KC Parent October 2022

Eighteen years ago this month our home was blessed with the arrival of our younger, Ally. It’s hard for me to even type those words, as it just doesn’t seem possible that the bright, blue-eyed beauty that I brought home from the hospital on a balmy October Sunday is now 18! As you parents know, the days are long but the years fly by! She is a joyful young lady with an infectious smile and welcoming spirit. Anyone who knows Ally considers her a good friend; she has a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. She’s a go-getter who sets her sights high and is always up for a challenge. As she works through the college process this year, I’m excited to see what her future holds. Wishing her a happy birthday and hoping her 18th is the best one yet!

Speaking of birthdays, in this issue you’ll find our Birthday Party Guide, which we feature in print four times a year. Online you’ll find the interactive birthday guide with photos, videos, maps and more! And, because we love a good guide over here at KC Parent, be sure to check out the new After-School Activities Guide, exclusively online at KCParent.com. It’s the number one resource for finding the right after-school activity for your kiddos.

If that weren’t enough, you’ll also find a Pumpkin Patch Guide and Fall Festival Guide, both here in print and online. We have loads of ideas, tips and resources to make this fall your best one yet. Keep an eye on our Contest and Giveaway page at KCParent.com, too, where we are giving away tickets to all your favorite pumpkin patches.

Enjoy all things fall, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com

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Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Digital Media Manager

Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com

Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com

Intern Tori Sarver

Distribution

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Local Contributing Writers

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Reagan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Emily Morrison (Independence), Tori Sarver (Lenexa)

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LOCAL CONTENT

DATE NIGHT

DATES WITH THEMES

Plan a fun date around one of these October holidays!

NOODLE DAY

National Noodle Day is Oct. 6, so we headed to Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop. We always enjoy their food, and this time was no exception. But in addition to the food, we got to see their new robot in action. The owner purchased one to help out the wait staff with delivering food and busing tables. Though we didn’t witness any table busing, we definitely witnessed it delivering food to customers, including us. What the robot can’t do is hand your food to you. You or the wait staff have to unload it from the robot’s tray. As for the food, I had a big soup bowl packed with noodles and barbecue roasted pork and also the Thai lettuce wraps with chicken. My husband had the Lulu’s sampler: two spring rolls, four crab Rangoon, four veggie dumplings and four pork dumplings. Everything was so tasty that we didn’t have anything left for lunch the next day!

COOKBOOK MONTH

For National Cookbook Month, my husband and I picked out three recipes from Taste of Home’s 2019 Healthier Cooking Annual Recipes book. Then, on a Sunday evening, we made everything together. First up was cranberry wild rice pilaf. The recipe calls for chicken broth and dried currants, but we substituted vegetable broth and golden raisins, and it turned out great! Easy to make, flavorful and perfect for a potluck or holiday dinner. I also think it would be a good breakfast option. Next up were tuna and white bean lettuce wraps. We had had lettuce wraps out at restaurants but had never made them at home. Very tasty and can be customized in many different ways. The recipe didn’t include any kind of sauce, so we topped some of our lettuce wraps with lemon juice and some with soy sauce. Both choices were great. Last, we made grapefruit and lime yogurt parfaits, which ended up being a perfectly tart and sweet end to our meal.

TACO DAY

We enjoy tacos. But then again, who doesn’t? So for National Taco Day on Oct. 4, it seemed fitting to hit up some stops on the KCK Taco Trail. This culinary adventure includes more than 50 Kansas City, KS, taquerias that feature Tex-Mex style tacos, street tacos and more. Interspersed with the food is a good dose of history and culture. Two places we really enjoyed were Bonito Michoacan and El Camaroncito. The former is a grocery store, bakery and casual taqueria with delicious pastor, asada and carnitas tacos that are bursting with flavor and toppings. The latter is a sit-down restaurant with amazing shrimp tacos and equally-as-good chips and salsa. We hope to find more great tacos on a future Taco Trail date!

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

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

Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do, down to each strand of DNA sequenced for genetic research. Together, we can help kids overcome whatever’s standing in their way. Learn more at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

Imagine the Potential

AWARENESS

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and can be a good time for women of all ages to become more well-informed and educated on the topic. Each year around 264,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 264,000 women diagnosed, 42,000 die from the disease each year. It is essential that women and young girls become more educated on signs to look for in order to prevent a late diagnosis.

Signs of breast cancer can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms may include a lump in the breast or armpit, irritation or rash on the breast skin, flaking skin around the nipple and nipple discharge. Taking note of any change and reaching out to a health care professional with any concerns is an essential first step. Performing breast examinations on yourself may be as simple as feeling for new lumps or swelling. Also important to note is lumps may arise in women’s breasts for a number of reasons and do not automatically mean breast cancer is present.

A person with a history of breast cancer within the family is considered to be more at risk and should be more aware of signs to look for. The United States Preventive Task Force or USPTF recommends that women above the age of 50 receive a mammogram every two years. Women considered more at risk may begin receiving mammograms before the age of 50. Having regular mammograms can help lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, as it is one of the easiest ways to detect the early stages of breast cancer. Some additional ways to lower the risk of breast cancer can be as simple as insuring you are physically active and live a generally healthy lifestyle. Breast cancer does not affect only those over the age of 50, and women of all ages should regularly screen themselves. Talking to your doctor about any questions or concerns can help ease anxiety about the topic.

For me, the topic of breast cancer hits close to home, as my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago. The initial shock

of the diagnosis was soon followed by fear of the unknown about what was to come. Treatment of breast cancer looks different for everyone, and for her it looked like surgery followed by intense chemotherapy and radiation. Her surgery was scheduled for just over a month after her diagnosis, and her treatments began soon after. I consider myself extremely lucky to have her with me today. To my Grandma Maureen: You are the strongest and bravest women I have ever come across, and you inspire me each and every day.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen helpline provides information about breast health along with local and national resources.

Tori Sarver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.

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

My dog is absolutely terrified during Halloween night when the children come over to trick or-treat and he will not let anyone pet him. He is usually very friendly to unfamiliar people. I think he might just be afraid of the costumes. Any tips on how to help him before Halloween?

Charlene Darlington

Many animals fear trick-or-treaters and children dressed in costumes. Normally, I talk about desensitization and socialization when animals are afraid of strangers, but if your dog is only afraid of people at Halloween, then I recommend putting him in another room for the couple of hours during the trick or treating since it’s only once a year. I personally put my dogs in my bedroom, use a white noisemaker, put on a TV show in the bedroom, and give them some peanut butter filled Kongs during that time. Hope you have a good and safe Halloween!

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I have a dog that was found stray three years ago and she doesn’t really like people. She is due for her rabies vaccination and needs some other boosters, but I am nervous to take her to the vet. I fear that she might bite the vet. What can I do to get her vaccinated and keep everyone safe? – Summer Jones

I highly recommend you muzzle train your dog. I am a big advocate for using more muzzles to keep people and pets safe. Check out the Muzzle Up Project online. They have muzzle games you can play to train her in a fun way and get her to not mind being muzzled. Vets love when people have their pets muzzled because that keeps them safe, too. Check out the website to learn more!

–Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

How long do cats live?

Makala (Age 6)

The average lifespan for an indoor cat is 12 – 18 years. If you keep them healthy by visiting a vet annually and updated on their vaccinations, then they can live

much longer. Cats that live strictly outdoors have a shorter lifespan due to dangers they may face like illnesses, predators, and vehicles.

Fun Fact: The Guinness Book of World Records reports a cat named Crème Puff who lived in Texas and ultimately passed away in 2005 at the age of 38 years and three days.

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Noah is the ultimate nanny dog. He loves playing with children of all ages and would be thrilled if his future home had kiddos for him to love and hang out with. He loves other dogs so much, that we recommend he goes home with another dog to help him feel confident and secure.

Noah is currently living in a Foster home and gets wonderful reports from his Foster family about how well-behaved he is. If you are interested in meeting this gentle and loving pup, email adoptions@ greatplainsspca.org for more information today!

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.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no kill shelter, with a 98% live release rate, GPSPCA provides lifesaving services for approximately 4,000 animals annually in the greater Kansas City area. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted, including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

Lotion

My mom usually treats me with one or two pumpkinthemed gifts throughout the season, and a few years ago gave me Pumpkin Harvest lotion from Stonewall Kitchen. In addition to the awesome scent, it also works well by leaving your hands soft and not greasy. Fun fact: My mom told me many years ago that when putting lotion on your hands, you should also put it on your elbows. This advice has served me well! StonewallKitchen.com

Candles

I’ve written before in this space about how much I love Glade (Gla-day) candles, and the pumpkin scent is my fave. It has a new name each year. This year the “Pumpkin Spice Things Up” returns, and it smells as good as ever. My younger made fun of me when I went out and purchased several, however she came home the next day and said, “What smells SO good?” Of course, it’s my candle. Available at local retailers.

5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver LOVE

Lip Balm

Coffee Cream

If budget and diet allowed,

I’d enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks on the regular. Since I don’t have that treat as often as I’d like, I’ve discovered that the Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer is a pretty darn good substitute. While the bottle design leaves a little to be desired (that’s another story for another day), the product inside the bottle makes for a tasty cup of coffee that is the perfect start to a crisp fall day! Available at local retailers.

Pumpkin Spice Oreos

The cooler temps and drier weather in fall can sometimes wreak havoc on my lips. That’s why I always have a good lip balm handy. I keep one in my car, my purse, by the kitchen sink, next to my bed…you get the picture. For fall, the EOS Whipped Pumpkin Latte lip balm packs that one-two punch of having a lovely scent while also keeping lips super smooth! And, they come in a two-pack, so I’ve got plenty to place around the house! Available at local retailers.

My mom keeps an array of flavors of Oreos in her cupboard for when the grandkids come over. She calls it the Oreo buffet and jokes that she isn’t a grandma that bakes, but she always has cookies! Because of the Oreo buffet, I’ve tried many different flavors. Some work, some don’t. I was unsure when I saw the Pumpkin Spice Oreos but took a chance and it turned out that this flavor does work! For a sweet fall treat, give them a try! Available at local retailers.

LOOT

You’re an expert on your kids. We’re experts on mental health.

“Dad, are we finished yet?”

As usual, trick-or-treating ended for us when the boys tired and wanted to go home. We trudged up the hill to our house and enjoyed a last look at the two jack-o’-lanterns in the picture window, one happy and one scary.

After the boys were out of their costumes and tucked into bed, I poured their candy out onto the table and examined the pile.

Sandi looked over my shoulder. “Anything questionable?”

“No, not unless you count all this chocolate and sugar as being suspicious.” I plucked an item off the table, unwrapped it, and popped it into my mouth.

“Hey, you can’t do that.” She followed my example, picking one of her favorites from the heap.

“Look who’s talking.” I chose a different goodie. “Only one more.”

Of course, that meant an additional selection for her, then another for each of us, and, before we knew it, the upper-tier candy was almost gone.

“Are there any more?”

“Only two, one for each of the boys.” I sighed. “OK, I’ll run out and get a variety pack. They didn’t know just what they had, so us gobbling up their candy will be our secret.”

“You don’t have to get a big package. I’m good for a whole year. Maybe more.”

The next morning, I placed the refilled bags beside their beds and left for work before they woke. When I returned that evening, James met me at the door.

“Hi, James, did you eat all your candy?”

“No, Father.”

“That’s good. It’ll last you longer this way.”

“Father?”

“Yes, son.”

“Do you want some of my candy?”

“What? Don’t you want it?”

“I don’t really like candy. You can have it.”

I studied him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Father. The fun was just going trickor-treating.”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

KVC Hospitals has all the resources you need to ensure your kids’ mental health needs are cared for. (913) 890 – 7468 www.kvchospitals.org

Visit www.kvchospitals.org/resources to learn about common mental health conditions, get practical advice and tips, and so much more from our mental health experts. 37 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.

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

BE SURE TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT INHALANTS

QUESTION: My son tells me that some of his friends are inhaling common household items and see no danger in doing so. I think that some of the kids are overdoing it. What should I tell my child about the dangers of inhalants? What are some of the signs of inhalant abuse? Where can help be found for inhalant abusers?

– Need Information

ANSWER: One of the first things your child needs to know about inhalants is that they are highly addictive. You also need to make him aware of how harmful they can be to the body. The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) explains that nearly all abused products produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body's function. Depending on the user’s dosage level, effects can be slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition or loss of consciousness. The user can also suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. This means the user can die the first, 10th or 100th time he or she uses an inhalant. Other effects include damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs.

You may or may not be able to tell whether a friend of your child is abusing inhalants. Your son, however, would have a good idea about this. There

is a common link between inhalant use and problems in school—failing grades, chronic absences and general apathy. The NIPC lists these other signs:

• paint or stains on body or clothing

• spots or sores around the mouth

• red or runny eyes or nose

• chemical breath odor

• drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance

• nausea, loss of appetite

• anxiety, excitability, irritability

According to the NIPC, treatment facilities for inhalant users are rare and difficult to find. Users suffer a high rate of relapse and require 30 to 40 days or more of detoxification. Users suffer withdrawal symptoms, which can include hallucinations, nausea, excessive sweating, hand tremors, muscle cramps, headaches, chills and delirium tremens. Follow-up treatment is very important. If anyone in your family or someone you know is seeking help for inhalant abuse or information, you should visit Inhalants.org.

Parents need to be aware that inhalants are all over the place in their homes. Here is a partial list of some household items that are being abused: model airplane glue, rubber cement, household cement, spray paint, hair spray, air freshener, nail polish remover, vegetable cooking spray and spray whipped cream.

SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAMS CAN IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

QUESTION: It was a big surprise to me to hear from my son’s third grade teacher that he does not always behave well at school. Apparently, he says mean things to other kids and even has provoked fights at recess. The teacher now has him in a social skills class at school which she believes should help him eliminate these behaviors. What can we do at home to help him stop them? – Seeking Change

ANSWER: Good social skills are critical to successful functioning in school as well as life. Children often act out in school when something is not working for them. Or they may have strong feelings that they cannot seem to express in other ways. The social skills class could go a long way to improving his behavior. In the past, it was the parents’ job to teach these skills. Now schools are offering formal social skills programs to help all children acquire these skills or just to those who demonstrate poor social skills.

It is questionable how much you can do at home to stop his misbehaving at school. Visiting the classroom to check on his behavior will probably not be helpful as he more than likely will be on his best behavior. Talk with his teacher to find out specifically how and when your son

misbehaves. Ask if the teacher has any idea about why he is misbehaving in the classroom. Is he being bullied or teased or having a hard time keeping up in one or more classes? Any of these things may be causing your son’s poor behavior. Once known, any causes of his misbehavior should be addressed.

On the home front, one of the first things that you should do in this situation is to talk to your son about why he is saying mean things to other children and fighting. Try to get to the root cause of his behavior. If it is the way other children are treating him, work with the teacher to stop this from happening. And help your son find better ways to handle such things as bullying and teasing. Also, ask yourself if the reason for his misbehaving at school has anything to do with events happening at home. Is he dealing with a life-changing event like death or divorce?

Punishing your child for his misbehavior is not likely to be nearly as effective as finding out why he misbehaves and trying to help him find ways to behave better. In any case, you should stay close to your child – expressing affection, especially in the morning before school, as a closer connection to you can help him feel stronger and avoid situations that are causing his misbehavior.

© Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2022

Building Great Smiles for Life!

BENEFITS OF TUTORING FOR A CHILD

Parents seek the help of a tutor for many reasons. Some parents choose to have their kids work with a tutor because they are struggling with a subject or particular concept, but tutoring isn’t just for kids who are struggling in school. Some parents hire a tutor because they do not have time to work on schoolwork in the evenings but believe their child needs one-on-one attention while working on academics. Working with a tutor can be beneficial for kids to learn good study habits, to use their strengths and work through their weaknesses, all while getting individual attention. What are the benefits of tutoring?

Individualized learning

Tutoring can be adapted to fit the child’s needs. Kara Thomas, a teacher who has offered tutoring in the past, says, “Tutors can provide different tools and techniques because they are working one-on-one with each child. They can also adjust material quickly to be able to meet the child where they are and give them challenges targeted

at their skill set.” The benefit of having a tutor is the individual attention that even the best teacher cannot provide in a larger classroom setting.

Confidence

Tutoring can help kids build confidence that, in turn, helps them be successful in the classroom. Some kids lack the confidence they need to speak up and ask questions. Others may have anxiety about test taking. “I have worked with kids who simply lack confidence and need to talk things out,” says Meg Thompson, math teacher and tutor. “They are completely capable and they are just worried they won’t know how to do it. They often just need a reminder that they can do this.” A tutor can work through these obstacles to help build children’s confidence and give them tools to manage these insecurities in class.

Academic improvement

The most common reason parents seek out tutoring is for academic improvement. Tutors can help children work through the challenges they may be facing and give them

tools they need to improve their grades and their understanding of the material. This will build confidence in test taking and strengthen understanding of material, so daily homework isn’t such a chore.

Improved study skills

When children develop good study habits early on, they are able to use these skills throughout their school career, in college and even in the workforce. Tutors can give children tips that are tailored to their needs and help develop the skills they will need to tackle more challenging work on their own. “I tutored a child that I had in my class as a seventh grader. We worked together until he graduated,” says Thompson. “He has autism, and for some reason we completely hit it off, and he moved from grunting in class to being able to do everything asked of him in higher level math classes.” Everyone learns and develops at a different pace, and a tutor cannot only work on a specialized skill set, but also help kids gain study habits that fit their learning style and personality.

Character development

Working with a tutor can be hard work but can have a big payoff when kids understand concepts they didn’t before and see their grades improve as well. Tutoring can be a way to highlight the value of hard work and build your child’s character and work ethic. It can also stretch kids out of their comfort zone, help them understand that it’s okay to ask for help and normal to not understand concepts at first. These lessons will serve them well in life.

“It’s a different relationship with the student,” says Thompson. “It’s one where they know you are completely on their side. Sometimes, this gets lost in the classroom. I am always on everyone’s side in the classroom, but there is more competition for my time and limited time for questions.”

Tutoring can be beneficial for nearly every student and need not only be utilized because your child is struggling in a school subject. Working with a teacher who is there to listen to your child’s concerns, answer questions and review concepts at a pace the child is comfortable with is priceless and can have long-term benefits.

Finding the Right Tutor for Your Family

Tutoring center - A tutoring center can be a good fit for families that want a structured environment with progress reports along the way. Centers like Sylvan usually offer a pre-assessment of skills, something that may not be offered with other types of tutoring.

Retired teacher - A retired or former teacher can be a great fit for many students because they have the opportunity to work one-on-one in a casual environment with someone who has a lot of expertise. Referral is typically the best way to connect with a former teacher who may be offering private tutoring.

A high school or college student - Working with a student can be both affordable and convenient. Some schools may even offer free tutoring as an after-school program. Some kids may respond better to an older child or one of their peers.

Free drop-in tutoring - Libraries, community centers and even churches often offer free drop-in tutoring for math and reading after school. This can be helpful for kids that need help with a few concepts but may not need long-term tutoring or families who cannot afford private tutoring.

Online tutoring - For kids who are comfortable working on a computer, online tutoring can be helpful. Websites like VarsityTutoring.com and Sylvan offer an online tutoring option for a fee. This is beneficial because kids can ask questions 24 hours a day, allowing flexibility for busy schedules.

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

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

Academics from infancy to adulthood.

On-site learning & socialemotional support for students

Dedicated teaching staff

A close-knit community with a family feel

it’s the little things parental triumphs

Parenting success doesn’t always look like early potty training, meeting every developmental milestone or feeding your toddler snacks from each of the food groups on a daily basis. I think we should take time to celebrate the parenting triumphs that are sometimes overlooked. The ones we all feel secretly overjoyed about.

Yes, I mean getting all of them to brush their teeth and take a bath. Or sneaking in a nap on the couch while your baby snoozes in her Pack ‘n Play. Maybe you finish your iced coffee before the ice melts, or you put that load of laundry away as soon as you take it out of the dryer.

Heck, you should be rejoicing about the Cheerio you removed from your 1-year-old’s nose during lunchtime! (What goes through their curious little minds we may never know!)

Parenting is complicated. Here is my letter of encouragement to you, moms and dads, filled with 20 triumphs you should feel proud of today. Celebrate every little victory.

Dear Mama or (Dad),

1

You rock. Know why? You managed the impossible—your son took a bath today, which makes for more than twice in one week! I know how hard it can be. Great job!

2 Your awesomeness is contagious—I can sense it all the way over here. You put that load of laundry away—not two days later— but immediately, fresh out of the dryer. You deserve a gold medal.

3

4

I am in awe. Your sink is not full of dishes, and the dishwasher is empty. Bask in that sparkling clean kitchen for a few moments.

You’re a superhero. Congratulations on finding a match for every sock in the house. That’s no simple feat.

6 High-five for getting everyone loaded into the minivan to pick up that grocery order on a rainy day. You’re pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread.

7 You answered a phone call in the middle of the day when it wasn’t even nap time. I’m so proud of you.

8

9

You remembered to put the Play-Doh away before it dried out. You’re killing it.

Hats off to you for barely making the deadline to register your kiddo for kindergarten. Seriously. Deadlines are hard.

10

11

12

13

14

Great job dodging a toddler meltdown with fruit snacks.

Props for removing that apple juice stain from the carpet.

Give yourself a pat on the back for remembering to take the trash out.

Two thumbs up for remembering you have soccer practice tonight.

You should feel great about removing that chocolate stain from your kid’s favorite shirt.

See? You guys are nailing parenting. Love, Emily P.S. Keep up the good work.

5

Parent of the Year award goes to you for picking up all the toys in the house and putting them away. Not a Lego remains to be stepped on.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

OCTOBER

IS NATIONAL ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH

Celebrate your favorite four-legged pets this month with these great ideas. You may volunteer at a local organization, adopt a pet or enjoy an outing with your furry pal.

WAYSIDE WAIFS

Wayside Waifs is a local no-kill shelter with a commitment to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption campus in Kansas City. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City's no-kill community. WaysideWaifs.org

DOG BAKERIES

These local dog bakeries specialize in tasty, healthy, delightful treats for your four-legged pal. Three Dog Bakery (ThreeDog.com), Brookside Barkery & Bath (BarkeryBath.com) and Treats Unleashed (Treats-Unleashed.com).

GREAT PLAINS SPCA

Great Plains SPCA is one of KC’s largest no-kill animal shelters. In addition to facilitating adoptions, they also welcome volunteers. You may volunteer as a dog walker or a shelter volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to interact with animals, and volunteers between 13 and 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian while volunteering—making this a great way for families to spend time together while giving back to the community. GreatPlainsSPCA.org

WAYSIDE WAIFS BARK PARK

This spacious 5-acre fenced, grass-covered park is perfect for off-leash fun. The park features a separate enclosed area for small dogs. You’ll find water stations throughout the park, open areas to play fetch and ample lighting. They even have time-out kennels for dogs who may become overly excited or exhausted by their play. Membership fees directly support Wayside Waifs' homeless pets.

BONUS IDEA FOR THE CAT LOVERS: WHISKERS CAT CAFÉ

Whiskers Cat Café is a delightful coffee shop where you can play with cats and possibly adopt one to take to a new forever home. The shop features a kitty playground where cats enjoy a variety of great places to climb, scratch, play and hide. The human visitors may choose from a variety of seating options to cuddle with cats or just watch them roam. The café also features a bookshelf full of games, books and cat-themed items! Check their site for hours and special events, including cat yoga and paint nights. WhiskersKC.com

hen my son’s second grade teacher told me he often appeared to “check out” during the school day, I was concerned. But I wasn’t entirely surprised that my imaginative child would drift off to his dream world, an infinitely more colorful place than a math facts worksheet. Nonetheless, his daydreaming needed to be addressed.

Though many dreamers are bright, creative children, they may have trouble getting work done during the school day, struggle with paying attention to the teacher and forget to turn in homework. Worse, they can easily get pegged as slackers.

“The tendency to daydream—though it may be one symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder—does not automatically equal a problem with paying attention when necessary or completing tasks,” writes Amy Fries, author of Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers. “A child who enjoys daydreaming could well be a budding scientist, writer, artist or visionary entrepreneur.”

Because daydreams play an important role in a child’s social-emotional development and creativity, you don’t want to quash a child’s imagination. Rather, the goal is to help him channel the behavior to more appropriate times of the day.

Daydreaming isn’t uncommon. A study conducted by Harvard psychologists found that we tend to daydream about 47 percent of the time. Some of our society’s most innovative change makers, artists and inventors, like Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and Albert Einstein, were famous daydreamers.

Although the future may be bright for dreamers, parents certainly need to find ways to help children engage in order to learn and enjoy success in a structured academic environment.

“The daydreamer is usually fascinated by something that’s been said and is off in that world,” says Gay Lynn Pendleton Smith, assistant dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education.

The secret to reaching a dreamer, she says, is to teach him how to engage outside of his imagination.

“That’s really hard in today’s fast-paced world. Our children are connected to a handheld technology device that gives them one-on-one attention, and then we put them in a classroom and ask them to focus on something and do something they haven’t done before. And that’s to engage with a whole group of people and to focus on one individual,” Smith says.

How can you reengage your daydreamer? Here are a few tips:

Ensure quiet observation time. Consider whether your child is getting enough time to play quietly on his own. Kids given regular quiet time are more likely to exhibit time management and problem solving abilities. Time alone also fosters creativity, self-confidence and independence. Plus, solitude gives kids the opportunity to drive their own play without having to compromise or go along with what the group demands.

Seek physical and creative outlets. “Outside activities will satisfy some of that dream mode so that when they get in the classroom they can engage and start to think,” Smith says. Activities like swimming, karate, art, theater or playing an instrument can nurture concentration skills and provide avenues for self-expression.

Signs of inattentiveness disorder, which is on the ADHD spectrum:

• Easily distracted, misses details, forgets things and frequently switches from one activity to another.

• Has difficulty focusing on one thing.

• Becomes bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable.

• Has difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new.

• Has trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities.

• Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to.

• Daydreams, becomes easily confused and moves slowly.

• Has difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others do.

• Struggles to follow instructions.

Encourage note-taking. Talk to your child’s teacher about having him take notes or write down basic words or pictures describing what the teacher says. Older children can also write down thoughts that come up on an idea pad. That way they won’t lose the thought but can continue to focus on the teacher or task at hand.

Discuss seating arrangements. Talk to the teacher about seating your child toward the front of the classroom or just off to the

side. By being in the middle of the action, her thoughts may be less likely to wander.

Ask questions. Encourage your child to think of questions she can ask the teacher during instructional time. Also look for opportunities to connect with and listen to your child one-on-one, whether driving in the car or while engaged in a creative process like cooking or baking. Knowing you are interested in her thoughts may help her feel less inclined to drift off.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

If your child continues to struggle with focus and paying attention, consult with your pediatrician.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. Visit her at ChristaMHines.com.

Kansas City Zoo

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

Mission Bowl

Mission Bowl has been serving the community since 1958.  We have hosted several generations of families for all types of birthday parties, from the 2-year-olds to the spunky seniors and everyone

in between. We hope your family will be the next to join us in celebrating your next upcoming birthday. All you have to do in invite the guests and let us do the rest including cleaning up the mess!! See display ad on pg. 29. MissionBowl.com Movies2U

Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger-than-life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 26. Movies2U.com

Princess at My Party

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Raya, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our Super Girl, Wonder Woman or Bat Girl parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 29. 785.249.0176. PrincessAtMyParty.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages. More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines. Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 27. UrbanAirLenexa.com, UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

Your child’s birthday is a momentous occasion every year. It means you are doing something right raising a little person, and it’s so fun to see kids grow. However, planning that annual party can be time-consuming and stressful if you let it. Instead, look for ways to make party planning a breeze for everybody.

Pinterest, of course, can give you ideas, but don’t go overboard. Bigger is not always better. A birthday is a time to enter your child’s little world, one parenting author noted. Most kids want someone to see and understand them, which is what their birthday is all about, right?

On that note, keeping the party smaller and simpler will perhaps make a bigger impression on her in the long run. The most memorable will be the parties that allow your child to slow down and enjoy herself with family, good food and laughter.

Try a little nostalgia and spend the day outside in the yard tossing a ball or playing duck, duck, goose. You might gather on a beach or in a park or play board games. Whatever you do, take cues from your child. Remember, this is not a competition about who has the best venue and hands out the kids want for birthdaY parties! them be your guide when planning.

best goodie bags. Birthday parties are about connecting with the people you love and the ones who care most about you.

Let your child pick the party theme. For example, little boys usually like construction, so why not visit a Home Depot to find decorations? You can even paint toolbox favors for guests. And don’t overwhelm your toddler. For example, consider inviting family over for cake the weekend before the birthday, then have a small kids’ party the weekend after. This won’t be so overwhelming.

Even teens may prefer to do a special activity with a few friends instead of hosting huge party. Think indoor rock climbing, a trapeze class, a double feature with popcorn at the movies or even a day out on the town. Consider a ride on the streetcar or going to First Fridays.

Try a story time at a local bookstore, where the owner reads from a favorite book. Each child goes home with his very own book instead of a goodie bag. Or how about taking the kids out to a ball game? You can buy group tickets and make a day of it. There’s nothing quite like cheering on your favorite team and being the birthday boy.

Another option is to make the day about giving back. Have each child bring something for a local food pantry, animal rescue or homeless shelter. Put the bags together and deliver them together. Or consider volunteering to serve a meal at a homeless shelter together, then going out for breakfast to discuss big topics, such as what is important in life and why to not judge others. You also can focus on the love by having children bring gift cards to donate to a children’s cancer fund. Most birthday kids have everything they could want, and finding ways to give back will be a rich, memorable way to celebrate them.

Younger kids often have favorite characters or people. If you can’t arrange to have Elmo or Elsa show up, arrange to have paper plates that picture a beloved character. You can do the same for balloons, games or a decorated cake. You can find some super talented local cake bakers online.

Remember, let your kids have a say. Spending too much money for an hourand-a-half of fun will pale in comparison to something like a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with immediate family and a few close friends. Or Worlds of Fun, a local

petting zoo or garden center. Scaling back a bit means you can spend the money on your child’s presents, not the party!

Keep the focus on joy and togetherness rather than big-event drama. Your child will relish the love and celebration rather than worry how many kids are coming and what presents they are bringing. And if you have a very little one, remember that at age 1, most children don’t know what is happening when you place that cake in front of them. To reduce the shock of all the flashing camera phones, consider having a private “rehearsal” with just Mom and Dad before inviting grandparents, cousins and neighbors.

The sidebar tells you about some of the parties I planned for my children. None are pricey, all were oriented to their interests and activities. Try coming up with your own unique ideas and make a list, let your child choose, then both of you can happily run with it.

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.

I’ve always loved planning unique parties for my kiddos. I had a party for my daughter at a place that had a DJ, and everyone danced and wore disco clothes. One year, I had a friend who brought a dress-up trunk to my house and dressed each child in pretty clothes. The children got to pick the outfits they wore, and we had a tea party and photo shoot. Another time, we made princess crowns by cutting out plastic visors, and a friend helped me make pink cupcakes and special gift baggies. We went to the McDonald’s playroom, so we could order food there and not have to cook. My son had swimming parties, where the place offers a party room and serves the cake, pizza and snacks. Parents can get involved in the swimming, too. Once, we hosted a party for our dogs coinciding with my children’s September birthdays. I found a cake recipe that dogs could eat, and we invited kids to bring their friendly dogs to play in the hose and baby pool in our backyard. Scavenger hunts are another great way to get your children involved in planning their party. Make up clues together. Be sure to enlist extra parents, so when kids scavenge your neighborhood, an adult is present. Have partiers ask for things like a paperclip, a cookie, a golf ball, a dog treat, a rubber band … be creative! If you don’t want to go to neighbors’ houses, visit a park and find natural elements. You can also place items yourself, such as a bag of jellybeans, a baseball … again, involve your kids when coming up with ideas.

Judy Goppert

SILVER DOLLAR CITY IS AGLOW DURING HARVEST FESTIVAL

Announcing New Pumpkin Paths, Thousands of Pumpkins and Dozens of Crafters

Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed Harvest Festival returns brighter than ever in 2022, featuring more than 15,000 pumpkins, larger than life sculptures and the new Foggy Hollow lighted pathway. As part of Silver Dollar City’s Biggest Entertainment Year Ever, the halfmillion-dollar “pumpkin” expansion adds to the Harvest Festival featuring Crafts and Pumpkins In The City running now through October 29th.

Foggy Hollow is a magical canopy of beautiful lighting, enhanced by a foggy glow. As guests enter the winding Foggy Hollow pathway, they will be immersed in dramatic cascading lights all around and lights above. Music will add to the experience.

Spanning “The City” are pumpkin sculptures such as a 14-foot ‘Lucky’ Dog (the Dalmatian mascot of the kids’ area

called Fireman’s Landing), colorful, friendly bats with 5-foot wingspans perched atop lighted areas, a massive cat, pumpkin craftspeople (patterned after the City’s own craftspeople) and an icon scarecrow more than twostories tall. The Garden of Giants also returns with real half-ton pumpkins set

along new expanded paths at Wilson’s Farm. Themed decorations drape pathways, along with vibrant lighting all throughout the park.

While thousands of hand-carved pumpkins glow throughout the park, roller coasters speed through the night skies, traveling the hills and hollows of the Ozark Mountains with recordbreaking thrills, drops, loops and views. There are 40 rides & attractions throughout the park, most with scenic

views of pumpkin illumination. For the littles, the night comes alive with the blacklight, glow-in-the-dark dance party where kids can dance alongside life-size pumpkin pals.

This season, the Harvest Tasting Passport makes a return with more specialty foods than ever before, including all things pumpkin:

• Pumpkin Spiced Ribs

• Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream & Pumpkin Cone

• Pumpkin Squash Bisque

• Pumpkin Chili

• Pumpkin Cheese Cake Cone

• Pork Sandwich & Pumpkin BBQ Sauce

Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed Harvest Festival returns brighter than ever in 2022, featuring more than 15,000 pumpkins, larger than life sculptures and the new Foggy Hollow lighted pathway.

Fan favorites also return with harvest skillet, pork belly skillet, pumpkin corn dogs, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, salted caramel apple funnel cake, smoked sausage mac and cheese cone and pumpkin bread pudding. The Harvest Tasting Passport lets guests try a variety of foods from more than 20 different eateries across the park.

Daytime Crafts & Cowboys

During the day, demonstrating crafters share their talents while live music comes from outdoor stages. Cowboy lore is brought to life by legendary chuckwagon chefs and storytellers of western adventures.

New this year, the Chuckwagon Cook Off takes place in Cowboy Camp, with each chef battling it out by preparing a traditional cowboy dish, tested by the audience. Guests choose the Chuckwagon king by a show of whoops and hollers.

Returning this season, is famed watercolor artist, Buck Taylor, known from his youth on the TV series ‘Gunsmoke’ and now seen in the series ‘Yellowstone.’

In the streets and courtyards, there are dozens more demonstrating crafters along with several world-renown pumpkin carvers. The Makers’ Market houses some of the more intricate creations such as handcrafted jewelry, quilts, applique and woven rugs.

The Harvest Festival Featuring Crafts & Pumpkins In The City is now open through October 29th, 2022. For more information: www.silverdollarcity.com

Enter to win a family getaway to Branson and Silver Dollar City! A $1,000 value. Details at KCParent.com.

OVER-PARENTING Getting Over

It might be hard to believe, but while you were growing up, you were not the center of your parents’ lives. Many of us grew up in a time when raising children meant sending them down to the neighbor’s house while saying, “Have fun and come back when the street lights turn on.” What we now consider “free range parenting” was the norm then, and using the village to help raise your child was completely commonplace.

How times have changed.

In today’s world, raising children is all about anticipating their needs before they even have them and mowing down any obstacles that might be in their way. There’s pressure to put children into sports and activities before they’ve even learned to read or tie their shoes. And academia is all but irrelevant if your child isn’t pulling straight A’s, so we hire tutors. Children are up at dawn and don’t go to sleep until well past when the midnight oil starts burning.

All because we want the best for them.

But at what cost? At what point are we not helping but instead hindering our children’s opportunity for failure and for growth? If we keep them constantly on the go and jumping from one hoop to the next, are they learning to be selfsufficient? Or learning to be independence deficient? Here are some tips to keep your children engaged and learning but to tamp down that need to over-parent them into an over-scheduled frenzy.

Natural consequences are the best consequences

How many times have you gotten the text that your child left his homework/ lunch/trombone at home and NEEDS you to bring it to him? Just this once, you think. Just this one time.

No, my friend. Not this one time. Because this one time will turn into three more. And four after that. Your child must learn that if he forgets something at home, consequences at school naturally follow. The same will be true for when he’s working at his first job. The faster he learns his actions have consequences, the more quickly he will learn to change his actions.

Don’t overdo it

Fight the urge to celebrate every mole hill of achievement your child climbs. Did she study for the test and succeed? Amazing! That’s as it should be. A calm word of congratulations is plenty. The tendency to over-praise might sound like a good idea, but it actually has the opposite effect. A child who receives an inordinate amount of praise for a baseline small task will be conditioned to seek that response for every task, every time. That is simply unsustainable. Rather than over-celebrate one achievement, consider lumping several together to set a goal that is difficult but attainable. Example: Keep your room clean, hand in every assignment on time and practice your violin three days this week. Only then do we celebrate your hard work and determination!

Resist the assist

Whether they’re roller blading toward a crack in the road or hitting snooze on the alarm clock one too many times, you can see challenges for your children coming from a mile away. Let them come. Your job as a parent is not to block struggles for your child. Conversely, your job is to let your child struggle enough to overcome the difficulty on his own. This is simply not realistic if you are constantly at the ready to bail him out. It’s tempting to fix the issue before it comes to a head, but think long term. Are one or two tardies as a result of staying up until 2:00 a.m. going to ruin your child’s chances of becoming an attorney? No. Stand down and let kids learn.

Keep it real

A magic fairy does not keep your child’s toilet clean. Singing mice don’t wash the dishes. One of the hardest things for parents can be teaching their child how to do the normal, boring and absolutely essential day-to-day chores that must be taught to be learned. Do your best to establish these rules of the house early on. Do not give in and

do it yourself. No martyrdom here today, thanks. You have an opportunity each day to show your child that these tasks are not only important, but they are also nonnegotiable. If you sigh loudly and just give in, yours will be the kid with new species of algae growing under her bed in her dorm. Don’t raise that kid. Teach her now, teach her early.

Zip your lip

I am a frequent committer of this over-parenting crime. My son will talk to anyone with two ears and a heartbeat. Because he’s so chatty, he is often asked questions about himself. What’s his favorite food? Did he like the movie we just saw? Is he excited for school this year? As a classic over-parenter, I often end up answering for him. In other cases, I catch myself acting as an interpreter on his behalf, offering clarification on what he’s saying, which he never asked me to do in the first place.

It's important to remember that our children are not miniature versions of us. They have their own minds and opinions, and we have no right to try to offer context or clarification on how they feel. Even if our child struggles and the words don’t come out quite right this time, next time they will. Our little (or big) kids don’t need us to correct them. They need us to watch them learn and grow from the sidelines and to show them that we’re here if and when they need us. And not a moment before.

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

Three Quick Ways to Nip Over-Parenting Now:

• Cut the dramatics – Your child fell down. Quickly and calmly assess for injuries. No broken bones or blood? A quick kiss and back out he goes.

• Put yourself first – Don’t rearrange your entire life to make your child happy constantly. If you have to miss an event or appointment, explain why and leave it alone.

• Tell kids your failures – If your children think you’re a superhero, they’ll expect to be ones, too. Don’t hesitate to share stories of when you had to work really hard to get what you want. Show them you aren’t perfect and neither are they.

kcparent.com

In today’s world, raising children is all about anticipating their needs before they even have them and mowing down any obstacles that might be in their way.

Parents usually impart lessons to children. But there are many valuable lessons we can learn from our children, such as living in the moment, making new friends, forgiving quickly, being true to yourself, trying new things, listening well to others and laughing more. As we head into spring, let’s take note from these wise youngsters we are raising and be reminded of what really matters.

“How to always be in the moment,” says Heidi Murray, mother of four.

Children are the best at this, aren’t they? Children act like they don’t have a care in the world because they generally don’t. They have no long-term goals or worries so they are 100 percent living in the moment— which can explain their big emotions, as well as being easily distracted. But there’s something beautiful in that, right? When was the last time you experienced the utter joy of a baby’s swinging at the playground? We may smile and coo at them, but more often than not, we’re also worried whether

the other parents think our baby is too little to be swinging on her own or taking out our phone to take a video of the moment. I’m not saying we shouldn’t document (because they really do grow up way too fast), but maybe we try to be in the moment a little more frequently. Notice the true blue sky, the birdsong, the taste of that perfect latte, the freshness in the air and the simple belly laughs of that swinging baby.

How to make new friends

There’s a reason so many memes and articles address how to make friends as an adult. It’s challenging! So it can be helpful to take notes from our children on how and where they are making their friends. Friendships often develop from proximity, commitment and shared interests. Kids make friends at school because they spend time with other kids there every day. Kids also make friends on their baseball teams and in their dance classes because they all enjoy doing that activity. Perhaps it’s time to make some friends at work by sitting in

the break room for lunch instead of at your desk. Maybe even get a few people to go out for a quick lunch together. If you work from home like many of us do now, maybe you could start a weekly lunch outing with other work-from-home parents. I’ve hosted a couple lunches for some work-fromhome women in our neighborhood, and it’s been a fun, quick hour of connection that doesn’t compete with after-school activities and family commitments. If that’s not an option, consider signing up for your own class after work—try weekly exercise classes or monthly book or craft clubs. Remember what you enjoyed when you were a child and see whether you can find that joy again, along with some new friends.

“How to forgive quickly,” suggests Casey Fraser, mother of four.

Children, especially when they’re younger, forgive quickly and move on to the next exciting toy they want to play with. They don’t hold grudges like we tend to do as we grow older. Obviously, there are a lot of

What Parents Can Learn from Kids others how we want to be treated, take naps and eat snacks to keep our blood sugar in check so we don’t throw a tantrum.”

dimensions to forgiveness and navigating life experiences, but maybe we can learn to forgive quickly on the little things that really don’t matter in a day’s or week’s time. Maybe we offer others and ourselves the benefit of the doubt more often than not. One of my favorite ways to do this is to assume crazy drivers have a sick kid or another crisis they are dealing with and to pray that they are safe, to keep others out of their way and that their day gets better. Doing this always makes me feel better than getting upset about the behavior and letting it set a tone for the rest of my day. This is also a great thing to practice within the walls of our home.

“How to live your life and be yourself without worrying about what others think or how they feel about you,” advises Emily Hilley, mother of two.

Wouldn’t this be a lovely thing if everyone lived true to themselves and didn’t worry about what others thought of them? I can’t even imagine—getting dressed, working a job you loved regardless of other’s expectations or income brackets, eating what you’d like, enjoying activities you want to do, and more! Kids are pretty certain and

vocal about what they like and don’t like, even if it’s an unpopular opinion like not liking pizza or, like my 2-year-old daughter, saying dresses are “too fancy.” Kids typically shrug things off and ask for something they do like. As adults, we can have more tact but can still stay true to who we are. If our friends always want to go out for sushi and it’s just not our thing, we can stand up for ourselves and request a different cuisine that everyone can enjoy. If you love a style that others think is outdated, who cares? Finding joy is such a lovely thing these days, so stay true to who you uniquely are.

Try new things

If you think about it, children try new things nearly every day because many things are still new to them! They try all new foods as they begin solids, try the new big slide, try dance class for the first time or a new club at school as they get older. As adults, we get in our safe bubbles and routines and often forget how to step outside our safety zone to try something new. We humans will never be able to know it all, so we still have so many opportunities to be brave and learn something new. Perhaps it’s not basic math facts like your elementary school student, but you can still learn a new hobby or even a new topic from reading a book. It could even be something bigger like going back to school to get a degree in something you now find, or always found, interesting. That new knowledge could even lead to a new job that brings you more joy. Traveling to new places can be a great way to try new things, too. Figuring out transportation, trying new restaurants and even scuba diving for the first time add spark to our thinking and enrich our experience. The world has plenty of new things for all of us to learn. You might even try new things with your family!

“I’ve learned from my (now adult) children that they don’t need me to fix every problem, they just want me to listen and acknowledge their feelings,” says Michael Rife Houghton, mother of two.

I think we could all benefit from learning how to listen to others better. It’s been a long couple of years, and we often gravitate to others with likeminded opinions, but there’s

value in learning how to listen without reacting or commenting. We can practice with our own families, too, by showing that we’re choosing to listen to what they’re saying by setting our phones down and giving actual eye contact. I know I often ask my children to stop what they’re doing and look at me so I know they’re listening, so I should do the same when they want me to listen to them, right?

Laugh more

“I suppose it could be an urban legend that 4- to 6-year-olds laugh 300 times a day. No matter, really. The point is that children laugh more than adults do. And that ought to tell us something,” says Pamela Gerloff in her article “Why You Need to Laugh Like a 5-Year-Old” on HuffPost. com. Children find humor in everything, from potty jokes to putting underwear on their heads. I do think they look for humor and ways to laugh as much as possible. We adults can often find laughter distracting or feel we haven’t earned our joyful time of the day until our work and commitments are completed. Then we can sit down and re-watch The Office. But we should seek out joy and humor often: Read humorous books, take a 10-minute break to watch funny pet videos, listen to a comedy station or funny podcast on our commute, text a funny joke or meme to friends or have a tickle fight with our kids. Embrace those laugh lines and laugh at those potty jokes your kindergartner finds hilarious.

Children come into this world like little innocent sponges, and we do our best to teach them the Golden Rule and how to take care of themselves and others. I think it’s always going to be wise for us to pause and get back to the basics of what’s actually important in this one life we get to live. Treat others how we want to be treated, take naps and eat snacks to keep our blood sugar in check so we don’t throw a tantrum.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 10, and Slade, 6, and is always trying to teach her children but could really benefit from learning from them more too.

kcparent.com

MAMA NEEDS A NIGHT OUT!

Whether you are a stay-athome mom, work outside the home or live a combo of both, being a mom is hard work—really hard work! Of course, we love our children, but being in constant demand all day every day can be exhausting and draining. And I’m pretty sure by now we have all heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” meaning that if you aren’t taking care of yourself and filling up your own life with things you enjoy, you can’t effectively help other people. Lisa Hemmen, an Overland Park mom of two says, “Even though it can be difficult to find the time to get away, it is extremely important to do so. I find that even a little bit of time with my mom friend community helps me recharge and come back home with a renewed attitude and energy—at least for a little while!” Scope out these fun and unique KC ideas for your next moms night out.

Coffee mom

If you have some java loving friends, book a tour of the Roasterie in KC, which requires reservations at $5 apiece. Tours run at 10:00 and noon almost daily, although more options are available on Saturdays. Maybe a Roasterie tour isn’t your

I find that even a little bit of time with my mom friend community helps me recharge and come back home with a renewed attitude and energy.

thing, but you and your gals would love to hit a few coffee shops in the evening! Check out Pilgrim Coffee in Overland Park, Outta the Blue Cafe in Leawood or Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company in downtown Kansas City, MO. All are open until 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening. And though this year’s Caffeine Crawl has already happened, it’s never too early to start warming up for next year’s 2023 crawl!

Sports loving mom

Fall and winter don’t have quite as many sporting events as spring and summer do, but you could surely find some moms up for a Chiefs game with a little pre-game tailgating or take a short jaunt to Lawrence for an epic KU basketball game! Sporting KC also offers public and private stadium tours. Public tours are available year round, Saturdays and Sundays; private tours require an online form be filled out for rates and availability.

Wine loving mom

Are you and your tribe wine lovers? Look no further! Check out KC Wine Co’s festival and events calendar for some fun MNO activities that range from live music on Fridays and Saturdays to Sip and Shop throughout the month of November. Or pop into Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen, located in the Crossroads district, where every Wednesday evening is Wine Club!

Bar hopping mom

The Kansas City metro area is home to so many amazing restaurants and bars, and some new ones have come on the scene recently. Grab your friends for a fun night out at Olathe’s Tall Trellis Brew Co, Spring Hill’s Bull Creek Distillery or downtown Overland Park’s Brew Lab. With each establishment’s hosting a variety of events, you are sure to find something exciting and lively for your next MNO.

Crafty mom

Are you and your mom tribe crafty gals?

If so, your possibilities are nearly endless in the metro area for cool and unique MNO ideas! Check out Embers Candle Bar in Lee’s Summit where you all can choose your own containers and scents then pour your own candles! Creative Culture, a DIY studio and milkshake bar, also hosts drop in and create sessions on a first-come, first-served basis, or if you want to be sure you have space for your mom group, they offer private parties, too. Board and Brush, Pinot’s Palette and Paint, Glaze and Fire are a few other great spots for a little DIY crafting with your gals!

Active mom

Maybe your mom community loves being active or outdoors. You’re in luck!

With places like Top Golf, Chicken N Pickle, RoKC and GoApe, you are sure to find something for your mom squad. But if none of those tickle your fancy, why not sign up for a 5k together? The annual Turkey Trot is scheduled for Nov. 24 … so dust off your sneakers and hit the pavement together!

Exploring mom

Feel like a little exploration around the city? Why not book a Trolley Tour around KC or, for an even more unique experience, bring along some snacks and drinks (no alcohol please) and reserve a pedal hopper

to cruise around Waldo or the Crossroads! Bear in mind you’ll need a little larger group for this experience, as the minimum number to ride is 10.

Shopping mom

Mark your calendar for Downtown OP’s next Sip & Shop event: Bootique Wine Walk on Oct. 20! You can browse through unique and charming shops such as the Pretty Posy, Ensemble, Ten Thousand Villages and Unique Finds. Follow @downtownop on Instagram to find out about more events!

The Painted Tree is another great shopping option for you and your mom community to check out. You are sure to have fun and find something for everyone!

Cooking mom

The Culinary Center of Kansas City offers girls night out events, as well as a host of other classes that you and your friends might find appealing if you are up for something new in the kitchen. CR Confections (CRConfections.com), a local cookie company owned by Cameo Robinson, offers cookie decorating classes close to the holidays, as well as private classes, too!

Julie Collett can write about MNO all she wants … but can’t actually remember the last time she had one! Now she is armed with plenty of ideas and no excuses!

Time off you think?! Let’s just say you’ve earned it! According to Salary.com, moms hold about 20 different positions (such as bookkeeper, kitchen manager, logistics analyst and so on) and work on average 106 hours per week.

This means moms are putting in about 15-hour workdays, seven days a week!

kcparent.com

Giant Spider Web

Are you a fun mom but not a crafty mom? Then this is the craft for you! Bring back your high school tee-peeing days and make this cheap and easy craft your kids will absolutely love destroying!

Step one: Start outlining your web. We chose to do three main lines from the top to the bottom.

Step two: Add additional lines from side to side, weaving up and down, crossing and taping as you go.

Step three: Keep layering until you feel like your web is done..

Step four: Encourage your kids to dress in all black to look like spiders and let them climb the web! Encourage them to climb over, under and through the web without breaking it.

Step five: Once they are done climbing, encourage them to pull the web down and help clean up!

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer is a family mediator who lives in Manhattan, KS, with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts. great craft ideas, log onto KCParent.com!

Materials needed:

• Playroom/living room – step your spider web up a notch and plan to put something under the web to create different heights to make the climbing of the web both more fun and a bigger challenge for little ones. We used our nugget couch halfway under the web. You could also use pillows under the web.

• Toilet paper rolls. We used about 1.5 rolls

• Tape

• Ladder or step stool

Mummy Wrap

Tissue Paper Mache

Toilet Roll Scarecrows

The thought of getting an extra hour of sleep when daylight saving time ends on Nov. 6 sounds amazing, but perhaps you have found reality looks a little different.

FALLING BACK WITH LESS STRESS

How to ensure an easy adjustment when daylight saving time ends

In the past you might have looked forward to waking up feeling rested and refreshed after extra sleep. Yet as you enjoyed your sleep, you were suddenly awakened at an extraordinarily early hour by the sound of the kids rushing into your room wide awake and ready for the day. The dream of an extra hour of sleep evaporated, and you realized it was going to take days to get the kids adjusted to the new schedule.

Sound familiar? So how do we help our kids adjust to the new time? There is an ongoing debate about whether we still need to practice daylight saving, but as it is something we still observe, we offer these tips to make the transition easier:

Make small changes in advance.

The week before daylight saving ends, consider keeping the kids up for an extra 10 minutes each night and let them sleep in slightly later than they normally would. This will gradually shift their internal clock. The more time they are given to adjust, the less likely they are to get tired too early and wake up too early once the time has changed.

Set expectations and help them understand the time change.

Talk to the kids about what daylight saving is and how it impacts our schedules. Consider setting the clock in their room with the “new” time the day before the change to help them begin thinking on the new time.

When they go to bed on Oct. 31, set the expectation of what time you want them to come out of their rooms in the morning, and let them know they aren’t to come out of their rooms until the designated time.

Have indoor activities ready.

The actual loss of time isn’t the only big adjustment when daylight saving ends. The loss of daylight itself can be quite difficult.

For a child who enjoys playing outside after school, there will be significantly less time to run and play before dark. Finding ways for the kids to expend energy during winter is going to be essential, so perhaps that means getting a mini trampoline for the basement, finding some workout videos you can do with your kids or getting a membership to an indoor pool.

Less daylight also has well-documented impacts on overall mental health. To combat the winter blues, make sure you have other fun activities for the kids to do indoors all winter long. This might include more board games, puzzles and art projects.

As it will get light earlier, you might also consider window coverings in the children’s rooms to block out sunlight.

Make it a fun time!

Have a special daylight saving activity the evening of the time change. Whether that involves watching a specific movie, making a certain meal or playing a favorite game, if the kids associate daylight saving time with an enjoyable family activity, they may be more apt to cooperate with the guidelines you give them for the new schedule.

With these tips, we hope you actually find yourself sleeping in the extra hour we lost in the spring. Enjoy!

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who adores fall but wishes it did not mean diminishing hours of daylight.

FALL THE AIR… TAKE A WALK!

Summer may be best spent in the water, but fall is best spent on walking trails. What better way to kick off the autumn season and beat those end-of-summer blues than by planning fun days with your kids exploring walking trails and parks in town? We’ve got you covered with some top-rated spots in the Kansas City area.

Grab a bag of snacks and your water bottles and leave the cell phone at home. (Well, in the car. Or in your pocket. In case of an emergency.) If the kids are still small enough for wagons or strollers, grab those too. Especially now that school is in session, you’ll be reaching for those moments of one-on-one time to reconnect with the kids. Summer may be fleeting, but the adventures don’t have to end. Create a whole new fall routine of adventures.

This new routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick a new spot every Wednesday at 4:00, for instance, or whenever you pick the kids up from school and before dinner. Or maybe every Saturday after baseball practice. However this quality outdoor time aligns with your schedule, pencil it in—the outcome is so worth it for you and the kiddos.

We visited Burrus Old Mill Park in Blue Springs frequently this summer, mostly to utilize its amazing splash pad. The park is a perfect spot for fall adventures, too. The gazebo makes a great setup for peanut butter picnics with the littles, and the spacious playground (outside of the splash pad) is perfect for toddler or big-kid exploration. The view is so cool, too!

Waterfall Park in Independence (attached to Bass Pro Shops) is a nice hidden gem in the Kansas City area. Watch

FALL fun guide

the ducks, geese and turtles on the overlook, take a stroll on its sidewalks or chill in the gazebo. Two nice playground areas entertain kids of all ages.

Little Blue Trace Trail is another one of my personal favorites. This 15-mile path is partially paved and includes picnic and bathroom amenities along with several emergency call buttons along the way should users need any assistance. This one has been my favorite for years.

A few more highly rated trails include White Tail Trail (Parkville Nature Sanctuary), Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail, Hidden Valley Park, Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail, Happy Rock to Shoal Creek Trail, Longview Lake and Little Blue River, Maple Woods Natural Area Trail and Hodge Park Nature Trail.

Use your weekly or biweekly strolls to pick flowers together. Point out all the brick houses, the dogs, the bicycles. Chat about the kids’ day. Ask what makes them happy. What makes them sad? What is their favorite food? How many yellow signs can they spot along the path? What outfit do they want to pick out for tomorrow? Sing your favorite song together.

For the younger tots in your life, use your time together to practice new words. “Cars go vroom!” “Dogs say woof!” Repeat the same words each time to work on their language skills—they will think it’s a game and not a vocabulary lesson.

Meet new friends and pets during your stroll. Usually when I’m walking with one of my kiddos and we see a dog, we ask to pet it, and that’s the beginning of a fun conversation. Pets are great ice-breakers when making friends. You can even get really creative and type up a scavenger hunt to take with you. Whoever identifies the most on your list gets to choose where to grab dinner.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

FOR MORE

TIPS ON GETTING OUT AND TAKING A WALK IN KC, VISIT MARC.ORG/ KCWALKS!

One-Eyed Crawler Cakes

Here’s looking at you! These creepy crawlers might just skitter right off of the table if you aren’t careful.

MAKES 24 CUPCAKES

1 (15.25-ounce) box Funfetti cake mix

1 (16-ounce) can vanilla frosting

Neon food coloring (blue, green, purple)

24 mini white powdered donuts

Red decorating gel

24 gumdrops or gummy Lifesaver candies

24 brown mini M&M’s

Multicolored licorice twists

1 Prepare cake mix according to directions for making cupcakes. Bake and let cool.

2

Divide the frosting into 3 small bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and mix well. Frost the cupcakes using the different frostings.

3

On each mini donut, draw lines with the decorating gel to look like a bloodshot eye.

4

In the center of each donut place a gumdrop or gummy candy, securing it with a little bit of decorating gel. Add a brown mini M&M for the pupil.

5

Place 1 donut eye in the center of each cupcake. Use the licorice to create creepy-crawly legs. Devour them before they devour you!

Photograph from Spooky Snacks and Treats by Zac Williams.

Reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith Books.

SENSE-SATIONAL FALL FUN

Autumn is known for its signature colors and flavors. This fall, savor the best of the season with these local outings:

SEE PUMPKIN MOUNTAIN AND AUTUMN LEAVES

TASTE

FALL FLAVORS

Treat the kids to giant caramel apples from Sweet Caroline’s (913.495.9993), one of the most decadent shops in the metro. Using large delicious apples, Sweet Caroline’s serves up many flavors and combinations of coatings that are almost too pretty to eat!

You’ll find freshly popped kettle corn, hand-dipped candy apples, hot cider and cocoa and more yummy treats at local fall festivals.

St. Joseph, MO, is renowned for its annual lighting of Pumpkin Mountain. During their Pumpkinfest (Oct. 7-9), more than 500 hand carved pumpkins are lit in front of the Pony Express Museum at 8:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. This magical site is truly an unforgettable experience. In addition to the lighting of pumpkin mountain, the festival also offers a carnival, vendors, live entertainment and more.

Enjoy the autumn classic of a leaf peeping trip. Take a driving tour to enjoy Missouri’s most vibrant fall leaves—and don’t forget the camera! Visit MDC.mo.gov/ discover-nature/ outdoor-recreation/driving-tours/fall-colors for a leaf map recommending the best places for the best views.

SMELL FALL FRAGRANCES

Host a family cooking competition. Find out which member of your family can make the best pot of chili, hearty soup or tastiest pie. Enjoy a family meal then make a night of it with games or movies. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a kitchen full of love and laughter in the fall.

To create some of your favorite fall scents at home, select your favorite seasonal candle at the Corner Candleshop (816.361.6393) or Farm House Collection (816.656.5190). Or head to Lee’s Summit’s Embers Candle Bar (816.719.3911) where you can create your own signature candle capturing all the elements of your favorite cozy scents.

FALL fun guideHEAR

MACABRE MUSIC AND POETRY

The Coterie is bringing back Tell-Tale Electric Poe (Oct. 20-30) for another mesmerizing showing. The performance features one actor reciting some of Poe’s most notable works, “The Premature Burial” and the oft-requested “Tell-Tale Heart,” accompanied by an eerie electric guitar. The spooky show captivates audiences of all ages as they encounter Poe’s poetry in the Coterie’s signature style. TheCoterie.org

Kansas City is also home to many great concert venues. One of our favorite for families is the Midwest Trust Center. This October, they’re offering a variety of great shows: Winterlude - Vine Street Rumble (Oct. 2), Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation (Oct. 15), Soweto Gospel Choir: Hope (Oct. 16), Kansas City Jazz Orchestra/Hanover Big Band (Oct. 21) and the Four Freshmen (Oct. 28). For fans of magic, catch Piff the Magic Dragon and Puddles Pity Party: Misery Loves Company tour on Oct. 30

TOUCH

AN ALPACA, SHEEP OR COW

This fall, you’re invited to tour local farms. Kaw Valley’s Fall Farm Tour is Oct. 1-2, and Miami County Kansas’ Fall Farm Tour is Oct. 15-16. Both offer tours of many Kansas farms, including alpaca ranches and goat, sheep, pig, bison and cow farms. You also can explore farms where things grow, such as pecans, vegetables, corn and wheat. This educational outing is an incredible opportunity to learn more about where our food comes from and support local businesses.

If you’re unable to attend one of these events, you may book a “Paca Picnic” at Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch in Holden, MO. This fun farm offers great options for a day trip or even an overnight stay. You’ll get to meet and play with dozens of friendly alpacas and other farm animals. If you’re looking for a short getaway not too far from home, search “Green Meadows” on KCParent.com where you can read our getaway review.

Bonus: All in One

Autumn isn’t complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. Corn mazes, trains, play spaces, hayrides, corn cribs, carousels, zip lines, rides, concerts, ponies and pumpkins are just a few of the enticements Kansas City’s pumpkin patches have to offer visitors. You’ll find a variety of tasty treats, live entertainment and interactive experiences to enjoy at local patches. Make plans to visit more than one—you’ll find that each one is different and truly special in its own way. Check out the KC Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com to discover the best patches in town.

BONUS TIP: We’ll be giving away FREE pumpkin patch tickets on KCParent.com all season long! Enter our giveaways for a chance to win.

Kristina Light truly loves fall most of all. You will find more seasonal inspiration in her online articles on KCParent.com

OCTOBER festivals ACROSS KANSAS CITY

GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo Thru Dec. 11, Kansas City Zoo. See the Kansas City Zoo in a whole new light this fall with a new, completely unique and immersive nighttime experience, GloWild. This lantern festival will be the largest of its kind in the Midwest. KansasCityZoo.org

The Great Pumpkin Fest Sat. &. Sun thru Oct. 30, 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 Weston Applefest Oct. 1-2, Weston. Join us for a parade down Main Street on Saturday. Crafts and artisans, food and drinks, kids games, apple dumplings, entertainment and outdoor fun! VisitPlatte.com/event/weston-applefest

Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival Sept. 21-Oct, 29. Experience Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival featuring Craft Days filled with NEW artisans each week and Pumpkins In The City by night with thousands of illuminated pumpkins with non-frightful fun for the entire family! SilverDollarCity.com

KC Oktoberfest Oct. 7-8, Crown Center. KC Oktoberfest is a twoday festival at Crown Center celebrating Bavarian-style bier, food and entertainment. KCOktoberfest.com

Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct. 7-8, Old Town Lenexa. This free foodie festival heats up Friday night with live music and a fireworks show. On Saturday, grab your spoon at the gate to feast on your fill of chili, hot wings and salsa samples. Lenexa.com

Into the Night Fall Festival Oct. 7, Ironwoods Park. Enjoy fabulous fall experiences, including a petting zoo, performances, crafts, strolling entertainment, s’mores, family photo op, food vendors and more! Register at Leawood.org.

Fall Festival: Shawnee Indian Mission Oct. 8, Shawnee Indian Mission. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail with Native American presentations, forgotten skills demonstrations, arts, crafts and food. ShawneeIndianMission.org

Miami County Fall Farm Tour Oct. 15-16, Miami County Farms. This FREE event for the entire family features approximately 13 farms on the tour. Guests can experience farm life. ADayOnTheFarmInKansas.com

Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Oct. 22, Shawnee Civic Centre. Beat the crowds this holiday season and pick up some unique, handcrafted holiday gifts while you are at it! CityOfShawnee.org

Find the complete Fall Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

Miami County Fall Farm Tour

10 TIPS FOR A GREAT DAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Local pumpkin patches are open for the season mid-September through Halloween. Follow these tips to have the best experience at the patch.

1. Visit KCParent.com and use our Pumpkin Patch Guide to get the inside scoop on all the local patches. Use our tips to choose the best patches to visit this season.

2. Dress for the weather. Remember sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate layers. Later in the season, it may be chilly early or late in the day but may warm up as the sun shines in the afternoon.

3. Wear comfy shoes for playing on a farm. Tennis shoes, rubber boots or farm boots work well.

4. Come rested. Plan your visit around nap times.

5. Plan to spend a half to full day. Weekdays are less crowded and more relaxed, making this the ideal time to visit with young children. Weekends are bustling and can be an extra special time to visit with friends and relatives. Bring grandparents along for the fun!

6. Check the patch’s calendar of activities on KCParent.com (under the Pumpkin Patch Guide) for special events they may be hosting throughout the season, including live entertainment, special festivals or holiday-themed events for Grandparents Day, teacher appreciation, Halloween and more.

7. If you have a favorite attraction, for instance the jumping pillow, plan to hit it up first or last to make the start and end of your visit extra special.

8. Buy some goodies to enjoy at home! Cider donuts, pumpkin donuts and kettle corn are all great snacks to enjoy with a relaxing movie after a day at the patch.

9. Decide in advance whether you want to choose one big pumpkin for the family or a small one for each child. Having a plan can save a lot of stress when everyone is drawn to their choice for a “perfect pumpkin.”

10. Take lots of pumpkin photos!

1 Carolyn’s Country Cousins 17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

2 Weston Orchard & Vineyard 18545 Co. Rd. H, Weston, MO 402.209.4117 WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

3 Johnson Farms & Pumpkin Patch 17701 Holmes, Belton, MO 816.331.1067

JohnsonFarms.net

4 Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch 650 N Jefferson, Kearney, MO 816.628.0028

FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com

5 Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202

LouisburgCiderMill.com

kc pumpkin patches

Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a fun fall adventure? Visit Kansas City’s #1 destination pumpkin patch … Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch! Enjoy dozens of attractions, including the historic Country Carousel, Little Bud’s Railroad, petting barn, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races and much more! Find your perfect pumpkin in our u-pick pumpkin fields. Take a break and enjoy a wine slushie in our depot. Don’t forget to pick up some of our famous pumpkin donuts! Carolyn’s is open five days a week, Thursday through Monday, Sept. 17-Oct. 31. CarolynsPumpkinPatch.com

Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard

Enjoy a u-pick pumpkin patch, u-pick apple orchard, zinnia picking, hayrack rides, vintage 1947 carousel, apple cannons, rat racers, bouncing pillow, low ropes course with zip line, treetop houses, petting zoo and more! After picking and playing, enjoy kettle corn, caramel apples, donuts, apple cider slushies and other treats. Open daily 9:00-5:00. Apple cannons, hayrack rides and carousel available on weekends only. Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/WestonOrchard-and-Vineyard. 816.640.4013, WestonOrchard.com

Johnson Farms

At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to your home at a real farm. Take a wagon ride out to the u-pick pumpkin patch or apple orchard. U-pick veggie patch and u-cut sunflower field are nearby. Experience our giant jumping pillows, giant tunnel maze,

authentic fire truck, barnyard arcade and animal corral, all INCLUDED in your admission. Admission held at 2021 pricing! Delicious food and safe health protocols in place. Plenty of parking and outdoor fun. 816.331.1067, JohnsonFarms.net, @johnsonfarmsMO

Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch

When you buy a ticket to Fun Farm, included is your hayride out to our vast pumpkin patch. We have over 60 varieties of pumpkins to choose from on our farm, so get pickin’! Come out to the farm and pick out a pumpkin (or two … maybe three) to carve with the kids, use as porch decorations or to make your favorite pumpkin recipe! Enjoy tons of kids activities, shows, performers, play areas, specialty equipment … and yes, farm stuff. FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com

Louisburg Cider Mill

Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon.-Sat.), 9:00-6:00 (Sun.), with extended hours every Friday and Saturday until 8:00 through our fall season. Live music, food trucks, kettle corn and caramel apples. Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Family Farm will be happening Sept. 16-Oct. 31, 8:00-6:00 (Mon-Thur), 8:00-10:00 (Fri-Sat) and 9:00 -6:00 (Sun). Venture through the 10-acre corn maze, huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow, wagon rides and much more! 913.837.5202, LouisburgCiderMill.com

KC Parent is giving away 50+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches! PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.com.

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

learn

St. Joseph Museums present Spooktacular STEAM Day on Oct. 9. Explore mummies, things that glow, haunted houses and more. Pre-reg at StJosephMuseum.org/ events.

play

Enjoy nonstop Halloween party fun at Monster Party Oct. 1-31 at Legoland. Spooky decorations, amazing Lego activities and more! LegolandDiscovery Center.com

see

Head to the Midwest Trust Center Oct. 14-15 for Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. The iconic characters come to life in this musical stage adaptation. JCCC.edu/Midwesttrust-center

watch

The Coterie brings Tell-Tale Electric Poe on Oct. 20-30. One actor … and one musician delivering Poe stories and poems with musical lines from an electric guitar!

TheCoterie.org

visit

On Oct. 29 visit Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm for Trick-or-Treat off the Street. Dress in costume and enjoy 1860s fall living history experiences. Mahaffie.org

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh at Midwest Trust Center october

Harvest Festival 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy live music while shopping for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. DowntownLS.org

Scarecrow Festival 9:00, Shawnee City Hall. Scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, a farmers market and seasonal displays. CityOfShawnee.org

Kids Projects & Activities 9:00, Home Depot. Kids crafts are back! Bring your child in to make a fire rescue boat. HomeDepot.com/c/kids

Fall Farm Festival Today & tomorrow, Colonial Gardens. Celebrate fall with a family festival with pumpkins, farm experience, fun and much, much more! ColonialGardensKC.com

Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

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

Kaw Valley Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, various locations. Visit 30 locations and enjoy family farms, wineries, alpacas and more! KawValleyFarmTour.org

Harry Potter Day 10:00, Science City. Celebrate Harry Potter with a day filled with science magic, flying broomsticks and enchanting treats. ScienceCity.UnionStation.org

Backyard Chickens 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Learn the basics of chicken behavior, feeding, coop needs and more. Pre-reg at ShawneeTown.org.

Oztoberfest 10:00, Wamego City Park (Wamego, KS). Oz costume and Toto look-alike contest, classic car show, Munchkin Junction and more! VisitWamego.com

Log Cabin Festival 10:00, Harrisonville Square. Enjoy a parade, carnival, entertainment and much more! HarrisonvilleChamber.com/ logcabin

Silver City Day Parade & Festival 10:00, Argentine Neighborhood. Live music, activities, inflatables, lawn games and more! Facebook. com/ArgentineSilverCityDay

Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music 10:00, Missouri Town 1855. Historic interpreters, artisans, musicians, crafters and more! MakeYourDayHere.com

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

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

Holiday Mart Today & tomorrow, Bartle Hall. Kansas City’s only nonprofit shopping event is the must-attend event of the fall. JLKC.org/events/holiday-mart

Applefest Today & tomorrow, Weston, MO. Crafts and artisans, kids games, apple dumplings, indoor and outdoor entertainment and more! VisitPlatte.com

MTC Kids Jam 11:00, Midwest Trust Center. Art activities in the lobby followed by concert with acclaimed performer Bari Koral. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

Enchanted Forest

Oct. 27, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The park is transformed into the Enchanted Forest, where there is something Lenexa.com

Library in the Park 11:00, Huron Park. Celebrate community with live music, fun activities, giant book sale and more! LibraryInThePark.org

Oktoberfest Noon, Downtown Kearney, MO. A full day of family fun includes live music, local vendors, kids carnival, games and more! DowntownKearney.com

Conservation Carnival 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Carnival games, archery, atlatl, animal oddities and more! MDC.mo.gov/events

Merriam Drive Live 2:00, Merriam Marketplace. Enjoy the sounds of classic rock music, food trucks, cornhole tournament and more. Merriam.org

Cass County Sheriff’s Rodeo 5:30, North Park (Harrisonville, MO). Food trucks, face painting, petting zoo and more! Facebook.com/casscountyrodeo

2 Sunday

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

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

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

Ward-Meade Garden Glow 7:00, Old Prairie Town (Topeka, KS). Experience historic buildings at night with handcrafted electric light displays. Parks.snco.us

3 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.

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

Washed Ashore 9:00, Botanica (Wichita). Exhibit featuring giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches. Botanica.org

4 Tuesday

Monster Party Thru Oct 31, Legoland. Nonstop Halloween party fun with spooky decorations, amazing Lego activities and more! Save $5 with coupon on pg. 68. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Too soggy 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

Discover Nature 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Go on an adventure to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

5 Wednesday

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

Akeelah & the Bee 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie Theatre. Akeelah Anderson is forced to expose her hidden smarts when she participates in the school spelling bee. TheCoterie.org

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: fall colors. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chickens, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

6 Thursday

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises 10:00, Union Station. Journey through the awe-inspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

Immersive King Tut 1:00, Lighthouse Art Space. Take a mythical journey though the Egyptian afterlife and experience Egypt like never before! Immersive-KingTut.org

Fairfax Festival 3:30, Kaw Point Park. Live music, local food, lawn game tournament, boat rides and a fireworks display. VisitKansasCityKS.com

Witches Eve 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Grab your ghoul squad for a wicked night out filled with plenty of cackles and boo’s! DowntownLS.org

7 Friday

Oktoberfest Art & Craft Show 10:00, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Explore more than 100 booths and a wide variety of products to prepare for fall! IBDPromotions.com

Into the Night Fall Festival 5:30, Ironwoods Park. A petting zoo, live performers, train rides, crafts, photo ops and more! Pre-reg at Leawood.org or 913.663.9154.

Art on Oak 5:00, Second Presbyterian Church. Art fair showcases the talents of local artists and musicians. SecondPres.org/artonoak

Trucktoberfest 5:30, Recreation Park. Enjoy food trucks, live music and yard games with family and friends. Raymore.com

Ghost Tours 7:000, Alexander Majors Home. Kick off spooky season with ghost tours for the whole family, crafts and snacks. WornallMajors.org

kcparent.com

Boo at the Zoo

Oct. 29-30, Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick-or-treat the zoo, enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Rock the Amp 7:00, Legacy Park. SoulRoot brings the greatest hits over the last five decades to Lee’s Summit, performing hits from every genre. CityOfLS.net

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

Pony Express Pumpkinfest Thru Sunday, St Joseph Museums. Costume parade, carnival rides, food trucks, craft vendors and more! PonyExpressPumpkinfest.com

KC Oktoberfest Today & tomorrow, Crown Center. A two-day festival celebrating authentic Bavarian-style bier, food, entertainment and more! KCOktoberfest.com

8 Saturday

Lenexa Chili Challenge 10:00, Old Town Lenexa. Musical entertainment and JDRF fundraising, chili samples and the Kids Kornbread Contest. Lenexa.com

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

Chuckwagon Cookoff and Sorghum Saturday 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Visit the chuckwagons for samples at noon and then harvest sorghum. Mahaffie.org

Heritage Craft Festival Today & tomorrow, historic Arrow Rock, MO. Handcrafted items, historic reenactments, living history presenters and more. ArrowRock.org

Farm to Table Saturday 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Cooking series that highlights the recipes and ingredients common in a 1920s Shawnee kitchen. ShawneeTown.org

Greater KC Japan Festival 10:00, Johnson County Community College. Traditional performances, candy artist, cultural village, manga and more! KCJapanFestival.org

Fall Festival 10:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Watch, eat, play, ride, learn, listen and celebrate the wonder of fall on the prairie. ShawneeIndianMission.org

BaKCon Fest 10:00, Children’s Mercy Park. Bacon-themed festival with bands, baconinspired cuisine and a bacon eating contest! SportingKC.com/bakcon-fest

Turner Days 10:00, Turner Middle School. Live performances, local food vendors, activities, games and prizes. TurnerDays.squarespace.com/festival

Touch-A-Truck 11:00, Meadowmere Park (Grandview). Join for a fun time of viewing firetrucks, police cars, tractors and more! Grandview.org

Fall Sensory Carnival Noon, PossAbilities Children’s Therapy Group. A fall sensory carnival for children of all abilities. ChildrensTherapyGroup.org

South KC Block Party Noon, Red Bridge Shopping Center. Entertainment, vendor booths, carnival games, kids activities and more. RedBridgeShoppingCenter.com

Sounds on the Square 6:00, Linden Square. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join for a night of music under the stars. LindenSquare.info

9 Sunday

Art Garden KC 11:00, Pendleton Heights Neighborhood. Weekly art fair with more than 60 vendors, food trucks, live music, kids activities and more! ArtGardenKC.business.site

Spooktacular STEAM 1:00, St Joseph Museums. Explore mummies, arachnids, things that glow, haunted houses and more. Pre-reg at StJosephMuseum.org/events.

Stories by the Campfire 1:30, George Owens Nature Park. Roaring fire and exciting stories! The story is Ghosts and Goblins and Monsters and Such GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

GloWild 6:00, Kansas City Zoo. All-new event! Lanterns will line a one-way path through the zoo. The journey will take about 90 minutes. Tickets at KansasCityZoo.org.

10 Monday

Monster Party Thru Oct 31, Legoland. Nonstop Halloween party fun with spooky decorations, amazing Lego activities and more! Save $5 with coupon on pg. 68. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

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

Story Time for Families 10:00, various branches (MCPL). Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities and create memories together. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

11 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Weather not nice enough 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

Discover Nature 2:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Go on an adventure to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at 816.759.7300

12 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

KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com. G I S T E R T O D AY Recreation Commission

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

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises 10:00, Union Station. Journey through the awe-inspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

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

Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chickens, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

13 Thursday

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

Akeelah & the Bee 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie Theatre. Akeelah Anderson is forced to expose her hidden smarts when she participates in the school spelling bee. TheCoterie.org

Herp Days Noon, George Owens Nature Park. Meet one of the fantastic, cold-blooded creatures—snake, salamander or turtle. GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

Clay Club 5:00, Ceramic Café. Learn how to work with clay. Different projects each week that utilize different skills. Pre-reg at CeramicCafeKC.com.

14 Friday

Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Play when school is out! Explore KidScape and museum exhibits, play games, and enjoy down time. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Today & tomorrow, Midwest Trust Center. The iconic characters come to life in this musical stage adaptation. JCCC.edu/Midwest-trust-center

Base Ball, 1860s Style! 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Review the original rules and look at uniforms before playing a laidback game. Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

Trick or Cache Various times, Antioch Park. GPS units will be provided for this modern-day scavenger hunt for Halloween treats. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Third Friday Art Walk 5:00, downtown KCK. Free, family-friendly events. Art exhibits, performances, food and more. EpicArtsKC.org

Cornucopia: KC’s Ultimate Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Power & Light District. Overflowing with opportunities for entertainment and fun. CornucopiaKC.com Park, KS

15 Saturday

Pumpkin Festival 7:00, Historic Liberty Square. Enjoy family friendly activities while you shop for your favorites at the market! HistoricDowntownLiberty.org

Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Pumpkin Palooza 9:00, Sunflower House. Come in your favorite costume! Activities, music and one-of-a-kind painted pumpkins for sale! SunflowerHouse.org

The Great Pumpkin Fest 10:00, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

Maple Leaf Festival Today & tomorrow, Baldwin City Farmers Market. Parade, antique cars, crafts for sale, quilt show and more! MapleLeafFestival.com

Hike with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Enjoy a hike and learn about different habitats and the plants and animals along the trail. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Super Hero Party 10:00, the View Community Center. Join for a villain-themed party with games, prizes, snacks and more! Pre-reg at Grandview.org.

International Lineman’s Rodeo 10:00, National Agricultural Hall of Fame. Rodeo competition plus food, music and games for kids. VisitKansasCityKS.com

Miami County Fall Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, Miami County farms. Spend a day in the country and experience farm life. ADayOnTheFarmInKansas.com

Whimsical Woods 1:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

HOWLoween 5:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Explore nature stations like Track or Treat, the Bone Yard, the Bat Cave and much more. MDC.mo.gov

Zombie Forest Night 6:30, Louisburg Cider Mill. Live music, bonfire, hayrides and more! Bring a flashlight to go through the maze in the dark. LouisburgCiderMill.com

1. FIRST LADY OF FLIGHT

Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. A favorite artifact is a replica of Meelie’s coaster she and her sister built as young girls and attached to the roof of a small shed so they could go for a ride. She got hurt but was undaunted, declaring it was just like flying— and she dreamed of becoming a pilot someday.

SIX-STOP TOUR: ATCHISON, KS

2. CLANG GOES THE TROLLEY

The Historic Atchison Trolley offers infamous haunted tours every autumn that feature spooky ghost tales that enchant visitors and explain why Atchison lives up to its reputation as the most haunted town in Kansas. The tour changes every year, including information on the Sallie House and 1889 McInteer Villa.

3. FUN WITH GOATS

The Providence Hill Farm is a family-run business where they breed purebred Nubian dairy goats. You may make reservations for baby goat playtime, a goat hike or goat yoga. They also offer a variety of artisan classes, including cheese, soap and candle making. This agritourism experience is a must-see on your visit to Atchison. PovidenceHill Farm.net

4. TRAIN RIDES

The Atchison Railroad Museum offers rides on a 12-inch gauge train seasonally on weekends, featuring a model steam train and a gas electric train. The museum also houses historic rail cars and engines, including a steam locomotive engine, more than one caboose, passenger cars, freight cars and a snowplow. In October, they offer haunted train rides.

5. AGRI-ART

A unique site in Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Earthworks (178620 274th Rd., Warnock Lake). Kansas artist Stan Herd designed the one-acre portrait portraying Earhart in agriculture in her hometown. The portrait is located on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake and is composed of permanent plantings, stone and other natural materials. Visitors may see the art from a viewing deck.

6. SCENIC DRIVE

The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway begins at the intersection of K-7 and K-92 in Leavenworth, KS, and extends 63 miles north/south through the glacial hills of northeast Kansas. Along the route, you’ll see the earliest pioneer settlements of Kansas, sites of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and many architectural sites, including Victorian homes and historic barns.

A Chilling Halloween 7:00, Cable Dahmer Arena. Local figure skaters perform in a Halloween themed skating spectacular! Heartland-FSC.ticketleap.com

16 Sunday

Dogtober Fest 10:00, Kemper Outdoor Education Center. Explore booths, take part in contests, including the ever-popular Halloween costume contest. MakeYourDayHere.com

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

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

Weekend Fun: On the Move 1:00, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. Build your own paper car, color Art Deco inspired details and draw in the driver and passengers. 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

Trunk or Treat 4:00, Lakeside Nature Center. The Kansas City Police Department and Lakeside Nature Center present this drive-thru event. LakesideNatureCenter.org

17 Monday

Washed Ashore 9:00, Botanica (Wichita). Exhibit featuring giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches. Botanica.org

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

Story Time for Families 10:00, various branches (MCPL). Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities and create memories together. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

18 Tuesday

Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Tots on Tuesday is now virtual! Sing songs, read books, explore art and more. Pre-reg at KemperArt.org.

Discover Nature 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Go on an adventure to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

Harry Potter Painting Night 6:30, Ceramic Café. Enjoy painting, snacking, and having a blast with trivia and fellow wizards! Pre-reg at CeramicCafeKC.com.

19 Wednesday

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

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Creepy Critters. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chickens, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

Movie at the Aztec Shawnee Theater 7:00, Aztec Shawnee Theater. Don’t miss movie night! Tonight’s movie is Bride of Frankenstein. ShawneeTown.org

20 Thursday

Moonlight Market 4:00, Shawnee City Hall. Grab goods from the farmers market, check out local restaurants, breweries and shops, and enjoy live music! CityOfShawnee.org

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

Fairy Tale Forest 5:30, Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Walk through a trail, meet native animal characters, make a craft and more! NatureSanctuary.com

Tell-Tale Electric Poe 7:00, the Coterie Theatre. One actor … one musician delivering Poe stories and poems with musical lines and retorts from a reactive electric guitar! TheCoterie.org

Third Thursday Programs 7:00, Clay County Museum. Free program on local history. Today’s topic: “What’s the Weather Report? TornadoesFloods-Snow?” 816.792.1849

21 Friday

Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Play when school is out! Explore KidScape and museum exhibits, play games, and enjoy down time. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

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

Monster Party Thru Oct 31, Legoland. Nonstop Halloween party fun with spooky decorations, amazing Lego activities and more! Save $5 with coupon on pg. 68. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

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

Dark Forest 5:00, Powell Gardens. Usher in fall with an immersive, multimedia walkthrough installation in the woods. PowellGardens.org/dark-forest

Ghost Light Today & tomorrow, Roanoke Park. A hybrid concert and ghost story event combine local storytellers and musicians to share tales. KCRep.org

Enchanted Forest 7:00, George Owens Nature Park. Travel down the paved trail through the Enchanted Forest to see stories enacted at several stops along the way. 816.325.7115

22 Saturday

Truck or Treat 8:00, Lenexa Municipal Services. Watch monstrous equipment demolish pumpkins and enjoy hands-on activities. Lenexa.com

Cars in the Park 9:00, Theatre in the Park. Shine up your vehicle for the car show! Vendors, a DJ, raffle, silent auction and more! JCPRD.com

Holiday Treasures Craft Festival 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Shop for unique, handcrafted holiday gifts. Admission is free. CityOfShawnee.org

Annual Fall Muster Today & tomorrow, Fort Osage. Soak in all the sights and sounds of a working 1810s Army post. MakeYourDayHere.com

Illusion in Art 10:00 or 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about illusion and space and then create a layered painting. Ages 8-11. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Howl-O-Ween 10:00, Tails and Trails Dog Park. Dress your pooch for the costume contest. Vendors, prizes and more! 816.316.4888

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.

Fall Fling 10:00, St Thomas More School. Outside market where you can shop handmade crafts, local goods and tasty treats. 913.205.8518

kcparent.com

Oct. 29, Science City. Enjoy a night of educator-led activities, hands-on demonstrations and a laser Spooktacular Music Show! ScienceCity.com

Halloween Howl Puppet Show 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Puppets share trick and treat fun! Meet Dracula, Punky the Pumpkin and more. 816.833.9777

Day of the Dead Celebration Noon, Kansas City Museum. Ninth annual Dia de los Muertos celebration in partnership with Mattie Rhodes and Crossroads Hotel! 816.702.7705

Kid Safe Halloween 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Trick-or-treat door to door throughout Shoal Creek village. 816.792.2655

Halloween Happenings 2:00, Merriam Marketplace. Grab your favorite costume and come celebrate Halloween with us! Merriam.org

Halloween on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Outlets. Get your costume ready and get in the Halloween spirit with a free, family-friendly event. LegendsShopping.com

23 Sunday

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

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

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

24 Monday

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises 10:00, Union Station. Journey through the awe-inspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

Immersive King Tut 1:00, Lighthouse Art Space. Take a mythical journey though the Egyptian afterlife and experience Egypt like never before! Immersive-KingTut.org

Explore Your Family Tree 6:30, Midwest Genealogy Center. Using our genealogy resources, create your own family tree project to take home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

25 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Weather not nice enough 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

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

26 Wednesday

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

27 Thursday

Enchanted Forest 4:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The park is transformed into the Enchanted Forest, where there is something to delight everyone! Lenexa.com

Clay Club 5:00, Ceramic Café. Learn how to work with clay. Different projects each week that utilize different skills. Pre-reg at CeramicCafeKC.com.

Dark Forest 5:00, Powell Gardens. Usher in fall with an immersive, multimedia walkthrough installation in the woods. PowellGardens.org/dark-forest

Boo Bash! 6:00, Celebration Park (Gardner, KS). An evening of ghastly games and rides, spooktacular activities, a haunted walking trail and more! GardnerKansas.gov

28 Friday

Halloween Blast 4:00, Lions Park & Splash Pad (Kearney). A trunk or treat, costume contest, games, prizes, and lots of candy! KearneyFireHouse.org

JamBOOree 5:00, Heritage Park. A BOO-tastic family night featuring activities, thrills, chills, treats and Monsters, Inc. at sunset. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Friday Night Soundbites & Costume Contest 6:00, Lenexa Public Market. Come in costume, enjoy food and music and a costume contest! Lenexa.com/Halloween

Spooktacular 6:00, Spring Hill Sports Complex. Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, activities, face painting, balloon twisting and more. SpringHillRec.org

Enchanted Forest 7:00, George Owens Nature Park. Travel down the paved trail through the Enchanted Forest to see stories enacted at several stops along the way. 816.325.7115

29 Saturday

Graveyard 5K Run & Walk 8:00, Elmwood Cemetery. The favorite not-so-spooky run is back! Enjoy a run and post-race activities. Prereg at Graveyard5k.com.

Mildale Farm Fest 9:00, Mildale Farm. Explore the farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities at this free public event. 913.826.2957

Boo at the Zoo Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick-or-treat the zoo, enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Symbols in Art 10:00 or 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about symbols and patterns then explore the printmaking processes. Ages 5-7. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

kcparent.com

Halloween Party Ride 10:00, Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad. Costume contest, train rides, trunk or treat candy grab and more! KCNRR.com

Fall Open House 11:00, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Celebrate autumn 1904-style in a one-room schoolhouse with music, games and more! 913.715.2550

Great Pumpkin Derby 11:00, Westbrooke Church. A fun-filled creative race where handcrafted pumpkin racecars compete in a side-by-side derby. WestbrookeChurch.org

Halloween Howl Puppet Show 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Puppets share trick and treat fun! Meet Dracula, Punky the Pumpkin and more. 816.833.9777

Trick-or-Treat Parkville Noon, Downtown Parkville. Safe and fun Halloween trick-ortreating at participating shops and businesses. ParkvilleMO.org

Trick-or-Treat off the Street 3:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Dress in costume and enjoy 1860s fall living history experiences. Mahaffie.org

Spookfest 5:00, Science City. Enjoy a night of educator-led activities, hands-on demonstrations and a laser Spooktacular Music Show! ScienceCity.com

Trunk or Treat 5:00, Fellowship Olathe. Food, bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists and a walk-through trunk or treat with candy galore. FellowshipOlathe.com

Trunk or Treat 5:00, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Enjoy trunks with games and candy, food trucks and a movie under the stars! KawPrairie.org

Historical Hauntings 6:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Trick-or-treating, tractor hayrides, house tours, photo ops, costume contests and more! ShawneeTown.org

Spooky Springs Halloween Bash 6:00, Wilbur Young Park. Spooky trail, trick-or-treating, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, ghouls and ghost hunt! Pre-reg at BlueSpringsGov.com.

Spooky Cosmic Bowling 8:00, Mission Bowl ‘N Olathe. Join us for spooky cosmic bowling! $20/ person for three hours of bowling and shoes. Costume contest!

30 Sunday

Monster Party Thru Oct 31, Legoland. Nonstop Halloween party fun with spooky decorations, amazing Lego activities and more! Save $5 with coupon on pg. 68. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Tell-Tale Electric Poe 2:00 & 7:00, the Coterie Theatre. One actor … one musician delivering Poe stories and poems with musical lines and retorts from a reactive electric guitar! TheCoterie.org

Historic Howl-o-Ween 2:00, John Wornall House Museum. People have always loved their pets! Enjoy this family and dog-friendly event! WornallMajors.org

31 Monday

HALLOWEEN

Downtown Trick-or-Treating 4:00 Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy trick-or-treating along with amazing eateries, drinking spots, shops and more. VisitExcelsior.com

Scare-It Halloween 5:30, Kansas City Museum. Eight blocks of trick-or-treating, haunted house, food trucks, superheroes and more! ScareItKC.com

Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pumpkin toss, photo ops, and more! Our animals will also be receiving pumpkin enrichment at scheduled times each weekend! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring these events.

October & Beastly

October of the

Celebrate Halloween with a not-so-scary, safe trick-ortreating experience. Bring the kiddos in their familyfriendly costumes and join the fun. Trick-or-treat bags will be provided. Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pumpkin toss, photo ops, and more!

FOTZ may join from 8:30-9:30am

Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring this event.