KICK OFF SUMMER IN KANSAS CITY

Backyard cookouts, sandcastles, movie nights and lazy days at the park, nature walks and hunts for butterflies and bugs … this is the stuff of summer. Make even more memories this summer with these local traditions.

Summer reading adventures

Books open new worlds to children. This summer, encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with incentive programs from local libraries and businesses that kick off annually in May! This year’s theme is All Together Now.

Mid-Continent Public Libraries, Johnson County Public Libraries, Olathe Public Library and other local libraries and businesses host summer learning programs that encourage kids to read daily and remain active. Children earn free books and prizes all summer long.

Roller coasters and waterslides

Worlds of Fun is open for the season, welcoming the rebirth of the Zambezi Zinger plus seven more worldclass roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world. This thriller is the Mamba and boasts a first drop of 205 feet! The Patriot is a giant coaster with four inversions and carries riders at a top speed of 65 mph. Enjoy a thrill as the entire family rides together on the Spinning Dragons, where the cars freely rotate as they speed along the track. Or ride the classic wooden roller coaster, the Timber Wolf. Young children enjoy Planet Snoopy with great rides for kids, and the theme park boasts dozens of thrill rides and attractions for guests of all ages.

On Memorial Day Weekend, Oceans of Fun opens for the season. With waves of fun from mild to wild, Oceans of Fun offers an amazing time for everyone in the family. Extreme waterslides appeal to thrill-seekers, and kiddos love the pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle. Float along the Caribbean Cooler lazy river and catch some waves at the fan favorite Surf City Wave Pool. One of the newest attractions is Riptide Raceway, the world’s longest mat racing waterslide. From five stories high, racers will speed down 486 feet in enclosed, winding tubes and around a 360-degree loop before an epic splashdown finish. Visitors to Oceans of Fun enjoy Worlds of Fun admission for the price of one ticket.

Wet and wild water fun

A day at the lake is a quintessential summer pastime, and Lake Olathe is one of our favorite local lakes, boasting a beautiful swim beach and the inflatable Aqua Park. For landlocked Midwesterners, it’s great to have a place where you can build sandcastles, swim with the family and jump into the water from a giant floating playground. Lake Olathe Park visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats at the marina. The upper lawn at the lake is surrounded by landscaping and a small stream with a water feature flowing into a waterfall before ending in a pond. A creek leading from the pond wraps around the kid-friendly sprayground before flowing into the lake.

Animal adventures

The Kansas City Zoo is a family favorite all summer long. We’re big fans of the African Sky Safari, a ski lift style ride above Africa offering great views of the animals. Other fun experiences are the train, boat and carousel rides and the world-class animal exhibits. The Elephant Expedition, camel feeding station, Discovery Barn, Australia exhibit, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Polar Bear Passage are just a few of our favorite attractions at the zoo. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is another beloved outdoor attraction. The petting zoo and farm offers fantastic educational attractions for the family. Pony rides, wagon rides, miniature tractors, an oldfashioned school, mining camp, gardens and farm animals are just part of the fun. Coming soon in 2023 … visitors will enjoy a brand new world-class aquarium at the KC Zoo.

Near the Kansas City Zoo, Go Ape offers treetop and private group adventures. The two- to three-hour obstacle course includes 40 crossings that feature rope bridges, five zip lines, Tarzan swings and net bridges. This is a fully immersive experience combining obstacles and zip lines for the adventure enthusiast.

Shop at a local farmers market

Kansas City is home to more than 30 farmers markets. They range from small markets selling exclusively organic produce to the City Market with more than 140 local vendors. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, homemade soaps, baked goods and even live animals. If you are new to the world of the farmers market, this simple guide will get you started: “Farmers Market Guide” on KCParent.com.

Take your kids out to the ballgame

Grab your glove and ball cap and head to Kauffman Stadium to take in a Royals game. Since 1969, Kansas Citians have been cheering the boys in blue who’ve won two World Series championships. You can also catch a game with the Kansas City Monarchs, part of the American Association of Baseball, as they play at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The team, formerly the T-Bones, rebranded in a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and celebrates part of Kansas City’s rich baseball history.

U-pick farms

In Kansas City, we enjoy many u-pick farms across the metro area, where you may pick blueberries, strawberries, apples, peaches, fresh vegetables and more. Summer kicks off the u-pick season when many local businesses host opportunities to enjoy farm-fresh produce. Search “U-Pick Farms” on KCParent.com for a complete guide to local farms.

Summer festivals

From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals ... there is something for everyone! Some of our favorites include Celebration at the Station, Great Balloon Glow, Strawberry Festival, Festival of Butterflies, WaterFire, Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun, Great Lenexa BBQ Battle, Jazzoo, Independence Day festivals, Missouri State Fair, Ethnic Enrichment Festival and more. Find them all in our “Festival Guide” on KCParent.com.

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

See

The Coterie presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical thru May 21. A comedic musical production based on the popular series by Mo Willems. TheCoterie.org

Enjoy

Head to the Remake Learning Days Festival May 6 at JCCC. Enjoy an MTC Kids Jam concert, discover your inner artist and enjoy STEAM activities.

Pre-reg at JCCC.edu/midwesttrust-center

Explore

This year’s Miami County Spring Farm Tour is May 13-14 at various locations. Visit as many stops as you like while traveling in your own vehicle. MiamiCountyKS.org

Watch

Monster Jam comes to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on May 20. See world-class drivers and monster trucks tear up the dirt and compete in competitions. MonsterJam.com

Splash

May 27 is Opening Day at Oceans of Fun. Come celebrate the unofficial start of summer with all the favorite Oceans of Fun attractions. WorldsOfFun.com

1 Monday

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Play items are available, including push toys, riding toys, balls and inflatables. Lenexa.com

Sensory-Friendly Mondays 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Limited occupancy session for kids with sensory processing differences and autism spectrum disorders. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Baby Story Time 9:30, Corinth Library. A lap-sit program of songs, rhymes and movement for babies. Ages birth-18 months with caregiver. JoCoLbirary.org

2 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Too chilly or damp to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

Story Time for Toddlers 9:15, Woodneath Storytime Barn. Share a fun, interactive journey with your toddler that encourages next steps into early reading. MyMCPL.org

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create artwork. Ages 6-12. Pre-reg at Albrecht-Kemper.org.

3 Wednesday

Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. DowntownLS.org

City of Champions Thru May 29, Legoland Discovery Center. New event! Bring your champion skills and complete the epic missions! LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Fairy-Tale Forest. 913.826.2800

Giggle Time Children’s Program 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Enjoy a giggling and wiggling fun-filled time with StoneLion Puppet Theatre. OPKansas.org.

4 Thursday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Life on the Farm 9:00, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chickens, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com

Funville Thru May 7, Crown Center. An exhibit where children experience grownup occupations in a kid-friendly setting. CrownCenter.com

5 Friday

Toddler Time 10:00, Fieldhouse of Blue Springs. Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. BlueSpringsGov.com

Brookside Art Annual Thru Sunday, 63rd & Brookside Boulevard. Enjoy art along with booths that serve a variety of delicious food and drink options. BrooksideKC.org

Kickoff Concert 6:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Grab a spot on the lawn and enjoy musical performances. Fireworks after the show! GrandviewAmp.com

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical 7:00, the Coterie. A comedic musical production based on the popular series by Mo Willems. TheCoterie.org

Friday Night Sound Bites 7:00, Lenexa Public Market. Enjoy live music and rotating food trucks. Some seating available, lawn chairs recommended. LenexaPublicMarket.com

First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues of the Crossroads Art District showcase their art. KCCrossroads.org

6 Saturday

Merriam Farmers Market 7:00, Merriam Farmers Market. Shop for fresh goods and support local in the downtown Merriam historic district. Merriam.org

Tower 2 Tower 5K 8:00, WaterOne (Lenexa). Celebrate National Drinking Water Week with a family fun race that supports Water for People. Tower2Tower5k.org

Shop Small Saturdays 9:00, Brew Haha Coffeehouse. Shop vendors showcasing local products and sip local coffee. Enter to win giveaways! KCLocalCraftFair.com

Kids Projects and Activities 9:00, Home Depot locations across the metro. Children will enjoy making their own flower planter. HomeDepot.com/c/kids

Kids Fishing Derby 9:00, Lake Jacomo. Casting clinics, fishing demos and more. Bring own rod, reel, bait and bucket to transport fish. MakeYourDayHere.com

Harry’s Hay Days 10:00, Main Street Grandview. The day begins with a parade, followed by a festival, live entertainment, vendors and more! GrandviewHarrysHayDays.com

Remake Learning Days Festival 10:00, JCCC. Dance and sing at MTC Kids Jam concert, discover your inner artist and enjoy STEAM activities. Pre-reg at JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center.

Farm to Table Cooking 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Join for a day of cooking a typical spring meal in the 1920s Shawnee kitchen. ShawneeTown.org

Free Comic Book Day 10:00, Indian Creek Library. Come to the library and pick up a free comic book! Titles available for kids, teens and adults. OlatheLibrary.org

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside

Spring Bazaar 10:00, Union Cemetery. Family fun includes local artisans, food trucks, kids scavenger hunt and more! UCHSKC.org/events

Birds: Fill the Bill 1:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Explore the world of bird beak diversity through hands-on activities from a bird’s eye view. MDC.mo.go

Baby Prom 3:00, MCPL (Red Bridge Branch). Come dressed in fanciest clothes, take pics at selfie station and dance to music. Ages birth-2. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Parkville Cruise Nights 4:00, Downtown Parkville. Listen to music and check out all the cars while also exploring downtown Parkville. ParkvilleMO.org

7 Sunday

Tour de Shawnee 7:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Choose a 5-mile or 12-mile family-friendly route to ride and receive a post ride breakfast to go! Pre-reg at CityOfShawnee.org.

9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Open House 1:00, Camp Wood. Visit with staff, tour the camp and try some favorite camp activities. Bring your family and spend the day exploring our camp! CampWood.org

First Sunday Free Concert 1:00, Theis Park. Enjoy a free concert in the park. See the Old Crows with several special guests. KCParks.org

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

8 Monday

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Play items are available, including push toys, riding toys, balls and inflatables. Lenexa.com

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

9 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Too chilly or damp to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com

Mother Goose Rhyme Time 10:00, Antioch Library. An active program of songs, classic rhymes and fingerplays. Ages 12-24 months with caregiver. JoCoLibrary.org

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create artwork. Ages 6-12. Pre-reg at Albrecht-Kemper.org.

10 Wednesday

Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. DowntownLS.org

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Hear a story from long ago read by a guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

11 Thursday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

Nature Story Time 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy music, movement and adventure in the great outdoors. Pre-reg at OPKansas.org/events.

12 Friday

WildRoots NaturePlay 10:00, Wildwood Outdoor Education Center. Immersive lesson about the natural world and unstructured playtime with peers. Pre-reg at WildwoodCtr.org.

Show-Me Wildlife 4:00, Lykins Square Park. Discovery Center naturalist shares about Missouri native animals, including their habitats and more. RemakeLearningDays.org

Second Friday 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Shops open late, happy hours, live musicians, great eats—there’s something for everyone!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical 7:00, the Coterie. A comedic musical production based on the popular series by Mo Willems. TheCoterie.org

13 Saturday

Running with the Cows 7:00, Queen of the Holy Rosary School. Run, walk or push a stroller and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Post-race buffet. Cow.run

Junque n’ Donuts 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Peruse the many booths of local artisans and stop in at the Country Store for apple cider donuts. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Fishing Derby 8:30, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). The lake will be freshly stocked, so bring a fishing pole and bait! Receive a goody bag and hot dog lunch. BlueSpringsGov.com