Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 10, 2:00
Martin City’s St. Patrick’s parade draws from across the Greater Kansas City area, especially communities along the south side and both sides of the state line.
Downtown Overland Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16, 10:00
This family-friendly event starts with a master of ceremonies introducing marching bands, drill teams, Irish dancers and costumed performers.
North KC Snake Saturday Parade, March 16, 11:00
One of the oldest parades in the metro, this is a North KC tradition. After the parade, enjoy a festival with a carnival, petting zoo, children’s stage show and various other activities.
Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade, March 16, 2:00
The annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade is a fun, familyoriented event occurring the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day.
Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17, 11:00
This year the parade celebrates with the theme “50 Cheers to 50 Years.”
Lawrence’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17, 1:00
The 37th annual parade in downtown and North Lawrence features floats, antique cars, pipers, dancers and more.
Visit the calendar on KCParent.com for detailed information and maps for these parades.
A Celebration with Irish Food:
Browne’s Irish Market, 3300 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo., 816.561.0030
The Irish Market opened in Kansas City in 1887, and now the family’s fifth generation carries on the tradition of serving a wide variety of Irish delicacies. Enjoy handmade sandwiches, Irish potato soup, Irish stew, Dublin potato salad and more, as well as Irish souvenirs. BrownesIrishMarket.com
Llywelyn’s Pub, 301 SE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit
Known for its authentic Celtic food and friendly neighborhood vibe, Llywelyn’s is an unforgettable experience known for its atmosphere and hospitality. Recommended dishes include the St. Paddy’s melt, the Reuben and classic fish and chips. LlywelynsPub.com
O’Dowd’s Little Dublin, Country Club Plaza at 4742 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Mo., 816.561.2700
Enjoy fish and chips, Irish stew, corned beef, Reubens and shepherd’s pie. O’Dowd’s Little Dublin on the Plaza boasts an authentic Irish interior with imported woodwork, creating a pharmacy, library and cigar shop steeped in an amazing Irish atmosphere. ODowdsLittleDublin.com
O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub, 500 Welt St., Weston, 816.640.5235
O’Malley’s serves authentic Irish fare in an authentic Irish-American pub complete with Irish music. You can choose indoor or patio dining (where you see the famous world’s largest ball of string). The menu includes salads, sandwiches, steaks, soups and, of course, fish and chips. WestonIrish.com
Make memories together in Kansas City this spring break by exploring favorite landmarks and attractions the whole family will love.
FUN: Check out the new Sobela Aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. With a sea turtle, orange lobster, sharks, thousands of fish and a multitude of other sea life, this aquarium is truly worldclass. While you are at the zoo, take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel, ride the train, then continue your journey on the tram to the award-winning Africa exhibit. Visit Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn and Stingray Bay. Stroll down Tiger Trail and get nose-to-nose with primates, orangutans and a tiger—and be sure to explore Australia too. KansasCityZoo.org
FOOD: Pack a picnic to bring to the zoo (food and drink are permitted) or indulge in burgers, fries and pizza at the Tuxedo Grill across from the Helzberg Penguin Plaza.
FREE: For animal lovers looking for a free, low-key outing, Lakeside Nature Center is an urban oasis and home to native animals in need of care. Children will learn about conservation and the needs of the animals. Enjoy hiking trails around the center and coming face to face with birds, reptiles, fish and mammals. LakesideNatureCenter.org
Sobela Aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
FUN: Urban Air Adventure Park (locations in Overland Park and Lenexa) is our favorite local trampoline park. Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day! Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. UrbanAir.com
FOOD: Lenexa Public Market (across from Lenexa Rec Center, our favorite indoor pool!) is a local food court featuring a variety of locally-owned eateries all in one location. This is perfect for families when you can’t agree on what to eat or want to try something new. LenexaPublicMarket.com
FREE: The Lenexa City Center Library offers a variety of excellent reading spaces, including our favorite, a balcony outdoor area with comfortable seating, charging stations and Wi-Fi. The library also offers drive-through service, a holds lobby and a charging counter making it accessible for everyone. JoCoLibrary.org
FUN: Enjoy a day at Union Station. Explore Bricktionary, the feature exhibit focused on giant Lego sculptures. Science City at Union Station overflows with indoor and outdoor fun. And, while you’re there, take in a show at Gottlieb Planetarium.
FOOD: There are many great restaurants at Crown Center, where you can also enjoy shopping and visiting Legoland and Sea Life. Unforked is known for using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to serve delicious burgers, tacos and more. SPIN!
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser with delicious pizzas. Empanada Madness is famously the favorite of Royals catcher Salvador Perez. CrownCenter.com
FREE: Journey to Oz is the newest free exhibit at Crown Center. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, the exhibit invites families to enter the enchanting world of the Munchkins and follow Dorothy and her friends on the Yellow Brick Road. (CrownCenter.com) Also, make reservations for Kaleidoscope, KC’s free handson art center for children. This whimsical space inspires kids to make masterpieces with materials donated by Hallmark. HallmarkKaleidoscope.com
K-Street Hotdog
FUN: Ceramic Cafe is a local paint-your-own pottery shop with a vast selection of ceramics to paint. Additionally, they offer glass fusing and special themed events. You pay per piece and can spend as much time as you need to complete your creation. This is a favorite spot for creative teens. CeramicCafeKC.com
FOOD: K-Street Hotdog at 103rd & Metcalf makes Korean corn dogs. Unlike American corn dogs, these hot dogs are dipped in a batter of panko, potato or ramen and deep-fried with add-ons. You’ll find savory, spicy and sweet combinations. K-StreetHotdog.com
FREE: Cardboard Corner Cafe is a fun home away from home where you can gather with friends, enjoy tasty food and choose from a selection of hundreds of fun board games, card games and role-playing games to elevate game night. It’s free to play, but you can also enjoy the cafe’s delicious menu for a full meal or snacks—or purchase games to take home.
CardboardCornerKC.com
FUN: The Escape Game at the Plaza is one of the newest escape room destinations in the area with excellent themed escape games enjoyed by all ages. Gold Rush sends players on a quest for gold and adventure, Timeliner is a train trip through history, and Prison Break is set in a jail cell. These are just a few of their fabulous games to try. TheEscapeGame.com
FOOD: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is the coolest new restaurant at the Country Club Plaza. Customers pay by the plate after selecting dishes as they float by on the signature revolving sushi bar. Every plate is the same price, so the only decision to make is which roll you want to try. KuraSushi.com
FREE: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission and much to discover. With world-class exhibits featuring art from around the world, you can enjoy simply exploring the galleries or take a self-guided tour with resources from the Nelson’s info desk.
FUN: Play is the name of the game at Main Event. This family fun center offers bowling, billiards, laser tag, a gravity ropes course and more. The arcade is a favorite for all ages, with dozens of games to choose from. Main Event also offers a full restaurant and bar, so you can spend an entire afternoon or evening at this attraction. Main Event has three area locations, including North KC, Olathe and Independence. MainEvent.com
FOOD: Draftcade is an arcade restaurant located in Zona Rosa After a day of shopping and ice-skating, this is a great hangout in the Northland. Unlimited game bands are affordable, and you can enjoy retro arcades while you eat sandwiches, burgers, wings and more classic pub food.
FREE: The Kansas City Museum, in the historic northeast area of the metro, offers free admission to visitors. The museum is housed in Corinthian Hall and features exhibits on local history. The recently renovated museum tells the story of Kansas City through exhibits on the past, present and future of the city.
2 This year, Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held in Westport, is celebrating what anniversary?
3 “Lucky” plant on March 17.
6 Name for the annual March basketball championship.
9 This KC Chiefs running back was born on March 2, 1999.
10 March is this month of the year.
11 March 14 is National Potato Chip Day. This potato chip company is based in KC.
13 What other month also ends on the same day of the week as March?
14 March 31 is National Crayon Day. What is the most popular color?
1 This season ends in March.
4 Photo Clue: Våffeldagen, or Waffle Day, is celebrated with food, costumes, fun and games in this Kansas town on March 23.
5 March 26 is National Spinach Day. This local city has been hailed Spinach Capital of the World since the 1930s.
7 March 19 is the first day of this season.
8 Born March 3, 1841, Kansas City’s most famous art museum is named in his honor.
9 March 14 is this mathematical holiday (two words).
12 Read Across America Day, celebrated on March 2, is the birthday of this children’s author.
On March 3, attend the Native American Cultural Celebration at the Nelson-Atkins. Honor the art, dance and music of Native Americans from across the country. Nelson-Atkins.org
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical , a dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan, is showing on stage at The Coterie thru March 10. TheCoterie.org
Savor spring at Family Tree Nursery Overland Park’s Open House March 15-17. Enjoy food trucks, live music, kids activities and unbelievably creative garden displays. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Bring your basketball fans to Science City for Big 12 March Madness
March 12-16. They are hosting basketball activities and programs all week long. UnionStation.org
Wear green and celebrate your community at a local St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the second and third weekends of March (information throughout this calendar).
The Life & Times of the Three Little Pigs Thru March 23, Theatre for Young America. A delightful play for young children performed on the City Stage at Union Station. TYA.org
Fun Home Thru March 7, Olathe Civic Theatre. A refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. OlatheTheatre.org
Spring Open House Thru March 2, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Locally owned retail shops will unveil the latest trends in home decor and apparel. DowntownLS.org
Drinking Habits Thru March 17, Main Street Performing Arts Center of Belton. Two nuns secretly make wine to keep the convent’s doors open. MainStreetTheaterBelton.com
Toddler Time 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Children, ages 6 months to 5 years old, play inside on cars, scooters, slides, playhouse, books, mats and more! BlueSpringsGov.com
Collection Tour Noon, The Underground. Come visit Kansas City’s car collection in the subterranean facility featuring an eclectic collection of vehicles. KansasCityAutoMuseum.com
Club SciKidz Camp Jurassic 4:30, IDEA Space. Campers learn about a variety of dinosaurs and their habitats. Register at IDEASpaceKC.org
First Draft: A Night of New Short Plays 7:00, Culture House. The Balladeer Theatre Company is an exciting new venture in the professional theater world! CultureHouse.com
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe thru March 2, Summit Christian Academy. Live production taking the audience into the magical kingdom of Narnia. Summit-Christian-Academy.org
Le Consort 7:30, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. The four musicians will take us on an entrancing tour de force through Europe of the Baroque era. ChamberMusic.org
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Thru March 10, Coterie Theatre. A dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan! TheCoterie.org
Journey to Oz Thru May 5, Crown Center. Free exhibit celebrating the 85th anniversary of the film as you explore the enchanting world of Oz. CrownCenter.com
Christ-Centered, Classical, Collaborative Education in Johnson County
• Grades K-3, and growing
• Hybrid model: Two days on campus, three days at home
• Member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the Society for Classical Learning
Learn more and preview our robust curriculum at an upcoming info meeting.
Saturday, March 2 | 7:00 pm
Monday, April 1 | 7:00 pm RSVP at www.knoxkc.org
Catch this show thru March 10, Coterie Theatre. Enjoy this dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan! TheCoterie.org
Butterfly House Project 9:00, Home Depot locations across the metro. Free in-person workshop for children. Make a butterfly house this month. HomeDepot.com
Lawrence Model Train Show 9:00, Crown Toyota in Lawrence. Attend the 22nd annual model train show and sale. Barbecue food truck on site. LawrenceModelRailroadClub.org
Winter Market 9:00, Independence Uptown Market. Come support local businesses and pick out handcrafted items, home-baked goodies and more! IndependenceMo.gov
Maple Sugaring Workshop 9:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Learn how to tap trees and process sap into syrup from Mahaffie site manager Tim Talbott. Mahaffie.org
Totally Turtles 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Join the Turtle Ladies, Cindy McManis and Crystal Parson, as they share about a variety of native land and aquatic turtles. MDC.mo.gov
Baby Shark 10:00, Music Hall Kansas City. Jam-packed with catchy music, heartwarming characters and tidal waves of laughter, this interactive live show is sure to delight. TicketMaster.com
DinoLab Open House 11:00, Science City at Union Station. An amazing opportunity to get hands-on with paleontology. Get a free fossil. UnionStation.org
The Boy Who Cried Wolf 11:00 and 2:00, Starlight Theatre. Inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, this is a beautiful wintry tale. KCStarlight.com
Hands On History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life in this program in which guests are invited to touch Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
Daddy Daughter Dance 5:00, Gardner Edgerton High School Commons. Gardner is bringing the magical world of Candy Land to life. GardnerKansas.gov
Knox Classical School Information Meeting 7:00, Knox Classical School. Learn about Knox Classical School, offering K-3 beginning fall 2024, at this information meeting. KnoxKC.org
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Thru March 10, Coterie Theatre. A dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan! TheCoterie.org
Native American Cultural Celebration 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. Celebrate and honor the art, dance and music of Native Americans from across the country. Nelson-Atkins.org
Visit the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is open year-round with thousands of animals to visit at the zoo and aquarium. KansasCityZoo.org
Sunday Afternoon Free Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. A 30-minute free program on nature topics will be presented each day. LawrenceKS.org
The StepCrew 7:00, Midwest Trust Center. The StepCrew presents a dynamic dance production combining Irish, tap and Ottawa Valley dance. JCCC.edu
Playtime 8:30, Inspired Play Cafe. Enjoy an educational environment for children and a fullservice cafe with nutritious food and beverages for adults and caregivers. InspiredPlayCafe.com
Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos play! KawPrairie.info
Ice-Skating 11:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor ice-skating rink open thru March 10. Shop and dine at Crown Center as well. CrownCenter.com
Early Literacy Music and Movement 6:00, MPCL Antioch. Bring your child to develop early literacy skills through music, instrument play and big body movement. MyMCPL.org
The Life & Times of the Three Little Pigs Thru March 23, Theatre for Young America. A delightful play for young children performed on the City Stage at Union Station. TYA.org
Indoor Playground 9:30, Powell Community Center. Kids 6 years and under play with a variety of developmental toys. MissionKS.com
Discovery Day 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Free admission day and make-andtake project. March features a leaf bookmark. OPKansas.org
Frogs, Ducks & the Pond 10:00, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church & School. Mornings with Mommy is a unique blend of story time, learning centers and a playdate. MtOliveLutheranSchool.com
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Community Center. Children ages 5 and under enjoy a special indoor playground. IndependenceMo.gov
Critter Feeding 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. MDC.mo.gov
Open House 9:00, Pembroke Hill Wornall Campus. Open house for ages 2-grade 5. See teachers and learn about the exemplary education offered at Pembroke Hill. PembrokeHill.org
Meteorologist Day 10:00, Science City. Join Neville Miller, meteorologist from KMBC, for a presentation about weather preparedness. UnionStation.org
Kira’s Song: Discovering the Blues 10:00, Midwest Trust Center. Live puppet show about Kira learning to use music to express her feelings with the blues. JCCC.edu
Visit the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is open year-round with thousands of animals to visit at the zoo and aquarium. KansasCityZoo.org
Ema Nikolovska, Mezzo-Soprano 7:00, Folly Theater. Macedonian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska makes her American recital debut. HJSeries.org
The Irish Tenors 7:00, Kauffman Center. With 10 best-selling CDs to their credit, they are among the most successful acts in PBS history. KauffmanCenter.org
Descendants Thru March 9, Culture House. This next generation of villains must decide whether to walk in their parents’ wicked footsteps or redefine their legacies. CultureHouse.com
Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical 9:45, Folly Theater. An exciting new musical based on the trio of award-winning picture books for children. FollyTheater.org
Kira’s Song: Discovering the Blues 10:00, Midwest Trust Center. Live puppet show about Kira learning to use music to express her feelings with the blues. JCCC.edu
Thursday Toddler Time at Ceramic Cafe 10:00, Ceramic Cafe. Toddlers 5 and under paint one of our selected items for just $12. CeramicCafeKC.com
First Thursdays in Liberty 4:00, Historic Downtown Liberty. Shops and eateries are open late for customers. March’s theme: Let’s Wine About Winter. HistoricDowntownLiberty.org
Plaza Easter Bunnies Thru April 8, Country Club Plaza. Iconic statues transform the Plaza into an Easter wonderland, a tradition dating back nearly 100 years. CountryClubPlaza.com
Fun Home Thru March 7, Olathe Civic Theatre. A refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. OlatheTheatre.org
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Thru March 10, Coterie Theatre. A dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan! TheCoterie.org
Raspberry Spring Expo—Art, Crafts and More Thru March 9, Pavilion at John Knox. This event will lift your spirits and help you prepare for warmer weather. IBDPromotions.com
Descendants Thru March 9, Culture House. This next generation of villains must decide whether to walk in their parents’ wicked footsteps or redefine their legacies. CultureHouse.com
Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Have fun when school is out! Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration. JCPRD.com
Indoor Playground 9:30, Powell Community Center. Kids 6 years and under play with variety of developmental toys. MissionKS.com
Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com
March Madness 6:00, Knox Church. Families and children of all ages are invited to an unforgettable night of basketball excitement and enjoyment. KnoxChurch.org
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Thru March 10, Coterie Theatre. A dynamic new musical adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan! TheCoterie.org
Descendants Thru March 9, Culture House. This next generation of villains must decide whether to walk in their parents’ wicked footsteps or redefine their legacies. CultureHouse.com
Bricktionary: The Ultimate Lego A-Z Thru March 31, Union Station. More than 150 custom-built Lego models, Bricktionary is inspired by boundless imagination. UnionStation.org
Shamrock Shake-Up 7:00, Gladstone Community Center. Swim, bike and run with us at the Shamrock Shake-Up Indoor Triathlon. Register at Gladstone.mo.us
Jumperoo Toddler Time 9:00, Urban Air— Lenexa. Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com
Free Day 10:00, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Visit the oldest operating schoolhouse in Johnson County. Learn about Kansas history. JCPRD.com
Garden Tea 10:30, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a champagne tea service complete with sparkling wine, botanical tea and a selection of sweet and savory treats. PowellGardens.org
Teen-Led Saturday: Printmaking Workshop with Viva La Tinta 1:00, Kemper Museum. Learn firsthand about printmaking processes. KemperArt.org
Brunch and Bingo 10:00, Chicken N Pickle: Overland Park. Hang out with us every Sunday for free bingo! ChickenNPickle.com
Ice-Skating 11:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Last day to enjoy Kansas City’s original outdoor ice-skating rink. Shop and dine at Crown Center as well. CrownCenter.com
Cedar Cove: Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. See these epic animals and learn about their characteristics and behaviors! SaveOurSiberians.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:00, Downtown Shawnee. A variety of activities all centered on a parade that heads west to east down Johnson Drive. Shawnee-KS.com
Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2:00, Martin City. Starts at the corner of Washington Street & 135th Street, ending at Holmes Road. MartinCity.org
ClubSciKidz Jr. Med School (Spring Break Camp) Thru March 15, Blue Valley Activity Center. Your young physician will really have a pulse on the human body. KansasCityClubSciKidz.com
Spring Break Camp: Adventure Across Asia Thru March 15, Wonders of Wildlife. Pack your explorer hat as we journey across the world’s largest continent. WondersOfWildlife.org
Kids Day Out Thru March 15, Johnson County Museum. Have fun when school is out! Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration. JCPRD.com
Big 12 March Madness Thru March 16, Science City. Enjoy basketball activities that will take place throughout the week. UnionStation.org
Journey to Oz Thru May 5, Crown Center. Free exhibit celebrating the 85th anniversary of the film as you explore the enchanting world of Oz. CrownCenter.com
Grand Opening: The Rabbit hOle 10:00, The Rabbit hOle. A new museum brings to life a century of American children’s literature for visitors of all ages. RabbitHoleKC.org
Celebrate with live music, free kids activities, food trucks and in-store specials! March 15, 16 & 17, all 3 locations. See ad pg. 7. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Acoustic Night 6:00, Garrison Community Center. Enjoy a night of relaxing acoustic music performed by local musicians during this free concert. LibertyMissouri.gov
Playtime 8:30, Inspired Play Cafe. Enjoy an educational environment for children and a full-service cafe with nutritious food and beverages for adults and caregivers. InspiredPlayCafe.com
Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Preschoolers love stories and crafts from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House. JCPRD.com
KC Zoo’s Animal Care Investigations 2:30, MCPL Lee’s Summit. Learn how the zoo meets the unique needs of its animals and to problem-solve like an animal care specialist. MyMCPL.org
History Drop-In: Brookside 4:00, John Wornall House Museum. At this special event, people who live and work in Brookside will receive free entry to the museum. WornallMajors.org
Jumperoo Toddler Time 9:00, Urban Air— Lenexa. Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com
Free Day 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Explore KidScape and our signature exhibition, “Becoming Johnson County.” JCPRD.com
Spring Break Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. See cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations, take a stagecoach ride and visit the Mahaffie house. Mahaffie.org
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
Pi Day 10:00, Science City. Special activities themed around the concept of pi and the importance of mathematics. UnionStation.org
Watkins Tiny Tours 10:30, Watkins Museum. Interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5. WatkinsMuseum.org
Qlathe BBQ Championship Thru March 16, Lone Elm Park. The Qlathe BBQ Championship is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. OlatheKS.gov
Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park Overland Park. Children 5 and under and their parent/guardian are invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirOP.com
Spring Break at Shawnee Town 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Free admission to enjoy self-guided tours through the historic town. ShawneeTown.org
Local Life: Overland Park 6:00, Downtown Overland Park. Shop and dine at locally owned businesses and enjoy local activities. DowntownOP.org
Easter Celebration Concert 7:00, Nexus Church. Join us for an unforgettable night of worship and celebration! NexusKC.com/Easter
Spring Open House Event Thru March 17, Family Tree Nursery Overland Park. Enjoy food trucks, live music, kids activities and unbelievably creative garden displays. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Jumperoo Toddler Time 9:00, Urban Air— Lenexa. Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com
Blue Valley Rec Egg Dive 9:00, Blue Valley Activity Center. Come join the fun and help find eggs Peter Rabbit hid in the pool. Dive for special eggs to redeem for prizes! BlueValleyRec.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 10:00, Downtown Overland Park. This family-friendly event includes marching bands, drill teams, Irish dancers and costumed performers. VisitOverlandPark.com
Animal Homes—Nature Presentation 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn about where animals live and how they build their homes. LakesideNatureCenter.org
Shamrock the Block 10:00-Noon, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Families can enjoy live performances, kids games, food trucks, candy and more until noon. DowntownLS.org
Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Registration required. Join naturalists for hands-on nature projects. MDC.mo.gov
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11:00, Downtown Tonganoxie. Wear your green, join the parade or just take in the festivities. TongieRec.org
Snake Saturday Parade 11:00, North Kansas City. Enjoy a parade, festival, carnival, petting zoo, live entertainment and family fun. SnakeSaturday.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:00, Downtown Lexington, Mo. The St. Patrick’s parade is the longest-running citywide civic event in Lexington. LexingtonStPatsParade.org
St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade 2:00, Brookside District. Over 100 organizations and businesses from across the metro enter the parade each year. BrooksideKC.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 4:00, Main Street Belton. Come to Broken Hatchet Brewing to view the parade and enjoy Chef Aristos’ food truck! DowntownBeltonMain.com
Snakes & Scones St. Patrick’s Event 6:00, Prairie Park Nature Center. Come meet our friendly snakes and enjoy classic British scones. LawrenceKS.org
Feel the Power: Monumental Music 7:00, John Knox Pavilion. This concert will feature music you can feel in your heart all the way down to your toes. LSSymphony.org
17 Sunday
Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11:00, Westport Kansas City. The 2024 parade, with the theme 50 Cheers to 50 Years, begins at Linwood & Broadway. KCIrishParade.com
Back to the ’50s: Bowling Noon, Summit Lanes. Games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com
Beau Bledsoe & Christine Grossman Noon, Kansas City Museum. Live concert weaves together the rhythms of Argentine tangos and soulful melodies. KansasCityMuseum.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1:00, Downtown Lawrence. Enjoy a family-friendly parade with floats, antique cars, pipers, dancers and more. ExploreLawrence.com
18 Monday
Plaza Easter Bunnies Thru April 8, Country Club Plaza. Iconic statues transform the Plaza into an Easter wonderland, a tradition dating back nearly 100 years. CountryClubPlaza.com
Journey to Oz Thru May 5, Crown Center. Free exhibit celebrating the 85th anniversary of the film as you explore the enchanting world of Oz. CrownCenter.com
19 Tuesday
Homeschool EdVenture: First on the Scene 9:00, Wonders of Wildlife. Forest fires can bring disaster, destruction and … life? Learn about these catastrophes. WondersOfWildlife.org
Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos play! KawPrairie.info
Totally Tots 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art at this free program. KemperArt.org
20 Wednesday
Playtime 8:30, Inspired Play Cafe. Enjoy an educational environment for children and a full-service cafe with nutritious food and beverages for adults and caregivers. InspiredPlayCafe.com
Hang Loose with Mother Goose 10:00, MCPL Lone Jack. Meet Mother Goose’s son, Jack, and learn through rhymes and songs. Enjoy classic nursery rhymes. MyMCPL.org
Night at the Arboretum 6:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Experience the magic of Night at the Arboretum during the new moon phase. OPKansas.org
Bunny Trail Thru March 31, Westboro/ Canterbury Park. Find each bunny and complete the activity sheet. Return the sheet to the Liberty Community Center for a treat. LibertyMissouri.gov
Mary Poppins Thru March 24, Blue Springs South High School. An irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. BlueSpringsCityTheatre.com
Homeschool EdVenture: First on the Scene 9:00, Wonders of Wildlife. Forest fires can bring disaster, destruction and … life? Learn about these catastrophes. WondersOfWildlife.org
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
A bit more than an hour south of Kansas City, Fort Scott is a delightful day trip full of history and memories.
Fort Scott National Historic Site offers self-guided tours.
As you tour the Fort, you’ll learn about the life of soldiers and note distinct differences in the living conditions of infantrymen and officers. The tour includes a field hospital, prison, bakehouse, kitchen, living quarters, stables, barracks, guardhouse, parade ground and museum complete with historical exhibits.
Freedom Farms is a family-owned sustainable Kansas farm. They participate in Kansas farm tours throughout the year, and you may schedule a visit. The owners believe in sharing their sustainable farming practices with the community and helping consumers understand how food is grown. See goats, chickens and more.
On Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy a narrated trolley tour to learn the history of Fort Scott. Learn about famous artists like Albert Bigelow Paine, see Victorian mansions and homes and explore local history. Fort Scott was home to three brick factories producing 100,000 bricks weekly. Cobblestones still line several of the roads, making for a bumpy and educational ride.
In 1862, Congress approved the creation of national cemeteries, and Fort Scott became home to U.S. National Cemetery #1, one of 14 to be designated or established. Graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers, members of the Indian Home Guard and Buffalo Soldiers, Black troops who served in peacetime, are at this cemetery.
Visit Fort Scott offers a free driving tour that you may download or pick up for free at the Visitors Information Center. Visitors are invited to see 52 Victorian homes on this self-directed tour. The homes were all built between 1842 and 1919. The driving tour offers a glimpse of life in the historic town.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is home to the “Life in a Jar” Project, the story of Irena Sendler. Visitors are invited to see the exhibit showcasing engaging and unbelievable true stories of real-life unsung heroes who were not recognized in their own lifetime. All stories are researched and composed by students.
Free Family Fun Night 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Enjoy a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org
Spring Container Workshop Thru March 24, Family Tree Nursery Locations. FTN supplies all the materials needed to create a beautiful combo for spring. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Splash with Me: Lenexa Rec Center 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Let your little ones splash, play and build confidence in the water. Lenexa.com
Club SciKidz Camp Jurassic 4:30, IDEA Space. Campers learn about a variety of dinosaurs and their habitats. Register at IDEASpaceKC.org
Spring Container Workshop Thru March 24, Family Tree Nursery locations. FTN supplies all the materials needed to create a beautiful combo for spring. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Brunch with the Bunny 9:00, Merriam Community Center. Join the Easter Bunny for a special pancake breakfast! Register at Merriam.org.
Easter Egg Hunt 9:00, Spring Hill Sports Complex. Among the hidden eggs there will be various eggs with vouchers in them. SpringHillRec.org
Breakfast with the Bunny 9:00, Maggiano’s. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and photo ops with the bunny. Maggianos.com
Cub & Scouts BSA Day at the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Scouts in uniform will receive free admission. KansasCityZoo.org
Family Friendly Egg-Venture Times and locations online. Hop on over for this free event with an egg hunt, craft, and fun-filled activities. Resurrection.Church/Easter
MTC Kids Jam—Sugar Free Allstars 10:00, Midwest Trust Center. The MTC Kids Jam concert series is specially designed with families in mind! JCCC.edu
Våffeldagen (Waffle Day) 10:00, Lindsborg, Kan. Våffeldagen means waffles for breakfast, lunch and supper, as well as for desserts and drinks. VisitLindsborg.com
Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Registration required. Join naturalists for hands-on nature projects. MDC.mo.gov
Community Egg Hunt 11:00, Arno Park. This family-friendly event is free for kids of all ages with an egg hunt, raffle and fun-filled activities. StJohnsUMC.org
Easter Market 11:00, Stoney Creek Hotel. Shop local for family and friends with many great items for Easter baskets. Take a photo with the bunny. StoneyCreekHotels.com
Underwater EggStravaganza Noon, Gregg/ Klice Community Center. Grab your swimwear and join us for our underwater egg hunt! KCParks.org
Spring Tea 2:00, Vaile Mansion. Enjoy select sandwiches and sweets while visiting with friends and sipping tea in this lovely 19th-century mansion in Independence. VaileMansion.org
Easter Egg Hunt 3:00, Chieftan Park. Bring your basket to collect eggs and your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Games, crafts and face painting. TongieRec.org
Mary Poppins Thru March 24, Blue Springs South High School. An irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. BlueSpringsCityTheatre.com
Egg-Stravaganza 9:00, Wilbur Young Park. This free Easter egg hunt is the perfect event for families and kids of all ages. Photos with the bunny. BlueSpringsGov.com
Palm Sunday Service 9:30 and 11:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. You are invited to worship services to celebrate Palm Sunday. LenexaBaptist.com
Palm Sunday Block Party 10:00, Nexus Church. Kids participate in parade and balloon drop Easter egg hunt. NexusKC.com/Easter
Knox Church Palm Sunday Service and Egg Hunt 10:00, Knox Church. Kick off the day with Palm Sunday worship at 10:00 followed by an egg hunt. KnoxChurch.org
Puppy Yoga + Brunch + Bottomless Mimosas 11:00, The Fontaine. Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga session surrounded by playful puppies followed by brunch. GreatPlainsSPCA.org
Annual Easter Egg Hunt 11:00, Belton Memorial Park. Activities begin at 10:00 and photos with the bunny, followed by the hunt at 11:00. BeltonParks.org
Back to the ’50s: Bowling Noon, Summit Lanes. Games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com
Journey to Oz Thru May 5, Crown Center. Free exhibit celebrating the 85th anniversary of the film as you explore the enchanting world of Oz. CrownCenter.com
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. This activity provides kids a place to run, ride and play while making new friends. Lenexa.com
Visit the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is open year-round with thousands of animals to visit at the zoo and aquarium. KansasCityZoo.org
Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Ride and slide, drive, pull or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles. Merriam.org
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
Discover Whitefield 10:30, Whitefield Academy. Register to learn why parents love our classical approach to education for Kinder Prep - 12th grade students. WhitefieldAcademyKC.org
Operation Wildlife 3:00, MCPL Green Hills. Learn the facts and the future of wild babies and birds. Natural history artifacts will be shared. MyMCPL.org
Family Night 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Bring the whole gang for free activities like a balloon artist and classic board games. LenexaPublicMarket.com
Handmade Stoneware Mugs Class 6:30, Ceramic Café. You will love drinking your morning beverage from your very own mug. CeramicCafeOnlineStore.com
The Diary of Anne Frank Thru April 7, Roger T. Sermon Community Center. Follow Anne’s family as they hide as a result of Hitler’s treatment of Jews. CityTheatreOfIndependence.org
Journey to Oz Thru May 5, Crown Center. Free exhibit celebrating the 85th anniversary of the film as you explore the enchanting world of Oz. CrownCenter.com
Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, Journey Church International. There will be two simultaneous egg hunts—one at Sage Crossing and one at Journey Church International. TakeTheJourney.ccbchurch.com
Bunny Hop 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Join the Easter Bunny for a hopping parade down Third Street at this year’s Downtown Bunny Hop! DowntownLS.org
Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, Grace Church North Overland Park. Easter egg hunt from 10:30 to noon. Sensory-friendly hunt at 10:00. Thousands of eggs will be hidden. VisitGraceChurch.com
Riverside Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, Riverside Community Center Pool. Egg hunt, face painting, bubble party and more. RiversideMO.gov
Easter Eggstravanganza 10:00, First Baptist Church KCMO. Easter egg hunts, bouncy houses and food for children and families! FBCKCMO.net
Bunny Egg-stravaganza 10:00, Broadmoor Park. This “egg-citing” holiday event features egg hunts for all ages, clowns and a visit from two very special bunnies! MissionKS.org
Easter Egg Hunt 10:30, Grace Church—South Overland Park. Bring your family and join us for our annual Easter egg hunt to find thousands of eggs. VisitGraceChurch.com
Easter Bunny Visits 10:30, Louisburg Cider Mill. The Easter Bunny will visit the cider mill between 10:30 and 12:30. Enjoy cider donuts and slushes. LouisburgCiderMill.com
Egg Extravaganza 11:00, Mid-Continent Public Library (Raytown). Egg hunt, parade, story time and games. Food and vendors. RaytownChamber.com
Garrison Egg Hunt 11:00, Garrison Community Center. There will be a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, games and more. KCParks.com
Hands On History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life in this family-friendly program. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
Pup Egg Hunt 1:00, Sports Complex Overland Park. Your furry friend will have a blast sniffing out treat-filled eggs and barking at all the photo opportunities. BlueValleyRec.org
Easter Service 5:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. You are invited to Easter services to celebrate Resurrection Sunday. LenexaBaptist.com
Easter Services Times and locations online, Resurrection Church. The worst thing is never the last thing. See display ad pg. 19. Resurrection.Church/Easter
Easter Service 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. You are invited to Easter services to celebrate Resurrection Sunday. LenexaBaptist.com
Easter Service 10:00, Providence Church. Worship service for Easter Sunday in Lenexa. SovGraceKC.org
Easter Sunday 10:00, Nexus Church. Worship service for Easter Sunday in Lenexa. NexusKC.org
Easter Sunday 10:30, Westbrooke Church. Easter Sunday service with music, sermon and focus on the Resurrection story. WestbrookeChurch.org
