KC Parent magazine July 2023

Virtual clinic. Genuine care.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new, dedicated Virtual Care clinic. Needing same-day urgent care or primary care services? See a provider remotely for non-emergency concerns, including common illnesses and minor injuries.

• Use your computer or mobile device.

• Extended hours for your convenience.

TWO GRAND PRIZE WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A FAMILY FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS TO TANGANYIKA Wildlife Park (A $480 VALUE)

For details and to enter, head to KCParent.com!

Welcome to July! Julie Collett put together a list of A-to-Z summer fun in Kansas City on pgs. 40-41, so I thought I’d follow suit with my own A-Z list of what I love about summer! A ir conditioning: Because it can get hot! B lueberries—and other fresh fruit—yum! C oncerts: We’ve got tickets to see several of our faves. D inner—so much easier in the summer! E asy: Summer laundry is easier because the clothes aren’t as bulky—and no school clothes! F lipflops: I’d wear them all year if I could. G rill: Fire it up for a simple and tasty meal. H ot: Nothing beats a hot summer day. I ce cream—because, ice cream. J uly 4—a fun celebration. K etchup—on a grilled burger. L emonade stand: I love to stop by and purchase from kids in the neighborhood. M argarita: They’re always good, but everything seems to taste a tad better during the summer. N ights: Like they sing about in Grease , enjoy those “summer ni-ights.” O cean: Our family vacay this summer is a week at the beach, my happy place. P ool—best place to be on a hot summer day. Q uick: Why does summer seem so much shorter than the other seasons? R elax: Take time to unwind during the summer. S imple: The unstructured, nowhere-to-be-atany-certain-time days of summer are the best. T an: Yes, I wear my sunscreen, but I do enjoy getting a tan. U mbrella: Keep it handy for a summer storm. V acation: If you don’t have one planned, do it! Even a weekend away is good for the soul. W ater: Ocean, lake or pool, one of my favorite places to be is next to the water. e X citing: Summer brings great adventures. Y ard: Often you’ll find me in a hammock swing in the backyard. Z ilch: the number of boring days in summer.

Enjoy your summer, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Editor Margaret Sarver

Margaret@KCParent.com

Associate Editor Lauri Clapper Lauri@FamilyMediaGroup.com

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com

Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Digital Media Manager

Kristina Light

Kristina@KCParent.com

Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw

Susan@KCParent.com

Summer Interns

Iris Enna

Grace Gimotty

Distribution

To be added to our distribution list, email Distribution@KCParent.com

Local Contributing Writers

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Roy Harryman (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Kansas City), Kailyn Rhinehart (Warrensburg), Joleen Sams (Shawnee), Hailey Saunders (Kansas City)

Mailing Address 11937 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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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.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

DATES GOING LOCAL

THE DATING COLUMN IS BACK! And this month,

decided

stay close to home and support some hyperlocal businesses.

BURGERS

After starting out as a food truck, Danny’s Burger Shack (DBS) opened officially as a restaurant in August 2022 in a nondescript strip center in Gladstone. But that has not hurt business one iota. Instead, they have garnered a cult following for their delicious smashburgers and their onion rings, which sell out every day. Their menu is simple, offering several kinds of burgers (in single, double, triple and pounder sizes), as well as chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, fries and onion rings. When we visited for the first time, we sat up at the deli-style counter where we could watch Danny cooking the burgers. It was fun and brought a unique extra to our visit—not everyone gets to chat with Danny a bit. Our burgers were mouthwatering, and the fries crispy and cooked to perfection. Note, they have only a handful of tables and will likely be very busy.

COOKIES AND PASTRIES

Once you’ve finished your burger at DBS, head next door for dessert! Scola’s Italian Cookies & Pastries is a bakery not to be missed! We are fortunate to live about 10 minutes from them, so we have enjoyed many of their items. Their specialty, of course, is Italian cookies—tay tus, biscotti, thumbprints, pistachio, Neapolitans and more. But they have an excellent selection of other sweet things, like cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake, bread pudding, cookies, cake and gelato. It is all delicious! I don’t think we have ever gotten a bad thing there. The bread pudding is truly some of the best we have had anywhere, as are the Italian cookies. The owners and staff are always so nice and helpful, and the fact that they are open until 8:00 in the evening Tuesday through Saturday makes for a great last-minute date.

ANTIQUES

After all those calories, take time to walk off a few. Happy Rock Antiques in Gladstone is a hidden gem and much larger than it appears on the outside. Part antique mall and part flea market, it’s full of antiques, collectibles, vintage items, repurposed items, home décor and furniture, among a plethora of other unique things. My husband and I have enjoyed browsing the aisles and booths here several times. There are always new things to see and treasures to find. Even if you don’t find anything, it’s certainly entertaining. You could easily spend a couple of hours there. It makes for a fun date day activity on a Saturday or a lastminute outing on a weeknight since they, too, are open until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you go, be sure to check out the outdoor metal art at The Rusty Clucker on the second floor. Lots of cool and interesting pieces to behold!

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities.

FOR MORE GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS, GO TO KCPARENT.COM!

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to

Why does my 13-year-old shepherd mix chew and eat sticks when I take him on walks to the park? I am worried he will get splinters in his teeth/gums. Something missing in his diet? He gets Dentastix or rawhide every night as a bedtime treat.

- Paul Kennedy

Dogs are descendants of wolves, and at their very core, are still hunters. They have innate behaviors that cause them to want to hunt and forage, which results in chewing on sticks in our modern-day pups. Stick chewing is usually just for fun and not because they are lacking in vitamins. Many owners let their dogs chew on sticks, but I would certainly caution this as sticks can seriously injure dogs when they are chewing on them or cause gastrointestinal issues. You could always try bringing approved chewing items on your walk and trading them out for sticks when he starts chewing on them.

- Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Bud is a six-year-old black cat. I adopted him from Great Plains SPCA three years ago Father’s Day. He gets frantic when it’s time to go to the vet. Other than that, he is wonderful.

- Kathy McGinley

Going to the vet can be traumatizing for many animals since they build negative associations when going there. It might be helpful to start building some positive ones for Bud to make the trips a little less frantic.

I recommend using Feliway wipes or sprays 30-60 minutes before you travel to help decrease anxiety during travel. I also suggest bringing some bedding that he frequently uses with his familiar scent and high-quality treats like tuna or soft food for rewarding him. If Bud is extremely scared or shut-down, then you can always talk to your veterinarian about medication to help. Thank you so much for adopting and good luck with your vet travels. -

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Can dogs have Alzheimer’s? I feel like my dog may have it. She is getting older and seems to be displaying some odd behaviors and not remembering where she is or how she got there. She will also stand and stare at the wall for a long time.

- Christian Virella

Yes, dogs can get dementia. It’s called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and it is not curable, however, the symptoms can be treated. If you think your dog may have “doggy dementia,” I recommend visiting your veterinarian to learn more since it affects memory, learning, and comprehension. Some symptoms of CDS are anxiety, failing to remember routines, slowness in learning new things, staring blankly at walls or nothing, lethargy, lack of self-grooming, not responding when called, and aimless wandering. Early detection can help with symptom treatment so please get your pet checked out by your veterinarian soon.

- Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I like to explore and would be a fantastic hiking partner. I’m very social, outgoing, and I adore people and dogs. I’m still rusty on some manners which is why it is recommended for me meet all children in a home I might go to, but I am learning and I’ve learned several commands. I have been in the Puppies for Parole program where I learned a lot of life skills, like how to not jump on people and to not pull so much on the leash. I’m very playful and would love to go to a home with another dog, but it’s not required. I love playing with toys, going on walks, exploring, playing with dogs, and cuddling. Hope to see you soon!

If you would like to meet Pebbles or learn more about her, please contact our Adoptions Team at adoptions@ greatplainsspca.org or by calling (913) 831-7722.

Help us raise $350,000 for shelter pets by July 31st!

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and most people know of someone who has suffered a stroke. Survivors of strokes are left with varying degrees of disability that require additional medical services and care requirements that are costly. One of the most important pieces of information to know about strokes is that they can often be treated if caught early.

So what exactly is a stroke? A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is disrupted. When oxygen rich blood is not delivered to the brain cells, the resulting lack of oxygen will cause those cells to die. This interruption of blood flow can happen when an artery in the brain ruptures or is blocked with a blood clot. The majority of strokes are the type that involve a clot and are called ischemic strokes. Less common is a hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured artery. The resulting effects of a stroke will depend on what part of the brain is deprived of oxygen, the size of the brain area damaged, and the amount of time before treatment is received.

Any person at any age can have a stroke. It is more likely in men than women, and the chance of having a stroke increases with age. In the United States, the ethnicities at highest risk for stroke include Black Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. Having a family or

personal history of stroke, taking birth control pills, and being pregnant all increase the likelihood. Many chronic diseases have a negative impact on blood vessels, which in turn can lead to a stroke.

The ability to spot signs of a stroke is valuable knowledge that can save a life. A stroke victim will display an abrupt onset of symptoms that may include difficulty with vision, speech and balance. Sudden confusion or a severe headache can also occur. The acronym FAST is a helpful tool that can serve as a quick and simple assessment if you think someone might be having a stroke. FAST stands for:

FACE: One-sided drooping or asymmetric expressions when smiling or raising eyebrows.

ARMS: When asked to hold both arms straight out in front of body, they are unable to hold up one of the arms.

SPEECH: Slurred or disorganized speech when asked to repeat a sentence.

TIME: Call 911 FAST! Quick medical care is crucial.

Early intervention is key. The faster a stroke victim receives treatment, the better their outcome. The best outcomes occur in those who receive treatment within three hours of the onset of symptoms. The time that symptoms began is critical information

that emergency health care providers will want to know. Remember and report this time if possible.

The good news is that most strokes can be prevented! The major focus of prevention should be controlling chronic health problems, particularly high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Pursuing regular medical care and taking medications as prescribed are important steps toward managing chronic health problems. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is highly beneficial and will positively impact all the health problems mentioned above. Depending on an individual’s age and circumstances, their health care provider may recommend daily aspirin or a prescription blood thinner to help prevent a stroke. Starting any new medication, even over-the-counter medication, has risks and benefits. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about your risks for a stroke and develop a personalized prevention strategy tailored to your individual situation.

Hailey Saunders, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner and Kansas City native who is passionate about evidencebased health education.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

REFERENCES: CDC.gov/stroke, AHAJournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000375?cookieSet=1, HLBI.NIH.gov/health/stroke/causes

Children are more vulnerable to air pollution while they are still growing. Pollutants including ozone can make it hard to breathe and can cause long-term damage to airways and lungs.

Help keep your kids healthy this summer:

Follow the SkyCast at AirQKC.org for the daily ozone pollution forecast.

When elevated pollution levels are predicted, limit the time children spend outdoors.

Tell your child’s caregivers about the SkyCast and health risks of air pollution.

Help keep our air clean. Walk, bike, carpool or ride the bus to reduce emissions.

Because your children deserve to breathe easier this summer.

FUEL UP FOR SUMMER FUN

(Family Features)

Summer sun brings an abundance of outdoor activities, from jumping in the pool and playing in the yard to simply lounging in the shade. Making the most of those warm weather moments with loved ones means maximizing your time and fueling up for adventure with easy, kid-friendly recipes the whole family can enjoy.

From favorite snacks to homemade lunches, flavorful dishes that are quick to make using nutritious fruits and veggies can help keep your family ready for whatever summer brings. Dietitian-approved recipes like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sweet Potato Taquitos and Easy Homemade Salsa offer better-for-you summer solutions with healthy ingredients.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, these taquitos let you enjoy the convenient benefits of cooking with an air fryer, including:

• Healthier cooking: Requiring little to no oil, air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying.

• Time savings: Air fryers can cook foods faster than traditional methods and typically with less cleanup.

• Versatility: From vegetables and meats to desserts or reheating leftovers, air fryers can cook a variety of foods.

“Get into the kitchen together as a family and get cooking,” says Julie Lopez, registered dietitian and culinary nutrition chef. “Cooking together can help kids build self-confidence and lay down the foundation for healthy eating habits.”

Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more summer recipe inspiration.

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SWEET POTATO TAQUITOS

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

1 c. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small

Nonstick olive oil spray

1/2 c. peanut butter, preferred nut butter or nut-free butter

8 small, low-carb flour tortillas

1 c. blueberries, washed and dried

1 c. raspberries, washed and dried

Preheat air fryer to 400 F. Add diced sweet potatoes to air fryer basket and lightly mist with olive oil spray. Cook sweet potatoes 10 minutes, shaking basket one to two times to toss.

Transfer cooked sweet potatoes to medium bowl; add peanut butter and mix well.

Lay tortillas on counter and place 1-2 tablespoons sweet potato mixture on each tortilla.

Add blueberries and raspberries next to sweet potato mixture.

Roll each tortilla tightly. Place rolled tortillas, seam sides down, in air fryer. Spray tortillas lightly with olive oil spray. Cook in air fryer 6-7 minutes.

EASY HOMEMADE SALSA

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

1/2 small sweet onion, halved

5 mini sweet peppers, seeded and quartered

3 Roma tomatoes, quartered

1 1/2 limes, juice only

1/4 c. fresh cilantro

1 1/2 t. garlic salt, or to taste

Tortilla chips

In food processor, blend onion, peppers, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro and garlic salt until desired consistency is reached. Serve with tortilla chips.

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BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

SUMMER LEARNING ACTIVITIES

STORYTELLING

This is a skill that helps children develop their oral language skills and teaches them how to present material in a sequential order. Being a good storyteller definitely pays dividends at school. It can be especially enjoyable to practice this skill any time the family is together, whether at meals, on car trips or around campfires in the evening. The earlier you start your children telling stories, the more likely it will become an enjoyable part of their lives.

Preschool and Kindergarten

• Take your children to a storytelling session at the local library, so they will learn what fun it can be to hear stories.

• Have your children frequently retell favorite stories. Encourage them to change the ending if they would like to do so.

• Instead of reading a book at bedtime, tell your children a story. They will especially enjoy hearing about things that you did as a child.

Elementary School

• Have your children take turns telling a story alternating between using “Luckily, ...” and “Unluckily, ...” to start each sentence. Or the sentences can start with one or other of these word combinations: happily and sadly, frequently and rarely, safely and dangerously, or any other combination your family wants to use. These stories should amuse the family. For example, you might retell a fairy tale such as The Three Bears using lines like Luckily, Goldilocks found a house in the woods. Unluckily, the bears came home early.

Middle School and Beyond

• Encourage your older children to play games that actually involve some storytelling, such as Fabrication, in which they will tell an outrageously tall tale. It is a good way for them to discover storytelling is fun.

WORD GAMES

• Word games are great for children of all ages because, besides having fun playing a game, children are also expanding their vocabulary and spelling skills. Many games also can enhance their critical thinking skills.

• For younger children, word games can be made from words they know or need to know. For example, you can make two sets of word cards—each with the same words—and then use them to play the card games War, Go Fish and even Old Maid. These same cards can be used to play memory games by laying them out and turning them over to find matching pairs.

• Right now, the game Wordle, online at the New York Times site, is quite popular and can be played every day. It is a challenging way to enhance your children’s spelling skills and word knowledge.

• You should also introduce your children to the game and TV show 25 Words or Less. This will improve their ability to define words.

• Popular board games such as Scrabble, Boggle and Bananagrams often have versions for different age levels.

• Older children should be introduced to the challenge of crossword puzzles and cryptograms in hopes that they may become a lifelong interest.

MVP for Kids Nationally Ranked - Again!

We’re proud U.S. News & World Report named Children’s Mercy Kansas City the top children’s hospital in Missouri, and 9 of our specialties ranked in the top 50 nationally. But we’re most proud of the kids who make every day into a victory. This one’s for them!

Learn more at childrensmercy.org/rankings.

Calendar App

I’ve written here in the past about the Cozi family calendar which has served us well for years. But one thing I didn’t love about it was that in order to see a full month view, you had to purchase that option. To keep up with everyone’s summer schedule this year, we’ve been relying heavily on a shared calendar, and my girls introduced me to TimeTree, which does show the full month calendar view (for free!). We’ve made the switch, and it’s super helpful to keep track of where everyone is and what we have coming up! TimeTreeApp.com

Pool Float

Puzzle Pad

This year my hubby bought a 3,000-piece puzzle for us to complete. While I appreciate his confidence in our puzzle abilities, I know it’s going to take a while to put together. I don’t really have space to devote to keeping the puzzle out while we’re completing it, so I researched some options. Enter the Puzzle Pad! It’s a page that has outlines for different sized puzzles, and when we’re not working on it or we need to put it up for a while, the pad rolls up while keeping the puzzle that’s been completed intact! Stay tuned for an update on how long it takes us to complete a puzzle of this size! Amazon.com

5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW

We recently returned from a trip to the beach. One of my most fave things to do at the beach is to lie in the ocean and ride the waves. The Aqua Monterey Hammock is the perfect flotation device to bring to the beach (or the pool). Because there isn’t much to inflate, they are super easy to pack. It’s very versatile—you can sit, straddle or lie on it! Kids and adults alike will enjoy floating on this hammock! Amazon.com

LOVE

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Tick Remover

It’s that time of year when you love to spend time outdoors, but there are those pesky bugs to be dealt with. One of the bugs I especially dislike are those darn ticks. They are sneaky and hard to remove. I recently heard about the Tick Key, which is a tick detaching device that removes the tick, including the head, safely, quickly and effectively. The device is small and easy to use—grab a few to keep one in the car, in your purse and anywhere else you travel this summer! Enjoy a tick-free summer with the Tick Key!

Live Music

To know me is to know I love live music. My husband and I enjoy both traveling to see concerts and attending them in our own backyard. Though it’s fun to see those national groups, we have a plethora of talent right here in KC! Not only do we have some amazing talent here, but we have so many great opportunities to see live music. We live in Lenexa so we typically go to the Public Market on Friday evenings for Friday Night Sound Bites, but you can find shows in Gladstone, Olathe, NKC, Blue Springs, Zona Rosa, the Legends and more all summer long! Check out the calendar at KCParent.com for tons of options to see live, local music!

TOO

OLD FOR CUTE

“Bill’s doing a great job mowing our lawn. But I have to tell you one thing.” Grandma made no attempt to keep this secret as she spoke with Mom one summer evening.

My grandparents had sold their store when they retired and moved into a house with a full acre of land, just a few blocks away from our home. Before long, we settled into a comfortable routine with Grandma and Grandpa closely involved in our lives. By the summer before my ninth grade year, Grandpa needed some help, and Mom volunteered me to mow their lawn.

No stranger to cutting grass, I didn’t look forward to this, except for one thing. Grandpa had a riding mower. At that age, it was the closest I could come to driving, so I jumped at the chance and kept their yard at a reasonable height without complaint.

At first. After the newness wore off, it became a routine chore, anticipated with distaste.

Lacking the earbuds of today, I looked for ways to occupy my mind while I made long grass short, 30 inches at a pass. I cast about for ways to ease the drudgery and settled on singing. Confident the mower noise kept others from hearing, I poured out my heart in song, belting out my favorites of Top 40 radio, time after time.

Until Grandma spoke to Mom. “He sings while he mows. It’s so cute!”

My cheeks flamed. Cute was for 4-year-olds, and I was already 14, way too old for that nonsense. I almost resigned out of sheer humiliation, but Grandpa’s physical condition wouldn’t let me. My embarrassment passed, and I resumed my weekly chore, determined not to sing.

Boredom won out, though, and I sang again. But I made sure I kept it at a lower volume.

Want More in Life?

Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children

4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever.

Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify. We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

JULY KC TRIVIA

4 The average American consumes this much ice cream annually:

A) 30 pints

B) 2 gallons

C) 48 pints

D) 3 gallons

1 Worlds of Fun is celebrating a big anniversary this year with fireworks and festivities. How many years is the theme park celebrating?

A) 50 B) 25 C) 30 D) 40

5 How many blueberries are in one cup of fresh berries?

A) 50-55

2 July 24, 1897, is the birth date of this famous woman from Kansas:

A) Carrie Nation

B) Mamie Eisenhower

C) Dorothy Gale

D) Amelia Earhart

3 Each year, downtown Merriam displays its patriotic pride as Flags 4 Freedom organizers place this number of U.S. flags at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center and along Merriam and Johnson drives:

A) 1,500 B) 1,000 C) 1,776 D) 2,000

B) 100-105

C) 85-90

D) 65-70

6 Which of these restaurants has been serving fried chicken in KC the longest?

A) RC’s

B) Niecie’s

C) Stroud’s

D) Peachtree Buffet

SUMMER READING

June 1-July 29, 2023

Join Johnson County Library

summer for:

• Storytimes • Read to a Dog • Play Lab • Fandoms

SHY CHILD BUILDING SOCIAL SELF-CONFIDENCE

It’s normal for kids to feel shy around new people or situations, but parents may worry their children are missing out on friendships and enriching social situations because they are too shy to engage with others. Most reserved children maintain healthy relationships and enjoy social situations once they get over the hurdle of unfamiliarity. How can you support your shy child while encouraging them to enjoy participating in social situations?

Help them feel confident

One of the best ways to support a shy child is to put them in social situations they feel most comfortable in. If your child loves art but dislikes sports, they will be much more likely to engage with others in an artistic environment than on a sports team. When enrolling your child in camps or attending playdates, keep in mind that they are much more likely to open up and build relationships with other kids when they are doing something they love with kids who have common interests.

Teach social skills

Young kids may feel shy because they are unsure of how to act in social situations. You can teach them social skills through role-play. Act out scenarios they may come across or use dolls or toys. Practice saying, “Hi, my name is Avery. Do you want to play?” Go through the possible scenarios

and how to respond. What would happen if the child said no to the invitation? What would happen next if the child accepts? Going through possible scenarios will help your child feel more confident in real life situations. “I encourage my kids to speak for themselves whenever possible,” says Amy Cameron, Olathe mom of three. “They order their own food in restaurants and tell the doctor what their symptoms are. It’s so easy to speak for them, but I actively try not to.” Encouraging your children to speak up for themselves in common situations like ordering food at a restaurant or asking a teacher for help will help them learn to advocate for themselves in the future as well.

Help them make friends

Kids who are shy often feel more comfortable in small groups or one-on-one. You can help your child build friendships by hosting playdates with other kids. You know your child best and can invite other kids who are a good match—sharing common interests—and choose a location where your child feels confident. If the playdate feels awkward at first, have a few planned activities to do together and help your child with some prompts. Do you want to show your friend your toys? Would you like to choose a board game? Do you want to go outside and play on the swing set? Chances are, the kids will begin to talk, play and find common ground they can build a friendship

on. Kids who are shy may hold back at first, but that doesn’t mean they don’t desire and enjoy friendships. By helping them develop friendships, you will help them overcome their shyness in a natural way.

Ask for help

If your child is feeling shy at school, reach out to teachers for help. Your child’s teachers, coaches and the other adult role models in their lives can encourage them to speak up for themselves and participate in social situations, encourage friendships, and help them feel safe as they step out. Teachers can challenge shy kids to step out of their comfort zone when the time is right in a way that doesn’t seem overwhelming or forced.

Be patient

As children grow and mature, they usually outgrow their shyness. It’s also important to remember that some kids are introverted. Not every introvert is shy, and not every shy child is introverted, but they do often go together. There is nothing wrong with being quiet, and parents should be careful not to label or criticize their child for feeling shy or if they are naturally an introvert. Be patient and encouraging with your child. When they do step out of their comfort zone, praise them for the effort.

“As a mom of an introvert [and] who is herself an extrovert, I constantly remind myself that we don’t need the same kind of experiences to feel fulfilled,” says Shawnee mom Kara Thomas. “It’s hard to resist the urge to push him into things that I would enjoy. I just always check in to make sure he’s enjoying life, and when he needs some help, we brainstorm ways that meet what he needs.”

Shyness is often a child’s response to new or scary situations and is common in young kids. It can be the result of emotions such as fear, anxiety and nervousness which are often valid feelings in a new situation. Try not to force your child to be outgoing but, instead, gently encourage them. If you feel your child is dealing with extreme shyness where they are unable to speak or freeze in social situations longer than is ageappropriate, speak to your pediatrician for tips on how to best support them.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe. She is a freelance writer and mom of six.

This is where miracles happen every day.

The Birthing Center at Liberty Hospital provides the premier experience you and your growing family deserve. With family-friendly birthing suites and advanced medical care, it’s no wonder more moms across the Northland choose Liberty Hospital for a comfortable, safe and nurturing place to welcome their new babies into the world.

Together, our teams of obstetric and neonatal nurses, lactation experts, and others care for you and your baby in a state-of-the-art medical facility, including a NICU for newborns who need highly specialized care. We provide many welcoming amenities for the whole family and a complete range of classes to support a healthy start for mom and baby.

We can’t wait to meet you.

Learn more and take a virtual tour at libertyhospital.org/birthingcenter. To schedule your personalized tour of our Birthing Center and suites, call 816.792.7229.

This is where health happens.

How to Prepare Kids for a NEW ACTIVITY

There comes a time when children will encounter a new activity. Maybe you sign them up for piano lessons. Or a tumbling class. Maybe you want them to join a soccer or baseball team to help with their social skills.

These experiences and new activities are pivotal moments in a child’s life. Never mind that they’re pretty sweet memories for parents, too. Watching your child try, practice and excel at a new activity is heartwarming. It lights up that special level of parenting pleasure you might not have experienced before. And the overall learning experiences that come with those new activities go far beyond the actual skills it takes to do the activity. Those lessons stay with kids for life.

How to present a new activity

Presentation is important. Some children can’t emotionally handle a new activity presented to them on the fly. Many children may need time to prepare. How you share a new activity with your child could make all the difference in how comfortable they are going into it.

Stay positive. Make it exciting. You might even consider doing the new activity with a friend they already know. Or at least one they’re familiar with. This makes new things feel safer for children.

Reassure them

Children look to their parents for reassurance. If you’re calm and collected, there’s a higher chance your kids will be, too! Try to be aware of their nervousness. Although you can’t predict everything, you do know your child best. Reassure them from the time you tell them about the new venture to when they step out to the field, on the court or into the building. Kids will go off of how you’re acting and feeling.

How to prepare a child for a new activity mentally:

• Make a countdown chain or mark days off a calendar. Most children like to know exactly when their new activity starts. Because time is an abstract concept for most young children, this is a great visual.

• Discuss things you’ll need to do before the activity starts. Maybe you need to buy equipment or materials. Feeling like they’re part of the preparation beforehand can help children better prepare for their new activity.

How to prepare a child for a new activity physically:

• A new activity is something physically new for your child, too. Even if they aren’t playing a sport, you can discuss things they’ll need to work on physically. For example, if they’re tumbling, talk about stretching and taking care of the body to make it strong and healthy. Talk about the new things—though unable to do now— they will be able to do with practice.

• Work to prepare your child in concrete ways. This might be purchasing new equipment. Tell them that before they can start their new activity, they need to have the right equipment, protection or supplies. Talk through how these things help them to be safe, effective and prepared.

How to prepare a child for a new activity emotionally:

• Young children often process new experiences in different and unseen ways. It’s important to take time to prepare your child for the activity. Check in with how they’re feeling. Are they scared? Excited? Unsure?

• This is a great opportunity to talk about how we all process feelings. Talk to your child about how it’s normal to feel two different things at once! Relate a time that you were nervous—or make one up! Kids can feel both excited and nervous. Or happy and shy.

New things can be scary for children and difficult to navigate for parents. We want to prepare our children the best way we can and provide them with all the right tools and emotions for doing a new activity. We know they will eventually experience new challenges with any activity, but we hope to prepare them the best way we know how in the meantime.

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri. She lives with her husband and two small children, and even she gets nervous about new activities as an adult.

Kansas City Zoo

Let the Kansas City Zoo host your child’s next birthday party. We guarantee a wild time for every guest! We are currently offering birthday party options on weekends. Zoo admission and rides wristbands are available as an add-on. You are welcome to provide your own décor, food, and activities. Visit www.KansasCityZoo.org/birthdays to join us for a celebration like no other! See display ad on pg. 28.

Movies2U

Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of

our larger-than-life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 26. www.Movies2U.com

Princess at My Party

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Raya, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our Super Girl, Wonder Woman or Bat Girl parties! Watch the magic

unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 28. 816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Tick Tock Escape Room

At Tick Tock you’ll find exciting adventures filled with secret agents, eccentric billionaires, space travel and ancient Egyptian mysteries. Bring friends and family to experience our one-of-a-kind escape rooms. Then, you can celebrate your achievements in our party room. We design our rooms using cutting edge technology and innovative game design principles to ensure you’ll

have an unforgettable experience, only available in Overland Park. Book online or call for details. See display ad on pg. 27. www.TickTockEscapeRoom.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages. More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines. Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 29. www.UrbanAirLenexa.com, www.UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

Birthday Planning Secrets: Tips from Savvy Moms

Planning the perfect birthday party for your kids may seem a herculean task, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these party planning secrets approved by savvy moms to make your kids’ birthday parties the best yet—with minimal stress!

Brainstorm Ideas with the Birthday Kid

Sometimes your expectations are much higher than your child’s. Danielle Hewitt, a mom of three from St. Joseph, Missouri, suggests brainstorming ideas with your child. “When I started brainstorming with my daughter about her birthday party, I realized she wasn’t wanting an extravagant party. She came up with a great idea that was easy to put together and budget friendly. It ended up being her favorite party to date,” says Hewitt.

Thank You Notes

While your child is opening gifts, instead of taking time to write a list of gifts and givers for thank you notes, simply snap a quick photo of the birthday child, guest and gift opened. It will be a quick and easy reference for thank you notes. You could even print the photos out to use as personalized thank you notes.

Digital Invites

Keep it simple with invitations! Save the time of finding addresses and addressing each invitation. Send digital invites via text, email, Facebook event pages or websites like Evite. com. You will also save money on printing, envelopes and stamps! Just keep in mind you might need to follow up with guests if you don’t receive a response to your invitation. Parents are busy, and invitations can easily get lost in their email or social media pages.

Scoop Ice Cream Before the Party

KC Parent editor Margaret Sarver’s favorite party hack is to line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and place scoops of ice cream in each liner before the party and put back in the freezer. Pull out the muffin pan when serving cake and, voila, no mess!

Prevent Leaks

Serving ice cream cones? Place a small marshmallow in the bottom of each ice cream cone to prevent leaks and sticky hands.

Prep the Night Before

I like to prep everything for the party the night before. I put up all the decorations, pick up the cake and balloons, prepare food and drinks and have everything for the activities ready to go. By prepping the night before, you can enjoy the party day, and

you will have time to run and grab a last minute item you might have forgotten before the party starts.

Create Individual Party Packages for Each Guest

To save the hassle in passing out craft supplies for activities, put together party kits in a plastic bag beforehand. The bag will have everything each guest will need to complete the craft or activity. Make sure you assemble a few extras in case someone didn’t RSVP or a younger brother or sister would like to join in the fun!

Invest in a Plastic Pool

A plastic pool isn’t just for splashing around. It can serve so many purposes for a birthday party. Fill it with plastic balls for a ball pit, water balloons for a balloon fight, ice to keep drinks cold, sand for a digging activity or Orbeez for a sensory activity for little ones.

Recruit Help from Your Kids

Let your kids be involved in the party planning process. I love letting them put together the goody bags for their friends. It keeps them busy and checks one thing off the party planning to-do list!

Let the Activity Be the Favor

Instead of creating favor bags, do an activity that allows kids to take home what they made. Hewitt’s daughter’s party activity was creating different do-it-yourself fidget toys. All the kids went home with a bag full of all the toys they created. Other examples include painting a ceramic piece, decorating cookies or cupcakes or tie-dying a pillowcase.

Ask for Any Special Allergies When Guests RSVP

Make sure none of the children have food allergies when the parents RSVP. We have a family friend with a peanut allergy, so we try to make sure all the snacks and

the cake are peanut allergy friendly, so he can eat what everyone else is eating.

Easy Drinks

Provide a variety of drink options, but make sure they are individual serving drinks instead of drinks that need to be poured into cups. Hewitt says, “Water bottles and Capri Suns work perfectly. They’re easier to pass out, you will have less spills, and the cleanup is easier.”

Simple Tablecloths

If you’ve planning a messy activity, do yourself a favor and buy some plastic tablecloths. When the activity is over, you can throw away the tablecloth and everything on the table at one time. You will be saving your table from the mess and saving on cleanup time.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley and Ensley in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Optimistic Families

ARE THEY BORN OR MADE?

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

This little song has been delighting children for generations. There’s no way you can’t smile while singing it, and it reminds us that happiness comes from within and we all deserve to have a positive outlook, no matter what. But as we travel deeper into adulthood, our outlook is affected by life events, worries and health and relationship matters. How do we keep gloom from dimming our outlook and casting a shadow on our kids, too? There are actually many happiness habits we can cultivate in our family life that will lift our spirits and let some optimism shine in.

First of all, smile! You naturally tend to smile when you’re happy, but it’s actually a two-way street. Smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier. Researchers attribute the link between smiling and happiness to the facial feedback hypothesis that posits facial expressions may have a modest influence on emotions. Don’t just put a fake smile on your face, though. Simply start each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror and at your loved ones. Your children will learn by your example.

Another way to be happier is to exercise, which helps both reduce stress, feelings of anxiety and depression, and boost self-esteem and happiness. Consider a walk around the block after dinner or sign up for a yoga class. Start your day with five minutes of stretching. Try dancing around the kitchen while you do your dishes. And breathe … deeply! Slow breathing and deep breathing exercises can help you reduce stress. Teach your kids to close their eyes and envision a happy memory or beautiful place.

Try to get plenty of sleep. It is vital to good health, brain function and emotional well-being.

Make sure everyone starts to slow down before bedtime. Turn off the TV and phone, read to your kids, and keep their bedrooms dark, cool and quiet.

The food you eat affects your mood. Although carbohydrates release serotonin, keep foods high in sugar and starch to a minimum. Veggies, beans and whole grains help you avoid a crash while still providing serotonin. Lean meat, poultry, legumes and dairy are high in protein, which releases dopamine and boosts energy and concentration. Consider adding a new food swap each week and get your kids involved. Practice gratitude. Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost! Find one thing to be grateful for every day. Show your kids how to find happy things throughout their day, even when the day has had its challenges. For example, they might have been late to school, but they got an A on

a paper or shared a snack with their good friend. Become more aware of the positive things around you—including people. Compliment them! There is something about making someone else feel better that promotes your own well-being. Teach your kids to encourage others.

Bad things will happen, it’s just part of life. Acknowledge the feeling of unhappiness and then practice some of your happy techniques. A long walk outside or talking it over with someone helps. Another great habit is to start a journal with your kids. Try writing down a few thoughts before bedtime. If they have a stressful thought, shred the paper when they’re done, so the thought is gone.

A big way to improve your life is to avoid comparing yourself to others. This is more important than ever in this age of social media, where everybody’s posted life looks better than it probably is. Your children

should learn that they are perfect as they are, and to feel they are enough. Also important is surrounding yourselves with optimistic, encouraging people, not naysayers who are always bringing up drama and unnecessary challenges to your spirit.

Make your bed every day and explain to your children that when their space is uncluttered, they will be calmer and happier. Set a timer and spend 15 minutes tidying up a certain area. Put everything in its place and toss or give away extra clutter.

Plan your week together. When children know that on Tuesday they have baseball practice and Friday they are going to a movie, they will have a sense of purpose. Looking forward to things is a great pleasure point.

Get outside together. Plant flowers, go to the park or grow vegetables. Fresh air has a positive effect always.

Give back. Have your children learn this by putting clothes that are too small for them in a bag and taking them to the Salvation Army donation bin. Develop a lifelong habit of this, and it will make everyone happier.

Make sure you all have your yearly checkups. Keeping healthy is a sure way to avoid stress and worry. Get their vision checked, see a dentist for an oral cleaning and get their annual physical.

Let go of grudges. Teach your children to forgive—and forget, when possible.

It is a lifelong goal for all of us, and it certainly can be challenging, but holding grudges can rob your happiness in a big way. Evaluate the friends you and your kids have. Are you harboring any resentment or ill will toward someone? If so, consider reaching out to that person and trying to make things right. Recognize that this does not have to be a reconciliation—you may just need to forgive a person, end the relationship and move on. The earlier in life kids learn this, the better.

If you make a few changes in your own life to cultivate a positive outlook, your children will see that happiness is within their reach, too. Discuss how when you get into a humdrum schedule, a break is always a good way to recharge and refresh. Involve them in planning a trip or setting

up a fun afternoon outing. Life doesn’t have to be all work and no play.

Parents should be involved in their children’s lives, have conversations with them about what is happening, and help them to problem-solve in difficult situations and understand emotions and boundaries. By talking through hard situations together, you help your children learn how to handle the problems they’re facing now and that they will face going forward. Model what happiness means to you. From practicing self-care to meditating, reading and moving your body, engaging in activities that bring you happiness and joy will encourage your kiddos to do the same. One of the best things you can do for your child’s emotional well-being is to attend to yours.

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

Sources: Healthline.com, Parents.com

For over 75 years, Oakhill Day School has provided the Kansas City Northland with student-first academic offerings that fit every family's needs. Experience firsthand the variety of options that Oakhill can provide for your family. Whether you need an early childhood program for your child's first years of school, well-rounded K-8 academics, or flexibility for your busy high school student, we will help you find YOUR perfect fit.

Academics from infancy to adulthood.

On-site learning & socialemotional support for students

Dedicated teaching staff

A close-knit community with a family feel

Creative Way s to Stay Connected with Your Spouse

Remember the days before kids?

There were unlimited date nights, uninterrupted sleep and time to talk with your spouse and relax. Now, as parents, your life revolves around diapers, Cocomelon and carpooling, leaving very little time for your relationship. We’ve created a list of ways stay connected to your spouse, no matter how busy your schedule is.

Text throughout the day

A quick text to your spouse is a great way to check in and see how their day is going. You can flirt through text or just let them know they’re on your mind.

Do chores together

It might not seem romantic, but doing the most mundane household chores together can give you just enough time to catch up with each other every night. One of you can wash the dishes, while the other dries them. My husband and I do this often with the laundry. We go into our room with a freshly dried basket of laundry and talk while we fold.

Wake up early

One way to spend some alone time as parents is to change up your schedule and wake up earlier or stay up later. Set your alarm just 30 minutes earlier, so you can drink your coffee together in the morning or stay up 30 minutes later each night to watch your favorite Netflix show together.

Schedule dates

It’s important to get quality time with your spouse without kids. Schedule weekly, biweekly or monthly date nights. Mark it on each of your calendars, so you don’t end up planning something on that date. Do your best to keep the date set in stone. Also, go ahead and plan the babysitter

for that night. When you already have the babysitter booked, that’s one less obstacle keeping you from going on the date.

Leave sweet notes

My husband works crazy hours, so we often go days without connecting and seeing each other in person. I like to leave a sweet note in his car, so he will see it in the morning on his way to work. When he has an especially long or stressful day coming up, I like to leave his favorite snack and energy drink in the car ready for him. It starts his day off on the right foot and lets him know I’m thinking about him.

Communicate your needs

Communication is key in a relationship. Don’t assume your spouse knows what you are wanting or needing out of your relationship. I tend to hint at what I want, and when my husband misreads my hints, I get upset. I’ve learned to tell him exactly what I’m feeling right up front.

Learn to say no

Life with kids is hectic. It’s important to set boundaries for your family. One way of doing this is by learning to say no. We carefully evaluate every activity our kids join to make sure it won’t leave us feeling spread too thin as a family. Sometimes the quality time as a family is more important than the time an activity takes away from your family. My husband spends a lot of time away from home for work, so we have learned to say no to birthday parties, family gatherings and other extra commitments during our busiest seasons. This has helped with our stress levels and, in turn, our relationship. When life starts to slow down, we pick up and start saying yes again.

Learn their love language

One thing that has helped our marriage is finding out each other’s love language. While reading about love languages, I realized not everyone feels loved in the same way. My husband thought his chores around the house showed his love for me, while I would have much rather spent some quality time with him.

Enjoy alone time

As much as I love spending time with my husband, as a busy mom I need time to myself. I’ve found that taking an hour or two to myself on a Sunday afternoon to run errands brings back my sanity and allows me to be more present with my husband and kids for the week. Remember, your cup must be filled before you can pour yourself into others.

Plan date nights at home

Time doesn’t always allow for date nights out on the town, but you can always plan date nights at home. Some of my favorite date nights have been at home. We like to make ourselves a cocktail and stream a movie we didn’t make it to the theater to see. We’ve also done subscription

game boxes that were really fun. Another idea would be to enjoy a drink out on the deck and watch the sunset. You can also plan a game night with other couples for a fun double date. Every weekend we also take a morning drive to our favorite coffee shop and then go for a long walk. The kids are with us, but they usually run ahead a bit, and we can enjoy a little quiet time together.

Make evenings phone-free

It’s easy to come home from work and find yourself staring at your phone and not even realizing it. A quick email from work, a phone call to a friend or simply checking your social media accounts can leave you feeling disconnected from your spouse. When you are with your spouse, do your best to lay the phone down and give them your undivided attention.

Enjoy the season you’re in

You might be in the busiest stage of parenting, but remember the time you have with little ones at home goes quickly. The season you’re in won’t last forever, so do your best to enjoy it while you can. Soak in the cuddles, giggles and kisses and remember you have your spouse on your side to help you get through the hard moments.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters Atley, 9, and Ensley, 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

kids collections

iremember having collections as a child, don’t you? I remember the joy I felt adding a new, sparkly rock to my rock collection. I recall my Hello Kitty sticker album where I not only collected, but arranged and categorized my stickers. While collections to us as adults might seem trivial or useless, children can benefit from starting and managing their own collections. If your children are anything like mine, they are always collecting what I think are random items. Often I’m tempted to gather up these random items and pitch them into the nearest trash can. Sometimes we parents have difficulty not squelching a child’s desire to collect, because we see clutter and space-takers that have no value. We forget that many of us did this same type of collecting as children, and we also forget what children can learn from having sentimental collections.

A Great Way to Boost Learning and Processing Skills

At the same time, collections can foster relationships. Collections can bridge the generation gap, bring siblings closer together and encourage new friendships. “While your child is negotiating a card trade or informing a classmate about his dinosaur collection, he’s inspired to interact with other children. A collection can be a great way to boost self-esteem, as well as serve as a smooth entry into friendships. Discussing a trading card collection can be a great icebreaker. Meeting kids who share a similar interest could mean he’s also found new buddies,” according to BabyCenter.com.

Creativity is another benefit of children’s collections. “My oldest three kids are constantly collecting random things wherever we are. The middle two call themselves ‘junkers’ and they animatedly imagine the role of each new find (e.g., this spring can be the neck of a robot, that part can create an airplane or rocket ship). It makes laundry day interesting for us with full pockets, but I love the creativity it engenders!” says Katrina.

Beginning a collection also can instill a passion in children, as well as introduce them to things they might not normally be interested in. For example, if your child’s grandparent shares a coin or stamp collection, or an older sibling has a baseball card collection, your child may decide to learn more about it. This might lead to a trip to the library for books on this newfound interest, which in turn can lead to a renewed love of reading. Bonus!

Collecting can teach children the fine art of patience and responsibility as well. True collecting is slow. Anyone can find a load of sticks or rocks to add to their collection in no time. However, if your child is collecting coins, stamps, sports cards, etc., he will need patience to find just the right item to complete his collection. Likewise, children learn these same items require special care and attention, as some are quite delicate and need preserving.

I love the quote from Pyschology Today that says, “Sometimes a collection is not just a collection, but a spur to the imagination, to learning and creating. And that’s what makes collecting in childhood a worthy pursuit.” We don’t hear much about collections these days, but maybe we should.

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park. She is constantly finding acorns, sticks, leaves, rings, coins, etc., around the house that her children are “collecting.”

SCENIC HIKES

Kill Creek Park, Olathe

Twelve miles of trails wind through this 900-acre park in western Johnson County. You’ll find both accessible paved and dirt trails. A stand of native prairie grasses, a lake and a prairie observation tower are highlights.

Antioch Park, Merriam

This could be called the “OG” Johnson County park. Trails circle lakes and fountains, merging with boardwalks and stone-step bridges. There’s a large playground area next to Dodge Town, a kid-sized Main Street patterned after the Old West.

Shoal Creek Trail, Kansas City, Missouri

There are several trails with Shoal Creek in the name. This paved 2-mile trail is associated with the Shoal Creek Living History Museum at Hodge Park, exploring a wooded corridor in Hodge Park, following a clear and rippling stream. At the southern trailhead is the 80-acre outdoor history museum and bison reserve.

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center and Kauffman Legacy Park, Kansas City, Missouri

In the heart of the city lies the Gorman conservation center, just east of the Country Club Plaza. This 10-acre area has a visitors center and a beautifully manicured display of native habitats including nature-oriented play areas for children. The center is adjacent to Kauffman Legacy Park, which features a trail looping Legacy Lake and leads to Kauffman Memorial Garden.

Jerry Smith Park, Kansas City, Missouri

This refuge is home to the largest remaining tract of native prairie on the Missouri side of the Kansas City area. Walk the winding trail through the 360-acre park and enjoy colorful wildflowers and prairie plants of all sorts. The park also features forested groves and a 3-acre lake at its north end.

Roy Harryman is a nature-enthusiast and the publisher of Kansas City Hiker.

EE ORKSHOP W W

Child Development Center

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6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Part-Time Preschool (Ages 3-5) 9:00-11:30 or 9:00-3:00

6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mother’s Day Out (12 mos-3 years) 9:00-3:00

Two Convenient Locations: 127th & Antioch 913.681.2190 162nd & Metcalf Ave 913.681.2191

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weeworkshopchildcare.com

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You can explore over 100 trails at KansasCityHiker.com.

FUN GUIDE

table of contents

39 salt-painted fireworks

40 abcs of summer fun

42 swimmer’s ear

43 festivals

44 boredom busters

47 summer products

48 adrenaline fix

51 peach season

salt-painted fireworks

Enjoy the Fourth of July a little more with this simple craft that allows little hands to practice several fine motor skills!

Materials Needed:

• Watercolors (We picked red and blue to keep on theme of the Fourth of July.)

• Paintbrush

• Small bowl of water for paint

• White glue in a bottle

• Salt

• Bowl for salt or extra paper

• White card stock (We tried on regular paper, but this design was too heavy.)

• Optional pencil (if you want to draw a design first)

Step one: Draw design with pencil onto card stock.

Step two: Track with glue.

Step three: Pour salt onto glue.

Step four: Dump extra salt off card stock.

Step five: Allow to dry—we let dry overnight.

Step six: Once dry, paint your fireworks with your watercolors.

Step seven: Allow to dry and hang to enjoy this fun and festive craft! Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, three children, two dogs, eight fish and a frog. Janelle is the owner of Flint Hills Mediation LLC and loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

ABCs of Summer Fun!

ART: It’s no secret that KC weather can be pretty steamy and miserable in July, so why not stay inside and create masterpieces? Gather some artsy supplies or easy craft kits and let your kids channel their inner Picasso. Suncatchers and Makit and Bakits are some of our family favorites!

BOOKS: There are so many options for libraries around the area! Head to one in your area or take a summer field trip to a different one. Because each one is unique, it will surely hold your children’s interest as they check out something new. Be sure to ask the librarians at the desk what they are offering for summer reading programs!

COOKOUT: Cook a meal, start to finish, using only the grill! Have your kids help you plan out an appetizer, main dish and yummy dessert—all of which can come from cooking over the open fire. They can even help with the preparation!

DRINKS: Be creative with some summer fruity drink ideas for your kids! Try lemonade from scratch, ocean water or pineapple sunrise (both can be found at SouthernBite.com), or different varieties of flavored water.

EXPLORE: Get out there and find someplace new to explore as a family! Kansas City is home to so many parks, nature trails, unique buildings and cool places to visit. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, American Royal Museum and Amity Woods Nature Park are just a few of the places you’ll find on KC Parent’s website under the tab Going Places. Check it out to find more awesome spots!

FIREFLIES: Chasing fireflies is a time-honored tradition I grew up participating in but haven’t really let my kids explore much. Perhaps you are in the same boat. Let this be the summer of firefly chasing for your kids for the first time. The joy on their faces will be pure delight!

GAMES: Play plenty of them this summer with your kids! Not only are games fun, but they also keep us adults from taking ourselves too seriously.

HEARTS: Parade of Hearts, that is! Kansas City is lucky enough to have 40 sprinkled around the metro area (all located on the Missouri side of KC). Download the app to your phone to find a map with all the locations, artists and background info.

ICE CREAM: Mmmmmm, good! You can’t go wrong with ice cream in the heat of the summer ... just make sure you eat it quick enough so it doesn’t melt! Swing into the Golden Scoop to see why it was named KC’s number one ice cream shop by Yelp.

JIGSAW PUZZLES: Buy or borrow a jigsaw puzzle and set it up in a common area of your home. Everyone can work on it simultaneously or intermittently. Working puzzles can be a great option for kids because they can spend as much or as little time as they want puzzling ... plus it is an indoor activity too!

KC ROYALS: Check out the Royals baseball schedule for some great games in July. Two of the Sundays feature family four-pack options where you can get four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and a parking pass for either $50 or $100 depending on the seats you choose. Sundays are also fun run days where kids can run the bases after the game, and you can grab a play pass for the Outfield Experience for just $10.

LAKE OLATHE: Need a fun and unique place to cool off this summer? Lake Olathe is the perfect spot! This 170-acre lake features a beach and floating obstacle course as well as kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards for rent. The splash playground is a great option for younger children, with streams and fountains to wade and play in, as well as sand to build with.

MOVIES: You can host your own movie night at home or go to B & B, Cinemark or Miller theaters, all of which offer a summer movie series with reduced rate tickets. The Olathe Library Indian Creek Branch is showing free summer movies too!

NOTHING: Yep, you read that right. Schedule NOTHING for the day ... or better yet, for a few days out of the month of July! Let your kids entertain themselves or simply do nothing. Being bored isn’t a bad thing, so allow opportunities for that to happen!

OCEANS OF FUN: Home to 40 waterslide attractions, including the new Riptide Raceway, the longest mat racing slide in the world. You’ll find something to cool off everyone here!

POOL TIME: There are many indoor and outdoor pool spots located within a short driving distance to help your family stay cool this summer. Black Bob Bay in Olathe, Adventure Oasis in Independence, Summit Waves in Lee’s Summit and Splash Cove in Shawnee are just a few of the hot spots to check out!

QUICK DAY TRIP: Consider hopping in the car first thing and day-tripping to another area around the metro as a family. You could easily spend a day walking around Weston, Parkville, Powell Gardens, Louisburg, Atchison, Topeka or Lawrence.

R & R: Though we always want to cram a ton of things into the summer, remember part of the fun of summer is not doing things and not overscheduling ourselves. Be sure to schedule plenty of rest, relaxation and downtime.

STREETCAR: If you haven’t yet done it, take your kids to ride the streetcar. It is free, air-conditioned and great entertainment. You can ride the streetcar from Union Station to the River Market. Union Station and Crown Center provide many opportunities for things to do and places to eat either before or after the ride!

TIE-DYE: What kids don’t love adding a bit of DIY color to their wardrobes? Next time you are at a craft store, pick up a tie-dye set and a few white clothing items to let your child decorate. A couple of pro tips (from having made these mistakes myself!): DO actually wear the gloves that are included, 100% cotton items work best, and outdoors or in the garage is the best place to work!

U-PICK: The weather may be hot, but so is the picking in Kansas City! The metro area has a plethora of u-pick farms where you can choose to pick berries, corn, peaches, tomatoes and even flowers! Check out KC Parent’s guide on the website for more information.

VOLUNTEER: Consider volunteering together as a family this summer at Harvesters, which feeds more than 140,000 people per month. Families can help with pantry assistance, unloading donations, stocking shelves, sorting donations and more. Signing up is easy—just head to Harvesters.org for more details.

WORLDS OF FUN (WOF): Though WOF offers plenty of fun to be had during the day, consider checking out 50 Nights of Fire, a 50th anniversary celebration complete with pyrotechnics, state-of-the-art drone technology, as well as a scrapbook of historical memories set to music. Grand Carnivale is another unique international celebration, starting July 22, you won’t want to miss!

XTRA SUNSCREEN: As July tends to be one of our hottest months (when we all start wishing it was winter), be sure to stock up on plenty of sunscreen and apply liberally during any and all outdoor events!

YARD GAMES: Keep the family fun at home and the cost low by playing some good ol’ games in the backyard. Break out cornhole, egg and spoon races, ring toss, water balloons, Frisbee or any other backyard game you have! Why not invite your neighbors over too?

ZOO: Join Kansas City Zoo as they host their last Friday Flamingle on July 14 from 5:00 to 9:00. This 21+ event will feature music, food trucks, yard games and free carousel and train rides. And because the theme is Christmas in July, remember to wear your favorite holiday attire so you don’t end up on the naughty list!

Julie Collett is a mom to four children, ages 5 to 12, and will be employing some of these very ideas to keep everyone sane during the month of July!

Swimmer’s Ear

If you’ve been at the pool recently and your kiddo starts to complain of ear pain, there’s a good chance the cause is swimmer’s ear. This painful outer ear infection can happen anytime but is commonly associated with summer months when more people are swimming regularly.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an outer ear infection that affects the ear canal and outer portion of the ear. It happens when water and moisture get “stuck” in the ear canal. Bacteria thrive in this relatively dark, warm and moist environment.

Otitis externa is more common during the summer, but you don’t have to go swimming to get this infection. Common causes include

• Swimming

• Bathing—showers or baths

• Scratches or cuts in the ear canal

• Cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Otitis externa symptoms are usually singlesided, but it’s also possible for the infection to develop in both ears simultaneously. Your child may complain about

• Pain

• Itchiness

• Swelling

• Redness

• Tenderness

• Drainage

• Difficulty hearing

Often, the ear is so tender that children resist letting you touch or move the affected ear. Ear drainage color and consistency may vary. If present, the drainage could be clear and watery or yellow-green and thick.

Swimmer’s ear symptoms usually do NOT include

• Fever

• Congestion

• Cold-like symptoms

• Sore throat

A painful ear with a recent swimming history is a good bet that the diagnosis will be swimmer’s ear. However, your doctor will rule out a middle ear infection or other potential causes.

Swimmer’s Ear Treatment

Antibiotic ear drops are the most common treatment for otitis externa. They’re relatively easy to use, but most are given three to four times a day. Just as with oral antibiotics, completing the prescribed treatment course is essential. Your provider may also prescribe ear drops that help control the swelling and pain. Sometimes, the ear canal is so swollen that your provider will insert a cotton wick during the appointment. You’ll then put the antibiotic drops on the end of the wick, and the medication will seep into the ear canal where it’s needed.

You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) at age- and weightappropriate doses. Warm compresses may also provide comfort.

Your swimmer must stay out of the pool and avoid putting their head underwater for seven to 10 days. Regular showers and bathing are fine.

Prevention

You can reduce your chances of getting swimmer’s ear with a few simple tricks:

• Wear earplugs or a swimming cap while swimming.

• Dry your ears after swimming or bathing—towel dry or use a hair dryer on low heat, several inches away from the ear.

• Use ear drops that dry up any moisture. Ready-to-use options include Debrox Swimmer’s Ear or other drying aids. (Use as directed.)

• Make your own drying solution by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 1 part rubbing alcohol. Pour a teaspoon into the ear canal and let it drain back out. Note: Don’t use any drops if your child has ear tubes or a hole in their ear drum without talking to their doctor.

• Don’t stick anything in your ears! Cotton swabs, bobby pins or other items can create cuts or abrasions that lead to infection.

Don’t let swimmer’s ear put a damper on summer fun. Prioritize ear drying after swimming or bathing to prevent the pain and misery of this infection. No one likes being told they have to avoid the pool for seven to 10 days during the summer!

Joleen Sams is a family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee with her family.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Resources

CDC. Ear Infections

Mayo Clinic. Swimmer’s Ear

JULY festivals ACROSS KANSAS CITY

Summer is festival season in Kansas City! Visit KCParent.com and use our Festival Guide for a complete guide to fests and fairs all season long!

Cass County Fair July 11-15, Cass County Fairgrounds. A tradition running 20-plus years, the Cass County Fair provides fun for all. From the youth livestock shows to exhibits to the action-packed demolition derby, the fair has it all.

Wyandotte County Fair July 11-15, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Live entertainment on two stages, carnival, kids zone, 4-H exhibits, rodeo, fair marketplace and plenty of awesome fair food.

The Great Car Show July 16, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Join the Kansas City Automotive Museum and the National WWI Museum and Memorial for a day of music, educational displays, food trucks, demonstrations, ride-alongs and … cars!

Festival of Butterflies July 19-Aug. 6, Powell Gardens. Festival of Butterflies invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the Midwest’s most whimsical pollinator at Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside botanic displays.

Platte County Fair July 19-22, Platte County Fairgrounds. Old-fashioned county fair with games, rides, carnival, food, music and more! The fair has been an annual event in the community since the first fair in 1863.

Summer Chill Expo July 21-22, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Come into the comfort of this air-conditioned facility to enjoy the creations of Midwestern artists and crafters.

Grand Carnivale July 22- Aug. 6, Worlds of Fun. Experience how the world kicks up its heels at our day-to-night, larger-than-life, global celebration. Enjoy amazing high energy live music, delicious international food, lively games and unique crafts.

Miami County Fair July 22-30, Miami County Fairgrounds. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, demolition derby, bike derby, dog show, horse show, pancake breakfast, concerts and more.

Leavenworth County Fair July 25-29, Leavenworth County Fairgrounds. Come and enjoy a classic American experience at the Leavenworth County Fair! You and your family can delight in the fun of games, contests, derbies, food, rides, exhibits and more.

Johnson County Fair July 30-Aug. 3, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Celebrating all of the best in Johnson County while preserving the agricultural heritage of the community since 1939. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Festival of Butterflies

Johnson County Fair

The Great Car Show

“Water is an excellent choice for hot summer days, but to change it up, maybe you encourage a different type of water play such as an old-fashioned sprinkler or a water balloon fight or squirt guns.”

Boredom BustersSCREEN-FREE

It’s summertime! And as much as we all look forward to this season, our kids are already bored. With the last few weeks of summer left, let’s look at some ideas for boredom buster activities that keep kids off a screen for a few hours.

First of all, having some sort of routine in place can be helpful for everyone’s expectations. For example, maybe it’s a house rule that there are no screens before lunch. Everyone knows this, so the kids don’t ask insistently as you start each day. Depending on the ages of your children, you could rotate toy bins each night after they go to bed so they have a new bin to play with each morning, or leave out a list of ideas for them to choose from, or have them draw a Popsicle stick labeled with ideas out of a jar. Many summer schedule ideas appear on Pinterest, but examples could be something like:

Mondays – Baking day. Maybe you have kids help make a batch of muffins for the week’s breakfasts while you prep meals for the rest of the week.

Tuesdays – Library day. Switch out your books and stay for story time or just read in some changed scenery for a while.

Wednesdays – Outing day. Visit the pool, a new park or a museum. Make a picnic part of the fun.

Thursdays – Friends day. Having a playdate can help entertain your own kids. The best arrangement is alternating houses each week, so all the parents enjoy an occasional break.

Fridays – Arts and crafts day. Draw, color or paint. Play with play dough or water beads. Find a cute craft online or pick up some cheap art kits.

Even having meal rotations can help with decision fatigue and family member expectations. Maybe every Wednesday you have some sort of pizza—pizza bagels, pizzadillas or pizza carryout. Creating a summer meal lineup can be helpful for grocery shopping as well, so you know what you need to keep on hand for the weeks ahead. Maybe on Tuesdays you always have waffles and smoothies for breakfast, Lunchables (purchased or assembled at home) for lunch, and grilled burgers or hot dogs for dinner. If you have meals the whole family enjoys, don’t reinvent the wheel— until it goes flat, that is.

Now let’s take a look at some specific categories for some activity inspiration.

ART AND MUSIC

Swing by your local craft store to pick up some craft kits, paint some rocks to hide around your neighborhood, make some fairy houses to hide along the trail or in your yard, buy or borrow a keyboard with headphones and learn some easy songs, take some drawing lessons online, learn how to crochet or cross-stitch, deep dive on a certain band or make it a point to listen to a new genre or decade of music each week.

COOKING AND CLEANING

Summer is a great time to learn a skill that isn’t taught in elementary school, and cooking is a skill all kids who plan to become adults will need to know how to do eventually. Either start with what your children are interested in or give them a challenge every couple of days, such as mastering scrambled eggs, making their own sandwich or pasta, baking muffins for

breakfasts for the next morning or cookies for a fun afternoon treat. Learning how to properly clean up after themselves is also an important skill to master. If your kids haven’t learned how to do their own laundry yet, this is such a lovely household chore to be able to offload to them. Laundry is pretty easy, and most elementary-aged children can be taught how to wash, dry, fold and put away their own laundry. It may also be helpful to assign kids their own laundry day, so they know when to do their load each week. Together check out some new cookbooks from the library or maybe incorporate a kids cooking or baking show to help inspire them.

OUTDOOR OPTIONS

Summer is synonymous with being outside, right? Planning to be outside as much as possible can help you avoid a herd of bored kids inside the house. If your typical outdoor activities are becoming stale, think outside the box to make them exciting and new again. For example, maybe you’re usually a pool family. Water is an excellent choice for hot summer days, but to change it up, maybe you encourage a different type of water play such as an old-fashioned sprinkler or a water balloon fight or squirt

guns. Try cheap squirt bottles to make it easier for little guys and have them water your plants or clean your fence. They can also paint the sidewalk or fence with water and paintbrushes.

Another example comes from Jess Chavez, mother of three, who says, “Trampoline and sprinkler together!! Also water gun wars!”

Sometimes parents just have too many tabs pulled up in their brains to help their children come up with ideas. That’s where a jar of ideas comes in handy. Take a few minutes to brainstorm all the ideas and either write them on pieces of paper or Popsicle sticks then place them in a jar. The kids can draw an idea out as needed. Another take on this is to make an inventory of at-home indoor and outdoor activities available to your family. I recently became frustrated with my own children f or squabbling in the house instead of doing any of what seems to be a bazillion things they have available right here— from building with Legos to riding their skateboards. I did type up a list of things they could be doing instead of cage matching in my house constantly. Now I can point to the list and tell them to choose something before I choose for them.

READING

I think with the onslaught of screens, we’ve lost the art of lazy afternoons spent reading. I remember one summer around fourth grade when I would ride my bike to the library each day to get the next book in The Babysitter’s Club series. It’s such a special memory for me. How many of us fondly remember afternoons with our books? Let’s give our kids a chance at that memory as well. There are many reading challenges to keep things interesting for kids who aren’t as keen on reading. Check out Barnes and Noble, your local independent book store and your local library for their summer reading programs and challenges—or make your own to better suit your child. Reading is a great skill to practice between grade levels, and don’t forget to pick some favorites to read aloud together or listen to in the car while you’re running to other activities. I’d recommend The Trials of Morrigan Crow (the Nevermore series) by Jessica Townsend and many titles by Roald Dahl. Ask for recommendations from their friends, too, because sometimes peer pressure can be a positive thing. Older kids can even start a book swap or club to discuss what they’ve been reading or a book they’re reading together.

PLAYDATES

Though adding more children to the mix may sound counterintuitive, playdates can be a wonderful aid in entertaining your own children for a while. I know my kids get tired of seeing and playing with only their siblings all summer long instead of seeing their friends daily at school. A playdate changes the energy of the house for a few hours and can make ignored toys cool again when a friend thinks they’re cool. Set boundaries and expectations early and make sure your children know it’s their responsibility to make sure their friends are following your house rules. Also make clear that the group should clean up after themselves as they go, or it will be your kids’ responsibility to pick up at the end. Finding a fellow parent to swap with is also helpful and gives each of you a break when it’s the other’s turn to have the kids at their house. If hosting or sending your kids isn’t comfortable yet, try meeting up at a new park for a picnic and playtime—maybe even in the next town to keep it fresh.

Speaking of keeping things fresh, check local free and swap sites for any new-to-you toys that may entice your kids to play more. If your kids insist they are bored, give them a dad joke and tell them they should play a board game. We have so many games that rarely get played. Let them make a fort outside and play the game there with some snacks and lemonade.

Amanda Wettersten, mother of two and creator of the One Hundred People Project on Instagram, has done a great challenge each summer with her sons. “Our annual parks challenge! My own mom used to take my sister and I to every park in our small town in a day a few times a summer when I was a kid, and it was so fun. I was telling my kids about it, not realizing there were over 40 parks in our area and promised we could do it, too, but I turned it into a summer-long challenge. My boys LOVED it. We also still didn’t know very many people in town yet, so it unexpectedly was an interesting ice-breaker that helped us set up some approachable playdates. Now it’s kind of turned into an activity hack for me, I now have over 40 “different” things to do over the summer months. My kids love being outside and setting the goal to visit all of the parks pushes us to try playgrounds we otherwise might not. A lot of them we still only visit once a year, but we’ve found some favorites we probably otherwise would have never tried. And it still makes for an easy, approachable playdate to get to know others. We have a lot of melanoma in our family tree, so I also usually make an afternoon to-do list that encourages them to build something, create, play the piano, play a game, read, write, etc., for different periods of time that they use timers for to keep them busy while we’re inside. And screen time gets included there, too.”

Ah, yes, timers! These are the best way to encourage kids to play with something for a few minutes and then, many times, once they get into playing with something, they want to keep doing it longer.

I’m not above bribes—I mean rewards— either. If whining becomes a problem or not being able to handle boredom often, set a goal about it. Perhaps a whole week without whining is celebrated with an ice cream sundae party or an outing for slushies at Sonic. Incentives can do wonders, and you determine the length of the goal and what prize would work best for your family.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Maybe you have kids who are itching to get back to learning—whether they want to admit it or not. Getting back in the habit of learning could be just the stimulation their little minds crave. Reading, practicing math facts with flash cards, worksheets or even a learning website like XtraMath.org, or writing a summer journal can be fun and stimulating. Other options are learning how to write in cursive, learning how to type or even learning another language with an app like Duolingo. Sometimes too much free time is boring! You could even give your kids some agency to create their own end-of-summer bucket list to help come up with some ideas.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 13, Mason, 11, and Slade, 8, and enjoys her summers adventuring with her children.

SUMMER FUN PRODUCT REVIEWS

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

SWIMWAYS BSF SPLASH SWIMWAYS SWIM TRAINER LIFE JACKET

SWIMWAYS SHARK ROCKET

Launch up to 6 feet above the water with this hydrodynamic designed rocket that’s completely pool-powered. With soft foam and lightweight construction, it is easy to carry and safe for launching. $10.99, ages 5+, Spinmaster.com

A combination of a permanent built-in safety vest and pool floaties that allow for greater mobility while your child splashes around in the water. Comes with a soft cooling vest fabric and adjustable back buckle. $25, fits most children weighing 30-50 pounds. Spinmaster.com

CRY BABIES MAGIC TEARS TROPICAL SERIES

These new Tropical Beach Babies are ready to hit the waves in cute beach outfits. So much to unbox, and they cry real tears. $9.99 (Beach Babies) and $12.99 (Shiny Shells), ages 3+, Amazon.com

AEROBIE SONIC BOUNCE BALL

Redefine gravity and have a blast with this high-density foam tactile grip ball. Perfect for slipping into your bag for a road trip. $8.99, ages 8+, Spinmaster.com

NERF SUPER SOAKER –SOAKER BLAST SLIDER

Take turns sliding or soaking friends with this interactive 16-foot waterslide with a built-in water blaster. Connect the slide to a hose and start at the top to let the water jets whisk you all the way into the padded splash zone. Durable construction holds up to 110 pounds. $29.99, ages 5+, Amazon.com

HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS SPLASH

A spin on a classic made just for outdoor fun. Players choose a hippo to feed then race against their friend to feed their hippo the fastest … but now, your favorite hippo sprays water. $19.99, ages 4+, Amazon.com

SWIMWAYS FLOATING FIGURES

Float, bob and play above water alongside favorite characters in the swimming pool, beach or lake. Choose from Ariel, Batman, Joker, Gabby or MerCat (Gabby’s Dollhouse), Chase or Marshall (PAW Patrol), standing 5-8 inches tall. $9.99, ages 5+, Spinmaster.com

VTECH PULL BACK SKATER CAT

All it takes is a gentle push or pull, and this kitty is ready to roll, skating back and forth all by itself. Encourage little ones to do the twist just like the kitty. Kids can explore cause and effect as they see how their actions make the kitty move in different ways. $14.99, ages 12-36 months, VTechhKids.com

GET AN FIX IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Adrenaline Family Fun

ROOFTOP PICNIC

With so many beautiful parks, trails and green spaces, Kansas City boasts endless picnic options. But for a one-of-a-kind experience, you can picnic on the rooftop at Green Roof Park (1211 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.) in the Power & Light District. Access may be found off of Main Street, between 12th and 13th streets. Bring a blanket (there are no tables) and pack a favorite lunch, then snap photos of the city. Afterward, explore downtown with a free ride on the KC Streetcar.

30%

ADRENALINE LEVEL CAMPOUT

Many beautiful campgrounds are in the area, but one of our all-time favorites is Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, Missouri. The park is home to a 100-acre lake, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. Tour a 19th-century three-story woolen mill and home to learn what life was like for families more than a century ago. The mill is the only 19th-century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. While you’re camping, enjoy paved bike paths, fishing spots, boating, picnic tables and a swim beach. Find information at MoStateParks.com/park/watkins-mill-state-park.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

HOT AIR BALLOONING

If you’re looking for a thrill that is safe, serene and peaceful (yes, peaceful), then hot air ballooning is the adventure for you. Passengers float above rooftops and enjoy a breathtaking view. Old World Balloonery (913.338.2628) is a local company offering rides. Children must be 10 years old and 36 inches from the bottom of their chin to their feet to ride.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

40% 80%

The ruins of pioneer cabins, beautiful lakes, urban rooftop escapes, riverfront views, race cars and hot air balloons … this summer take the family on an unforgettable outdoor adventure right in your own hometown.

Trail Blazer

WALK IT

A walk or run on the Riverfront Heritage Trail, the city’s 15-mile bi-state bike and pedestrian trail, offers amazing views of the riverfront and a tour of the city’s most historic districts. You’ll discover public art, historic sites and natural beauty along the trail. Our favorite stretch is from the Berkley Riverfront Park to the River Market where you can grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants. Find a complete map at KCRiverTrails.org.

ADRENALINE LEVEL HIKE

Make a Splash A DAY AT THE BEACH

We may be landlocked in the Midwest, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little sand and sun. This summer, enjoy the newly improved Lake Olathe that boasts a swim beach, brand new marina, dock and fishing pavilion. Visitors will also enjoy the nature-themed playground, sprayground, pond, waterfall and trails. For information visit OlatheKS.org/LakeOlathe.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

PADDLE BOARD

IT

Explore the city’s earliest history on a hike at Cave Spring (8701 E. Gregory, Kansas City, Mo.). The 36-acre urban nature center and historic area is the site of an original stop on the Santa Fe Trail, where covered wagons passed and wagon trains camped overnight. The land was once owned by Solomon Young, Harry S. Truman’s grandfather. On a hike you’ll see ruins of early cabins from the 1920s, a waterfall, a butterfly garden and a bird sanctuary.

Head to Legacy Park in Lee’s Summit where you can rent stand-up paddle boards and canoes to enjoy on the 22-acre lake. The lake is also home to a fishing dock, a scenic overlook, shelters and a 4.7-mile pedestrian and bike trail. To rent a paddle board, bike or canoe, call 816.969.1550.

ADRENALINE

30%

ADRENALINE LEVEL BIKE

IT

Take the family on a bike ride through Shawnee Mission Park. This park is breathtaking, featuring mountain bike trails connecting to Mill Creek Streamway Park trails. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the lake, woods and shelters. This park is a great choice for nature lovers. Find maps at JCPRD.com/519/Park-Maps.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

20% 40%

LEVEL TAKE A PLUNGE

A day at Oceans of Fun always makes our top picks list for summer fun. The outdoor waterpark offers great attractions for the entire family. If you’re looking for adventure, try the extreme waterslides at Predator’s Plunge or the Surf City Wave Pool, where the one million gallons of water rush in high tide every 10 minutes. Take a break in your day and relax in the Caribbean Cooler lazy river. For younger children, the park offers pint-sized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle, and a giant water playhouse at Paradise Falls. Bonus: Admission to Worlds of Fun is included with your ticket, so you can enjoy roller coasters and rides on the same day!

ADRENALINE LEVEL

Thrill Seeker

CLIMB THE WALL

Choose one of these rock wall climbing adventures.  RoKC in Olathe is one of our favorite indoor climbing gyms. Adventurers have a blast bouldering and rock climbing on walls up to 50 feet tall! The facility offers introductory classes and walk-in programs for beginners and experts alike, with a variety of styles for every skill level and interest. For bouldering and training enthusiasts, the facility offers hydraulic Kilter and Tension boards, MoonBoard, campus board, hangboards and system boards.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

RAPPELLING AND CLIMBING

At TimberRidge Adventure Center in Olathe, groups can experience an eagle’s eye view of nature through challenge courses at the center’s certified ropes course, 200-foot zip line and the Eagle’s Nest 40-foot climbing tower with two different sides for climbing, a dangle-duo and vertical play pen, and rappelling. At TimberRidge, you may also enjoy hiking, fishing, archery, canoeing and paddleboating. This is a great adventure for Scout groups, families and even businesses. Call 913.856.8849 for information.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

THE NEED FOR SPEED

The Richard Petty Driving Experience (800.237.3889) at Kansas Speedway (913.328.3300) lets fans ride shotgun at speeds of up to 165 mph or get behind the wheel and drive a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car for eight to 18 laps. Even teens can get in on the action! Youths ages 14 to 19 have the opportunity to receive a complimentary three-lap high speed ride-along when accompanied by an adult.

ADRENALINE LEVEL

Kristina Light’s family is always up for an adventure, but they’ll never forget the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Kansas Speedway … an ultimate bucket list experience.

PEACH SEASON IN KC

BY KRISTINA LIGHT

We love peaches! Delicious peach cobbler (see below for a favorite recipe courtesy of Silver Dollar City), fresh peaches, peaches on ice cream, peaches with the blueberries we picked earlier in the summer … to quote Rachael Ray, “Yummo!”

Peach Picking Season: Mid- to late July through August or September (varies with each orchard).

Peach Picking Tips: Call the farm for a picking report before you head out. Many of the farms are small and have limited fruit availability.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  Bring bottled water and snacks for the kids.  Check out Going Places on KCParent.com for fun places to visit near the orchard of your choice!

How to Pick Peaches:

According to Wagon Wheel Orchard, “The proper way to pick tree fruit is to twist gently and lift up— do not pull down on the fruit or you will damage the fruit and the tree.”

Kansas City Area Peach Orchards

Colonial Gardens: 27610 E. Wyatt Rd., Blue Springs, 816.229.1277

Fun Farm Kearney: 650 N. Jefferson St., Kearney, Mo., 816.628.0028

Pome on the Range: 2050 Idaho Rd., Williamsburg, Kan., 785.746.5492

Weston Orchard & Vineyard: 18545 Co. Rd. H, Weston, Mo., 402.209.4117

Our Favorite Peach Cobbler Recipe!

Silver Dollar City Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

1 c. sugar

2 t. baking powder

3/4 c. milk

3/4 c. flour smidge of salt

1 stick butter, melted in an 8x8 baking dish

2 c. sliced peaches, or your favorite fruit

Additional 3/4 c. sugar

Instructions:

(NOTE: Pay close attention to the DO NOT STIR instruction—it’s important.)

Mix the cup of sugar, baking powder, milk, flour and salt together. After you melt the stick of butter into the baking dish pour the batter mixture over the top. Do not stir! Now, mix the sugar with the fruit and drop it through the batter mixture; Again, do not stir! Bake for an hour at 300 degrees. If you double the recipe, it may take a bit longer. This recipe may boil over a bit, so place pan on a baking sheet with parchment paper (Note: Mine did not boil over in a deep dish Pyrex pan, but my teacher’s DID boil over in a metal baking pan). The cake portion should be golden brown. Serve with whipped topping, ice cream or half and half. The 8x8 size (single recipe) should serve six people.

Family Funday at Legends Field with KC Monarchs

1 Saturday

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

Reptiles: Snakes Alive! 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Discover how snakes are one of the most surprising animals during this meet and greet. Pre-reg at MDC.MO.gov.

Independence Day Celebration 2:00, historic Downtown Weston. Celebrate Independence Day in Weston with an old-fashioned parade! WestonMO.com

Lights on the Lake 3:00, Osawatomie City Lake (Kansas). Fun includes bounce houses, face painters, food, music and fireworks! CityOfOsawatomie.ticketspice.com/lotl2023

Polly’s PopFest 4:00, Independence Square. A new festival celebrating all things pop, including popcorn, Popsicles, pop music, pop culture and more! IndepSquare.com

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen on Saturdays through October. LegendsShopping.com

Red, White & Blue Springs 6:30, Blue Springs South High School. This celebration will have live music, fireworks, vendors and more. BlueSpringsGov.com

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Join for a free outdoor concert with genres from jazz and classic rock to Irish and indie. WardParkwayCenter.com

Public Viewings 8:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

Smithville Fireworks 9:00, Smith’s Fork Park. Join for the annual fireworks show. The fireworks will be set off from Smith’s Fork Park at dusk. SmithvilleChamber.org

2 Sunday

KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park for 75 cents/ride. KCNRR.com

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

Flags for Freedom Thru July 8, Merriam Marketplace. Stop by to view an astonishing display that honors our nation. Merriam.org

The Tempest 6:00, Southmoreland Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy a show in the park! Preshow entertainment, food for sale and a performance. KCShakes.org

Superhero Night 6:00, Legends Field. Character appearances and wear your favorite superhero costume for a parade. Post-game fireworks! MonarchsBaseball.com

Overland Park Civic Band Concert 7:00, Indian Creek Recreation Center. Bring the family for a free summer band concert. OPCivicBand.org

3 Monday

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

Old-Fashioned Picnic 6:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Enjoy patriotic music and play games while you wait for the fireworks to begin! ShawneeIndianMission.org

Fairy Tale Village

Thru Sept. 4, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

Legacy Blast 6:00, Legacy Park (Lee’s Summit). Concessions, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists and inflatables for kids, followed by fireworks! LSParks.net

Liberty Fest 6:00, Capitol Federal Sports Complex of Liberty. Activities, food trucks, live music and fireworks! TheLibertyFest.com

Kearney Fireworks Celebration 7:30, Kearney Amphitheatre (Missouri). A free concert from Kansas City Groove Therapy followed by fireworks. KearneyAmphitheatre.com

4 Tuesday Happy Independence Day!

VillageFest 2023 7:30, Prairie Village Municipal Complex. Pancake breakfast, children’s activities, face painting, carnival rides and more! PVKansas.com

Independence Day 9:00, Missouri Town Living History Museum. Patriotic speeches, children’s games and period cooking, parade and more! MakeYourDayHere.com

Celebrating the 4th at the Farm 9:00, Deanna Rose. Enjoy old-fashioned games and activities and participate in a bike parade. OPKansas.org

Fourth of July Celebration 10:00, Downtown Parkville. Pancake breakfast, community parade, music, skydiving exhibit and fireworks!

Celebration in the Park Noon, Leawood City Park. Kids activities and entertainment, food trucks, live music, inflatables and fireworks! 913.663.9153

Stars and Stripes Picnic 3:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Grab a bite to eat, shop local vendors, enjoy live music and

5:00, Stilwell Community Park. A salute to freedom, Stilwell style! Parade, kids games, music, concession trailer and fireworks!

NOW OPEN

WWI has left enduring legacies on the world. One such legacy is the design and craft of artificial limbs, facial prosthetics and technology for those with limb loss or limb difference. Bespoke Bodies: The Design & Craft of Prosthetics explores the language, history and modern conceptions of prosthetic devices through the ages and through the stories of designers, medical professionals and users.

Independence Day Festival 5:00, Celebration Park (Gardner). Live music plus various food vendors and activities with a fireworks show! GardnerKansas.gov

Star Spangled Spectacular 6:00, Corporate Woods Office Park. Celebrate Independence Day with stage shows, food trucks and fireworks! OPKansas.org

July Fourth Fireworks 9:45, College Boulevard Activity Center. Celebrate Independence Day in Olathe with the annual fireworks display. OlatheKS.org

5 Wednesday

Fairy Tale Village 10:00, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

What’s That Wednesdays 10:00, Watkins Museum. On Wednesdays, stop by a cart full of artifacts to examine and explore. WatkinsMuseum.org

Summer Kids Series Select days, B & B Theatres. Another reason why it’s great to be a kid in the summertime! Specially priced movies in July. BBTheatres.com

Family Movies 2:30, Indian Creek Library. Enjoy a free movie on the big screen. Bring blankets and pillows for floor seating. OlatheLibrary.org

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7:30, White Theatre. See this muchloved family classic based on the Bible’s book of Genesis. TheJKC.org

6 Thursday

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

Nature Walk Thursdays 9:30, George Owens Nature Park. Discover one of the trails with a park naturalist on Thursdays in June and July. Dress for the weather. 816.325.7115

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

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

Doctor Dolittle 11:00 and 1:00, the Coterie. See this new youth and family audience’s version of a country physician who can talk to animals. TheCoterie.org

Science Is Astounding 4:00, Antioch Library. A chemistry-based program for school-age children that are excited by science and math. JoCoLibrary.org

Fireworks: 1860s Style 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy a concert, learn about history and enjoy fireworks! OlatheKS.org

7 Friday

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

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. The story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures. UnionStation.org

Kitties & Canvas 10:00, Great Plains SPCA. Kids ages 6 to 11 unleash their creativity with paintbrushes and adorable kittens as their muses. Pre-reg at GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

Teddy Bear Picnic 11:00, Swope Park. Grab your teddy bear and picnic lunch to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day. Entertainment, ice cream and more! Pre-reg at KCParks.org.

Fridays in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (North KC). Enjoy a Friday summer afternoon in the park listening to local musicians. NKC.org

Friday Family Special 11:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. Summer is here, and Kanga’s has a sizzling special for families every Friday! Independence.KangasPlaycenter.com

Fresh Fridays 5:00, City Market. Sip and shop while enjoying music, food and fun each month. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. TheCityMarketKC.org

WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Cap off Friday with local bands and food trucks followed by a famous flick under the stars. CrownCenter.com

ICI Summer Nights 6:00, Independence Community Ice. Each Friday night public skate this summer has a fun theme. IndependenceCommunityIce.com

Summer Concerts in the Park 6:30, Central Park (Zona Rosa). Bring a chair, blanket and friends and enjoy free concerts on Fridays. ZonaRosa.com

Olathe LIVE! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy a night of live music. OlatheKS.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join for a night of music under the stars. LindenSquare.info

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

Movies in the Park 7:00, Cornerstone Park. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head out to the park to see Back to the Future. GardnerKansas.gov

Sand Cinema 9:00, Longview Lake Beach. Load the kids in the car to watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on the giant inflatable screen! MakeYourDayHere.com

8 Saturday

Junque n’ Donuts 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Miami County’s best outdoor flea market and craft sale. Grab some lunch and enjoy yard games. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Second Saturday 9:00, Powell Gardens. Take advantage of extended hours. Each season brings more to explore! PowellGardens.org

Antique and Craft Fair 9:00, BinghamWaggoner Estate. Shop antiques and crafts on the lawn of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. BWEstate.net

Kids Club 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or savor a coffee at the Bean Counter. Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

Kids in the Kitchen 10:00, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. Learn the skill of canning and preserving favorite foods! Pre-reg at Johnson.K-State.edu.

Raytown Live 7:00, Town Center Greenspace. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and join folks from all over to kick back and enjoy the tunes. Raytown.live

13 8:30, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. With an unforgettable rock score, 13 is a musical about fitting in and standing out! TheatreInThePark.org

9 Sunday

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

Second Sundays 10:00, Lexington, Missouri. Enjoy first-class fun with the farmers market, trolley tours, historic attractions and sites and more! VisitLexingtonMo.com

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

Summer Concerts 6:00, Rotary Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment. BlueSpringsGov.com

Overland Park Civic Band Summer Concert 7:00, Indian Creek Recreation Center. The band will play music of all ages. OPCivicBand.org

10 Monday

Summer Kid Series 10:00 and 12:30, Miller Theatres (Blue Springs). See the Paws of Fury movie for only $2.50/ticket. Combos also available. MillerTheatres.com

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

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

Muddy Mondays 10:30, Ceramic Café. Have you always wanted to try throwing clay on a wheel? A clay expert will show you how to get started. Pre-reg at 913.383.0222.

50 Nights of Fire Thru Aug. 12, Worlds of Fun. An ending to the day featuring some of the greatest moments of Worlds of Fun’s dedication to adventure and fun. WorldsOfFun.com

11 Tuesday

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Step back in time to the 1920s with family activities in this living history program. ShawneeTown.org

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Indian Creek Library. Bring a blanket for stories, songs and fingerplays. Stories geared to 3- to 5-year-olds, but all are welcome. OlatheLibrary.org

BERRIES, BERRIES, U-PICK U-PICK PRODUCE PRODUCE

& & FARM FARM TOURS TOURS

10:00 and 12:30, Gem Theater. Summer matinees every Tuesday while schools are out for summer vacation. All movies cost $2.

Thru July 16, Cass County Fairgrounds. From the youth livestock shows to exhibits to the carnival rides, the fair has it all.

Thru July 15, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Enjoy carnival rides, food, games, entertainment and activities for all ages! WyCoFair.com

6:30, Armstrong Park (Grain Valley, Mo.). Make new friends, hear a special story and enjoy free Popsicles!

12 Wednesday

Summer Movie Clubhouse 9:30, Cinemark Merriam. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting bigscreen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket.

10:00, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

Days Out with Frank and Ella 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Enjoy a different history theme each Wednesday and Thursday with activities, crafts and a stagecoach ride! Mahaffie.org

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

Music in the Garden 6:00, Colonial Gardens. Join for free live music and enjoy food and drink in the beautiful courtyard. ColonialGardensKC.com

13 Thursday

Fortopia Thru Sept. 4, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invite explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

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

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

Beauty and the Beast 7:30, Rockhurst High School Rose Theatre. Step into the enchanted world of this Broadway classic. LeawoodStageCo.org

Concert in the Park 7:30, Thompson Park. Grab a lawn chair or blanket for a concert featuring Americana singer-songwriter Michael Shaun Brown. OPKansas.org

14 Friday

Play and Learn 10:00, MCPL (Red Bridge). Enjoy a special preschool playtime designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. MyMCPL.org

Fridays in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (North KC). Enjoy a Friday summer afternoon in the park listening to local musicians. NKC.org

Friday Flamingle 5:00, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy music, free carousel and train rides, yard games, cash bars, food truck treats and more! Ages 21+. KansasCityZoo.org

Family Fun Friday 6:00, Quail Creek Park (Merriam). Enjoy hot dogs, lawn games, entertainment and live music by Tony Rustici. Merriam.org

Outdoor Concert 6:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Enjoy an outdoor concert featuring Hunter Thomas Mounce, Texas Country Music. GrandviewAmp.com

Olathe LIVE! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy a night of live music. OlatheKS.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join for a night of music under the stars. LindenSquare.info

Jamaican Jam 7:00, Legacy Park. Reggae and lyrical appeal will flood the air thanks to performances by Jah Lion and AZ-One. CityOfLS.net

Summer Concerts on the Lawn 7:00, Kansas City Museum. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy a concert on the lawn! Tickets at KansasCityMuseum.org.

15 Saturday

Low Sensory Morning 9:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. A quiet and low-stimulation time with hands-on art making activities and art in the galleries. Pre-reg at Nelson-Atkins.org.

Lost Trail Days and Tours 10:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. History of Lost Trail Soda, viewing of production run and tasting event. Pre-reg at 913.837.5202.

Monday - Saturday 9am - 4:30pm

Online Education

Accredited Curriculum (great for homeschooling!)

Certified Teachers

Tuition-Free

Personalized Support Flexible Scheduling

SIX-STOP TOUR: ABILENE, KANSAS

Celebrate America with a visit to Abilene where you can learn about our 34th president and enjoy small-town charm and hospitality.

Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home where you can learn about the only fivestar general who became president of the United States. The Eisenhower library is one of 15 presidential libraries. With hands-on exhibits, videos and artifacts, this museum is a must-see for history buffs.

Hill

Valley on

former Rock Island track laid in 1886 aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Learn how railroads built Kansas as you ride in vintage passenger cars pulled by steam or diesel locomotives. They offer excursion train rides, dinner trains and special events May through October.

On Saturdays throughout the summer, Old Abilene Town invites visitors to experience the Old West firsthand. Watch can-can dancers and gunfights, try mechanical bullriding, enjoy live music and savor cowboy fare. The museum teaches visitors about the history of the railroad, cattle trails and Abilene. They host Chisholm Trail Days during Labor Day weekend.

An Abilene landmark, the 28-foot-high Big Spur stands on its ends to form an arch and weighs a ton. Found in front of Rittel’s Western Wear, the Big Spur was built by Larry Houston in 2002 and was certified as the world’s largest spur by Guinness World Records until 2017. Pull out your camera to snap an Instaworthy pic.

Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon is a classic Western eatery dishing up hand-cut steaks, homemade chips, fried mushrooms, Buffalo chicken sandwiches, wings, mashed potatoes and gravy, loaded nachos and hearty home cookin’. Located in Old Abilene Town, the Hitching Post is a local favorite known for nostalgia and delicious food.

Named one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas –Architecture,” the Seelye Mansion is like a time capsule—most of the home’s furnishings were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The furnishings cost more than the $55,000 that was spent building the 11,000-square-foot home, which was featured on the History Channel’s Mysteries at the Mansion

1. HEART OF AMERICA PRESIDENT

2. ALL ABOARD! Ride through the Smoky

River

the

3. WILD WEST

4. GIANT LANDMARK

5. COWBOY SUPPER

6. WONDERFUL KANSAS

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through magical places as they read books. Pre-reg at 816.759.7300.

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

Story Time in the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Preschoolers enjoy themed activities and crafts based on a storybook. WornallMajors.org

1876 Historical Event 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Enjoy family fun activities and historical demonstrations. ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com

Kid’s Ukulele Class 11:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Beginners’ tutorial on tuning and strumming— and even a little history about the ukulele. Pre-reg at ShawneeTown.org.

Food Truck Frenzy 4:00, Old Town Lenexa. Feast on a variety of cuisines from area food trucks and enjoy live music by local band Fast Times. Lenexa.com

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen on Saturdays through October. LegendsShopping.com

16 Sunday

The Great Car Show 10:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. A day of music, food trucks, demonstrations, ride-alongs and … cars! TheGreatCarShow.com

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

Family Fundays 1:00, Legends Field. Bring a glove and ball and play catch on the field, and after the game, the kids run the bases. MonarchsBaseball.com

KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park for 75 cents/ride. KCNRR.com

White Christmas 8:30, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. See the story of a song-and-dance team work with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn. TheatreInThePark.org

17 Monday

Beach Bash Thru Friday, Church of the Resurrection. Enjoy games, food, fun and some surprises at the beach themed vacation Bible camp! Pre-reg at COR.orb/vbc

VBS 2023 Thru Friday, Wyandotte County Christian Church. Discover why God designed us and how we can use our talents to bring glory to Him. Pre-reg at WyandotteCCC.org/vbs.

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. The story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures. UnionStation.org

Tabletop Games 6:00, Gardner Library. Join us for a fun-filled event with family and friends. Discover new games or bring one to share! JoCoLibrary.org

18 Tuesday

Revenge of the Space Pandas 10:00, Theatre for Young America. See David Mamet’s fanciful science fiction play for young audiences. TYA.org

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Indian Creek Library.  Bring a blanket for stories, songs and fingerplays. Stories geared to 3- to 5-year-olds, but all are welcome. OlatheLibrary.org

Pop in at the Park 3:00, Spring Valley Park. Stop by for summer learning resources for families, fun kids activities and more. KCParks.org

Summer Movies 10:00 and 12:30, Gem Theater. Summer matinees every Tuesday while schools are out for summer vacation. All movies cost $2. Gem-Theatre.com

19 Wednesday

Festival of Butterflies 9:00, Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside botanic displays. PowellGardens.org

Summer Movie Clubhouse 9:30, Cinemark Merriam. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting bigscreen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket. Cinemark.com

Doctor Dolittle 11:00 and 1:00, the Coterie. See this new youth and family audience’s version of a country physician who can talk to animals. TheCoterie.org

Platte County Fair Thru July 23, Platte County Fairgrounds. Old-fashioned county fair with games, rides, carnival, food, music and more! PlatteCountyFair.com

Touch-a-Truck Night 5:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Bring the kids for a fun night of climbing into vehicles of all sizes from across the City of Shawnee. ShawneeTown.org

20 Thursday

Summer Kids Series Select days, B & B Theatres. Another reason why it’s great to be a kid in the summertime! Specially priced movies in July. BBTheatres.com

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

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

Free Family Fun Nights 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Come explore a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org

Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Family fun includes stagecoach rides, fire starting workshop and more! Mahaffie.org

21 Friday

Summer Chill Expo 10:00, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Enjoy the creations of Midwestern artists and crafters. IBDPromotions.com

Third Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown KCK. Free, family-friendly events in Strawberry Hill, along with pop-ups, art exhibits, performances and more. VisitKansasCityKS.com

WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Cap off Friday with local bands and food trucks followed by a famous flick under the stars. CrownCenter.com

ICI Summer Nights 6:00, Independence Community Ice. Each Friday night public skate this summer has a fun theme. IndependenceCommunityIce.com

KC South Patrol Movie Nights 6:00, KCPD South Patrol. Enjoy free popcorn, hot dogs and movies starting at dusk. Facebook.com/kcpolice

Summer Concerts in the Park 6:30, Central Park (Zona Rosa). Bring a chair, blanket and friends and enjoy free concerts on Fridays. ZonaRosa.com

Olathe LIVE! 7:00, Stagecoach Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy a night of live music. OlatheKS.org

Movie in the Park 9:00, Buffalo Meadows Park. Pack some snacks, grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy family-friendly films under the stars. Lenexa.com

22 Saturday

Kids Fest 9:00, Linden Square. Activities include arts and crafts, face painting, temporary tattoos, games, food, live performance and more! LindenSquare.info

Race with a Point 0.5K Foam Run 9:00, Journey Church International. Run, walk, skip, hop, etc., one-half of a kilometer and finish with foam. Pre-reg at RunSignUp.com.

Grand Carnivale Thru Aug. 6, Worlds of Fun. Celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes from cultures around the world. WorldsOfFun.com

KC Block Party 10:00, Special Olympics Missouri. Enjoy local food vendors, games, live entertainment, raffles, a scavenger bingo and more! SOMO.org

Bugs Extravaganza 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn cool things about bugs, including life cycles. Also find out how to support pollinators. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Miami County Fair Thru July 30, Miami County Fairgrounds. Youth rodeo, carnival, parade, demolition derby, dog show, concerts and more. MiamiCountyKansasFair.com

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Join for a free outdoor concert with genres from jazz and classic rock to Irish and indie. WardParkwayCenter.com

Beauty and the Beast 7:30, Rockhurst High School Rose Theatre. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, a tale as old as time. LeawoodStageCO.org

Public Viewings 8:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

23 Sunday

Brunch and Bingo 10:00, Chicken N Pickle (Overland Park). Join for a delicious brunch and enjoy FREE bingo games. ChickenNPickle.com

KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Frank Vaydik Park. Ride restored trains around a halfmile track in the park for 75 cents/ride. KCNRR.com

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

24 Monday

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

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

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

25 Tuesday

Fairy Tale Village 10:00, Crown Center. Discover a world of make-believe as classic children’s tales come to life. CrownCenter.com

Leavenworth County Fair Thru July 20, Leavenworth County Fairgrounds. Delight in the fun of games, derbies, food, rides, exhibits and more. LeavenworthCountyFair.com

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Indian Creek Library.  Bring a blanket for stories, songs and fingerplays. Stories geared to 3- to 5-year-olds, but all are welcome. OlatheLibrary.org

Summer Movies 10:00 and 12:30, Gem Theater. Summer matinees every Tuesday while schools are out for summer vacation. All movies cost $2. Gem-Theatre.com

AKMA After Hours 5:00, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. After-hours event features kids games and activities, chance to visit exhibitions and more! Albrecht-Kemper.org

26 Wednesday

Days Out with Frank and Ella 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Enjoy a different history theme each Wednesday and Thursday with activities, crafts and a stagecoach ride! Mahaffie.org

What’s That Wednesdays 10:00, Watkins Museum. On Wednesdays stop by a cart full of artifacts to examine and explore. WatkinsMuseum.org

Summer Kids Series Select days, B & B Theatres. Another reason why it’s great to be a kid in the summertime! Specially priced movies in July. BBTheatres.com

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Sit under the summer sky and enjoy tunes by Kansas City’s own Grand Marquis! ShawneeTown.org

27 Thursday

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. The story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures. UnionStation.org

Revenge of the Space Pandas 10:00, Theatre for Young America. See David Mamet’s fanciful science fiction play for young audiences. TYA.org

Pop in at the Park 3:00, William Henry Harrison Park. Stop by for summer learning resources for families, fun kids activities and more. KCParks.org

Safety Fair 5:00, C. Lee Kenagy Park. The Raytown Police Department hosts a safety fair. Get up close to police cars, fire trucks and ambulances. Raytown.Mo.Us

CREATE YOUR TRADITIONS!

Monarchs Game 7:00, Legends Field. See the Monarchs take the field against the Kane County Cougars. MonarchsBaseball.com

28 Friday

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

Doctor Dolittle 11:00, 1:00 and 7:00, the Coterie. See this new youth and family audience’s version of a country physician who can talk to animals. TheCoterie.org

Fridays in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (North KC). Enjoy a Friday summer afternoon in the park listening to local musicians. NKC.org

Fourth Fridays Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Showcases from local artists, live music, shops, restaurants and more! DowntownLS.org/fourthfridays

Hot Summer Nights 5:00, Downtown Parkville. After hours shopping and special music on Main Street. Parkville.org/event/hot-summer-nights

Fourth Friday 5:30, Downtown Olathe. Enjoy great kids activities including face painters, balloon artists, glitter tattoos, bubbles and more. FourthFridays.Olathe.org

Three Scoops of Fun Birthday Party 6:00, Merriam Community Center. Celebrate the center’s third birthday with games, prizes, concessions and more! Merriam.org

Friday Night Sound Bites 7:00, Lenexa Public Market. Enjoy live music and rotating local food trucks on the patio every Friday night. LenexaPublicMarket.com

29 Saturday

Georgia’s Chicken Run 7:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Lace up those shoes, because it’s time for Georgia’s Annual Chicken Fun Run/Walk. OPKansas.org

All Together Now Summer Celebration 10:00, Central Resource Library. A day of fun featuring performers, activities and opportunities to connect. JoCoLibrary.org

Babes in the Woods 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Take your little one to a creek! Enjoy a short hike to Burr Oak Creek to experience this watery world. Pre-reg at MDC.Mo.gov.

Amaizing Sweet Corn Festival 11:00, National Agricultural Hall of Fame. Live music, food trucks, carnival games, arts, crafts and more! AfterTheHarvestKC.org

Summer Library Program Celebration 2:00, Smithville Community Room. Celebrate the summer reading program with playing, creating and building! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Watch timeless classics and Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen on Saturdays through October. LegendsShopping.com

Community Orchestra Concert 7:00, Community Covenant Church. Annual performance by the Lenexa Community Orchestra. Free. Lenexa.com

Footloose 8:30, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Footloose brings the rockin’ rhythm of its score along with dynamic new songs to the stage. TheatreInThePark.org

Public Viewings 8:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

30 Sunday

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

Summer Concerts 6:00, Rotary Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment. BlueSpringsGov.com

Johnson County Fair Thru Aug. 5, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Celebrate all of the best in Johnson County. Carnival, nightly arena events and more! JoCoKansasFair.com

Grand Carnivale Thru Aug. 6, Worlds of Fun. Celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes from cultures around the world. WorldsOfFun.com

31 Monday

Summer Kid Series 10:00 and 12:30, Miller Theatres (Blue Springs). See a family movie for only $2.50/ ticket. Combos also available. MillerTheatres.com

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

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

Muddy Mondays 10:30, Ceramic Café. Have you always wanted to try throwing clay on a wheel? A clay expert will show you how to get started. Pre-reg at 913.383.0222.