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FINAL WEEKS
“Blowing Our Minds” - Condé Nast Traveler
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Plan Your Visit Today
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The perfect arrival. The perfect place. The new Birth Place
Enhanced capabilities. More amenities. The new Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. It’s a combination that makes the Birth Place the perfect place for you and your little one.
Come see our new addition. • Secure webcam-enabled nurseries • Advanced, Level II Neonatal ICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room • 4-story obstetrics wing featuring luxury suites with queen-size beds, big enough to share
Meet the doctors who deliver at Olathe Medical Center at olathehealth.org/birthplace
Here For Your Family’s Health,
On and Off the Field. Make an online reservation today at CentraCareKC.com. • Walk in or make an online reservation 7 days a week • On-site X-rays and prescriptions • Shawnee Mission Health providers Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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With FOUR Convenient Locations: Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park & Shawnee 4
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Caring Adults Needed Foster parenting is one of the best ways to help children in crisis In the Kansas City area, there are 4,000 children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges. Foster parenting provides a child with a safe, loving environment. It will also enrich your life with joy and meaning. People from all kinds of life situations can qualify!
We’ll guide you every step of the way by providing: • Free training and ongoing support available 24/7 • A sense of community with other foster parents who share your passion • Assistance finding local resources • A fun weekend away at our Resource Family Conference, which provides a fantastic learning experience for parents and children • And of course, monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs plus assistance with back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts.
Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org We offer FREE training classes and support you every step of the way.
Dentistry That Will Make Kids
Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Now Welcoming New Patients!
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Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!
(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City kcparent.com april 2018
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APRIL
2018
IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner
KITE FLYING SEASON IN KC, PG. 50
12 Media Mix 14 News You Can Use 15 Word from Dad 23 Teacher Talk
FEATURES
SPECIAL SECTIONS 24 Party Guide 32 Camp Guide 52 Calendar of Events
46
28
32
You’re Ready
Camp Guide
Home Alone
Tips for setting kids up for success
Tons of great options for summer camps in KC
Tips to tell when your child is ready to stay alone Our cover features Dane. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.
HAVING A BABY SOON?
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ON THE COVER Check out the virtual Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com!
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Simple Ways to Go Green
18
Camp Guide
32
Using Social Media in a Healthy Way
48
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Best Day Ever
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Fashion, flavor and fun for the whole family are never far away! Shop Crazy 8 and Carter’s/OshKosh, treat yourselves to something tasty at Auntie Anne’s or Cold Stone, and play the day away at Dave & Busters.
LegendsShopping.com | Follow us
EDITOR’SLETTER APRIL 2018
I
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Belach (Overland Park), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Erin McIntosh (Shawnee), Angela Rosheim (Liberty), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City), Maggie Uhl (Waldo)
Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | April 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
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FINDING KC’S
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APRIL- JUNE 2018 | KCPARENT.COM
common pregnancy fears
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WHAT’S NEW IN KC
the
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everything you need to know about baby’s
in a healthy way
500+ ADVENTURES AROUND KANSAS CITY
Enjoy all things green this month, KC!
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t’s April, and our thoughts turn to all things green. Nature is waking up from its winter nap (so are my allergies!), and we celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day in April. Funny story: MANY years ago when I was a child, a local park was giving away free tree saplings for Earth Day. My dad asked my mom to go and pick him up a few. Poor Mom got us ready and into the car (I think at the time there were three or four of us kids) and drove to the park for the free trees. When we arrived, the line was super long and they were about to run out of the free trees. Mom packed us back into the car, we went home and when we got there, she had us collect sticks. We put them in baggies with soil and gave my dad his “free trees.” We had to come clean before he actually planted them! Although KC Parent isn’t giving away free trees for Earth Day, we do have articles that contain terrific ideas to help the entire family “go green.” We also are inching closer and closer to my most favorite time of the year, summer! While the lazy days of summer are lovely, I know that kids get bored and will be looking for something to do. Be sure to check out our summer camp guide both here in print, starting on pg. 32, and at KCParent.com. You’ll find tons of options to keep kids busy for a week or for an entire summer. As temps continue to trend upward, it’s time to get out and play! Kite flying is a favorite springtime pastime, and we’ve got tons of great ideas for kite fun in KC on pg. 50.
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Margaret Sarver, Editor Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.
Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212
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KCPARENT.COM
KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Giveaways
SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Easter Guide 2. Farm-to-Table Restaurants 3. April Fools Guide
4. Coupons and Giveaways 5. Best of April 6. Virtual Camp Guide
SPOTLIGHT
EARTH DAY
April brings Earth Day and Arbor Day. For a complete guide to celebrating Earth Day all over Kansas City, log onto KCParent.com.
7. Kids Eat Free
Expecting?
8. Rainy Day Fun Ideas
HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Check out the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to search hospitals by location, NICU level, classes and more.
Use KC Parent’s virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide to choose
the best medical care for mother and baby.
9. Complete Calendar of Events 10. Best Parks in KC
4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com
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CRAFTCORNER
Tiny hands easily will be able to create flower petals using corks as stamps.
S
cork stamped flowers
pring is in the air, and the kids are probably enjoying the sunshine and budding flowers. Celebrate the season with this adorable stamped flower craft. Tiny hands easily will be able to create flower petals using corks as stamps. You will love how this cheerful art project turns out!
Materials Needed: • Corks • Craft sticks
• Acrylic or tempera paint • Glue
Step One: Paint the craft sticks green and glue them onto a piece of white paper.
Step Two: Dip the corks in yellow paint and stamp them onto the paper. Stamp different colors of dots around the yellow centers to create flowers.
Step Three: Stamp green circles along the craft stick to create leaves. 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.
Simple Recycled Bird Feeder
Rainbow Sprinkle Slime
Van Gogh Inspired Paintings
For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!
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kid-mergency for those dino-Sized emergencies. Waiting long in the emergency room is ancient history. Our ERs are faster and exceed the national benchmark for treating pediatric emergencies. We’ll get your kids back to their roaring good times. Learn more at KCkidsER.com.
Text “ER” to 32222 to view current average ER wait times.*
* Message and data rates may apply. For more information visit texterhelp.com. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
ER CARE FOR KIDS & ADULTS Belton Belton Regional Medical Center I-49 (Hwy 71) & Hwy 58
Kansas City Research Medical Center Hwy 71 & Meyer Blvd.
Independence Centerpoint Medical Center 39th St. & Little Blue Pkwy
ER of Brookside Rockhill Rd. & Holmes Rd.
Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit Medical Center Northeast of Hwy 50 & Todd George Rd. Lexington Lafayette Regional Health Center 15th St. & State St.
Olathe ER of Olathe East of Black Bob Rd. on 135th St. Overland Park Menorah Medical Center 119th St. & Nall Ave.
Overland Park Regional Medical Center • Main ER • Dedicated Pediatric ER I-435 & Quivira Rd. Shawnee ER of Shawnee West of I-35 on Shawnee Mission Pkwy kcparent.com april 2018
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MEDIAMIX
adventures are everywhere
spring titles highlight adventure and excitement By McGeath Freeman
Florette By Anna Walker Best for: Ages 4-8
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond
Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race
By Sam Hearn
By Jen Breach
Best for: Ages 7-10
Illustrated by Douglas Holgate Best for: Ages 10-14
When a little girl named Mae moves form the country to the city, she misses the trees, plants, flowers and butterflies she used to have all around. Now she just sees big buildings and concrete. In her search for greenways, Mae creates a forest of art on the boxes stacked throughout her new apartment. She even draws butterflies and flowers on the pavement between buildings, but it all gets washed away. Then one day she discovers a forest behind a large plate glass window at a store called Florette and gets an inspiration. She discovers a small green vine growing outside and takes it home to plant in her garden. Several messages are hiding in this tale. One is that it takes time to get used to a new place. Another is that nature always overcomes. Third is that charming illustrations can capture and delight a reader, as they do in Florette.
What’s good: Wonderfully sketched and charming watercolor illustrations.
What’s bad: The ending is a little rushed.
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How may times can Sherlock Holmes be retold? This version is perfect for young mystery buffs and graphic novel enthusiasts. In the first installment of this new series, John Watson arrives at his new boarding school, Baker Street Academy, where he quickly meets Sherlock Holmes. When the students of Baker Street Academy venture to a museum, they also come across a jewel heist—which Sherlock decides to solve. This tale is fun and accessible, giving Sherlock Holmes new life for young readers. The graphic novel, mixed media style is very hot right now and makes this a good pick for long drives this spring during family vacations.
What’s good: Fast-paced action with fun dialogue.
What’s bad: Retellings of Sherlock Holmes are nothing new.
What happens when you combine Young Indiana Jones with Speed Racer and the Star Wars universe? You get a young female archeologist with an android brother in a deadly race across the desert surrounded by space aliens. The adventure is fast-paced and entertaining, and the illustrations and narrative keep readers glued to each frame. This is a good addition to the growing graphic novel library for teens and preteens.
What’s good: Sure to interest even reluctant readers.
What’s bad: Not enough explanation of why aliens are on what appears to be Earth.
Head to KCParent.com for additional ideas on good books for all ages.
The starting point for a healthy smile. Did you know? Kids and teens need extra help keeping their teeth clean when they have braces. We offer both dental and orthodontic specialties in our office. We can combine appointments to reduce trips to multiple offices. Locations:
Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492
Legends 10940 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City KS 66109 913-948-8688 Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Board Certified Orthodontist
StartingPointDental.com
kcparent.com april 2018
13
NYCU
NEWS YOU CAN USE April 2018
What does the latest research say about TV for toddlers, ADHD vs. sleep disorders and gifted education issues in the United States? Here’s what we found:
TELEVISION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD In a study conducted by the University of Montreal, researchers found a link between the amount of time very young children spent watching television and their habits as teenagers. The study examined a group of children born in 1997 and 1998 until they were 2 years old, and then checked in on the subjects again when they were 13. Because this group of children was born before the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, television was a common entertainment tool. The TV was still widely considered harmless. “Watching TV is mentally and physically sedentary behavior because it does not require sustained effort. We hypothesized that when toddlers watch too much TV, it encourages them to be sedentary, and if they learn to prefer effortless leisure activities at a very young age, they likely won’t think much of non-leisure ones when they’re older,” says Isabelle Simonato. The study found that the TV habits of 2-year-olds were linked to eating less or no breakfast for older children, and the tendency to eat more junk food. School performance and BMI also were affected.
DEBATE OVER ADHD VS. SLEEP DISORDERS ADHD diagnoses are more common than ever these days, leading the medical community to dig into what may be causing the steady increase in cases. At a recent scientific conference, psychiatrists discussed the issue and a theory that sleep disorders and ADHD are closely related. At this time, no direct proof of an association has been shown and more study is needed. According to pediatric sleep expert Dr. Syed Naqvi, children tend to become hyperactive and unable to pay attention when they are tired, symptoms that mirror ADHD. He offers some tips for parents to help identify whether sleep issues may be the culprit for their child’s behaviors: • Watch for signs of breathing issues, such as snoring or short intervals of halted breathing, and get an evaluation by a sleep expert. • Measure the duration of nighttime sleep the child is getting and monitor any sleepiness during the daytime. • Monitor school performance and seek help if it doesn’t improve after starting ADHD medications.
ABILITY GROUPING AND ACCELERATION The practice of how best to educate gifted and talented students is widely debated, and a recent report from Northwestern University takes a comprehensive look at 100 years of research on the subject. Ability grouping is what it sounds like: placing students in groups or classes with other students at their level. Acceleration is skipping a grade or gaining early admission to college, which gives gifted students earlier access to educational opportunities. Proponents argue that these practices will benefit millions of publicly educated students by increasing their academic achievement. Still, acceleration is rarely used in today’s public schools. Proponents claim that students functioning above grade level may be overlooked and underserved under the current educational framework, and according to the report by Northwestern, years of research support that theory. If you think your child may be gifted, the first step is to research the signs. Teachers are often approached by parents who claim their child is a candidate for enrichment programs. Many school districts offer helpful literature about identifying gifted children and the processes in place to test them for special academic programs.
Erin McIntosh is a mom of four children, 15, 12, 10, and 6. She works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and photographer. She is currently working on her first book, a memoir about single parenting. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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WORDFROMDAD
a role model Ian stomped up the stairs and slammed the door to his room. I looked at James. “Are you all right?” “Yes.” He turned back to his tablet. James had said something about Ian’s friend. He didn’t like it and had launched himself on his brother. It took me a moment to separate them, and I’d exiled Ian to his room. Neither boy was hurt, but the root problem, Ian’s reliance on his fists to settle disputes, wasn’t addressed. Not this time. We don’t allow violence in our home. Sandi and I have never hit one another, and we hadn’t spanked the boys either. Their autism had made traditional approaches to discipline ineffective, so we’d relied on alternative methods. We tried to make our home a refuge of peace, and it had worked for James. But not for Ian. Maybe his choice in movies, filled with simulated violence, either animated or live action, had too much influence. Because of his disability, he wasn’t able to tell the difference between reality and entertainment. He needed an alternative. What movies could I present to Ian that would avoid violence, but that he’d still like? I asked my friends and posted a query in social media. A week later, we started. Every other night, we watched one of the suggested films and talked with him about their lessons. Sure, there was some action in them, but none of them had a problem resolved by fighting. About a month later, we stopped at a convenience store. While I stood in line to pay for his soda, he spoke. “Hey, Dad, know what? Let’s get James some ice cream. Mom, too.” I’ll never be certain if Ian’s behavior changed just because a few movies showed a different path toward resolution. But, I like to think so.
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.
KansasCityYMCA.org/Camp
Guide Your Child to a Healthy Lifestyle
Plus... IT’S FUN!
Call us today for your free trial class &Metcalf
435 Gymnastics
William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.
Gymnastics not only improves strength, balance, and coordination, but promotes commitment, discipline, social interaction and teamwork.
913-766-8918
www.integrityop.com tumble@integrityop.com
kcparent.com april 2018
15
guilt busters
W
for moms
e’ve all visited it before: the land of mom guilt. In today’s society, moms receive pressure from their family, friends and even social media to raise their children a specific way and to give them the “perfect” childhood. All this results in the dreaded mom guilt. Relax and take it easy, because we are about to bust that mom guilt!
GUILT: BEING A WORKING MOM BUST IT: A mother’s place is in the home, right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case anymore. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 70 percent of women with children under 18 participate in the labor force. When that mom guilt from not spending all day with your children rolls around, think about the example you are setting for your children. You work hard every day to provide for your family and then come home to cook dinner and care for them. Your kids will see that work ethic and grow up to be productive members of the workforce themselves. They also will realize the reason you work so hard is to make a better life for them in the long run. And a 2015 study published in the Journal
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of Marriage and Family suggests that kids’ academic and emotional well-being is not necessarily contingent on the amount of time they spend with their mothers. Moms still will feel guilty for missing quality time with their kids, but trying to create a work-life balance can help. What are those moments that make you feel the guiltiest about working? If you feel most guilty about missing class parties, let your boss know you will work late to make up for leaving to catch those Valentine’s Day and Christmas parties at school. If you feel like you are missing special moments while little ones are at daycare, ask your care provider to take photos and videos and send them to you throughout the day. Some daycares even offer phone apps so you can check in on your kids throughout the day.
GUILT: LETTING YOUR KIDS EAT JUNK FOOD BUST IT: Life is hectic, and each day has only so many hours to work, take the kids to ballet and soccer, finish homework, take baths and read bedtime stories. Sometimes the first thing to go is a home-cooked meal, and that’s perfectly okay. With all of the pressures to feed your children only organic, healthy foods, sometimes parents forget the main goal is to feed the kids. Whether that means stopping at a drive-thru and scarfing down some chicken nuggets on the way to soccer practice, or letting them have that incredibly unhealthy, full-of-sugar cereal for breakfast, the point is your kids have eaten! When we were kids, very few of us were on an only-organic-foods diet, and we grew up to be healthy adults (for the most part!).
GUILT: LOSING YOUR TEMPER BUST IT: We’ve all been there. It’s been a stressful day, nothing is going right and you lose patience and snap at your kids. The next thing you know you are apologizing and feeling like a horrible parent. Just remember, it happens to everyone. Your kids also will learn that even moms mess up sometimes. If it makes you feel any better, just think of all the times your kids have yelled at you for silly things like their macaroni and cheese not being yellow enough and their glass of water having two pieces of ice instead of their preferred three.
GUILT: TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME BUST IT: Thanks to the American Academy of Pediatrics, we now experience mom guilt every time we turn on the TV. We know screen time should be regulated, but has the AAP ever been sick with the flu and needed a nap, but their 3-year-old needed entertainment until Dad came home? Probably not. Most moms do their best to abide by the screen time recommendations, but with Netflix, smartphones and tablets, this can be tough. Sometimes you need a little “you” time, and if that iPad is going to entertain your kids for 15 minutes while you regain your sanity, then bring it on. Plus, some of those YouTube videos can be educational, right? If you feel really guilty, just think about all of that unregulated screen time you spent watching MTV and Nickelodeon when you were a kid. And you turned out great!
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Moms, we’re not alone. Did you know dads can feel their own “dad guilt too? Men are more involved with their families than ever before, and according to a report by Today and Fatherly, 28 percent of men felt they weren’t providing enough money for their family but didn’t want to be at work.
Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 3-year-old daughter.
SPRING SPECIAL: SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST MONTH AND RECEIVE ONE
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Both daytime and evening lessons available! Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472 LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119TH ST IN OLATHE AND IN SOUTH KCMO kcparent.com april 2018
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L Remind your children of their impact on the planet through each simple choice they make.
unchtime for your children is a special time, a release from their classes and the time to think of their mom or dad as they bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, crunch a carrot or delve into a homemade chocolate chip cookie and sip on the juice included in their lunch boxes. Yes, lunch boxes! No more do children need to toss their lunch bags into the trash. They simply can carry the boxes back to their classroom and place them back into their backpacks. This is the new green way of thinking. Some other earth-friendly packaging tips include, number one, avoiding plastic baggies and individually wrapped foods, period! These processed food packages end up in landfills, cause ocean and air pollution, and the foods they contain tend to be far less healthy than what you make with your own
go green when
packing a lunch
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hands in your own kitchen. All sorts of stores, from Walmart to Big Lots to Old Time Pottery, offer fun, themed boxes of all shapes and sizes to cart sandwiches, pudding, chips, fruit, carrot sticks or even sushi. These are reusable and make for a wonderful green alternative. As do waxed fabric bags. The hues of nature can remind kids to think of being friendly to the earth. “I have my children look in our fridge and cabinets and pick every color of the rainbow for their lunch boxes! It’s our fun activity at the beginning of each week,” one local mom says. If you really want to jazz up the lunch table, offer healthy foods in cool containers, like tiny tacos placed in a segmented container. Simply deposit scoop tortilla chips in one compartment, black beans in another, cheese in one and then, of course, lettuce and tomatoes. Or offer breakfast for lunch, packing hard-boiled eggs, mixed berries, sliced waffles and a dipping sauce made of yummy ingredients like honey, syrup or cream cheese. Use your imagination! Consider a vegan lunch once in a while too, with hummus wraps or bean spreads and a thermos of soup. Buying lunch ingredients locally is another great way to go green. This not only helps support your community, but also serves to reduce the carbon footprint by cutting down on the distance of shipping. Consider indulging your kids in a fun water bottle with some personality that will encourage them to use it instead of disposable plastic ones that pile up in landfills. Another way to promote a green lunch routine involves your children’s active participation. Help them understand that growing and producing our food require cultivation and care—just like growing green grass or a garden in the backyard. Then build a compost pile at home and encourage your kids to get involved by bringing home their apple cores, cherry pits and orange peels from lunch to add to it. A good friend of mine works at Powell Gardens and says, “Each day, we try to emulate our true love of the earth and we show our visitors, young and old, the benefits of recycling, composting, resurfacing and the good of the earth. Our children will learn from us how to keep this planet truly green.”
Looking for resources? ChooseMyPlate.gov is a good source for children to learn more about food groups, healthy choices and eating and going green. NationalGeographic.com is another good site to show your young ones about going green. An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
EVERYONE PLAYS AT THE Y Y MEMBERS RECEIVE $10 BITTY SPORTS FOR AGES 3-5! Y Sports help kids as young as 3 develop important life lessons in a fun and engaging environment. Kids learn positive competition, fair play, the value of participation over winning, team-building and positive self-image.
Earth Day Ideas: • Serve eco-snacks. Tell
Sign up at KansasCityYMCA.org/Sports
your kids they’re rabbits and mix raisins, sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds and chocolate chips into a container.
• Take a walk! • Plan an Earth Day run on your block and have everyone run or walk in honor of the planet. Along the way, everybody can bring a bag to collect any trash.
HAVING A BABY SOON? Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com
• Read some “green reads” such as The Lorax or The Giving Tree.
• Plant a garden. • Plan an eco-swap. Have your kids call their friends and tell them to bring a bag of clothes to swap. Everyone goes home with new clothes.
• Protect our planet. Remind your kids to turn off lights and faucets and to recycle. Explain to them your family’s impact on the planet.
Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has images,complete descriptions, video, social media links and much more. SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: LOCATION | NICU LOCATION | CLASSES OFFERED kcparent.com april 2018
19
simple
ways for families to go green
g Looking to eat green? For a list of farm-to-table restaurants in KC, head to KCParent.com.
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reen initiatives have gotten a lot of hype in recent years, but one of the best selling points for making eco-friendly decisions is that they serve more than just the environment. That’s right. Nine times out of 10, going green also saves money. So for a growing family, being eco-wise just makes sense as it serves our homes, our budgets and the planet. We can go about this effort in many ways, but we reap compound interest when we train our children to join us. As Art of Simple blogger Tsh Oxenreider says, “Being intentionally eco-wise is about celebrating the creativity of creation, being good stewards with what we’re given, and passing on those values to the next generation. We double our efforts when we get our kids involved, helping them understand the why
to our what. When they get it, it’ll be second nature when they’re adults—and that much easier to pass it down to their children.” Here are some simple ways for families to go green.
■ Reduce the volume of paper piles in your
house by cancelling unnecessary magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
■ Save scrap paper. Kids can draw on the
backs of used paper; otherwise, print on both sides to reduce the number of sheets used.
■ Opt out of receiving unsolicited mail like
prescreened credit card offers (and phone books, if they no longer serve you). For peace of mind, be placed on the Do Not Call list to keep mental clutter at bay.
■ Request to receive your tax forms
■ Put on a sweater, don a blanket and turn
■ Donate old magazines. Services like the
■ Open the windows and air your house out
electronically instead of via mail. Likewise, file your taxes online.
Kidney Foundation and Goodwill, along with other agencies, also will gladly take them. Check with a local doctor’s office— many appreciate having a variety of current editions for their waiting rooms.
■ Utilize online bill pay. This practice not only reduces paper, it also simplifies things greatly.
■ Get e-tickets for movies, shows or boarding passes.
■ Use online coupons that can be scanned off of your phone for in-store discounts instead of paper coupons.
■ Buy rechargeable batteries and make sure to dispose of old batteries properly.
■ Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot (just make sure to use a good cleaning agent).
■ Ditch toxic dryer sheets and use an ecofriendly variety or alternative like wool balls. Better yet, air dry clothes instead!
■ If you have a baby, use cloth diapers (or even a combination of cloth and ecofriendly disposables).
■ Scrap paper napkins and paper towels and use cloth varieties instead. Old t-shirts make great rags for cleaning up.
■ Consult with your utility company to see whether green power is available to you.
■ Turn off your computer every night, as well as when not in use.
the heat down a few degrees when you are home and awake. when it’s temperate outside.
relationships with local growers. In the process, you’ll learn where (and from whom) your food comes. It’s also good for the local economy and your health.
it up a local u-pick farm to support the ■ Utilize natural light for as long as possible ■ Hlocal economy and make memories in before turning on the lights in your home.
■ Upgrade to energy efficient appliances (just look for the Energy Star label).
■ Conduct an energy audit of your home. ■ Say goodbye to disposable plastic water
bottles (which have a tremendously negative impact on the environment, not to mention are far from cost effective) and stick with using a high quality, nonBPA reusable water bottle. Need further convincing? Check out the short film The Story of Bottled Water.
■ Quit using plastic bags and switch to
reusable bags instead. Tons of inexpensive options are available for purchase. Better yet, make your own—it’s a cinch!
■ Plant a garden. Start small with herb
gardening on the window ledge, container gardening on the deck or square foot gardening in the backyard.
■ Compost. You can make your own
compost bin for next to nothing (or buy a fancy rotating one if that’s your sort of thing).
■ Collect rainwater and use it to water
houseplants, landscaping or a garden.
the process. Berry picking is extremely gratifying for little ones as bushes tend to be right at their height.
■ Repurpose something. Cardboard boxes from Aldi and Costco make fabulous robots and racecars.
■ Make your own household cleaners.
It’s not only economical, it’s fun. Use your favorite essential oils to create a customized scent.
■ Reuse glass jars. They make fabulous
containers for leftovers, smoothies and salads, among many other things.
■ Avoid buying individually pre-packaged snack foods that use a lot of packaging and make your own from bulk items.
■ Make your own (or purchase) reusable sandwich bags instead of relying on plastic zip bags.
■ Donate to a local thrift store. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
■ Recycle. It’s easy, and many cities offer free pickup services.
■ Consolidate all errands to be run once a week and drive the speed limit.
■ Bring the outdoors in with houseplants.
Varieties like the spider plant, peace lilies or English ivy can pack a punch by moisturizing the air, cleaning up cigarette smoke and even absorbing radiation caused by computers and printers.
■ Unplug unused appliances and chargers. ■ Turn off the lights when you leave a room. ■ Follow blogs that promote natural living, ■ Convert to CFL light bulbs. like DIY Natural or Kitchen Stewardship. ■ Lower the temperature on your hot ■ Check sites like FreeCycle, Craigslist or water heater. Facebook Marketplace before buying ■ Avoid heating an empty house like you items new. would if you were home and awake. Turn it down two to four degrees when you’re getting ready to head out the door (or when preparing to go to sleep).
■ Hit the farmers market and build
■ Eat local. Support restaurants that use
ingredients that are sustainably sourced from within a 100-mile radius.
Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer and mom of three hailing from Olathe.
Looking for products that can help you go green? Consider a subscription service like Mighty Fix that, for $10 a month, helps you make one simple change a month.
kcparent.com april 2018
21
eatin’ clean & dirty
P
lanet Earth is such a diversified global sphere, comprising people, plants, animals, mammals and water. Yet worldwide, there is one thing we all can embrace, Earth Day! Now, picture our glorious planet. What colors come to mind? Read on to discover how your kids can earthfully eat clean and dirty in just three colors!
swim in the waterfilled blues Blueberries: Packed with Vitamin C to build a strong immune system and loaded with antioxidants that help alleviate sore muscles, blueberries are a blissful nutrition must. Integrate with hot oatmeal for breakfast or blend a berry yogurt smoothie for a snack. Fish: Although not visually blue, these sea creatures provide healthy omega fatty acids that contribute to brain development. Integrate by making tuna salad sandwiches for lunch or grilled salmon for dinner.
successfully increases vegetable intake even in vegetable-resistant children. Want to be a really sneaky green parent? Just take the advice of Belinda, a Lenexa mother of three: “Try pureeing this treetop-looking veggie into your kiddo’s favorite pasta sauce.” Kiwi: Breathe fresh and clean because eating kiwi has been proven to have a protective effect against respiratory symptoms associated with asthma, such as wheezing. A study published in Thorax followed 18,000 children aged 6 to 7 years living in Italy and found that those eating five to seven servings per week had 44 percent less incidence of wheezing compared to children eating one serving per week. Integrate kiwi sliced to top yogurt or cut into chunks with other fruits and served on a kabob stick.
dig for the dirt browns
spring for the greens
Walnuts and Almonds: Packed with protein, nuts are a nutritious and quick pickme-up food you can always have in and on hand. As little as third of a cup provides at least 6 grams of protein, meeting about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance. Integrate by fortifying muffins or pancake batters with the nuts. For lunch and dinner mix into salads, rice and quinoa. Or simply offer with dried fruit for a trail mix midmorning snack.
Broccoli: Bursting with calcium, this cruciferous veggie is a great way to help keep bones strong. Integrate with peanut butter or ranch dressing. A study in the Journal of Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics finds that pairing vegetables with peanut butter
Chia Seeds: Abounding with sustaining superstar energy, chia seed carbohydrates are released slowly into the bloodstream, so you can make sure kids’ tummies stay full. Integrate into soups, pasta dishes, salads, parfaits and even ice cream.
Water: Because every cell requires water to function, keeping dehydration at bay is crucial. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, make sure your kids are drinking at least six to eight cups of water a day. Integrate by packing a water bottle for school, along with offering H20 at all meals and snacks.
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Dirty Fruit Pudding Cups Ingredients 1 c. low-fat chocolate OR vanilla pudding 2 T. chia seeds Dried fruits like cherries, blueberries, pineapple, mango or apricots (chopped into bite-size pieces) 10 plastic cups (8-oz. size) Directions Base the cup with pudding. Add a layer of chia seeds. Repeat. Finish by adding fruit. Put cups into the refrigerator for one hour to chill.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic, Journal of Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Thorax.
Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She is currently practicing as a clinical registered dietician and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood.
TEACHERTALK
e-books: what’s all the rage
W
hether you are in a doctor’s office, an airport or in a school, you are likely to see people of all ages reading an e-book on some type of an e-reader, smartphone or computer. E-books hit the market years ago, making some folks worry print books would become extinct. No need to fret about that today! Readers still love to hold a real book in their hands and not look at yet another screen. Print books never have to be charged, and some readers feel a device doesn’t hold their attention as well as a good old book. On the other hand, a population of readers, young and old, definitely loves reading on a device and enjoying all the benefits that come with it. If you haven’t crossed over to the e-book side, you may be enticed with how an e-book can fit into a busy lifestyle.
Change Settings to Meet Individual Needs n
The reader can change the text size, font and even line spacing to meet individual needs. Chats with children and adults alike reveal both believe that being able to change the font size helps them read more fluently and, therefore, to read more books. n Backlighting can be adjusted on an e-reader to allow ease of reading in different lighting situations. This capability can help alleviate eye stress.
Convenience n
n
n
n
n
n
Tapping an unknown word on the screen instantly leads to a dictionary feature, giving an excellent opportunity to learn difficult or new vocabulary found in text. Passages can be highlighted with ease to allow the reader to note interesting or necessary information. A device can hold a large library of books, a convenience for frequent travelers and even occasional vacationers. No more lugging three or four books around in bags or luggage. Devices are relatively light, small and portable. E-books generally allow you to read 10 percent of a book before purchasing it, so you’re able to get a good taste of the tale before actually hitting the buy button. Instant access! The reader does not need to go to a bookstore or library to select a new book. Just finished a book? Get the sequel immediately. The growing number of apps allow for reading on smartphones and tablets, rather than just on dedicated e-readers.
Value n
E-books tend to be cheaper than the printed format. n Many school districts and most public libraries offer free e-books for instant checkout. With many school districts going to 1:1 devices, this is an excellent
opportunity for students to check out books 24/7 that are in high demand. Public libraries have a broad collection of e-books. n Some e-reader apps and publishers will allow for lending an e-book to friends. There are certain guidelines to be met and some limitations, but it can be done. To be certain, readers are passionate about what format they choose to read: print, digital or a mix of both. Readers must consider that some genres lend themselves to a print format rather than digital and, of course, not every book is available in digital format. As a school librarian and a parent of three teenagers, I must reiterate what author Emilie Buchwald says: “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Sharing a beautiful picture book over and over with a child or reading aloud a favorite chapter book in a comfy chair is just not the same on a device. Yet, our goal remains creating lifelong readers who read for pleasure and read to learn. However your child enjoys reading, support it!
Angela Rosheim is a library media specialist in the Liberty Public School District and the mother of three. kcparent.com april 2018
23
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kcparent.com april 2018
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party guide seven tips for
b
saving money on birthday gifts
irthdays are exciting milestones during childhood. Each new age brings new opportunities, new skills to learn and new experiences. For parents, birthdays are often bittersweet. We are excited to see our children grow, change and learn, but saying good-bye to the previous stage of childhood is often emotional. “I love and hate my son’s birthday,” Amber Stubbs, Olathe mom, says. “I love seeing him grow older and watching him become this amazing person—but every year I look back on his baby days and feel nostalgic.” For many families, one part of birthdays is buying presents. Going overboard buying gifts is easy, and many parents are looking for ways to rein in birthday spending. Here are some tips from metro parents on how to slow your family’s spending at birthday time:
Plan ahead. Make a plan for how you will handle the party and gifts ahead of time. This will allow you to shop sales, pick up items on clearance and take advantage of valuable coupons.
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Shop all year. This advice may sound like it would cause you to spend more, but shopping during off-seasons can add up to big savings. “I buy birthday gifts all year when things go on sale. It takes a bit of planning, but it can help make the money stretch further,” Amy Parks, Gardner mom, says. “I shop for Christmas during endof-summer sales and for birthdays during end-of-winter sales. It is a great way to save money on toys and clothes.” Know what your child wants. When your child expresses an interest, take note. If you have a running list of what your child would like, you can share it with family members and friends, allowing them to plan ahead and shop sales ahead of time.
Stick to a budget. If you need to set a budget for birthdays, set one and stick to it. Establishing a budget is a good way to keep the birthday party and gifts within a manageable amount and is also a way to keep things equitable among multiple children. “My kids know there is the same spending limit for each of them,” Laura Peters, Shawnee mom, says. “They don’t know the exact number, but it helps them understand when one child gets one large gift and another gets five small things. They all add up to the same amount—it is just about what each one wants.”
Think outside the box. Birthday gifts don’t have to mean toys. Experiences, events or even classes can be a wonderful gift. “For my daughter’s birthday, my mom paid for a year of dance lessons. Things were tight for us, and this allowed her to have something to look forward to every week. It was an amazing gift,” says Rachel Griffin, Kansas City, MO, mom.
Skip the trimmings. Wrapping paper, bows and cards are a quick way to add to the birthday budget. Consider reusing gift bags or finding other creative ways to package gifts. Children rarely take the time to admire the wrapping! Join a shop and swap site. Many communities have shop and swap sites on social media. These are easy ways for parents to sell everything from baby supplies to kids clothes or party supplies. Toys can be purchased for a fraction of the price of a new toy, and you can help stretch your dollar. If you have your shopping list ahead of time, consignment sales are also great ways to buy gifts for less. Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two living in Overland Park.
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27
I Think You’re Ready
Y
the language of setting kids up for success
ears ago I stumbled upon a powerful book titled Parent Talk, written by Chick Moorman. Moorman’s wise teaching helps parents build kids’ self-esteem through language. The small shifts in how we communicate with children encourage responsibility too. Because of the book’s simple format—a short few pages highlighting each point, interspersed with funny cartoons—you easily can understand and take away great ideas in a few
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minutes. This makes learning quick and easy for busy parents. A golden tip my husband and I have used countless times is when our kids ask, “Do you think I can do this?” We don’t answer, “Yep. That’s easy,” or “Nah. That’s too hard.” We learned if we judge a task, we already have decided the quality of the experience. If we tell our kids it’s easy, and they try to pull themselves along the monkey bars, they can’t give themselves a lot of credit for completing the task. We
already told them it was easy. We’ve taken away part of what they might gain in terms of empowerment and confidence. On the flip side, if we decide it’s easy for them, and they can’t do it, they may feel their own disappointment and also feel we are disappointed too. After all, they failed to do something we told them was easy. And if we classify something as too hard, we could be setting them up for choices they may not have made themselves.
We might ask ourselves at this point whether a statement like “that’s easy” or “that’s hard” could impact a child negatively. How can we navigate a day, let alone a lifetime, of talking to our kids? What I’ve learned using bits and pieces of advice from this book over the years, is that shifting some of my language is relatively easy, because empowering language feels good. When I use this type of language, it takes me out of the equation and gives my kids the power to decide things for themselves. I’ve also noticed the shifts come easily because the language of parenting has many repeated phrases (sometimes to our chagrin). We don’t have to put all language under the microscope, but the results of a few changes yield big impact. Instead of saying that something is easy or hard, Moorman suggests saying, “I think you’re ready.” This statement gives children room to move in the language. In this case, if they fall off the monkey bars they might say, “I wasn’t ready for that.” They learn what many adults know: Timing is important. And if they nail it, they get the credit. They can find their own place in the experience. Language like this also frees parents from constantly deciding things for their children. You end up using language that supports their potential. My husband and I have taken this particular piece of language one step further. We tell our girls, that when they are ready they will stick their heads under water or take the big hill on that sled. “You’ll do it when you’re ready” doesn’t mean “Don’t bother with that task.” We’re telling our kids they don’t have to sweat it or have a rotten time. If they have the gumption, or sometimes when they see their friends accomplishing the task, they will make it happen.
Our older often has been more of an observer. She’s typically not one to try something first. We’ve all really benefited from the “when you’re ready” soundbite over the years as we’ve let her decide timing for herself. We’ve found she comes back around to most things and has pushed herself farther than we ever dreamed in some realms. She’s the one who, at age 12, lived overseas for five weeks without family. This has proven to us that kids are ready when they’re ready. Another amazing language tip from the book is to ask your child, “What do you attribute that to?” This question helps children think about the connection between their efforts and the results they get. The question gets them on the road to self-discovery through analyzing the things they like, the things at which they excel or don’t excel and how they might start to make small changes that get steady results. This question gives us the groundwork as a family to help our kids begin to alter some patterns they’ll need in place to become responsible adults. Applying the simple lens of observation allows a person to do all this. If our child receives a great test grade, we can ask first what she attributes it to. Then to help her zero in and learn to ask meaningful questions, we might offer, “Did you study more each night? Have you been re-reading your notes? Did you spend time getting help when you needed it from the teacher?” If a child has a particularly great weekend, we ask first what she attributes that to. If she just shrugs her shoulders, we can teach her how to ask the questions that get answers. “Is it because you got more sleep? Is it because you did your homework before Sunday evening? Maybe you got to lounge around or spend more time with friends?”
These lines of inquiry are helpful to parents as well, because we can steer our kids to reach conclusions they can be reminded of later. If they are part of the dialogue, we can say, “Your best grades come when you reread your notes, right? That’s what you decided last time you got an A.” Or when Saturday morning rolls around, we can say, “You love your weekends most when you first get your homework done and then watch TV.” It’s in these rather easy assessments that our kids get to see and know themselves better and begin to feel how they can connect to life’s routines and joys in a repeatable, satisfying way. We can’t do the work for them, but if we help them identify their tendencies in any situation, even if it takes our persistence and much patience—and even if they resist because some humans are very good at resisting—they ultimately will benefit from these observations. This ability as parents to shift language in small ways for big results makes a worthwhile investment. We so often use words without thinking through their effect and repeat phrases out of habit. Moorman’s Parent Talk gives parents great examples of how to break these habits by suggesting more empowering and, ultimately, easy-touse alternatives. We haven’t used all of the book’s tips but have gravitated to ones that seem most helpful in our family. When my husband and I made a few of these language shifts early on, we heard our girls repeating them back in situations that meant they understood the language completely. That was when we really knew this type of language could help strengthen a child’s life.
Maggie Uhl lives in Waldo with her husband and two daughters.
kcparent.com april 2018
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taking kids to
Make sure it’s a performance that both you and the kids will enjoy.
t
live performances
aking your children on a fun playdate and to the Met Gala are two completely different main events but they both require great planning and attention to detail. Okay, so the Met is a bit extreme, but you get the point we’re making here. Preparing kids for a performance, whether they’re in it or just watching it, takes a lot of time and energy. Heck, it’s hard enough getting them out to school on time. But all that ends here. By the time you finish reading these tidbits, you and your children both will be experts when it comes to performances.
Make sure it’s a performance that both you and the kids will enjoy. Nothing is worse than sitting through something you really, really could live without. It happens at work with meetings and during lunch lines before eating. If you can do without, do WITHOUT it! Finding an event you all will be excited to attend is easy if you play it right. Here’s the simple solution: Find a common ground with
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your kids. Make sure both the kids and the adults know the music, whether you listen to country, classical or even rock. The event will be much more enjoyable, and being familiar with the tunes helps kids get excited. You’ll all even have something to talk about afterward.
Travel smart! Whether you’re having a ball on a budget, or just dealing with a picky eater, being prepared is always a good idea. Making sure you have lots of travel snacks and treats in the car or in your side sack is essential. Kids are very particular from age 2 to 20—and even into their adult lives. We all have our favorites that our parents know and love to see us respond to, so use that to your advantage. Take kids’ favorite snacks and juices on the car ride with you or make their favorite meal before you go. This can save you time, money and energy later.
Limit your trips back to the car. Snap a photo of parking. Forgetting a wallet, forgetting Bobby’s favorite toy or even forgetting where the car is parked—it happens to all of us. Best practice? Make sure you have what you need before you make it to the building, including taking a picture of the parking lot’s zone and spot if it’s numbered. Another great practice is calling the arena, theater or school to double check what’s allowed in the building.
Sit at the end of the aisle. Sitting at the end of an aisle with children gives you the upper hand! Not only do you have control of where the children go, but you have control over distractions. You have an easy exit if they must use the restroom. You can stop your child or children from running all over the place and, most of all, you can seek help quickly in the event of an emergency.
Timing is everything! Concerts and spending time away from home are always needed and always enjoyable—when done right. Timing is everything. Make sure you and the kiddos are well rested. There’s nothing worse than planning this great day with cranky attendees. Avoid attending a show too late in the day, which can disrupt your normal sleeping schedule or be a surefire way to turn that live performance experience sour and force you to leave a little early.
Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and current Kansas City resident. She’s a freelance journalist and photographer.
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The Culture House
Invent the future today! Camp Invention’s all-new summer program, Fast Forward, allows children in grades K-6 to turn their wildest dreams into a reality. Campers will create a vehicle of the future, design a mechanical robot dog, build futuristic dream homes, and make dinos dance using wind-up gearboxes! Local educators lead the week of fun, hands-on, STEM activities. Visit www.CampInvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to register. Use promo code RegCamp15 to save $15 (expires 5/4). 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. 44.
Camp Wood YMCA
Christian Youth Theater
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, April 28 or May 5, 1-5 pm for a free Open House. See display ad on pg. 35
CYT Kansas City offers many highenergy, week-long camps for ages 5-19 all across the KC metro. Day camp themes include “Disney-DreamWorks Musical Time Machine” and “Disney Big Screen to Broadway” for half-day (ages 5-7) and full-day (ages 7-12) campers. Non-musical Xtreme! Camps (ages 10-16) include “Star Wars,” “Knights of the Realm,” and “Heroes in a Half Shell.” High School Master Drama Camp features “Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.” Overnight Camps include “Fame Jr.” (ages 12-14) and “Oklahoma” (ages 14-19), with full-length performances. 913.681.3318. See display ad on pg. 39. www.CYTKC.org
Spend your summer at The Culture House ... NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS (Olathe & Oak Park Mall)! Programs include dance, theatre, music and art all taught by professionally trained adults. “Sister Act” (ages 13-20), “Aladdin ” (ages 10-13), “Winnie the Pooh” (ages 6-11), Rudimental (percussion) Bootcamp, Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, The Greatest Show: Movie Musicals, Songs from Matilda, Music of Moana, Isle of Lost Combat, Broadway Now, Improv, Princess Ballerina, Me & My Dolly Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap & MORE! 913.393.3141 See display ad on pg. 34. www.CultureHouse.com
JCamp Voted #1 Camp in Kansas City, the Jewish Community Center provides day camps all summer long for boys and girls ages 2–13 years. Exciting activities include swimming, sports, crafts, drama, archery, field trips and special events. Specialty camps offered: Sports, Theatre, Art, Dance, Culinary, Robotics, LEGO and Triathlon. Open to everyone—youth do not have to be members or Jewish to attend. Weekly sessions June 4 – August 3, Monday through Friday from 9:00-4:00. Extended care available. See display on pg. 45. www.JcampKC.org. Continued on page 38
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COME ALIVE
and dream with your eyes wide open! THEATRE
DANCE
VISUAL ART
MUSIC
THE GREATEST SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA (ages 10-16) THE MUSIC OF MOANA (ages 4-6 or 6-9) NAUGHTY: SONGS OF MATILDA (ages 7-16) ISLE OF THE LOST: MUSICAL & COMBAT CAMP (ages 7-14) IMPROV THEATRE CAMP (ages 9-16) BROADWAY NOW!: MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (ages 7-16) AIDA: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 13-20) ALADDIN JR: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 9-13) WINNIE THE POOH KIDS: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 6-11) WILLY WONKA JR: 2-WEEK INTENSIVE (ages 9-14)
SCULPTURE (ages 8-18) ROBLOX & ART (ages 9-18) SMALL BUT BIG ART (ages 5-8) PAINTING (ages 10-18) MODERN ART (ages 8-18) ADVANCED DRAWING (ages 12-18) DRAWING (ages 9-18) MINECRAFT INSPIRED ART (ages 7-18)
LA PETITE PRINCESS BALLERINA (ages 4-6) STORLING DANCE INTENSIVE (Ballet 3 & up) STYLE EXPLOSION HIP HOP (3 levels, ages 7-19) ITTY BITTY BALLERINA (ages 4-6) ME AND MY DOLLY BALLET (ages 4-6) DANCE CONDITIONING BOOTCAMP (ages 12-18) EVENING CLASSES: CREATIVE MOVEMENT, BALLET/TAP COMBO, PRE-BALLET, BOYS ATHLETIC DANCE, HIP HOP, BALLET, TAP, JAZZ
RUDIMENTAL BOOTCAMP (ages 12-14) MARIMBA FUNDAMENTALS (ages 12-15) INTRO TO MUSIC THEORY (ages 12+) PRACTICAL MUSIC THEORY & IMPROV (ages 12+) GIRL POWER MUSIC WORKSHOP (ages 8-18)
ENROLL NOW!
www.culturehouse.com 913-393-3141
est. 1996
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TWO LOCATIONS!
Olathe & Oak Park Mall
Be you. Be adventurous. Belong. CAMP WOOD YMCA
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. Join us Saturday, April 28th or May 5th, 2018, 1-5 pm for a free Open House.
620-273-8641 CARING
HONESTY
RESPECT
www.campwood.org RESPONSIBILITY
I’M THIRD kcparent.com april 2018
35
CAMPGUIDE
get ready for
camp!
habits to work on with kids now before heading off to camp taking a shower
S
ummer is just around the corner, and that means summer camp is approaching quickly! Both of my girls attend overnight camp and learn so much from the experience. If you have a child going away for the first time, I am sure you are simultaneously nervous and excited. To help ensure a successful camp experience, start working on a few habits at home now so that when your children are on their own at camp, they can handle these situations with ease!
Kids at camp will have a short amount of time to take a shower, and Mom or Dad won’t be there to make sure they’ve rinsed all the shampoo out of their hair. Begin teaching your child now how to be quick and efficient when taking a shower. Invest in a 3-in-1 bottle of body wash, shampoo and conditioner to help speed up the process (and eliminate the amount of stuff to pack). Limit showers at home so your child can get a feel for how long he will have to get clean each day at camp.
JCPRD
Summer Camps 2018 Offers Golden Experiences! l Indoor or Outdoor camps l Full or Partial day options
Pick up your Summer Camp Guide and the new May - Aug. My JCPRD Activities catalog at any JCPRD facility or Johnson County Library.
Visit www.JCPRD.com for complete camp listings. Register soon, camps fill quickly! National Gold Medal Award Winner for Excellence
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caring for clothes Clothes at camp will get dirty. Really dirty. Don’t send anything new or that your child cares about, because it’s going to come back messy. Label each item your child takes to camp and double the amount of socks you send. Talk to your child about keeping his clothes in one central spot (trunk, suitcase or bag). Also, teach your child to hang up his clothes at the end of each day (rather than shove them in a bag, wet, sweaty and stinky) to allow them to air out before packing. This should make the smell that wafts from your child’s bag when he returns home a bit less gag-worthy.
speaking to an adult Your child will have to be her own advocate at camp. If your youngster shies away from speaking up or becomes nervous when speaking to an adult, start
practicing now. Have her order for herself at restaurants. Encourage her to ask a question of the checker when at the grocery store. When at the library, let her ask where to find an item. Providing lots of practice before camp will make it easier for your child to speak to her counselor or the nurse at camp.
getting unplugged Most camps are tech-free zones, and being away from all electronics is a good thing. Camps have so much going on and so many opportunities to learn that most kids won’t even miss their devices. Start preparing them now by having kids shut down devices after dinner. Let them spend the evening without access to music or games or social media so that when they head off to camp, it’s just the norm, and facing a few days away from technology won’t be a big deal.
making good choices My girls both rave about the food at camp. I can’t help but wonder whether it’s really that good or they are just that hungry. Before sending your child to camp, go over the importance of healthy eating and making good choices. Yes, seconds on cinnamon rolls sound tempting, but having a banana instead will provide more energy and keep a body from getting too hungry before lunch. If your child is a picky eater, start now introducing new foods. Because so many campers need to be fed, camps don’t usually offer too many options. Also, remind kids to stay hydrated and drink lots of water! Most of all, remind your child to have fun and make lots of friends. Summer camp memories truly last a lifetime! Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa and is still amazed that her girls enjoy overnight camp.
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CAMPGUIDE Johnson County Parks and Rec From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer nearly 60 different and well-supervised camp programs conveniently located throughout Johnson County. Dedicated to providing activities that promote emotional, intellectual, and physical health, our summer fun choices include nature and science, preschool enrichment, engineering, leadership development, and art, music, theatre, and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and full- and partial-day schedules are available. For details call 913.831.3359 or visit www.JCPRD.com. See display ad on pg. 36.
KampOut-Kanakuk KampOut! brings the fun of one of the largest Christian summer camps in the nation, Kanakuk, to your hometown.
54,179
visitors to KCParent.com’s camp guide in 2017
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. 41.
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 70 activities, sports and amazing
104,000
readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine
Register today at ucmo.edu/summit
or sign up at:
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kcparent.com april 2018
Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for children ages 2-7. Camp themes include Little Mermaid, Fairy Princess, or Super Hero. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-18. Classes begin June 4th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 43. For more information visit www.KCBallet.org or call 816.931.2299.
DID YOU KNOW?
UCM-Lee’s Summit offers a variety of summer programs for everyone in K-12 with more than 10 options to choose from!
For questions, contact: Erin Morse at 816-945-9917 or erin@play-well.org,
Kansas City Ballet
KCParent.com has a NEW Geo-based, searchable Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos and videos. With these stats, it’s easy to see how KC Parent has camps covered!
READY FOR SOME FUN?
Spring Break & Summer Camps for Future Engineers Grades K-8
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.
CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER OF KANSAS CITY
s p m a C r Summe
Dates & Registration: www.cytkc.org/camps 913.681.3318 CYT Kansas City is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization kcparent.com april 2018
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CAMPGUIDE
Summer theatre camps at Starlight Theatre!
Kansas City Young Audiences Kansas City Young Audiences offers children full and half-day week-long performing and visual arts camps at their home on Main Street. Weekly classes and private instruction are also available. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 41. www.KCYA.org
Two Sessions! July 9-20 or Aug 6-10
Young artists in grades K-4 learn performance skills and interact with zoo animals, too!
June 18-29 Budding performers in grades 5-8 stage a musical – hands-on-style!
Register at kcstarlight.com/education
Cam
Kansas City Zoo Make your summer a little wilder with Zoofari Adventures Summer Camp. Camp runs May 29 through August 10. Learn the inside scoop about the Zoo’s creatures. A typical week includes exclusive zoo tours, animal encounters/shows, science experiments, games, and crafts. Half day camps for ages 4-5, full day for ages 5-15. COST: ½ day: $110, full day: $250, Before/Aftercare (3:30pm-5:30pm): $15. 10% discount for FOTZ Members. Check out single day camp options the week of Memorial Day and 4th of July. See display ad on pg. 42. www.KansasCityZoo.org/ programs/day-camps
Space Limited!
p
$99Fee
AGES 6-12
Ages 5-12 Camper Receives: • Soccer Ball • Camp T-Shirt
June 18-22 Born in Croatia, Goran played professionally 19 years in Europe and US. He coached pro 4 Blue Springs, MO, years: 7 time All Star: member of the US Indoor (8am -11am) National Team: represented the US in the June 25-29 1996 Indoor World Cup in Spain; scored over Lenexa, KS, 500 professional goals. Goran played locally (8am -11am) for KC Sporting (Wizards), KC Comets, and in July 9-13 18 different countries. Our camp have Bible Lee’s Summit, MO, Halftime with Bible Story. Camp Director GORAN HUNJAK 19 years Pro and US National Team
(8am - 11am) July 16-20 Overland Park, KS (8am - 11am)
Register online:
www.victoryinsoccer.org For more information: 913-284-7601
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Mix & match sessions to fit your schedule!! $
5 OFF $30 PURCHASE
Offer expires 4/30/18. May be combined with 1/2 studio fee special only. May not be used for camp, classes or special events. KCP
paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf, OPKS • 913-661-CLAY
Lyric Opera Music Theatre. Opera. What do they have in common? What makes them different? We’ll find out as we study West Side Story at Opera Camp 2018! Grades 3-7 (11:00 – 3:30 daily) will be featured in The Coyotes and the Rabbits, a bilingual opera. Grades 8-12 (11:00 – 4:30 daily) prepare an art song and an opera scene, with opportunity for a private coaching. Other opportunities include singing/acting/ musicianship sessions, master classes, creation of sets/props/costumes, and group voice lessons. See display ad on pg. 45. www.KCOpera.org
Mesner Puppet Studio We have extended our reach to enrich the lives of children of all ages and strengthen our community under the guidance of Education Director Alex Espy. We are committed to providing strong, vibrant educational opportunities to nurture Continued on page 42
Visit CAMPINVENTION.ORG by MAY 4 to secure your spot and
SAVE $15
Promo Code: RegCamp15
2 Musical Productions
TS
Ho
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Join OUr Cast!
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K–6
Ta
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Multiple locations throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area! In Partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office kcparent.com april 2018
41
& Safari Day Campsthe Zoo! Summer Camps at For kids ages 4–15
Join us for Zoo-mazing fun and animal adventures on your days off from school and during the summer too!
Visit kansascityzoo.org/camp for more details! OPEN DAILY | kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234
The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
SUMMER CAMP PUPPET FUN
PREK-K The Fairy-Tale-A-Vision Show June 25-29 – $95 Finger Fun! July 16-20 – $95 1ST – 3RD GRADE Where the Wild Things Are: Environmental Storytelling with Puppetry July 23-27 – $130 From Found to Fun: Turning Everyday Objects into Puppets July 9-13 – $130 4TH – 6TH GRADE The Kitchen Sink Show July 9-13 – $130 2ND – 6TH GRADE Puppet Creature Double Feature July 30-Aug 3 – $250 Mask and Movement July 16-20 – $130 7TH – 9TH GRADE YouTube and YOU! June 25-29 – $130
CALL ALEX AT 816-756-3500
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10TH – 12TH GRADE STEAMpunk Puppetry July 23-27 – $130
CAMPGUIDE creativity, build confidence and encourage self-expression. Our summer camps are going to be great and we hope you can join us for a week of puppet magic! Contact Alex at 816.756.3500 or alex@mesnerpuppets.org. See display ad on pg. 42.
Notre Dame de Sion Join us and get ready to be extraordinary! At Sion Summer Spectacular students can participate in engaging, innovative, and age-appropriate enrichment camps for PreK-8 boys and girls in the arts, STEM, crafts, tactics, wellness, and fitness led by our outstanding faculty and renowned industry partners. Our program is designed to accommodate your family’s schedule, offering weekly camps, as well as morning and afternoon extended day care options. Whether students take center stage with Camellot Academy, or participate in our weekly classes with our expert instructors, Sion Summer Spectacular will make their inner superhero shine! To enroll please visit www.NDSion.edu/summer. Grade School Campus: 3823 Locust, KC MO. See display ad on pg. 43.
Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 21st season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited - sign up early! Check it out online and find more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 40. 913.661.CLAY (2529).
Summer at Pembroke Hill If you are looking for a camp that fosters creativity, inspires curiosity and creates a fun learning environment for every student, then let the Summer at Pembroke Hill program be your tour guide. Our program offers flexibility by allowing you to enroll in any of the weeks you choose. Open to the community, Continued on page 44
ENROLL FOR SUMMER NOW WITH OUR PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2-18 Classes and camps are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun.
BOLENDER CENTER 500 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO 64108
Nall Ave.
I-3 5
Broadway
TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!
Union Station
Pershing
94th Terr.
JOHNSON COUNTY 5359 W. 94th Terr. Prairie Village, KS 66207
W. 95th St.
SPACE IS LIMITED — ENROLL TODAY! Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
816.931.2299 | KCBALLET.ORG/SCHOOL
kcparent.com april 2018
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CAMPGUIDE 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. 44.
Play-Well LEGOŽ-Inspired engineering summer camps that explore STEM concepts through hands on learning with LEGOŽ materials. Dream it, build it, wreck it, repeat! Our programs are designed by engineers and refined by teachers but kids just think they’re fun. Choose from various themes like robotics, minecraft, star wars, ninjago and more! We also offer Girl-Powered camps that inspire the next generation of Women in STEM. Grades K - 8. What will your child build this summer? See display ad on pg. 38. www.Play-Well.org
Science City Science City Summer Camp 2018 provides a fun, hands-on environment to explore exciting STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, art and math) topics. Campers ages 6-12 engage in life science, physical science, art and innovation each week. Camp runs June 4-Aug 3, Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00. FREE early and late care available. $200/week for Union Station members, $225/non-members. Space is limited! For more information, visit www.ScienceCity.Com/SummerCamp. See display ad on pg. 2.
SkyZone Have an epic summer at SkyCamp! Kids can have fun with activities like Free Style Jump, Dodgeball, and SkySlam. Ninja Warrior & Rock Climbing now at Sky Zone Lee’s Summit! SkyCamp combines fun and fitness for pure happiness! Different themes each week! Your kids will never be bored! Including Super Community Heroes, Science of Sky Zone & more. It’s easy and hassle-free for parents: Drop ‘em off and we’ll make sure they have the best experience ever. See display ad on pg. 37. www.SkyZone.com
Starlight Theatre Camps At Starlight Theatre’s summer camps, young artists in kindergarten through grade 8 have options to build skills in acting, singing and dance; create sets, props and costumes; and perform for family and friends. Theatre professionals lead Starlight campers on journeys that uncover hidden talents and feed their passion for performance. Summer choices include two sessions of Act Like An Animal Camp for grades K-4 (in partnership with the KC Zoo) and the two-week Camp Take-a-Bow for grades 5-8. Register at www.KCStarlight.com/education. 816.997.1134. See display ad on p. 40.
Theatre of the Imagination Act! Sing! Dance! Moviemaking! K-8th, no auditions, no leads, everyone gets an equal sized role. Free shows & free costumes. Fun and flexible 1 & 2-week camps, 5/29-8/10 at 127th & Nall. We take partials & pro-rate. Pick your schedule, start and stop at any time. “Pink Fluffy Unicorns from Planet
camp guide
{by the numbers}
54,179
unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2017
+
104,000
readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine
The Summer at Pembroke Hill program is open to all students ages 2-18.
Enro online today at w.pembrokehi.org
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birthday parties • field trips summer camps • and more! 9510 Nall 913-383-0222
CeramicCafeKC.com
=
A unique web + print package that increases exposure and leverages multimedia platforms!
Call
913.782.3235 to spread the word about your camp! .com
Now enroing!
create a memory give a gift made with love
Candy,” “Space Warriors: The Last French Fry,” “Stranger Happenings: The Musical,” “Jurassic Fail” and many more! Mention KC Parent & get $40 off. See display ad on pg. 38. www.DramaKC.com
Imagine the fun of OPERA CAMP!
In-depth vocal and acting instruction | July 23 - Aug 3
University of Central Missouri UCM’s primary focus is to offer engaged programming for all ages in full- and halfday sessions. Our camps are offered at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit. From Lego’s to Stories for Justice our programming introduces students to the fields of criminal justice, science, math, public relations, technology, and teaching to broaden the students’ interest and expose them to future career opportunities. If you have questions, contact Vicki Orcutt at 660.543.8926/orcutt@ucmo.edu. For details: www.UCMO.edu/summit. See display ad on pg. 38.
Victory Soccer Camp Beyond the Goal. 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. Camp is for various levels of athletic ability including beginner. Our camp has a Bible half-time everyday with Bible story. See display ad on pg. 40. 913.284.7601 www.VictoryInSoccer.org
Register now online at kcopera.org or e-mail Linda Ade Brand: labrand@kcopera.org. Deadline to apply for a scholarship is June 30.
Camp
YMCA Kids can have the best summer ever at Y Summer Day Camps! The focus is on achievement, relationships and belonging. A wide variety of experiences include fields trips, swimming, arts, STEM, outdoor education and more. Locations throughout the metro. Opportunities for ages 5-12 include traditional camps with exciting weekly themes, and sports specialty camps. Youth Volunteer Corps Summer of Service is available for ages 11-18. Learn more and register at www.KansasCityYMCA.org/camp. See display ad on pg. 15.
Now Enrolling! JCampKC.org June 4 - Aug. 3 • Ages 2 -13 • Open to all 12 Premiere + Specialty Day Camps Convenient Location (435+Nall) • Extended hours available kcparent.com april 2018
45
is your child ready to stay
I
HOME ALONE?
heard something glorious the other day from a friend with older kids. She said she ran errands while her kids stayed home. Wow, does that sounds glorious! So then I got to thinking…when can I leave MY kids home alone? They are 9, 7 and 4. I don’t think we are ready yet, but I do see a light on the horizon.
If you too are wondering when you (and your kids) will be ready, here are a few things to consider.
1
Learn the law. Each state has its own
law defining the legal age a child can be left home without an adult. In Kansas, that age is 6. Other states have a minimum age that is older. Know the law so that even if you think your child is ready, you won’t see the police at your door when you leave him or her home alone.
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2
Ask yourself whether they are mature and responsible enough.
My two older kids are very responsible rule-followers. They tell me the truth and can pretty much take care of themselves, get their own food, wipe their own butts, etc. However, my oldest (the 9-year-old) is easily distracted. If he’s in Minecraft world, I am pretty sure a tornado could tear through the house and he’d still sit there trying to build a red-stone house. My
daughter (who is 7) is able to multitask. She is more likely to sense whether something is wrong and doesn’t get lost in another world like her older brother. She also tends to pay attention more. When her little brother was a baby, she was the one who knew where diapers were, not my other son. So honestly, I’m more likely to say she’s ready to stay home alone over him, even though she is two years younger.
3
Think about the circumstances around the event. How long will
the child be home alone? Will she have to let herself into the house? Will she have to prepare food? Is she allowed to use appliances? Parents have many factors to consider when deciding if and when their child is ready. When we are finally ready to cross that bridge, we will probably start with a short, midday errand run for Mom, not at a mealtime, and the kids will have to stay in the house. Sometimes parents let their kids have a key to the house so they can let themselves in after school, knowing Mom or Dad will be home shortly. Make sure you consider all factors. If your child is likely to get hungry while you are gone, ensure she knows the rules on what is allowed. Can she use the stove? Microwave? Can your kids have friends over? Play outside?
4
Prepare your kids and go over the facts. Before being left home alone,
kids need to know how to get hold of you or another adult and how to call 911. What are the adults’ phone numbers? What are Mom and Dad’s full names? What is your address? Adding a neighbor’s phone number to the list is a good idea as well. What happens if the smoke alarm goes off? Get out of the house. What happens if someone rings the doorbell? Don’t answer it. What happens if there is a medical emergency? Call 911. Does anyone in the house have lifethreatening allergies? Go over these details with your child to make sure he can handle the unexpected.
5
Teach your child basic first aid and CPR. Take your son or daughter to a
class at your local library, police station or fire station. Ensuring he or she knows what to do if someone is bleeding, unconscious or not breathing may help save a life and help your child handle a scary situation.
6
You might be ready, but is your child? Does he still have fears that
might impact his ability to act rationally? Fears of monsters, the dark or strangers must be addressed before deciding it’s okay to be home alone. Also, your child’s
behavior should impact your decision. As I said, I have two who have always been relatively responsible. I have one, however, (my 4-year-old) who consistently does unsafe things. He will NOT be ready anytime soon to be home alone, even with his older siblings. His tendency to climb on high surfaces, break things in the house and sneak unnecessary amounts of sugar makes him a liability in a kidsonly scenario.
7
For whom and what is your child responsible? A pet? A younger
sibling? An elderly grandparent? Someone with special needs? As I said before, I think I’ll feel comfortable leaving my older two alone in the next couple of years thanks to their maturity and responsible nature (as a team). But it will be a while before I let them be in charge of my youngest. If you
are asking your child to be responsible for someone other than himself, make sure he is truly ready for anything that could come his way. What if the dog gets out or Grandpa needs medication? Those are extra responsibilities that require maturity and preparedness.
8
Make a chart and post it somewhere where it’s visible and easily located. On the chart, include contact names and numbers, first aid and CPR steps, and any other important information. In a moment of panic or emergency, this chart could help your child remember exactly what to do.
Karen Johnson has three kids, ages 9, 7 and 4. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.
QUIZ: Which of the following should your child know before staying home alone? A. your phone number B. a neighbor’s phone number C. whether anyone in the house has allergies or special needs D. all of the above Which of the following should you NOT teach your child? A. how to administer first aid and CPR B. how to use a fire extinguisher C. how to get out of the house if the smoke alarm goes off D. how to get hold of you and other adults Your child is ready to be home alone if she A. can call 911 B. knows all important phone numbers C. neither A and B D. both A and B What factor should NOT be considered when deciding whether your child is ready to be home alone? A. whether other kids their age are staying home alone B. the law C. whether they have overcome their fears D. whether they can handle all responsibilities that may arise
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six ways to help kids use social media in a healthy way
G
one are the days of seeing teens cruising around town together on a Friday night. Social media is now the hippest hangout for kids, even as young as elementary school age. Parenting this generation of digital kids means we need to know how to help them navigate social media in a healthy, positive and safe way. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, by age 13, more than 60 percent of kids have at least one account on social media and on average, many spend around two hours a day there. Social media offers kids a way to connect with friends and family all over the world, express themselves artistically and politically and connect with peers who share their interests. But without moderation, the American Academy of Pediatrics says these platforms come with serious mental health risks like depression, anxiety and distorted body image.
ready—or not? Most sites require that users be 13 or older. But according to Nominet, a safety advisory site, nearly 60 percent of kids have joined a social media platform by age 10. Research the different social media sites that your child wants to join and join them yourself to familiarize yourself with the app’s privacy measures and messaging. Be aware that many of these platforms depict subject matter that your child may not be developmentally ready to handle. Consider your child’s personality.
◆ Does he tend to be impulsive? ◆ Does she understand that nothing she posts is private?
◆ Is he prepared to see friends enjoying a gathering or activity that he wasn’t invited to?
◆ Are you willing to check in regularly and have discussions about smart online decisions?
◆ Will your child talk to you if she sees
or experiences something that bothers or worries her?
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define your boundaries. Remember when your parents said that nothing good happens after midnight? Even if your child is safely ensconced in his room, the same wisdom applies. Besides depression and anxiety, more problems can arise from invasions of privacy and cyberbullying the more time kids spend on social media. Establish family rules about when and where electronics are allowed in your home and for how long. Involve your kids in the discussion. Role model healthy electronics use by following the rules you implement. Create a charging station where everyone’s devices are turned in by a particular time each evening to ensure quality sleep.
talk about the reality behind picture perfect. “The emphasis on perfect selfies has amplified body image issues for girls,” writes Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., in her book iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Girls are more likely to spend a painstaking amount of time taking hundreds of selfies in an attempt to get just the right one, in pursuit of likes, “but still end up feeling as though they’ve fallen short,” Twenge says. Social media posts are simply snapshots of people’s more complex lives—usually the carefully curated, positive sides of themselves that they choose to share.
discuss privacy. Make sure privacy settings are in use and that your kids only friend people they know in real life. Watch for apps that don’t have strong privacy protections, zero in on your geographic location and open the door for strangers to message users. Remind your kids not to post personal information like your home address. Inappropriate photos and posts disparaging a particular person also can come back to haunt them. Anything sent through messaging apps or posted online can be shared outside their network. Before they post, encourage your kids to ask themselves, “Would I want Grandma to see this?”
Nearly 60 percent of kids have joined a social media platform by age 10. Set up restrictions on kids’ phones that require a parent to enter a password before they can download an app. This gives you a chance to discuss the apps they want and decide together whether one is a good idea.
take digital breaks. In addition to creating digital-free spaces like the dinner table or the car, choose a day of the week when your family unplugs from social media and the online world. This is an opportunity simply to be in the present and pursue personal interests without worrying about the rest of the world, other than the people who matter most to you in the here and now. Because this exercise can be a difficult adjustment for a plugged-in family or anyone who fears missing out, plan ahead to make it fun. For example, invite your kids’ friends over. Gather with another family for dinner. Go on a family hike or bike ride. Visit an attraction, exhibit or nearby town. Or make it a family game day with indoor or outdoor games and favorite snacks. strike a balance. Twenge writes that today’s teens spend about an hour less each day with friends in person than teens did five years ago. Because the brain doesn’t respond to computer-mediated connection in the same way it responds to in-person interaction, individuals who spend more time engaged in onscreen activities, compared to off-screen activities, are less likely to be happy and more likely to feel lonelier. “There’s this important concept called limbic resonance,” says psychotherapist Dr. Hilarie Cash, the chief clinical officer for reSTART Life, a treatment program specializing in internet and video game addiction. “When you’re in the presence of someone you feel safe with and cared about, the brain releases a whole bouquet of
neurochemicals that keep each of us in the relationship feeling well emotionally and physiologically. We need it. It’s our birth right as social animals. Screen-mediated relationships don’t produce limbic resonance.” Encourage school and extracurricular involvement. Help your children discover activities that give them a sense of purpose, personal satisfaction and self-confidence. They’ll begin to develop friendships around shared interests and gain essential social skills. And when they do go online, they’ll be more aware that social media is meant to complement their social life, not replace it. Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband reside in Olathe with their two digitally charmed sons. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
what to watch for: Anonymous apps. These can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying. Real-time video streaming. Kids inadvertently can share personal information without knowing who is watching. Choose video apps that allow for editing or an internet-based channel. Disappearing photo/ video apps. Nothing is truly temporary, and some kids have gotten into legal trouble for sharing material they thought disappeared. Location tracking defaults. Turn off location settings/ geotagging on the phone and in the app.
To learn more, visit CommonSenseMedia.org.
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fflly a kite let’s go
A Kansas City Celebration of America’s Springtime Pastime Kite flying is at once fun, whimsical, nostalgic and magical. Our family loves flying kites together while we enjoy spring picnics at local parks. If you love the beauty and creativity of a kite, you’ll enjoy this collection of places, events and ways to celebrate kite flying as a family.
Kites in Film & Literature The beloved Sherman brothers’ song “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” debuted in Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins, in perhaps the most famous kite flying scene in cinema. Another film we love also includes our favorite springtime hobby. The Peanuts Movie features Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip characters in classic scenes as the plight of Charlie Brown unfolds, including his perils with kite flying. At Worlds of Fun, opening April 21, kids can ride the Kite-Eating Tree ride in Planet Snoopy! Some of our favorite beautifully illustrated children’s books feature kites. The Story of Kites by Ying Chang Compestine is a Chinese folktale of three brothers who devise a kite to chase birds from their rice fields. Kite Day by Will Hillenbrand is a story of friends bear and mole attempting to fly a kite despite bad weather. Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey is a humorous story featuring our favorite monkey as he plays with a kite. The Kite That Bridged Two Nations by Alexis O’Neill is based on the true story of Homan Walsh,
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a man who dreamed of flying a kite across Niagara Falls. How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer tells of Benjamin Franklin the inventor and his experiments conducted while flying a kite during a storm. King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan is the tale of a Pakistani boy confined to a wheelchair who attempts to capture more kites than anyone else during the kite festival. These are just a few children’s books featuring kites; you’ll fine many more at your local library.
A Celebration of Kites: Events in Kansas City Kites in the Sky! Week April 8-14 at Paradise Park. Each week brings new stories, interactive performances or games, art projects and tasty treats in children’s cooking during Adventure Time. This week’s theme celebrates the wonder of wind and coolness of kites!
Flights of Fancy April 21 at MCCLongview (500 SW Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO, KiteFest.mcckc.edu). The kites of Great American Kites & Events will take flight over the lawn of the picturesque MCC-Longview campus in the heart of kite month. Marvel at awe-inspiring mega kites, power kites, stunt kites and more, including the world’s largest windsock–three stories high and 200 feet long! Barnyard Babies April 21, 10:00-4:00 at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame (630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS, AgHallOfFame.com). Come out to this fun family festival and experience life on a farm, from barnyard babies to a tractor petting zoo, and fresh produce to kiddie pedal pull contests, giant balloon animals, games and much more! Great American Kites will be demonstrating kite flying, and giant animalshaped kites will fill the air. Turkey Creek Festival May 19, 10:00-4:00 at Antioch Park (6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, KS, Merriam.org). This festival includes a Kids Zone, kite flying demonstrations, petting zoo, inflatables and vendors.
Go Fly a Kite Choose your favorite park with wide open spaces, watch for power lines and go fly kites! These are a few of our favorite places to fly a kite in the area:
• Loose Park: 51st Terrace & Wornall, Kansas City
• Kill Creek Park: 33460 W. 95th St., De Soto
• Lowenstein Park: 1901 NW Lowenstein • Leawood Park: 10601 Lee Blvd., Dr., Lee’s Summit
Leawood
• Nelson-Atkins Museum Lawn: 4525
• Heritage Park Shelter #1: 160th &
Great Kite Flying Parks in Missouri:
• Ruth Stockdale Park: George Raines
• Mill Creek Park: 4731 Wilder Rd., near
Lee’s Summit
• Smith’s Fork Park at Smithville
16400 South Mullen Rd., Belton
• Swope Park: Meyer Boulevard & Swope
Grand & Oak, Kansas City
• Tiffany Springs Park: N Highway &
• Arborwalk Park: 1301 SW Arbor Park Dr., • Belton Community Center Park: • Brookside Park: 58th Street between • Canterbury Park: 501 SE Blackwell Rd., Lee’s Summit
Oak, Kansas City
Road & Highway 210, Liberty
Lake: 1601 DD Hwy., Smithville
• Legacy Park: 1201-1501 NE Legacy
Olathe
• Longview Lake Park Shelter #11:
470 & Raytown Road, Kansas City. Take Raytown Road south to Shelter 11.
• Shawnee Mission Park: 79th & Renner Road, Shawnee
Tiffany Springs Park Road, Platte City
Great Kite Flying Parks in Kansas:
Park Dr., Lee’s Summit
the intersection at Holliday Drive, Shawnee
Parkway, Kansas City
• Fleming Park: 228067 Woods Chapel Rd., Blues Springs
Pflumm, Olathe
• Black Bob Park: 14500 W. 151st St.,
• Frontier Park: 15501 W. Indian Creek Pkwy., Olathe
• Garrett Park: 47th Street & Monticello Road, Shawnee
Where to Buy Cool Kites in the Kansas City Area: For beginners, we’re partial to the simple and inexpensive kites you find at local big box stores. For those wanting to learn how to fly a specialty kite or trick kite, these shops will have what you’re looking for: Go Big Skill Toys 12204 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, KS, 913.248.3277, GoBigSkillToys.com. This shop features a variety of unique toys to help you discover your talents. From juggling equipment and yo-yos, to puzzles, games and, of course, kite kits, this store has it all. Brookside Toy and Science 330 W. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO, 816.523.4501, BrooksideToyAndScience.com. The quintessential neighborhood toy store thoroughly vets their toy selection, offering only the best quality toys, games and science equipment for the young and the young at heart. Their collection of diamond and box kites offers the perfect selection for a spring outing. HobbyTown 6265 N. Oak Trfcwy., Kansas City, MO, HobbyTown.com. This shop sells box kites, diamond kites, stunt kites and beautiful kites representing your favorite animals and colors.
Kristina Light’s family looks forward to the annual Flights of Fancy event, and all of her girls enjoy kite flying as a springtime tradition. kcparent.com april 2018
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THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!
april
CALENDAR
Cinderella at the Carlsen Center at JCCC
No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.
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learn
create
see
watch
meet
Head to the Healthy Yards Expo April 7 at the Shawnee Civic Centre. An earthfriendly lawn and garden event with fun for everyone! Johnson.K-State.edu
Make a masterpiece at Access Art on April 14 & 15 at various MCPL branches. All day art event with local art instructors. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org/accessart.
Cinderella comes to the Carlsen Center on April 21. The pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists. Hurry! Show is almost sold out! JCCC.edu/theseries
Miller Marley presents Sleeping Beauty April 21 & 22 at Olathe East High School. See the story of Sleeping Beauty plus other original ballets. MillerMarley.org
One of KCPT’s most popular characters, Daniel Tiger will be at the Kansas City Zoo April 28 at the Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org
1 Sunday
2 Monday
3 Tuesday
Easter Sunday
Plaza Bunnies Country Club Plaza. Popular Plaza tradition features larger-than-life bunnies on street corners and courtyards. Last day! CountryClubPlaza.com
KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru April 6. Calling all young authors and illustrators! Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org
Easter Services 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Join us for services to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. LenexaBaptist.com
Kids Day Out 7:30, Johnson County Museum. Have fun while school is out! Kids choose from activities including Kidscape, art, dance and more. Pre-reg at 913.826.2787.
Funville 10:00, Crown Center. What do you want to be? Children experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly setting. Free. CrownCenter.com
Easter Brunch 11:00, Nelson-Atkins. A Kansas City tradition that combines elegant food with priceless art. Enjoy live music. Pre-reg at Nelson-Atkins.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
Preschool Story Time 10:00, KCPL (Westport). Enjoy songs, dancing, silliness, crafts and, of course, books! Great for little readers ages 2 and up. 816.701.3488
Spring Frolic and Egg Hunt 12:30, Hyde Park. Pony rides, a petting zoo, art activities, family photos with the Easter Bunny and more! 816.753.6719
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com
Tuck Everlasting 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. See the story of the Tuck family, who drank from a forest spring and never age. Ages 9+. TheCoterie.org
Ruw’s Birthday Party 1:00, Kansas City Zoo. Chimp youngster Ruw is turning 2! The chimpanzee troop will enjoy birthday enrichment items. KansasCityZoo.org
Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224
Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com
Easter Sunrise Service 6:30, Johnson Farms. Gather in the outdoor picnic pavilion rain or shine for an Easter service. JohnsonFarms.net
Dare to Dream 3:00, Sprint Center. Disney’s Moana voyages onto the ice for the first time as Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream. DisneyOnIce.com
Call of the Wild 6:30, MCPL (Claycomo). Learn how animals communicate using sound and how to make some of those sounds yourself. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
4 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
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Animal Tales April 4 & 18, Ernie Miller Nature Center. A 30-minute program that includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. $2. 913.764.7759
Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438
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
Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. Hear the Poky Little Puppy and enjoy an art activity for little hands. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.
Toddler Tumbling 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring toddlers for fun exercise while allowing them to build motor skills. $4. 816.784.6100
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: Who’s under rocks? $2. 913.764.7759
Teen Art Collective 4:00, Nelson-Atkins. Drop in and create! Guest artists and educators will help with projects. Supplies and a snack provided. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org
Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com
6 Friday
5 Thursday Open House 9:00, Heritage Christian Academy. We offer Christ-centered academic excellence for your child. Stop by and visit the school. HCAKC.org
MPE Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair Today & tomorrow, KCI Expo Center. Info on homeschooling techniques and curriculum. 913.599.0311 The Art of the Brick Thru May 28, Union Station. A captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org
Preschool Dance Party 10:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Let’s dance! Come shake, shimmy and dance up a storm. Free. 913.971.6874 First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District. Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Expressions Art Exhibition 6:00, Kansas City Young Audiences. Opening of exhibit in which artists with disabilities exhibit their work. Free. 816.627.2220
Preschool - 12th Grade • Biblically Integrated • College Preparatory • MSHSAA Member
Summit Christian Academy
Join Us for One of Our Campus Visit Days
1:30-3 p.m., April 13 or M ay 4 Call 816.525.1480 to RSVP or for more infor mation.
1450-1500 SW Jefferson, Lee’s Summit MO 64081 • 816.525.1480 • summit-christian-academy.org
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7 Saturday 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
For Children Draw Like Da Vinci Youth Nature Weaving
Art in the Park 9:00, Ernie Miller. Walk the trails and watch as local artists complete beautiful works of art en plein air. Free to attend. 913.764.7759 Birdhouse Workshop 9:00, Home Depot locations. Hands-on workshop to build a window birdhouse. Children must be accompanied by an adult. HomeDepot.com Park Day 2018 9:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Volunteers across the nation join together to preserve Civil War battlefields and historic sites. 660.259.4654 Girl Scout Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Girl Scouts in uniform get free admission and participate in activity stations in the lobby. KansasCityZoo.org
ForTeens TeenZine Surreal Self Workshop
Woodneath Library Center Saturday, April 14 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. North Independence Branch Sunday, April 15 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For Adults Adult Portraits Intro to Acrylic Painting Register early for these sessions AND MORE!
mymcpl.org/accessart
Mid-Continent Public Library presents all-day art events led by instructors from the Kansas City Art Institute and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with opportunities for you to create new works of art.
Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about pottery and then create a clay pinch pot. Ages 8-11. Pre-reg at JCCC.edu/youth.
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Passport to India April 15, Nelson-Atkins. Discover the dance, music, fashions, art and culture of South Asia. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org
Wildflower Weekend 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Discover what’s blooming with guided wildflower walks, nature art and more. 816.759.7300
Wildflower Hike 11:00, Fairmount Park (Independence). Enjoy a hike that follows the sidewalk, but also go into the woods. VisitIndependence.com
Spring Discovery Day 10:00, Tony Aguirre Community Center. Open house to try out boot camp, sample a cooking class, try an art class and more. KCParks.org
Northland Ethnic Festival 11:30, Park Hill South High School. Features cultural performances, displays, activities and more. Facebook.com/norhtlandethnicfestival
GeoKids 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. After a brief classroom presentation, kids then head out on a treasure hunt for prizes. 913.685.3604
Snakes: Spring Slither 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn how to identify native snakes and discover their special adaptations. Free. 816.228.3766 Family Game Night 6:30, Kick Comedy Theater. A show full of Whose Line-style improv games. Fun for the entire family! $5-$10. KansasCityComedy.com
Spring Muster Today & tomorrow, Alexander Majors House Museum. Stop by and watch the soldiers camp, drill and participate in skirmishes. WornallMajors.org Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
TAO: Drum Heart 7:00, Today & tomorrow, Carlsen Center. Direct from Japan, see explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. JCCC.edu/theseries
Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org
8 Sunday Autism Awareness Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Day features quiet rooms, animal presentations and more. Free admission to those with autism. KansasCityAoo.org
R O YA L T E A DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
SATURDAY, MAY 12 | 10 AM - 12 PM Ladies, join us for a fun, multi-generational tea and brunch. All ages are welcome: mothers, daughters, grandmothers and children. $12 per person | Hosted at Lenexa Baptist Church
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT LENEXABAPTIST.COM.
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Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slide show and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org Meet the Experts 2:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Amy McKune, curator of collections, traces the history of the ViewMaster. 816.235.8000
9 Monday Funville 10:00, Crown Center. What do you want to be? Children experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly setting. Free. CrownCenter.com Open Jump 4:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626 Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org Add a Splash of Color 7:00, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Introduction to summer bulbs for the garden. Ages 18+. Johnson.K-State.edu
10 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic CafĂŠ. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Fountain Day 11:00, Spirit of Freedom Fountain. The second Tuesday in April marks the day when the fountains of KCMO spring back to life! KCParks.org Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $19.99. PizzaShoppe.com
11 Wednesday Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Stories and activities for the youngest set, ages newborn through 18 months. 816.701.3481
Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Local storyteller Jo Ho engages with entertaining and educational stories. 913.831.3359 Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.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
12 Thursday Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com This Is Kansas City Story Time 10:30, MCPL (Grain Valley). Author Angela Kmeck introduces kids to the art and landmarks of KC. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. Drop Everything and Read 11:00, Olathe Downtown Library. Drop into the library, drop everything else and find a cozy place to read. OlatheLibrary.org
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Toddler Time Sundays and Wednesdays, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com
Brew for Books 5:30, Boulevard Brewing Company. Date night! A laid-back benefit to get books into the hands of kids living in poverty. TheFamilyConservancy.org
13 Friday Weekday Spring Choir Concert Various times, Crown Center. Local choirs entertain during the spring season. Free. CrownCenter.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.
Bob Libbey Invitational Thru Sunday, Macken Park. Doubles pickleball tournament. There will be vendors, food trucks, giveaways and more! Pre-reg at 816.300.0545. Second Friday Art Crawl 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. 816.630.6161 Friday Food Fest 6:00, TB Hanna Station (Raymore). Enjoy live music, family fun and food trucks! Raymore.com
Babysitter Safety 9:30, Olathe Medical Center. Learn helpful tips and techniques on care for infants and children, home safety and more. $50. OlatheHealth.org
14 Saturday
Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Interactive experiences in the galleries encourage students to examine art. Includes tour with docent. Free. KemperArt.org
Access Art Today (Woodneath Library Center) & tomorrow (North Independence Branch). All day art event with local art instructors. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org/accessart.
Superhero Weekend Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Bring your camera for photos with Wonder Woman and Superman. KansasCityZoo.org
Campus Visit Day 1:30, Summit Christian Academy. Visit the school to see all we have to offer your children. RSVP to 816.525.1480.
Trucks and Big Rigs for Kids 9:00, Theatre in the Park. Explore trucks, tractors, construction and city vehicles up close. 913.831.3355
Saturday Morning Cartoons 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Wear your pjs, enjoy cereal and watch cartoons from the 1980s-90s. 816.235.8000
arbor day in kansas city Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 27, originated in Nebraska City, NE, on April 10, 1872, when J. Sterling Morton encouraged Nebraskans to plant trees and celebrate an awareness of their contribution to the environment. This April, you can enjoy these tree adventures:
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Start where it all began. Just a few hours from Kansas City, treat the family to a weekend trip to Arbor Day Farm (2611 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE, 402.873.8717, ArborDayFarm.org). The beautiful arboretum is a favorite family adventure. You’ll find tree houses and tree exhibits throughout, with the highlight 50-foot-high tree house offering spectacular views of the nature below. The park features hands-on nature exhibits for children, many tree houses to play in and explore and a discovery ride with a tour of the park.
Young children will enjoy a visit to Brumble’s Forest at Meadowmere Park (13610 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO). Brumble’s Forest is one of the area’s newest parks and features a beautiful forest theme with a wooded landscape, beautiful trails through the woods and wide open spaces for play.
Locally, you can spend a day at the Overland Park Arboretum (8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.685.3604). The 300-acre botanical gardens are home to gardens, trails and forests just begging to be explored. Admission is charged every day except Tuesday, when entrance is free.
To help your children better understand the importance of trees and nature, enjoy these favorite books and films:
• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (book and film) • It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz (book and film)
• A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry (book) • The Big Tree by Bruce Hiscock (book) • The Tree Doctor by Tish Rabe (book) • The Life Cycle of a Tree
by Bobbie Kalman (book)
Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children listen to a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation. Free. 816.513.8960 Northland Wood Carvers 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Watch the carvers or join in! Kids will be carving soap. 816.781.8598 WYCO Ethnic Festival 11:00, Field House (Kansas City Kansas Community College). Multicultural event features exhibits, food and entertainment. 913.288.7314 Saturday Night Feeder Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed, weather permitting. $6-$8. 816.739.0363 Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late-night shopping and in-store specials. WestonMO.com Dvorak & Young Artists 7:30, Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. Concert with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 and winners of the Youth Artist Competitions. LibertySymphony.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 22ND 28+ OBSTACLES Sign up now at
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what’s your
APRIL KC IQ?
test your local smarts with this quiz 1. What is the average April rainfall
2. A pril 1 is the day the Kansas
in Kansas City? A) 12.9 inches
City Zoo celebrates the birthday of chimpanzee Ruw. What is his age?
B) 3.7 inches
A) 3 years
B) 4 years
C) 4.8 incher
C) 5 years
D) 2 years
D) 5.1 inches
3. April 10 is Kansas City’s Fountain Day, when the city’s more than 200 fountains are turned on for the season. KC claims to be second only to this city in number of fountains: A) Rome
B) London
C) Paris
D) New York
4. A pril 15 is the Festival of India at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Approximately how much larger is the population of New Delhi (India’s capital city) than that of the Kansas City area?
6. A pril 21 is opening day at Worlds of Fun. Enjoy the all-new Nordic Chaser and this popular ride that’s receiving a makeover:
A) The Patriot
B) Spinning Dragons
C) Timber Wolf
D) Viking Voyager
A) nine times larger
2) D: 2 years old 1) B : 3.7 inches
A) 300 B) 465 C) 240 D) 130
: Rome 3) A
Park Arboretum features more than 1,700 acres of plants in 13 gardens. It encompasses how many acres?
4) C: 10.5 times
5. April 27 is Arbor Day. The Overland
5) A: 300
D) 12 times larger
: Timber Wolf 6) C
C) 10.5 times larger
ANSWER KEY:
B) eight times larger
15 Sunday Passport to India 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. Discover the dance, music, fashions, art and culture of South Asia. Free. Nelson-Atkins.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
Party for the Planet Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Celebrate Mother Earth with Earth Day activities. KansasCityZoo.org
19 Thursday
Earth Day 10:00, Parkville Nature Sanctuary. Program includes plant and wildlife experts who will assist with identifications. Pre-reg at 816.268.5030.
Sleeping Beauty Dance Camp 2:00, Miller Marley Studio. Enjoy a dance routine, craft, story and meet and greet! Pre-reg at 913.492.0004.
Jack and the Bean ¡Mágico! 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. The classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk is told with the audience’s help. TheCoterie.org
Knitting with Ny 2:00, Scraps KC. Learn to knit! Ages 12 and up, all skill levels. Materials provided, or you can bring your own. $25. Prereg at 660.243.4470.
Weekday Spring Choir Concert Various times, Crown Center. Local choirs entertain during the spring season. Free. CrownCenter.com
Food Packing Event 3:30, Woods Chapel Church. Help as we pack 30,000 meals for those experiencing food insecurity in rural Missouri. Pre-reg at WoodsChapelChurch.org.
16 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
Toddler Tumbling 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring toddlers for fun exercise while allowing them to build motor skills. $4. 816.784.6100 Teen Art Collective 4:00, Nelson-Atkins. Drop in and create! Guest artists and educators will help with projects. Supplies and a snack provided. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org
20 Friday
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor 9:45 & 11:30, Folly Theater. Enjoy this story where student differences are celebrated. $6. FollyTheater.org
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
Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring little ones 9 months through 5 years to play on the large assortment of toys. $2. BonnerSprings.org
Preschool Open Studio 10:00, Jo Co Heritage Center. Get creative! Explore new and exciting materials. Adults stay with children. $8. 913.826.2787
17 Tuesday
Stuffed Animal Sleepover 10:00, MCPL (Kearney). Drop your friends off April 19 and then come back for a slide show of their overnight adventures. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.
The Art of the Brick Thru May 28, Union Station. A captivating exhibition featuring works of art made exclusively from Lego bricks. UnionStation.org 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 Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784
18 Wednesday Doo-Dad Mike 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy a high-energy rock concert with a KC performer who focuses on family entertainment. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359. 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: Mother Nature. $2. 913.764.7759
Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks. EnglewoodStation.com
Opening Day 10:00, Worlds of Fun! Enjoy the return of your favorite rides and live shows and be one of the first to ride the Nordic Chaser! WorldsOfFun.com Earth Day 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Crafts, wildlife interpretations, informational booths, puppet show and more. LakesideNatureCenter.org 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 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Pick up a self-guided activity and follow the clues for an “ART-tastic” adventure. Free. KemperArt.org 1920s Mystery Book Club 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929 Farmhouse. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie is this month›s selection. Free. ShawneeTown.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 Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Reuben, the Jealous Lion 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Puppet show with lessons about the power of true friendship. $6. Hazelle.org
Happy Hour in the Garden 5:30, Kansas City Community Gardens. Date night! Happy hour in the gardens that features a garden bike tour. $5. KCCG.org
Earth Day Parade and Celebration 11:00, South Park (Lawrence). Parade at 11:00 followed by fun activities and exhibitions. LawrenceKS.org
21 Saturday
Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration 11:00, Gardner Greenway Corridor. Park cleanup, picnic lunch, drawing for free trees and more. 913.856.0936
Lenexa Farmers Market 8:00, Lenexa Civic Campus Parking Garage. New this year! Purchase produce, meat, flowers and more! Lenexa.co Strawberry Hill 5k 8:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. Run an awesome route winding through the streets and alleys of Strawberry Hill. StrawberryHillMuseum.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 Sleeping Beauty Today & tomorrow, Olathe East High School. Miller Marley presents the story of Sleeping Beauty plus other original ballets. MillerMarley.org kcparent.com april 2018
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Spring Family Timber Challenge April 22, Zip KC. A 2-mile “race” packed with fun and challenging obstacles for the whole family. Save $5 with code “KCParent.” KCTimberChallenge.com
Afternoon Tea 2:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Enjoy an etiquette presentation, piano music and games, in addition to yummy treats. Pre-reg at 660.259.4654.
Toddler Time 9:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com
Cinderella 7:00, Carlsen Center. The pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more— plus some surprising new twists! Hurry! Show almost sold out. JCCC.edu/theseries
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
22 Sunday
23 Monday
EARTH DAY
Funville 10:00, Crown Center. What do you want to be? Children experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly setting. Free. CrownCenter.com
Whirlwind: Art in Motion 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Exhibit of kinetic sculpture through the gardens. ArtsAndRecOP.org Spring Family Timber Challenge 9:00, Zip KC. A 2-mile “race” packed with fun and challenging obstacles for the whole family. Save $5 with code KCParent. KCTimberChallenge.com
Open Jump 4:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626 Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org
Container Gardening 7:00, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Learn the art of container gardening including design tips and great plants. Ages 18+. Johnson.k-state.edu
24 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350
five favorites for the perfect grilled cheese in kc
Grilled cheese day is in April! Enjoy the comfort food at one of these local spots Smitty’s Garage 8811 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.731.1455, EatAtTheGarage.com Smitty’s is one of the newest restaurants in town, but it’s already a family favorite. With arcades, free bingo at 8:00 on Friday nights, and a delicious bar and grill menu with a variety of tacos and burgers, it’s a perfect hangout. The grilled cheese served on Texas toast goes well with their fresh-cut fries, sweet potato fries or house made potato chips.
Best Regards Bakery & Café 6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.782.1505, MakeThemSmile.com At Best Regards Bakery & Café, everything is made from scratch. They serve a fabulous “Very Gouda” grilled cheese, perfectly paired with one of their signature soups and a cookie for dessert. This locally owned café is a great spot to enjoy a cozy lunch with friends. You Say Tomato 2801 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 816.756.5097, YouSayTomatoKC.wordpress.com You Say Tomato lives up to its motto of “homegrown goodness served daily.” The eclectic neighborhood restaurant offers a seasonal menu supporting the local and organic farmer. Part of the fun of eating at YST is the ever-changing menu that features fresh, seasonal produce.
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Even the décor focuses on “repurposing,” as all the chairs and tables are mismatched sets, undoubtedly purchased at local thrift shops and garage sales. Their grilled cheese is a neighborhood favorite featuring a blend of four cheeses served on house-made panini bread.
Pig & Finch 11570 Ash St., Leawood, KS, 801RestaurantGroup.com Pig & Finch serves a grown-up version of the grilled cheese. Their “Short Rib Ragout” grilled cheese is a rich and filling sandwich offering a great blend of delicious barbecued short ribs and a classic grilled cheese. Paired with hand-cut fries, this is a delicious combo. This local gastropub offers a fun British pub style atmosphere and a variety of creative dishes. Martin City Brewery 500 E. 135th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.268.2222, MartinCityBrewingCompany.com AJ’s grilled cheese features provolone, white cheddar, swiss and smoked gouda for a quadruple flavor combo you’ll love and delectably pairs with their onion straws for a tasty pub meal. The brewery, housed in a 100-year-old building, serves an array of classic burgers, sandwiches and fabulous mac and cheese.
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com
25 Wednesday Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Stories and activities for the youngest set, ages newborn through 18 months. 816.701.3481 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com
26 Thursday Just Between Friends Sale Thru Sun, Overland Park Convention Center. Get ready for spring and summer! Kids look great and your wallet stays full! JBFSale.com
Spring Home School Days Today & tomorrow, Mahaffie. Enjoy hands-on activities from our most popular school program, Work & Play: 1860s Style! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.
Railroad Days Thru Sunday, Downtown Pleasant Hill. Train displays, live music, reenactments, kids games, local vendors and more. PhillRailroadDays.com
Midwest Conference on ADHD Today & tomorrow, Matt Ross Community Center. Two days featuring keynote speaker, presentations, tips and more! ADHDKC.org
Fourth Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Variety of activities include artist receptions, artist street theater, yoga in the streets and more. DowntownLS.org
The Young King Today & tomorrow, Yardley Hall. A story about privilege, compassion and making ethical choices. JCCC.edu/theseries
Final Fridays 5:00, Lawrence. See hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations. Free fun for everyone! UnmistakablyLawrence.com
27 Friday
28 Saturday
Jack and the Bean ¡Mágico! 10:00, Noon & 2:00, the Coterie. The classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk is told with the audience’s help. TheCoterie.org
Independence Park Trot 5K Walk/Run 8:00, Waterfall Park. This is a family-friendly event with a course that is fun, fast and flat. IndependenceParkTrot.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. Hello Spring Thru Sunday, Louisburg. Stroll through the shops and boutiques with unique events at each location! 913.972.0155
Open House 9:00, TimberRidge Adventure Center. Choose from several activities, including canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, hiking and more. JCPRD.com Daffodil Day 9:00, Spring Hill Middle School South. Pancake breakfast, 5k race, inflatables, carnival games, touch-a-truck and more! SpringHillRec.org
psst... we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for
may
Everything for kids at 50-90% OFF! • anxiety in kids
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Thurs & Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-9pm *
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63
Touch-a-Truck 9:00, Recreation Park (Raymore). Kids explore favorite machines, including emergency response vehicles, military transport and more. Raymore.com
Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Listen to a naturalist share a tale about an animal and make a fun craft. 816.781.8598
Toddler Time 9:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com
Community Day 9:00, Mildale Farm. Bring a picnic and explore. Arts and craft activities for the kids in the main barn. Free. 913.826.2957
Family Game Night 6:30, Kick Comedy Theater. A show full of Whose Line-style improv games. Fun for the entire family! $5-$10. KansasCityComedy.com
Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth weekend of each month, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal. Today’s animals: otters. KansasCityZoo.org
Free Discovery Concert 7:00, Folly Theater. Concert by Julia Bullock, the charismatic soprano who has been lighting up stages around the world. HJSeries.org
Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slide show and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org
Greatest Hits 2.0 7:30, the Culture House. Störling Dance Theater presents classic works as well as new pieces. CultureHouse.com
30 Monday
Meet Daniel Tiger 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Meet one of KCPT’s most popular characters, Daniel Tiger, at the Helzberg Penguin Plaza from 10:00 until 2:00. KansasCityZoo.org Spring on the Farm 10:00, Mahaffie. Watch the farmers shear the sheep then help wash and skirt the wool, and help garden! $5-$7. Mahaffie.org Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children listen to a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation. Free. 816.513.8960
29 Sunday
Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Open House 1:00, Camp Wood. Visit with staff, tour camp and try activities like archery, arts and crafts. CampWood.org
Whirlwind: Art in Motion 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Exhibit of kinetic sculpture through the gardens. ArtsAndRecOP.org Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org
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 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 Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org
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Explore
Kansas City Zoo
April 7 Girl Scout Day April 8 Autism Awareness Day April 14 & 15 Superhero Weekend April 14 & 15 Zootastik Learning Fest— Birds of Prey April 21 Boy Scout Day April 22 Party for the Planet April 28 & 29 Species Spotlight—Otters April 28 Meet Daniel Tiger at the Zoo
Don’t miss:
Superhero Weekend April 14 & 15
Daniel Tiger April 28
STINGRAY BAY STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK
Open Year Round
Open May 2018
Daniel Tiger April 14 & 15
April 28
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.
Endless Variety, Matchless Talent!
2018-19 SEASON ANNOUNCED SOON!
7:30 p.m. I Saturday, Apr. 21 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella A contemporary take on the classic tale.
Tickets on sale now! jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE
Saturday night, MAY 12
// YOUTH TICKETS START AT $29 // FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES // BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK // FREE GENERAL PARKING
TICKETS AT KANSASSPEEDWAY.COM 866.460.RACE