KC Parent August 2023

BACK-TOSCHOOL GUIDE

✓ ✓ ✓

HINTS AND TIPS TO PREP WAYS TO CALM THE EVENING CHAOS FUN ONCE THE BELL RINGS

KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN PUBLIC PLACES

EASING DOCTOR’S OFFICE ANXIETY

aug 5

aug 5

k-state night

 join willie the wildcat, wear purple, Do the Wabash and dance to the Fight Song!

 Post-game autographs

aug 19

scout night

$35 ticket includes:

 game ticket

 post-game movie & campout

 scout night patch

 breakfast next day

don’t miss the season’s last post-game fireworks show

gates open at 5pm | game at 6pm

913-328-5618

MONARCHS BASEBALL .COM

FOLLOW US ON:

gates open at 5pm | game at 6pm

use code: scout2023

bobblehead sept 1

 get your mystery bobblehead

 limited quantities, so arrive early!

gates open at 6pm | game at 7pm

I wasn’t looking for a job when the opportunity with KC Parent came my way in 2007, but it turned out to be such a blessing in my life and that of my family as well. As you know, this parenting gig is tough, and it’s been a joy to go through it with all of you. I’ve met so many amazing people through KC Parent. I’m so thankful for everyone I’ve worked with, from advertisers to readers to writers. I will miss all of you fantastic folks, but the great news is that I know where to find the magazine and will be checking in each month when I pick

AUGUST 2023

n August of 2007, my older daughter started kindergarten. The day after, I began a very part-time job with KC Parent Magazine. In the 16 years since 2007, that very part-time job morphed into a fulltime job, and my role as a mom morphed from mom of school-aged kids to mom of high schoolers. This August, my roles are changing again. In my personal life, my husband and I are entering the empty nest phase, with both girls now in college. And in my professional life, this month marks my last as editor of KC Parent Magazine As I retire from Family Media Group, I will be going back to my education roots and working as the director of the Upper School at Oakhill Day School.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 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), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Kailyn Rhinehart (Warrensburg), Joleen Sams (Shawnee)

Mailing Address

MAMA EDITOR’S LETTER

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

I’m thrilled to introduce the new editor, Lauri Clapper. Lauri grew up in Kansas City, attended K-State and now makes her home in Overland Park with her husband, Mike, and their five kids. She brings a fresh look to the table, and I know that the future of is bright with her at the helm! I’m confident that I’m leaving the

637

maternitybaby& choosingan OB/GYN plish, plash!

.com

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

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

Margaret Sarver, Editor

For details and to enter, head to KCParent.com! TICKETS TO SCIENCE CITY SPIDER-MAN: BEYOND AMAZING ARVIN GOTTLIEB PLANETARIUM LOCAL CONTENT PL Join Us! LIEB RIUM OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EXPERIENCES Featuring TWO NEW Planetarium Adventures PURCHASE ALL TICKETS A R V IN G O TTL I E B PL ANE TA RI U M A R V I N G O T T LIE B P L A NE TA RI U M OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD E XPERIE N C E S Fe a tu r ing T WO N E W P l a neta r ium Ad ventu re s PURCHASE ALL TICKETSUNIONATSTATION.ORG © 2023 MARVEL PRESENTED BY SUPPORTED B JoinUs! Sa rday,August 26 10 am - 5 pm Presen

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

I

KCPARENT.COM

Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS:

1. Best of August

2. Back-to-School Traditions

3. Ice Cream Treats

SPOTLIGHT WATER FUN GUIDE

From free spraygrounds for young children to daring water rides for teens and adults to classes and programs, pools and water parks, and everything in between—Kansas City has it all. Dive into and cool off with water fun before the kids head back to school!

LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE

Choosing the best hospital for the arrival of your baby is an important decision. Use the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Hospital Guide to find the perfect location for you and your child.

4. Coupons and Giveaways

5. Spraygrounds

6. Kids Eat Free Guide

7. Birthday Party Ideas

8. Parks and Picnic Spots

9. Calendar of Events

10. Cute Crafts

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com

kansas city’s kids eat FREE (or cheap) guide

DATES GOING LOCAL

They say that home is where the heart is, but I say home is where the food is. So check out one of these great home-inspired restaurants for your next date day!

HOUSEWIFE

Housewife is a cute, quaint fast-casual bistro, located in a 100-year-old building in Downtown Grandview. They offer breakfast and lunch every day, except for Sundays. They have a small but carefully curated menu of breakfast entrees, sandwiches and salads—not to mention some delectable pastries. The place accommodates around 35 people, with seating on the main level and in the upstairs loft area. Brick walls, exposed beams and industrial lighting give it a downtown condo meets farmhouse vibe. It’s cozy, comfortable and unassuming. We went at lunchtime and opted for sandwiches, the country club and the tuna white bean. We gave both two thumbs up—and the service was outstanding. We can’t wait to return to try the pastries and some of the breakfast items.

THE FARMHOUSE

The Farmhouse restaurant in the River Market prides itself on serving locallysourced, farm-fresh food. This farm-to-table eatery has been consistently rated as one of the best brunches in Kansas City, and we can certainly attest to that. On a recent visit, I had their omelet special, filled with leeks, garlic scapes, ground beef and gruyere, served alongside potato hash. My husband had the garden frittata made with onion, mushroom, kale, Swiss cheese and heirloom tomatoes, served with salad and potato hash. He also had a side of one of their pancakes. Our entrees were delicious and flavorful. And the pancake? I sneaked a couple of bites, and—wow!—so yummy. I could make a meal out of those alone but could only consider them a dessert thanks to their luscious sweetness. Ha! While we were there, we spotted someone having one of The Farmhouse’s cinnamon rolls. Oh my, that thing is huge! We will be returning to try that sometime very soon.

HOMEGROWN

On a recent Sunday morning, we ventured out to HomeGrown, where they hit a home run for breakfast. We shared a blueberry pop tart to start. Warm and topped with Irish cream icing, it was like a cozy, delicious culinary hug— beautifully flaky pastry and juicy blueberry filling. He had the BYO breakfast with turkey sausage, over easy eggs, Wolferman’s English muffin with jam and seasoned potatoes. It’s a classic breakfast done right. I had the avocado toast—my first time to try it anywhere, and it was outrageously good. The avocado was seasoned so well. And of course, the bread was swoon-worthy, thick sliced, farm-to-market seven-grain bread. I love that stuff. This dish is also served with eggs and fruit, but I substituted roasted veggies for the fruit, which were also delicious. As a veggie lover, I appreciate that HomeGrown offers that as a side option. If you haven’t been to this place yet, do yourself a favor and get there soon! They have locations in Liberty, Brookside and Leawood.

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. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.

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

KC’s Favorite Dog Parks

National Dog Day is Aug. 26. Celebrate with a day at the park with your favorite four-legged friend!

DOG PARK ETIQUETTE:

At most dog parks, the off-leash dog area is for dogs and their handlers only, not for other park play.

• Bring dogs that are well trained to socialize appropriately with other dogs.

• Handlers are responsible for their dogs at all times and assume all risks related to using a dog park.

• City dog license rules will apply. This may include a rule that all dogs at the park must be spayed or neutered and healthy.

• Young children (typically under 5) may not be allowed in the off-leash area, and older children should be accompanied by an adult.

• Remember to scoop the poop and dispose of waste in trash cans.

GREAT LOCAL DOG PARKS:

KANSAS:

Heritage Park: The 30-acre grassy area in Heritage Park provides ample space for dogs to play. The area is fenced and includes shade-giving trees, a pond and a walking trail. Parking is accessible, as are the sidewalks, restrooms, drinking fountains and parts of the walking trail.

Leawoof: Dogs will love this play area in Leawood City Park. Separate areas for large and small dogs will keep your pet comfortable among friends of similar size.

Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Park:

Shawnee Mission Park contains a 44-acre dog park with a paved trail leading to the lake. Dogs will enjoy going off leash to explore the expansive grassland and wooded areas.

Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park: This gorgeous park contains an off-leash area with seven acres of open space. Continuous care ensures that this park remains in topnotch condition for your pet.

MISSOURI:

Blue Springs Dog Park: Located in Gregory O. Grounds Park, this dog park contains separate areas for large and small dogs. Your pets can chase each other across the open space, run through the agility equipment and splash in the pond. Shady areas and water fountains are available, and a dog wash area is stationed at the exit.

Dogwood Park: This park’s paved trail and five acres of open space create a picturesque environment for dogs to play. An agility course provides additional entertainment. Restrooms, a drinking fountain and accessible parking are available.

Happy Tails Park: While dogs run through the agility course, children can enjoy the nearby playground, which contains equipment for both toddlers and older children. Additional amenities include a paved walking trail, a drinking fountain and accessible parking.

Tails & Trails Dog Park: Ample parking, fencing and seating make this park the perfect place for you and your pet. The park contains agility equipment, drinking fountains and three separate sections for dogs of different sizes.

Waggin Trail Dog Park: This beloved park in North Kansas City includes a walking trail, an agility course and three tunnel runs. Dogs of all sizes will enjoy the two separate play areas, and owners will appreciate the benches and accessible water fountains.

Wayside Waifs Bark Park: This five acres of fenced, off-leash park features agility equipment, lights, drinking water, trees and benches. A membership is required for entry.

Liberty Dog Park: Three fenced areas separate dogs by size in Stocksdale Park’s off-leash area. The park includes an agility course, a fire hydrant, a water spigot and benches.

Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park: This park’s fencing and double-gated entries provide top-notch security for your pet.

Larger dogs can chase each other across the main play area, and smaller dogs can play in a separate section just for them.

Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park:

Among the many amenities in Swope Park is an off-leash area for dogs. The park contains separate areas for larger and smaller breeds.

I have a senior Chihuahua and she lost her dog companion in March of this year. Since then, she sits in front of me and stares at me most of the day. She and her companion used to play and do zoomies a couple of times a day, but now he is gone. I am disabled and limited with how much I can play with her. She does not like to go outside or on walks and has some medical issues. Every afternoon at the same time, she starts shaking and panting and just stares. Is there something that I can do to make her feel more comfortable and get over her grief?

- Lisa Vandiver

I am so sorry to both of you for your loss. This breaks my heart for you both. My first recommendation is to get her checked out by a veterinarian to see why she is shaking, just in case it is something medical. Here are some tips on helping depression in dogs:

1) Develop a new routine, like a new exercise plan or increasing play sessions

2) Increase her socialization with others, such as friends coming over or playing with other animals

3) Teach her a new trick, even if she is an old girl

4) Walks will give her enrichment

5) Give her a variety of new treats if her tummy can manage it

6) Puzzles feeders with treats for mental stimulation

7) Doggy day care might be fun for her

8) There are behavior medications to help if it gets worse.

Even if she does not like walking and prefers

you to carry her around outside for walks, this is still enriching and will give her other things to do, smell, see, and focus on. I would encourage you to have friends, family, or neighbors come over to help provide socialization and play for your kiddo if you are unable to do it. - Ashley

Flores, CPDT-KA

My two-year-old Maltipoo does fine on neighborhood walks until he comes near another dog or a human walker goes by. Then he goes berserk. He pulls, lunges and snarls until they pass. We have tried putting him in the sit or down position when we see a dog approaching but he breaks from the position when the dog gets nearby. We do the same thing when a human approaches and sometimes it works. He stays in position and we reward him, but this doesn’t work 100%. Any suggestions? It is getting embarrassing to walk him with all the drama.

over the distance of others around, then I recommend doing this near a fenced yard with a dog behind it—that way you can manage how close you are away from the other dog. You can always recruit a friend to stay at a distance and move on your command if you need help. Keep moving during your walks and act like it’s no big deal when you come across another pet or human. If you stop and make a big deal, it will just get worse. Distracting your dog through training as much as you can to hold their focus is key while he learns the new routine. This is a lengthy topic and there are a lot of online resources for more suggestions. -

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

- Kevin Carril

This is a normal behavior that many dogs display, and it is called barrier frustration. There are numerous reasons animals become frustrated on leash during walks, such as fear, high arousal, or boredom. The first step is to desensitize your dog to the stimuli nearby by walking at a farther distance from whatever may trigger your pup and redirecting them away with treats or toys. Once you know how far you can get from another pet or person without him going berserk, work on training and rewarding him at that distance, then slowly get closer. Make sure his focus is on you and reward him for his good behavior. If you do not have control

I came to Great Plains SPCA after I was found lost and alone. I was pretty overwhelmed when I first arrived at the shelter, but I’ve now got a bunch of friends and am much more comfortable. I’m a big girl with big love to give. I’m smart too! I already know sit and down and it would be great if you to teach me more.

If you would like to know more about Connie, please contact our Adoptions Team

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO HAVE A GREAT RETURN TO SCHOOL

PARENTS: Summer has wound down, and now it’s back-to-school time. Preparing for the first days of the new year will yield benefits for both you and your children.

Tips to Reduce Anxiety

It’s perfectly normal for both children and parents to experience some anxiety before the start of a new or first school year. After all, what the new year will be like is unknown unless you have a crystal ball. Don’t borrow trouble by anticipating what could go wrong. And be sure not to voice your concerns to your children, which could add to any anxiety they may have. Instead, discuss any worries you may have with other adults. And certainly talk to your children about what excites them and what worries them about the new year while expressing empathy and encouragement.

All children are likely to have some anxiety about facing new teachers and classmates. The best antidote to this is preparation, which will make the first days of school much easier. Here are some things you need to do:

• Make sure your children are familiar with the environment of any new school, whether they are entering preschool, elementary, middle or high school. Quite often it is possible for children to visit schools and see where their classrooms, library, gym or lockers will be. This is most important for young children. However, just a drive by the school or walk around the outside of the building can be reassuring for older children.

• Perhaps the easiest way to reduce any anxiety your children may have about returning or entering

school is to help them reconnect with friends. Having a buddy to talk over the upcoming year and even possibly go to school together the first day can be extremely helpful.

• Make sure plans are in place for how your children will get to school and where they will be after school—and that your children know what these plans are. Also, have contingency plans if afterschool plans cannot be followed on a given day.

Checklist of Other Things to Do

• Review how the children will handle homework— times, places and rules. (A contract can help.)

• Establish the number of activities your children will pursue. Have a realistic cap on the number.

• Establish a routine that gets the children out the door promptly and without too many reminders.

• Discuss with the school nurse or administration any medical conditions or allergies that they should know about.

• Read the school handbook if you have been given one, so you are aware of attendance, dress and behavior policies.

• Think long and hard about the need to establish any rules about the time spent on electronic devices.

• Discuss with the children whether they will be buying or taking lunch.

• The older your children are, the more they should be involved in establishing the routines that work for them.

FIVETHINGS

Coffee Creamer

I like a splash of flavored creamer in my morning cup of coffee. In an effort to try to reduce both seed oils and ingredients I can’t pronounce, I set out to find an alternative to my usual brand. I came across Chobani creamers and like so many things about them! Not only do they contain a very few ingredients, but also have great flavors that taste yummy. One thing I dislike is the pour spout. I drip all over the container every single time—but that flaw alone hasn’t stopped me from enjoying! Check out my current favorite flavor, cookies and cream! Available at local retailers.

The Hiding Place

I’ve heard Corrie ten Boom quoted many times but had never known much about her, so I decided to get her book, The Hiding Place, from the library. Wow! It’s a fantastic and inspirational read. Taking place during WWII, it’s the story of what happened to her and her family during the war. Not only is what she—and so many others—endured just mindboggling, but her faith is so inspirational. To see how God worked in her life during this time is just incredible. I’m going to purchase the book so I can reread it. I highly recommend! Available through the library and local bookstores.

Jumble Word Game

LOVE

5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

In honor of my last column, here’s the five best of the best from throughout the years!

I love words, so I’m guessing it’s no coincidence that both my career and my free time activity of choice revolve around words. When I have a few minutes of downtime, I love to play Jumble word games. In fact, I keep a copy in my car, one in my bedroom, one in the family room and one in the kitchen so I can pick up and solve a few scrambled word problems any time! Great for when you are pool- or oceanside! PennyDellPuzzles.com

Flower Planters

Zum Lip Balm

A few years back I was introduced to Zum Kiss lip balms, and they quickly became my favorite to help soothe dry lips. A friend recently gifted me a few, which is good, because I like to keep one in my purse, in the car, next to my bed—pretty much always within reach. I’ve got wild tangerine and grapefruit, and not only do they smell tropical, but they make your lips super smooth. My girls love them as well! And they’ve been a hit with every recipient I’ve gifted them to! IndigoWild.com

I don’t have a green thumb, and digging in the dirt isn’t my cup of tea, but I do like pretty plants and flowers and having a yard that looks nice. Enter Family Tree Nursery. For the past few years, I’ve gotten the loveliest pots filled with beautiful flowers for the front of our house from Family Tree Nursery. The arrangements are spectacular, and I receive many compliments. Although I don’t love working in the yard, I do manage to keep them alive all season. And they offer workshops to create your own planters throughout the year!

FamilyTreeNursery.com

Before the Beginning

“Are you ready to go, Patrick?” His first day of school, an adventure that would last him for the next 13 years of his life, lay before him, and I couldn’t tell who was more excited, him, his mother or me.

“Yeah.” His focus remained on the bus stop. First-time nerves kept him fidgeting until the first group of students left their home across the street and climbed down their steps toward the curb.

“Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!” He darted through the door to his older friends. Within minutes, seven young scholars climbed onto the bus, and Patrick’s mother wiped tears from her eyes as she watched.

The next day, his behavior changed. Patrick dragged his heels at every step until we had to force him to go to the bus stop.

It got worse. “I promise I’ll be good.” Tears ran down his cheeks. “Just let me play in my room.”

According to a note from his teacher, Patrick was simply not prepared. No one told us in 1979 that preschool was a prerequisite, so we relied on our own childhood experience where school started at kindergarten. We couldn’t have been more wrong.

Should we pull him out of school and send him to preschool we couldn’t afford? Or do we force him to attend now and risk developing a lasting hatred of academics?

Mike, a neighbor five years older than Patrick, liked him and offered to help. By the end of the first week’s intense instruction, Patrick’s attitude toward school had changed. By the end of the second week, he’d caught up.

“Dad,” Patrick said after his tutoring had ended, “Can I be the first at the bus stop today?”

“Sure, Bub, but only if you stay five steps away from the street. I’ll watch from over here.”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

SAVE TIME WITH SWEET, SAVORY, SALTY SNACKS

(Family Features)

work, social commitments, kids’ activities and the daily grind can take over schedules and wreak havoc on your opportunities to sit at the table for meals. As your calendar seems to fill up with meetings, family occasions and more, you might just find yourself skipping breakfast or lunch and opting for filling snacks instead.

In fact, according to the International Food Information Council’s 2022 Food and Health Survey, 75% of Americans snack at least once per day. Whether it’s forgoing breakfast at home for a bite on the go or powering up with an afternoon morsel, one flavor favorite and nutritional powerhouse you can turn to is the pecan.

You can add some sweetness to your day with this Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate, a fruity, nutty, chocolatey twist on traditional trail mix that can be ready in less than half an hour. If a saltier treat is more your speed, consider this Salty Pecan Snack Mix for a graband-go breakfast as you head out the door or an easy way to keep hunger at bay in the afternoon.

Find more sweet and savory recipe inspiration at EatPecans.com.

PECAN SNACK MIX WITH CRANBERRIES AND CHOCOLATE

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time

1 c. pecan halves

1 c. rice squares cereal (wheat or cinnamon)

1/2 c. pretzels

2 T. unsalted butter

1 T. brown sugar

1 1/2 T. pure maple syrup

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/2 c. dark chocolate chips

In large, microwave-safe bowl, add pecans, rice squares cereal and pretzels. In small, microwave-safe bowl, add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt and nutmeg. Microwave butter mixture 1-2 minutes until melted then pour over dry mix. Toss well to combine.

Microwave snack mix in 45-second intervals, about four to five intervals total, until mix is fragrant, golden and toasty.

Cool mix completely then stir in cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 15

2 c. rice squares cereal

1 c. rolled oats

1 c. unsweetened coconut

1/3 c. honey

1/4 c. coconut oil

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. butter

2 c. chopped pecans

1 c. oyster crackers

SNACK MIX

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In bowl, add rice squares cereal, oats and unsweetened coconut.

In small saucepan over medium heat, add honey, coconut oil, cinnamon and salt. Stir until mixture starts to boil then pour over snack mix and stir until well combined.

Transfer to baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.

In saucepan over medium heat, add butter. Stir until butter browns then add chopped pecans and oyster crackers. Turn heat to low and stir while pecans roast.

Remove snack mix from oven and add brown butter pecan and cracker mixture; stir to combine.

SALTY PECAN

SWEET ’N’ SALTY POPCORN

For more kid-friendly recipes to get the whole family involved in the kitchen, visit Popcorn.org.

12 Guilty Pleasures That Combat Stress

My mother-in-law’s favorite saying is “The secret to a happy life is lots of small treats.” If you’re like many busy moms, you may think taking time to treat yourself is an indulgence you can’t afford. But consider this: When you nurture your spirit, you decrease stress and boost your happiness, creating a domino effect throughout your family.

“Guilty pleasures are very important if they are done in moderation,” says Laura Murphy, founder and president of Real Families Inc., which provides marriage, parent and financial coaching. “Self-care is crucial to being the best ... you can be. Putting yourself last is not healthy.”

SCHEDULE MINI-MOMENTS. Schedule time for yourself each week on the calendar. Take a walk or join a yoga or dance class.

“Look for ways each day that you can have ‘mini-moments’ that give you energy,” Murphy says, “such as a 10-minute power nap, reading a magazine for 15 minutes (or) calling up a friend just to share a good joke— laughter is a great indulgence!”

PLAY. Dee Kauffman plays puzzle games on her Nintendo DS to relax. “I feel ... mentally fine-tuned. It’s a way to use my brain in a nonstressful way and helps me unwind after those long days,” she says. “I may be the only house on the block where the kids do not

have a handheld game system, but Mom does!”

In fact, studies show that video games, board games and mind puzzlers, like crosswords and sudoku, are excellent ways to reduce stress and improve brain function and memory. Researchers at the University of Rochester report that video games also improve players’ abilities in everyday life like driving, multitasking and quicker decision-making.

HEALING TOUCH. Self-care, whether you spend a full day at the spa or sneak in a quick hand or foot massage, can brighten your mood, boost your self-esteem and help you feel beautiful and relaxed. According to a study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Swedish massage in particular reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body and boosts immunity by increasing white blood cells, which fight infection and disease.

WATCH TV. Television can take you out of your own reality, allowing you to indulge in other people’s dramas. Kasey Weidman sets aside every Thursday night to watch Project Runway alone in the “grown-up room” (her formal living room) with a frozen mojito in hand.

READ. About once or twice a month, following a hectic evening of extracurricular activities and homework, Caroline Winkler spends the next morning reading in bed after her kids leave for school. “(Reading) takes you out of yourself and your daily concerns and brings you back refreshed and ready for more,” she says.

GET CREATIVE. Try your hand at scrapbooking, sewing, knitting or cooking. Even if you feel creatively challenged, the act of focusing your attention completely on a project is meditative and calming. Need ideas? Check out continuing education classes, craft or pottery places or Pinterest.

INDULGE YOUR SENSE OF SMELL. Aromatherapy, which is the use of natural essential plant oils like lavender, clary sage and geranium, plays a subtle

role in influencing mood and physical well-being. Some hospitals integrate aromatherapy to create a more healing environment. Something as simple as the smell of cookies baking, for example, provides sick patients, anxious families and busy staff with a homey scent and a warm, delicious treat.

CATCH UP OVER COFFEE. Join a friend for a cup of coffee and conversation. Socializing with a friend is good for your emotional health, boosting your levels of oxytocin, a natural hormone that decreases stress anxiety. And enjoyed in moderation, coffee is an antioxidant-rich drink. Research reveals that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 diabetes and liver cancer.

RETAIL THERAPY. Shop for yourself whether bargain hunting or, as Murphy suggests, indulging in a day dream. “Go into a very nice dress shop and just start trying on clothes. Think of the places you would dream of wearing it––Paris? San Francisco? London?”

EAT OUT. Plan a special dinner out with friends or your family. Jennifer Gouteriez treats her family to a once-amonth dinner at an expensive, non-chain restaurant. “Fine dinner with a bottle of wine––$30 to $50 a plate.” She says after working hard all month, the special dinner is a way to treat herself and her family while also trying something new.

TAKE A HIKE. Exercise is good for your body and lifts your mood. If you can, take your fitness routine outdoors and you’ll reap even greater benefits. A recent Japanese study found that time spent among plants and trees improves the body’s immune function while also reducing blood pressure and lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS. If you can swing it, escape for a day. Rebecca Rowley, who lives in Colorado, plans a once-a-year, late-season ski day with a friend following a demanding week spent with her children over spring break. The day restores her sense of adventure. “I like having time for myself and I think that it is good to know that my family will be fine for a day without me and that they appreciate it when I’m around,” she says.

Whatever you do, sprinkle your life with small treats to add a sense of delight to those otherwise routine days. After all, as Murphy says, “Taking care of yourself so that you are revived, energized and ready to lead your busy family is one of the best gifts you can give your family.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is an Olathe freelance writer and mom of two sons. Her favorite guilty pleasure is bingewatching shows with quirky characters.

keeping kidssafe in public places

The kids are off school just a little longer. The weather is nice. Summer comes with more activities for everyone—but’s it’s prime time for events specially geared toward families and kids. Opportunities abound for fun things like water parks and big outdoor events, plus the usuals, like the zoo and park. Unfortunately, all the warm weather fun also means sizeable crowds.

It’s important to keep kids safe in public places. There are a few ways you can help do so beforehand. Have a plan and make it a regular conversation. Do not let the first time you talk about safety in a public place be right before a large event!

How to prepare your child for a public place

It’s important to prepare your child before entering a public place. Children as young as 2 can practice their own names.

Knowing their parents’ full names and what to do if they get lost is an important aspect of staying safe in public. Older children can learn their parents’ phone numbers and their address. They can also help monitor their younger siblings in large crowds. Practice identifying “tricky” people with your child. Often, children assume all strangers are unsafe. In contrast, they assume all familiar adults are safe adults— but neither always holds true. Talk to your child about unsafe or uncomfortable situations. These are conversations you should always have. Work them into everyday language, without making it scary or a big deal.

Reassure your child you have strategies in place for both yourself and them if something were to happen.

What to do if they get lost

A parent—or child—never wants to think about what will happen if they get

separated from each other. Unfortunately, things can happen. Equip your children with strategies to use if they get separated from their caretakers.

Some helpful tips include:

• Stay where they last saw you. If you are looking for a child, it’s faster to go back to the last place you were together. This cuts down on the time the child is missing.

• Find the closest employee. If a child gets lost at a zoo or theme park, you want a fast solution. The fastest and safest way for them to be found is to go to the first employee they see. Teach your child to look for someone wearing a certain uniform or with a name tag.

• If they cannot locate an employee, a child should locate the closest adult. Often, a mother or father with children is a reliable choice.

For the parent of a child who gets lost in public: Be loud.

Things can happen quickly, especially with smaller children. And if there’s any time to shout and draw attention, it’s now. Yell identifiers about your child into a crowd. For example, “I am looking for a small boy with a blue shirt and black sweatpants! He has curly brown hair and white shoes!”

This allows your child to hear you shouting. It also quickly gets others involved in looking for your youngster. If something dangerous has happened or if the child simply has walked off, you want as much attention on you and the child as possible. You also want as many people as you can to help look for them.

Practical ways to stay safe in public

As parents, we always need to be aware while in public. Awareness prevents certain things from happening. And in safety, it’s often easier to stay aware and get ahead of possibly unsafe circumstances. We can’t always be with our children. When we are, we want to rule out any potential hazards beforehand.

By staying vigilant when we enter a situation, we can listen to our intuition. If we find ourselves in a potentially unsafe situation, we can choose to leave. Practical knowledge is important, but it’s also important to trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it may not be. Ways for parents to keep themselves and their children safe in public:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Note the crowd, exits, where you parked your car, time of day and more.

• Have a plan. What will you do if you get separated? Where will you meet up?

• Identify what a child is wearing before the event. Write it down, take a picture, make a mental note or tell someone else.

Ways for a child to stay safe in public:

• Don’t talk to strangers.

• Be familiar with the area or don’t separate from the parent.

• Know important information in case of separation.

• Check in often with a parent or caregiver.

• Know what the caretaker is wearing.

• Have a plan: What will you do if you get separated? Where and when will you meet up?

Important information for your child to know

As your children grow, they can remember important information to keep them safe. Things like your full name and phone number as well as basic strategies to keep them safe. Practice learning important phone numbers often and incorporate them into casual conversations so that they become deeply ingrained. When times of stress occur, children are more likely to remember things they’ve memorized. If they’ve been practicing a phone number for months or years, they’ll be able to recall it automatically.

Continue the conversation

It’s important to teach your children what to do if they get lost. As hard as it may be, talk through uncomfortable situations—age appropriately, of course. And remember to continue the conversation you’ve begun about being safe in a public place. It’s less jarring for kids to have these conversations more than once.

Part of parenting is keeping everyone safe when you go to activities. Make sure a conversation about safety happens often, not just before the event happens. This way, before you go to a large event or even just everyday public outings, you can simply jog your kids’ memories rather than spring weighty information on them. Remind your children how to be safe and alert everywhere they go. This equips them to make safe decisions when you’re not with them.

It’s important to keep kids safe in public places. There are a few ways you can help do so beforehand. Have a plan and make it a regular conversation. Don’t let the first time you talk about safety be right before a large event!

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri, where she lives with her husband and two small children.

Chances are your kid will attend dozens of birthday parties over the course of the next few years. At even $10 a pop for a gift, that can really add up. Now think of all the gifts that come into your own home for birthdays and other holidays. Picture at least half of that stuff eventually going into a landfill or to charity. Talk about a bunch of wasted money! So I’m proposing a radical idea: the no-gift birthday party. You’ll have a lot less cleanup, and the other parents just might thank you. Try it just once and see what you think! Here are some ideas:

THE NO-GIFT BIRTHDAY PARTY

3 Cook up some fun at a place where kids can cook. Businesses like this often offer birthday parties where kids can make their own pizzas or decorate their own little cakes.

4 Have a party at a cool place like a nature center and ask for donations. Jaime Perreca, mom of four, says, “More parents are saying ‘no gifts, please’ or are doing a donation thing. We went to a party last month at a nature center and were asked to donate money. Most families put in $10-20. The nature center was SO happy to have our donation.”

1

Instead of giving your child a birthday gift or even a party, consider giving an experience. Ideas include a trip to an indoor or outdoor amusement park, the zoo or an escape room.

5 Go to a shop where the kids can paint their own pottery creation, which is super fun. Then have cake and ice cream bars.

2

For very young children, consider giving just one fun gift from you and ask everyone else to gift money for a savings account. I know my babies were too young to care about gifts, but they sure are proud of the money they already have saved for their future.

6 Ask guests to bring an item from home or even a new book or toy for charity. Your child will get a kick out of taking donations to a local center that helps those in need.

Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five. Check out her adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.

fun and frugal summer birthday ideas

By Margaret Sarver

Hire some help Hire a couple of local teens/babysitters to help with the party. While you are keeping the kids entertained, the teens can help with cleanup! If you have games, ask the teens to teach the younger kids how to play.

Games Games are an integral part of the party! Instead of going out and purchasing all new games, try setting up “game stations” with board games that you already own. Invite parents of the kids over to help supervise. Rotate stations once each game is complete. Cute idea: Make a version of “Guess Who” using photos of kids attending the party.

Make your cake (and eat it, too) Try hosting a make-yourcupcake/cake party. Guests can help design and bake their own sweet treats. It acts as both the activity and the dessert for the kids and adults!

Location, location Have the party in your backyard. If it’s hot, bring out the sprinklers and enjoy frozen summer treats like ice cream and cool drinks. Cute idea: Set up a makeyour-own-sundae station.

Make your own piñata A popular birthday item for kids’ parties is often a piñata. Instead of spending money on a storemade piñata, have the kids at the party make their own piñata using balloons or paper bags and help them stuff it themselves. It’s cost effective for you and more fun for them!

Arts and crafts Set up an arts and crafts station for the guests. You can stock it with leftover items from craft projects and supplement with a few dollar store buys. From paper bag puppets to clay creations and bead jewelry, crafting is fun for all ages and allows for guests to take home their masterpieces at the end of the party.

If you have kids’ parties this summer, there is no reason that you have to break your bank to throw a great party that kids will never forget!

Pirate Month

Sailing the seven seas, fighting sea monsters, searching for buried treasure … the adventure, the mystery, the loot! Children love tales of pirate adventures. This summer, take your buccaneers on an adventure in Kansas City.

Pirate-Themed Adventures

Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun: Ride the Sea Dragon at Worlds of Fun ... one of the most fun giant swings you’ll ever experience. The Fury of the Nile, Viking Voyager, Flying Dutchman and Nordic Chaser also feature boats. With waves of fun from mild to wild, Oceans of Fun offers amazing fun for everyone in the family. Extreme water slides appeal to thrill seekers, and kiddos love our pintsized slides, geysers and fountains at Crocodile Isle.

Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter: This indoor attraction is a young child’s dream come true. With tunnel play, rock wall climbing, giant slides and a pirate ship ride, kids have a blast at Kanga’s. The Pirate Ship Ride, a classic carnival ride, offers a gentle swing and is a great introduction to amusement rides for kids.

Sea Life Kansas City: This attraction transports guests into an amazing underwater world with up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures! Walk through the

180-degree underwater tunnel, come face to fin with sharks and rescued sea turtles, and explore more than 12 breathtaking exhibits. Stingray Bay, Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Doodle Reef, an interactive exhibit where kids design their own fish, are favorites.

Play on a Pirate Ship

Several parks in the metro offer wonderful pirate shipthemed playgrounds for kids. These are perfect settings for parties and everyday play.

Olathe’s Frontier Park is the home of a pirate ship playscape. This park is guaranteed to capture the imagination of your little buccaneers!

Shawnee’s Listowel Park is known as “Pirate’s Park” among neighborhood kids. The playground is equipped with a pirate ship with a captain’s wheel, flag and sails.

Lee’s Summit’s Williams-Grant Park features a pirate ship playground.

Captain Kidd’s at Oceans of Fun

Easing Doctor’s Office Anxiety

As babies, our children look to us when they need immunizations or go to a wellness check with a doctor. Our demeanor and reaction set the stage for the rest of their lives. Calmness, smiles, rewards of stickers or an ice cream cone are all ways we can make sure the dentist’s or doctor’s office is not a scary place, but a fun outing.

As your tot gets a little older, a good way to ease apprehensions about the actual doctor’s visit is to go ahead and call the office to ask whether you and your child can come by to just say hi. Even if you have been going to the same doctor since your child was born, it does not hurt to ease the tension.

On that visit, bring along some freshbaked cookies or some flowers. The staff will enjoy that, and your child will understand that these are his friends. The idea behind this is if you do something nice

for someone, it makes you and your child feel good and creates a positive experience instead of a negative one. Plus, when you actually have that appointment, the staff will remember you!

On that note, go ahead and take a tour of the office during this ice-breaker visit, so the doctor can show your child the exam room. If the pediatrician is busy, simply ask when a good time would be. Most of these doctors are happy to oblige. You might even take some photos of the office tour and create an album to leaf through together while you talk to your little one about the upcoming appointment. Be sure to ask before you take any pictures, though.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking photos, draw some simple pictures. Draw your child sitting in the waiting room, sitting on the exam table and wearing the bandage on his arm after a shot.

Books about visiting the doctor are plentiful. The website SheGotGuts.com has some great suggestions! Try Biscuit Visits the Doctor, Corduroy Goes to the Doctor and Daniel Visits the Doctor. The library can offer many suggestions, too.

Another great idea is to get a toy doctor’s kit, and play doctor with your child. Let your child pretend to be the doctor and fix up you or her stuffed animals. Then switch roles— she acts as if she is the patient, and you are the doctor. This helps her learn what the doctor’s tools do and that they don’t hurt.

Go ahead and write down your child’s height and weight measurement at home before your appointment. This is quite helpful, as you can find a playful way to get your child to stand on your scale at home, which relieves some of the stress on you to try to get your child to cooperate at the doctor’s office. You can still encourage your child to get weighed and measured at the doctor’s office, but if he fights you and the doctor on it, you will have an approximate measurement to share with the doctor, if necessary.

Try to create a checklist of exactly what happens at the doctor’s office as a visual for your child to know what happens next. For example, make a chart and draw pictures then put it on the fridge or your child’s

bathroom mirror, so she can visualize what will happen. List things like check in, play quietly in the waiting room, follow the nurse into the exam room, get weighed on the scale, etc.

Be sure to validate your child’s feelings. Avoid saying, “It will be fine. There is nothing to be afraid of.” Instead, try, “I understand how you feel. I was really nervous before my doctor’s appointment last week, but I am glad I went. Going to the doctor is how to stay healthy.”

If your child is still worrying, try asking questions to help him pinpoint and manage his fears: “Let’s go over everything that is going to happen tomorrow. Stop me when we get to something that sounds scary.”

Remember, your anxiety rubs off on your child. If you have questions, don’t ask them in front of your child. Ask to speak to the doctor while your child is getting checked in. This gives the doctor a heads up about your concerns before the appointment begins.

For some children, being a part of the process is a great help. For example, ask the doctor whether your child can hold the stethoscope or thermometer. And bring distractions. It would be great if your child could be seen on time all the time, but it’s more likely you’ll be spending some time in the waiting room. Have your child choose a favorite game or book to bring along to help keep her mind occupied.

Even though going to the doctor is not something your child enjoys, it’s a necessary part of staying healthy for life. Helping children develop tools and resilience to manage anxiety will make future visits less stressful for you and them.

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: StirTheWonder.com, ChildMind.org

THE HIDDEN POWER OF

LAUGHTER

We’ve all heard the adage that laughter is the best medicine. But does laughing actually have health benefits?

It does!

Some studies show that laughing has real health benefits. These benefits include increasing the circulation of antibodies in the bloodstream, reducing stress hormones and pain, as well as improving general mood. We could all use an extra dose of laughter!

The benefits of laughter

Yes, cardio and a good workout will help your heart. But did you know that when you laugh, your heart rate increases? Heavier laughter causes deeper breaths. Taking deeper breaths increases your heart rate even more. It might not be a rigorous 7-mile run, but it’s something! A few boisterous laughs to help prevent heart disease? Yes, please. The benefits of laughter aren’t just limited to heart health, though. Laughing can help keep us healthy in many ways.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s article “Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke,” laughter has both long-term and short-term benefits.

Short-term benefits of laughter:

• Relieves tension.

• Activates and relieves your stress response.

• Stimulates organs.

Laughter is beneficial to us right now, so get to it! Laughing in your day-to-day activities can help relieve your stress and tension. It can even help in relationships and in the workplace.

Long-term benefits of laughter:

• Improves your mood.

• Helps heart health.

• Helps with pain relief.

• Increases satisfaction.

• Benefits mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The long-term benefits of laughing are impactful. Laughing more benefits us not just physically, but mentally too. It helps us live in a more fulfilling way and truly helps contribute to a better quality of life.

The world is full of things that make us smile. Notice those things. They could even make you healthier in more ways than one!

Kids and the benefits of laughter

Kids are always laughing. And we parents can facilitate even more of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the mundane of parenthood— work, chores, errands, cleaning, maintaining a house and family—and forget how important having fun and letting loose with our kids is.

Even though it’s the most basic practice, laughter doesn’t always come as easily to parents as it does to kids. It’s easy to forget to laugh and have fun with our kids. We’re all guilty of it. Let’s make some intentional time to laugh with them every day. Check out these helpful ways to gear up the giggles. Ways to laugh more with our kids:

• Buy a joke book.

• Try silly challenges.

• See who can make the silliest faces.

• Play tickle monster.

• See who can make the best accent.

• Guess that sound/smell.

• Watch a funny video.

• See who can keep a straight face the longest.

• Play charades.

• Do some silly tongue-twisters.

• Take silly pictures.

In the age of technology, we have plenty of access to filters and ways to alter pictures. Kids usually think silly phone filters are pretty hilarious. Adults, too.

Can you lick your elbow? Or figure out what someone is saying with a mouth full of marshmallows? These things may sound silly, but that’s the point! Let loose. Make funny faces or noises. Don’t be afraid to be silly with your kids.

After all, it’s good for you!

Does laughter have to be genuine to be beneficial?

Studies show even fake laughing can bring the benefits of actually laughing. In fact, more often than not, fake laughing leads to genuine smiles. Even if you’re just being supportive of a cheesy joke. The muscles used to smile or laugh tell our brain to feel those things. So much so that even a forced smile can trick our brains.

Even if our brain doesn’t realize we’re just pretending, it still reaps the health benefits of actual laughter. In this case, fake it till you make it, right?

How to laugh more

By now, you know that laughter is really some excellent medicine. You know ways we can laugh more with our kids, and that laughter really has some power to make us feel happier, healthier and more at ease. But especially on days we don’t want to, how can we laugh more?

Be intentional

Tell yourself that you’re going to laugh out loud at least once a day then make it happen. And remember, even if you have to fake it, that still counts.

Ask a friend to help

Chances are you’re not alone in your struggle to laugh more. Don’t feel silly! Make a plan or a pact with a friend to check in with each other on how your goal to laugh more is going. Maybe even make a plan to do your laughing together. Start with a smile

Are you getting dressed for the morning? Do it smiling. In the grocery store? Smile at three people. Waiting for the microwave? Smile at your reflection. It may feel silly, but smiling is the gateway to laughter—and you have to start somewhere!

Spend some time watching other people being funny

Instead of just scrolling your social media feed, try watching a funny video. Search for some stand-up comedy routines and watch those. Some people make a living being funny so that you’ll laugh more.

Be more present

Most of the time, there are funny things happening around us. Maybe we just miss them. So put down your phone. Take some deep breaths. Dinner and chores will still be there waiting.

Enjoy where you’re at and be ready and willing to laugh—with your kids, at your dog, over a stranger (Just maybe don’t tell them you’re laughing at them—that’d be embarrassing!). The world is full of things that make us smile. Notice those things. They could even make you healthier in more ways than one!

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri. She lives with her husband and two small children and could definitely stand to laugh a little more.

HELPING KIDS MAKEfriends

Making friends is one of the best things about attending school, from preschool on. Naturally, children gravitate toward certain personalities they find appealing. For example, if your locker partner likes sports as you do, you might forge ahead and be friends for life. Or, if you’re sitting at your lunch table and notice someone else has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich exactly like yours, you may laugh over it together.

Sometimes, though, we parents may have to give a little nudge, such as when the family moves to a new city or school. When

we moved away from Kansas City to our new home in the suburbs, I actually held onto friends from that city neighborhood and even drove my kiddos to the preschool a half-hour away because I wanted them to have the same teachers!

When I finally relented and made the move in my own mind, I called upon a local puppeteer, Paul Mesner, and he came and put on a show in our new living room. I invited all the neighbor kids, which involved knocking on doors and meeting other parents. This was a great way to put kids together in a fun setting before they got on the school bus together. All those children are still friends with my now-grown son and daughter, and the moms I connected with remain my friends today. We actually called ourselves the Ya-Ya Sisters back then! Seeing us be friends to each other rubbed off on my kids, and they rode bikes, had birthday parties and swam in our neighborhood pool together with all those who attended that introductory puppet show! Getting children to relax and open up is the key. A birthday party for our two dogs is another way I brought kids together. The guests all brought their dogs, and we had a baby pool full of water and even a doggie birthday cake.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that, “making friends is one of the most important missions of middle childhood, a social skill that will endure throughout their lives.”

Friendships help children develop emotionally and morally and boost social skills. Kids learn to communicate with others, and healthy friendships can be instrumental in helping them learn to control their emotions and express their feelings constructively. There is even research that indicates having these types of friendships may help deter bullies, and when bullying does happen, positive friendships may provide a protective barrier. Good friends can teach kids how to collaborate with others.

Some children do struggle socially and have trouble making and keeping friends. There are many ways you can help them navigate their social world and build high quality friendships.

If you are not sure whether your child has friends, talk to his teachers and learn how he interacts with other kids at school. You can ask your child about his friendships to get a better idea of how well he’s making friends.

Whether your child is shy or a real outgoing talker, your encouragement is key

Not every child is gifted at making friends, and that is OK. Making and keeping friends is a skill that can be learned, and with a little effort, bravery and patience, your child will soon have a buddy or two to spend time with.

Being on a sports team or taking dance class together brings like-minded kids together. When they are participating in the same things, friendships often result. Remember not to overschedule an introverted child, though.

Foster communication skills. From taking turns while talking to asking questions about others, learning how to start and maintain conversations with others is a skill your child will need to refine. Until kids learn how to naturally take cues from others when having a conversation, equip them with questions they can ask, such as, “What do you do for fun?” or “Do you have any pets?”

You can also use television shows as illustrations of how people have friendly conversations. Point out things like body language, tone of voice and pauses in conversation. Role-playing conversations can help children get the practice they need.

Teach kindness. Your child could make cookies for a friend whose pet is sick or send a card to someone who lost a loved one. And, as mentioned before, when kids are engaged in groups or activities that are exciting and interesting to them, the pressure to meet and talk with other new people is minimized. Not only are they doing something they like to do, they are surrounded by other people who feel the same way they do.

If your child continues to struggle with making friends, try observing what happens when she interacts with other kids. Is she too bossy, clingy, aggressive, aloof, touchy or simply too shy to build friendships? If your child seems to annoy other kids, you can help her identify why. Be sure not to shame your child or make her feel bad for who she is. Just explain that she may want to find other ways to connect with the friend. Having trouble with friendships can also be a sign of depression, a learning disability, stress or even bullying. Not being able to make and keep friends can be an important clue that your child needs help from a

medical professional. Your pediatrician, a child psychologist or counselor are good resources.

Learn to identify who is a good friend and who might not have your child’s interest at heart. Having this skill can end up saving a lot of heartache in the end and help kids find the right friends for them.

The book The House at Pooh Corner, written by A.A. Milne, is a great way to share with your young child the meaning of friendship:

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh!” he whispered.

“Yes, Piglet?”

“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”

An avid outdoors girl, 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: VeryWellFamily.com, GoodReads.com.

DIY Back-to-School Custom Notebooks

It’s so hard to believe it’s already time to get ready for back to school! Get in the spirit with some super easy and yet super fun customized notebooks!

Step one: Select a blank notebook and decide on your design. We chose both the letter D and a square. Any letters or shapes make a great design.

Step two: Draw the design on the cardboard using the pencil. We used a sticky note as pattern for the square.

Step three: Cut out the design and center the design on your chosen notebook

Step four: Pressing down on your design, trace your design onto the notebook with the Sharpie. My children chose to make a dot pattern around their designs.

Step five: We chose to dot the Sharpie about an inch out from the center of their designs and then make the dots kind of fade toward the edge of the notebook.

Step six: To avoid smudging, allow to air dry for several minutes before touching the marker.

Step seven: Repeat as many times as you want with as many notebooks and designs as you like! We loved this simple craft and made several for each of our big kids for school and one for each of their teachers for the fall!

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.

For even more great craft ideas, log onto KCParent.com!

Materials needed:

• Blank notebooks

• Sharpies (We used silver and gold.)

• Old cardboard or card stock (We tried with regular paper—it’s doable but not as easy.)

• Pencil

• Scissors

School Bus Photo Frame Pencil Creatures

DIY Crayon Shoes

BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN

Back to school means back to a normal routine, and I think most of us welcome the change. So how do we prep our families for this transition? We’ll do the brainstorming, so you can check things off your list and sail smoothly into the next season.

First of all, schedule those backto-school physicals and well visits for school registrations and upcoming sports and activities. Some doctor’s offices offer school physicals in a quicker time frame than a full well visit, so see what works best for your situation and get it scheduled soon. Now would also be a good time to look ahead to see when your child’s next dentist, orthodontist and ophthalmologist appointments are as you prepare your fall calendar. It’s also a good time to check the school district’s calendar for days school is out, so you can schedule childcare or camps for those days. If your child is in any fall activities, add those dates to the calendar while you’re at it—and maybe even look ahead to the holidays and mark special dates to be sure you don’t overlook anything as time seems to warp during the holiday season.

are just ready to go for your student on the first day of school. I think I’ve tried all these options, depending on the year and my energy level at the time. On top of the school supplies, it’s also time to check in on any clothing, shoe and activity equipment each child may need in the fall. Do your kids have enough socks? Does their underwear still fit? Do they need new shoes for P.E. or cleats for soccer?

Karen Hepp, mother of four, suggests, “We wash and clean out backpacks, take stock of any school supplies we can reuse or recycle, organize the pantry and fridge to prepare for lunch and snack prep, clear out closets and drawers and donate cold weather clothes that we’ve outgrown.”

Another errand to consider is haircuts. If your kids need trims or chops before school begins, get on the salon’s schedule now. If you make first-day-of-school signs for your kids to hold for photos on the big day, get those signs ready now.

Do your kids have enough socks? Does their underwear still fit? Do they need new shoes for P.E. or cleats for soccer?

Next, get a head start on back-to-school shopping before everything is picked over and you’re running out of time. Maybe you loved back-to-school shopping with your own mom when you were a kid and you enjoy this time with your own child. If you have more than one child, make it a little date with just one kid at a time and go out for a treat afterwards. Or perhaps backto-school shopping is a stressful chore for you that seems easier to do alone after the kids are in bed and the crowds are gone. Another great strategy is to see whether your school sells back-to-school kits that

As the first day gets closer, I recommend starting the family on the morning routine everyone will follow for school days. Early wakeup calls can be challenging for all of us. After all, late summer nights still beckon with seasonal fun. Getting up earlier means beginning the night before—I have to get back to having dinner a bit earlier and start the bedtime routines earlier even though it’s still so sunny and nice out. But winding down earlier, learning to wake up earlier in the morning and practicing getting out the door by school time just to go to a park or on an outing will make the adjustment to school all the easier when that first day

rolls around. Jennifer Brooks, mother of three, agrees and says, “Start getting them up earlier and talk positively about going back to school.”

If your kids express any nervousness or concerns, try to address them before school begins. Sometimes just talking through their new schedule can help—or even doing a run-through of driving to the school and walking up to the door they will enter can help with anxieties and expectations. Julie Ulven, mother of one, says, “Begin waking up on time, drive the route to be sure of travel time, also to check the safest route to get there and back—we are in a new city. Make sure the school nurse has medications if needed throughout the day. Prep backpack and locker supplies for extra change of clothes or supplies for older girls. Talk to your kids about safety on the bus, in line, in the bathrooms, etc.

Make sure they know who to talk to if they are bullied or having a hard time.”

If your child is still unsure of the first day, try calling the school to see whether they will allow your student to tour the school or new classroom. Maybe your kids could meet their new teacher or counselor ahead of time to have some familiar faces on the first day. If this isn’t an option, be sure to at least attend the back-to-school night that most schools have.

Another tip I’ve seen from smart parents the past couple of years is to take the first-day-of-school pictures on your porch the night before, so you’re less frantic on that first day back. Have kids put on their first day outfits and hold their signs, or whatever your family tradition is, and get it done ahead of time.

One final tip from Susanna Berna, mother of two, is this: “Send the kids to

camp or schedule a distraction for the final two weeks of summer when you are most likely to hear the word bored.” Having something fun to look forward to at the end of summer is a great distraction and will give you a chance to prepare all that needs to be done without bored children moping around the house.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 13, Mason, 11, and Slade, 8, and is always disappointed to see summer leave but does enjoy the return of the routine of school, too.

I brought my daughter in for a professional

pointe shoe fitting. After trying on over twenty pairs of shoes, my daughter was fitted into the perfect shoes for her. I was blown away with their customer service – it was certainly worth the drive from Johnson County. — Lynne, Overland

calming the CHAOS

For many families, back-to-school season means back to a busy schedule with practices, lessons, meetings and activities. Parents may feel like the busier schedule creates a sense of chaos in the evenings. Feeding the kids a healthy dinner, keeping your schedule organized and getting homework done become challenging when you have multiple kids in multiple activities. How can families enjoy a full schedule while calming the evening chaos?

Family Calendar

Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date family calendar is key to managing a busy schedule and staying organized. For many families, if an event or activity isn’t on the calendar, it’s likely it will be forgotten or double booked. Some families may find a paper calendar works best, but others may prefer to use a calendar app so they can access the calendar on their phones while on the go. “My phone is set with reminders for every recurring event. Get ready for ballet, leave for ballet, ballet dismissed,” says Amy Cameron, mom of three. “I’d be a mess without it.”

Prep the Night Before

School mornings can be hectic. Particularly when your family also has a busy evening of after-school activities. To avoid stress in the evening and reduce the risk of forgetting something, lay everything out in advance. “I work ahead whenever possible,” says Kara Thomas of Shawnee. “I put all the equipment together the night before, so I’m not doing the scramble when I get home from work.” It might also be helpful to pack a separate bag for each activity, so the kids can grab the bag for that activity on the way out the door. This method can also double as storage for equipment, shoes and sports gear.

Find Dinner Solutions

“Crock-Pot meals are the only way for dinners when one kid needs to eat at 4:00 and another at 9:00,” says Angela Leever, Olathe mom of three. “This saved us during busy game and practice nights. I also prepared ready-to-assemble meals like a big salad or burrito with all the components ready.” Leever also suggests having quick, filling snacks on hand, such as yogurt, Uncrustable sandwiches and precut fruit, for busy nights. Stephanie Loux, mom of three with a spouse who often travels for work, says, “Having heavier snacks before activities if dinner will be late that night has been super helpful this year.” Cameron suggests planning all the meals on Sunday night while taking the calendar into consideration. “We’re all home at different times on Mondays, so that’s our CrockPot night.”

Use Creative Solutions

Even with careful preparation and planning, you simply can’t be in two places at once. Try to come up with creative solutions that can help you manage a busy night. Loux suggests carpooling with friends, having an older child help cook dinner, setting reminders on Alexa or your phone, eliminating screens until tasks are done and meal planning. “Depending on the day, homework is done right after school before they can do anything else or in the car on the way to a game,” she says. “I also told the kids ahead of time they needed to be flexible and helpful or we can’t do all of their things.” Two-parent households can try a divide and conquer approach to split up the activities. Some parents may also hire a babysitter who can drive or use the help of a teen sibling to manage rides.

Extracurricular activities have many benefits and are fun to participate in.

However, when you find yourself with so many activities that your children (or you) become overstimulated and stressed, it may be time to consider cutting back on something. Every family is different and enjoys a different activity level. You may find that your family thrives on keeping busy. Either way, careful planning and preparation and some creative solutions may be just what you need to calm the chaos

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

Easy Meal Planning for Busy Parents

Many parents find themselves so busy with work, school, homework, sports, activities and errands that cooking weeknight meals may seem impossible. In reality, eating at home can be faster, easier and more affordable, even on those busy school nights, with these tips.

Create a go-to list. Start by making a list of meals your family already loves. Keep it simple by adding quick and easy recipes that can be put together on a busy evening. Once you have your list, refer to it when you are meal planning.

Plan the week. With your go-to list of meals in hand, start by consulting the family calendar. For the busiest and most stressful days, plan a Crock-Pot meal. On days when everyone is coming and going at different times, try sub sandwiches with fruit. Pull ideas from your go-to list of meals to fill in the rest of the week. Meal planning will reduce the stress of the evening rush and solve your “What’s for dinner?” conflict.

Go shopping. Look over your meal plan and make a grocery list. Don’t forget to check the freezer and pantry for items you may already have on hand. When you have your list, head to your favorite store and pick up your items.

Prep. Prepare as much food as possible in advance. Wash and chop vegetables and fruit, brown meat and put into one-pound batches, put together casseroles in advance and thaw any items you will need in the next few days. The more you prepare now, the less you have to do on those busy nights after work.

Stick to it. The hard work is done, and it’s time to stick to your plan. Because everything is prepped and ready, you just have to finish your meals and enjoy. Unexpected challenges may come up, but with an organized plan, you will be able to handle most surprises with ease without getting stuck in the fast food rut once again.

Fun Once the Bell Rings

Once the bell rings and your children rush out of school, there are only a few precious hours before sports, activities, homework, dinner, showers and bedtime. Though it can feel overwhelming to manage all the evening activities and schedules, you can make the most of this short burst of time by having children engage in a wide variety of simple activities that promote relaxation, fun and social interaction.

Make a connection

Find ways to connect with your children after school. They’ve been away from you all day dealing with many stresses and anxieties, so be available and a safe space. Have or make a snack together or have your kids help with dinner prep while you visit about highs and lows from the day or just chat about general things. My daughter shared with me at the end of last school

year that she was upset because I am always busy doing stuff when she gets home from school. This is true. I am usually getting dinner started and dealing with multiple children coming home from school at the same time, which I’m sure you can relate to as well. However, now I know going into this school year I need to make a conscious effort to be available after school to connect with her because this is something she needs.

Unwind with a good read

Reading provides an excellent opportunity to relax and let your imagination go. Find a cozy spot and let the kids’ minds get lost in the pages that lead to new worlds of excitement. What a wonderful way to unwind after a taxing day of school! Books are also a great way to expand your children’s interests and knowledge of the world. After-school

reading time gives your child the chance to deepen and explore interests outside of school. Our son happens to have a high interest in World War II, so having books available that pique his interest outside of whatever he is reading and learning about at school has been wonderful for him.

Tap into creativity

Unleash your child’s inner artist by allowing time after school for creative pursuits. The activity doesn’t have to be long and drawn out but could be as simple as coloring, drawing, watercoloring, or painting. We also love doing small craft kits that can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. Kits like suncatchers, fused bead kits, keychains, etc., all make great, quick projects. Personally, I find doing something creative with my hands is super therapeutic for me … it takes my mind off of whatever is going on and relaxes me. While I’m not

sure the same is true for our children, they do tend to get pure enjoyment out of such activities. Sensory ideas like water beads, playdough, sand, and oobleck are a great option as well.

Retreat

We have found in our house that everyone sometimes needs a little alone time after school. Our kids enjoy going to their rooms to listen to music, play with toys, write, draw, read, build and more. We try to honor this time for decompression and gathering themselves for the evening. Occasionally, they want to head straight to their rooms before chatting or having a snack even, and it is then we know they really need some quiet before reentering the household!

minutes, so you are sure to have time for it. Try a few of our favorites: Slapzi, Taco vs. Burrito, Exploding Kittens, Yahtzee and Othello.

Go outside

brains a break and what better way than being outside!”

Get

your

game on Challenge kids’ minds in a different way than academics do and play a game together. Stock up on a few short, quick games that can be played in less than 15

Let your children make the most of their after-school time by allowing outdoor play. Soaking up the sun, breathing in the fresh air, socializing with friends and moving their bodies in playful ways are healthy and invigorating. This could look like shooting hoops with a neighbor, riding bikes, jumping on a trampoline, doing gymnastics in the front yard or heading to a nearby park or the school playground. Not only do children get the opportunity to have downtime, they get to do so while appreciating the outdoor world around them, too! Emily Dischinger, Louisburg mom of two, shares, “We try to get the wiggles out after a long day at school. Typically that means we go play outside, swing or dance. We have to give our

The brief time between school and evening events is a perfect opportunity for your children to engage in activities they find enjoyable and ones that refill their cups after a long day at school. By incorporating connection with you, reading, creative ideas, downtime, games or outdoor play, children can make the most of their limited after-school time to recharge from a stressful day.

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where her four children definitely enjoy their downtime after school!

Child

Child Development Center

“Where Your Child Is Special”

Ages 2 weeks to 12 years 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10% OFF infant room for first year with new enrollment.

Child

Ages 2 weeks to 12 years

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

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

Two Convenient Locations:

Family Owned and Operated Since 1990

Family Owned and Operated since 1990

KICK OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH well-rested kids

The first days of school are filled with excitement, but they’re also exhausting no matter how wellprepared you are. A few simple tweaks to your bedtime routine, beginning one to two weeks before school starts, can really help ease this transition. Set your children up for a successful school year by prioritizing their sleep schedule!

The Importance of Sleep

It’s no secret that kids (and adults) get cranky when we don’t get enough sleep. We have so many ways to avoid sleep that it can be hard to remember why it’s so important. Your brain works hard while the body rests, and lack of sleep is associated with several significant health concerns:

• Decreased ability to concentrate, learn and problem-solve

• Hyperactivity, irritability and impulsivity

• Increased risk for diabetes, obesity, heart disease and depression

Sleep Needs by Age

Sleep needs and natural schedules change throughout childhood. The ideal amount of sleep for preschoolers is 10-13 hours, including naps. For school-aged kids, they need nine to 12 hours. Older kids and teens require eight to10 hours. So, if your 10-year-old needs to wake up at 7:00 in the morning., an ideal lights-out time would be no later than 9:00 p.m.

Transitioning to Your Ideal School Year Sleep Schedule

Experts suggest beginning the bedtime transition 10 to 14 days before school starts, but even committing to a few days of consistency will make a difference. Here are a few tips on how to get started. 15-minute increments. Each day, move bedtime and wake-up time back by 15 minutes. You’ll make progress quickly with less resistance than if you try to make a large, abrupt change.

Consistent routine. Remember you’re moving the timing, not the routine. Bedtime routines should be consistent, no matter your child’s age. They can be as elaborate or simple as you desire.

Create a sleep-friendly environment. An ideal sleep environment promotes rest and rejuvenation.

• Turn off harsh overhead lighting.

• Play calming music or white noise.

• Beds are for sleep—don’t let your child eat, watch TV or do other activities in bed. Shut down screen time. Start turning off screens two hours before bedtime. If that seems unrealistic, even 30 to 60 minutes away from screens will help your child wind down. Snacks, not meals. A bedtime snack, such as a cheese stick, a small bowl of cereal or a slice of peanut butter toast, can help settle your children and allow them to sleep without awakening hungry. A large, heavy meal within an hour or two of bedtime may have the opposite effect.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine interrupts the normal wake/sleep cycle, so don’t allow it within six hours of bedtime.

Afternoon physical activity. Worn out kids sleep better. Make sure your children are getting physical activity during the afternoon to get some of their energy out. Avoid afternoon naps. If your kiddo falls asleep on the way home from a long day spent playing and having fun in the sun, try to keep the nap under 20 minutes. Anything longer than that can interrupt the bedtime routine.

It may sound like a lot, but small changes over the week or two leading up to the first day of school can make a huge difference in your child’s first week of academic life. Good luck and have a great year!

Joleen Sams lives with her family in Shawnee. She’s a family nurse practitioner who has always loved taking care of kids and their families.

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

References:

Nemours Children’s Health, “Wake Up to a Back-to-School Sleep Schedule.”

Akron Children’s Health, “10 doctorapproved, back-to-school sleep tips.”

HELPING KIDS MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

when starting school, kids will have to make a first impression with teachers and possibly new classmates. According to Forbes, you only have 27 seconds to make a first impression. A first impression takes just seconds, but making a great first impression is a skill that will help your kids throughout the entirety of their life. Help them navigate initial introductions gracefully and confidently with these tips.

Be approachable

A study by Dollar Shave Club found that 69% of Americans form a first impression of somebody before they even speak. The first step to starting off a good first impression is with a smile. Let your children know a smile makes them look approachable and friendly to other children.

It’s important to teach your kids the difference between positive and negative body language, too. Frowning with your arms crossed, slouching or looking down at the ground can make you seem standoffish and intimidating to other children. Positive

body language like a smile, good eye contact, nodding and good posture are all signs of active listening and giving full attention to the conversation.

Be the first to say hello

It’s perfectly normal for kids to be shy and have first-day-of-school jitters, which makes it hard for them to talk to their teacher or other students. This nervousness can cause kids to wait for someone else to make the first move in a conversation. Encourage your child to be the first to speak up and say hi to another

student. A quick hello can be the start of a conversation and new friendship. If they’re feeling confident, encourage them to ask the other student’s name and whether they’d like to play.

Have an icebreaker ready

If your child has trouble carrying on a conversation after the initial hello, give some ideas of ways to break the ice. A good back-to-school joke is always a fun way to spark conversation. You could also send lunch box notes with a little joke to make for a fun lunchtime with new friends. Offering compliments is also a great way to break the ice. Simple compliments go a long way to make someone feel comfortable with you. You can also teach your kids to point out similarities. Perhaps both children have the same unicorn backpack and share a passion for unicorns.

Repeat their name

There is nothing worse than when someone introduces himself and you can’t remember his name later. When someone introduces himself, teach your children to repeat his name back to him. Saying, “It’s nice to meet you, ___” is a great way to help remember a new acquaintance’s name and let the person know you are paying attention and care to get to know him better. My college roommate taught me this. Within a day or two it seemed like she knew so many people. I asked her how, and she told me she does her best to remember the name of every single person she meets. She would repeat names back and greet people by name at every following encounter.

Ask questions

Instruct your children to continue the conversation by asking good questions. Remind them a conversation is about two people, not just one. People like to feel that you’re interested in what they have to say. Make sure your kids are asking about the other person’s interests and opinions and not doing all the talking themselves.

Use manners

Good manners are an easy way to make a good impression with not only other classmates, but also teachers. For teachers, it’s proper for your children to address them with their formal courtesy title of Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr. Raising your children to respond to their teacher with “Yes, please,” and “No, thank you,” as well as to raise their hand to speak in class can go a long way toward making a good impression. It’s also important to teach children how to properly cover their cough and use good table etiquette at lunch and snack times.

Let them speak for themselves

At a young age, children can be told not to speak to strangers. Though this safety lesson is important, kids also need to know they can speak up for themselves in certain situations. Adults have a tendency to speak for their children without realizing it. Let them use their own voices, even with adults. To get ready for adult conversations, allow children to order their meals in restaurants, tell their doctor what’s wrong

and, when you see an acquaintance you know at the grocery store, let them join the conversation. These situations provide good practice for speaking to adults at school such as their teachers or principal.

Model introductions

As the parent do your best to model initial introductions. Show your child how easy it can be to strike up a conversation with someone new by introducing yourself at church, a get-together or to a new neighbor. The more they see you make a first impression, the more comfortable they will feel giving it a try.

Practice

Introducing yourself to new friends is something that can be easily practiced. A great way to practice this skill is at the park. If your child sees someone she would like to play with, encourage her to go introduce herself and ask whether the other child would like to play. Once kids have done this a few times, they will feel empowered and confident to try it on their first day of school.

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.

FIRST-DAY ICE BREAKERS

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

What is your favorite thing to do at recess?

What’s your favorite movie?

Do you have any pets?

What’s your favorite color?

What’s your favorite food?

Do you play any sports?

A first impression takes just seconds, but making a great first impression is a skill that will help your kids throughout the entirety of their life.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRODUCT REVIEWS

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

YOU GOT A PHONE! (NOW READ THIS BOOK)

TROOMI—SAFE SMARTPHONES FOR KIDS

Provide kids with guardrails as they head back to school. Powered by KidSmart OS, an Androidbased operating system that empowers parents with an easy, powerful and flexible set of parental controls—all while eliminating social media, addictive games and pornography. $189.95, ages 6+, tweens and teens, shop.Troomi.com

Features a humorous yet supportive tone and hilarious illustrations that draw readers in and keep them engaged. Provides important information on cyberbullying and the hazards of too much screen time. $10.99, tweens, FreeSpirit.com

BEBI TODDLERS— EDUCATIONAL GAMES & PUZZLES

Mixes logical thinking and fine motor skills with fun games. Combines 500+ toddler games focusing on colors, shapes, letters, phonics, number tracing, healthy eating and much more in one app. $6.99/monthly, ages 2-5, Bebi.family

SCENTIES

Colorful accessories with a fun twist. The hair ties, headbands and scrunchies are fragranced with playful scents like cotton candy and vanilla cupcake. Stretch ’em, sniff ’em, wear ’em and share ’em. $8, ages 4-12 years, Scenties.com

FLUFFYWEIGHT

A therapeutically weighted stuffed animal designed to ease anxiety, soothe meltdowns and help with sleep. Its cozy body and big fluffy paws embrace your child with a calming, comforting hug. $78, ages 3+, FluffyWeight.com

PACKIE DAYCARE | GO FISH U.S. HISTORY

Takes everyone’s favorite childhood card game and combines it with U.S. history. No longer do you ask, “Any 4s?” Now you ask, “Any presidents?” Instead of face cards, you ask for any scientists, authors, sports legends or women in history. $11.99. ages 7+, KosoGames.com

BEKIDS CODING

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. A drag-and-drop, tilebased coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, BeKids.com

THE GET MOVIN’ ACTIVITY DECK FOR KIDS: 48 CREATIVE MOVEMENT IDEAS FOR LITTLE BODIES

A unique children’s movement and play deck with practices and activities for all ability levels. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will try different movements and challenge themselves in different categories. $19.95, ages 4–8 years, Shambhala.com

LOLLIPOST PEN PAL KIT FOR GRANDKIDS ( and Their Grandparents )

Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions, and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. An embossed folder and wax seal add fun finishing touches. $29.99, ages 5+, LolliPost.com

SCIENCE UNLOCKED

An all-inclusive curriculum. Each kit contains everything you need to easily provide immersive science experiences to leverage natural curiosity. Kits can be purchased a la carte or in bundles. For homeschoolers and K-12 education. $29.99$499.99, ages 5-18 years, HomeScienceTools.com

BIG FEELINGS NESTING FRUIT FRIENDS

EARTH RANGERS

NUMBERBLOCKS: FRIENDS ONE TO FIVE

From the friendly TV series, this crew brings math learning to life with a mission to make discovering and exploring numbers a great big adventure. Kids can count and recount with these adorable friends as they learn the fundamentals of numbers. $19.99, ages 3+, Hand2Mind.com

NATUREPEDIC PLA PILLOW

Ensure a good night’s sleep with this luxurious fiberbased pillow that provides comfort in its simplest form. Derived entirely from sugarcane. Outer cover is 100% certified organic cotton. $79 (standard), for all ages, Naturepedic.com

Help kids build essential social-emotional learning (SEL). Compare and contrast emotions with five double-sided fruit faces, learning 10 different emotions and their opposites. Each friend comes with fun, grabbable textures that help kids strengthen fine motor and sensory skills. $16.99, ages 18 months+, LearningResources.com

Learn about wildlife and conservation with this app. Kids can create and customize their own avatars and then participate in dozens of missions that help make a real impact— from planting pollinator gardens to reducing energy consumption and food waste. Free, ages 6+, EarthRangers.com

EPIC

KANOODLE PYRAMID

This brainteaser is a perfect collaborative game for kids and adults to enjoy together. Features a multiplayer, tabletop board and unique, geometric pieces that fit together to solve 200 2D and 3D puzzles. $24.99, ages 7+, EducationalInsights.com

Features unlimited access to 40,000 highquality books and videos, including classic favorites and contemporary original content. Features tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills with a full set of readto-me books, buddies, badges and more. $6.67/ month, $79.99/annually, ages 2-12, GetEpic.com

NAPPA AWARDS HAS BEEN CELEBRATING THE BEST IN FAMILY PRODUCTS FOR 33 YEARS. FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS, VISIT NAPPAAWARDS.COM

AUGUST 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!

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival Aug. 5, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Started in 2013, the Heart of America Hot Dog Festival celebrates the historical connection between our national pastime and the hot dog. All event proceeds directly support the #NLBM.

Missouri State Fair Aug. 10-20, Missouri State Fairgrounds. Experience “Where Tradition Grows” at the 2023 Missouri State Fair. Enjoy live music, stage shows, family entertainment, auto races, rodeos, bull riding, agricultural demonstrations, contests and a carnival midway.

BBQ & Fly-In on the River Aug. 18, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Celebrating its 23rd year, BBQ & Fly-In on the River will be located in the heart of our community and pit more than 50 competition teams against each other to vie for top honors.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 18-20, Swope Park. The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City is proud to present one of the largest gatherings of multiculturalism—focusing on the traditional cultures found here in our home, Kansas City, and its surrounding metro area.

Feastival Aug. 18, Union Station. Feastival isn’t just a ticket to the best food and drink pop-up in town. It’s a ticket to making a difference. Hunger is a behemoth of a problem for thousands in KC every day. Join and help us devour the beast. Give in, give big and consume for a cause.

Parkville Days Aug. 18-20, Downtown Parkville. One of Downtown Parkville’s largest events, the Parkville Days festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music along the Missouri River and on Main Street.

Garmin Air Show Aug. 19-20, New Century Air Center. Bring the kids and watch magic in the skies at the Garmin KC Air Show! This year’s show features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and the U.S. Marines F-35b Lightning II. There are also STEM exhibits that feature virtual reality simulations and static aircraft.

Great Balloon Glow Aug. 19, National WWI Museum. The National WWI Museum and Memorial invites the public to observe the magnificence of hot air balloons during an evening balloon glow. Hot air balloons will be grounded, and propane burners will be periodically lit to keep the balloons inflated.

Find

Great Balloon Glow

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival

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.

adulthood.

CAPTURE THE LAST MOMENTS OF SUMMER Beautiful

Summer has a way of slipping through our fingers quickly. Before your kids head back to school and summer slips away, enjoy a bit of rest, relaxation and bonding with your family at some of the prettiest and most peaceful places around.

Waterways…

Something’s truly serene and peaceful about spending an afternoon on the water. For a truly peaceful experience, enjoy an afternoon canoeing or paddle boating at a local lake. You can rent canoes, paddle boats (and bicycles) at Legacy Park’s 22-acre lake in Lee’s Summit. Simply call 816.969.1550 for reservations. Or head to Lake Olathe where you can enjoy the swim beach, fishing dock and stand-up board rentals. Stroll around the lake and savor time outside.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade…

Remember the Country Time Lemonade commercials that used to air showing children and grandparents sipping lemonade on the back porch? Does anything say summer better than a glass of ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade? We love to buy homemade lemonade at local fairs, including the Missouri State Fair (Aug. 1020). Locally, Unforked (multiple locations) makes a delicious lavender lemonade.

Go for a Picnic Near a Waterfall…

Many beautiful parks in the area offer pleasant spots to picnic, but for a scenic afternoon enjoying natural beauty, pack a lunch to enjoy al fresco near a local waterfall.

• Waterfall Park in Merriam The 15acre park features an access point to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, a scenic walking path, and practice fields.

• Waterfall Park in Independence The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops in Independence, is nestled in a wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls. It features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic

tables, restrooms and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall. Playing at Waterfall Park is an escape to the woods right in the midst of the city.

• Waterfall at Watkins Mill State Park

You may see the seasonal waterfall from an accessible scenic overlook deck, approximately 2,000 feet north of the swim beach. Be sure to tour the historic site that features an elegant home and a three-story woolen mill. The structures have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s.

• Cedar Creek at Lake Olathe An overflow dam on Cedar Creek just above Lake Olathe, the waterfall flows yearround, but, like most waterfalls, is prettiest after heavy rain. Fishing, boating, hiking and playgrounds are available for fun.

• Waterfall at Ernie Miller Nature Center The nature center is home to a small stream and waterfall, which you may view from the Wildlife Viewing Room or the trails.

• Waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary The hiking trails are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity—just 15 minutes from the city!

Back-to-School Shopping…

I have fond memories of back-to-school shopping with my grandmother. We’d shop at Bannister Mall (back when everyone in KC shopped at Bannister Mall) and have lunch at Annie’s Santa Fe. Make a tradition of taking your child out for a day of shopping to select a special first-day-ofschool outfit and enjoy lunch. Our favorite local shopping centers include Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas, and Zona Rosa in the Northland.

Go Fishing…

I grew up fishing for crappie with my grandfather at the lake. Whether you fish from the dock (especially serene) at a local marina, or the shore at a local lake or rent a boat to reach the hot spots, a day fishing is one of the best ways to make summertime memories as a family. Remember that adults need a current fishing license from the state conservation department.

Great Fishing Spots in Missouri and Kansas:

• Kill Creek Park (Olathe)

• Shawnee Mission Park (Lenexa)

• Antioch Park (Merriam)

• Heritage Park (Olathe)

• Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Overland Park)

• Englewood Lake (Kansas City North, MO)

• Lake of the Woods in Swope Park (Kansas City, MO)

• Blue Springs Lake (Lee’s Summit)

• Lake Jacomo (Blue Springs)

• Longview Lake (Kansas City, MO)

• Smithville Lake Trail: This 4-mile (and growing) off-road trail is great for mountain bikers. Why we love it: Smithville Lake offers a scenic view for the rider to get out and enjoy nature.

• Mill Creek Streamway Park: One of the nicest paved trails in Johnson County, this 10-plus-mile byway runs along the creek from the Kaw River, south through Shawnee Mission Park, to 119th Street in Olathe. Why we love it: This popular trail offers a variety of scenery along the way.

• Shawnee Mission Park: The park offers mountain bike trails connecting to Mill Creek Streamway Park trails. Why we love it: Lake, woods and shelters make this a great choice for nature lovers.

Make a Scrapbook…

Go for a Family Bike Ride…

Biking is great family exercise, and you can find local trails at KCBike.info/KCTrails. Our favorite local trails include:

• Trolley Trail: This 6-mile paved trail connects the Country Club Plaza, Brookside and Waldo in southern Kansas City, MO. Why we love it: This is a great urban ride with many super lunch stops and shops along the way.

• Swope Trails: Built for mountain bike enthusiasts, the 13.5 miles of trails wind through the woods at Swope Park. Local volunteers and the KC Parks system continue to improve these trails for athletes. Why we love it: These trails are designed with adventure in mind. From beautiful limestone bluffs to wooded paths, the trails offer nature in the heart of the city.

Create albums for your children to capture not just the smiles of baby teeth, missing teeth, braces and grown-up pearly whites but to capture who they are! Take a photo of your child against a backdrop with the child on the far right of the backdrop (a sheet or solid wall is ideal). Then, using your favorite photo editing software, add text to the left of the image answering basic questions about your child: name, age, favorite color, favorite hobby, what she wants to be when she grows up, favorite pet, nickname, favorite school subject, etc. Repeat the photo annually. Watch every year as your child’s dreams change from growing up to be a firefighter or veterinarian to a ballerina or movie star.

Kristina Light’s family loves canoeing and they always remember to start planning their fall family canoe trip before summer ends!

Matilda the Musical at the Kauffman Center.

1 Tuesday

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

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

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

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

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

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

Monarchs Baseball 7:00, Legends Field. Cheer for the Monarchs as they take on the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Home stand thru Aug. 6. MonarchsBaseball.com

Movies in the Park 8:00, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Come out to see a movie in the park. Tonight’s movie: Trolls World Tour TheatreInThePark.org

2 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

Giggle Time Children’s Program 10:00, Roe Park. Gather your little ones for some giggling and wiggling and a fun-filled time with Funky Mama. OPKansas.org

Doctor Dolittle Thru Aug. 6, 11:00 and 1:00, the Coterie. See this new youth and family audience version of a country physician who can talk to animals. TheCoterie.org

Squishmallow II 4:30, Ceramic Café. Come paint a pet pal plate of your all-time favorite or a new one. Enjoy some pizza after painting. Prereg at CeramicCafeKC.com.

Parker Quartet 7:00, Polsky Theatre. Experience the exceptional musicianship of the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet. Tickets at JCCC.edu/Midwest-Trust-Center.

Footloose Thru Aug. 5, 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

3 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

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

Innovation Festival Thru Saturday, Crown Center. A day of music and innovation, featuring scientific conferences and a day of music and innovation. TheInnovationFestival.com

Missouri State Fair

Aug. 10-20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MoStateFair.com

Ice Cream Social 5:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Celebrate the end of summer in 1920s style ... with a ukulele band and ice cream! ShawneeTown.org

Live Music 6:00, Red Bridge Shopping Center. Grab some friends and a spot on one of our patios, and enjoy live music from Nick Nave. RedBridgeShoppingCenter.com

4 Friday

Tax-Free Weekend Thru Sunday, various locations. Take advantage of Missouri’s tax-free weekend and shop for back-to-school deals.

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.

Painting for Beginners 10:00, AlbrechtKemper Museum of Art. Learn basic painting techniques in oil and acrylic paint. Ages 12+. Pre-reg at Albrecht-Kemper.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

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

Matilda the Musical Today and tomorrow, the Kauffman Center. The Culture House Summer Broadway Series presents Matilda the Musical Tickets at TheCultureHouse.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

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

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

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

Friday Flicks and Food Trucks 7:30, Hidden Valley Sports Complex. Enjoy a special night under the stars! Food and beverage vendors available. BlueSpringsGov.com

Cinderella 8:00, Gladstone Amphitheatre. Director Dani Trebus and assistant director David Norris bring the classic Cinderella to the stage. GladstoneTIP.com

The Phil Collins Experience 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Terry Adams Jr. recreates Phil Collins performance of all the greatest tunes. CityOfLS.net

Sand Cinema 9:00, Longview Lake Beach. Load the kids into the car to watch Lightyear on the giant inflatable screen! MakeYourDayHere.com

5 Saturday

Run for the Raptors 7:30, Lakeside Nature Center. Largest annual fundraiser benefiting Lakeside Nature Center! Pre-reg at RunSignUp.com.

A 19th-Century Picnic 9:00, Missouri Town Living History Museum. Pack your blanket and picnic lunch. Enjoy period activities and lawn games. MakeYourDayHere.com

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

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Little ones enjoy a nature-themed story time. LakesideNatureCenter.org/events

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.

Innovation Festival 11:00, Crown Center. A day of music and innovation, featuring scientific conferences and a day of music and innovation. TheInnovationFestival.com

K-State Nite 6:00, Legends Field. Join Willie, wear purple and do the Wabash! Fireworks too! MonarchsBaseball.com

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival 3:00, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This festival celebrates the historical connection between baseball and hot dogs. NLBM.com

Parkville Cruise Nights 4:00, Downtown Parkville. Hang out with friends, listen to music, check out all the cars and explore Downtown Parkville. ParkvilleMO.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

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

Footloose 7:30, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Final night! Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart. TheatreInThePark.org

6 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

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

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkely Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

Free Weekend Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Design and create a folded screen with your favorite things from each of the four seasons. Nelson-Atkins.org

Tiny Tot Tri

Aug. 19, Little Mill Creek North Park. Kids ages 3 to 9 years will bike, get wet, run and slide their way to the finish line! Register in advance. Lenexa.com

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

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

7 Monday

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

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

Muddy Mondays 10:30, Ceramic Café. Our clay expert will guide you through the process of making a clay creation on the wheel. Pre-reg at 913.383.0222.

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

Jazz at the Garrison 6:00, Corbin Theatre. Enjoy a night of relaxing jazz performed by local musicians on the first Monday of every month. CorbinTheatre.org

8 Tuesday

Pay For Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at our amazing outdoor showroom.

Nerf Night 6:30, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter and Café. We provide everything your kids need for thrilling (and safe) Nerf games. Pre-reg at Independence.KangasPlayCenter.com.

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

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.

9 Wednesday

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Your little one can let out some energy while having fun meeting others. Lenexa.com

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3.25 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

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

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

10 Thursday

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug. 20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MoStateFair.com

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

Camp Weston Wine Flights Noon, Weston Wine Company. Date idea! Indulge in a camp-themed wine flight. Pre-reg at WestonWineCompany.com.

Concert in the Park 7:30, Thompson Park (Downtown Overland Park). Enjoy Kansas City-based trio the Stolen Winnebagos! Free summer concert series. OPKansas.org

11 Friday

Fortopia 9:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invites explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

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

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

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

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

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

Movies in the Park 8:00, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Come out to see a movie in the park. Tonight’s movie: The Goonies TheatreInThePark.org

12 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

Miniature Railroad Rides, 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. Ride the best railroad in KC—where the fun never stops! KCNRR.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

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

Story Time in the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Read a story and complete themed activities. We highlight a different book each month. Reservations required. WornallMajors.org

1880 Historical Event 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors will bring the village to life with demonstrations. ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com

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.

Dogs Days of Summer 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Enjoy dog-friendly vendors, splash pools, music, contests, prizes and more! ShawneeTown.org

Free Morning Program 10:00, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Free Weekend Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Design and create a folded screen with your favorite things from each of the four seasons. Nelson-Atkins.org

Music on Main, 1:00, Downtown Parkville. Enjoy live music on Main Street in Pocket Park. ParkvilleMo.org

Public Viewings 8:00, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

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

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 Sunday

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

Brunch and Bingo 10:30, Chicken N Pickle North KC and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park. Free to play! Listen to your favorite music and win great prizes! ChickenNPickle.com

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

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

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

14 Monday

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

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Your little one can let out some energy while having fun meeting others. Lenexa.com

Story Time in the Park 10:00, 55 N. Poe St. (Claycomo). Join story time staff at an area park for stories, music and activities! MyMCPL.org

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3.25 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

15 Tuesday

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

Preschool Indoor Playground

Community Center. Too hot to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

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

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

Monarchs Baseball 7:00, Legends Field. Cheer for the Monarchs. Great family fun! Home stand thru Aug. 21. MonarchsBaseball.com

16 Wednesday

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

SIX-STOP TOUR: LEXINGTON, MISSOURI

Discover

1. CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD

Spend the day at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and experience firsthand where the largest battle in the western campaign of the U.S. Civil War took place. Trenches in the battlefield are still visible today. Historian-led tours and a pristinely preserved museum of artifacts and stories make this a must-see national heritage destination.

2. FOUR HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Take a tour of four National Historic Districts listening to the theatrical audio tours that bring the characters of the past to life. You’ll be awed by the stunning architecture of the many antebellum and Victorian homes that color the cheery streets of Lexington.

3. LOCAL HISTORY

Visit the Lexington Historical Museum where visitors see a variety of artifacts from the Pony Express mail service, steamboats, coal mining, Osage Indians, the Battle of Lexington and the Wentworth Military Academy. This affordable museum presents local history for visitors of all ages.

4. YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM

What could be a more fitting dessert after a historic day than ice cream from Wild West Ice Cream? On the very same streets that follow the Santa Fe Trail, this local shop scoops up more than 20 flavors and a variety of desserts, including shakes, malts, sundaes, floats, banana splits and specials.

5. A WALK IN THE PARK

Crystal Lake Park is a beautiful park with shade trees, a walking trail and picnic tables. The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful small lake, ideal for a picnic or a stroll. Riverfront Park, another local park, shows where Lewis and Clark and countless steamboats passed in the 19th century and where you can enjoy the river view.

6. ORCHARDS APLENTY

Lexington is beloved for its peach and apple orchards. The rolling hills and fertile loess soils of Lafayette County offer not only a stunning rural landscape but have produced Missouri’s oldest and largest apple and peach growing region. Try one of seven local farms offering u-pick produce or farm-fresh produce for sale.

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Enjoy the KP Cafe and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.info

Garment District Grooves 11:30, Garment District Place. Grab some lunch and listen to live bands in this quaint downtown park. KCParks.org

Chess Night 5:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Play chess with a worthy opponent; all skill levels welcome. OlatheLibrary.com

17 Thursday

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. Toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12. CeramicCafeKC.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

Dylan Guthrie: Live Music 6:00 Red Bridge Shopping Center. Enjoy a local Kansas City artist. RedBridgeShoppingCenter.com

18 Friday

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

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug. 20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MoStateFair.com

Parkville Days Thru Aug. 20, Downtown Parkville. Great family fun in historic Downtown Parkville. Carnival rides, music, crafts and more! ParkvilleMo.org

Feastival Thru Aug. 20, Union Station. Eat, drink, give back and support the hungry in our community. KCFeastival.com

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Aug. 20, Swope Park. Focus on the traditional cultures found here in Kansas City. EECKC.org

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

BBQ & Fly-In on the River Today and tomorrow, historic downtown Excelsior Springs. More than 70 competitive smoke-cooking teams vie for top honors. VisitExcelsior.com

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

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

Mini Mud Run 5:30, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore). Kids 4-12 run through a number of outdoor obstacles. Prepare to get muddy! Raymore.com

Concert in the Courtyard 6:30, Merriam Community Center. Live music, games, face painting, caricature and balloon artists and more! ExploreMerriam.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

Hotel California: A Tribute to the Eagles 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheatre. Celebrate the music and the memories. CityOfLS.net

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

Movies in the Park 8:00, Shawnee Theatre in the Park. Come out to see a movie in the park. Tonight’s movie: Top Gun Maverick TheatreInThePark.org

Light Up the Lawn 8:30, Nerman Museum. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for this fun event featuring The Roseline! JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

19 Saturday

Tiny Tot Tri 9:30, Little Mill Creek North Park. Kids ages 3 to 9 years will bike, get wet, run and slide their way to the finish line! Register in advance. Lenexa.com

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

Garmin KC Air Show Today and tomorrow, New Century Air Center. Bring the kids and watch magic in the skies at the Garmin KC Air Show. KCAirShow.org

Discover More with Journaling 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Learn how journaling can help you identify and appreciate creatures and plants! MDC.mo.gov

Babes in the Woods: Creek Crawlin’ 10:00 Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Take a short hike to Burr Oak Creek to splash and experience this watery world. MDC.mo.gov

Lost Trail Days 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Tour includes viewing of soda production run, samples and more! Free; prereg at 913.837.5202.

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.

Kansas City’s Great Balloon Glow 4:00, National WWI Museum and Memorial. As the sun sets, the night sky will shine bright with magnificent and vibrant displays. TheWorldWar.org

Scout Nite 6:00, Legends Field. Enjoy the game and a campout; earn a patch. MonarchsBaseball.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

Outdoor Movies in North Park 6:00, North Park (Zona Rosa). Bring a chair, blanket and friends and enjoy Mean Girls on the big screen. ZonaRosa.com

Discover Nature: Nature Rx: S’more Night Stroll 8:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Enjoy fun sensory activities and a short trail walk to use our night senses! MDC.mo.gov

20 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

Brunch and Bingo 10:30, Chicken N Pickle North KC and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park. Free to play! Listen to your favorite music and win great prizes! ChickenNPickle.com

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

Back to the ’50s Bowling Noon, Summit Lanes. Games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com

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

kidFEST

Aug. 26. A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning! UnionStation.org

21 Monday

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Stuffed Animal Sleepover 9:00, Wither’s Community Room (MCPL). Drop your stuffed friend for a sleepover and then come back for a special program. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

22 Tuesday

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

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create unique artwork. Albrecht-Kemper.org

AKMA After Hours 5:00, AlbrechtKemper Museum of Art. Bring the whole family for an after-hours event. Albrecht-Kemper.org

23 Wednesday

Fortopia 9:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invites explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Enjoy a popular Kansas City-based swing band: AnnaLee and the Lucky So and Sos. ShawneeTown.org

24 Thursday

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Enjoy the KP Cafe and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.info

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

25 Friday

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

Tween Gaming 4:00, Olathe Indian Creek. Come to the library to play games with other teens! OlatheLibrary.com

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

Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park (Lee’s Summit). Enjoy our free summer concert, featuring the Local. DowntownLS.org

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

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

Light Up the Lawn 8:30, Nerman Museum. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets for this fun event featuring the MGDs! JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

Movie in the Park: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile 8:30, Electric Park. Long summer nights and a movie on the big screen create nostalgia for young and old alike. Lenexa.com

26 Saturday

kidFEST 10:00, Science City at Union Station. A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning! UnionStation.org

VolleyPaws 10:00, SPCA. Come celebrate National Dog Day by playing in a sand volleyball tournament. Registration required. GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Birds: Humming Along 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri’s most intriguing birds! MDC.mo.gov

Kids Fishing Derby 10:00, Gardner Lake Public Boat Dock. Fishing is an American tradition that has much to offer young children. Register online: GardnerKansas.gov.

Free Weekend Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Design and create a folded screen with your favorite things from each of the four seasons. Nelson-Atkins.org

Belton Cruise Night 2:00, Main Street Belton. If you’ve got a ride, bring it out to Main Street so we can make this the biggest cruise year ever! BeltonParks.org

Movie Night 5:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Grab a blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie. Activities will be held before the movie. OPKansas.org/events

Wine Walk for Wildlife 6:00, Kansas City Zoo. Wine lovers and animal lovers unite to enjoy both! KansasCityZoo.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

Public Viewings 8:00, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

27 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

Brunch and Bingo 10:30, Chicken N Pickle North KC and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park. Free to play! Listen to your favorite music and win great prizes! ChickenNPickle.com

Art Garden KC 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.org

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

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

28 Monday

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3.25 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

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

29 Tuesday

Kids Media Mix-Up 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create unique artwork. Albrecht-Kemper.org

Teen Create 6:30, Blue Springs North Community Room. We have the supplies; you just have to bring the ideas. Learn a new skill and make something new. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Monarchs Baseball Thru Sept. 4, 7:00, Legends Field. Cheer for the Monarchs in their final home stand. MonarchsBaseball.com

30 Wednesday

Farmers Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park. Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meats, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. OPKansas.org

Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

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

Summer of Sharks Thru August, Sea Life Kansas City. Participate in shark-themed activities and hear brand-new shark talks from our experts. VisitSeaLife.com

31 Thursday

Homeschool Days 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie. Activities may include learning about cowboy gear, roping, blacksmith demonstrations, playing 1860s games and more! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

Fortopia 9:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy a playful exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts that invites explorers of all ages to discover the gardens! PowellGardens.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. 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

All Around the World 10:00, Lone Jack Programming Space. Take an amazing journey with Dino O’Dell around all 7 continents! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

In the Greenhouse Concert Series 6:00, Colonial Gardens. Enjoy live music in our beautiful greenhouse. ColonialGardensKC.com

AUGUST KC TRIVIA

4 What is maximum number of passengers on the average school bus?

A) 77 B) 124 C) 53 D) 89

1

The beloved classic film The Wizard of Oz, set in the state of Kansas and the fictional world of Oz, debuted on Aug. 25 of what year?

A) 1941 B) 1955 C) 1939 D) 1947

2 Missouri was admitted to the Union on Aug. 10, 1821. What is the state flower?

A) flowering dogwood

B) sugar maple

C) hickory

D) Northern red oak

5 The all-time hottest temperature ever recorded in Kansas City occurred on Aug. 14, 1936. How hot was it?

A) 118°

B) 113°

C) 109°

D) 121°

A) fudge cookie, marshmallow, cherries

3

Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day. What three ingredients are included in traditional s’mores?

B) graham cracker, Hershey bar, marshmallow

C) Mallomars, vanilla wafer, whipped cream

D) graham cracker, chocolate syrup, marshmallow

6

August marks the start of apple picking season in Kansas City. How many medium-sized apples are in the average bushel?

A) 100 B) 75 C) 80 D) 125

hottest for the state of Missouri, and 121° for the state of Kansas.)

B) graham cracker, Hershey bar, marshmallow

A) flowering dogwood 3

1 C) 1939 2

ANSWER KEY: