KC Parent Magazine April 2017

FREE | April 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

INCLUSIVE

PARKS IN KC

raising culturally curious kids

40+ great

summer camp options!

celebrate

EARTH DAY

in kansas city get your family into a

GREEN ROUTINE

TAKE THE

DIGITAL DETOX CHALLENGE

Heartland Harvest Garden

UPCOMING EVENTS Easter Eggs & the Breakfast Bunny 8:45 a.m.–noon April 15 Doggies & Dogwoods Days 9 a.m.–4 p.m. April 29-30 Fungi & Fermentation Festival 10 a.m.–6 p.m. May 6-7

Naturally Inspired...

Welcome to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, where you’ll embrace the Midwest’s spirit of place and be captivated by the sheer beauty and authenticity found in every season. This living collection encompasses interactive gardens, nature trails, lakes, meadows, renowned architecture and more. Visitors also can engage with The Heartland Harvest Garden, the nation’s largest edible landscape with more than 2,000 types of food plants and special events that include tastings, demonstrations and chef-prepared dinners.

Visit powellgardens.org to see what’s blooming.

1609 NW U.S. 50 Highway 816.697.2600 | powellgardens.org

Summer Camp 201 7 Today!

Ages 6-12

Enroll

Create. Explore. Experiment.

Become a Member & SAVE!

June 6– August 12

Join us as we spark interest in STEAM learning through interactive, challenging and FUN activities at Science City Summer Camp!

ScienceCity.com/SummerCamp

E !

K MA S NOW N A PL

Space is Limited!

eAstER

EGGSTRAVAGANZA • • • • •

Avoid the Line – Buy Tickets Today!

Easter Egg Hunt Science & Maker Demos & Activities Face Painters & Balloon Artists Photos with the Easter Bunny AND MORE!

ScienceCity.com

April 15 at Science City

ENJOY MORE FAMILY TIME & LEAVE THE SPRING CLEAN UP TO US WE SPECIALIZE IN: Landscape & Hardscape design/instaLL Landscape LigHting & irrigation instaLL Lawn Maintenance packages (Mowing & FertiLization)

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www.DynamicEarthLawnCare.com

APRIL

2017

DEPARTMENTS 10 Craft Corner 12 Media Mix 13 Word from Dad 17 Women’s Health

THE ABCs OF RAISING CULTURALLY CURIOUS KIDS, PG. 20

SPECIAL SECTIONS 24 Party Guide

FEATURES

32 Camp Guide 52 Calendar of Events

28

32

50

Green Routine

Camp Guide

Egg Hunts

Teaching kids to help protect Earth

16+ pages of great summer camp options

Creative twists on the traditional Easter egg hunt

Our cover features Bentley from Leawood.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

Cover model provided by HoffmanModels.com.

FREE | April 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER Inclusive Parks in KC

16

Raising Culturally Curious Kids

20

Get into a Green Routine

28

Digital Detox

30

40+ Great Summer Camp Options!

32

Green Learning in KC

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kcparent.com april 2017

48

INCLUSIVE

PARKS IN KC

raising culturally curious kids

40+ great

summer camp options!

celebrate

EARTH DAY

in kansas city get your family into a

GREEN ROUTINE

TAKE THE

DIGITAL DETOX CHALLENGE

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

adidas Outlet | Aéropostale | Books-A-Million (BAM!) | Buckle | Carter’s | Dave & Buster’s | Eddie Bauer Outlet | F21 RED KC Soda Co. | maurices | Nike Factory Store | Old Navy Outlet | Panera Bread | T-REX Café | Under Armour Factory House

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

LegendsShopping.com

EDITOR’SLETTER APRIL 2017

I

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Rebecca Ishum (Belton), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), C. Alex Merrill (Lawrence), Katie Newell (Shawnee)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS

baby& 15

spring/summer 2017

BY

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

&

KC B A

FREE | April 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

N

MATERNI T Y YE A R S

SI

Happy Easter and happy spring, Kansas City!

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

G A Z I NE MA

kcgoingplaces.com

INCLUSIVE

PARKS IN KC

raising culturally curious kids

40+ great

summer camp options!

WHAT’S NEW IN

KANSAS CITY 500+ DISCOVERIES

celebrate

EARTH DAY

in kansas city get your family into a

GREEN ROUTINE

TO MAKE IN KC

CE

2 00 2

maternity

APRIL-JUNE 2017 | KCPARENT.COM

the

labor & delivery issue

ULTIMATE

SUMMER FUN LIST

what is labor like?

really

CREATING A BIRTH PLAN

FAVORITE

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

tips for a smooth DELIVERY

+ BEST KEPT WEEKEND SECRETS INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT WITHOUT LEAVING KC

best

TAKE THE

NEW

DIGITAL DETOX CHALLENGE

books for TINY TOTS

.com

’ve written in this space before of my love/ hate relationship with technology, my phone and social media. On one hand, it provides me with a lot of positives: keeps me in touch with a wide variety of people, frees me up from being tied to my laptop all day, informs me of social events, etc. But on the other hand, I see quite a few negatives: the feeling of being available 24/7, monitoring my girls’ screen time and social media behavior (which in and of itself sometimes feels like a full-time job), burning time perusing Facebook or Pinterest when I could be doing something productive and more.

For as long as we’ve had screens in the house, I’ve had limits. In fact, my girls still ask if they can watch TV before they turn it on. I frequently announce a “low screen” or “no screen” day in our home. These are not planned in advance, and the girls know on those days they either have screens for an hour or not at all. At first they grumbled but they’ve gotten used to it. I put my phone up around 8:00 each night and don’t check it until the morning, but I think I need to do more. I can see the benefits of going a day or two without. I typically make an excuse that I need it for work or to stay in touch with the kids, but if they can make do without, then so can I. Lee’s Summit mom Allison Gibeson looks at the benefits of a digital detox on pg. 30.

Spring is officially here, and that means the calendar gets busier and fuller! For everything from Easter egg hunts to kite flying parks and more, we’ve got you covered at KCParent.com.

Check it out today for great ways to get out and enjoy a spring day!

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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kcparent.com april 2017

Foster parents needed!

Help children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges Do I qualify to be a foster parent?

All kinds of people can qualify to foster a child. Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may be eligible.

How will I handle saying goodbye to the child if and when it’s safe for them to go home?

This is no doubt difficult, but any sadness is outweighed by the safety and love you will give to a child during a time of crisis. Plus, you’re encouraged to maintain life-long connections with the child and family. Thousands of children in the Kansas City area are in need of caring foster families. If not you, then who?

Contact us to learn more. We offer FREE training classes and support you every step of the way.

(888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org

For Your Family’s Health, On and Off the Field.

Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Make an online reservation today at CentraCareKC.com.

Convenient Locations: Shawnee (NOW OPEN) (Shawnee Mission Pkwy & Nieman) Lenexa (91st & Quivira) Olathe (119th & Blackbob) Overland Park (135th & Grandview) kcparent.com april 2017

9

CRAFTCORNER Most of the items required to make this little craft can be found at the dollar store, making this not only fun but frugal too!

Materials Needed:

• Small toys (animals, cars, figurines) • Acrylic paint • Hot glue gun • Baby food jars • Construction paper

animal confetti globes

Step One: Paint baby food jar lids and toys with acrylic paint. You may need to do a few coats of paint to make sure they are fully covered.

d

IY snow globes are popular around the holidays, but why not craft up a similar project for spring?

These little globes can be filled with colorful confetti and small toys. Not only are they super easy to make and fun for kids to play with, but they would look so cute sitting on a shelf to add some spring decor!

Most of the items required to make this little craft can be found at the dollar store, making this not only fun but frugal too!

Step Two: Cut up some construction paper into small pieces of confetti.

You also could use a small holepunch to make confetti or even use store-bought confetti.

Step Three: Using a hot glue gun, attach the toy to the inside of the lid.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children.

She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

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kcparent.com april 2017

Step Four: Fill the jar with some confetti and then screw on the lid. If you want the lid to be permanently attached, just add some hot glue to the inside rim before screwing it on.

Turn it over and enjoy!

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

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(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City kcparent.com april 2017

11

MEDIAMIX

kindergarten and beyond new books provide fun and education for the classroom

By McGeath Freeman

Round

By Joyce Sidman Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo Best for: Ages 4-7

First Grade Dropout!

Horizon

By Audrey Vernick

Best for: Ages 9-13

Illustrated by Matthew Cordell Best for: Ages 4-8

Follow a young girl and her father through fields of flowers, across the seashore and even around their backyard to discover how wonderful round is. First the little girl points out things your young ones easily will notice as round—oranges, seeds, turtle eggs—but then she begins to stretch how children think of round. She points out how some things become round over time as “all the sharp edges wear off.” Some round things are hidden, like tree rings, and waiting to be discovered. Sidman captures the youthful gift of curiosity and the desire to discover. Yoo uses saturated colors and mixed media to enhance the sense of texture in the scenes and complement the little girl’s fascination with the round things she sees.

Making a mistake can be very embarrassing, especially when everyone sees you do it. When everyone laughs at that mistake (even your best friend), it can be unbearable. This is the premise of First Grade Dropout! When our main character does something embarrassing in class, he feels his only recourse is to drop out of school. His charm and selfawareness, as he explains his dilemma, will push readers of all ages to remember their most embarrassing moments.

Vernick clearly shows readers that school, relationships and life can be difficult. But we all make mistakes. Sometimes you just need to laugh at yourself and move on. This is a good book for introducing empathy to young readers.

What’s good: The narrator’s hyperbole

What’s good: Children will be eager to

adds humor to an embarrassing situation.

talk about all things round in their lives.

What’s bad: It’s unlikely you’ll find a first

What’s bad: Not much.

grader as self-aware as the narrator.

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kcparent.com april 2017

By Scott Westerfield

What do you get when you cross The Maze Runner with 39 Clues? A new multiplatform middle grade series filled with action, mystery and suspense. This is a fast-paced story that draws you in as eight kids survive a plane crash and find themselves in a dense jungle with strange predatorial animals. They need to band together to survive, discover what is going on and find a way to get rescued. My young high school son said he couldn’t put the book down until he finished reading it and couldn’t wait for the next installment. He highly recommends this new series to lovers of science fiction and survival thrillers.

What’s good: Fast-paced mystery with intriguing twists and turns.

What’s bad: If you don’t take part in the multi-platform aspect, you will have to wait until fall 2017 for the next installment.

WORDFROMDAD

“d

ad, have you seen Boots?”

Boots is our cat, a tuxedo with a white dot on her right shoulder. We hadn’t intended to own a feline, but there are reams of advice on pets for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and virtually all of them support the idea.

But that’s only part of the reason. We live next to a wooded area, and wild little denizens of the forest often think they’d like to make the transition to civilization. When my bishop’s wife offered a cat, I jumped at the chance.

James griped at being her caretaker, but it was all worthwhile. The rodents disappeared.

Now, Boots was missing. We’d kept her in the house for her own safety, but she always tried to sneak out. This day, our vigilance failed.

Even though we had to nag him to care for Boots, James was beside himself. I walked for what seemed like miles, calling and searching for this little cat, but without luck.

“Dad, what are we going to do?” James was at the point of tears and called for her repeatedly.

By the morning of the second day, I was desperate. I did some research and found a call that mother cats made, looking for their kittens. It wasn’t quite a meow, but a short noise that sounded more like ‘rrr-ow,’ pronounced far back in the throat. I made a circuit of the house again, making this ridiculous noise. Back on the front porch, I scanned the area. No cat. I sighed and turned to go back in, but a movement caught my eye. Boots trotted up the drive and returned my call. I took her inside for a joyful reunion with my son.

“Boots! You’re back! How’d you do it, Dad?” “Easy. I learned to speak cat.”

Summer break from school doesn’t mean kids’ development has to be on vacation, too. Summertime at the Y focuses on achievement, relationships and belonging — three important drivers of healthy youth development.

REGISTER NOW! DAY CAMPS FILL QUICKLY.

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family (and their cat). kcparent.com april 2017

13

Identify strengths When the urge to compare your children arises, identify each child’s strengths. One may have an excellent sense of coordination and therefore excel in physical development and, later, in sports. Another child may have no interest in sports but have a knack for listening to others and perceiving how they are feeling. Compassion and caretaking may come naturally to a child with these strengths. Elizabeth DeArmond, mother of four from Olathe, says, “It helps to see how their differences help all of us as a whole. We balance each other out.”

While taking notes on strengths, acknowledge areas where each child may struggle and allow more patience and instruction in this area, without putting the child down for his weaknesses. We are all different and have strengths and struggles.

We just need to learn to embrace them for ourselves and our children. As your children grow, learn to keep your expectations in line with their abilities and interests.

Focus on the child’s efforts

DON’T COMPARE

A

s a mother of six children, I have caught myself comparing one child to another many times. I know their physical, emotional and intellectual development will progress at a rate unique to each, and each will have his own strengths and weaknesses. But when I’m in the middle of a 2-year-old’s tantrum over a seemingly trivial problem, it’s hard not to think, “Your sister never did this.”

Parents often battle the urge to compare one child to another. Comparing is a natural reaction, considering we use comparisons to make decisions involving nearly every other aspect of our lives. When dealing with two or more children, we must do the exact opposite of this natural tendency. “This was hard for me when my son was younger. He had several developmental delays, and I would struggle with comparing him to where his sister was at that age,” says Ashley Clark, Shawnee mother of two. “I knew it wasn’t healthy for any of us and I had to let it go.”

Comparing siblings can have negative effects because it can create jealousy, sibling rivalry, feelings of self doubt, and negatively impact the parent-child relationship as a whole.

We know each child is unique, with his own gifts, struggles and personality, which all affect how he grows, learns and develops. But how do we learn to appreciate these differences rather than compare them?

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Instead of comparing one child’s struggles to another child’s successes, try to focus on each individual child’s efforts and improvements. “I have to remind myself that the kids are all different and continue to train them accordingly. Eventually they will mature at their own pace and will ultimately grow into productive independent adults,” says Kelly Lawton, mother of five. Things come easily to some people, while others put in lots of hard work to gain the same result. Instead of noting the ease with which one child can accomplish tasks, take note and celebrate the child who is putting in the most effort and congratulate him on any improvements made. “Once I embraced their differences,” says Clark, “I could appreciate where they are as little people.”

Celebrate individual milestones As parents we desire to be fair to all our children, but over-focusing on fairness can shortchange kids. I noticed as my children grew I became so focused on being fair that I was missing the celebration of the individual milestones that were important

and meaningful to each child. Being fair is a great goal, but part of that is appreciating each child’s differences rather than comparing them as a group. For instance, when you notice your child has achieved a new accomplishment, make sure to share it with the entire family at dinner. Doing this lets all of them know you pay attention to their individual accomplishments.

No one wants to hear the words, “Why can’t you be more like your sister?”

Comparisons feel like judgment to a child.

While it goes against our natural instinct, we must learn to see the individuality in our children. “My twin girls are emotionally different, which has led me to parent each one differently. The sensitive one needs gentle corrections, while the other responds better to timeouts and words of affirmation,” says Jennifer Klindworth, of Olathe. “When we have the chance, we separate them and go on outings for one-on-one time. It is amazing how different they are when they are not competing for attention.” Loving and appreciating your children for their differences doesn’t mean you love one more than another. It means you have learned to love each one of them for their own unique qualities.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

How to Notice Unique Qualities in Your Children n

Treat them as individuals.

n

Seek out what makes them unique.

n

Recognize their strengths and struggles.

n

Choose activities they love.

n

Foster separate friendships.

n

Find out their love language from the book The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.

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Listen to what they say.

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Give them choices.

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Spend one-on-one time with each child.

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15

kansas city’s best playgrounds inclusive parks

&

McCoy Park

Tiffany Hills Park

K

ansas City’s local parks and rec departments have been working in recent years to respond to the community’s needs by installing new playground equipment that is inclusive and accessible for all children. While many parks are accessible to children with special needs in terms of parking and sidewalks, often the playground equipment is not. The parks on this list feature equipment that is inclusive for all children to enjoy. Each of these parks features smooth surfaces, accessible parking and restrooms and fun features to enjoy:

• McCoy Park: 800 N. Bess Truman

Pkwy., Independence, MO. This pioneerthemed inclusive park offers a playground accessible to children and caregivers of all abilities. The playground features ramps on the equipment, adaptive swings, as well as toddler and saucer swings, and stainless steel slides and roller slides to enable children with cochlear implants to enjoy. The sensory rich environment also incorporates musical elements, such as tuned drums and aluminum chimes, and interactive panels to spark problem-solving and teamwork. In addition, the playground is fenced—a favorite feature for parents of little ones.

• Tiffany Hills Park: 9400 N. Congress

Ave., Kansas City, MO. This pirate-themed playground is designed to meet the needs of all children. The playground includes ramps to access the equipment, metal slides for children with cochlear implants, accessible swings, sensory panels for touch and sound, as well as fencing to keep the children safe.

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kcparent.com april 2017

• Legacy Park: 1201 NE Legacy Park

Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO. The LSPR accessible playground is located at Legacy Park Shelter 3. The playground includes ramps, accessible swings, smooth surfaces and accessible parking.

• College Boulevard Activity

Center Playground: 11031 S. Valley

• Memorial Park: 998 Commercial

St., Belton, MO. This inclusive playground is enjoyed by children of all abilities.

The playground offers ramps to the equipment.

•

Overland Park Jewish Community Center Playground:

Pkwy., Olathe, KS. This Variety KC playground, adjacent to the accessible ball fields for the Miracle League, a sports league where children of all abilities play baseball, is a fun and inclusive place to play. With ramps, smooth surfaces and equipment that can be enjoyed by children in wheelchairs, this park is a treasure in Johnson County.

5801 W. 115th St., Leawood, KS. To respect those in wheelchairs, this playground offers smooth surfaces and low platforms as transfer stations so those using wheelchairs can lift themselves onto playground equipment. A unique feature is the Braille panels and other play panels with interesting textures or fragrances.

The playground is enclosed with a fence.

• Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park:

• COMING SPRING 2017!

E. 27th Street & Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO. This 60-year-old park near Crown Center is beloved for its sea dragon and pirate ship theme. This park has been upgraded to feature concrete sidewalks and ramps for wheelchairs and new equipment.

Leawood City Park: 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS. Variety KC is excited to announce the newest inclusive playground in the metro will be Leawood City Park, opening this spring! Look for updates on KCParent.com when it opens.

WOMEN’SHEALTH

I

ACNE IS ONLY SKIN DEEP

have a confession. Among all the things in the world a person can struggle with or complain about, mere vanity is one of my biggest indulgences. Up until last December, I had bad skin. For a half dozen years, I tried everything: folk remedies, magazine articles and internet DIY tutorials.

You name it, and I have tried it. Around 20, the beauty scale tipped and my complexion suffered. I was completely shocked, not understanding how an adult could get acne.

I met with Dr. Holly Fritch-Kirby, MD. I wanted to know how acne could skip teen years entirely and begin in adulthood. In our interview post-treatment, Fritch-Kirby shared some information: “With my own experience, when we look at adult acne, we are often talking about acne rosacea (similar to acne, causes redness and acne-like facial bumps). It is very similar to getting hives in the sense that our body is reacting [to a trigger]. There is no single thing that causes [acne]. It makes sense that someone can be acne-free in high school and then have it in their 30s, because people have allergies. It is helpful to learn about what your and your family’s allergy history is to predict what might trigger you.”

I have learned a few common sense tips along my path to clearer skin.

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1. DO NOT mess with your face! Your skin (this includes your hands)

is covered in natural oils. I understand, pimples are frustrating, as is the urgency to pick at your skin. If you poke and pop, the oil will worsen and scars can develop.

2. DO moisturize (correctly). It might seem counterintuitive for an oily face, but a daily moisturizing routine is essential.

Keep in mind to only use products labeled “oil-free” with UV protection.

2. Be LEERY of miracle cures.

Everyone’s skin type is different: dry, oily, combination. This means finding the right products for you may be difficult. If you think your acne is lasting longer than is usual for you or is happening too often, please seek professional dermatological help.

C. Alex Merrill is a freelance writer and habitual traveler from the Lawrence area.

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As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com april 2017

17

deviled eggs, three ways

I

f your family is anything like ours, you have a blast dyeing dozens of hard-cooked Easter eggs each and every year. It’s an easy, fun project that everybody loves. However, coming up with things to do with the leftover eggs often can be challenging. Enter the deviled egg, three ways.

Deviled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats for developing brains and bodies. Mixing them up with multiple flavors also keeps boredom at bay. These recipes are all easy to assemble and make the perfect snack and lunch box additions to enjoy all week long. Cheers!

Classic Deviled Eggs Ingredients (Makes 24 eggs): 12 hard-cooked eggs 1/3 c. real mayonnaise 1 T. + 1t. apple cider vinegar 1 T. yellow mustard 1/2 t. sea salt 1/2 t. ground black pepper Smoked paprika and chives for garnish

Instructions (15 minutes, all active): Carefully peel one dozen hardcooked eggs. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Transfer yolks to a small mixing bowl.

Mash egg yolks with a fork.

Except for the paprika and chives, add all remaining ingredients and continue to mash until filling is mostly smooth and well combined.

(You also can do this using a handheld mixer.) Using a small spoon, place about a tablespoon of filling in each egg white. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to two days.

Just before serving, garnish with a dusting of smoked paprika and a sprinkling of snipped chives. Serve and enjoy!!!

Notes: This is a great recipe to let your preschoolers help out with.

Annie and Ellie loved to help mash the yolks, and peeling eggs is a great way to work on fine motor skills. (Sometimes we didn’t use all whites. Extra filling!) If possible, make these eggs at least a few hours ahead of serving them. The flavor intensifies when the ingredients have a chance to get to know each other in the fridge. These eggs are also vegetarian, gluten-free and nut-free.

Mash egg yolks with a fork. Dice avocados. Except for the bacon, add all remaining ingredients and continue to puree with a hand-held or stand mixer until filling is smooth and well combined.

Using a small spoon, place about a tablespoon of filling in each egg white.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to one day.

Just before serving, garnish with a slice of bacon. Serve and enjoy!!!

Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs Ingredients (Makes 24 servings):

(a.k.a. Guacamole Stuffed Eggs)

12 hard-cooked eggs 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken 1 rib celery, finely diced 1 T. purchased ranch mix (I prefer Pensey’s) 1/4 t. celery seed 1/4 t. sea salt 1/4 t. black pepper 1 T. water 1/3 c. mayo 1 T. + 1 t. Frank’s hot sauce 2 thinly sliced jalepenos to garnish

Ingredients (Makes 24 eggs):

Instructions (15 minutes, all active):

12 hard-cooked eggs 2 avocados 1 lime, zest and juice 1 t. garlic salt 2 T. chopped cilantro 1/2 t. black pepper 1/2 t. sea salt Cooked and crumbled bacon for garnish

Carefully peel one dozen hard-cooked eggs. Slice eggs in half lengthwise.

Transfer yolks to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk together ranch mix, celery seed, sea salt, pepper and water. Using a handheld or stand mixer, puree spice mixture, egg yolks, mayo and hot sauce. Stir in chicken and celery by hand.

Using a small spoon, place a heaping tablespoon of filling into each egg white. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Just before serving, garnish each egg with a thinly sliced piece of jalepeno.

Enjoy!

Avocado-Lime Deviled Eggs

Instructions (5 minutes, all active): Carefully peel one dozen hardcooked eggs. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Transfer yolks to a small mixing bowl.

Katie Newell is a former junk food junkie turned certified nutrition coach. She is also a culinary instructor, cookbook author and mama to two sweet girls. You can check out her cookbook, Feeding Our Families, and find other real food recipes at HealthnutFoodie.com.

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How Do You Know if Your Child Really

Needs Braces – Or Will Just Grow Out of It?

When you need to take care of it – or can it wait?

To go to a dentist or an orthodontist? Are all orthodontists the same?

To get Invisalign® or a lower cost alternative? Who can you trust for advice?

BurlesonSmile.com Authoritative information for parents of children, pre-teens and teens is available, free, and at no obligation, including downloadable free reports, online video, and more.

In this era of social media, social media shaming and bullying, shocking numbers of pre-teen and teen suicides, and hyper-emphasis on personal appearance, crooked and mis-placed teeth and a smile he or she is embarrassed about and humiliated by can be a serious issue. Further, there are lifelong health ramifications of neglected or postponed, necessary teeth straightening. This is much more than just ‘cosmetics’. But how can you feel confident about the decisions you make, for your daughter or son? Please let us provide the information that directly and clearly answers your questions.

Visit BurlesonSmile.com BEFORE you visit any dental or orthodontic office.

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See why over 15,000 Kansas City moms trust Burleson to help their children smile with confidence. Call (816) 759-0119 today to reserve your comprehensive smile assessment and ask about our exclusive offers for readers of KC Parent Magazine.

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AB Cs

of raising a culturally curious child

W

Art. Local museums bring history and

culture to life. “I’m looking to integrate art with a trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum to identify artists from different nations and cultures,” says Olathe mom Carie Beth Russell, who is planning a 12-week “world tour” with her daughters this summer.

ith thoughtful resourcefulness, teaching our kids to appreciate our world’s rich tapestry of cultures and customs can be as simple as A, B, C

Dance. Spanish teacher Jackie Rodriguez,

Oak Hill Elementary in Overland Park, says that dancers like Flamenco performers help make lessons come alive for students. Check out dance performances representing cultures from around the world at Kansas City’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival in August.

Books. Expand your child’s horizons by Ethnic influences. Consider consulting with your librarian about books that highlight diverse people and places.

For adults, Russell found inspiration for her playful summer home-study in the book Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time by Jamie C. Martin.

Clothing. Got a fashionista aching

for a pair of Uggs? Trendsetting fashions originate from the unlikeliest of nations.

Learn more from fashion design books and online resources.

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how the United States’ intercultural heritage contributed to our society. French settlers, for example, inspired Louisiana’s spicy Cajun cuisine and Creole, while blues and jazz evolved from African-American work songs and spirituals.

F

ood. Try samosas at an Indian restaurant, purchase pierogies at an Eastern European grocery store or prepare a family strudel recipe. Abigail Carr, North Kansas City, loves to tempt her sons, 2 and 4, with a taste of South America. “Just last week

we ate yogurt in our cereal instead of milk and put popcorn in our soup—two things I learned to do in Ecuador,” she says.

G

eography. Get out the globe or world map. Bookmark or flag the destinations that interest your children.

Make a list of questions and together research a specific nation or region.

H

olidays. “Kids love to learn about different festivals or celebrations in real time,” Rodriguez says. Her students enjoy viewing international birthday celebrations on YouTube and comparing those festivities to their own birthday party experiences.

I

mmigration. Welcome immigrants in the community. “We volunteer with refugees and we also participate in events with the Dialogue Institute, a local nonprofit that promotes interfaith dialogue,” Carr says.

Take your kids on an around-the-world dining experience in KC! For a great list of ethnic restaurants right here in the metro, log onto KCParent.com.

Jobs. Learn how innovative people help

their communities with limited resources.

For example, William Kamkwamba built a windmill from junkyard scraps to bring electricity and water to his village in Malawi.

Kamkwamba shares his story in his book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Kindness ambassadors. As

kids learn to embrace diversity, they’re better

prepared to work in a global environment.

“It makes them more well-rounded in becoming adults,” Rodriguez says. “They’re kinder when they realize how other people are in comparison to themselves. I feel like they learn more about who they are and the kind of person they want to be.”

Language. Carr often shares

Nature. While viewing exotic animals

EAS INTRODUCTOR Olympics.

at the zoo, learn about the challenges they face in their native lands and how their unique markings reflect their country of origin’s habitat.

COURS

The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, will create a timely opportunity to learn more about the nation’s customs. While you’re at it, learn about the origins of the Olympics in ancient Greece and how the worldwide event has evolved.

3 Lessons

endearing phrases borrowed from her time in Ecuador with her sons, like oy, mis queriditos ninitos, which means “Oh, my sweet beloved little boys.” She says, “I want them to hear other languages being spoken and have a curiosity to learn more.”

Pen pals. Exchanging letters and

appreciate the strums, drums and chimes of global tunes. “We listen to Nigerian music, Afro-Caribbean, Arabic and sometimes Indian music,” says Kimberly Meyer, Overland Park, whose daughter is 10 months old. Meyer hopes to introduce her youngster to traditional Hawaiian music next.

uestion. Encourage inquiring minds.

For instance, Rodriguez says her students like discovering what students across the globe pack in their backpacks.

Music. Even the littlest ears will

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$

engaging in Skype chats with classrooms around the world are fun ways to help kids develop stronger communication skills. Check with your child’s teacher for recommended resources.

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R

eligion. Read up on the world’s major religions. Draw comparisons by asking how they are alike and how they are different.

Storytelling. “When my family from

Austria comes to visit, we talk about our parents, share experiences we had growing up and more,” says Anita Smith, Lenexa, whose mother is an Austrian immigrant.

“My kids feel a sense of their own history and connected to the past and another part of the world.”

Travel. Learn from locals, advises

Carr, who has visited the United Kingdom, Spain and Iceland with her youngsters. “Our favorite travel memories are not things we chose to visit out of a tourist guidebook, but other excursions that locals—whom we now call friends—recommended we take. That’s where you’ll find the best food, the best prices and the most fun.”

Understanding differences.

Discover the intercultural meanings behind body language. For example, Hawaii’s “hang 35-6503 A2.0

3/31/06

2:46 PM

loose” hand signal means “Do you want a drink?” in Holland.

themselves confidently zig-zagging across the globe on their own fascinating adventures.

photographic essays and media that document cultures from around the world. Check out National Geographic, Time Life books, photography exhibits and documentaries.

Olathe writer Christa Melnyk Hines is the granddaughter of immigrants and even danced with the Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas as a child. She loves to share her heritage with her sons. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Visual anthropology. View

Why cultural education matters. “I want my boys to be aware

of how amazing each country is with its unique language, music, beliefs and landscape,” Carr says. “I want them to grow up with a thirst for adventure, fascinated by the details of each different place they discover.”

X-Y-Z. By offering our kids a

multitude of ways to examine the world, we won’t have to worry about raising xenophobes. Instead they’ll feel more interconnected to the people who populate our beautiful planet. And as they yearn to learn more, they may even one day find

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AT HOME: Spend time with your spouse.

Weekly date nights are a great idea! No sitter? No problem! Wait until your children are asleep and spend some one-on-one time watching a movie, playing games or just talking to one another.

Form a support network with other parents. Connect with other parents at your children’s school(s) and in your neighborhood so you can help each other out.

Limit time wasters and distractions. Discipline yourself and set time limits on checking e-mails, text messages or making phone calls. Leave that stuff for when the kids are in bed. Also, try to avoid multitasking when spending time with your children. Give them your undivided attention.

Set up special family activities.

finding balance is

BOLOGNA!

L

et’s face it: Moms are busy. Why? Because kids keep moms busy. From fixing meals, washing clothes and patching boo-boos to running Johnny and Sarah to soccer practice, keeping up with doctor appointments and setting up play dates, they’re always on the go. And for some moms, this doesn’t even include their job outside the home. Supposedly, there’s a way to find a happy balance between work and family, but most working moms will tell you, “That’s baloney!”

Most of us are torn between juggling heavy workloads, meeting family responsibilities, managing relationships and fitting in all of our outside interests. It’s not surprising that more than one in four Americans consider themselves “super stressed,” and that’s not balanced—or healthy. While we’re trying to “get it all done” both at the office and home, our stress levels spike and our productivity plummets. Stress is a concentration zapper, and it makes us depressed and irritable.

You may not believe a true work-family balance is achievable, but there are at least ways to help ease the pain of running in a million directions each day. In fact, here are some great strategies that might just help you get a little bit closer to that balance you never thought could exist.

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Try to create activities that naturally fit into your family schedule, such as Friday pizza or board game nights. This way everyone knows what to expect and look forward to.

Go out to breakfast on the weekends, go to a matinee movie or play at the park. For older kids, ask for their suggestions and try to accommodate so everyone is happy. What’s important is that everyone is together.

Connect with each child. Spend time with each child in his or her room before bedtime. Spend at least 15 minutes just talking and bonding. It’s amazing what your child will share with you when you’re alone.

You might also take turns bringing a child on errands with you. Bonding can happen anytime and anywhere the two of you are alone together. Just remember to put your phones away.

Do less. That’s right. Simplify your family life by scaling back on activities and commitments. For instance, you don’t need to volunteer for all of your child’s class parties and field trips. Instead, choose one of each for the year with which to help. Cut back on after-school activities, too. Two extracurricular activities for each child are more than enough. Learn to say no.

For ideas on how moms can recharge in just five minutes, head to KCParent.com.

AT WORK: Set realistic and manageable goals each day. Research shows that the more control we have over our workload, the less stressed we get. Make a to-do list and tackle important tasks first and eliminate the unnecessary ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Ask for flexibility. It’s no surprise that flex time and telecommuting are becoming necessities in the business world today.

What’s great is that many companies are cooperating. If you ask, they may allow you to work flexible hours or from home one day a week. After all, research shows that employees who work flexible schedules are more productive and loyal to their employers.

Add music. To help with concentration, reduce stress and stimulate creativity, listen to your favorite music. Remember to wear headphones, though, so you don’t disturb coworkers.

Take a break. Not only is it acceptable, but many employers encourage it. Small breaks will help clear your head, improve your ability to deal with stress and make good decisions.

Take advantage of your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many companies offer resources through an EAP, which assists employees with personal problems and/ or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being.

Take care of your body. Regular exercise reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and it boosts your immune system. Take a walk during lunch or make time to go to the gym. Eating right and getting enough sleep are equally important.

Although it seems like achieving a happy work-family balance is baloney, it really isn’t! Because every family’s schedule (and life) is different, what works for one may not work for another. Finding those things that work for you and your family life will help create a healthier balance. The more you put into reducing the chaos, the easier it will be to see the end results. Just remember: baby steps. You’ve got this.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein struggles as much as the next mom with work and family balance, but she’s found that shared chores and cutting out activities have helped tremendously, among other things.

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27

get into

a green routine

all family members. If your bin is often too full, request an extra one from your city— they’ll drop it off next trash pickup day!

park the car Okay, now that we’ve established the 3 Rs, what else can you do as a family to go as green as possible? Talk about other transportation options. Do you always need to drive to and from school or can you walk instead? Or ride a bike? Maybe Mom and Dad can bike to work, carpool or use public transportation to help reduce air pollution.

homemade cleaners

t

he arrival of the much-anticipated spring season also means the celebration of our planet. Earth Day is April 22, and now more than ever, it’s crucial we all do our part to protect our planet for future generations. Here are some ways you can kick-start your family into a green routine this Earth Day.

the 3 Rs What are they? Reduce, reuse, recycle. You might already do these things in some capacity, but can do you more? How can you further reduce waste? Are there more things in your home that can be reused? And is your recycling the best it can be? Try these tips:

reduce: Work as a family to turn off

all lights when you leave a room. Turn off appliances not in use. Teach your kids they shouldn’t run the water when brushing their teeth. If your washing machine and dishwasher have eco-friendly cycles, use them whenever possible and purchase energy-efficient light bulbs. Also, say no to bottled water and switch over to a reusable Thermos. Invest in rechargeable batteries to reduce hazardous waste.

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reuse: If your child needs to create something for school, rather than buying supplies see whether you can find materials around your house to use instead. Use your kids’ old artwork as eco-friendly (and adorable) wrapping paper. Donate unwanted clothing and household items to a family in need or to a shelter. Switch over to cloth napkins and towels and stop using disposable napkins, paper plates and paper towels. Utilize reusable grocery bags.

And turn your food scraps into compost— great for the garden you’ll be creating!

(See HowToCompost.org to get started.) recycle: Is your recycling center/ method up to snuff? Do your kids know where to put recyclable materials? Does everyone in the house know what is recyclable? If you have young children, consider posting images of recyclable materials (like plastic bottles, paper, etc.) near the bin to remind them what goes where. If your town doesn’t accept glass in the recycling bin, commit to driving it to a dropoff center rather than throwing it away. Ensure that your recycling bins are easily accessible for

Try out some natural home remedies for cleaning rather than using store-bought chemicals that harm the environment.

Cleaning with vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice is often just as effective. Check out this article for ideas: KeeperOfTheHome. org/homemade-all-natural-cleaning-recipes.

get your gloves on Consider growing a garden in your yard to help your family be more self-sustaining.

Start simply with some tomatoes and peppers and work your way up. You’ve already got some soil rich with nutrients from that compost bin you created. No room for a garden? How about joining a community garden? KC-area residents can lease garden plots from $25 to $40.

Check out OlatheCommunityGarden. org, OPGarden.org and KCCG.org for information.

help your kids advocate Think about the other world your kids live in: school. They may mention the high volume of trash they see in the cafeteria after lunch. Brainstorm with them an action plan they could present to the school administration so that their school goes greener on a daily basis. How can their school reduce waste, use less energy or

improve recycling methods? They also can pitch other ideas to their school, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop or sports teams. How about setting up a day to clean a park and replant some flowers and trees? Know what trees produce? Oxygen!

Favorite Farm-to-Table Dining in KC These area restaurants support local farmers and growers, serving up the tastiest, healthiest and best-for-the-environment meals you’ll find in Kansas City! Visit KCFoodCircle.org for more restaurants.

Blue Bird Bistro 1700 Summit, Kansas City, MO, 816.221.7559, BlueBirdBistro.com.

eat local!

The upscale organic restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Whether you are dining out or shopping for groceries, support farmers in your area who do not use pesticides that harm our planet and who treat their animals safely and humanely. Buying local helps the environment by reducing energy used to transport products from farms in other states or nations.

Make the commitment this Earth Day! Leave the car in the garage, walk or bike where you need to go, make a donation to save endangered species and read The Lorax with your kids. Let’s get going on going green!

CafeGratitudeKC.com. This casual restaurant serves a 100 percent organic and plant-based menu.

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

Cafe Gratitude 333 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.474.5683,

Eden Alley Vegetarian Café 707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.5415, EdenAlley.com. This vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free restaurant dishes up delicious salads, soups, burritos, sandwiches and cakes with organic, local ingredients.

FÜD 813 W. 17th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.785.3454, EatFud.com. FÜD (pronounced — food) is a restaurant in the Westside focusing on organic, local, all-vegan food.

Renee Kelly’s Harvest 12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100, ReneeKellysHarvest.com. Located in a historic castle, Renee Kelly’s is known for a farm-to-table menu featuring local and regional growers.

Story 3931 W. 69th Ter., Prairie Village, KS, 913.236.9955, StoryKC.com. Story is an upscale neighborhood restaurant featuring a fresh, local and seasonal menu.

The Farmhouse 300 Delaware St., Kansas City, MO, 816.569.6032, EatAtTheFarmhouse.com. City Market is the perfect setting for fresh-from-the-farm comfort food in a casual and hip urban atmosphere.

Urban Table 8232 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS, 913.948.6900, UrbanTableKC.com.

Known for chic décor creating a hip and relaxed atmosphere, Urban Table offers a fast-casual dining experience with unique seasonal creations on the menu.

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29

Families find various ways to digitally detox

S

G O I NG S C R E E N - F R E E

unni Kneeland of Lee’s Summit knew it was time to implement some form of a “digital detox” in her home when her children seemed too distracted with their screens to listen to her. With some specific goals and strategies, Kneeland and her husband launched their effort to detach digitally.

“For a family to be healthy and for kids to be healthy and learn healthy relationships, there have to be healthy interactions in the home,” says Cam Meers, a Lee’s Summitbased marriage and family therapist.

But how can families turn away from their devices and invest in each other and other life skills? Is it even practical?

Before trying any drastic measures, consider the following tips:

think balance.

“It’s important that everything we do is in balance,” Meers says.

Meers suggests applying the 80/20 rule as a general guideline to achieve balance with technology use. In other words, set firm house rules for screen time that apply 80 percent of the time while allowing for flexibility 20 percent of the time.

start off small.

For families looking to do a digital detox, it’s best to start with one evening a week

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and see how that goes, Meers advises. From there, a family could increase that to one full day a week and so on. She says kids are less likely to resist if you implement the detox in this way.

“You are probably going to get more buy-in if you start small, especially with teenagers,” Meers says.

think when and where.

Meers highly recommends screens stay out of bedrooms as use there tends to lead to isolation, and she suggests the best place for such devices is in common areas of the home.

have a family dinnertime.

Research has proven communication improves and families grow stronger when they eat together. Even if it can’t happen every evening, Meers says great benefits arise from sharing a family dinnertime even a few times a week.

establish favorite family activities.

Focus on finding activities the family enjoys. Walks, hikes and bike rides are always an option when the weather cooperates. When the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activities, consider a family game night. Also, instead of spending additional money on more electronic

devices, consider spending some of that money on a membership to a community center with an indoor pool.

When your family has successfully considered and implemented these tips, know you have many ways to go about a digital detox. Some families simply go screen-free during the week and allow screen time on the weekend. Other families allow their children to earn screen time by doing chores.

Here is what a few local families are doing:

designated screen-free days Kneeland has two children ages 7 and 9. For the last year-and-a-half, they have cut out screen time during the week, lasting from about 5:00 on Sunday evening until chores are completed on Friday.

Kneeland says their digital detox began when she and her husband were having to repeat themselves to get the kids to listen.

The kids were too distracted with their devices to pay attention. As a result, they temporarily took away their devices and noticed during that time they were much less stressed and the children listened better. Additionally, the kids began playing outside, doing art projects and using their imaginations. It worked so well they decided

having screen time during the week was no longer necessary.

“It has changed the expectation that the kids have to have something to entertain themselves all the time,” Kneeland says.

“Now they go find something to do.”

While the kids do not have limits on screen time during weekends, she says they often choose to play outside with neighbors instead of looking at a screen. She recalls one recent weekend with nice weather when the kids were outside all day climbing trees, kicking soccer balls and playing hide-andgo-seek, among other activities. “It’s nice to see kids being kids,” she says.

Kari Magness, another Lee’s Summit mom, says her family has screen-free days on the first and 15th of each month. Her children are 7, 5 and 1, and she and her husband started their routine about six years ago when their oldest was just 1. Because of this, the kids are very accustomed to the routine and often remind her when it is a screen-free day. She believes the additional

time without distractions has brought her closer to her husband as well.

earned screen time and rewards systems Lauren Letterman, a Blue Springs mom, says her three children earn their screen time by doing chores. If the chores are completed, the kids can have screen time. If not, the screens stay off and they can read, play outside, play in the basement, build forts, play board games and the like. She says her children each have about six chores to complete to be eligible to earn screen time, and the chores include cleaning their rooms, sorting laundry, helping with trash or cleaning.

“I feel like a lot of my day is spent picking up after them, and there is only so much I can do,” Letterman says. “Having the reward with screen time works really well for us.” She has been doing this for about three years and started when she noticed her older children needed

structure and definition in their household responsibilities.

Erin Beauchamp, another Lee’s Summit mom, says her family also does earned screen time with her four children, and they track the kids’ earned screen time with marbles. Each completed activity (which could be chores, reading or other tasks) earns the children a set number of marbles based on the timeliness and attitude with which the task is completed. The child simply doing the task gets one marble, doing it well and with a good attitude earns two marbles, while doing it well, with a good attitude and without prompting garners three marbles. The marbles then can be traded in for screen time or saved for something like going out for ice cream.

Allison Gibeson is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer from Lee’s Summit.

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Special Advertising Section

Christian Youth Theater Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

ACT. SING. DANCE. LIVE! CYT Kansas City offers a variety of fantastic summer theatre camps all across the KC metro area.

Day camp themes include “Disney Around the World” and “Disney on Broadway” for half-day (ages 4-5 & 5-7) and full-day (ages 7-12) campers. Non-musical Xtreme camps (ages 10-16) include “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Comic Books.” An all-new High School Master Drama Camp features “The Crucible.” Overnight camps include “High School Musical Jr” (ages 12-14) and “Big Fish” (ages 14-19), with full-length performances. Visit www.CYTKC.org or call 913.681.3318. See display ad on pg. 38.

Cosmosphere Camp Wood YMCA

Camp Taum Sauk

Your overnight Y camp in the Flint Hills.

Trusted by KC families for 100 years, our classic summer camp experience includes archery, canoeing, horseback riding and more. Specialty camps like Skateboarding, Paintball, Leadership and Equestrian Camps are also available.

Our ACA-accredited programs help campers build character, learn skills and make friends—all within a safe, caring environment. Choose your adventure at www.CampWood.org. Join us Saturday, May 6, 2017, 1-5 pm for a free Open House.

See display ad on pg. 37.

Camp Taum Sauk, located in the heart of the Ozarks in Lesterville Missouri, on the Beautiful Black River. Overnight summer camp offering a non-competitive fun-filled family atmosphere. Full range of activities including horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, caving, mountain biking, zip lines, ropes course, creative arts and more.

Individualized attention and outstanding caring, safety minded counselors. Sessions from 1 week to 8 weeks. American Camp Association accredited. For more information visit our website at www.TaumSauk.com. See display ad on pg. 36.

Camp Fire

Ceramic Café

At Camp Fire, campers embark on a special exploration to find their spark and create a camp experience that is truly unique to their interests. They develop an appreciation of nature while enjoying archery, hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, and activities led by experienced counselors. Campers also develop problem solving and socialization skills, including self-reliance and conflict resolution. Participants make their own decisions, have fun, and seek adventure!

Learn more at www.CampFireHeartland.org/ summer-day-camp. See display ad on pg. 41.

Ceramic Cafe’s summer program provides instruction in a variety of ceramic art techniques including hand building with clay, ceramic painting and glazing techniques and also glass fusing. Fun themes change every camp session, so kids can sign up for their favorite or enroll more than once. Aspiring Artists sessions run for 4 days and are for ages 8 and up. Several one day Mini Camps and a “Kids and Clay” series are also offered throughout the summer. Visit our website at www.CeramicCafeKC.com for add’l info and registration form. See display ad on pg. 46.

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From second graders through high school seniors, Cosmosphere campers spread their wings, expand their minds, and have fun they won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Camps include Space 101501, Mars Academy, Forces of Flight, and Space Medicine. Building robots and rockets, SCUBA training like astronauts, interplanetary missions to solve a crisis, learning to fly, understanding the medical demands of long duration space travel… those are just some of ways your child can spend the summer. See display ad on pg. 43. www.Cosmo.org

The Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House!

Our 2017 summer programs include dance, theatre, music and art ... all taught by professionally trained adults. “Footloose” (ages 13-19), “Madagascar” (ages 9-13), “Jungle Book Kids” (ages 6-11), Jazz (instrumental) Camp, Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Disney Revue, Broadway Hits, Songs from Matilda, Songs from Moana, Perfectly Princess, Force Wars, Lion King Revue, Itty Bitty Ballerina, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap & more! Openings limited! See display ad on pg. 35. 913.393.3141. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com

continued on page 34

CAMPGUIDE iD Tech Camps iD Tech Camps held at UMKC, Wash U, Northwestern, MIT & More. Code, game, and create at the world’s #1 summer technology camp! Students ages 7–18 will learn to code apps, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, discover cyber security, build websites, print 3D models, and more. Join 275,000+ alumni and learn from top instructors! Register at www.idtech.com/kc. See display ad on pg. 39.

J Camp J Camp is Summer! Open to everyone, Jewish Community Center offers the best day Camp experience in Greater KC for ages 2-13. For youth entering 1st through 8th grade, you’ll find 11 Premiere and Specialty Camps that provide variety all summer long. The Child Development Center (CDC) Camp offers unique activities for children ages 2 – 5 years. Conveniently located at 117th and Nall, our unparalleled facilities

include an on-site pool. Campers learn new skills with structured recreational and educational activities while enjoying art, sports, swimming, archery + more. See display ad on pg. 44.

Johnson County Park & Recreation District From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 75 different and well-supervised camp programs conveniently located throughout Johnson County. Dedicated to providing activities that promote emotional, intellectual and physical health, our summer fun choices include nature and science, preschool enrichment, art, sports, computers, leadership development, and music, theatre, and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and full- and partial-day schedules are available. For details, call 913.831.3359 or visit www.jcprd.com/activities/camps.cfm.

See display ad on pg. 42.

KampOut-Kanakuk KampOut! brings the fun of one of the largest Christian summer camps in the nation, Kanakuk, to your hometown.

Kanakuk professional staff leads this highenergy traveling day camp through five days of guided sports and activity times, Bible study, worship and small-group time for children in kindergarten through 5th grade.

To learn more about your local KampOut! visit: www.Kanakuk.com/kampout. See display ad on pg. 45.

Kanakuk Camps Kanakuk is a premier summer camp experience for boys and girls age 6–18 located in Branson and Lampe, MO. Our 5 Overnight Kids camps provide children with age-appropriate, fun, safe and professional outdoor youth camping experiences that grow them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kids have fun with friends participating in more than

continued on page 36

Weekly Camps for EVERY SCHEDULE EVERY AGE • EVERY BUDGET EVERY INTEREST AREA

Plus...

EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE

Ma 17 0 y 30 – 2 , August 4

Enroll Online

NOW! barstowschool.org/summer

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CAMPGUIDE 70 activities, sports and amazing themed parties. Our full-time and summer staff are committed to our mission to develop dynamic Christian leaders. Learn more about customizing your child’s summer camp experience at www.GoKanakuk.com.

See display ad on pg. 33.

Kansas City Ballet

2017 SUMMER CAMPS June 5 – August 11

STAY ACTIVE BE CHALLENGED HAVE FUN

Join us for summer camp at one of our 10 KC Parks & Recreation community centers.

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Monday - Friday • Ages 6 - 13 Day Camp: $80/week* • Sports Camp: $125/week* Brush Creek • Garrison • Gregg/Klice • Hillcrest Kansas City North • Line Creek • Marlborough Southeast • Tony Aguirre • Westport Roanoke

Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for children ages 2-7. Camp themes include Beauty and the Beast and Island Adventures. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-18. Classes begin June 5th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 39. For more information visit www.KCBallet.org or call 816.931.2299.

Kansas City Young Audiences

KCPARKS.ORG *20% discount if paid in full by May 1. Financial assistance available.

Sports camp held only at Line Creek & Southeast.

Kansas City Young Audiences offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps and private instruction at their new creative space on Main Street. Spring Break Camps will be held March 13-17. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 42. www.KCYA.org

Kansas City Zoo

CA RI N G CO U N SE LO RS

F R IE N D S H IP FU N A CT IV IT IE S

C A M P S P IR IT

• • • • •

Horseback Riding Ropes Course Mountain Biking Fishing Creative Arts

• • • •

Zipline Canoeing Caving Trips

Contact Nick Smith at 314.993.1655 • www.taumsauk.com

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Make your summer a little wilder with Zoofari Adventures Summer Camp. Camp runs May 31 through August 12. Your animal enthusiasts will get the inside scoop about the Zoo’s creatures. A typical camp week includes exclusive zoo tours, animal encounters/shows, science experiments, games, and crafts. Topics vary each week.

Half day camps are available for ages 4-5, full day for ages 5-15. COST: 1/2 Day: $110, Full Day: $250, Aftercare (3:30pm-5:30pm): $15.

10% discount for FOTZ. See display ad on pg. 40. www.KansasCityZoo.org/education

KC Parks & Recreation’s Summer Enrichment Camp Stay Active! Be Challenged! Have Fun! Join us for our ten-week day camp this summer for

continued on page 40

YOUR OVERNIGHT Y CAMP IN THE FLINT HILLS.

For over 100 years, Kansas City families have trusted Camp Wood YMCA for summer camps that are more than just fun. At Y camp, children of all ages learn new skills, build character and make friends.

Whether your child loves skateboarding, drama or horseback riding, we offer ACA-accredited camps for all interests and for all kids. Choose your adventure at campwood.org.

Join us for our Open House!

May 6, 2017 from 1-5 pm CAMP WOOD YMCA

1101 Camp Wood Road • Elmdale, Kansas 66850 (620) 273-8641 • ymca@campwood.org

All 2017 campers receive a FREE one-month family membership at their local Y! kcparent.com april 2017

37

CAMPGUIDE

the camp around the corner:

T

DAY CAMP

he most successful camp experiences occur when families and children work together to find a camp that best matches everyone’s needs. What about families who feel a sleep-away camp is not the right fit, but still want their child to experience all that camp has to offer?

The answer may be right around the corner at a day camp.

Camp close to home — Perhaps a child is too young for resident camp, or perhaps scheduling does not allow for extended time away from home.

Regardless of the reason, day camp is an excellent alternative.

So much to do — Day camps offer a wide range of programming and activities, from sports to arts to science and education. Like resident camps, day camps offer team-building activities, leadership training, and wilderness programs.

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Keep those neurons pumping — Research indicates that participation in intentional programs, like camp, helps reduce learning loss during summer months. Camp is the ultimate classroom, using experiences to teach problemsolving and skill-development.

Get those bodies moving — Camp provides children the opportunity to try new things and participate in human-powered activities. According to surveys by both the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an American child is six times more likely to play a videogame on any given day than to ride a bike. According to research conducted by ACA, 63 percent of children who learn new activities at camp tend to continue engaging in these activities after they return home.

This leads to continued physical exercise that lasts a lifetime.

Budget-friendly options — In certain circumstances, day care expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services and paid with a dependent care flexible spending account or pre-tax dollars. In addition, day camps may qualify for special tax incentives like child and dependent care tax credits.

Day camp is life-changing, providing growth and development through teachable moments, experiences, friendships, and most importantly, fun.

For more information, visit CampParents.com. Or, follow the American Camp Association on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

PLAN AHEAD WITH OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR AGES 3-18 SUMMER PROGRAMS 2017 Classes are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun. Classes begin June 5.

PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • Creative Movement ages 3-5

• Under the Sea & Adventure Camps ages 3-5

BOLENDER CENTER 500 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO 64108 Union Station

Pershing

Nall Ave.

I-3 5

Broadway

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

• 1- to 8-week Ballet Classes & Camps ages 3-18

94th Terr.

JOHNSON COUNTY 5359 W. 94th Terr.

Prairie Village, KS 66207

W. 95th St.

SPACE IS LIMITED. . .ENROLL TODAY! 816.931.2299 | kcballet.org/school for a complete list of summer courses

kcparent.com april 2017

39

R E M M U S

CAMPGUIDE

2017

Camps

hosted by KU in Overland Park

ages 6-13. Camp runs from June 5 – August 11, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 8 of our KC Parks & Recreation community centers.

Cost: $80/week (20% discount if paid in full by 5/1). For more information and to register go to www.KCParks.org or call 816.513.7565.

See display ad on pg. 36.

KU Edwards Campus

SUMMER CAMP FUN FOR KIDS

Camps are hosted by the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Physical Activity and Youth Fitness Camps

(Ages 5-11) KU Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Camps (Incoming 6th-9th graders) KU Center for STEM Learning

Have your kids dreamed of working at Google or building the latest, greatest app?

Do they aim to be an MVP on the cover of Sports Illustrated? The KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park is hosting a variety of summer camps for kids interested in science, technology engineering, math and sports/fitness. Learn more about its camp offerings at EdwardsCampus.KU.edu/ SummerCamps. See display ad on pg. 40.

Mesner Puppet Theater

LIMITED SPOTS. REGISTER NOW.

EdwardsCampus.KU.edu/SummerCamps

Mesner Puppet Theater camps let you explore favorite children’s stories, songs and rhymes through a range of puppet

& Safari Day Campsthe Zoo! Summer Camps at For kids ages 4–15

Join us for Zoo-mazing fun and animal adventures on your days off from school and during the summer too!

Mix & match sessions to fit YOUR summer schedule!!

• Canvas • Clay

Visit kansascityzoo.org/camp for more details!

OPEN DAILY | kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

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

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• Glass Fusion • Ceramics

Space Limited!

AGES 6-12 KCP

paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf, OPKS • 913-661-CLAY

activities. The camps are designed for children pre-K through sixth grades and offer a variety of exciting titles such as Outer Space Adventures, Superheroes, and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The weeklong camps will keep kids excited and engaged and create memories they won’t soon forget.

All camps are held at the MPT studio, 1006 E. Linwood Blvd. in Kansas City’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. See display ad on pg. 46. MesnerPuppets.org

Nelson-Atkins ‘Camp out’ this summer at the NelsonAtkins! From knights and dragons, to cartoons and animation, to animals and nature, camp and classes at the museum have something for everyone! Full-day camps, multiple week classes and onetime workshops allow you to personalize your art-making experience. Complete listings and details available at

continued on page 42

CAMP FIRE HEARTLAND SUMMER YOUTH DAY CAMP

June 26-30 Vineyard Community Church 8301 Lamar Ave | (913) 381-5577 | vcc.church FOR STUDENTS GOING INTO 1ST - 5TH GRADE FALL OF 2017 Don’t know what to do with those long summer days?

VCamp is a week full of fun and safe activities for only $40!

ENROLL TODAY!

Campers develop an appreciation of nature while enjoying hiking, swimming and activities led by experienced counselors.

They also learn self-reliance and social skills, including conflict resolution.

Special for teens: Community service at Wayside Waifs and the Kansas City Zoo gardens Camp Lake of the Woods June 19 - Aug. 4, M-F, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Ages 5-15 Maple Woods Community College July 10-28, M-F, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Ages 5-12 Register: CampFireHeartland.org/ summer-day-camp [816] 285-9441 Heartland@campfire.org

SUMMER ART CLASSES Ages 3–Adult

nelson-atkins.org/summer-classes 45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri | 816.751.1ART Nelson-Atkins_KCParent_April2017.indd 1

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CAMPGUIDE www.Nelson-Atkins.org/summer classes.

Museum members receive a discount. See display ad on pg. 41.

Notre Dame de Sion School Join us and get ready to be extraordinary!

At Sion Summer Spectacular students can participate in engaging, innovative, and ageappropriate enrichment camps for PreK-8 boys and girls in the arts, STEM, wellness, and fitness led by our outstanding faculty and renowned industry partners. Our program is designed to accommodate your family’s schedule, offering weekly camps, as well as morning and afternoon extended day care options. Whether students take center stage with Camellot Academy, or participate in our weekly classes with our expert instructors and global partners, Sion Summer Spectacular will make their inner superhero shine! To enroll please visit www.NDSion.edu/summer. Grade School Campus: 3823 Locust, KC MO. See display ad on pg. 43.

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 20th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited—sign up early! Check it out online and find more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 40. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Primrose School of North Olathe Participating in this kind of high-quality, balanced program doesn’t have to stop at the end of the school year. At the Primrose Summer Adventure Club, children enjoy exploring interesting topics AND continue learning through purposeful play. The Primrose Summer Adventure Club builds

Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts® through. In addition to having fun activities and learning we will be taking field trips weekly during the day. Call us to learn more! See display ad on pg. 45. www.PrimroseSummer.com

Quest June 5th-9th.Roller blading, water parks, a visit to the zoo, human foosball, these are just a few of activities that you could experience at QUEST. Quest is summer day camp for students entering 6th-9th grade. Registration is only $50 and covers all activities and snacks. Registration fills up quickly. For more information and to reserve your spot today, visit www.vcc.church. See display ad on pg. 47.

Science City Science City Summer Camp 2017 provides a fun, hands-on environment to explore exciting STEAM (science, technology,

continued on page 44 Sing Dance Create Act Paint LaughSummer Sculpt PlayCamps Sing Dance 3732 Main St. Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt 816.531.4022 KCYA.org andDance Classes Play Sing Create Act Paint at Laugh Sculpt Play Sing KCYA...

Dance Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act Paint Sing Dance Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Sing Dance CreDance Create Act Paint Laugh ate Act Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Join Dance Create Act Us! Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act Paint Laugh • June – August Sculpt Play Best.Sing • Ages 4 – 18 Dance Create Act Summer.

Paint Laugh Sculpt • Weekly classes Play Sing Dance CreEver. ate Act Paint Laugh • Week-long, Sculpt Play Sing full & half-day CAMPS Dance Create Act • Scholarships available Paint Laugh Sculpt Play Sing Dance Cre• Convenient Midtown ate Act Paint Laugh location Sculpt Play ate Act Paint Laugh Sculpt • Schedules and class Play Sing Dance Credescriptions available ate Act Paint Laugh online: www.KCYA.org Sculpt Play Sing Dance Create Act

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kcparent.com april 2017

43

CAMPGUIDE

Camp June 5 - Aug. 4 • Ages 2 -13 • Open to all Summer!

Now Enrolling JCampKC.org 12 Premiere + Specialty Day Camps One convenient location (117th & Nall) Extended hours available

engineering, art and math) topics. Campers ages 6-12 engage in life science, physical science, art and innovation each week!

Space is limited! Camp runs June 5-Aug 4, Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00. FREE early and late care available. $200/week for Union Station members, $225/nonmembers. For more information, visit www.ScienceCity.Com/SummerCamp.

See display ad on pg. 4.

Summer at Barstow Give your child a summer adventure filled with lasting memories. Summer at Barstow offers a spectacular experience for children ages 3–14 in academics, sports, arts and enrichment. Imaginations soar and campers stay active with over 400 engaging camp options—including visual and performing arts, science and technology.

Summer at Barstow 2017 runs Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, August 4, with extended care options available to all campers. Our catalog is available online at www.barstowschool.org/summer. See display ad on pg. 34.

Summer at Pembroke Hill

Cam

p

$89Fee

Ages 5-12 Camper Receives: • Free Soccer Ball • Free Camp T-Shirt Camp Director GorAn HunJAk 19 years Pro and US National Team

June 12th – June 16th (9am-noon) Born in Croatia, Goran played Overland Park, KS professionally 19 years in Europe June 19th – June 23rd (8am-11am and US. He coached pro 4 years: 7 time All Star: member of the US Lenexa, KS Indoor National Team: represented June 26th – June 30th (8am-11am) the US in the 1996 Indoor World Blue Springs, MO Cup in Spain; scored over 500 July 3rd – July 7th (8am-11am) professional goals. Goran played Lee’s Summit, MO locally for KC Sporting (Wizards), July 17th – July 21st (8am-11am) KC Comets, and in 18 different Overland Park, KS countries.

913-284-7601 or Register online:

www.victoryinsoccer.org 44

kcparent.com april 2017

This summer is going to be wild! Dare to climb your way to the top of a steep incline, embark on a journey as a ninja warrior, or discover the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

Designed to accommodate your family’s busy schedule, our program offers flexibility by allowing you to enroll in any of the weeks you choose. Open to the community, students ages 2-18 are able to participate in our comprehensive summer camp. Enroll online today at www.pembrokehill.org.

See display ad on pg. 47.

Sylvan Learning In addition to full range of academic tutoring, Sylvan Learning offers several camps this summer. Elementary students can design video games and create a moving robot in one of our STEM camps, or boost their love of math with Math Edge! For writers—budding or struggling—our Summer Writing Program is just the ticket for students in grades 3–12. And what

middle or high school student doesn’t need a study skills refresher? Our Study Skills Boot Camp will help your kids move into the next school year confident and prepared!

See display ad on pg. 47. 913.681.1141

This summer, imaginations take ffl light.

VCamp June 26-30. Looking for a low-cost, funpacked, summer day camp for your kids?

At Vcamp, kids will explore what it means to be created by God, built for a purpose.

Vcamp is for kids entering 1st-5th grade and runs from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.

Students bring a sack lunch each day. $40 for the week includes snacks, supplies, and wrap-around care is available at no additional charge. Register online at www.vcc.church. See display ad on pg. 41.

Victory Soccer Camp Victory Soccer Camp is directed by former US National Team member, Goran Hunjak.

He played professional soccer for 19 years and coached professionally. Victory Soccer Camp provides professional quality soccer instruction in a fun and exciting environment, helping youth improve skill, gain confidence, and develop a positive self image. Our camp is designed with various levels of athletic ability including beginner level. For more information or to register go to www.VictoryInSoccer.org or call 913.284.7601. See display ad on pg. 44.

YMCA Is your child ready to have their best summer ever? Y Summer Day Camps are full of learning, adventure, active play and friendship! Traditional camps offer exciting themes weekly. Specialty camps include outdoor, art, sports, engineering and community service. And our Adventure Camp keeps teens excited and engaged throughout the summer. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Platte County, Shawnee Mission and Spring Hill School Districts; Camp Naish; North Kansas City; and Riverside. Ages 3-18. Learn more and register at KansasCityYMCA.org/camp.

See display ad on pg. 13.

Now Enrolling!

Experience the excitement of our Summer Adventure Club where imaginations are free to run wild. Get ready for engineering design challenges, discoveries, outdoor exploration and more. It’s going to be one epic summer.

Fun for ages 5 – 10.* Learn more at PrimroseSummer.com.

Flexible Schedules • Exciting Adventures Space is Limited – Call Today!

Primrose School of North Olathe PrimroseNorthOlathe.com • 913.764.0018 Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a trademark of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2017 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. *Ages for Summer Adventure Club programs vary by location.

S TOIGN DA -U Y! P

Life-Changing Fun & Adventure! t

t

t

t

t

Day camp experience for elementary age boys and girls Incredible activities including a climbing wall, zip line, and water slides Experience Jesus through Bible Study and Worship Professional, servant-hearted Kanakuk staff A glimpse of the Kanakuk overnight experience

Join us at KampOut! in Kansas City this summer!

Several locations available — visit cometokamp.com or call 417.266.3000 to register today. kcparent.com april 2017

45

CAMPGUIDE

summer camp basics

a

By Jennifer Bosse

s summer steadily approaches, parents all across Kansas City are beginning to think about activities to fill up their children’s free time.

One option is summer camp. If you’ve been wondering what the hype is all about, look no further.

One camp option is traditional (overnight) camp. The length of time offered ranges from one or two nights to eight weeks. Traditional camps typically offer the widest range of activities. Your child could go swimming, sailing, play soccer or football, learn archery, put on a play, go hiking and horseback riding and so much more, all in one place. The only potential downside is that there probably won’t be much room on the agenda for academics.

They’ll be having too much fun!

The second type of camp is day camp.

Most day camp programs offer shorter

sessions lasting a month or less, but there are a few eight-week programs as well, depending on your location. Day camps offer many of the same activities as traditional camps do. The potential downside is the drive time to and from the camp every day to deliver and pick up your child.

There are camp programs for everything you can think of. The next step is determining what your child’s interests and needs are in selecting the right camp.

Here are some questions to consider when selecting a camp program, thanks to PBSKids.org: n

Is your child ready for overnight camp?

n

How far away will you be comfortable with his going?

n

What length of time will suit him best?

n

Would a big camp be ideal or a smaller, more personal environment?

SUMMER CAMPS PRE K Old MacDonald’s Puppet Farm July 24-28, 2017 Under the Sea July 31-August 4, 2017 K-FIRST GRADE Outer Space Adventures July 10-14, 2017 I’m a Superhero July 24-28, 2017 Oh, the Puppets You’ll Make July 31-August 4, 2017 FIRST – THIRD GRADE

summer is a great time to create!

Now enrolling Summer Camp Ages 5 to 7 8 and up

It’s Our Oz June 26-30, 2017 My Very Own Puppet Show July 10-14, 2017 I’m a Superhero July 17-21, 2017

ENROLL TODAY! Contact Alex Espy at 816-756-3500 or alex@mesnerpuppets.org

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kcparent.com april 2017

FOURTH-SIXTH GRADE It’s Our Oz June 19-23, 2017 Robot Invasion!

July 17-21, 2017

A great place to create!

Pottery painting Glass fusing Birthday parties “Family day” every Sunday 9425 Mission Rd • 913-383-0222

www.ceramiccafekc.com

vering n

What activities would your child enjoy most?

n

Do you want a co-ed camp?

n

How much structure do you want your child to have there?

Delivering RESULTS

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What camps are within your budget?

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pril 22 is Earth Day. This month, inspire your family to care for nature with a visit to one of these educational attractions where conservation is a way of life.

BURR OAK WOODS NATURE CENTER 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO. FREE Admission.

816.228.3766 Hiking trails at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area are open seven days a week. The nature center is always free and is open Tuesday-Saturday.

Burr Oak Woods is one of our family’s favorite places to learn about plants and animals that are native to our state. We appreciate their programming from Babes in the Woods for little ones to great classes for children and programs for teens and adults. The team at the nature center reminds visitors nature is all around us. You don’t have to make a special trip to go “find nature.” At the nature center, hands-on exhibits teach about the importance of conservation and nature appreciation.

Exhibits include plants, animals and conservation topics.

Volunteer at Burr Oak Teens ages 14 and up can volunteer at Burr Oak Woods.

Call 816.228.3766 for more information about how to apply.

Upcoming Events at Burr Oak (No registration required and all ages are welcome):

• All About Trees, Saturday, April 1, 10:00-11:00. Find out

more about the importance of native trees and pick up a free tree seedling to take home.

• Bird Watching on Water, Saturday, April 8, 1:00-2:30. Hike with a group to a small pond to look for and learn about Missouri birds that use the area as a habitat.

• Paper for Pollinators, Saturday, April 22, 1:00-2:00. Celebrate Special thanks to HoffmanModels.com for providing cover and interior talent.

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Earth Day and walk in any time between 1:00 and 2:00 to create a recycled paper decoration with native seeds you can plant to grow pollinator-friendly flowers.

ERNIE MILLER NATURE CENTER 909 KS-7, Olathe, KS. FREE Admission. 913.764.7759 Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center in the heart of Johnson County is a place where people of all ages connect to nature, with trails, forest, creek, prairie and pond to explore.

At the nature center, children enjoy the opportunity to look at native wildlife and learn about their natural habitats. The exhibits teach visitors about native plants and animals and the effect we have on the environment.

go green in kc Upcoming Events at Ernie Miller (Register at

Volunteer at Lakeside Nature Center

913.764.7759 or ErnieMiller.com)

FOLNC members help with many areas, from cage construction to fund raising, from education outreach to animal care and from exhibit maintenance to habitat conservation. Call 816.513.8960 for information.

• For the Love of Earth!, Saturday, April 22, 1:00. Earth Day

is an opportunity to tackle environmental awareness. Meet Mother Nature with her animal friends, make a craft to take home and learn about nature’s recyclers, plus attend a native plant program with a master naturalist. Explore the forests and prairies and discover how you can become green at heart. Help us celebrate the 47th anniversary of Earth Day. Registration is required. For more information call 913.764.7759. Event lasts one to two hours; $5 and $7 for nonresidents.

• Summer Amphitheater Programs (all ages), Fridays, June 2, 9, 16 & 23 and July 7, 14 & 21, 7:00 p.m. Admission is $3/person paid at site. Current Schedule: Stories Under the Stars (June 2), Owls: Eyes of the Night (June 9), Back from the Brink (June 16), Snakes Alive (June 23), Animal Exploration (July 7), Wildlife Who’s Who (July 14) and Kansas Symbols (July 21).

Volunteer at Ernie Miller Volunteer opportunities for adults and teens (with parental permission) on an individual basis. The nature center works with youth or adult groups wanting to schedule a service project.

Call 913.764.7759 for information.

LAKESIDE NATURE CENTER 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO. FREE Admission.

816.513.8960 Located in Swope Park, Lakeside Nature Center is home to native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish and invertebrates. The center helps care for injured animals and abandoned native animals. With interactive exhibits teaching the importance of conservation and the role we play in protecting nature, the center is dedicated to education.

Upcoming Events at Lakeside Nature Center:

• Hike Swope Park with a Naturalist: These free scheduled hikes are open to the public. Dress for the weather and bring water on the hike. The hike is not appropriate for strollers. This guided hike corresponds with some of the public events at Lakeside Nature Center (Earth Day on April 22, Celebrating Urban Birds on May 13, the Bug Extravaganza on June 17, Kids, What’s Out at Night? on Aug. 19, Wilma the Turtle’s Birthday Party on Sept. 16). Hikes begin at 10:00 in the morning on April 8, April 22, May 13, May 28, June 11, June 20, July 8, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21.

POWELL GARDENS 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO. Admission charged.

816.697.2600 Powell Gardens is dedicated to education through programming. As a habitat that attracts many different bird species, Powell Gardens is a member of the Great Missouri Birding Trail. The gardens provide year-round protection and sustenance to native and migratory birds through cultivating and protecting native plant species. Our family’s favorite summer tradition—and the garden’s signature event—is the Festival of Butterflies on the first and second weekends of August. The event allows visitors to experience the wonder of butterflies and other pollinators up close to better understand their important role in our natural world—such as helping us to grow food!

One of the best ways to learn more about the environment and the role of native plants in benefitting the planet is on one of the nature hikes, hosted year-round by Alan Branhagen, director of horticulture. The 3- to 4-mile hikes highlight different aspects of Midwestern landscapes, such as native bird species, native plants and important insects.

Volunteer at Powell Gardens Families (kids ages 12 and up) may volunteer at Powell Gardens. On Earth Day (April 22), families may dig into varying garden projects throughout the campus. Shifts are two to three hours, and then folks are free to explore the gardens on their own. Other volunteer opportunities include the Festival of Butterflies and the Glow Festival. All of these initiatives not only support and raise awareness of the gardens, they are all tied into Powell Gardens’ mission and have an educational component.

Call 816.697.2600 for information.

Kristina Light’s girls always look forward to adventures exploring the great outdoors in Kansas City, and Powell Gardens is one of their favorite places in the area. kcparent.com april 2017

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illed with family, friends, a little bit of competition and lots of candy, Easter egg hunts are easily one of the most anticipated yearly events among kids everywhere. Sometimes though, it’s fun to change it up a bit! These ideas are sure to make this year’s Easter egg hunt an event for the memory books!

Color-Coded Egg Hunt: Instead of making it a free-for-all, assign each participating child his own color. When it’s time to start the hunt, make sure kids know to pick up only the eggs in their designated color and leave any other colors behind for someone else to find. This is a great way to make sure all the kids get an equal chance to play and an equal number of eggs at the end.

Different Sized Egg Hunt: Mix it up a bit by giving your kids different sized eggs to look for instead of just the standard size. Because they are different sizes, you’ll be able to hide some of them in smaller spaces, making the game a little bit harder for older kids. To increase the competition a little bit,

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tell the older kids they can find only the mini eggs, and the kid who finds the most gets an extra prize.

Easter Egg Store: Not every parent is a fan of how much candy is collected during the hunt. Instead of stuffing eggs with candy, try stuffing them with tokens or tickets.

Set up a small “store” in a separate room for after the hunt, filling it with inexpensive books, crafts and novelty toys. Let kids redeem their tokens and tickets for prizes that aren’t riddled with sugar.

Scavenger Easter Egg Hunt: Older kids might particularly like this one! Instead of hiding Easter eggs in the backyard, hide them around town with clues.

Give the kids their first clue, then send them to find the rest. This hunt may take a bit more planning (and driving!) on your part, but it’s sure to be one of the best Easter egg hunts they’ve ever had.

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt: Instead of having an Easter Egg hunt during daylight hours, try having it at night! Use glow-inthe-dark Easter eggs, or have your

kids decorate them with glow-in-thedark paint. Hand out glow sticks and flashlights to each participant after dark and send them to find as many eggs as they can. Feel like this might be too easy? Use non-glowing eggs and arm the kids with just flashlights.

Reverse Easter Egg Hunt: Play this version if you dare! Have your kids make a list of parentapproved privileges they want or chore assignments they don’t want.

Fill each Easter egg with a slip of paper naming one item from that list and tell the kids to hide them in the playing field. The adults are the ones who get to find them! Any eggs the adults find are reclaimed, but any eggs they miss belong to the kids.

They can redeem those eggs for privileges over the next month.

Rebecca Ishum lives in Belton, MO, with her husband, Sean, and their 6-year-old quadruplets. Her kids started counting down to Easter last summer in anticipation of the 2017 Easter egg hunt. You can read more about their family at ABeautifulRuckus.com

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april

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

CALENDAR

Miller Marley presents Snow White.

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

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play

party

watch

learn

celebrate

Sundays in April enjoy Kite Fest at the Overland Park Arboretum.

Purchase a kite or bring your own and fly it through the air above this scenic backdrop.

OPABG.org

Start your Easter festivities with the Downtown Bunny Hop on April 15 in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Join in a parade and then visit with the rabbit.

DownTownLS.org

Miller Marley presents Snow White April 22 & 23 at Olathe South.

See the favorite tale with beautiful dancers, sets and costumes.

MillerMarley.com

Learn Earth Day at Lakeside Nature Center on April 22.

Crafts, wildlife interpretations, informational booths, puppet show and more.

LakesideNature Center.org

On April 30, celebrate the grand opening of the Birth Place at Olathe Medical Center with a Family Fun Fest!

Face painting, wellness screenings and more!

OlatheHealth.org

1 Saturday

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY Visit KCParent.com for fun April Fools’ ideas for the family!

Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more!

DowntownLS.org Pancake Breakfast 8:00, Antioch Community Church. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, juice or coffee and help the Boy Scouts. ACCKC.org Farmstead Opening Day 9:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Opening day for the farmstead! Bring the kids out to see the animals. 913.897.2360 Healthy Yards Expo 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. An earth-friendly lawn and garden event with fun for the entire family! Free.

Johnson.K-State.edu Royals Day at the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. The animals show their support for the boys in blue. Snap a photo with Sluggerrr.

KansasCityZoo.org

Easter Egg Festival Today & tomorrow, Ceramic Café. Paint ceramic Easter eggs. Fun for the entire family! Call to reserve your eggs.

913.383.0222 All About Trees 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn the basics about trees, from how they grow to how to plant, prune and maintain them. 816.228.3766 Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Disney on Ice 11:00, 3:00 & 7:00, Sprint Center.

Follow your heart to Disney on Ice! Swim with Dory and Hank, see the Disney princesses and more. Save $5 with code “Olaf.” AXS.com Civil War Park Day 1:00, John Wornall House Museum. Help with general yard maintenance, raking, weeding, mulching and planting and more. 816.444.1858 Open House 2:00, Abby Road Farm. A lively, family-friendly afternoon filled with horses, kids activities, door prizes and much more!

AbbyRoadFarm.com Spaghetti Dinner 4:00, Grinter Place. For $8 enjoy music and a tour of Grinter Place State Historic Site. KSHS.org

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Death Star 7:00, Mesner Puppet Studio. A wacky Star Wars parody. MesnerPuppets.org

2 Sunday Farmers Market 7:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org Pompeii: The Exhibition Thru May, Union Station. Exhibit examines lives of the residents of Pompeii before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. UnionStation.org Kite Fest Noon, Overland Park Arboretum.

Purchase a kite or bring your own and watch them fly through the air above this scenic backdrop. 913.685.3604 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Sleeping Beauty 2:00, Kauffman Center. The KC Ballet tells this tale with glittering dances and vibrant characters. KCBallet.org

Free Fun with New 2017 Pre-K Pass Register your 3-5 year old online for a FREE 2017 Pre-K pass.

Hurry register & process by April 30. Restrictions apply.

©2017 Cedar Fair, L.P

Details at worldsoffun.com kcparent.com april 2017

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Easter Egg Hunts For a complete list of Easter egg hunts all over the metro, visit KCParent.com.

3 Monday

Free Fun Pass Thru April 30, Worlds of Fun. Register by April 30 and kids 3-5 receive a FREE pass! WorldsOfFun.com

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Preschool kids can play with others while running, riding and bouncing in our open play. $1. 913.477.7100

Toddler Tuesdays 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. One adult and one child under 4 can visit Sea Life for only $14! VisitSeaLife.com

Solve It Cyrus 9:45 & 11:00, Folly Theater. Come along as Solve It Cyrus and his friends learn the ins and outs of all things math. FollyTheater.org

Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping King pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com

Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative exploration of the deep blue sea. Free. CrownCenter.com

5 Wednesday

Family Chess Night 6:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Come play chess with a worthy opponent. Boards and equipment provided.

OlatheLibrary.org

Over the Rainbow: Toys from the Land of Oz Thru Aug, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore all things Oz through playthings, books, costumes and more.

816.235.3000

4 Tuesday

Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

A 30-minute program that includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. Today’s theme: Turtle Time. $2. 913.764.7759

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child. 913.298.0626

Summit Christian Academy

Ranked a Top 5 Private School in the Kansas City Area S

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Join us for Campus Visit Day

1:30-3 p.m., April 7 or May 5 Call 816.525.1480 to RSVP or for more information. summit-christian-academy.org 54

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Meet a Seeing Eye Dog 2:30, MCPL (Blue Ridge).

Learn the history of the guide dog program and see a demonstration. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Classics Uncorked: Shakespeare in Music 7:00, Kauffman Center. Timeless music inspired by the bard’s greatest comedies, tragedies and histories.

KCSymphony.org

6 Thursday Elementary Open House 9:00, Heritage Christian Academy. Tour the campus, meet with current parents and visit classes. HCAKC.org

Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church (Olathe). A time for kids 6 and under to play, run, kick, ride and jump. Free.

IndianCreek.org Plaza Bunnies Thru April 23, Country Club Plaza. Popular Plaza tradition features largerthan-life bunnies on Plaza street corners and courtyards. CountryClubPlaza.com Elephant & Piggie’s We are in a Play! 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. Kids will love this lively musical, adapted by Mo Willems from his wildly popular books. TheCoterie.org Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6.

IntegrityOP.com Science & Engineering Fair Thru Saturday, Union Station. Science Pioneers powered

by Science City brings you the fair.

SciencePioneers.org

7 Friday H2O Baby 8:45, Olathe Community Center. You get fit while Baby gains confidence in the water.

Olatheks.org/parksrec MPE Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair Today & tomorrow, KCI Expo Center. Info on homeschooling techniques and curriculum.

913.599.0311 Campus Visit Day 1:30. Summit Christian Academy. Visit the campus to see all we have to offer your student. RSVP to 816.525.1480.

Easter Egg Dive 6:30, the View (Grandview).

Dive in the pool to help the Easter Bunny uncover all the eggs. Grandview.org The Thorn Today & tomorrow, City Center Church. A theatrical portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. TheThorn.net Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt 7:00, Happy Rock Park. Search for Easter eggs with flashlights.

A fun twist on traditional egg hunts! $5.

816.423.4200 Trio Virado 8:00, Polsky Theatre. A fresh collaboration of three of the most distinguished artists on their instruments of flute, viola and guitar. JCCC.edu/theseries Expressions Art Exhibition 6:00, Kansas City Young Audiences. Opening of exhibit in which artists with disabilities exhibit their work. Free.

816.659.9403

kcparent.com april 2017

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8 Saturday Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. A fabulous Easter event, one the kids are sure to enjoy! $5-$6.

StrawberryHillMuseum.org Underwater Egg Hunt 8:45, Gladstone Community Center. Enjoy an egg hunt in water and playtime in the pool. $5-$7. Must pre-reg at 816.423.4200.

Access Art 9:00 MCPL (Woodneath). All day art event with classes led by instructors from Nelson and KCAI. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Endangered Jewels of the Rainforest 10:00, MCPL (Liberty). Wings of Love presents this program where you meet endangered birds.

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Extreme Egg Hunt 11:30, Shawnee Mission Park. An egg hunt with a twist: The only way to find hidden eggs is with a GPS! $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Trucks and Big Rigs 10:00, Theatre in the Park.

Crawl, climb and sit in the driver’s seat and talk with real life operators of these vehicles. Free; donations accepted. JCPRD.com

Eggstravaganza 1:00, Faith Chapel (Overland Park). A fun time of games, prizes, food and an Easter egg hunt! FaithChapel.org

Easter Eggstravaganza 10:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Activities include a petting zoo, play structures and face painting.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Easter for Kids 9:00, Mt Olive Lutheran Church.

Kids will enjoy crafts, snacks, singing, story time and an Easter egg hunt! Free. Pre-reg at MtOliveWels.com.

Kids Spring Jamboree 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Easter egg hunt (bring your own basket), crafts, field games and pictures. 816.792.2655

Party for the Planet 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and participate in programs you can do at home.

KansasCityZoo.org

Brunch with the Bunny 10:00, Irene B French Community Center. Face painting, craft, games, a light breakfast and an egg hunt. $4-$6.

Merriam.org

Youth Art Class 10:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about different materials contemporary artists use and create a collage. Ages 8-11. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Easter Egg Hunt 10:00, the View (Grandview).

Help uncover all the hidden eggs. Special guest appearances by the Easter Bunny and KC Wolf!

Grandview.org

*Valid only on Tuesdays at participating Pizza Shoppe locations.

Single-topping pizza only, additional toppings cost extra.

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/PizzaShoppe

Ollie’s Egg Hunt 10:30 & 1:30, Paradise Park.

Paradise Park hosts its annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Hundreds of hidden eggs wait to be found! 816.246.5224 Easter Egg Hunt 11:00, Arno Park. Prizes, hot dog lunch, balloon entertainment, games, crafts and, of course, the Easter Bunny. Free.

StJohnsUMC.org KC Passport to Adventure Kick-off Noon, Bass Pro Shop (Olathe). Visit booths and hands-on activities and pick up your 2017 Passport to Adventure. 913.764.7759 Journey to the Cross 1:00, Blue Ridge Bible Church. This family program invites children and adults to walk the path that Jesus walked.

Free. BlueRidgeBible.org

@PizzaShoppe

pizzashoppe.com

IBEX PUPPETRY

SING ALONG WITH THE MUPPET MOVIE 4 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 30

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2016 – 2017 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

Created by Heather Henson, Jim’s daughter, for fans of all ages. Enjoy interactive surprises like bubbles, streamers, kites, confetti pops and characters coming right out of the screen.

Tickets on sale now!

jccc.edu/TheSeries 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING WINE & BEER AVAILABLE

kcparent.com april 2017

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Easter Eggstravaganza April 15, 10:00, Union Station. Bring the entire family to Science City for a morning jam-packed full of Easter fun! UnionStation.org

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late-night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com

Celebrate Local Food 1:00, Overland Park Convention Center. An event to introduce everyone to the best foods made right here in Kansas City. Free. 913.927.1567

Free Discovery Concert 7:00, Folly Theater.

Tomer Gewirtzman, pianist, performs in this recital. Free. 816.415.5025

Sleeping Beauty 2:00, Kauffman Center.

The KC Ballet tells this tale with glittering dances and vibrant characters. KCBallet.org

Full Moon Hike 8:00, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy a guided hike through the park during the full moon. Must pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

Meet the Experts 2:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Mesner Puppet Theater gives an exclusive glimpse into the production of The Wizard of Oz. 816.235.3000

9 Sunday

Kansas City Chorale 2:00, White Theatre. The chorale performs a diverse repertoire of new and traditional music. $11-$21. TheJKC.org/boxoffice

Passport to India 10:00, Nelson-Atkins.

Discover the dance, music, fashions, art and culture of South Asia. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org The Easter Bunny Visits Noon, Crown Center Shops. Meet and have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. CrownCenter.com

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10 Monday Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative exploration of the deep blue sea. Free. CrownCenter.com

Out-of-Library Story Time 10:15, Mill Creek Activity Center. Storytellers offer books, stories, songs and more for preschoolers. Free.

913.826.2950 Open Play 10:00, Jump City.  Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

11 Tuesday Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Kids, drive your favorite vehicle, jump in the bounce house or pretend in the kitchen. $2. 913.322.5550 Babes in the Woods 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn how frogs and toads grow up. We will play, splash and learn. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Fountain Day 4:00, the Concourse Fountain.

The second Tuesday in April marks the day when the 48 fountains of Kansas City, MO, spring back to life! KCParks.org Music Mayhem 6:00, West Wyandotte Library.

Musical fun with instruments, songs, dancing and a story or two. Ages 4-6. Free. 913.295.8250

12 Wednesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 The Orchestra Rocks 10:00, Kauffman Center.

Enjoy hands-on activities and an interactive performance with the Kansas City Symphony. $2-$5. KCSymphony.org

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6.

IntegrityOP.com

Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

Kids in the Kitchen 4:00, Gladstone Community Center. Learn how to make some healthy after-school snacks like zucchini muffins and smoothies. $12-$15. 816.423.4200

14 Friday

Fountain Day 4:00, the Concourse Fountain.

The second Tuesday in April marks the day when the 48 fountains of Kansas City, MO, spring back to life! KCParks.org

13 Thursday Toddler Time 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Kids can play on slides, scooters and more. We set up the equipment, and the kids have the fun! $2-$3. BlueSpringsGov.com Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. Kids will love this lively musical adapted by Mo Willems from his wildly popular books. TheCoterie.org The Velveteen Rabbit 10:00, H & R Block City Stage. The story of love, reality and imagination and the deep bond between a toy rabbit and boy. TYA.org

Opening Day 10:00, Worlds of Fun. The park opens today for the 2017 season!

WorldsOfFun.com Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Join us for stories, a snack and a craft.

Free; all ages welcome! 816.246.7323 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12.

Free. KemperArt.org Free Family Movie 1:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Bring a pillow or blanket and enjoy Finding Dory. OlatheLibrary.org

LEGO® NOW OPEN! IDEAS STUDIO 1 DREAM IT! 2 DRAW IT! 3 BUILD IT!

BOOK ONLINE TO SAVE! LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity kcparent.com april 2017

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1889

april by the numbers

26

Date this month of 2017’s first super moon, when a full moon has its closest approach to the earth, resulting in the moon’s largest apparent size.

2000 Distance in miles of the Pony Express route from St. Joseph, MO, to Sacramento, CA. Runs began April 3, 1860.

15

This date in April is both Rubber Eraser Day and Tax Day… coincidence?

27

Take your daughters to work day.

On April 15 of this year, Thomas Hart Benton, one of Kansas City’s most famous painters, was born in Neosho, MO.

10

April date of the Kansas City Royals’ 2017 home opener against the A’s.

250

Weight in pounds of the Country Club Plaza bunnies, which stand 6 feet tall.

They’ve been marking the district’s Easter celebration since the 1930s.

18th & Vine Location of the American Jazz Museum, where you can celebrate Jazz Month with interactive exhibits and music in the Blue Room.

1945 $15

The price in millions of the Louisiana Purchase on April 30, 1803, which included what is now Missouri and Kansas.

On April 12 of this year, U.S. Vice President Harry S. Truman became president upon the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

For only $15 get a $10 fun card, a personal pizza and a chance to be laser tag champ.

Paradise-Park.com

Road to Resurrection 8:00, Open Door Baptist Church. Step back in time to follow Jesus’ footsteps during his final week. Pre-reg at OpenDoorKC.com.

School’s Out - Gardening 7:30, Lenexa Community Center. Help with Lenexa Community Gardens then learn some easy healthy recipes! 913.541.0209

16 Sunday

15 Saturday

Easter Services Colonial Presbyterian Church. Join us for services to celebrate the resurrection. ColonialKC.org

Easter Eggs & the Breakfast Bunny 8:45, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a morning of fun with the Easter Bunny! PowellGardens.org The Hunt for Easter 9:00, Colonial Presbyterian (Quivira Campus). Optional breakfast and then find hidden egg clues to the treasure of Jesus’ love. Pre-reg at ColonialKC.org Easter Eggstravaganza 10:00, Union Station.

Bring the entire family to Science City for a morning jam-packed full of Easter fun!

UnionStation.org Scout Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Scouts in uniform and immediate family members get $6 admission and participate in activity stations in the lobby. KansasCityZoo.org Downtown Bunny Hop 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Join the Easter Bunny in a parade! After the parade, visit with the rabbit.

DownTownLS.org Easter Festival 10:00, Memorial Park (Raymore). Egg hunt, a cupcake walk, face painting and other activities! Raymore.com Flights of Fancy 10:00, MCC-Longview Campus.

Enjoy mega kite displays, face painting, inflatable maze, candy drop and more! Hosted by KC Kite Club. KiteFest.MCCKC.edu Easter Egg Plunge 10:00, Olathe Community Center. Plunge, dive and swim for thousands of Easter eggs throughout three pools. $10-$15.

OlatheKS.org Historic Sibley Cemetery Tours 10:30, Fort Osage Education Center. Explore the cemetery and learn about its famous internments.

816.650.3278 Story Time: One Boy’s War 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Hear a family-friendly story. Pre-reg at TheWorldWar.org.

Easter Egg Hunt 11:00, Louisburg Cider Mill.

Bring your basket and come for Easter egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

LouisburgCidermill.com

Easter Sunday

Plaza Bunnies Thru April 23, Country Club Plaza. Popular Plaza tradition features largerthan-life bunnies on Plaza street corners and courtyards. CountryClubPlaza.com Easter Brunch 11:00, Nelson-Atkins. A Kansas City tradition that combines elegant food with priceless art. Enjoy live music. Make reservations early at Nelson-Atkins.org.

17 Monday Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Stories 9:45 & 11:30, Folly Theater. A fun show based on several popular books. FollyTheater.org Pompeii: The Exhibition Thru May, Union Station. Exhibit examines lives of the residents of Pompeii before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. UnionStation.org Claws 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Meet the armored division of the marine world in this new exhibit. Kids go free with code PARENT. 816.471.4386 Free Fun Pass Thru April 30, Worlds of Fun. Register by April 30 and kids 3-5 receive a FREE pass! WorldsOfFun.com Out-of-Library Story Time 10:15, Mill Creek Activity Center. Storytellers offer books, stories, songs and more for preschoolers. Free.

913.826.2950

18 Tuesday Story Time 10:00, Kansas City Public Library (Central Library). A fun time for all ages to talk, sing, read, write and play. Free. 816.701.3407 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $9.50.

CeramicCafeKC.com

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping King pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com Happy Hour Concert 6:00, Kauffman Center.

Free performance presented by the Kansas City Symphony. Free tickets at KCSymphony.org.

19 Wednesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

A 30-minute program that includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. Today’s theme: Bugs. $2. 913.764.7759 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

20 Thursday 20th Birthday Breakfast 7:00, Uptown Theater.

Eat cake for breakfast and help us continue to provide books for 30,000 kids in Kansas City! $60. ReachOutAndReadKC.org Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church (Olathe). A time for kids 6 and under to play, run, kick, ride and jump. Free.

IndianCreek.org Got Talent Open Auditions 4:00, MCCLongview. The top 20 performers will be selected to perform at the Got Talent competition on June 10. LSTalent.com Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins. Date night!

Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent. Nelson-Atkins.org

21 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child. 913.298.0626

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Chalk Walk April 29, 9:00, Concourse Park. Kids and parents join artists to create chalk masterpieces. Strolling performers, book tent and more. NortheastArtsKC.org

Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Join us for stories, a snack and a craft.

Free; all ages welcome! 816.246.7323 Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops.

EnglewoodStation.com 39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District.

Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com Major League Improv 7:30, Comedy City.

A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13.

816.842.2744

22 Saturday Strawberry Hill 5k 8:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. Run an awesome route winding through the streets and alleys of Strawberry Hill. StrawberryHillMuseum.org

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Access Art 9:00 MCPL (North Independence). All day art event with classes led by instructors from Nelson and KCAI. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Touch-a-Truck 9:00, Recreation Park (Raymore). Kids explore favorite machines, including emergency response vehicles, military transport and more. Raymore.com Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal.

Today’s animals: hogs. KansasCityZoo.org Earth Day 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Crafts, wildlife interpretations, informational booths, puppet show and more.

LakesideNatureCenter.org Hike at Green Hills 10:00, Platte Wildlife Preserve. Meet at the picnic shelter in the parking area for a hike. LetsGoKC.org

Barnyard Babies Family Festival 10:00, Nat’l Ag Hall of Fame. Experience life on a farm— from barnyard babies to a tractor petting zoo and more. AgHallOfFame.com Earth Day Celebration 11:00, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Activities include park cleanup, nature scavenger hunt, nature activities and more. NKC.org Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration 11:00, Winwood Park (Gardner). Park cleanup, picnic lunch, tree planting demonstration and more.

913.856.0936

Paper for Pollinators 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Make a recycled paper decoration with native seeds you can plant.

MDC.Mo.gov.events Snow White Today & tomorrow, Olathe South High School. Miller Marley presents the story of Snow White with beautiful dancers, sets and costumes. MillerMarley.com Sensory Friendly Concert 2:00, Central United Methodist Church. Fine art performance for those who may not be able to sit still in a traditional venue. KCMMT.org

23 Sunday Farmers Market 7:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org Spring Family Timber Challenge 8:30, Zip KC. A 2-mile “race” packed with fun and challenging obstacles for the whole family.

KCTimberChallenge.com Pompeii: The Exhibition Thru May, Union Station. Exhibit examines lives of the residents of Pompeii before and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. UnionStation.org

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.127

Story Time 10:00, Kansas City Public Library (Central Library). A fun time for all ages to talk, sing, read, write and play. Free. 816.701.3407

24 Monday

Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Preschool kids can play with others while running, riding and bouncing in our open play. $1. 913.477.7100 Claws 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Meet the armored division of the marine world in this new exhibit. Kids go free with code PARENT. 816.471.4386

Toddler Town 10:00, Roger T Sermon Center.

Kids can run and play at the indoor play area for ages 5 and under. $1/child. ci.Independence.mo.us

Out-of-Library Story Time 10:15, Mill Creek Activity Center. Storytellers offer books, stories, songs and more for preschoolers. Free.

913.826.2950

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6.

IntegrityOP.com

25 Tuesday

27 Thursday

The Velveteen Rabbit 10:00, H & R Block City Stage. The story of love, reality and imagination and the deep bond between a toy rabbit and boy. TYA.org

Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. Kids will love this lively musical adapted by Mo Willems from his wildly popular books. TheCoterie.org

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Competitive & Recreational Gymnastics for all Ages!

Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative exploration of the deep blue sea. Free. CrownCenter.com

Toddler Town 10:00, Roger T Sermon Center. Kids can run and play at the indoor play area for ages 5 and under. $1/child. ci.Independence.mo.us

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Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Over the Rainbow: Toys from the Land of Oz Thru Aug, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore all things Oz through playthings, books, costumes and more.

816.235.3000

28 Friday Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Railroad Days Thru Sunday, Downtown Pleasant Hill. Train displays, live music, reenactments, kids games, local vendors and more. PhillRailroadDays.com 4th Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Variety of activities include artist receptions, artist street theater, yoga in the streets and more. DowtownLS.org Final Fridays 5:00, Lawrence. See hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations. Free fun for everyone!

UnmistakablyLawrence.com

29 Saturday

Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

Herb and Wildflower Sale 8:00, John Wornall House. Purchase herbs and wildflowers, stroll the Wornall Herb Garden, and get herbgrowing advice. WornallMajors.org Chalk Walk 9:00, Concourse Park. Kids and parents join artists to create chalk masterpieces.

Strolling performers, book tent and more.

NortheastArtsKC.org

The Three Bears 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A fun puppet show performed by Michelle O’Donnell and Stan Gulick of Peppy Puppets. $6. Hazelle.org

30 Sunday Farmers Market 7:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org

Kids in the Kitchen 9:30, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Learn how to make some delicious, healthy spring foods! Pre-reg at 913.715.7000.

Teacher Appreciation Day Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Free admission for teachers and three guests. Learn about Zoo-Ed program.

KansasCityZoo.org

Family Fun Fest & Birth Place Grand Opening 11:00, Olathe Medical Center. Face painting, wellness screenings, bike rodeo and more!

OlatheHealth.org

Doggies & Dogwood Days Today and tomorrow, Powell Gardens. Bring your dog to Powell Gardens for fun activities! PowellGardens.org

Spring on the Farm Noon, Watkins Woolen Mill. See sheep shearing, stroll through the garden and participate in chores from the 1870s. WatkinsMill.org

Asian Cultural Festival 10:30, Olathe East High School. Enjoy Asian cuisine, performances, exhibitions and more from 21 nations in Asian regions. MAACAWeb.org

Sing Along with the Muppet Movie 4:00, Yardley Hall. Find a rainbow connection with your favorite Muppets during IBEX Puppetry’s presentation. JCCC.edu/theseries

JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO JAZZ PIANO

8 P.M. SATURDAY, MAY 20 Joey Alexander plays jazz like a veteran of decades, but he’s just 12 years old. Discovered by Wynton Marsalis, he’ll come to JCCC and share his astonishing technique and soulful sound!

Tickets on sale now!

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2016 – 2017 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

64

kcparent.com april 2017

jccc.edu/TheSeries 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING WINE & BEER AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

THIS IS A FAMILY TRADITION IN THE MAKING. TRAVELIOWA.COM

BOONE

DES MOINES

Pin a Memory in Boone County! With a variety of attractions and activities for all ages.

Bike the High Trestle Trail, ride the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, float the river at Seven Oaks, or enjoy local wines, craft beer, fine dining and great shopping!

Get ready for roller coasters and waterslides. Hot air balloons and African wildlife. Enjoy a food festival by day and an Iowa Cubs game at night. Experience the weekend getaway your family has been waiting for. Catch summer in Greater Des Moines.

visitboonecounty.com | 800.266.6312

catchdesmoines.com | 800.451.2625

BURLINGTON / WEST BURLINGTON

OKOBOJI

Create your next family memory with an adventure in Greater Burlington. The water parks, museums, hiking trails or a Bees game provide the perfect venue. Don’t forget to experience the Mississippi or venture down Snake Alley, “The Crookedest Street in the World!”

Find your escape in Okoboji with abundant water recreation activities like boating, fishing and parasailing, our vast trails system, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, golf courses, museums, shopping, unique dining and more!

It’s no wonder we’re called Iowa’s #1 vacation destination!

visitburlingtoniowa.com | 319.752.6365

vacationokoboji.com | 800.270.2574

PELLA

CLEAR LAKE / MASON CITY

Need a new idea for a family vacation?

Go somewhere that’s fun for all ages!

Visit Pella to experience Dutch-flavored festivals and events, Lake Red Rock activities, an aquatic center, a sports park, history, culture and more!

After a relaxing day on the lake and exploring Clear Lake’s beaches, experience music history unlike any other at the Surf Ballroom and Music Man Square.

Visit our event calendars for even more family fun!

travelnorthiowa.com | 800.285.5338

visitpella.com | 888.746.3882

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JOIN US FOR FOOD AND DRINKS FROM THESE KANSAS CITY RESTAURANTS! Amigoni Urban Winery

Garozzo's

Mad Mans KC BBQ

Stock Hill

BRGR Kitchen + Bar

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

Magnolia's On The Move

Stroud's

Mason Jar Brews & Burgers

Sunset Grill

Murray's Tables & Tap

Taco Republic

Barley's Kitchen & Tap

Gram & Dun

Belfonte Ice Cream & Dairy Foods Co.

Hiland Dairy Co.

Bizz & Weezy Confections

Hilton Kansas City Airport / Asado

Nick & Jake’s

Ted's Café Escondido

O'Dowd's Little Dublin

Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Brancato's Catering Brasserie at the Westin Crown Center

Hopps Catering

O'Neill's Restaurant & Bar

Hy-Vee Catering

Polar Oasis

Carmen's Café

Isle of Capri / Calypso's Buffet

Porto Do Sul

El Indio Pollos al Carbon Charlie Hooper's Chicken N Pickle

Jazz Johnny's Italian Steakouse Jon Russell’s KC BBQ

RA Sushi The Oliver St. James Winery

The Blue Moose Bar & Grill The Kansas City Steak Company The Melting Pot The Roasterie Café The Well Bar - Grill & Rooftop

Kingswood Senior Living

Scratch Office Catering & Bakery

Lakeview Village

Sheridan's Frozen Custard

The Zebra Room at the Aladdin Hotel

Cosentino's Catering

Leinenkugel’s Kansas City

Sheridan's Unforked

Topgolf

Cooper's Hawk

Lew's

Twin Peaks

Edible Arrangements

Louie's Wine Dive

Soirée New Orleans Bistro

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

Louisburg Cider Mill

Cleaver & Cork Coco Bolo's Wood Fired Grill & Cantina

Gates Bar-B-Q

Spectators at the Sheraton Crown Center

Urban Table Waldo Pizza Zocalo

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

April 1 Royals Day at the Zoo April 2 Autism Awareness Day April 8 & 9 Party for the Planet April 15 & 16 Scout Weekend April 22 Seafood Soiree (ticketed event, parents only)

Always a New Adventure!

April 22 & 23 Species Spotlight—Hogs April 29 & 30 Teacher Appreciation Weekend

Open Year Round

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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

The new Birth Place featuring a Level II NICU.

This changes everything.

Change is coming. It happens when you’re expecting a new member of your family. It happens when you choose to bring that little one into the world at Olathe Medical Center’s new Birth Place. Soon, you’ll relax in a suite built for families, with the added security of a new Level II Neonatal ICU on standby.

April 30 Grand Opening Event with tours and family fun!

Your new baby. Our new Birth Place. Change is good.

Arriving May 2017 • Secure webcam-enabled nurseries • Advanced, Level II NICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room • 4-story obstetrics wing featuring luxury suites with queen beds, big enough to share

olathehealth.org/birthplace