KC Parent Magazine June 2016 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE | June 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

individual vs.

dads are

Dandy celebrating

fathers in kansas city

14 pages of

SUPER CHEAP

SUMMER

FUN ideas in KC Tips for

cutting your

cleaning time in

half!

team sports which is better?

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO

Urgent Care Blue Parkway office Mon-Thur 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat-Sun 8:00 -11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri 8:00 am -11:00 am

Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm

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Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

Super-sized stomach pain Possible appendicitis When you have symptoms you can’t explain, that come on suddenly or have you concerned, get to an ER. HCA Midwest Health has ten convenient locations in Greater Kansas City, with expertise in treating stomach and GI emergencies. Learn more at KCfastER.com. Text “ER” to 23000 to see average ER wait times.*

Warning Signs: Abdominal Pain, Stomach Cramps, Nausea, Belly Ache, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Blood

Healthcare takes a turn for the better.

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 Regional Medical Center I-435 & Quivira Rd.

Overland Park Menorah Medical Center 119th St. & Nall Ave.

Shawnee ER of Shawnee West of I-35 on Shawnee Mission Pkwy

* 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.

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· Open seven days a week · On-site X-rays and prescriptions · Most insurance plans accepted kcparent.com june 2016

JUNE 2016

DEPARTMENTS

CELEBRATING KANSAS CITY DADS, PG. 36

FEATURES

Craft Corner

Faith & Family

Word from Dad

Media Mix

Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Camp Guide

Party Guide

Summer Fun Guide

Calendar of Events

Coaches

Letter Writing

Summer Fun

How to talk to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coach

Tips for teaching kids this lost art

Loads of great ideas for cool summer fun in KC

Our cover features Calvin from Louisburg. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com. FREE | June 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

INDIVIDUAL VS.

dads are

ON THE COVER

kcparent.com june 2016

DANDY celebrating

fathers in kansas city

Individual vs. Team Sports

14 pages of

Cut Cleaning Time in Half

FUN ideas in KC

Dandy Dads

TIPS for

Summer Fun

HALF!

SUPER CHEAP

SUMMER

cutting your

cleaning time in

TEAM SPORTS which is better?

EDITOR’SLETTER

Enjoy the start of summer, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

JUNE 2016 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 Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Tisha Foley (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Erin Jones (Overland Park), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Laura McEachen (Overland Park), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | June 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

spring/summer 2016

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INDIVIDUAL VS.

dads are

DANDY

TEAM SPORTS which is better?

celebrating

the

tips on dealing with sibling rivalry

14 pages of

labor & delivery issue

IS BABY READY TO GIVE UP NAPS? ARE YOU?

SUPER CHEAP

SUMMER

FUN

ideas in KC

TIPS for

cutting your

HALF!

FREE April-June 2016 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

bringing home baby

fathers in kansas city

cleaning time in

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DISCOVER OUR

CITY BEAUTIFUL

500 WAYS TO EXPLORE KC

ultimate guide to kc’s

COOLEST DISTRICTS – daytime & night!

MEGA

fun ways to

SAVOR SUMMER!

the financial impact of

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EXTREME THRILLS WINE TOURS

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Pops and me: the early years. Yes, he was always this stylish of a dresser.

have put off writing this June edition of my editor’s letter for just as long as I can. For many years, June has been one of my very favorite months, as it brings the start of summer, my most beloved season. But this year, I will face my first Father’s Day without my dad (Pops, as I called him). I know that dealing with the loss of a parent is a completely normal and expected part of life. And I was prepared to deal with it—10 to 15 years down the road. Both of my dad’s parents lived into their 90s, and at 70, my dad was super healthy. He didn’t take any prescription meds and was careful with what he ate. So I selfishly assumed we had a lot more time with him. But, as it turns out, God had other plans and called him home this past winter, unexpectedly, suddenly and swiftly. At 7:30, he and Mom were hosting a dinner party at their house. By 11:45, he was gone. Grief is a funny thing, and as I wade my way through this strange new world in which I now live, the best I can do to describe my experience is to liken it to having a child. Before your child is born, people tell you how much you will love your baby. And you nod in agreement and think, “Duh, of course I’ll love my baby.” But then your baby arrives, and you experience a new, deep and all-encompassing love that you never knew existed. Losing Pops has felt the same. I knew it would be difficult and hard to deal with, but on the other side, I now know a whole new level of sadness. My dad’s drink of choice was a Manhattan (for the record, they are terrible). And so, on June 19, I plan to raise a glass and toast Pops. He was one of a kind, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have called him mine for 45 years.

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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.

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KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

Search KCParent.com for more affordable summer fun ideas: 1. 50 ideas under $5 2. Free events on KCParent.com Calendar 3. Summer Festival Guide

4. Kids Eat Free Guide 5. Farmers Market Guide

Spotlight Festivals

It’s festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals... there is something for everyone! Visit KCParent.com for a complete list!

6. Summer Concert Guide 7. Summer Movie Guide 8. Free Fun in Kansas City 9. Local Spraygrounds

CONTEST

WIN TICKETS TO a BASEBALL GAME Enter to win 8 tickets to the T-Bones game on July 9 and a preferred parking pass. Head to KCParent.com and click “Giveaways”. Hurry! Contest ends June 30!

10. Best Parks in Kansas City

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

kcparent.com june 2016

CRAFTCORNER

child’s artwork furniture makeover

f you are looking for ways to preserve your child’s artwork, try making over a piece of furniture with it! It’s so easy, and kids of all ages can help with this project. Take a small set of drawers from the thrift store or even a wooden tray and, with a few supplies, your child’s artwork can jazz it up into something new and improved.

Materials Needed: Paper | Sharpies | Furniture Mod Podge Sand paper | Wooden surface

Step One: Have your child make drawings on a piece of paper with a Sharpie. Using a permanent marker ensures that there won’t be any bleeding when it’s time to adhere the artwork.

Step Two: Cut the artwork to the size of the surface you are working with. You can piece them together or overlap if needed. Step Three: Brush on a layer of Mod Podge to the surface, place the artwork on top and then brush on another layer to seal it. After the first layer is dry, repeat with a few more layers of Mod Podge. Step Four: After the Mod Podge has fully dried, sand any rough edges where dried Mod Podge may have collected.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

kcparent.com june 2016

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and CareSM are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for additional information about our schools, curriculum, and programs.

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kcparent.com june 2016

FAITH&FAMILY

rooted in love And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Colossians 2:6-7

“t

he Earth laughs in flowers,” the poetic Ralph Waldo Emerson stated. If Emerson’s assessment is true, then June is in hysterics. Petunias dot front porches, wildflowers frame highways, daylilies reach high through mulch beds and

geraniums sway in warm Kansas breezes. I inherited my love of flowers from my grandma, who preferred flowers to most people. While my own thumb only has a hint of green compared to hers, I deeply appreciate flowers wherever they’re planted. One of my favorite things about flowers is the process they go through to grow. A tiny seed holds all the potential of the specific plant within its hard shell. Then when the seed imbibes water, enzymes are activated and new life begins to emerge. The first thing to overflow out of the seed is the anchoring radicle root, followed quickly by the main shoot. A strong, anchored radicle root works in conjunction with the stem to help it get to light as quickly as possible. In a long list of career possibilities, botany didn’t make the cut for me, but I love to see how God creatively designed our world to reflect His hand. Read the following two verses from Colossians 2:6-7 and notice the parallel language of our spiritual growth to that of a seed into a plant: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your

roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Jesus is the light we are to follow (John 8:12), the root of our faith is to be anchored in who He is and built on His unchanging presence. With those things established, we will grow strong and overflow in gratitude. Jesus offers our hard, encased hearts living water from a source that will never run dry (John 4:10). He is our catalyst for new life and our source for nourishment as we grow. How does this apply to our families? With this perspective we can offer grace to others as they go through various seasons of growth. Who in your life needs reminding that no seed is buried beyond God’s notice? He can certainly transform it into new life. Parents, our overflowing thankfulness is the radiant blossom our kids will remember for generations to come. Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter writes from Lenexa and you can follow more of her writings at UnravelGrace.com.

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KANSAS CITY’s All-American

drive-in that feels as though it is straight from the screen of a ’50s car classic. Celebrating the vibe, they host cruise-ins every third Saturday of the month, 3:0010:00, all summer long. Enjoy the classic cars on display…with a side of fries.

he juke box in the corner, the short-order cook behind the counter snatching paper slips from a ring, the sack of burgers you can see through and the to-die-for ice cream sodas that make a child’s eyes light up as big as saucers—these are the stuff of Happy Days, Grease and classic summer flicks. All can be found with a side of nostalgia at our favorite local landmarks, each earning its place in the memory book of locals for generations:

Town Topic, Kansas City’s original greasy spoon with three locations (TownTopic.com), has been open for more than 75 years as a local landmark. In 1937, Claude Sparks opened the original location at 24th & Broadway, where he sold hamburgers for 5 cents each. At the end of his first day, he pocketed a whopping $21.00, and now the diner in the heart of the Crossroads (with two more locations) is a favorite for greasy home-style breakfasts, diner-style burgers, hand-dipped malts and fresh pie.

Tara’s Cafe & Malt Shop (401 Main

St., Belton, MO, 816.331.0156) is the perfect lunch spot after a day riding the rails on the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. The café, a neighborhood hangout and local favorite, is your classic greasy spoon, serving tenderloins, burgers, chili dogs, a variety of desserts and ice cream dishes. The chocolate Coke, as found only in the finest of diners and dives, is a must!

Christy’s Tasty Queen (1405 S. 55th Johnny Ray’s Drive-In (800 SW Blue Pkwy., Lees Summit, MO, 816.524.1910), since 1956, has been serving steakburgers with “all the fixin’s,” homemade malts and see-through-the-bag fries and rings at a

St., Kansas City, KS, 913.287.2800) has been serving customers for more than 40 years. Feasting at this authentic drive-in diner, you eat in your car or at a picnic table. Christy’s is best known for their amazing tenderloin, but the juicy, thick burgers are another classic that can’t be missed.

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g n i s i r surp

teen conversation starters

our teen is a growing, independent soul. Sometimes parents get so worried about their teens that they forget they are separate individuals who process the world differently because of being in a different stage of life and having a different social position than their parents. Building a better, more satisfying relationship with your teen first means you must listen as non-judgmentally as possible. This will require you remember your teen is his own person. The first step is getting to know your teen in a different way. Sociologists and journalists use an interview technique called open-ended questions. Inside of interview conversations, interviewers use interview by comment. These techniques may help parents learn more about how their teen is processing and coping with the world. Following are a few open-ended questions you can use to start conversations. Remember, the purpose of this exercise is simply to listen and learn. Be careful not to jump into advice giving mode—simply listen and learn.

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Open-Ended Question Examples Open-ended questions don’t direct the person being interviewed to answer any specific way. Open-ended questions are phrased in a way to require more than a yes or no answer. Each question is about a specific area of teen life and has a sample follow-up question. As you practice these open-ended, listen-and-learn conversation starters, you will come up with your own natural follow-up questions.

Social Life n

opportunities. We listen to one of her songs and then we listen to one of mine. She even attended a concert with me. Now, I have to return the favor.

Family n What would you like to do with the family this weekend? What bugs you the most about your little sister?

Tip: Be prepared for the answer without jumping into advice giving. This is the perfect opportunity to compliment your teen’s sibling relationship. You may want to say something like this: “Thank you for not yelling the other day when Ashley went into your room without permission.”

Who do you consider to be your best friend right now? What do you like best about ______ (name the best friend)? Practice Do you hang out with ______ at lunch? If it feels awkward, try again. Then next time you are alone together, Leisure Time or Hobbies try again. Relationship building is hard work and requires practice over n What do you like to do on weekends when you have time. alone time? Tip: Ask these questions casually. Teens might feel put on the spot if they feel Is there something you would like to do with your friends interrogated or think they will get in trouble for their answers. One mom that you don’t have time or money to do? shared she has these conversations in the car when traveling to school or an n Who is your favorite artist, singer or band right now? after-school activity. When teens are not required to have eye contact, they What do you like about them? This may lead to an don’t feel so interrogated or threatened by open-ended questions. invitation to listen to music.

Tip: Don’t bypass this opportunity. You really earn credibility as being interested in your teen’s world. Go ahead! You can do it! Trips with my daughter have become mutual musical education

Laura Lyles Reagan is a family sociologist, parenting coach and freelance writer. Reach her through her website for questions, comments or coaching at Heart2HeartParents.com.

Dinnertime can be a great place to chat. For creative games to play at the dinner table, log onto KCParent.com.

kcparent.com june 2016

Team Sports versus

Individual Sports

We really need to look at what our kids do to have fun. If they’re having fun, they’re more likely to make goals that are to their highest potential.

kcparent.com june 2016

outh sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping kids stay active to building selfesteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport is best for your child often depends on your youngster’s personality, as well as the time and money you’re willing to invest in a particular activity. Before the age of 6 or 7, many kids are still developing gross motor skills like running, kicking, jumping and catching. They’re also still learning social skills like sharing, taking turns and losing/winning games gracefully. Rather than organized sports in the early years, experts recommend exploring different activities, like kicking a ball around, playing at the playground and taking swim or gymnastic lessons. Many parents naturally gravitate toward introducing their kids to the sports they enjoyed as children. While this is a good place to start, your child may not end up sharing your enthusiasm. And you may go through several sports before you find one that’s the right fit for your child.

“We really need to look at what our kids do to have fun. If they’re having fun, they’ll stay in the sport longer. They won’t burn out,” says Randy Goldstein, D.O., a board certified pediatrician who specializes in youth sports medicine at the Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Hospital. “If they’re having fun, they’re more likely to make goals that are to their highest potential.” Pros of team sports. Any sports your children participate in should help them develop strength, balance and coordination, and provide them with an opportunity to push themselves in a healthy, positive environment. “In a team sport, the kids have to work together toward a common goal and take instruction from a coach who isn’t necessarily a parent,” Goldstein says. “This is important to learning how to be around future teachers, future bosses and future leaders.” Meredith Dickinson of Shawnee says her son Tyler, 14, who plays football, baseball and basketball, thrives in a team atmosphere. He is motivated to improve by playing alongside more talented teammates. “He works hard to be better. He may not be the best on the field, but he works hard to support his teammates,” Dickinson says. Every child progresses at his or her own speed. Encourage your young athlete toward his personal goals with positive, calm support. And celebrate his personal accomplishments along the way. “Watch for individual progress, not what your child’s teammates are doing. Your child may seem behind or ahead of the others. This can change like the weather,” Goldstein says. “It takes one or two seasons to judge improvement and success—not one or two competitions.” The downside? Much like individual sports, team sports like baseball and soccer have become more year-round in nature. Although this approach can help the team and individual players grow stronger and more skilled over time, families may find that the sport is more of a time and money commitment than they’d bargained for. Pros of individual sports. Much of the success in individual sports like tennis, dance, swimming and gymnastics depends on the motivation of the particular athlete.

Athletes who excel at individual sports find satisfaction in pushing themselves to achieve a personal goal, rather than relying on the team to help them get there. Dickinson says this is true for her daughter Lauren, 11, who swims. “Swimming is a good fit for her because it is just her and the clock,” Dickinson says. “She doesn’t want to have the win or loss depend on teammates.” While your child might prefer an individual sport, that doesn’t mean she has to sacrifice the support of a team. “Even individual sports have the camaraderie or the partnership of a team,” Goldstein says, who works with premierlevel gymnasts across the Midwest. “They travel together and learn to become partners and accomplish individual goals, but as a team.” The downside? Not all kids feel drawn to the spotlight during a performance or sporting event. And some kids may put undue pressure on themselves to reach personal goals, causing the negatives to outweigh the positives. Some parents also find it difficult watching their youngsters navigate the pressures of a sport on their own. “As a parent, it’s tough to watch your 9-year-old play in her first tennis tournament where she’s responsible for scoring, pace of the game, calling shots and settling disputes,” says Jackie Kindred, Lenexa. “A great experience for her, but unnerving for a parent.” Kindred’s daughter Rose, now 12, has since turned her attention to club volleyball, but she feels that both team and individual sports have benefited her daughter’s personal growth. “As a parent, I’m glad she did both. It’s impossible for me to say one is better than another. It depends on the kids, the coaches and the sport,” Kindred says. “But I do think the exposure to both is crucial.”

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and their two active boys, who have participated in both team and individual sports. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Is Your Child Ready for Organized Sports? Consult with your pediatrician before enrolling your child in a sport and discuss questions like: Is your child ready and able to... • listen to adults other than Mom or Dad? • play with others and, when necessary, wait in line to take his or her turn? • be away from Mom or Dad? • understand how to play safely with the equipment involved with the chosen sport? • physically play the sport? (Physical readiness includes balance, body awareness and awareness of the space around you to learn beginning sports skills such as running, jumping, safe landing and changein-direction techniques.) Source: Dr. Randy Goldstein, Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Hospital

Benefits of Organized Sports for Kids • Enhances critical thinking/problemsolving skills • Increases social interaction/ cooperation with peers • Improves concentration, attention and behavior • Reduces incidence of depression and anxiety • Fosters self-esteem, goal-setting and leadership skills • More likely to be active adults Source: The Aspen Institute Project Play

Quiz: What is the top team sport for children ages 6 to 17? A) Basketball B) Outdoor soccer C) Baseball D) Court volleyball E) Touch football Answer: A. Basketball; followed by baseball, outdoor soccer, touch football and court volleyball. Source: NYU Child Study Center kcparent.com june 2016

helping kids

Cool Down

kcparent.com june 2016

veryone has to deal with feelings of anger and frustration at times. While these feelings are normal, kids have to learn how to deal appropriately with them. Parents and kids can work as a team to come up with strategies for these situations. “Unfortunately, many kids have never been given the opportunity to think of those other ways to calm down. They keep getting into trouble because the only behaviors they know are inappropriate ways to express their anger,” says Parents.com. Working together to prepare a plan in advance will help children learn how to calm down and discuss why the feelings occurred. “Once the child chooses his ‘calm down’ technique, encourage him to use the same strategy each time he starts to get angry,” the website continues. Here are some techniques for each age group.

the toddler years (ages 0-2)

prepare: Observe what calms your child. Is it snuggling up with a parent? What toys does he play with quietly? Make note of what is calming for your child and use these activities later when the child is upset.

act: Children of this age do not understand their feelings. When the child becomes frustrated and angry, use one calming technique you observed. Sing a song, snuggle up with a book, get out a new toy or start a new activity. Remain calm yourself and use a soothing voice while speaking to the child. discuss: Think about what caused the child’s anger and discuss with

other caregivers what may be common frustrations for your child. If a toy is causing the child to become angry, simply remove it. If the child was overtired or hungry, adjust meals and bedtime. During the toddler years, tantrums are normal and may happen frequently. Try to remember this is one of the ways toddlers are able to communicate their feelings. Be patient and know that this stage will pass as the child matures and his vocabulary develops.

the preschool years (ages 3-5)

prepare: On a calm day, talk with your preschooler about different types of feelings, giving names to them. Some parents find a chart or

photos helpful when explaining. Discuss appropriate behavior for when a person is angry and talk about actions to help your child calm down. Calming suggestions for preschoolers may include drawing a picture, playing with cars, doing a simple puzzle, singing and dancing to music, running, jumping or sharing hugs. Sherrie Hoffman, Hiawatha, KS, says, “With my 5-year-old, slow deep breaths help. Then, when he can talk, we discuss what has upset him.”

act: When feelings of anger begin, ask your child in a calm voice to try one of the techniques discussed earlier. Remind her you will talk about it when she is calm. Do not feed into her actions unless she is working on becoming calm.

discuss: Later, ask the child to share why she became angry and come up with ideas of how to handle the situation in the future. Remind her feeling angry at times is normal and let her know you are proud of the way she used the techniques to calm down.

the school years (ages 6-11)

prepare: Discuss common triggers for your child and come up with a plan of how to handle them. Talk about the difference between appropriate and inappropriate anger. As with preschoolers, come up with a technique that helps calm the child and plan to use it when needed. Ideas for this age group of kids include going to their bedroom and listening to their favorite music, kicking a soccer ball, swinging on the swing set or screaming into a pillow.

act: When the child becomes angry, calmly let him know you see he is upset and would like to talk about it when he is calm. “We don’t

talk about a problem until they are calm, and if they get worked up while explaining what is wrong, then we take deep breaths until they are calm again,” says Rachael Kennedy, Overland Park mother of five.

discuss: When the child has calmed down, listen to his frustrations. Let your child know feeling angry is okay and praise him for handling it well. Ask what could have been different and come up with solutions as a team.

the teen years (ages 12+)

prepare: At this age, the child may be aware of what sets her off—and so may the parent. Try to problem-solve how to avoid or deal with situations that make her angry. Come up with ways she can calm down on her own. Ideas for this age include taking a walk, tidying up her room, listening to music, journaling, taking a shower or bath or calling a friend to vent.

act: Calmly mention that you see she is angry and ask her to please take a break from the situation until she can calm down. Give her space—unless she wants to talk—and be patient. If appropriate, leave her alone in the house to calm down.

discuss: Later, after everyone is ready, discuss what happened. Problem-solve what a solution could be now or in the future. Come to a compromise about what could be different and ask her for as much input as possible. The goal of these techniques is to teach kids that all feelings are normal, even anger. Teaching these techniques gives kids the tools they need to deal with anger in an appropriate way and teaches them how to use problem solving to work through a frustrating situation.

Sarah Lyons lives and writes from her home in Olathe.

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• Old pair of shoes or sandals • Personal Items (toothbrush/paste, soap,

ummer camp can be a lot of fun, especially if you are prepared! Involve your child in the packing process and begin packing several weeks in advance to avoid last minute shopping trips. Although it will probably take a while, label all items going to camp with your child’s name. Certainly, your child’s camp will send a packing list, but you can expect some of the following essentials to be on it.

• Pillow & sleeping bag • Disposable camera • Insect repellent and sunscreen • Ziploc® bags and/or laundry bags for

kcparent.com june 2016

wet, dirty items

What to Pack for Overnight Camp:

• Stuffed animals (for younger campers)

envelopes • Flashlight & extra batteries • Water bottle or canteen • Shorts & long pants • Shirts (short & long sleeved) • Sweatshirt, sweater or jacket • Rain coat with hood • 2 bathing suits & goggles • Towels & washcloths • Good sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot • Several pairs of socks

Camps often prohibit these items, so check before packing them if you’re considering any of them: cell phones, electronic toys or games, walkie talkies, cd players, iPods and other electronic devices. Camps provide candy, snacks and food, and many camps prohibit campers from bringing in their own snacks or receiving goodies in care packages. Avoid bringing anything of value and avoid bringing fragile items. Do not pack any clothing items unless you’re willing to risk their being ruined.

• Notebook & pen/pencil • Pre-addressed and stamped stationery/

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kcparent.com june 2016

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Green is “zen.” Research shows that

first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

Try this on for size! Camp is

a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave

making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.”

Veggies taste better with friends.

lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

Manners matter, and often linger. The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard

Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options and vegetarian meals. For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at www.CampParents.org

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Bring your camper to Camp Kaleidoscope June 6th – August 5th. Each day campers will swim, play outdoors, create arts and crafts, play games and more! Cost is $80 per child, per week. This includes a daily snack, field trip shirt and field trip admission. Campers are required to bring a lunch, tennis shoes, and swimsuit every day. Add swimming lessons for only $20 per week, per child (must be enrolled in Camp Kaleidoscope)! Call 816.316.4888 today! See display ad on pg. 20.

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Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 19th 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. 20. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Sylvan Learning

In addition to full range of academic tutoring, Sylvan Learning offers several camps this summer. Elementary students can design video games and create a moving robot in one of our STEM camps, or boost their love of math with Math Edge! For writers – budding or struggling – our Summer Writing Program is just the ticket for students in grades 3 – 12. And what middle or high school student doesn’t need a study skills refresher? Our Study Skills Boot Camp will help your kids move into the next school year confident and prepared! See display ad on pg. 25. 913.681.1141

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

“Camp out” this summer at the NelsonAtkins! Ages 6-16 can participate in art classes, make new friends and have many fun-filled activities, including “inside access” to the museum, led by camp counselors in full day, week-long camp sessions, July 18-August 5; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with an extended day option. Themes include time machines, dragons, maker studios, photography and cartooning and animation.

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Train all summer at Tiger Rock’s Martial Arts Summer Camp. For only $269, you can spend your summer training at our studio. Fee includes ninja uniform. Hurry! Classes fill up every summer, so register today! 913.829.8818 (Olathe) or 913.851.5050 (Overland Park). See display ad on pg. 23. www.KCTigerRock.com

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Topgolf Summer Academy is an exciting program filled with all of the components that make up the great game of golf. From chipping, putting and full swing to the rules and etiquette, your kids will learn everything they need to know. Each Academy is designed and taught by our Golf Teaching Professionals in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s staffed with a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure each junior golfer receives in-depth, hands-on attention while he or she develops a winning golf swing. See display ad on pg. 22. www.Topgolf.com

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communicating

with your child’s coach

f your children play sports, you probably realize the realities of participation: Most kids won’t go pro, and winning is secondary to playing hard and learning valuable life skills. However, times may arise when you, as a parent, have a concern you would like to communicate with the coach. Perhaps your child is struggling a bit, or maybe he would like the opportunity to play a different position on the team. Whatever the concern may be, there are times a parent needs to step in and chat with the coach in an attempt to resolve the issue. Here are some tips for communicating effectively:

Before the Discussion • Talk to your child first. There is a chance that the concern is yours only and your child does not share the same feelings. Listen to what he has to say about the situation without injecting your opinions. Depending on his age and maturity level, he may even be able to handle talking to the coach himself if he feels there is an issue. • Make an appointment to talk in person. Trying to catch the coach before or after

a game or practice, when there are many distractions and other parents and players are within earshot, is not an ideal time for a discussion. • Consider email or a phone call. A faceto-face discussion is often the best route to a resolution, as words are less likely to be misconstrued, and body language can be read. However, if schedules or other factors don’t allow for an in-person meeting, emails or phone calls can work, too.

During the Discussion • Begin on a positive note. “Emma really enjoys playing softball, and we think you’re doing a great job as a coach” is more likely to lead to a productive conversation than starting with “We have a real problem here, and you need to fix it.” • Put yourself in the coach’s shoes. Remember that coaches get a lot of input from parents and might feel overwhelmed trying to do what they think is best for the team AND avoiding disgruntled parents and players. • Focus on the problem, not the person. You might not agree with every decision

the coach makes, but criticism will get you nowhere. Calmly state the concern without attacking the person in charge. • Explain how the problem affects your child. Maybe Johnny feels he’s a great shortstop; instead he’s always in right field, which makes him dread game time. Explaining this will help the coach see things from your child’s point of view. • Listen attentively. After you voice your concern, step back and listen to the coach’s response. Make sure you don’t harbor a preconceived notion about how you think the problem should be solved; the coach may offer suggestions you had not considered. Be open to other viewpoints. • Thank the coach. This person took time out of a busy schedule to meet with you and (hopefully) try to resolve the problem; express gratitude for the feedback.

After the Discussion • Offer your help. Ask if there is anything you can do to help your child with the sport. If the coach feels your young athlete needs more experience to play a starting position, find out what drills can be done at home. • Take it to the next level. If you feel you have a legitimate concern that impacts your child in a negative manner and it is not resolved after speaking with the coach, consider talking to the next person in charge, usually an athletic director or program director. Follow the same guidelines as when talking to the coach. Above all, trust your instincts. Most coaches in youth sports model ethical behavior and place emphasis on teaching skills rather than winning every game. However, some coaches take their authority too far and can become out of line or even abusive. Listen to that inner voice; if you feel something is not right, contact authorities right away. Tisha Foley’s two children have participated in soccer, tee ball and gymnastics and have had terrific coaches. The Foleys make their home in Belton. kcparent.com june 2016

correspondence for kids

he earlier you can teach appreciation for personal correspondence, the happier you will be that you have given your children the tools to handle (and even perhaps enjoy) this form of communication. Plus, once they learn to do it on their own, it’s off your to-do list! Grateful kids are happy kids.

The Thank You Note Although some may say a handwritten thank you note is old-fashioned and no longer required, I think it is a nice idea for a child to make the effort for someone who has selected a special gift for him. The note need not involve fancy stationery or lengthy text, but it should personally thank the gift giver and mention the specific gift. Explain to children that receiving thank you notes makes people feel appreciated. Colored index cards are an economical choice—they already come with lines on one side, and you can purchase a bunch in case mistakes are made. If your child doesn’t write well yet, let him or her dictate what the letter should say. Don’t let the passage of time stop you. Sending a note late is better than not sending one at all. Keep your expectations reasonable. Be patient and try not to nag. A child who receives 20 gifts at a birthday party is not likely to get all the notes written immediately. Sometimes our family uses the incentive that kids have to wait to play with or use a gift until the note has been sent. The Apology Letter Hopefully you won’t have to do too many of these, but learning to write an apology is a good lesson in the event your child is at fault for something. We have had to coach our kids on a few of these to teachers and fellow students at school. I also have been on the receiving end and appreciated it so much.

kcparent.com june 2016

Such letters should be written and delivered as soon as possible. They should be simple and say “I apologize for _____” and “I’m sorry.” If there is a reasonable remedy or solution, offer that in the letter. Sign it with “Sincerely, (child’s name).”

Miscellaneous (Sympathy, Thinking of You and RSVPs) Even very young children can understand that a friend might be sad following the death of a loved one or even a beloved pet. Just letting people know you are thinking about them can provide comfort and help their grieving process. Be sure to include any special memories of the deceased. Grandparents and other relatives who don’t live nearby or who don’t get to see your children frequently tend especially to appreciate receiving “hard” copies of a note or children’s artwork. My parents love getting actual photographic prints (not digital!) of the kids. Snail mail correspondence can help teach children the experience of anticipating a reply, something many of us are not familiar with because of instantaneous communication. A simple recitation of daily activities in a child’s language can be a great way to keep in touch and can start a fun pen pal tradition if the recipient replies in kind.

Even though a handwritten RSVP often isn’t required anymore (the rule of etiquette is to match the RSVP’s formality to the invitation’s if no specific instruction is given), sending one is a nice touch if your child is particularly looking forward to an event. What party-thrower wouldn’t want to receive a note that a guest is looking forward to attending? If you must decline the invitation, giving a reason is nice, even if that reason is just that you have a conflicting event. Laura McEachen is a full-time mommy and part-time attorney. She lives in Overland Park.

Thank you note examples:

Dear Jane, r coming to Thank you fo party—it was my birthday having you so much fun you also for there. Thank ll. I will look the Barbie do ll essing the do forward to dr ent outfits. in her differ Jill Your Friend,

Dear Uncle Ja ck, Thank you fo r the card and for the money for m y birthday. I am going to use the money to buy a new Lego set. It w as very nice of you to th ink of me. Love, Martin

If you want to get fancy with your correspondence: • Include a photo of the recipient with the gift or of the guest attending the party. You also can print the photo out in black and white on regular paper and have the child color it in. • Make a list, such as “the top five things I miss about you” or “the top three things that make this gift awesome.” • Write notes on the back of kids’ artwork. • Children too young to write can draw a picture of the gift and/or the giver. • Go to the post office together and pick out some unique stamps for your notes.

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Get the kids involved. Children can pitch in on chores at an early age. Preschoolers can dust floorboards and furniture, school-age children can load the dishwasher and help with laundry, and teens, with practice and guidance, can lend a hand in almost any area. Robin Proskovec, Scranton, PA, says, “I have the older two do daily chores to earn their allowance. They cannot do any electronics until they are done, so they are usually pretty motivated.” Teaching kids to help with family chores not only keeps the house in order, but also has lasting value. “Children over the age of 5 have daily chores. We start with learning something simple, like putting t-shirts on hangers, folding towels or putting away silverware,” Krystal Laws, mother of seven, says. “We rotate chores, but try to help them progress in skill too. The idea is that they are ready to take care of a household when they leave home.”

Keep up.

five

realistic ways to cut

chores in half

kcparent.com june 2016

ife as a parent is busy. We juggle work, errands, school activities and time with friends and family. The last things we want to think about are household chores, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need our attention. Here are some tips to cut chores in half:

Make a cleaning schedule. A cleaning schedule helps assign time for chores to be completed without their imposing on our free time. Jennifer Klindworth, Olathe mom to twin girls, says, “I keep Mondays free of things we have to do outside the home. This is when I get all the laundry done. I usually clean the house toward the end of the week so I can enjoy the weekend.” Having a day set aside for certain chores helps organize the week so your to-do list doesn’t become overwhelming.

Do dishes and pick up clutter daily so the stacks do not get out of control. Helen Ransom, Kansas City, MO, says, “My husband and I are both dedicated to taking the first 20 minutes after putting the kids to bed to clean up: dishes, floors, start a load of laundry and bathrooms on rotation.” Setting aside 15 to 20 minutes each day to maintain the house makes a huge difference. Those few minutes spent tidying up allow you to enjoy your downtime even more. “If my kitchen is clean, I feel like I am ahead of the game,” Kim Barnette, Overland Park mom of two says. “Every night before going to bed I prep lunches for the next day, put away clean dishes and reload the dishwasher.” Maintaining a clean house is much easier when you keep up with the items that pile up quickly but take little time to do each day.

Do it now, not later. As you walk in the door, automatically hang up your coat and put your shoes away. As you prepare for bed, put dirty clothes in the hamper. After eating, immediately place dirty dishes in the dishwasher. By taking a few seconds to put things away as

you finish with them, you save yourself the time it would take to do it later. A good rule of thumb is that if it takes less than three minutes to do, do it right away.

Let expectations go a little. Maintaining a clean house can be a challenge for a busy, active family on the go. There always will be toys to pick up, laundry and dishes to wash and school papers to sort. Figure out the level of cleanliness you comfortably can live with and maintain it. For some, everything must be clean and put away, and for others, a little clutter makes them feel at home. “Lower your expectations a little,” Laws says. “Don’t stress over trying to make things perfect, because they never will be.” By following these simple and realistic tips, you can cut your chores in half and start doing the things you enjoy.

We asked KCParent.com readers, what is your least favorite household chore? LAUNDRY/IRONING COOKING/MEAL PREP DOING DISHES

20% 14% 18%

CLEANING BATHROOMS

48%

Tame the Laundry! • Wait until the washer is full to run a load. • Reuse towels. • Call for a pajama day. • Wear an apron while cooking and cleaning. • Wear it again. • Treat stains as soon as possible. • Choose one to two days a week to do laundry. • Or, for the larger family, do one to two loads a day to keep up.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

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party guide

seven tips for saving on birthday gifts

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with me, helping me to pick out a present for their friend. It’s so comforting to know you have a stockpile of gifts in a big plastic tub somewhere for any birthday party invitation that may come your kid’s way. What to stock up on? Read on!

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don’t know about you, but I always seem to be toting my kids to a birthday party. Buying all those gifts can be a real budget buster, and nobody wants to go into credit card debt trying to impress little kids (and their parents) with lavish gifts. Below are some thrifty tips to save hundreds of dollars every year on birthday party presents.

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This will be harder for some of you than for others, but I promise if you stop worrying about what other people think, you automatically will save some serious cash. Focus on your own finances and spend only what you can afford.

Plan ahead Make a list of upcoming birthdays and parties and factor in several last-minute invitations to accommodate those you haven’t received yet. Computer-savvy mommas can set up a spreadsheet, but notebook paper also works just fine. If you have gifts ahead of time, you’re likely to spend less on a lastminute present.

Look at thrift stores, garage sales, consignment shops and Craigslist, because usually kids don’t care whether something is USED, as long as it is USEFUL to them. For new items, check back-to-school sales, sales after school has been in session a couple of weeks and going-out-of-business sales (Think of the huge book store that just folded and the savings that were offered!). There’s a large department store chain (hint: It has a bull’seye logo.) that has great $1 stocking stuffertype items year-round.

Card trick I haven’t bought a greeting card for a child in 10 years, because they are expensive and just get thrown away or recycled. I used to make my own cards for kid parties, but then my own kids started wanting to do it. You can go old school and use construction paper, or have your kids make a card on the computer.

Wrap it up

Stock up

If you have gift bags lying around the house, use them up! I’ve been known to put birthday gifts in Christmas gift bags—yearround—and have never had a kid complain. Otherwise, you can wrap gifts in the Sunday comics section of the newspaper or have your kids decorate plain copy paper with markers, stickers and rubber stamps.

Stocking up on gifts saves money on gas, because you aren’t running to the store every time you get a birthday party invitation. I also tend to spend more when my own kids are

Overland Park mom Kerrie McLoughlin has a blast raising her five kids on a budget. For more frugal living ideas, head to TheKerrieShow.com.

WORDFROMDAD

three legs

ad stopped the car at the corner and pointed down the street. “Bill, what do you think of that?” I’d seen the old man before. Always, he hobbled on the side of the road and kept his balance with a cane. At my age, just looking at him embarrassed me. “He should stay home.” Dad gave me a level look. “He wasn’t always like that. Once he was young and strong. Maybe, he’s a veteran from World War I.” At 14, I knew more than my father and didn’t want to hear another lecture. I looked away and braced for the inevitable. Dad pulled around the corner and accelerated. “Why do you think he’s using a cane? Something hurts, but he doesn’t let that stop him. He fights the pain and gets his exercise.” He glanced over at me. “I hope you have that kind of courage when you get old.” Old? How on earth could I possibly get old? But life had other plans for me. By the time I reached 60, with tender knees and an occasional stiff hip, I was still capable. Until the inner ear infection struck. My balance fled, and I couldn’t stand or even keep my eyes open without being violently ill. My recovery left me with an unexpected gift: A third leg. Like the old man who embarrassed me 50 years earlier, I now need a cane. Once again, I’m faced with wisdom from my father. I wonder if the kids who live nearby view me with the same mixture of contempt and embarrassment that I had when I was their age. I guess their opinion isn’t important. What matters is that I show youngsters the same courage that my father pointed out to me when I was too young to see it.

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William R. Bartlett lives with his family (and his cane) in Belton. kcparent.com june 2016

S A D RE A D

y d n Da A father brings unique contributions to the job of parenting a child that no one else can replace.

The nighttime routine was in full swing at the Greenlee house, with kids freshly bathed, teeth brushed and pjs on. We all sat down to enjoy a few minutes of snuggles and bedtime stories before it was time to hit the hay. Each child presented reading requests to me—mounds of books, which they were informed had to be limited to just three choices. The kids deliberated, placed a set of new Berenstain Bear books in my lap, and we began to delve in. Halfway through the second book, I began to notice a trend. Papa Bear was nothing more than a bumbling idiot in need of more moral conviction and manner correction than his own two children (and whom Mama Bear was all too quick to reference as a negative in-house example for Brother and Sister Bear). I finished reading the last book, but my 7-year-old articulated his thoughts, which happened to sum up my own quite nicely: “It’s pretty funny how Papa Bear always messes things up, but I’m sure glad Daddy isn’t like him!” Yes, indeed! One of this generation’s greatest travesties

is the constant belittling our culture hurls at the very people who have one of the most influential roles in a child’s life: fathers. We see it played out time and time again throughout movies and TV shows, advertisements, books and even greeting cards. Whether implied or intentional, dads often are made out to be the laughingstock of the show: thick-headed, half-witted and, more often than not, completely out of touch. In contrast, social science repeatedly confirms that the presence of an involved father figure is anything but laughable. Researchers have studied much on the importance of mothers to their children, but only within the last century has much ground been made in discovering the unique role a father plays in healthy child development. “Fatherhood turns out to be a complex and unique phenomenon with huge consequences for the emotional and intellectual growth of children,” cites Psychology Today. Child psychology expert Erik Erikson asserts that mothers and fathers love their children in equally essential yet

qualitatively different ways, making the role of active fathering just as important in a child’s life as that of his mother: “Fathers love more dangerously because their love is more expectant, more instrumental than a mother’s love.” In his article “The Involved Father,” Glenn Stanton, director of Global Family Formation Studies and research fellow at the Institute of Family & Marriage, writes, “A father brings unique contributions to the job of parenting a child that no one else can replicate.” In short, being an engaged father matters deeply. Sadly, many reasons can lead to a child’s separation from his father. William Scott of Parents as Teachers recommends that a mother seek out male mentorship within her extended family, workplace or church, should this be the case. “Positive male figures can serve as role models and mentors for a child,” he says. “And although a father involved early on is often considered best practice, it’s never too late for fathers to reconnect and engage with their children.”

Six Reasons Why Dads Are Awesome Dads Build Self-Confidence

Head to any playground and observe. Which parent is encouraging kids to run faster, climb higher or throw the ball farther? Who’s advising the children to be more cautious? Typically, dads encourage children to test their limits, whereas mothers desire to protect. Either parenting style alone can be unhealthy, but together, they encourage children to consider the consequences of risk while simultaneously seeking to expand their experiences.

Dads Play Rough

Dads who roughhouse, tickle, wrestle and play chase are helping their children test boundaries within a safe environment, which plays an important role in figuring out the complicated world around them. Kids learn that kicking, biting and hitting are unacceptable while developing self-control when told that it’s time to settle down. Both girls and boys alike benefit from physical activity with their dads. “A father who plays with his daughter—shooting hoops, kicking

a ball around, taking walks together—is making a payment on an insurance policy that she’ll grow up to be confident and strong,” says Joe Kelly, director of the nonprofit organization Dads & Daughters.

Dads Communicate Differently

3 4

Dads approach conversations with their kids differently than moms. A mother will simplify her speech to accommodate her child, whereas dads are less inclined to adapt their conversations to a child’s level— all while asking more questions—which prompts children to expand their vocabulary while improving their speaking skills.

Dads Discipline Differently Dads tend to approach discipline as an act of justice, duty and fairness (focus on rules), whereas moms will stress the importance of kindness, sympathy and concern for others (focus on relationships). Fathers tend to stress the importance of right and wrong, while mothers stress the value of grace. One without the other is lacking, though both

disciplinary approaches together create a healthy, balanced view.

Dads Make the Grade

5 6

Involved dads provide financially for their children, and children who are provided for feel valued, cared for, and tend to do better in school. Dads who partake in activities with their children are linked not only to higher academic performance, but also children who are less likely to be incarcerated, turn to substance abuse or be sexually active in their teen years.

Dads Set an Example Dads teach boys what it means to be a man and set the standard for what a daughter should seek in a future husband.

Lauren Greenlee has been a daddy’s girl since birth. It was the sound of her father’s voice that calmed her first cries after delivery, and it’s his voice of reason that gives her assurance and insight today as an adult. She lives in Olathe with her husband and three sons. kcparent.com june 2016

mmer u s F

fun gI uide

START OF

SUMMER FUN GUIDE â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

table of contents

SUMMER FUN TOC HERE AND CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN PHOTO (FOR NOW ANYWAYS??)

39 ice cream in KC 40 cheap summer fun 43 seize the summer 44 terrific summer reads

I believe this goes through top of page 49? Not sure Science Field Trips

46 music scene 48 june festivals

would be included in this

49 smart sun safety

section on 50.

50 summer science

our favorite

Kansas City ice cream shops

ummer is here, and that means ice cream! Whether you favor an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that scoops up classic homemade flavors or a newer, trendy shop with gourmet concoctions, Kansas City has your ice cream cravings covered! NEW in 2016! Betty Rae’s Ice Cream: 7140 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.237.1168, BettyRaes.com

What makes it special: One of the newest ice cream shops in Kansas City is already making a big impression. Serving delicious homemade waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches filled with homemade gourmet flavors, this is a favorite neighborhood hangout. With bright trendy colors and a friendly staff, the sweet spot is loved by Waldoians! Betty Rae’s offers delicious classic flavors and a variety of unique concoctions for the truly daring. Murray’s Homemade Ice Cream: 4120 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.931.5646 What makes it special: The old ice cream parlor style and homemade ice cream have made this spot a Kansas City favorite since 1984. The flavors change often, and the shop updates fans on their Facebook page with the latest menus so you can be sure to sample the most tempting flavors they offer, from strawberry fromage to maple walnut to grasshopper and licorice. Glacé: Two locations: 4960 Main St., Kansas City, MO, and 4535 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS, GlaceIceCream.com What makes it special: At Glacé you’ll find one-of-a-kind decadence showcased in a dozen flavors you’ve never imagined. But upon reading their names, you’ll find yourself thinking, “They read my mind—what a fabulous concoction!”

Glacé uses only pure, fresh foods and natural ingredients to create their delicious flavors—no artificial flavorings. Locally owned and operated, this Christopher Elbow ice cream shop frequently invents new flavors just begging to be tried. Sylas and Maddy’s: Two locations: 11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500 and 1014 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 785.832.8323, SylasAndMaddysIceCream.com

Sylas and Maddy’s

What makes it special: Sylas and Maddy’s makes fresh homemade ice cream and waffle cones daily, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy the best product they have to serve. Their delicious flavors have been super popular with local customers since 1997. Poppy’s Ice Cream Shop and Coffee House: 307 SE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.246.4141, PoppysIceCream.com What makes it special: Poppy’s has that old-fashioned feel with a classic atmosphere and all the warmth and hospitality of the locally owned business that it is. Our favorite thing about Poppy’s is that all the ice cream is made in-house, and the homemade flavors are truly delish!

Murray’s Homemade Ice Cream

Shatto Ice Cream: Available at local grocery stores in the frozen food aisle. ShattoMilk.com What makes it special: Made with milk from the cows at the local family-owned Shatto farm, Shatto ice cream is sold at local grocery stores. While the ice cream is delicious, the Shatto Ice Cream Sammich is our favorite. With four flavors—brownie with vanilla ice cream, sugar cookie with strawberry ice cream, chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream, and oatmeal raisin cookie with caramel sea salt ice cream—it’s hard to choose a favorite!

Poppy’s Ice Cream Shop and Coffee House kcparent.com june 2016

Summer Fun

on a shoestring budget in KC FREE fun all around town Check out these favorite ideas for free fun in the metro! Search “FREE Fun” on KCParent.com for more.

North: Take a tour of the 358,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations (Harley-Davidson.com). Learn about the process as the Sportster, Dyna, StreetTM and V-Rod families of motorcycles, along with select Softail models, are built from fabrication and finishing through final assembly. This tour is free to visitors ages 12 and up.

South: Visit the free Nerman Museum of Modern Art (NermanMuseum.org) on the JCCC campus. Special family guides are offered so kids can learn more about the art.

East: Visit the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure (MakeYourDayHere.com), where you can feed elk, deer and bison at the enclosure at Fleming Park. Then enjoy a hike around Lake Jacomo, visit Missouri Town 1855 (admission charged) or rent a boat at the marina.

Downtown Kansas City: Kaleidoscope (HallmarkKaleidoscope. com) is the coolest hands-on creative art center for kids in the Midwest. Sponsored by Hallmark, this free attraction is a favorite kid pick, and summer is the perfect time to visit as a family. They offer free walk-in family sessions daily where kids create their own one-of-a-kind works of art.

West: Play at the Johnson County Museum (JoCoGov.org), where the kid-sized KidScape Exhibit is a free hands-on learning opportunity for little ones. They enjoy putting on plays at the theater, farming and riding the pretend tractor and playing like pioneers in a log cabin. All Across the Metro: Local libraries offer amazing summer reading programs. Sign up for free incentives to encourage your child to read all summer. Then check your library’s calendar of events for great free programs, including puppet shows, concerts, magicians and a variety of classes and workshops.

mmer u s F 40

kcparent.com june 2016

fun gI uide

For Grown-Ups: The Roasterie (TheRoasterie.com) offers free tours of the factory where visitors learn all about cupping, roasting and blending in the coffee-making process.

$5 or less Find more affordable ideas when you click “Going Places” on KCParent.com.

North: The Kansas City Northern Railroad (KCNRR.com) is open Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers rides at just $0.75/rider. Ride one of two G-16 trains that operate on a half-mile of track in Frank Vaydik/Line Creek Park, Kansas City, MO.

South: The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (OPKansas.org) is just $2/person. The attraction is home to nearly 200 animals and birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room country schoolhouse, an old-time fishing pond, pony rides and a wigwam.

East: Feed the fish at Longview Lake

Downtown Kansas City: Catch a film at Union

Marina (MakeYourDayHere.com), where you can purchase small bags of fish feed at the dock. The carp put on a show for little ones who enjoy the feeding frenzy. You also can fish at the lake, bike the trails or swim at the beach.

West: Take in a T-Bones baseball game (TBonesBaseball.com) at Community America Ballpark, located in Kansas City, KS, near Legends Outlets. Ticket prices are reasonable and on Mondays, the first 1,000 kids eat for free. Plus, find great drink specials each night, along with skydivers on Fridays and fireworks on Saturdays. On Sundays, kids can run the bases after the game. Frugal family fun all summer long! All Across the Metro: Sign up for free bowling with KidsBowlFree.com or free roller skating at KidsSkateFree.com, where local bowling alleys and skating rinks offer coupons for daily fun. They do charge for shoe or skate rental, so there is a nominal fee. Be sure to watch for discounted summer movies at local theaters: See AMCTheatres.com and Cinemark.com for information.

Station’s Extreme Screen (UnionStation.org), where films are just $5 each. Then explore the free model rail exhibit at the end of the Grand Hall. Or visit the free National Archives of Kansas City (Archives.gov) next door where you’ll see local history exhibits. Or visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Admission is only $5 and kids 4 and under are free. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, June 8-Aug.10, enjoy the Little Adventures program which includes gallery talks and a hands-on workshop.

Satisfy your love for art with a visit to the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org). Admission to the museum is free, but parking is $8.

kcparent.com june 2016

ummer f s un gI F uide frugal fun every day These are just a few of our favorite ideas for free fun in the metro! Search “FREE Fun” on KCParent.com for more.

Monday: Moms receive free admission to the Children’s EduTainment Center at Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com) on Mondays. With creative play areas for little ones and special programs daily, this is a fun and educational outing.

entertainment and demonstrations are offered as well. Market opens at 7:30 and runs until sold out.

Wednesday: Olathe Farmers Market (OlatheKS.org) is open on Wednesday mornings. Sample new foods and buy local products. Live

Friday: Downtown Lee’s Summit (DowntownLS.org) hosts Music in the Park every Friday night at Howard Station Park, Third & SE Main. Bring a lawn chair and picnic and enjoy music from every favorite genre. From country to reggae, Jamaican to jazz, there is something for everyone.

Tuesday: Visit the Overland Park Arboretum (OPKansas.org) on Tuesdays when admission is free. The 300-acre botanical garden features a variety of areas to explore, with the Train Garden and Monet Garden as popular favorites.

$3/person ages 3 & up; some activities require an extra fee.

Thursday: On Thursday evenings in June and July, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Mahaffie.org) in Olathe hosts free family nights. Each week they cover a new theme of living history activities. Admission is free. Stagecoach rides are

Weekends: Search “Weekend Guide” on KCParent.com where you’ll discover a complete guide to fun at KC’s coolest districts on the first, second, third, fourth and final weekends of each month. Kristina Light enjoys lots of summer fun in Kansas City with her family!

LITTLE ADVENTURES / Wednesdays and Saturdays / June 8 - August 10 Explore the museum collection through gallery talks and guided tours, then visit the hands-on workshop to make your Adventure awaits!

own toy or miniature. From paper dolls to ships, each week features a new theme. Included with museum admission. Become a member today to enjoy all ten weeks for free!

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

kcparent.com june 2016

5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

back, but you two never found the time to talk it out? Well, seize the opportunity to do just that this summer. Set up a day with Mom or Dad (or both) for each of your kids. Spend the day doing something they love and eat dinner at their favorite restaurant. You might finally get some information out of them about what is going on in their social lives!

Seize the

Seize your sense of adventure.

summer! Bay Water Park

arpe diem! It’s SUMMER! With the

kids out of school and warm weather here, it’s time to seize the day. While summer is the perfect time to catch up on relaxation opportunities missed during the school year, the season also is great for exploring and trying new things. Here are six suggestions for seizing your summer!

Seize spontaneity. You’re at the park and the kids ask to take an extra-long (unscheduled) walk around the lake. You had originally planned to be home by 4:00, but a walk sounds perfect! Be spontaneous. Take that walk. Enjoy the fresh air and simple quality time your kids requested. Want to go a little bigger? How about a last minute camping trip? Wake up one Saturday morning and throw all of your camping gear in the car. Drive to a nearby site and set up your home for the night. (Don’t forget to stop for marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate on the way there!) Your kids will love this last minute minivacation. Cool points for Mom and Dad!

Seize relaxation. Remember how flustered you sometimes get during the school year, with permission slips and homework and school projects and who wants hot lunch and field trips? Guess who else gets overwhelmed. Your kids. Take some time this summer to seize relaxation. Recharge. Take a book outside in the backyard. Snuggle up and watch a

movie. Bend the rules a bit on screen time. Let them stay in their pajamas for a while in the morning. Find some peace now that the hustle and bustle of school is on hold.

Seize unscheduled days. Remember our childhoods, when we roamed free and used our imaginations to entertain ourselves? Save some time for that freedom this summer. Sure, summer camps and vacations are important and enjoyable, but set aside a week here and there when you schedule nothing. Tell the kids to go outside and play. Or let them have free reign around the house—to make forts, write stories, read books and play pretend. A lack of plans can lead to a day of memories.

Seize opportunities to explore new places in Kansas City. Think you’ve seen it all? There has to be some part of the greater Kansas City area you and your family haven’t yet explored. Find out what that is and go! Whether it is the one-hour drive to Topeka, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum or Powell Gardens, check out some new sites here, in your home city. You’ll find a new sense of pride in being a Kansas Citian once you do.

Seize the chance to reconnect with your kids. Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day during the school year? Like when you could tell your daughter was upset about something one day a while

Summer often brings out the courage in people to try new things. Go zip-lining! Take a family taekwondo class. Set aside Wednesdays as the night the family tries a new recipe each week and cook it together! Go roller-skating. Or line dancing. Or get lost on a bike trail together and find your way home. Don’t let the summer of 2016 go by without seizing the day! Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

Quiz: (True or False?) 1. Even in summer, strict screen time guidelines should be followed every day. (FALSE) 2. Summer should be scheduled start to finish with camps, extracurricular activities and academics. (FALSE) 3. Being a little lazy in the summer is okay. (TRUE) 4. An often effective way to reconnect with your child is to spend an entire day with just him. (TRUE) 5. Kids will not have a memorable summer if they don’t go away on vacation. (FALSE)

kcparent.com june 2016

MEDIAMIX

high seas and adventures

new titles offer fun in the sun By McGeath Freeman

By Jeffrey Salane

The Pirate Jamboree

Barnacle Is Bored

Best for: Ages 8-12

By Mark Teague

By Jonathan Fenske

Best for: Ages 7-12

Best for: Ages 3-5

The final installment of the Lawless series offers teen fans of thrillers, spies, mysteries and action plenty to get excited about. Although you’ll have more invested in the characters if you have read the first books in the series, Lawless and Justice, this new installment stands on its own very nicely. Backstory is filled in through easy dialogue and action as new mysteries and plans unfold. Readers of the first two books will have just as much trouble keeping up with the twists and turns as newcomers to the series. Hold on tight, Mayhem is fast-paced and unpredictable.

What’s good: Fast-paced, unpredictable action with a touch of humor.

What’s bad: As with the first two books, you have to set aside any pretense of a hold on reality.

You really can’t go wrong with a title from Mark Teague. If you are a fan of the Dear Mrs. Larue series, you’ll see a familiar theme used in this new tale. Teague uses his lively and entertaining illustrations to delve into the fantasy. In Pirate Jamboree we begin by seeing the players, neighborhood kids on bikes and in normal clothes, gathering to play. The rest of the book allows us to see what they see. A pirate adventure is at hand with Bluebeard, Blackbeard, Beigebeard, Eyepatch Sue, Peg Leg Jones and more. Told in verse, the rhyme and rhythm could use some work, but the overall story is a fun romp through childhood imagination. At least until a broom-wielding mom from the S.S. Clean Your Room shows up.

What’s good: Teague’s illustrations are always captivating, keeping readers occupied and engaged.

What’s bad: A little too much nostalgia

mmer u s F 44

kcparent.com june 2016

and too little chaotic childhood rambunctiousness.

fun gI uide

Barnacle Is Bored seems like an obvious title since all a barnacle does is sit in one place. But this simple idea delivers a clever story with a message that won’t be lost on anyone. Barnacle is bored with his life. It’s the same thing every day. He sits and he watches. He gets hot. He gets cold. He gets wet. Barnacle wishes he could be like the fish he sees swimming in the waters around him. Then a big fish swims by. The fish’s actions change Barnacle’s mind. He goes from a glass-half-empty guy to a glass-half-full guy very quickly.

What’s good: The illustrations and text are simple, direct and funny—great for young readers.

What’s bad: It’s so simple that reading the book in the store may be enough.

Mayhem

TIP

For TONS more great book ideas for kids of all ages, visit KCParent.com!

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KC Parent - June Issue

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kcparent.com june 2016

K a n s a s C i t y’s

ummer isn’t simply for lazing by the pool or roasting marshmallows. Kansas City also boasts a bevy of great music! Whether you’re into pop, rock, country, hip-hop or alternative, there’s something for everyone! For the pop-lover in all of us, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis kick off summer at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland on June 7. Selena Gomez ushers us into the Sprint Center on July 1. Of course, if July is too jam-packed, you can always wait until Aug. 6, when Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas grace us with their presence. Five Seconds of Summer on Aug. 20 rounds out my Sprint Center pop list. If pop isn’t your thing, how about a good old-fashioned rock show? Rockstar Energy’s Taste of Chaos is bringing you Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday and Saosin on June 29

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at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s. I saw Dashboard last year in concert, and they were amazing, as always. Twenty One Pilots welcomes us to the Sprint Center on July 10. But wait, there’s more! Starlight Theatre is rocking out with Weezer and Panic! at The Disco on July 20, as well as Shinedown on July 22. Providence Medical Center Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, however, takes the cake in this category. Vans Warped Tour rolls into town on July 28, featuring bands like Safe to Say, Less than Jake and Oceans Ate Alaska, just to name a few. Dave Matthews Band follows up on July 29. Never fear country fans. Your boots won’t be collecting any dust on my watch. Keith Urban heads in on June 2 to Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. So do Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and Colt Ford on June 12, Rascal Flatts and Kelsea Ballerini on July 29, Toby Keith on Aug. 11 and Luke Bryan on Aug. 25.

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Phew, that’s a lot of dates to add to your calendar! To get a mega country fix all in one day, head to Arrowhead Stadium on July 16 for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt and Old Dominion. I LOVE Miranda! With all of these fun outdoor venues comes a little summer heat. To cool off, head into the Sprint Center on Aug. 30 for Dixie Chicks. Not to be underestimated is KC’s hip-hop lineup. Tyler, the Creator, with Taco slides into Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland on June 3. The Grouch and Eligh are at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on Aug. 4. The father of hip-hop himself, Snoop Dog, brings in Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates and Jhene Aiko on Aug. 18 at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. You won’t want to miss it! For my folk/alternative friends, I’ve got some good news. Trampled by Turtles will be at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 8. The Lumineers light up the

Power & Light District on June 10. If you’re looking for a fun Father’s Day idea, grab Bob Dylan tickets for a night out. He’ll be at Starlight Theatre on June 21. Modest Mouse and Brand New kick off July at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. Buzz Beach Ball rolls into Children’s Mercy Park July 16 and 17. The two-day fest includes Alabama Shakes, Cage the Elephant, Fitz and the Tantrums and much more! In the mood for a smaller venue? Wye Oak will be at the Record Bar on July 30. I call this next category “Off the Beaten Path.” These artists aren’t mainstream, but they’re definitely worth checking out. Fishbone hits Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 9. They play a mix of ska, funk,

punk rock, hard rock and soul and they have quite a following. Kansas City native Samantha Fish will sing you the blues at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 18. The Staves rock out at the Riot Room on June 26. They’ve opened for Florence and the Machine and Bon Iver, so open up your wallets and go see their show. You’ll be glad you did. I listen to all types of music and still do today! I love all genres and can wholeheartedly sing to any decade. If you’re anything like me, you can’t be tied down to one category. You want it all! The Cure will make it feel just like heaven at Starlight Theatre on June 8. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and the rest of Kiss play Silverstein

Eye Centers Arena on July 20. Duran Duran will make you wish your name was Rio on July 24 at Starlight Theatre. If you love rock n’ roll, you have to see Joan Jett, Heart and Cheap Trick on Aug. 15. It’s non-negotiable and also at Starlight Theatre. Last but certainly not least, Def Leppard hits Sprint Center on Aug. 26. I almost made a sugar reference there, but decided to abstain. You’re welcome. Go out and enjoy all that the Kansas City music scene has to offer this summer! Jennifer Bosse lives with her husband and two sons. She can be seen singing in her car all over town, while her kids try to ignore her in the backseat.

Whether you’re into pop, rock, country, hip-hop or alternative, there’s something for everyone! In addition to all of the above fantastic shows, KC boasts a plethora of free and fun music throughout the summer. Three not-to-miss include:

SoJo Summerfest (formerly Jazz in the Woods) Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 Corporate Woods Founder’s Park The festival highlights the best the Kansas City area has to offer in live music, food and entertainment. No charge for admission; food and beverages available for purchase. SoJoSummerfest.com

Summer Concert Series Frontier Park (Olathe) June 3, 17 and July 15 Communities that Care and Olathe Parks & Recreation present the 2016 Olathe Summer Concert Series. This free annual event brings music and community together with one local charity recognized each week. OlatheKS.org/ParksRec

Live at the Legends Saturdays in June Legends Outlets The Live at the Legends returns this summer. Enjoy local bands for free and then enjoy the shops and restaurants at Legends Outlets. LegendsShopping.com

SoJo Summerfest (formerly Jazz in the Woods)

kcparent.com june 2016

S L A V I T in KC S E F

june

Jazzoo

Old Shawnee Days June 2-5, Old Shawnee, OldShawneeDays.org. Kick off your summer with everyone’s favorite Shawnee event, Old Shawnee Days! There’s something for everyone: music, carnival rides, contests, games, the parade, crafts, shopping, festival food and so much more.

Busker Festival at City Market June 11, City Market, TheCityMarket.org. Fresh, FREE, freaky, fun entertainment! City Market celebrates our extended family of buskers (street performers). Watch an amazing variety of aerial acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and more.

Jazzoo June 3, Kansas City Zoo, KansasCityZoo.org. Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser. It helps raise support for the children’s educational programs and feeds the zoo’s more than 1,000 animals.

Scottish Highland Games June 11 & 12, E.H. Young Park, KCScottishGames.org. Listen to the Great Highland bagpipe playing over the fields, see world-class athletes toss the ancient Scottish caber and watch sanctioned Highland dance competitions showcase the best dancers from across the nation.

Lee’s Summit Downtown Days June 3-5, Downtown Lee’s Summit, DowntownLS. org. Spanning six blocks in the historic Downtown Lee’s Summit central business district, this festival features live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides, craft vendors, the KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition and much more. Sprint Family Fun Days June 11, KC Power & Light District, PowerAndLightDistrict.com. The Sprint Family Fun series events are held on 14th Street between Main Street & Walnut Street in the Kansas City Power & Light District from 11:00 to 3:00, every second Saturday of the month May-October. Admission to the event is free. Fees apply for premium activities.

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Dragon Boat Festival June 11, Brush Creek, ChinaGardenSociety-KC.org. The day will include cultural games, performances, delicious food and dragon boats—plus fun activities for children of all ages. Dancers, drummers and musicians from all over town will entertain you on the stage. Heart of America Shakespeare Festival June 14-July 3, Southmoreland Park, KCShakes.org. Celebrating its 24th season, the festival will present Twelfth Night; or, What You Will, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy set in romantic Illyria. The play explores love, loss and reunion, along with ambition, madness and gender reversal—all with lots of humor.

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Future Stages Festival June 26, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KauffmanCenter.org. The free festival supports the growth of future artists with a focus on engaging youth performers. The festival invites all ages to experience the arts and introduces young people to the Kauffman Center as performers and patrons. Maker Faire: June 25 & 26, Union Station, MakerFaireKC.com. This family-friendly event demonstrates what and how people are inventing, making and creating. It brings together makers, crafters, inventors, hackers, scientists and artists for a faire full of fun and inspiration. kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

spring/summer 2016

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For even MORE summer fun in Kansas City, pick up a copy of KC Going Places!

HEALTHYKIDS

smart sun safety: tips for keeping kids safe in the summer sun Most sun damage occurs because of accidental exposure during day-to-day activities in which sunscreen is forgotten

or not reapplied.

voiding summer sun exposure is virtually impossible. Because sun is the top source of vitamin D, which helps bodies build strong bones and absorb calcium, avoiding the sun may seem undesirable. It doesn’t take much time in the sun for people to receive the vitamin D they need. In fact, most kids get the majority of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Unfortunately, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays also can cause skin damage, skin cancer and eye damage. If skin changes color at all—brown or pink—UV rays actually have damaged it (CDC.gov).

Here are a few simple tips for keeping your kids safe in the sun. Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater every time you and your child go outdoors. For best results, apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and reapply every few hours (CDC.gov). Most sun damage occurs because of accidental exposure during day-to-day activities in which sunscreen is forgotten or not reapplied. Seek shade. UV rays are the strongest during the middle of the day, and indoors is the safest place to be then. If that is not possible, taking relief in the shade of a tree, umbrella or pop-up tent is helpful. Wear sunglasses. Sun damages the eyes as well as the skin. As little as one day in the sun can cause the cornea (the outer membrane of the eye) to burn, and long-term exposure can lead to cataracts (clouding of the eye lens and blurred vision). The best way to protect the eyes is to wear sunglasses. Convincing kids to wear sunglasses can be difficult, but allowing your

child to pick out the style (character, color, etc.) may improve attitudes about keeping shades on. Stay hydrated. Spending a lot of time in the sun can keep us hot and sweating, and if we are not careful, we can become dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water or sports drinks can combat this to keep us hydrated. No matter how good your intentions are, sometimes your child may get a little more color from the sun than intended. If this happens, have your child take a cool (not cold) bath to alleviate the pain and heat, then apply aloe vera lotion to the sunburned areas. Anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) also may ease the pain. If the burn is severe or blisters develop, call your doctor for further instruction. Don’t let one day of too much fun in the sun ruin future days of fun! Take care and enjoy the sun all summer long! Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse. She lives in Olathe with her family.

Enjoy the outdoors with the family allergy free... Stop in today for immediate relief and much more!

Visit website for location details and hours Most major insurance is accepted including BCBS, Medicare, & TRICARE

1-855-830-4815 • TheUrgencyRoom.com TUR_KC Parent Mag AD UPDATED - 0416.indd 1

kcparent.com 4/8/2016 2:59:06 PM june 2016

science-themed

summer field trips

Science City at Union Station

s a parent, keeping your kids amused all summer long can be a challenge. Eventually, Minecraft gets boring, swimmer’s ear sets in and the neighborhood kids can’t stand the sight of each other. Then what? We have some suggestions to help dust the cobwebs off those little brains and sneak in some learning disguised as fun. According to the National Summer Learning Association, “All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.” Fortunately, Kansas City is full of great educational opportunities. Here are just a few suggestions for science-themed summer field trips you won’t want to miss.

Powell Gardens – The Festival of Butterflies

This summer is the 20th anniversary of Powell Gardens’ Festival of Butterflies, the largest butterfly festival in the United States. See hundreds of native and international butterflies and moths, including the most unique, rare and bizarre creatures of the chrysalis. Experts will be on hand to educate visitors about Monarch butterflies’ migratory habits and conservation efforts for this threatened species. Also learn about pollination and what to plant in your yard so that you can have butterflies too! “This is a great opportunity to learn about metamorphosis through close encounters with caterpillars and butterflies. It is such a marvelous transformation—to watch the caterpillars emerge from their chrysalis,” says Alan Branhagen, director of horticulture at Powell Gardens. To see a full schedule of events for the Festival of Butterflies, go to PowellGardens.org.

Science City at Union Station

Science City has been entertaining and educating KC’s children for the past 16 years, and in early June, they will be unveiling a brand new exhibit designed to help children understand Sir Issac Newton’s laws of motion through five unique, interactive activities. No matter what your young scientist is interested in, Science City has you covered. Explore exhibits dealing with dinosaurs, the

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With only a few hours per week of focused educational activities, you can avoid summer learning loss for your children, all while keeping them challenged and entertained. chemistry of cooking, energy, water and genetics, just to name a few! Daily science activities centered on weekly themes ensure visitors always encounter something new. Science City has fantastic programming planned all summer long, so be sure to check their events calendar: UnionStation.org/sciencecity/calendar.

Ernie Miller Nature Center

Let’s face it. Sometimes, our kids need a little push to get outside, get active and explore. When the backyard no longer captures the imagination of your young ones, consider visiting the Ernie Miller Nature Center. This JCPRD gem offers environmental education through programming, special events, nature displays and acres of trails for hiking and biking. This June, the nature center is unveiling a brand new gallery titled “Our Changing Landscape.” It will feature interactive exhibits with live animals, a water table and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. On Friday evenings during the summer, the nature center hosts family-friendly amphitheater programs on a wide variety of topics about nature and wildlife. Check out their summer calendar for detailed information on these programs and other learning opportunities throughout the summer: ErnieMiller.com/calanderpage.html. According to Oxford Learning (OxfordLearning.com), students need two to three hours per week of learning to avoid summer learning loss. The statistics are compelling, but thankfully we live in a city rich in learning opportunities for our kids. This is just a small sampling of the multitude of science-related attractions available in Kansas City to keep your kids challenged and engaged this summer. So turn off the XBox and load up the car! Discoveries are waiting to be made! Erin Jones works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and portrait photographer. She is currently working on her first book - part memoir and part single parenting survival guide.

Other Science Smart Ideas for Summer Outings

• KC Zoo—the Science Adventure Club for children ages 3-5

• The Sportslab at Arrowhead Stadium • Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium • Overland Park Arboretum • SeaLife Aquarium • Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Education Center

kcparent.com june 2016

june

CALENDAR

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

Old Shawnee Days

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

kcparent.com june 2016

play

learn

eat

listen

create

Enjoy an oldfashioned fair at Old Shawnee Days June 2-5 in Downtown Shawnee. Carnival rides, music, concessions—and visit the FREE KC Parent Kids’ Zone! OldShawneeDays.org

On Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 8 the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures presents Little Adventures. Enjoy gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. 816.235.8000

Head to Topeka’s Gage Park on June 11 for the Food Truck Festival. Taste delicacies from more than 20 food trucks— plus vendors and the mini train and carousel. VisitTopeka.com

Jazz in the Woods is now SoJo Summerfest! The festival will be held June 17 & 18 in Corporate Woods. Enjoy tons of great local music and yummy food. SoJoSummerfest.com

Union Station hosts the Maker Faire June 25 & 26. A familyfriendly event that demonstrates what people are inventing, creating and making. MakerFaireKC.com

1 Wednesday Day Out with Frank & Ella 10:00, Mahaffie. Take part in a different history theme with lots of hands-on activities and crafts. Mahaffie.org Children’s Corner 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Bring your child for a fun, free morning with StoneLion Puppet Theatre. OPKansas.org From Soccer to Circus to Reading 10:30, MCPL (North Oak Branch). Learn how juggling and reading are alike from Brian Wendling while he juggles and amazes everyone. MyMCPL.org Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller. Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759 Summer Reading Kick-Off 3:00, Turner Community Library. Enjoy games, crafts and food at the kick-off party leading into the summer reading program. KCKPL.org

2 Thursday Jurassic Garden Thru Oct, Powell Gardens. See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more! PowellGardens.org

Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575

Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Learn about dogs, cats and other animals that have lived at the White House. TrumanLibrary.org

Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115

Downtown Days Thru Sunday, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A festival featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts, a carnival, barbecue contest and more! 816.246.6598

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Plaza Live! 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free. CountryClubPlaza.com Old Shawnee Days 6:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Opening night! Wristband night—for $25 receive unlimited rides. Music and limited concessions as well. OldShawneeDays.org

Touch-a-Truck & Tractor Daze Today & tomorrow, Nat’l Ag Center and Hall of Fame. Kid-friendly activities include exploring trucks and equipment. AgHallOfFame.com Prairie Village Art Show Thru Sunday, Prairie Village Shops. Annual art show featuring more than 100 artists. Children’s activities, food, music and more. PrairieVillageShops.com First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

3 Friday Water Safety Day 10:00, Spring Hill Aquatic Center. Learn about the use of life jackets, rescue equipment and basic water safety at the presentation. 913.592.2214

Tween Night 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Don’t spend Friday night at home! Come for painting, pizza and fun. $25 includes pizza, drink and pottery piece. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Pick a time that works best: Afternoon VBS, June 13–17, 1:00–4:00 p.m. 9500 Wornall Road, KCMO Evening VBS, July 25–29, 5:45–8:30 p.m. 12501 West 137th Street, OPKS Colonial Presbyterian Church, EPC Encounter God · Grow With Others · Impact People

kcparent.com june 2016

Sprint Family Fun Days June 11, KC Power & Light District. Bring the family out to Sprint Family Fun Days for a summer safari. PowerAndLightDistrict.com

Summer Concert 7:00, Frontier Park (Olathe). Free music presented by Olathe parks and rec. Tonight enjoy the music of Marc Broussard. Olathe.KS/ParksRec

Strawberry Festival 9:00, Vaile Mansion. Strawberry treats, 100 craft and antique booths and plants for sale. VaileMansion.org

Jazzoo 7:30, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy delicious dishes from many Kansas City area restaurants, limitless libations and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with skits, skirmishes and demonstrations. 816.792.2655

Movies in the Park 7:30, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Grab a blanket, a lawn chair and enjoy a movie and popcorn under the stars. BlueSpringsGov.com

GeoArboretum 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Brief classroom presentation followed by a search for two geocaches. Must pre-reg at OPABG.org.

Sand Cinema 9:00, Longview Lake Beach. Family fun at its best! Load the kids in the car and head to the movies on the big screen. Concessions available. $5/car. 816.503.4800

4 Saturday

What’s New This Summer in KC

Children’s Day & National Trails Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Kids will glimpse simpler times through games of tug-of-war, marbles and gunny sack races! 816.503.4860

kcparent.com june 2016

Old Shawnee Days Parade 10:00, Downtown Shawnee. Watch the parade and then head to the fair and visit the KC Parent Family Fun Zone! OldShawneeDays.org Fill a Bag for $6 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe & Blue Springs). Grab a bag, fill with selected resale clothing and pay just $6. ChildrensOrchard.com

A Day in the Park 10:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Enjoy lots of activities for the entire family, including free admission to beaches and free paddle boat rentals. JCPRD.com Leafy Trees 10:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Walk the trails and create a wearable work of art using fabric inks. T-shirts are provided. 816.759.7300 Water Safety Day 11:00, Blackbob Bay. Certified Red Cross instructors will lead you through basic water safety. After, enjoy open swim. $2-$6. OlatheKS.org

Koalas at the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) A pair of koalas are new at the Kansas City Zoo as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to further conservation and animal education. New Rides at Worlds of Fun (WorldsofFun.com) Five new family

rides will join an expanded Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun. On Woodstock Gliders, young guests control their own flight with moveable, stationary wings; on Flying Ace, riders get their aviator glasses ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy; and Snoopy Space Buggies let riders defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back. On the Linus Launcher, experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling, then it’s all aboard for Snoopy Junction, where Snoopy, the conductor, leads kids on a railroad adventure.

Jurassic Garden at Powell Gardens (PowellGardens.org) From May

21 to Oct. 3, journey back to the prehistoric world to encounter more than 20 dinosaurs and oversized ancient insects. Discover the plants and animals of the prehistoric world through an exhibit created by Missouri’s own Guy Darrough. With amazingly accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, a new life-size dinosaur dig and many things to see and do, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Operation Laser Tag at Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com) This is Jackson County’s first tactical laser tag. The new indoor arena and equipment bring the modern video game to life through an exciting tactical laser tag experience suitable for players 8 and older. Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure in Swope Park (7331 Oakwood Dr., Kansas City, MO, 800.971.8271, GoApe.com/Zip-Line/ Swope-Park) This brand new attraction offers treetop and private group adventures. The 2- to 3-hour obstacle course includes 40 crossings that feature rope bridges, five zip lines, Tarzan swings and net bridges. Go Ape is new to Kansas City but not to the business. They have locations all across the United States and encourage you to “live life, adventurously.”

Teen Event: Larger Than Life Game Day Noon, Nelson-Atkins. Ever wanted to play badminton next to the Shuttlecocks? Enjoy free and fun games! Nelson-Atkins.org

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

FREE ACT and SAT Practice Tests 2:30, the Tutoring Center. Take a real practice version of the ACT or SAT and receive a comprehensive test report. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

Rose Show & Rose Day 1:00, Loose Park. Bring chairs and picnics and visit the garden center to view the hundreds of roses on display. KansasRoseSociety.org

Jazz on the Square 5:30, Corbin Theatre (Liberty). Enjoy live jazz. The music will keep your toes tapping, and the ballads will warm your heart! CorbinTheatre.org

Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets Civic Courtyard Fountain. Free summer concert series featuring great local acts! LegendsShopping.com

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment. 816.228.0137

7 Tuesday

FREE Movie Night 8:00, Providence Community Church. Bring the family, some chairs and enjoy the movie Home and popcorn under the stars—all for free! Sovgracekc.org

6 Monday

5 Sunday Sunday Funday 9:00, Topgolf. Don’t give up on the weekend just yet! Enjoy brunch and games at Topgolf. Topgolf.com Weston Kid’s Day & Wheels to Weston Noon, Historic Downtown Weston. Family fun, food, games and drawings for prizes. WestonMo.com

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 Out-of-Library Story Time 10:15, Mill Creek Activity Center. Together Jo Co Library and JCPRD present books, stories, songs and puppets. 913.826.2950 Classical Conversations Thru Wednesday, Lenexa Christian Center. Join homeschooling parents for three days of encouragement and inspiration. ClassicalConversations.com

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778 Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Take the kids to Sea Life to see the new Doodle Reef exhibit! VisitSeaLife.com Jack and the Beanstalk 10:00, H&R Block City Stage. A new musical play based on the old English fairy tale set in the Ozark Mountains. TYA.org Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park Shelter (Oak Grove). Little ones enjoy fun playtime, a snack and story time. Must pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

kcparent.com june 2016

Dinosaurs have invaded Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical gardenTM!

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play and explore (and burn off energy!). $3 KC360Gym.com

8 Wednesday Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free. CrownCenter.com

May 21-October 3, 2016 Discover lifelike dinosaurs large and small and the plants of our distant past. 816.697.2600 powellgardens.org/JurassicGarden

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Hidden Valley Park. Join KC Parks and MCPL for fun in the fresh air! Playtime songs and games, stories and crafts. KCParks.org Warrior Wednesday 11:05, Community America Ballpark. T-Bones take on Wichita. Pre-game players read to kids on field, postgame catch and special scavenger hunt! TBonesBaseball.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000 What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods. Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

9 Thursday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com June Bug Ball 4:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Celebrate the benefits of bugs and other garden friends! Assorted craft activities and games. DRFarmstead.org MPE Used Curriculum Sale 6:15, Shawnee Civic Centre. Midwest Parent Educators hosts a used curriculum sale. MidwestHomeschoolers.org

10 Friday Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org

kcparent.com june 2016

Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org Vintage Market Days Thru Sunday, Metcalf South (Formerly Macy’s). A vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing and more. VintageMarketDays.com Cinderella Dance Production 11:00, Indian Creek Community Church. A tea party and performance of Cinderella by the Culture House. Pre-reg at CultureHouse.com. Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12. Free. KemperArt.org Tonganoxie Sesquicentennial Today & tomorrow, Tonganoxie. Enjoy music, food vendors, children’s games and activities and more! Tonganoxie150.org Second Friday Art Crawl 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. 816.630.6161 Sugar Creek Slavic Festival 5:00, Mike Onka Memorial Building. Traditional music, food and dance from the Slavic nations of Eastern Europe. SlavicFest.com Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. On your mark, get set, go! Enjoy a fun-filled night of go-karts. For only $15 get a “pick 3” wristband. Paradise-Park.com

TRAIN RIDES

Movie in the Park 7:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove). Bring blankets and chairs and settle in for a night under the stars. CityOfOakGrove.com Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! BeltonRailroad.org Stories Under the Stars 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Enjoy old-fashioned family fun with stories of animal encounters and mysterious legends. $3. 913.764.7759

11 Saturday Dragon Boat Festival 7:00, Brush Creek (Country Club Plaza) Dragon boat races, entertainment, food and fun for the entire family. ChinaGardenSociety-KC.org Kids Fishing Derby 8:30, George Owens Nature Park. Annual fishing derby for kids ages 5-12. Bring your own fishing pole and bait. 816.325.7115

TrainDayRides Ice Cream Train Rides Ice Cream Train Family Food Pumpkin ExpressTrain Train Train Grandparents $8.50

$9.50 $10.00 $12.00 $10.00 ofSaturday the 8th, 15th 22nd September 11,Depart one grandparent Regular Trains Regular Trains Depart EveryRides Every Friday,in October weekends 2ndFriday of theand month Sat (May - Oct) - Aug2:00 Sat &FREE Sun,with 2 pma[May -Sun, Oct]2 pm 12:30, 3:30 June - Aug, Trains depart atJune rides paid& child’s admission! Juneand- Aug 7 pm Sat., 11 am [June -Closed Aug Sundays only] in July and Aug 7 pm 7 pm Sat, 11 am (June - Aug only)

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Jurassic Garden Thru Oct., Powell Gardens. See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more! PowellGardens.org

Busker Festival 9:00, City Market. Watch an amazing variety of aerial acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and more. TheCityMarket.org Flag Day 9:00, Ft Osage. Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. $3-$7. 816.503.4860 Sporting KC Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. See Zusi, Feilhaber, Sinovic and Davis take on the zoo’s dynamic defender, Delilah the sea lion. KansasCityZoo.org National Marina Day 10:00, Lake Jacomo. A free event with fun activities for the entire family, including boat rides, fishing seminars, games and more. 816.795.8888 Antique Festival 10:00, Crown Center Square. The festival features pottery, china, toys, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and more. CrownCenter.com

Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring the family out to Sprint Family Fun Days for a summer safari. PowerAndLightDistrict.com Food Truck Festival 11:00, Gage Park (Topeka). Enjoy delicacies from more than 20 food trucks—plus vendors and the mini train and carousel. VisitTopeka.com Little Red Hen’s Garden Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Will her friends help her make a garden? StoneLion Puppets presents. $6. Hazelle.org Victorian Tea 1:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. The dining room table will be laden with desserts, and iced and hot tea will be served. MoStateParks.com Cinderella Dance Production 2:00 & 7:00., Indian Creek Community Church. Enjoy a performance of Cinderella by the Culture House. CultureHouse.com

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Concert in the Park 7:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Enjoy live music outdoors at this all-new amphitheater. Free. GrandviewAmp.com Movie in the Park 8:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. Jo Co Library Second Saturday event. Enjoy music and movie under the stars! JoCoLibrary.org

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Activities vary by season Wild West Days September 24 & 25 Visit www.mahaffie.org

12 Sunday Sunday Funday 9:00, Topgolf. Don’t give up on the weekend just yet! Enjoy brunch and games at Topgolf. Topgolf.com Show Me Shakespeare: Family Day 2:00, KCPL Central Library. An afternoon that brings Shakespeare and his plays to life. KCLibrary.org Summer Sundays in Merriam 4:30, Merriam Marketplace. Food trucks, an inflatable and live music set the stage for family fun on Sundays! Merriam.org Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment. 816.228.0137

13 Monday Father’s Day Week Thru Sunday, Paradise Park. All week long kids can make memorable handmade art projects for Dad and Grandpa. Paradise-Park.com Out-of-Library Story Time 10:15, Mill Creek Activity Center. Together Jo Co Library and JCPRD present books, stories, songs and puppets. 913.826.2950

Selfie Made Summer Kansas City, KS. Snap and share a photo and enter to win a swag bag! Head to the Legends and pose with Ameila Earhart. Details at VisitKansasCityKS.com.

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Thru July 3, Southmoreland Park. The festival will present Twelfth Night. Admission is donation only. KCShakes.org

Cave Quest Thru June 17, Colonial Presbyterian Church. Afternoon VBS for kids where they learn to follow Jesus, the light of the world. VBS.ColonialKC.org

15 Wednesday

14 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 Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778 Story Time for Babies 9:15, MCPL (Lee’s Summit). Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and interaction. MyMCPL.org Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

Storyteller Jo Ho 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Hear Jo’s heartwarming and peppy sportsmanship stories to get a jump on being a good sport. 913.715.2575 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller. Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Belton Community Days Thru Saturday, Main Street. Annual festival with a parade on Saturday, carnival rides, booths and entertainment. BeltonCommunityProjects.com

16 Thursday Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115

kcparent.com june 2016

june by the numbers

The hours it takes Shatto milk, our local favorite, to travel from the cow to the store. Celebrate National Dairy Month with a tall glass of Shatto milk.

1928 Year Kansas City hosted the Republican Convention at Convention Hall, nominating Herbert Hoover.

Average number of clear, sunny days in June in KC.

28,000 Square feet of the indoor aquarium at Sea Life, the best place in KC to celebrate Aquarium Month.

Date in 1850 the Town of Kansas, in Missouri, named in honor of the Kansa Indians who inhabited the area, was incorporated and granted a charter by Jackson County.

120lbs. Size of recordsetting giant blue catfish caught in the Missouri River by Burr Edde III. June 25 is National Catfish Day.

168

Varieties of roses grown in Loose Park at 51st & Wornall. June is National Rose Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;take time to stop and smell them!

1,769 The size of Swope Park, dedicated on June 25, 1896, and still a local landmark and current home of the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theatre, Swope Park Soccer Village and more.

First day of summer and night of Juneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full moon.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 11:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

Rockin’ Party 6:30, Brown Park. Enjoy food, games, a bounce house and live music featuring Good Sam Club (country/rock). Merriam.org

Kids Night Out 5:00, North Kansas City YMCA. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy a night of fun while parents enjoy the evening out on the town. KansasCityYMCA.org

Third Thursdays 5:00, Martin City. Dine, shop and play in Martin City. A percentage of sales will be donated to a different organization each month. MartinCity.org

Snakes Alive 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. See Kansas snakes and explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world. $3. 913.764.7759

Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets Civic Courtyard Fountain. Free summer concert series featuring great local acts! LegendsShopping.com

Plaza Live! 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free. CountryClubPlaza.com

Sand Cinema 9:00, Longview Lake Beach. Family fun at its best! Load the kids in the car and head to the movies on the big screen. Concessions available. $5/car. 816.503.4800

Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com

Fried Chicken Dinner 5:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Feast on a fried chicken dinner just like Grandma used to make in the 1920s. Pre-reg at 913.248.2360.

18 Saturday

Firefly Experience 7:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn more about fireflies and then hike into the darkening forest to watch them. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent. Nelson-Atkins.org Movie in the Park 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Watch The Sandlot under the stars. Admission is free; concessions are available. CityofLS.net

17 Friday

Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more. 816.246.6598 Outpace Poverty 8:00, Richard L Berkley Riverfront Park. A family-friendly 5K that raises money to fight poverty in the community. 816.659.8226 Airport Open House 9:00, Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, face painting, bouncy house, airplanes and more! 816.969.1800

Preschool Playtime 10:30, NKC Parks and Rec. Head to outer space for playtime. Science experiments and snacks. Pre-reg at NKC-wetrac.nkc.org.

Kansas KidsFest 10:00, Kansas Expocentre (Topeka). The area’s largest kids fest features creation stations, performances, laser tag, inflatables and more! 785.560.4386

SoJo Summerfest Today & tomorrow, Corporate Woods. Jazz in the Woods is now SoJo Summerfest! This festival is filled with local music and food. SoJoSummerfest.com

Insects of the Prairie 10:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Investigate the bountiful prairie insects that can be found in the soil, on plants and in the air. MDC.mo.gov

Fiesta Kansas City Today & tomorrow, Crown Center Square. Celebrate Hispanic culture with music, food, dancing and exhibits. FiestaKansasCity.com

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784

Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com 39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District. Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com Dino-Soiree 6:30, Powell Gardens. Date night! Enjoy drinks and light bites while you view a collection of fossils and hear from paleontologist David Burnham, PhD. PowellGardens.org

Story Time at the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Barn. Enjoy stories followed by a craft or game, all in a rustic barn setting. Free. WornallMajors.org Bugs Extravaganza 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Bugs Extravaganza presents information about bugs in an interactive fashion. LakesideNatureCenter.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics. Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000

19 Sunday Father’s Day Father’s Day at the Zoo 9:00, Kansas City Zoo. Celebrate Dad with a relaxing day at the zoo. Dads receive complimentary admission. KansasCityZoo.org Lee Strobel 9:30 & 11:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Hear former atheist, reporter and author of The Case for Christ Lee Strobel speak on his experiences. LenexaBaptist.com Father’s Day at the Cosmosphere Noon, Cosmosphere (Hutchinson). Buy one All-Access Mission Pass and Dad gets in FREE! Make a day of it! Cosmo.org art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 Dads Ride Free 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Dad rides free today with a paid admission. BeltonRailroad.org The Dinosaur Show 2:00, Powell Gardens. In conjunction with Jurassic Gardens, Paul Mesner Puppets presents The Dinosaur Show. PowellGardens.org Free Outdoor Concert 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of music. Lenexa.com Mid-Summer’s Night Cache 6:00, Shawnee Mission Park. We provide you with the GPS device, an introductory how-to and a goodie bag at the end of the hunt. Pre-reg at 913.826.3160.

kcparent.com june 2016

20 Monday The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free. CrownCenter.com School of Honor Thru Wednesday, Layman’s High Prairie Ranch. Three-day workshop to teach young men to glorify God. 913.683.5761 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

21 Tuesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park Shelter (Oak Grove). Little ones enjoy fun playtime, a snack and story time. Must pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com. Sing-a-Long the Road Again 10:00, Paul Mesner Studio. Go on a musical road trip with John Paul George and his singing dog, Ringo! $7-$13. PaulMesnerPuppets.org

CELEBRATE THE

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Selfie Made Summer Kansas City, KS. Snap and share a photo and enter to win a swag bag! Head to the Legends and pose with Ameila Earhart. Details at VisitKansasCityKS.com. T-Bones Baseball 7:05, Community America Ballpark. Watch the T-Bones play the Joplin Blasters and enjoy Sizzlin’ Summer Nights at the ballpark! TBonesBaseball.com

22 Wednesday

Time Travelers 6:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

23 Thursday Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115

Rockin’ Rob 10:00, Johnson County Museum. A completely interactive and educational musical kids show geared to ages 2-10 and families. Prereg at 913.715.2575.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

Day Out with Frank & Ella 10:00, Mahaffie. Take part in a different history theme with lots of hands-on activities and crafts. Mahaffie.org

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Chouteau Greenway Park. Join KC Parks and MCPL for fun in the fresh air! Playtime songs and games, stories and crafts. KCParks.org

24 Friday Jack and the Beanstalk 10:00, Noon & 7:00, H&R Block City Stage. A new musical play based on the old English fairy tale set in the Ozark Mountains. TYA.org

psst...

ARTS IN KANSAS CITY

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11 AM–4 PM

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kcparent.com june 2016

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Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Prereg. 913.661.2529

Fourth Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A variety of activities including art receptions and music in Howard Station Park. DowntownLS.org

Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org

Night Out in North Kansas City 5:00, Macken Park. Emergency and construction trucks for kids to check out, inflatables, food trucks and a movie in the park! NKC.org

Art in the Park 11:30, Davis Park. Enjoy temporary art, performance art and food trucks! The last Friday of the month from June to September. KCParks.org

25 Saturday

Open Gym Noon & 4:00, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play and explore (and burn off energy!). $3-$5. KC360Gym.com Fourth Fridays 5:00, Johnson County Square (Olathe). Live music, local shops and food, giveaways, activities to celebrate end of the week. OlatheFourthFridays.com Great Lenexa Barbecue Battle Today & tomorrow, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Dine on some tasty barbecue while children enjoy activities and live music. 913.477.7500

Float 1:00, KC Bier Co Biergarten. A fun twist on a summer classic for adults! KCPT.org/events KC Magic Man 2:00, MCPL (North Oak).Take a magical journey into the world of illusions and tricks with cards, coins, cups, balls and more. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

Breakfast and Blooms 8:00, BinghamWaggoner Estate. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a home-style breakfast and tour the gardens. BWEstate.net

Backyard Bash 2016 7:00, Paradise Park. Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live local music. Summertime treats and adult beverages available. Paradise-Park.com

Fishing Tournament 8:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Teams will fish with oldfashioned cane poles and a bucket of worms. $30/team. DRFarmstead.org

26 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open-air setting. 816.842.1271

Maker Faire Today & tomorrow, Union Station. Family-friendly event that demonstrates what people are inventing, creating and making. MakerFaireKC.com Create a Fossil Discovery Station 11:00, Powell Gardens. Explore Jurassic Garden and then stop by the Discovery Station to learn how fossils are made. PowellGardens.org

Future Stages Festival 11:00, Kauffman Center. A fun-filled day for families. Experience a diverse range of performance and interactive activities. Free. 816.994.7229

Float is a fun TWIST ON a summer classic. Come ENJOY unique KC BIer, SECOND BEST coffee, and soda Float pairings with betty rae’s ice cream. KC Bier Co. biergarten 310 West 79th Street

Saturday, June 25, 1-4 p.m. Tickets and more information:

kcpt.org/events

kcparent.com june 2016

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

Accelerated Prep Course Thru July 20, Hoffman International. Course meets for 10 weeks and covers visual poise, skin care, public speaking and more. Ladies 13+. 913.642.1060

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods. Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

T-Bones Baseball 1:05, Community America Ballpark. T-Bones take on Fargo-Moorhead. Pregame player autographs, post-game kids run the bases. TBonesBaseball.com

28 Tuesday

30 Thursday

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Take the kids to Sea Life to see the new Doodle Reef exhibit! VisitSeaLife.com

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

Sing-a-Long the Road Again 2:00, Paul Mesner Studio. Go on a musical road trip with John Paul George and his singing dog, Ringo! $7-$13. PaulMesnerPuppets.org Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride on Saturdays and Sundays in June. BeltonRailroad.org

27 Monday The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free. CrownCenter.com Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens, no coupon required. CoolCrest.com

kcparent.com june 2016

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778 Story Time for Babies 9:15, MCPL (Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit). Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and interaction. MyMCPL.org

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

29 Wednesday Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

June 11 Sporting KC Day at the Zoo June 11 & 12 Zootastik Learning Fest— World Oceans Day June 18 Putt & Play for Polar Bears at Paradise Park June 18 Goodnight Zoo—Koalas June 19 Father’s Day, Dads receive free admission June 24 Slumber Down Under Koala Overnight June 25 & 25 Species Spotlight—Giraffes

Always a New Adventure! Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

Koala Flats NOW OPEN!

kansascityzoo.org

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.