KC Parent magazine September 2023

IS A BEDTIME ROUTINE NECESSARY?

Arts Enrichment HOW AND BENEFIT KIDS

THREE WAYS TO DISCIPLINE MORE EFFECTIVELY GRANDPARENTS DAY: KC STYLE

Virtual clinic. Genuine care.

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

• Use your computer or mobile device.

• Extended hours for your convenience.

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

Hello, Kansas City! What an honor to come alongside you in this parenting adventure! The Kansas City community and KC Parent itself have shaped who we are as a family; I am humbled to influence its pages. I have often wrapped my trip to the grocery store by making sure to snag myself the latest magazine from Family Media Group—the cheerful cover beckoning to me, its writers speaking to my struggles, encouraging me in the trenches, and its activities calling us out of the mundane.

My husband and I still laugh about bringing home our first child and wondering what to do next. At each new stage of our parenting journey, I became acutely aware that to navigate well, I needed the insight of others to help me think through things known and as yet unknown. We’ve seen many stages to date, and many more are sure to come with our five kids ranging in age from 20 to 10.

I find myself reflecting often on the adage, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Could this ring any more true than in the arena of parenting? I mean, when kids are inconsolable, when you’re trying to teach a concept that just doesn’t stick or when answers are out of reach, could the days seem any longer?! And yet, we lean into the next thing and keep going. I hope the team at KC Parent has helped you keep going, too. My heart on this journey is that you know you’re never alone. That we can learn and grow together. That when you get to a place of assessing that the years suddenly did get short, you also are proud of the learning and growing you’ve done as well as the humans you’ve shaped and the family you’ve created.

Here we go! It’s time for the rhythm of fall. Together let’s embrace the days to create the legacy of years.

Enjoy your fall, Kansas City!

SEPTEMBER 2023

Publisher Michael Gimotty

Michael@KCParent.com

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean

Darrell@KCParent.com

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

Distribution

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

Local Contributing Writers

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Kansas City), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Joleen Sams (Shawnee), Hailey Saunders (Kansas City)

Mailing Address

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

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Lauri Clapper, Editor

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 11937 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

KC PARENT IS GIVING AWAY

50+ FAMILY 4-PACKS IN OUR MEGA FUN PUMPKIN PATCH GIVEAWAY!

KCPARENT.COM

Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

KC Parent’s Mega Fun Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

This Autumn KC Parent Is Giving Away 50 + FAMILY 4-PACKS

To Your Favorite Pumpkin Patches

Follow us on Facebook for details and to enter: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent

SPOTLIGHT PUMPKIN FUN IN KC

The start of fall brings colorful foliage to Kansas City. Find pumpkin patches all over the metro and enter to win our Pumpkin Patch Giveaway at KCParent.com.

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.

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS:

1. Best of September

2. Coupons and Giveaways

3. Caramel Apples

4. KC’s Coolest Parks

5. Fall Fun Guide

6. Family Camping

7. Date Night Ideas

8. Perfect Picnic Spots

9. Day Trips

10. KC Going Places Guide

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

Did you know shopping can be a fun date? If you’re skeptical, one of these options just might change your mind.

888 INTERNATIONAL MARKET

A trek to Overland Park one day—from our Northland home—afforded us the opportunity to check out 888 International Market, the largest international market in Kansas City. I had been wanting to visit for quite some time, and it was certainly an adventure. We discovered that it’s about 80% grocery store and 20% other stuff. Think 6-foot-tall vases, pots and pans, stuffed animals and cosmetics. It’s an entertaining mishmash of non-food items. But the food items themselves are also very interesting, especially if you aren’t used to shopping for Asian goods. We wandered up and down every aisle and checked out the seafood department where they have live fish, crabs and other sea creatures in large tanks, just waiting to be purchased. It’s about as fresh as you can get in our landlocked city. We also enjoyed checking out the rice selection and every kind of noodle you can imagine. We selected a couple of items to purchase, so as to try something new. Another “world foods” place that is worth a visit is European Delights in Overland Park. They have a full aisle of candy from Europe, priced by the piece. It’s a cheap and yummy way to try something new.

COCKRELL MERCANTILE

Cockrell Mercantile in Lee’s Summit is a collection of several houses and outbuildings all turned into stores. This little village has everything you could ever possibly need for your kitchen, including a wide selection of baking supplies. Plus, you can shop for home décor, gourmet foods, gifts, Fiestaware, Vera Bradley bags, candles, clothes, accessories, Chiefs merchandise and more. This place is truly a destination shopping experience. As you stroll along the wooden floors and down the narrow aisles, you’ll feel like it’s almost impossible to take it all in. You definitely have to allow yourself a couple hours to see it all. Be sure to get a cup of the free coffee or tea to enjoy while you browse.

MERCHANT SQUARE

Merchant Square is a 58,000-square-foot emporium located in Independence that features more than 250 merchants. They have a wide range of items for sale—old and new—including antiques, food, clothes, home decor, vintage items, cards, health and beauty, books, paint, art, jewelry, kitchen supplies and toys. They also have a nice selection of KCthemed and Chiefs merchandise. And not to be missed are the locked cases of collectibles and other high value items. Plan to take your time so you don’t miss anything. If you get thirsty or hungry from all that shopping, the establishment offers a small selection of drinks and snacks for purchase, plus free coffee! My husband and I enjoy going to places like this since there are always items that interest each of us, and this particular place is very clean, is nicely laid out and has high quality merchandise. There is a similar place in Overland Park called Painted Tree Boutiques.

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!

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS

Cancer screenings are an essential part of comprehensive health care. When it comes to women’s health, the screening for cervical cancer is one of the most familiar. However, the guidelines for cervical cancer screening have changed. No longer is a yearly Pap smear the recommendation for most women! Current research about the development and progression of cervical cancer has given way to updated guidelines.

One fact that has become clear as data has been gathered over time is nearly all cases of cervical cancer, in fact 99.7%, are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV. There are several variants of HPV, and several have been identified as a high risk for producing cancer. Though many HPV infections may be cleared by the immune system, persistent infection with the virus can cause changes to cells of the cervix that eventually may lead to cancer. One important finding from the latest studies is that HPV causes cancerous changes slowly, often taking years. This is why the recommended time between screenings has been extended.

The purpose of any cancer screening is to identify early changes, increase the chance of cure and reduce the incidence of advanced stages of cancer. There is more than one way to screen for cervical cancer. The first ever screening test was the Papanicolaou smear, or Pap smear, developed in 1928 and instituted widely in America in the 1950s. After the start of widespread screening, cervical cancer rates declined considerably and have continued to fall over time. Today, cervical cancer is still a concern as the 18th leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The majority of these deaths are of women who were not properly screened.

References:

JAMANetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697704

The Pap smear is a test that uses cytology, a method that takes cells collected from the cervix and looks at them under a microscope to identify abnormalities. Another method for cervical cancer screening is simply to test for high risk HPV or hrHPV. Negative hrHPV testing indicates an extremely low chance of cervical cancer. Lastly, the option to co-test incorporates both cytology and hrHPV testing.

The most current cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend screening women beginning at 21 years old. Women ages 21-29 years should have a Pap smear every three years. Women ages 30-65 years should have a Pap smear every three years, hrHPV testing every five years or co-testing every five years. After age 65, it is reasonable to consider no longer screening for cervical cancer, but this should be a shared decision made between a woman and her health care provider.

Cervical cancer screening guidelines and testing methods have changed for the better! Be sure to get tested as recommended. It is important to note that these guidelines are for women at average risk of cervical cancer—those women who have never had an abnormal cervical cancer screening and have no significant family or personal history of certain cancers. Women who have had an abnormal screening in the past or have other risks factors will have a more frequent testing schedule. As always, be sure to discuss questions and concerns about cervical cancer screening with your health care provider.

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

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

USPreventiveServicesTaskForce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening#fullrecommendationstart ACOG.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines

NCBI.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4613936

My Australian/German Shepherd mutt mix (and GPSPCA alum), Moose, is overly reactive to large delivery trucks to the point that he’s destroyed the windowsill that looks out of the front of our house. He redirects away from the window when I call him, but obviously doesn’t when I’m at work. A few months back, he forced his way out of an unlatched door to chase a delivery truck up the street. Luckily, when the unaware driver got out of the truck, Moose just stood there wagging his tail wanting to be petted. So, he just hates...trucks? Any help would be appreciated.

- Matt E.

It is common for dogs to feel excited, frustrated, or have the urge to chase vehicles. They are loud, quickly moving, and scary to animals that don’t understand them. Gradual and repeated exposure in a controlled environment is needed to get over any fear or frustration they have towards them. Start walking your dog by parked trucks a few blocks away, then slowly get closer and reward him for appropriate behaviors. If he’s not reactive towards parked vehicles, then you can start with redirecting him away from slowmoving ones. You can ask a friend to drive slowly around and work on redirecting with treats from the sidewalk. I recommend removing him from any

place where he can see moving vehicles when he is alone to avoid damage to your home, like a crate or bedroom, or block any windows with a street view until he becomes less reactive.

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My dog, Sophie, a 13-year-old rescue Chihuahua, has recently bitten two people on their calves. Sophie previously was a reserved barker but had never shown aggression. We recently moved into an apartment and she has been confined to a leash. Prior to that she had a yard to run in. Sophie lives with another Chihuahua and two cats. She has not shown any aggressive behavior toward them. I have had them all for approximately four years. What can I do to help her?

- Dana P.

It sounds like Sophie has fear-induced aggression. This is when animals display aggression because they are uncomfortable with people or animals near them in hopes of keeping them away or from harming them. Animals with fear-induced aggression usually display more aggression when they are on leash because they are unable to flee the situation. Animals go through fight or flight response when they become startled and when they are leashed, they can’t run away, so they choose to fight, which results in biting behaviors. This behavior frequently appears with animals lacking confidence in

themselves and can be worse near their home. I recommend slow introductions and rewarding with appropriate behaviors when meeting new people and letting her go at her own speed. I would absolutely avoid any forced interactions as that can exacerbate these behaviors and make them more challenging to train in the future. If she continues to bite people, a behavior consultation with a certified trainer is a good next step.

- Ashley Flores,

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior and Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

CPDT-KA

Great Plains SPCA is proud to offer public six-week behavior and training classes! GPSPCA Alumni also receive $50 off their first training class. We also offer in-home or on-site private consulatations. If you’d like to sign up or learn more, please email behavior@greattplainsspca.org.

Q A

&

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOUR CHILDREN’S LIFE AT SCHOOL

PARENTS: Aim for a middle ground in your involvement in your children’s education. You want to avoid being a helicopter parent overseeing every aspect of their education. On the other hand, avoid the other extreme of not being involved at all in their education. They need your help in so many ways. One thing is certain: Your involvement in your children’s education will need to change as they advance from preschool and into high school and even college.

No matter where your children are in school, especially now at the start of this new school year, be careful not to set up unrealistic expectations. Doing so may make your children feel like failures for not meeting your expectations. Realistically, a child who has been a good, but not outstanding student, should not be expected to transform immediately to a shining academic star. And the student who has always been in the chorus may not suddenly become a soloist. This is not to say dramatic changes won’t happen—many children start enjoying greater success the older they get. And it often takes boys longer than girls to get into the academic swing at school.

Absolutely Necessary Involvement

First of all, two events at the start of the school year are critical for you to attend. The first one is

back-to-school night. This is your chance to get a close look at your children’s teachers, as well as the school environment. You will be able to get a good picture of what their teachers are like. You’ll see whether they’re likely to be demanding, supportive or a good personality fit for your children. Plus, in most cases, you will discover how teachers want to be contacted and receive a brief survey of what your children will be studying in the coming year. You are also likely to get an overview of teachers’ policies on such things as homework and assignment deadlines. This quick meeting with your children’s teachers will give you an idea of how the year is probably going to go for your children. Plus, this bird’s eye view of teachers will lead to more meaningful conversations when you are talking with your children about what is going on at school. Incidentally, this is not the time to waylay the teacher to talk about your children individually.

Sometime during the fall semester, parent/ teacher conferences are likely to be held. This is the second must-go-to event. Traditionally, conferences have been the time to find out how your children have been doing and to discuss any questions you may have about their progress, as well as to make plans for any additional help they may need. Be sure to get input from your children about anything they might like you to discuss with

their teachers before the conference. In the early grades, the conference is likely to be oneon-one with an individual teacher. In middle school, you may meet for a brief time with each teacher your children have. Whatever the format, it is the time to establish a relationship with your children’s teachers. This is truly a very important feature of these conferences for both teachers and parents.

A new type of conference has emerged in recent years: one conducted by the student, which is more common in middle school than elementary school. It is often done with advisors or counselors rather than individual teachers. Students are typically given a framework that will help them lead the conference. They will review how they are doing in each class (successes and problems), as well as show samples of their work.

More Ways Parents Need to Be Involved

From the first day your children enter school, especially in the early years, you want to have a special time with them every day in which you look over their work together and talk about the school day. As your children get older, this conversation can move to the family dinner table, where all family members can talk about how their day went. Perhaps, the children will talk about an exciting thing they learned, a funny event in a classroom or the difficulty of a particular class. What is important is that you are communicating with them about their education.

Finally, there are two additional ways to be involved in your children’s education. If time permits, you can volunteer in some activity where the school needs help. Some possibilities are assisting in the library, a classroom, a sporting or theater event or the lunchroom. This will give you a good picture of how the school operates and how the students behave. Another obvious way to be involved in your children’s education is by joining the Parent/ Teacher Association and attending meetings.

©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2023

Pepper Pong

We love all kinds of games as a family and gave Pepper Pong a recent try. Pepper Pong is a portable game that blends the best of pickleball with indoor table tennis. It was easy to learn, and the soft balls make the game itself remarkably quiet—though we got louder with laughter as we enjoyed playing. It can be played on any flat-ish surface. We even traveled with it, as it packs up so easily. It’s won us over! PepperPong.com

Calms Forte

Sometimes sleep is elusive. And when it is, it wreaks havoc. It doesn’t matter who in the family is struggling to sleep; everyone seems to feel the effects. This stuff has been in my mom arsenal for years. It is incredibly effective and non-habit-forming; it simply helps you fall asleep with no ill effects. Whether it’s mental stress at bedtime, general restlessness or occasional sleeplessness, this will help you get some sleep. Hylands.com

Hartter Photography

In preparation for my new role at KC Parent, I needed some fresh headshots. On a rainy summer day, I met Taylor with Hartter Photography, and we got to work in her home studio. She proved incredibly gracious, insightful and accommodating. I was amazed at all she had to offer regarding props and wished for a moment that my kiddos were again tiny enough to be wrapped up for a newborn session! A delightful experience with great pictures, too! HartterPhotography.com

LOVE

5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Lauri Clapper

Praying the Scriptures for Your Children

If you’re like me, you need some tracks to run on to help you focus from time to time. This book by Jodie Berndt and Audrey Roloff helped me focus and find my words when I knew I wanted the best for my children. Each chapter has timeless encouragement as well as prayer ideas to help me pray more specifically for my children regarding their faith, character, safety, relationships, future and more. Praying for them helps me worry less, so everyone benefits! Amazon.com

Container Workshops

My mom is known for her green thumb, and yet I effortlessly kill plants. That’s not to say I don’t long to be a good plant mom. Enter Family Tree Nursery’s container workshops. I love these because I can ask the experts what kinds of things will thrive in my home culture based on the things I have kept alive. They offer up their insight and expertise and help me create a masterpiece to enjoy! FamilyTreeNursery.com

Homework. AGAIN.

“Bill, be sure to do your homework first, THEN you can go out to play.” On her first day back in the workforce at a new job, she knew I’d get home before she did and wanted to cover all her bases.

“Right, Mom.” And I meant to follow her directions. However, by the time I got home from a long and dreary day of academia, the last thing I wanted to do was more schoolwork. It’s not that I intentionally disobeyed. I just forgot, an event that seemed to happen with some regularity involving things I didn’t like. I’d simply do my homework between dinner and bedtime. Piece of cake.

The end of supper meant evening television programs, and I was powerless to resist. Spy dramas, comedies, adventures, Westerns, science fiction and even the odd documentary turned me into a willing slave of popular culture. So much so that I can still recite commercial jingles from more than six decades past.

Mom enforced bedtime with an iron hand, which ruled out staying up late. I’d already knocked out the easy stuff, reading assignments, but the bone-crushing drudgery of arithmetic and penmanship loomed.

Fortunately, I had an ace up my sleeve. Bob had told me of a way to get up at a predetermined time without an alarm clock. Right before I fell asleep, I repeated the time I wanted to rise, over and over. It worked like magic.

Refreshed from a few hours of sleep and free from distractions in a quiet house, I slogged through what wasn’t important enough to do when I had the time, but was now so critical that I had to lose sleep to do it. Almost two hours later, I’d finished and went back to bed, vowing never to do it again.

I did it again.

Celebrating 38 Years in KC

Whether you’re a beginner dancer looking for your first leotard or a seasoned performer in need of a pointe shoe fitting, Dance Shoppe is your go-to dance store for the best selection of leotards, tights, shoes and accessories.

Want More in Life?

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

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

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

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

TESTIMONIAL:

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.

TASTYTREATS

Make Mornings a Breeze with Time-Saving Breakfasts

(Family Features)

Mornings can be hectic enough with wake-up calls, preparing for work, getting the kids ready and so many other daily tasks. Add in the need (or desire, at least) for a nutritious breakfast, and starting a new day can feel downright exhausting.

Make your mornings easier with delicious, better-for-you meals you can put together ahead of time using simple ingredients like Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes. You don’t have to know how to pronounce quinoa to enjoy its light, nutty flavor packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids.

As a good source of fiber, it’s a perfect solution composed of a medley of red, black and white quinoa that can make these Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups a breeze. They’re an ideal on-the-go solution for weekday breakfast bites that fit your busy schedule.

To find more weekday morning solutions using easy-to-make whole grains, visit SuccessRice.com.

HAM, CHEESE AND ZUCCHINI BREAKFAST CUPS

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12

1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa

Nonstick cooking spray

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. shredded zucchini

1/2 c. diced ham

2 eggs

1/4 c. egg white

1/4 c. sliced green onion

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Coat 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine quinoa, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded zucchini, diced ham, eggs, egg white, sliced green onion, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin.

QUINOA OVERNIGHT OATS

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Tri-Color

Quinoa

2 c. almond milk

1 c. quick-rolled oats

2 bananas, mashed

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1 c. fresh blueberries

1/2 c. pomegranate seeds

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.

In large bowl, combine almond milk, oats, bananas and cinnamon. Stir in quinoa and blueberries.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Divide among four serving bowls and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Tips: For added sweetness, drizzle with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, to taste. For a grab-and-go breakfast, combine overnight oats mixture and divide in resealable, singleserving jars or containers. Seal and refrigerate overnight.

Grandparents Day Planters

Looking for a cute and easy gift for Grandparents Day that’s sure to be a hit? Look no further!

SUPPLIES:

• Assorted plants, one for each child

• Pots, one for each child

• Enlarged / zoomed-in photos of your children’s faces

• Paint

• Paintbrush

• Paper plates or other item to set wet pots on and mix paint if needed

• Scissors

• Glue dots

• Pipe cleaners

DIRECTIONS:

Step one: Print enlarged photos of your children’s faces. Cut out and set aside.

Step two: Paint the pots. Let dry.

Step three: Once pots are dry, place plants inside each pot. Add more dirt if needed.

Step four: Carefully attach the photo to the pot using the glue dots.

Step five: Add pipe cleaners for arms and legs.

Step six: Add a bit of water to your newly potted plant and you’re all set!

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.

FIVE MYTHS ABOUT HEAD LICE

Did the title make your head itch? The mere suggestion of head lice strikes fear in many parents and teachers. It’s common to hear about an uptick in head lice at the start of a new school year. Prevention and treatment myths abound, so let’s review the basics and debunk some of the most common ones.

BASICS

Head lice (pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wingless insects that live on and infest hair and scalps. Their life cycle is about 28 days and consists of three stages: nit (eggs), nymph (young) and adult. An adult louse is tiny, approximately the size of a sesame seed. The nits are even smaller and look like tiny flakes of dandruff, but they aren’t easy to remove.

Once a head louse takes up residence in your hair, it bites your scalp to feed. An allergic reaction to those bites causes the itching associated with lice infestation. Females lay eggs about a quarter of an inch down the hair shaft, producing a sticky substance that cements the egg in place.

FIVE COMMON MYTHS

Myth: Lice only infest people with poor hygiene.

Fact: Head lice don’t discriminate. They love human scalps.

Myth: Head lice jump and fly from head to head.

Fact: Head lice can only crawl. They do not have the ability to fly or jump.

Myth: You can get lice from your pets. Fact: The human head louse only lives on humans. It cannot survive on other parts of your body. You cannot get them from pets, rodents or other animals.

Myth: Head lice carry and transmit disease.

Fact: Head lice do not transmit any known viruses or bacteria. They’re certainly a nuisance, but they won’t cause any more serious infections.

Myth: Lice live a long time on bedding, clothing and other surfaces.

Fact: Lice only survive for about 24 hours once removed from your scalp.

TREATING

Once you’ve determined your child has head lice, it’s time for treatment. You’ll need to treat both your child and his belongings, which is labor-intensive. The primary treatment methods involve both manual removal (combing) and medication use. You should call your pediatrician’s office before starting any medication and use all medications exactly as directed by the product packaging. Since most over-thecounter medications only kill adult lice, you may have to repeat the treatment in seven to 10 days, after any remaining eggs hatch.

Around the house, heat exposure is the best way to kill lice, as they are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. All clothing, bedding, stuffed animals and other washable soft surfaces that came into contact with your child’s head should be washed and dried at high heat settings. If you have belongings that cannot tolerate that type of laundering, you can seal them in a plastic bag and leave them there for two weeks. That’s more than enough time to ensure all live lice and nits die.

If you get a call from the school nurse, don’t panic. Head lice can be safely treated and removed at home. Call your doctor’s office to receive personalized treatment instructions, take a deep breath and get to it. Those lice will be dead and gone in no time!

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

CDC: “Head Lice;” HealthyChildren.org: “Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know”

SEPTEMBER KC TRIVIA

1On Sept. 23, the Kansas City Zoo hosts its annual Zoo Run (KansasCityZooRun.org). Which species is highlighted this year?

A) elephant B) orangutan C) stingray D) otter

2 The honeybee is Missouri’s state insect, and September is Honey Month. How many honeybees are in the average hive?

A) 15,000

B) 80,000

C) 2,000

D) 50,000

3

On what date in 2023 will you see September’s full moon, the harvest moon?

A) Sept. 29

B) Sept. 10

C) Sept. 3

D) Sept. 30

4

Sept. 3 is Skyscraper Day. Our city’s highest floor, on the 42nd story and standing 624 feet up, is in which structure?

A) One Kansas City Place B) Power & Light Building

C) City Hall D) National WWI Museum and Memorial

5 Sept. 12 is Chocolate Milkshake Day. What year did Winstead’s add milkshakes to the menu?

A) 1945

B) 1962

C) 1957

D) 1950 6

Louisburg Cider Mill is famous for fresh-squeezed apple cider. How many medium-sized apples are in the average gallon of cider?

A) 21 B) 13 C) 59

D) 36

ArtsEnrichment

AND BENEFIT KIDS

WWhen we parents think past the baby stage, we often have visions for what we’d like our children to be involved in as they get older. We take the good and the bad from our own experiences growing up and go from there.

Our own interests can help guide what activities we sign our children up for, too. For example, I was in dance when I was younger, so I signed my daughter up for ballet. She then tried soccer for a couple of seasons, and I had no idea what was going on—which meant I wasn’t as excited or able to help with drills at home because I didn’t have any experience with that sport. I’ve found that it helps if we are both excited about the activity and we’re both more invested in practices and games.

Location and availability are also key factors. I grew up in a rural Iowa town, so we had whatever was available, primarily through the school. But we were exposed to everything that was available because we needed everyone involved to successfully form a team or choir. Now, as parents, my husband and I have lived in the suburbs of bigger cities that seem to have every opportunity under the sun. This causes its own dilemma—feeling like you have to decide far too early which path you want your young kids to take.

Price and time are two other major factors in choosing extracurricular activities for kids, especially in families with multiple children. My husband travels often for work, which leaves me driving everyone to everything—sometimes it’s actually impossible when they’re overlapping times across town from each other. Making friends with other families on the teams is crucial to help with carpooling. Not only are scheduling conflicts going to arise, added expenses seem to mount at every turn: new jerseys, extra practices, new music books, another mouthguard, the next size in cleats, team snacks and more. So why do parents go through all this hassle in the first place? Let’s look at some benefits from all these extracurricular activities.

1. CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

One of my best friends, Allyce Trusheim, is an elementary art teacher in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She has her master’s in art education and has taught art for the past 15 years. She says, “Art teaches creativity and problem-solving. For example, if a child is creating something, but it doesn’t stand/look/feel how they wanted it to, what else can they try?” That spurring of problem-solving can be a huge boon to both kids and adults. They can apply that mental agility and creativity to classroom or work projects, at-home art, cooking, decorating a room or home, landscaping and more.

2. PERSISTENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

Another couple key skills art can teach children are persistence and perseverance. Trusheim says, “In art, things don’t always go right the first time, and similarly, good things in life take time.” In our hectic world where we tend to flit from one thing to the next, the opportunity to sit with a project or problem for a while and keep at it until it’s what we envisioned when we started out is a gift. Learning how to fail as well as learning from mistakes along the

Art Lessons

way are invaluable lessons. If something doesn’t turn out the way we want it to, we don’t have to toss it and never try again. Art can teach us how to try again or come back to our project and make changes, seeing progress over time.

3. COMMUNICATION

Trusheim says, “Art is a form of communication. It is a way to communicate the idea or picture you have in your head to those around you.” This is why young children’s drawings are so fun—they oftentimes can’t explain themselves well yet, but you can see and ask questions about what they have drawn. As children develop, so do their art and communication skills, which is why art therapy can be useful for therapists. But even when our own children create at home, if we pay attention, we parents can pick up on some different feelings they may be experiencing or maybe things that are going on at school or with friends.

4. SELF-EXPRESSION

Art doesn’t always have to be deep either. Sometimes it’s just a fun form of self-expression and part of the journey to finding your own identity. Maybe, through some of your child’s drawings, you learn

he is really into Spider-Man or would love to go horseback riding. Those little nuggets can be helpful in simple things like birthday gift ideas or other activities he may want to try. A favorite way my mom let me be creative was redecorating my bedroom a few times during my childhood. It was fun to pick a new paint color and try a new theme or style. I have since done this a few times for my own children as we’ve moved around and as a fun birthday gift. Clothing, accessories and hairstyles fall into this type of art as well.

5. SOCIAL SKILLS

If you choose to sign up your child for an art class, your student will have exposure to opportunities to develop a wealth of social skills. Budding artists learn from each other, can be inspired by an instructor or another student to try a new medium or technique, get to see the creative process of others, practice encouraging each other and maybe even collaborate on a group project. Youth classes are available at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art as well as the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re not sure you are ready to commit to a camp or class, try a fun parent date with your kiddo to a local paint-your-own pottery class.

1. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

The science behind how music helps with both reading and math is what has kept me fighting the good fight to make our kids stick with our family rule of starting piano lessons at age 5 and continuing until they are 10. At that point, they can decide whether or not they want to continue their lessons. They have to challenge themselves with their daily piano practice and learn how to read music and have both of their hands do different things at the same time. It’s also important to show children that not everything learned is taught at school, so we need to seek out learning in a variety of places. Jennifer Brooks, mother of three, says, “My kiddos do music lessons. An added benefit of music is it connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain for brain balance, which in kids with ADD/ ADHD is often less developed. It’s like learning another language, which makes new neuro pathways in the brain, which is great for brain development.”

2. RESILIENCY AND PERSEVERANCE

Resiliency is a trait you may have or can develop over time and refers to our ability to adapt to challenging circumstances—in this case, learning how to read music notes or learning a new song. Perseverance is the ability to keep going and to not give up when faced with a challenge. Our family rule

of taking piano lessons for five years has helped teach our kids how to keep trying week after week and to prepare for their recitals. Music works on strengthening those memorization skills as well. I think these are great traits to ingrain in children early so they are equipped for future life obstacles.

3. DEDICATION

In our experience, piano lessons are a weekly occurrence, and practicing is a daily activity. This dedication is important to teach our kids—we will be at their lessons each week, and their job is to practice at home so their teacher can continue to teach them as they advance. We’ve often referenced learning how to ride a bike when piano practice isn’t the favorite thing to do. They didn’t just learn how to ride a bike all at once. They had to continue practicing how to balance, pedal, steer, brake and switch gears. Connecting practice to something else is a good reminder of how they have accomplished other skills already.

4. IMPROVEMENT

Thanks to Facebook Memories, the Timehop app and more, it’s easy to watch a video of our children playing piano a year or more ago and see how far they have come. I’m consistently amazed at how well they can play and how much they have improved their skill from year

to year. Be sure to show your child and remark on how impressed you are with his improvement in just a year’s time. Those positive reinforcements can be a powerful tool to keep motivation up. Brooks says, “Another benefit of learning music is to gain confidence in themselves and learn how to improve on the skills they’ve already mastered (so problemsolving). They also learn that there are consequences and rewards related to the amount of work put into their activities.”

5. FUN

Most of all, childhood is supposed to be fun. Even though children’s brains can be little sponges as they develop, play remains a crucial component of being a kid. One of our piano teachers would assign my youngest son to play around and improvise his own song because he has an ear for music. My middle son often preferred to learn how to play a song he liked on the radio. Once my daughter learned she could play anything, she asked for new piano music for her birthdays—everything from favorite movie soundtracks to her favorite composers. It’s also a fun skill for any talent shows or to show friends when they come over to play. Plus, if she keeps it up, it could be a lifelong skill with potential to become a side job or career. She’s already begun teaching younger students and could play weddings or events in the future.

Music Lessons

1. CHARACTER BUILDING

This can be gleaned from both team and solo sports in different ways. With team sports, being part of something bigger than yourself and having a team that is counting on you can teach your children to be reliable, to try their best, to be kind and encouraging teammates and to help with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. With solo sports like golf or swimming, your child learns to have mental toughness and personal motivation. In many cases, these solo events are also a team effort, but the mental game can be different. Regardless of the sport, because it is a competition with a winner and loser, participating in athletics teaches children how to have good sportsmanship. Kids learn how to win and lose appropriately and also that they’re not always going to be the best. This also can teach them to learn from their mistakes and encourage them to put in more effort if they want to improve their own skills.

2. TEAM BUILDING

There’s something special about being on a team, working together and losing and winning together. You’re the only ones that know how excruciating that last practice was or how heartbreaking it was to lose by one point in the final second. Teammates become some of your closest

friends because you learn how to rely on each other and spend the majority of your time with them between practices, games and any traveling. Being a part of a team is also helpful if your child is more reserved because it gives him something to belong to and a smaller group of people to get to know. Even though it really pushed my daughter out of her comfort zone in middle school, being in sports ended up being a highlight and an easy way for her to meet new people.

3. POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE

Positive peer pressure is one of the best ways to motivate children, from potty training to reading and to participating in an activity. My son got on his best friend’s baseball team and now knows that if he wants to spend time with him, he has to keep on playing baseball because of the time commitment involved. He will see his best friend more if he’s at practice with him throughout the week and at tournaments on weekends. It’s also easier to get kids to want to go to practice if they will be spending time with their friends.

4. BODY WELLNESS

This may sound obvious, but children have a variety of natural activity levels. My kids were generally active when they were little, so we often took walks and bike

rides to playgrounds or headed to open gyms during the colder months. But now that they’re older, they sometimes lose the motivation to move their bodies. As a kid, I was always involved in sports and other activities and didn’t think of needing to move my body until I went to college. As a parent, I am now trying to educate my children on how movement is important to their overall health, both physically and mentally, and how proper nutrition fuels their bodies effectively for the activities they’re involved in. I wish I would have had more education on this aspect of sports during my childhood and early adulthood.

5. DISCOVERING AN INTEREST

I’ve so enjoyed seeing how an activity highlights my child’s natural ability and talent. When kids find an activity they love, they have fun—and parents have a blast watching them grow in their skill. Trying new activities teaches children how to step out of their comfort zone and prove to themselves that they can do hard things. Watching kids experience pride in themselves is such a delightful moment for parents. That’s why I urge my kids to try an array of activities because maybe they haven’t yet found the thing that makes them feel more like themselves or gives them joy just to do it. If they love to dance, let them dance. If they love to rock climb, let them climb.

Stephanie Loux is the mother to Layla, 13, Mason, 11, and Slade, 8, who all keep her on her toes with a variety of activities that she enjoys watching them participate in.

LONG-DISTANCE GRANDPARENTING

Most long-distance grandparents will agree that you don’t have to live in the same town to play a huge role in the life of your grandchildren. Yes, you might be sad that your grandkids don’t live close by, but you certainly can still create a special and lasting relationship with some planning. Here’s how:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Joy Candrian of the blog XOXO Grandma suggests, “Research the places where your grandchildren live and, when FaceTiming or talking on the phone, ask them intelligent questions about their home, school and the things they have done that week.” Another example might be checking out the latest children’s movie in your own town, if you know your grandkids are going to see it as well, so you can talk about the best parts together.

READ TO THEM AND PLAY GAMES

“Record yourself reading a book and then upload that recording to YouTube, so your grandchild can hear your voice and see you reading them a story. After uploading your recorded story online, mail the book to your grandchild so they can follow along while they watch your video,” Candrian says. Buy a blank puzzle at a craft store then, if you are arsty, draw a picture on it. If not, write a message and color in some of the pieces. Your grandchild will have a blast putting it together over and over. Online games like Words with Friends are also a fun and educational way to connect.

RECOGNIZE HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DATES

Keep track of important dates, so you can be there for the big events. Set reminders on your phone or put them on your wall calendar so you can send cards or plan a

video chat for birthdays, graduations, last day of school, prom, sports, spelling bees and so much more. “I think giving gifts is such a natural way to show we care, and giving a handmade gift (such as a quilt) shows we care enough to spend our time for those we love,” says Candrian. “Your grandchild may not understand that now, but as they grow older and wiser, your gifts should help them feel the love you have for them.”

RAISE VIDEO CHATTING AND SOCIAL MEDIA TO A NEW LEVEL

Skype, FaceTime and Zoom make it so much easier to see grandchildren’s faces and keep yours fresh in theirs. They grow and change so quickly, so make weekly dates to do things like call up the grandkids and take them on a walk with you, let them watch you bake something, read to them. One way my 90-year-old grandmother loves to keep

up with her grandkids and great-grandkids is to hop on Facebook daily to check out status updates and photos.

REMEMBRANCES

Make sure you have plenty of photos of your grandchildren around your home and send photos of yourself to them as well. You want them to get to know you as well, and it’s so easy these days to create photo books and books of stories from your childhood for them on a site like Mixbook. Check out the Marco Polo app for a FaceTime meets voicemail experience, where you get to leave and receive video messages, and they don’t disappear … you can save them on Marco Polo indefinitely and also save them to your phone or forward them to other family members.

PLAN REGULAR VISITS AND SPECIAL TRIPS

Carissa Jones, mom of eight, shares, “Both sets of grandparents take small groups of one to two kids home with them.

My parents take the kids to their home for their 10th birthday, and they have a special long weekend together that each kid has anticipated in the months leading up to their birthday.”

READY FOR A FUN VISIT

When it’s time for the kids to come to your home, make sure you have a stash of games, books and universal toys (think Legos and Magna-Tiles) so they feel at home. Scout out local indoor trampoline parks, nature centers, kid-friendly restaurants and other activities that you can all do together during the visit.

Despite distance, you can form close bonds with your grandchildren and ensure you play a key role in their lives. Jones sums it up nicely: “I think much like parenting, relationships are built on the foundation of time together and on traditions.”

Kerrie McLoughlin is the homeschooling mom of five and blogger at ThePublishedParent.com.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Connect with Your Grandkids: Fun Ways to Bridge the Miles by Cheri Fuller

Long-Distance Grandparenting: Connecting with Your Grandchildren from Afar by Willma Willis Gore

Virtual Grandma: A how-to guide on “virtually connecting” with little ones up to age five using FaceTime, Skype, and other apps by Alison Hillhouse

Long Distance Grandma: Staying Connected Across the Miles by Janet Teitsort

The Long-Distance Grandmother: How to Stay Close to Distant Grandchildren by Selma Wassermann

Discover JCCC, one of the “Big Ten” campuses with public art. Join us for a self-guided 3D art hunt, FREE guided tours of the Museum, and diverse public programs! Learn more about our full range of offerings and events at nermanmuseum.org.

Picture yourself at the Nerman Mu seum!

CelebrateGrandparentsDayinKC

Grandparents Day falls on Monday, Sept. 10, this year. We are excited to honor grandparents with memory-making outings, homemade gifts and treasured time celebrating them!

Conduct an interview

Whether grandparents live nearby or far away, you can capture and preserve the special relationship they hold in your family. Help the kids create a journal or blog and interview their grandparents, recording the answers. Make two copies—one to keep and one to share—or create a blog to share online. Add to it each year.

Interview grandparents:

• When you were my age, what did you enjoy?

• Did you watch TV? Favorite shows?

• What did you enjoy in school?

• What did your bedroom look like?

• Did you have a favorite pet?

• What did you want to be when you grew up, and did you do it?

• Tell about the first time you met Grandma/Grandpa.

• What was my parent like as a child?

• What did you think when you first met me?

Interview children:

• What do you enjoy most about your grandparents?

• What is your first memory of your grandparents?

• What do you look forward to doing together?

• What would you like to know about them?

• What do you share in common?

Go Sight-Seeing with Grandparents

One of our favorite local attractions, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, is celebrating grandparents a day early this year, on Sept. 9. Living history activities may include stagecoach rides, seasonal farming activities, visiting the Mahaffie house,

blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations, yard games, self-guided tours and the Heritage Center. One grandparent (real or honorary) admitted free with one paying grandchild’s admission.

Ride the Rails

Riding the rails evokes nostalgia and captivates the imagination. Tucked away in the Northland, Kansas City’s bargain treasure awaits families every weekend May through October, offering rides for just 75 cents. Families ride the loop twice for the price of one ticket, including the traditional tunnel, and search for the beloved railroad puppy, Buddy, en route. After riding the rails, kids enjoy testing out the train whistle and bell. The park is also home to a walking trail and picnic tables, perfect for a nice day out with family.

Spend a Day at the Zoo

Everyone loves a beautiful day at the Kansas City Zoo. This September, the zoo is celebrating the grand opening of the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, and GloWild: Around the World opens evenings beginning Sept. 29. Spend time enjoying the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tiger Trail, Australia and Elephant Expedition. Then, head over to Africa and enjoy a ride on the Sky Safari. Remember to ride on the carousel, boat or tram for even more fun. Upgrade your FOTZ membership to enjoy free rides! KansasCityZoo.org

Paint a Pottery Keepsake

There is something special about the handprints of a child, and the best place to make a handprint, footprint or thumbprint keepsake is Ceramic Café. This paint-your-own pottery shop offers a wide selection of projects. Invite grandparents to paint with you or make gifts in advance for the holiday. For the gifts to be ready in time, plan your painting for a week or more in advance.

CeramicCafeKC.com

DISCIPLINE MISTAKES DEFEATED

One of the less appealing parts of parenting is changing from the fun confidant and playtime buddy to a disciplinarian. Unfortunately for parents, doling out consequences and punishments can be challenging. After all, bad behavior rarely occurs under calm circumstances. Children tend to misbehave when they’re overtired, excited, frustrated or downright fed up. Combine all that with a parent’s own frustrations, and the result can be far from ideal.

Thankfully, there are ways to catch and correct missteps in your discipline approach. Here are a few ways to recognize potential—and very common—hitches in your techniques and how to correct them.

What you did: Saw bad behavior and screamed (loudly) for it to stop.

What you’ll do now: Take a moment to collect yourself.

Bad behavior is like a tornado. It can show up quickly, do a lot of damage and then leave as quickly as it arrived. If your child is having a meltdown and it’s causing you to be angry and scream, no one is getting the benefit of the teachable moment. Consider putting your child in a safe space until he can calm down. Afterward, clearly explain the behavior that led to this consequence. “You were hitting your toy car against the wall and damaging property. We don’t use toys to harm. I have taken the car away. You may have it back in a bit to show me you can use it properly.”

Any time you can correlate an action with a consequence in a way that is concise to your child, you’re getting all the thumbs up. The child hears the reason and the consequence and can see you aren’t arbitrarily handing out punishments.

What you did: Talked a big game to leave the water park but didn’t follow through. What you’ll do now: Say what you will do—and actually do it.

Parents are great at throwing down threats but often bail when the time comes to follow through. If you can’t enact the consequence you’re threatening, your promises—on any topic—aren’t worth anything. They’re just hot air.

Consider telling your child, “You’re having a tough time following my instructions that are going to keep you safe at this water park. I don’t want to go home, and I know you don’t either. So each time you fail to follow an instruction, we will come to this bench and sit for 10 minutes.”

Sure, it’s not ideal. But it keeps you from threatening to pack up and go home when you have zero intention of doing so. After all, you spent good money on a day at the amusement park. Find a balance between “the big threat” and a promise that makes sense and is actionable.

What you did: Talked a really, really, really, long time.

What you’ll do now: Keep it concise and clear.

Kids’ attention spans are on par with a golden retriever’s. They listen for a hot second and then are off to catch a squirrel. This means your “Glasses Require Two Hands” lecture isn’t effective. Rather than trying to explain why holding the glass with two hands is a safe and effective means of staying hydrated while also keeping the house in a clean, orderly condition, consider explaining, “I know you forgot to hold the glass with two hands. It’s important to keep our hands from shaking and making a mess. Let’s try to do better next time.”

Easy. Simple. Moving on with the day.

What you did: Making comparisons to siblings or friends.

What you’ll do now: Remember every child is different.

A child’s behaviors and abilities should be addressed individually. Yes, it requires more work and time, but this is how it must happen. Imagine a fireman being criticized at work because he’s not good at cooking tilapia. One thing has zero to do with the other. Similarly, each child has a set of skills she is better at than the next child is. It’s absurd to hold one child to the standard of the other. Praise your child for the things she does well and be ready to help where she struggles. Never punish or be disappointed that a child might seemingly lag behind a sibling or friend. Comparison is the thief of joy, no matter how old you are.

What you did: Assumed your child was just a nightmare today.

What you’ll do now: Eliminate causation.

When you break it down, children are pretty simple. If they’re acting out, it’s likely because of one of these reasons: hunger, thirst, being overtired or feeling frustration/ confusion.

When your child is having a particularly tough day, mentally check through these boxes. How did he sleep last night? When is the last time he had a drink of water or ate? Is he trying something new and it isn’t going well?

If you can play detective and get to the root cause of a child’s acting out, you’ll almost certainly find the discipline portion to be much easier. It’s never a good idea to excuse bad behavior, but understanding and identifying the cause can give you clues for how to head it off in the future.

Children are a puzzle that changes daily. It’s our job as parents to decipher the code they give us for the day. It may not be easy, but if we can stay levelheaded and keep our emotions in check, we can model the behavior that will make kids more prepared for handling their own reactions in the future. Monkey see, monkey do.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.

Three Ways to Discipline More Effectively Today:

1. Don’t forget the positive. Pepper in praise with discipline. When you are doling out a consequence, remember to highlight what went right. “You were doing a great job coloring with your sister. That was awesome! But you know markers are for paper and not for your skin. I’m taking the markers for five minutes, so you can remember how to use them properly.”

2. Keep it private. Resist the urge to do over-the-top discipline in public. It can be embarrassing for all parties involved. Pull your child aside and quietly give a consequence (e.g., sitting next to you for five minutes at the park).

3. Stay respectful. Never say any words to your child you wouldn’t say to a boss or colleague. No name calling, cursing or shaming. Simply state the bad behavior and explain the consequence. If you don’t think you can do it without going super-negative or saying something you’ll regret, take 10 minutes to calm down. Discipline can wait; words can’t be taken back.

CELEBRATE KANSAS CITY’S SIGNATURE SKYSCRAPERS

SEPT. 3 IS SKYSCRAPER DAY … CELEBRATE KANSAS CITY STYLE!

Take an Insta-worthy pic in front of Missouri’s tallest building. One Kansas City Place at 1200 Main has been the tallest building in Kansas City since 1988, soaring to 42 floors. The 624-foot-tall building, with its Art Deco-style mirrored glass exterior, bears a striking resemblance in design to the KCMO City Hall. This is not a coincidence. The architect was inspired to create an ’80s version of the municipal building.

Share a Skyscraper with the family. Winstead’s, Kansas City’s original drivethru steakburger joint and beloved diner, first opened in 1940 and has been a local landmark ever since. Known for a variety of delicious ice cream desserts, the most beloved is the “Skyscraper” giant ice cream soda or milkshake meant to serve five or six guests! WinsteadsSteakburger.com

Get a bird’s eye view of the city from atop City Hall. Just a few blocks east from the Metro Center streetcar stop, you can take a tour to the top of the Kansas City Missouri City Hall (414 E. 12th St.). City Hall observation deck tours are available Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:00-4:00. You must schedule a tour in advance. Visit KCMO.gov/city-hall/city-hall-observation-deck-tour-information for information. Stroll on a downtown rooftop. With so many beautiful parks, trails and green spaces, Kansas City boasts endless options. But for a one-of-a-kind experience, you can stroll on the rooftop at Green Roof Park (1211 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.) in the Power & Light District. Access may be found off Main Street, between 12th and 13th streets. This park is a fantastic free way to get a great view of the downtown’s tallest buildings.

One Kansas City Place

Bonding at Bedtime

Abedtime routine can create a sense of calm and security for kids. Children need good rest in order to learn, grow and play, and a bedtime routine is the first step toward that good night’s sleep. Going through the paces of a routine gives kids of any age time to wind down, discuss their day and snuggle with their parents at the day’s end.

IMPORTANCE OF A BEDTIME ROUTINE

A bedtime routine is important for kids because it signals their bodies that it’s time to settle down for the day. A good night of rest is not only essential for your children’s growth and development, but it also prepares them for another day of learning and exploring. Parents of babies often create consistency that includes bath time, snuggling, reading and nursing or feeding them a bottle. Bedtime routines are just as important for kids past infancy. As your children become more independent with their baths and brushing their teeth, you can still be there to read a story or chat about their day and give a goodnight hug and kiss. “When my daughter was little, I always sat with her in the rocking chair, and we would read a bedtime story every night. And to this day that girl reads a ton of books on top of college studies,” says Marci Mixan. Setting aside time for them to share their thoughts creates a bond over time and helps your children feel loved after a busy day.

ESTABLISHING A ROUTINE

Each family’s bedtime routine will differ based on schedules and family dynamics, but the important thing is to be consistent. Debbie Hardy, a grandma from Olathe, shares that her kids would tell about their day, including the good, bad and favorite, read a book, pray and sing “You Are My Sunshine.” Families may establish a routine of taking a bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth and reading a book. As you tuck in your children, leave time to talk about the highs and lows of the day and what they are excited or nervous about for the next day. Share with them a moment that made you proud of them, tell them you love them and give them a kiss goodnight. Some parents may sing a song, turn on a music box before bed or say a bedtime prayer. The routine may vary with different children within the same family, especially if they are different ages. Larger families may decide to read books together, stagger bedtimes or have one parent read to one child and the other parent read to another child, taking turns each night. How the routine looks isn’t important. What is important is consistency and that the routine works for your family.

“I put a little table in the baby’s room so the [the older kids] can color while I feed him and rock him to sleep. That is their wind-down time because they have to be quiet,” says Ashley Frew, Olathe mom of three. “They

have an evening and morning chart (jammies, brush teeth, clean up toys, etc). They check each one of those off as they do it. They each pick out one of the library books we got for the week. They share a room, so I read both books while they’re lying in bed, warm up their Warmies, and they go to sleep.”

OPENING CONVERSATION

After a long, busy day, parents can be tempted to quickly tuck their children in and get back to their events and activities. Although this is necessary sometimes, it can mean missing an opportunity to have conversations with your kids and discuss topics they may not open up about any other time. Amy Cameron, Olathe mom of three, says she reads books but stops to talk when important subjects come up. She says they also have a secret handshake they do before bed. When you are tucking your children in at night, ask them questions about their day: “How did your science test go?” or “Who did you sit with at lunch?” You can also help them review the day by asking questions like, “It was fun to see Grandma today, wasn’t it?” or “It was disappointing when your team lost the game, wasn’t it?” Point out some things you can look forward to tomorrow, let them know you love them or just listen to what they want to say.

Bedtime can be challenging. Maybe your children won’t stay in their rooms or ask for multiple cups of water and bathroom breaks. They may say they are scared, or they simply won’t settle down. Keep working to establish a routine and be patient. If a child says he is scared, lie down with him for a short while. If she wants a drink of water, allow one. Set up a calming and safe atmosphere where you and your children can unwind from a busy day and spend time talking without distractions. Your family can work as a team to make bedtime less stressful and create a time for bonding.

BEDTIME DO’S AND DON’TS

DO:

Dim the lights and create a cozy atmosphere. Let kids know why you are proud of them. Establish a calming routine. Take time to talk and snuggle. Read a book together. Allow some silliness. Make sure your child isn’t hungry and choose healthy foods. Tell them you love them.

DON’T:

Allow screen time right before bed. Watch scary programs on TV. Eat or drink sugar in the evening.

Choose stimulating activities like running through the house or wrestling. Point out things that cause anxiety, like the messiness of their room, or bring up worries about the next day.

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

DINING OUT WITH KIDS

If I am super honest with you, dining out with kids is not something I love to do. I am a bit of a homebody and enjoy staying in—probably too much sometimes—and with four children between the ages of 11 and 4, dining out can feel like a bit of a … chore. Plus, dining out with a family of 6 these days is expensive! Anyone else relate?! Despite all the reasons I can come up with for not taking our family out to eat, I do realize restaurant dining holds great value for our kids. If you find yourself feeling like I do and maybe dreading to eat out with your kids, read on to find how other metro moms deal, where to go and which cool, local KC business can help you out!

Dining out with kids actually has great benefits for the entire family. Our current societal norms can undermine those, however, with the temptation to just hand

over your phone to kids in an effort to keep the peace at a restaurant. But as Kristin Cotton, Olathe mom of two, puts it, this is a wonderful time to connect with your family: “There is so much that kids gain by having conversations at the dinner table. It’s kind of like going on a date … you don’t sit on our phone the whole time, so we should look at dinner with our kids the same. A time to hear about their day, get to know their sweet personality and help build their character.”

In addition to connecting with your kids, dining out together is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids appropriate manners. Margaret Sarver, former KC Parent editor, shares, “When my girls were younger, my parents would take them to a nice restaurant once a year to teach them ‘the art of fine dining.’ One of the things they worked on was how to make conversation with someone you don’t know well. It was a fun tradition.”

Our family has eaten out a bit more than usual this summer and we’ve used it as an opportunity to teach our kids how to order their own food, ask for what they need and use appropriate manners in a restaurant. Dare I say it has actually been kind of fun seeing them rise to the challenge?!

If you’ve decided you all are going to venture out to a restaurant, you may be thinking, “Now what?! Where do we go? What do I take?” Well, before you put yourself into a tailspin, take a deep breath! The most important part is choosing a place to go that will suit your family, which can vary depending on the ages of your children. If you have a small window of opportunity—perhaps you have a small baby who is napping—find a place close to home. If your kids are young, pick somewhere that has a kids menu to color or offers snacks ahead of time. Venture out to a

restaurant with a few games you could play together as a family if your kids are older or varied in ages. We recently went to Tanners where we played Skee-Ball, darts and pool (attempted anyway!), which was a fun way for us to hang out together before our food came.

You may also consider choosing somewhere that is kind of loud or has a patio you can sit on, so you (or other patrons) won’t be bothered when your kids are loud, too. Kaylee Biller, an Olathe mom of two, says, “We weren’t willing to give up eating out all together when we added a child to our family but knew we had to adjust our expectations. We come prepared. We go early. We avoid waits. We work together.” Elizabeth Godfrey, Overland Park mom of four, has similar insight: “Pick a kid-friendly restaurant with a quick turnover to avoid waiting. Be prepared. Bring snacks, paper, crayons and cards. Also, get the check when they serve

the dinner … when kids are done eating, waiting isn’t an option!”

Cotton has a great tip about keeping kids entertained: “The key is to bring a few different things each time so they don’t get bored.” In fact, Cotton and her coworker, both Olathe kindergarten teachers, started a small business called KC Kits that offers tons of learning kits, sensory kits, entertainment kits and pretend play kits! They’re all effective to keep kids busy, but the entertainment kits are particularly great for restaurants (or sibling activities or road trips). You can find them on Facebook at KC Kits, Instagram at KCKits2213, or their website at KCKits.net.

Do keep in mind you don’t have to turn cartwheels to make dining out a successful

experience. Sometimes it is okay for kids to just sit and not be entertained by you or by things. Be realistic too—dining out isn’t always going to be successful, but that’s just part of the adventure. So, if you didn’t brave the Kansas City heat to eat out this summer, never fear. Cooler weather is almost here! You are now armed with some great family benefits of dining out, places to try and things to keep your kids engaged and busy while waiting, so what are you waiting for?!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where her family is braving restaurant dining a little more often … but never leaves home without her “bag of tricks” to help engage and occupy the kids!

When Mom needs a night off, check out the Kids Eat Free Guide at KCParent.com for fantastic options!

DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME

Organizing and decluttering is one of those things people dread doing because, most of the time, it’s overwhelming. Finding the time to organize your entire home can be daunting, but these simple steps can help you break the process down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

GET STARTED.

The first step—sometimes the hardest—is to just get started. Don’t put it off for another day. I’ve noticed when I jump in and begin, I start to feel motivated to continue other parts of the house. One decluttered space often inspires me to declutter another space.

SET A TIME LIMIT.

If you only have a few minutes to organize your home, set a timer and race the clock. You’ll be amazed by how much you can accomplish in just 10 minutes.

FOLLOW THE 20/20 RULE.

While decluttering, you may find it hard to make a decision about what you should keep, donate or throw away. The 20/20 rule is an easy tool to help you decide. If you can replace the item for less than $20 and in less than 20 minutes, you can get rid of it.

GIVE EVERYTHING A HOME.

When organizing your home, make sure everything you own has a home. You can use small organizing bins to make space for items in smaller drawers. The bins will help contain your items and will make it easier to return items where they belong when you’re done using them. If you come across items without a home, you might discover they’re things you don’t need.

TAKE THE 12-12-12 CHALLENGE.

The 12-12-12 challenge is a fun way to declutter your home. Locate 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate and 12 items to return to their proper home. That’s 36 items quickly organized in your home. To make an even greater impact, have your entire family take the challenge.

ONE IN, ONE OUT.

To keep your home from being cluttered with toys, teach your children that when one toy comes in, one needs to go out to be donated. Our family likes to make a donation bin every year before each birthday and Christmas to make room for new toys.

KEEP BASKETS ON THE STAIRS.

I like to place designated baskets for each child on the stairs. When I see the kids’ things in the common living area, I simply pick them up and put them in the appropriate child’s basket. Then they know to take those items upstairs to put them away. This saves at least a few trips upstairs a day and encourages children to pick up after themselves.

USE DONATION CLOSET BINS.

I keep donation bins in my daughters’ closets. When they grow out of a clothing item, they toss it in the donation bin. Once the bin is full, I take it that day to be donated. This has saved me hours of time going through their closets and dressers each season to look for the items that no longer fit.

REMEMBER THE BENEFITS OF DECLUTTERING.

When I need motivation, I try to focus on the benefits of decluttering. Clutter can lead to higher stress levels, anxiety and even depression. I know I will feel much less stress and will spend less time cleaning and organizing and much less time moving things around in my home. Maintaining a decluttered home with only the items you need and really love can be very freeing.

USE STORAGE WISELY.

When we purchased our home and it had a storage room, I was excited about the extra space to stow lessused items. Before long, though, it ended up becoming a space to throw things I didn’t have a better place for. You don’t want a storage space that’s filled to the brim and hard to navigate. Use your storage space wisely by only stashing items you know you will need one day, such as Christmas and other seasonal decorations or sentimental items like some of your kids’ old baby clothes.

USE THE HANGER TRICK.

For an easy way to weed out your closet, flip all the hangers in your closet to face one direction. When you wear something, flip the hanger the other way. In three to six months, check to see which items you have not worn. Those will be the items you can donate.

PURGE TOYS.

My children have a hard time parting with toys. When I ask them whether we can donate a toy, they often decide it’s their new favorite toy and begin playing with it again. When my kids aren’t home, I like to do a big toy purge in their playroom. I fill a container with toys I think they no longer play with then put the container in our storage room. If the kids don’t ask for the toys in a month, I go ahead and donate them. If your kids are anything like mine, they won’t even notice!

SET UP A SYSTEM FOR PAPER.

Paperwork can accumulate quickly. Our family has a file folder system to help us stay organized. There are compartments for bills due, schoolwork, school paperwork that needs signing, mail that needs action and items that need filing. This way I can quickly reference the items I need and check to see what action items I need to complete.

DONATE, DON’T SELL.

I’ve often been caught in the cycle of thinking I will save items for a garage sale one day or to sell online. It’s hard to throw out things we paid hard-earned money for, but I’ve realized saving items just adds stress to my life, and the amount of money I might make from that item just isn’t worth the stress to me. Every time I’d see the stored items, I’d feel burdened about how I needed to have a garage sale. Now, I just donate 95% of the items. A few exclusions are high-dollar items like large toys or pieces of furniture, which I typically try to sell online. If they don’t sell in a day, I go ahead and donate.

Need help getting started? Start small. Here are a few quick and easy places to start decluttering in your home in under five minutes!

• Utensil drawer

• Magazine rack

• Spice rack

• Kitchen junk drawer

• Nightstand

• Tupperware drawer

• Medicine cabinet

Clutter can lead to higher stress levels, anxiety and even depression. Maintaining a decluttered home with only the items you need and really love can be very freeing.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 3, in St. Joseph.

BIRTHDAY PLANNING SECRETS: Tips from Savvy Moms

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

Brainstorm Ideas with the Birthday Kid

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

Thank You Notes

While your child is opening gifts, instead of taking time to write a list of gifts and givers for thank you notes, simply snap a quick photo of the birthday child, guest

and gift opened. It will be a quick and easy reference for thank you notes. You could even print the photos out to use as personalized thank you notes.

Digital Invites

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

Scoop Ice Cream Before the Party

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

Continued on page 46

Prevent Leaks

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

Prep the Night Before

I like to prep everything for the party the night before. I put up all the decorations, pick up the cake and balloons, prepare food and drinks and have everything for the activities ready to go. By prepping the night before, you can enjoy the party day, and you will have time to run and grab a last minute item you might have forgotten before the party starts.

Create Individual Party Packages for Each Guest

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

Invest in a Plastic Pool

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

Recruit Help from Your Kids

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

Let the Activity Be the Favor

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

Ask for Any Special Allergies When Guests RSVP

Make sure none of the children have food allergies when the parents RSVP. We have a family friend with a peanut allergy, so we try to make sure all the snacks and the cake are peanut allergy friendly, so he can eat what everyone else is eating.

Easy Drinks

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

Simple Tablecloths

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

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

The Sleepover Survival Guide

When kids are very young, they usually don’t have any interest in sharing their room or bed with a friend. Family is their primary focus. As they start school and begin to make new friends, though, they may ask you whether Suzie can spend the night and make homemade pizza, play in the sprinkler, then sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. Sounds fun, right? To ensure smooth sailing, try out some of these ways to prepare for this extra child in your house or discuss with your child what it’s like to spend the night at a friend’s house.

Think of a sleepover as a type of playdate. It may be best to limit the number of kiddos you invite. Ask yourself whether your child can entertain multiple friends for a long time. Have you hosted these children before in your home? Can they all get along? Be sure to select a date that works for your family. Also make sure you do not have early-morning sporting events, church, dance class or anything else at the break of day, as children will be tired after a long night of fun. Give yourself and your child a day of recovery afterward, so everyone starts the week rested.

The secret to any sleepover is the goodies. Stock your kitchen with all types of food. Get creative and come up with a food theme. Try “Under the Sea,” using Goldfish crackers, Swedish fish and doughnuts in the shapes of stars to look like starfish. Make sure food items are easy to clean up. A pizza-making session is always a winner, using tortillas, pizza sauce and any toppings your kids choose.

Begin the evening with a fun group activity such as playing kickball, taking the dog for a walk, visiting a playground nearby or doing a

fun art project like sidewalk chalk. Keep the kiddos busy. Before the big day, have your child help create an activity plan, such as a movie night. Select age-appropriate movies and have kids vote on what to watch. Set up a viewing area with blankets and pillows. Pop popcorn and place portions in individual bowls and serve theater-style candy.

One idea my own children enjoyed was staging a campsite by setting up a tent in the house and pretending to be on a camping trip. Use flashlights and make s’mores. My daughter enjoyed having beauty makeover sessions and doing mani-pedis and taking before and after pictures.

Boys might enjoy a sports sleepover and wear their favorite sports jerseys, then divide into teams and play basketball or football. If the weather is bad, do a sleeping bag “sack” race indoors.

Boundaries are important. Determine start and end times, set a bedtime, show the children how to find you and check in often to make sure nobody is being teased and that arguments don’t happen. Take phones up before the sleepover begins. Social media is everywhere, and kids should unplug and enjoy each other—and NO posting pics on social media, as someone’s feelings might be hurt. Of course, make sure nobody leaves the house overnight without adult supervision.

When you are considering allowing your children to sleep over at a friend’s house, make sure they are ready. How have they done at grandparents’ houses? Did any of them get scared and want to come home? Call the parents of the child hosting the sleepover and discuss what will go on.

Consider Facetiming just before your child goes to bed to relieve anxiety. Though there isn’t a single right age for a sleepover, slumber parties are a big step for all children and a common part of socialization as they grow. To avoid 1:00 a.m. phone calls (which one child did at my son’s sleepover), anticipate anxieties and try some smart strategies.

Your children may wonder where they will sleep, whether it is OK to call you before bed or whether bringing along a favorite stuffed animal will make them look babyish. So, before you accept an invitation, find out how the sleepover will go and bring up any concerns you may have. Let the family know about fears and anxiousness. Perhaps your son needs to bring a flashlight because he is afraid of the dark. Or he may need to use the bathroom one more time before bed.

And you do need to come up with an action plan if your child wants to come home. If your child calls and whines to you, or if the friend’s parent has tried everything to no avail, it is best to pick your youngster up rather than try to persuade him to stay. Your rescue develops the trust he needs, so maybe next time he will be more apt to stay the whole night. Discuss this ahead of time and assure your child that he will have fun and enjoy the time with friends.

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: MySouthernHealth.com, Parents.com.

SEPTEMBER festivals ACROSS KANSAS CITY

SantaCaliGon Sept. 1-4, Independence Square. SantaCaliGon Days Festival is a nonstop celebration of Independence, the starting point of the westward expansion! The region’s largest and longest-running four-day Labor Day weekend family event! SantaCaliGon.com

Lenexa Spinach Festival Sept. 9, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The family-friendly Lenexa Spinach Festival is packed with food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities, craft vendors and more! Learn more at Lenexa.com/Spinach.

The Great Pumpkin Fest Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-Oct. 29, Worlds of Fun. Hooray for fall! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Worlds of Fun’s Great Pumpkin Fest. WorldsOfFun.com/events/great-pumpkin-fest

Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sept. 16, Shawnee Town 1929. Enjoy the 46th Annual Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival, featuring more than 140 vendors showcasing their handmade, homemade and repurposed items! ShawneeTown.org

Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest Sept. 22-23, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy Kids Street, arts and crafts, German meals, beer and brat tents, the biergarten, carnival, the Sportzelt, home brew tasting, German dancers and much more. There’s no cost to attend the festival. LSOktoberfest.com

45th Annual Ciderfest Sept. 23-24 and Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Louisburg Cider Mill. Ciderfest activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast. Other activities include live music, cider and donut making, pony rides and inflatable slides throughout the day. LouisburgCiderMill.com

KC Zoo Run for the Sea Otters Sept. 23, Kansas City Zoo. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo Run as we “Run for the Sea Otters.” Participate in a 4-mile timed run/walk event, as well as a 1-mile family fun run. KansasCityZooRun.org

Children’s Mercy Dream Big Day Sept. 30, Crown Center Square. Children’s Mercy Dream Big Day is a family-friendly celebration and 1-mile walk to rally our community around Children’s Mercy and raise funds to provide answers, hope and care to patients and their families! DreamBigDay.org

KC Zoo Run for the Sea Otters

The Great Pumpkin Fest

Lenexa Spinach Festival

HOMETOWN HAVE-TO’S

Must-have experiences for every Kansas Citian

Experience our world-class museums. Kansas City is home to many fantastic museums, but three are truly world-class experiences.

When you visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial, a visit to the top of Liberty Memorial is included with admission to the museum. Within the museum walls below lies one of the best historical sites in the Midwest. With tremendous state-of-theart exhibits telling the story of World War I and, more importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era—their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions.

Spend a day enjoying the fine arts. Begin at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art where admission is free. Explore this world-class museum where you can enjoy everything from ancient to modern art. The museum is home to extensive Chinese and Japanese galleries, African and Indian art, American Impressionists, European classics and Native American and Modern art.

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence tells the story of Truman and his presidency. Visitors read, listen, watch, look and relive through film and interactive displays some key moments in American history. The museum is home to exhibits documenting these important moments in the nation’s history. TrumanLibrary.gov

Visit the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Explore the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. With more than 1,700 animals on 202 acres, it’s the most affordable family fun for kids of all ages. Travel all over the world without ever leaving the Kansas City Zoo. Explore the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium. The brand-new 650,000-gallon aquarium features six zones with 34 exhibits that will tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. Approximately 8,000 animals populate the aquarium, including sea turtles, sea otters, multiple species of sharks and octopuses.

Be sure to explore the Elephant Expedition, where the zoo’s beloved pachyderms play in water and enjoy their state-of-the-art habitat. Take a spin on our Endangered Species Carousel, ride the train, then continue your journey on the tram to our award-winning Africa exhibit. Visit Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn and Stingray Bay. Stroll down Tiger Trail and get nose to nose with primates, orangutans, tigers and more.

Drop 205 feet on the Mamba.

Kansas City’s own Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun (816.454.4545) are two theme parks enjoyed for the price of one ticket. Worlds of Fun is a roller coaster enthusiast’s dream park! It’s home to eight world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world, the Mamba that thrills with a first drop of 205 feet! The Patriot is a giant inverted coaster that carries the daring through four inversions at a top speed of 65 mph. And, this year brought a reimagined Zambezi Zinger back to the park. In the summer, enjoy Oceans of Fun, a huge water park with waterslides, rapids, an 800-foot rapids river and a wave pool.

Tailgate before the game.

Tailgating is a Kansas City rite of passage! Take the family to a home game to cheer on the Kansas City Monarchs, Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, Kansas City Current or Chiefs. Or catch a race at the Kansas Speedway. Cheer on the KC Mavericks, an indoor ice hockey team in the winter months (and grab concessions there).

Zip line through the trees.

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

Take a photo with a fountain.

Kansas Citians know our home is the City of Fountains, but you may not know that our first fountains were not for ornamental purposes. They were rather utilitarian, to provide water for horses, dogs and birds. The city’s first fountain was built in 1904 at Fourth & Minnesota for just such a purpose. It featured a large pedestal and a granite basin, and the water spewed from the mouths of lions into a taller bowl where people could get clean water as well. Since that time, it is said we have added more fountains than Rome. Find a map to local fountains at KCFountains.com.

Know your Q.

Enjoying barbecue is part of our city heritage. In 1908, Kansas City’s king of barbecue, Henry Perry, sold a slab of pork ribs for 25 cents in the 18th & Vine neighborhood. Since that time, our city has created an art form, developing the best sauces and smoking the tastiest meats in the United States. According to the Kansas City Barbecue Society, we have more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Find a guide to the Best Barbecue in KC on KCParent.com.

Enjoy the great outdoors.

Powell Gardens, Loose Park’s Rose Garden, Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden and the Overland Park Arboretum are just a few of our favorite places to enjoy the outdoors locally. Discover Kansas City’s local nature centers and gardens using our interactive Going Places Guide on KCParent.com.

Eat fun food at the fair.

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

Celebrate the seasons.

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and apple picking in the fall. Ice skating, holiday lights, Christmas shows and sledding in the winter. Flower gardens, strawberry picking, barbecue and baseball in the spring. Fireworks, water parks, roller coasters and festivals in the summer. Celebrate the seasons in Kansas City and search “Four Seasons of Fun” on KCParent.com for ideas.

Experience adventure.

Check off a must-do experience on your bucket list, whether it’s swimming with penguins at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, hot air balloon rides, a helicopter ride, rock wall climbing at RoKC, riding a race car with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, canoeing, kayaking, go-karts, Tick Tock Escape, or a 4D movie experience, you’ll find attractions to experience all of these things in the Going Places Guide on KCParent.com.

Go stargazing.

We may be urban, but you can still enjoy the night sky at Warko Observatory on the UMKC Campus (free on Friday nights May-October), Powell Observatory in Louisburg (affordable on Saturday nights May-October) or the Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station (year-round).

Camp out.

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

Kristina Light writes about her hometown yearround on KCParent.com, where you’ll find lots of local inspiration for family memories.

THE KCPARENT.COM

CALENDAR FEATURES

OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

experience

Seas the day! The brand new Sobela Ocean Aquarium opens Sept. 1 at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. FREE timed reservations required. KansasCityZoo.com

hear

Enjoy the music of this “brilliant young string quartet,” Opus 76 Quartet, on Sept. 9 at Polsky Theatre. Travel back in time to enjoy the music of the regency era.

JCCC.edu/MidwestTrust-Center

play

Enjoy the start of fall at Oktoberfest Sept. 22-24 in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Live entertainment, German meals, carnival, free kids activities and more. LSOktoberfest.com

learn

Visit the Deaf Cultural Festival on Sept. 24 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Encounter Deaf culture and American Sign Language thru art and entertainment. Nelson-Atkins.org

support

Celebrate a Kansas City treasure on Sept. 30 at Night at the Tower. Get your ticket for an evening of festivity, food and drink, and live music under the stars. NightAtTheTower.org

Sobela Ocean Aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

1 Friday

Sobela Ocean Aquarium 9:30, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Experience six distinct habitats that house a variety of undersea life. KansasCityZoo.com

De Soto Days Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown De Soto. Festival includes a carnival, car show, live performances and much more! DeSotoDays.com

Irish Fest Thru Sunday, Crown Center. Enjoy everything from Irish culture to shops, beverages, food and activities featuring Irish themes and traditions. CrownCenter.com

SantaCaliGon Days Thru Monday, Independence Square. Features more than 500 crafters and vendors, live music and entertainment, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com

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

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

Monarchs Baseball 7:00, Legends Field. Cheer for the Monarchs as they take on the Lake Country DockHounds. Final home stand thru Sept. 4. MonarchsBaseball.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

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

Light Up the Lawn: Kat King 8:30, Nerman Museum Lawn. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets (no alcohol) for these fun events! JCCC.edu/Midwest-Trust-Center

2 Saturday

American Royal Arabian Horse Show Thru Sunday, American Royal. Come see versatile horses and riders competing in a wide range of classes. AmericanRoyal.com

Chalk & Walk Festival Thru Sunday, Historic City Market. Empty squares of asphalt are transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. KCChalkAndWalk.org

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

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

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

Hands on History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life as guests of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Enjoy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the big screen under the stars! LegendsShopping.com

Parkville Cruise Nights 6:00, Downtown Parkville. Hang out with friends, listen to music, check out all the cars and explore Downtown Parkville. ParkvilleMO.org

Fortopia

Thru Sept. 4, Kingsville. A playful outdoor exhibition composed of awe-inspiring forts beckons explorers of all ages. PowellGardens.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

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

3 Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Monday LABOR DAY

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

SantaCaliGon Days Thru Sept. 4, Independence Square. Features more than 500 crafters and vendors, live music and entertainment, food and more. SantaCaliGon.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

5 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

Live Music 5:30, Sail Away Wine. Date night idea! Live music every Tuesday thru September. Add some music to your journey! SailAwayWine.com

6 Wednesday

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

Giggle Time 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Gather your little ones for some giggling and wiggling and a free fun-filled time with Janie Next Door. OPKansas.org

7 Thursday

Old Settlers Days Thru Saturday, Downtown Olathe. A tradition since 1898—enjoy music, a carnival, vendors and more. JohnsonCountyOldSettlers.com

Play and Learn: Messy Madness 10:00, MCPL (Green Hills). Dig, scoop, bury, find, splash, bang! Dress to get messy and engage your little one’s senses. MyMCPL.org

ReGeneration with Joey FineRhyme 10:00, Today and tomorrow, Midwest Trust Center. Experience this one-of-a-kind multimedia performance. JCCC.edu/Midwest-Trust-Center

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

8 Friday

Fall Harvest Container Workshops Thru Sunday, Family Tree Nursery (all three locations). Create showstopping containers. Registration required. FamilyTreeNursery.com

Art Westport Thru Sunday, Westport Kansas City. The largest visual art show that exclusively showcases juried, high quality KC-regional artists’ work. WestportKCMO.com

Greek Food Festival Thru Sunday, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Live entertainment, music and delicious food. Opa! GreekFoodFest.org

Kansas State Fair Thru Sept. 17, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Live entertainment, carnival rides, food, concerts, competitions and more! KansasStateFair.com

Huff ’n Puff Balloon Festival Thru Sunday, Mount Hope Cemetery (Topeka). Vendors, activities, hot air balloons and fun. Huff-N-Puff.org

All About Bees 10:00, Powell Gardens. Includes story time, a bee-themed craft, a snack and a guided tour looking for bees. PowellGardens.org

Homeschool Play 1:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when homeschool families can play during the day. UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Concert in the Park 6:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Enjoy Maria the Mexican, a unique fusion of music in both English and Spanish. Leawood.org

Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing

Thru Oct. 1, Union Station. Fans os all ages will love the story of the web slinger, from his origins in 1962 to his modern-day adventures. UnionStation.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

Ward-Meade Garden Glow Thru Sept. 24, 7:00, Old Prairie Town. Experience larger-than-life lighted displays, luminarias and live music plus building tours. Parks.SNCO.us

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

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

9 Saturday

Smoke on the Trails BBQ Competition Today and tomorrow, Celebration Park. Experience this Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event in Gardner! GardnerKansas.gov

Free Admission Weekend Today and tomorrow, Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Celebrate the grand opening of LongHouse Visitor Center. OPKansas.org

Spinach Festival 9:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Enjoy food, live music, art, vendors, inflatables, the world’s biggest spinach salad and more! Lenexa.com/Spinach

Ruby’s Pancake Breakfast 9:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Bring your appetite for a delicious fundraiser for the whole family featuring Chris Cakes! ArtsAndRec-OP.org

Grandparents Day 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy history activities, stagecoach rides and more! One free grandparent with paid child admission. Mahaffie.org

Car-B-Que Car Show 10:00, Belton Memorial Park. A car show, backyard series contest, food trucks, concert and more! BeltonParks.org

Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show 10:00, Merriam Marketplace. Rain or shine, see more than 250 classic cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. ExploreMerriam.com

Shawnee KidsFest Business Fair 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Kids ages 6-16 have the opportunity to be entrepreneurs at this one-day marketplace. Register online. CityofShawnee.org

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.

Winefest: Independence Uncorked 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Day for a date! Enjoy wineries from all over Missouri! IndependenceUncorked.com

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

Opus 76 Quartet Music of Regency 2:00 and 5:00, Polsky Theatre. Travel back in time to the Regency era with this “brilliant young string quartet.” JCCC.edu/Midwest-Trust-Center

Prairie Village JazzFest 3:00, Harmon Park. Enjoy an evening of magical music, fabulous artistry, delectable food and drink, and fun! PVKansas.com

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Enjoy Little Giants on the big screen under the stars! LegendsShopping.com

Dance in the Park 6:00, Roanoke Park. Bring blankets and a picnic and enjoy a magical family-friendly dance concert under the stars. CityInMotion.org

Public Viewings 7:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

10

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

Coin Show 9:00, American Legion Post 21. Collecting or curious, come see hundreds of scarce U.S. and world coins available for viewing. KansasCityCoinShows.com

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

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

Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck & Bike Show

1:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Bring the whole family for live music, food trucks, vendors and, of course—the cars! ShawneeTown.org

Maddie’s Mission 5:00, Jewish Community Center of Greater KC. An evening filled with food, music and raffle prizes to bring awareness of rare diseases. TheMiraculousMissMaddie.org

Gregory Porter 7:00, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Hear Grammy Awardwinning jazz singer-songwriter Gregory Porter. Tickets.KauffmanCenter.org

11 Monday

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

12 Tuesday

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

Kansas State Fair Thru Sept. 17, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Live entertainment, carnival rides, food, concerts, competitions and more! KansasStateFair.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

13 Wednesday

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.

Monster Art Club 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Join miniature artist Pat Benedict to create aliens. Middle or high school students. Albrecht-Kemper.org

14 Thursday

Festival in the Park Thru Saturday, Raymore Memorial Park. Car show, volleyball, parade, barbecue contest, live music, contests, dog show and crafts. RaymoreFestival.com

Terra Luna Thru Saturday, Overland Park Arboretum. Take a wild journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance. ArtsAndRec-OP.org

Homeschool Day 9:00, Powell Gardens. Explore activity stations set up throughout the gardens. This day is fun for all ages! PowellGardens.org

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

Homeschool Play 1:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when homeschool families can play during the day. UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Jillian Riscoe: Live Music 6:00, Red Bridge Shopping Center. Enjoy the soulful rock and pop music of Kansas City artist Jillian Riscoe. RedBridgeShoppingCenter.com

15 Friday

Fall Fun Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown Blue Springs. Come out and enjoy a parade, craft and food vendors, live music, carnival and more! BlueSpringsFallFestival.com

Local Life Today and tomorrow, Downtown Overland Park. Explore locally owned businesses, activities and more. Head to DowntownOP.org for details about this month’s theme.

Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Discover history, explore KidScape and museum exhibits, play games and enjoy downtime. JCPRD.com

Louisburg Cider Mill Pumpkin Patch Opening Day 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Explore the corn maze, pumpkin patch and many great attractions. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Have a preschooler that just loves to paint? Ceramic Café offers a fun story and paint time every Friday. CeramicCafeKC.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

Concert: Bradley Harris 6:00, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore). Bring refreshments and a chair or blanket to hear Raymore musician Bradley Harris finish out the 2023 concert season. Raymore.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

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

16 Saturday

The Great Pumpkin Fest Saturdays and Sundays thru Oct. 29, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

Art in the Park Today and tomorrow, South Park. Experience fine arts and crafts, music and food in beautiful shade-filled South Park at the south end of Downtown Lawrence. LawrenceArtGuild.org

Free Admission Day 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits and KidScape, an interactive play area for young children, without any cost. JCPRD.com/1836/Museum

Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Explore vendors that showcase handmade items, food vendors, kids activities, music and more! ShawneeTown.org

TimberRidge Adventure Race 9:00, Kill Creek Park. Adventure is calling! Enjoy hundreds of acres of nature, hiking and biking trails, as well as grasslands. Rain or shine. Register at JCPRD.com

Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch Opening Day 10:00, Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch. A “must-visit” fall destination featuring family-fun attractions and activities. CarolynsPumpkinPatch.com

Story Time in the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Meet author Dayonne Necole. She will read both her books before completing themed activities. Reservations required. WornallMajors.org

Food on the Missouri Frontier 10:00, Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Live demonstrations, garden tours and food preservation insight. MakeYourDayHere.com

Family Fun Day 10:00, William E. Macken Park. Find resources, tips and encouragement to create healthier habits! Raffle prizes, food trucks, live music and activities. ClayHealth.com

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.

Waldo Fall Fest 10:00, Waldo Neighborhood (Wornall & Gregory). Free and open to the public. Vendors, food trucks, activities and live music. Register at Members.WaldoKC.org.

Childbirth Preparation & Baby Basics

11:00, Blue Springs. A class for all birth plans, whether that is home birth, hospital birth or birthing center birth. RSVP for location at BlissfulDoulaServices.com.

Hands on History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life as guests of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

Bark in the Sculpture Park 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. A free afternoon of art, games, crafts and treats for your pawsome pals! Nelson-Atkins.org

SIX-STOP TOUR: LIBERTY, MISSOURI

EXPERIENCE PUMPKINS, CORN MAZES AND AUTUMN MEMORIES IN LIBERTY.

1. ALL THINGS PUMPKINS

Carolyn’s Pumpkin

Patch is one of the largest and best fall destinations in the area. Enjoy dozens of familyfun attractions and activities, including the historic Country Carousel, Little Bud’s Railroad, the petting barn, the Pumpkinator pumpkin cannon, the sports barn full of games for all ages, pedal carts, the Kids Zone featuring slides galore and so much more!

2. FALL FOLIAGE Family Tree

Nursery’s Liberty location is your go-to stop for mums, gourds, succulents, pumpkins and Halloween decor perfect for seasonal decorating. We love to shop Family Tree’s selection of seasonal items. They also offer fall harvest container workshops to create the best arrangements to enjoy this autumn.

3. SHOP LOCAL Shop local at historic Downtown Liberty, where you’ll find a quaint Main Street atmosphere and more than 30 local shops, including clothing stores, toys, boutiques, antiques, bookstores and more. After shopping, grab lunch at one of the local restaurants where you can choose from Mexican, Italian, barbecue or café dining. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping here.

4. TEA TIME

Anna Marie’s Teas in Liberty is a tea shop is located on the square in Downtown Liberty. You may shop for fragrant teas, tea wares and unique tea items. For something truly special, attend a themed tea party where the vintage social art of teatime is celebrated inside a 100-year-old home. They host themed parties year-round.

5. GREAT AMERICANS

Liberty celebrates public art with its Great Americans Project that honors men and women in American history. You’ll find life-sized bronze statues in historic Downtown Liberty honoring great Americans including Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony and George Washington. In addition to these works, the city hosts a rotating sculpture program, with three new works on display annually.

6. PLAYTIME

As autumn arrives, the weather can get chilly. A great place to release stress and play together as a family is Get Nerfed in Liberty. Get Nerfed is an indoor Nerf battle arena where you can attend an open play session or book an event. They supply the Nerf equipment and space, and your family competes in this one-of-a-kind venue.

Moo-vie Night 5:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Celebrate everything dairy at an outdoor moo-vie at the Farmstead. A Bug’s Life will begin at dusk. OPKansas.org

Movie Night on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Enjoy The Wizard of Oz on the big screen under the stars! LegendsShopping.com

Outdoor Movies in North Park 6:00, North Park (Zona Rosa). Bring a chair, blanket and friends and enjoy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the big screen. ZonaRosa.com

Revelations: A Tribute to Journey 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Experience this amazing tribute band. CityofLS.net/Parks/Facilities/ Legacy-Park-Amphitheater

Public Viewings 7:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

17 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

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

Outdoor Concert Series 5:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy live music in a lovely outdoor setting at the Grand Pavilion. Lenexa.com

18 Monday

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

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

19 Tuesday

Children’s Craft Festival 10:00, Arrow Rock Historic Site. This children’s craft festival returns! Visit historic buildings, watch craft demonstrations and participate in 19th-century lifeways. ArrowRock.org

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

National Night Out 6:00, Armstrong Park. Join the Grain Valley Police Department for free food and drinks, K9 demonstrations, Bomb Squad representatives, and prizes. CityofGrainValley.org

20 Wednesday

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

Justice at War Thru Oct. 15, The Coterie. Based on a true story, Justice at War is a unique and interactive drama that brings to life a critical moment in U.S. history. TheCoterie.org

The Great Pumpkin Fest

Saturdays and Sundays thru Oct. 29, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

Farmers Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park. Experience a wide variety of products including fresh produce, local foods and unique specialty items. OPKansas.org

Garment District Grooves 11:30, Garment District Place. Join us for the 2023 season kickoff! Grab some lunch and listen to live bands in this quaint downtown park! KCParks.org

Monster Art Club 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Join miniature artist Pat Benedict to create aliens. Middle or high school students. Albrecht-Kemper.org

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Close out the Jammin’ on the Green season with acoustic jazz musicians Hot Club KC and their repertoire of 1920s music! ShawneeTown.org

21 Thursday

Terra Luna Thru Saturday, Overland Park Arboretum. Take a wild journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance. ArtsAndRec-op.org

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

22 Friday

Oktoberfest Thru Sunday, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy live entertainment, a biergarten, German meals, carnival, free kids activities and more. LSOktoberfest.com

Fall Fest Thru Sunday, Downtown Liberty. Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing, vendors and more in this three-day festival. LibertyFallFest.com

Plaza Art Fair Thru Sunday, Country Club Plaza. Stroll the streets of the Plaza as artists display their work. CountryClubPlaza.com

Great Grillers Blues & BBQ State Competition

Thru Saturday, Shawnee Town 1929. Visit Shawnee’s barbecue competition for music, food trucks and more. ShawneeTown.org

Jamesport Heritage Days Thru Saturday, Jamesport. Featuring old-time crafters and dancers as well as an open-air market. Jamesport-Mo.com

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

Concert in the Park 6:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. As you enjoy the contemporary KC sound of the Trevor Turla Band, you’ll have trouble sitting still! Leawood.org

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

Movie in the Park: The Super Mario Bros. Movie 7:45, Electric Park. Long summer nights and a movie on the big screen create nostalgia for young and old alike. Lenexa.com

23 Saturday

Nieman Fall Festival Today and tomorrow, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). Live music, food, activities for the kids, workshops and much more! FamilyTreeNursery.com

Run for the Sea Otters 8:00, Kansas City Zoo. This 20th anniversary event features a 4-mile run/walk and 1-mile family run/walk. Sign up to participate at KansasCityZooRun.org

45th Annual Ciderfest Today and tomorrow, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Harvest Festival 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Enjoy family fun activities and historical demonstrations. ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com

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.

Sip ‘n’ Shop Noon, Serendipity Farm & Vine. Enjoy wine and shopping with several local small businesses. All ages welcome. SerendipityFarmAndVine.com

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 on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Enjoy Jumanji on the big screen under the stars! LegendsShopping.com

Library Lets Loose 6:30, Central Resource Branch. Make it a date! This is the festive, lively, after-hours celebration and fundraiser for library lovers. 21+. JoCoLibraryFoundation.org

Weston Moonshiners Car Club 7:00, Weston. Weston Moonshiners’ cruise night on Main Street. WestonMo.com

MTC Kids Jam 10:00, Polsky Theatre. Designed with families in mind! Art activities followed by a 60-minute concert with Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards. JCCC.edu/Midwest-Trust-Center

Public Viewings 7:30, Powell Observatory. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to see images from the Ruisinger telescope on a large screen. ASKC.org/observatories/powell-observatory

24 Sunday

The Great Pumpkin Fest Saturdays and Sundays thru Oct. 29, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

Deaf Cultural Festival 10:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum. Learn about Deaf culture and American Sign Language through hands-on art activities and entertainment. Nelson-Atkins.org

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

Stories by the Campfire 1:30, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy a roaring fire with great stories about fall for all ages. ci.Independence.Mo.US

25 Monday

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

26 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam 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

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, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Bring the whole family for an after-hours event. Albrecht-Kemper.org

27 Wednesday

American Royal World Series of Barbecue Thru Oct. 1, Kansas Speedway. Enjoy the largest barbecue competition in the world. AmericanRoyal.com/bbq

Young Explorers 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Have a romping, stomping good time learning about dinosaurs! Register online. Lenexa.com/Preschool

Monster Art Club 4:30, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Join miniature artist Pat Benedict to create aliens. Middle or high school students. Albrecht-Kemper.org

Music in the Garden with Miguel Antonio 6:00, Colonial Gardens. Enjoy live music, food, and drink in our beautiful courtyard. ColonialGardensKC.com

28 Thursday

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

Piano Concert 7:30, Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Season opener with award-winning piano soloist. KCChamberOrchestra.org

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

29 Friday

Fall Festival Today and tomorrow, Downtown Overland Park. Children’s entertainment, artisan fair, live music, food and more! OPKansas.org

Gladfest Thru Sunday, Linden Square. A fall festival featuring crafts, carnival, parade, vendors and lots of family fun. GladstoneChamber.com/gladfest

Stuffy Sleepover 5:00, Shawnee Town 1929. In need of a fun night out? Your stuffed animal travels back in time and will spend the night in our 1920s town. Pre-reg required: 913.248.2360.

In-Cider Information 5:30, Alexander Majors Home. Great date idea! Explore both the history of cider as well as local varieties. WornallMajors.org

GloWild Daily thru Dec. 30, 6:00, Kansas City Zoo. Lanterns with an around the world theme line a path through the zoo. The journey takes about 90 minutes. Tickets at KansasCityZoo.org.

30 Saturday

45th Annual Ciderfest Today and tomorrow, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Justice at War Thru Oct. 15, The Coterie. Based on a true story, Justice at War is a unique and interactive drama that brings to life a critical moment in U.S. history. TheCoterie.org

Children’s Mercy Dream Big Day 8:00, Crown Center Square. Family-friendly celebration and 1-mile walk to rally our community and raise funds. Support.ChildrensMercy.org

Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard 9:00, Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard. Home to seasonal U-pick produce, play zones, and a cider barn. WestonOrchard.net

Johnson Farms 10:00, Johnson Farms. Join us for our 22nd year offering U-pick pumpkins, veggies, apples and sunflowers! JohnsonFarms.net

Night at the Tower 5:30, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Celebrate a Kansas City treasure! A spectacular night of food, fun, entertainment and auction awaits. TheWorldWar.org

EE ORKSHOP W W

Child Development Center

Ages 2 weeks to 12 years

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

“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

“Where Your Child is Special”

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

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: 127th & Antioch 913.681.2190 162nd & Metcalf Ave 913.681.2191

Two Convenient Locations: 127th & Antioch 913.681.2190

Family Owned and Operated Since 1990

162nd & Metcalf Ave 913.681.2191

weeworkshopchildcare.com

Family Owned and Operated since 1990

weeworkshopchildcare.com