5 THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW BENEFITS OF ADHD
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS FINANCIALLY
"If you buy only one holiday album this season, this is it." Christianity Today
“Melanie Penn dazzles with her musical gift.” Huffington Post
with STÖRLING DANCE THEATER and
The Culture House School of Dance
What’s not to love about an entire month that invites you to celebrate thankfulness, culminates in a savory meal shared with family and/or friends and springboards us into the Christmas season? It sounds so idyllic—and it is! But of course, along the way, there are the not-so-grateful moments, the never-ending to-do list and navigating others’ expectations as well as your own!
I’m not sure who first said it, but the quote, “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for,” certainly resonates. I know I have said it to my children (probably with a few more “always” sprinkled in). To be honest, it can be a struggle to choose gratitude in the face of things that simply rub you the wrong way—much less the things that are so devastating they take your breath away. I encourage you to catch your breath and hold onto hope. As Nyki Mack writes, “Always be thankful for the little things … even the smallest mountains can hide the most breathtaking views!” When my world feels overwhelming, I start with gratitude for the smallest things, and slowly, my perspective changes.
We’ve brought you some wonderful insights this month on the Science of Gratitude (pg. 36), as well as Building a Gratitude Habit (pg. 38), that I hope bring a refreshing perspective to this season of thankfulness.
As the pace picks up, prices tick up and expectations unfold, may you pause to savor the blessings (both tangible and intangible) that truly abound!
Have a wonderful November and Happy Thanksgiving, Kansas City!
Lauri Clapper, Editor
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com
Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com
Editor Lauri Clapper Lauri@FamilyMediaGroup.com
Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design TappanDesign@Gmail.com
Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com
Digital Engagement Manager Halley Zitterkopf Halley@KCParent.com
Copy Editor Kelsey Beck Kelsey@KCParent.com
Intern Iris Enna
Distribution
To be added to our distribution list, email Distribution@KCParent.com
Local Contributing Writers
William R. Bartlett (Kansas City), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kailyn Rhinehart (Warrensburg)
Mailing Address
11937 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax
SPOTLIGHT
KC’S BEST LIGHTING CEREMONIES
Kansas City sparkles in holiday splendor with magnificent displays across the metro! See page 50 for a grab-and-go list or head to KCParent.com for our top picks and lighting cermonies.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE
Whether your kids are into soccer, dance, art or STEM, find a plethora of extracurricular fun in our After School Activities Guide, which includes programs across the Kansas City metro!
KC’s Christmas Lighting Ceremonies
IN KC CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Kristina Light
ACROSS
2 U.S. President from Independence believed to be the first to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey.
5 Photo Clue: Nov. 18 is the birthday of this iconic character, inspired by a pet mouse Walt Disney kept at his Laugh-O-Gram Studio in KC. (Two words)
6 A statue at 47th & Main commemorates this Native American chief, a central figure in Thanksgiving history.
7 _______ Day marks the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and is celebrated at the NaGonal WWI Museum and Memorial.
8 November is Aviation History Month. This Kansas naGve is the known as the “first lady of flight.”
10 Nov. 6 celebrates this instrument played by KC’s Charlie “Bird” Parker.
11 Every year, this local landmark is lit in holiday splendor beginning on Thanksgiving.
1 The Kansas City Mayor’s Christmas Tree travels from this state to be placed in its holiday home at Crown Center.
3 Celebrate Model Railroad Month as you explore 8,000 square feet of track in the Grand Hall of _____. (Two words)
4 On Nov. 3, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds their Dia de los Muertos fesstival honoring this nation’s art and culture.
9 Line Creek Ice Arena in North Kansas City hosts an annual holiday event featuring this sport— turkeys are given as prizes.
At Liberty Hospital Birthing Center, we know when women and babies are healthy, everyone benefits. From our free childbirth and parenting classes to our team of obstetrics and pediatric specialists, lactation experts and more, we’re here to support you through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Our warm and welcoming facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, comfortable amenities and a neonatal NICU – all to ensure we are ready to meet your needs around the clock. For a birthing center that combines high-quality expertise with a premier experience for you and your family, choose Liberty Hospital.
NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL
2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Mo., 816.888.8100
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is one of Kansas City’s most respected museums. After exploring the galleries, you may take a tour to the top of the tower for views of the city skyline. Their immersive VR experience, War Remains, transports viewers to the Western Front.
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM
8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 913.826.2787
The Johnson County Museum is home to both long-term and temporary award-winning exhibits. It’s a great place to spend the day learning about the county’s history and experiencing the hands-on exhibit spaces. Young children love KidScape, where they can play pretend in child-sized replicas of different communities from the region’s past.
SCIENCE CITY AT UNION STATION
30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo., 816.460.2020
Science City is a dynamic, hands-on science center featuring nearly 200 interactive exhibits and daily programming. Kids of all ages love experiencing the amazing world of science firsthand.
ST. JOSEPH MUSEUMS
3406 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, 816.232.8471
The St. Joseph Museums house five separate museums and exhibits in one location. Three have history buffs in mind: the Native American Galleries tell of tribes from across the United States and include an archaeological dig box for children; the Black Archives Museum traces the history Black Americans from slavery to Civil Rights and beyond; and the Doll Museum showcases toys from many generations and cultures.
SHAWNEE TOWN 1929
11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, 913.248.2360
Shawnee Town 1929 is an interactive living history museum. Engaging tours, exhibits and programs allow visitors of all ages to experience a typical day in and around the farm town of Shawnee in 1929.
Experience a mile-long spectacle of intricate lighted sculptures, crafted by 151 artisans using over 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric. an enchanting nighttime journey! september 6december 29
Atlantis, dinosaurs, pirates, and more!
Enchanted forest, fairy garden, dragons, and more!
DEARTEACHERS &
Q A
BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING ADHD
QUESTION: My son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD. I have found it very upsetting to learn of all of the downsides of this neurological disorder. Are there are upsides? — Upset
ANSWER: Unfortunately, the latest statistics on the diagnosis of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) show that 11.3 % of children ages 5–17 have ADHD. Of this number, boys, like your son, have a higher prevalence of this disorder than girls. Of this diagnosis, both boys and girls in the 12–17 year age range were more likely to have been diagnosed than younger children between the ages of 5–11.
Those who have been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on tasks and have hyperactive tendencies as well as an inability to control their impulses. The severity of ADHD symptoms varies in how it affects children’s lives at school and at home. While all this sounds quite daunting, it is important for children who have this diagnosis, as well as their parents, to realize that they may have skills that allow them to excel in certain areas. These are skills that children without this diagnosis may not have. Here are some of these strengths along with their benefits:
High Energy
One of the common symptoms of ADHD is hyperactivity. While this can be disruptive in many situations, it is a strong positive for successful participation in sports and other physical activities, as those diagnosed with ADHD have energy to burn.
Conversational Skills
Those with ADHD may be very talkative, especially if they have an inability to focus. Often, they can have interesting conversations with people they know as well as strangers. The benefit here is success in social situations. At school, this is perfect for answering questions in class, leading group discussions and later on being on a debate team.
Impulsive Behavior
One of the characteristics of ADHD is spontaneous behavior. This can lead those diagnosed with ADHD to keep their lives and the lives of the people around them interesting. They are not afraid to tackle what appeals to them at the moment. This can involve seeking out adventure and building lasting memories.
Ability to Bounce Back
Unfortunately, living with ADHD is challenging. There are so many difficulties that those with ADHD must overcome. However, working past these difficulties builds resilience and can lead to stronger character.
Creativity
Those with ADHD often approach tasks differently than other people do. This can lead to their being imaginative problem solvers.
Adventuresomeness
This characteristic of ADHD encourages risk-taking and leads to not being afraid to jump into something new.
So Much Help Is Now Available for Those With ADHD
Fortunately, children with a recent diagnosis of ADHD as well as their parents now have so many avenues to help them handle the challenges they will face. Knowledge of ADHD has grown exponentially in recent years, and due to a wealth of experience, teachers, counselors, doctors and therapists have increased expertise.
One of the first steps parents need to take is to become familiar with the resources available online. Become familiar with the following organizations and what they offer to find the ones that best meet your family’s needs.
CHADD: This organization has chapters all over the country that connect families of children with ADHD together. It has explanations of what ADHD is and offers support. Look at its bi-monthly magazine, Attention, for strategies to deal with ADHD as well as the latest clinical information.
LD OnLine: Here you can find accurate and helpful information about ADHD in articles, expert columns and a resource guide.
ADDitude Magazine: Here you can find answers for any questions that you may have as a parent of a child with ADHD.
Two College Application Secrets
PARENTS: Applying to college has become an angstfilled event for high school juniors and seniors as well as their parents. Between us, we have seen 10 of our children and grandchildren be admitted to their first-choice colleges.
First of all, we have learned that it is wise for children to visit or investigate online the colleges that may interest them. There are numerous websites, such as those of the College Board and ACT, that will guide them in finding colleges that match their abilities and interests. There are also guidebooks that list hundreds of colleges. Doing this during their junior year will eliminate so much indecision when application time rolls around.
Secondarily, if your children have their hearts set on one college and it is highly selective, they will have a higher chance of acceptance if they use the early decision option. A higher percentage of students using this option are accepted than those who apply using the regular decision option.
©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2024
The Crayons Give Thanks
Has your family been following the antics of the crayons? We’ve been fans ever since The Day the Crayons Quit. In this new release, the crayons are thankful for so many things that as you read along, I daresay you will not only giggle, but recount things you are thankful for too. Perfect year-round and a truly colorful addition to November! Amazon.com
Canine Fresh All-Natural Dental Chews
Let’s talk dogs for a moment. We have a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier who is simply an oversized teddy bear. At 42 pounds, he believes he’s a lap dog and loves to snuggle. These dental chews are magical and help remove the buildup on his teeth that makes his breath super stinky! He loves them and we love him more when he has them regularly.
UltimatePetNutrition.com
5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW
Duracell 2000 Tri-Powered Lantern
From camping to late-night backyard fun, to road trips, to blanket forts, this lantern has become a go-to in our household. With outstanding features (three light modes; power in and out USB; and built-in rechargeable battery, regular battery, or solar power options), it’s no wonder we reach for it regularly! Costco.com
LOVE
Compiled by Lauri Clapper
Kansas City Puzzle
Silver Is Money
Recently I have felt compelled to dig deeper into what’s going on in the world. Thanks to social media connections, I stumbled upon the most interesting geopolitical news and stock information from this seasoned commodities industry veteran. Find him on Instagram or TikTok and thank me later! Instagram.com/ RealJohnFPerez
Our family loved putting this Kansas City map puzzle together. As we did, we talked about our family heritage, recounted fun family experiences and noted things we have yet to explore around town. This Kansas City puzzle is high-quality and beautiful, and the moments shared putting it together are truly priceless. Check out all their KC options as well as other cities! KansasCityPuzzleCompany.com
WORD FROM DAD AFTER THE TURKEY
“Dad, are we going to go watch the Plaza lighting ceremony tonight?” Ian was always more adventurous than the rest of the family.
But crowds have never appealed to me. “I have a different idea. We’ll toss it around during dinner and see how everyone feels.”
We’d done more than our usual holiday meal planning, so when it came time to put up the leftovers, the afternoon sunlight, afternoon sunlight kept the front yard bright. “Who wants another piece of pie?”
The boys groaned.
Sandi cast a skeptical glance in my direction. “Maybe tomorrow.”
“OK, if we’re done eating, here’s my plan. Why don’t we have our own lighting ceremony here? No crowds, no long drive through heavy traffic and no speeches. Just us together at the start of the holiday season.”
James and Ian looked at each other, then at their mother.
“I suppose it’s better than a nap with an overstuffed stomach,” Sandi sighed. “I’m good.”
“After we’re done with the outside, we’ll put up the tree and the indoor decorations. Are we all in? Here’s what we’ll do. James, you get the two little trees for the front deck railing. Ian, you get the ladder and string the lights on the roof. Mom, how about you help James, and I’ll give Ian a hand.”
By dark, we had everything outside set up. I stood in the front yard, surrounded by my little band, and holding two long extension cords. “Are we ready?”
Each of them gave me a nod.
“By the power vested in me by the electrical supplier…” I plugged the two cords together and lit the outdoor decorations. “I now pronounce this the official holiday season.”
Sandi and the boys clapped and cheered.
“Merry Christmas!” I shivered. “Let’s go in and put up the tree.”
William R. Bartlett lives in Kansas City with his family.
Overcoming the Loss of a Beloved Pet
THOUGH IT’S DIFFICULT, THERE ARE WAYS TO MOVE ON
Ithink the first pets my children had to say goodbye to were hamsters. Then came my son’s beloved bearded dragons. We got those because he wanted a snake, and my veterinarian said the dragons would be less scary for me as a mom! Puff the Magic Dragon and Dudley the Dragon even laid an egg that hatched little Speedy. Another pet we lost was our cat, Bonnie, who once won a Halloween costume contest at Waldo Pet. She decided
to swallow a ribbon from my daughter’s bedroom floor, and I couldn’t remove it from her throat. I was none too happy to carry her big, white, fluffy body downstairs. My daughter didn’t sleep in her bedroom for days after that. Thankfully, Bonnie’s sister Milkshake lived for over 20 years and even went to live with my daughter when she moved out.
Of course, there were more cats and dogs, all of whom (luckily) lived well into their senior years! So how do we help our
young children overcome the loss of a pet when we ourselves are sobbing?
First, make sure you lovingly explain your own sadness. Your children may express anger that their pet was taken away—this is where you can begin answering questions to help them work through their grief. Take note if your child exhibits serious symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety or depression. Work with your pediatrician or a caring pastor to address these.
Make sure no question is out of the question. Your child may ask about death and what happens after we die. The answer will depend on your family’s beliefs. The “rainbow bridge”—the idea that an animal friend has crossed over the colorful bridge into the arms of other pets who came before (like a big family reunion!)—is a popular and comforting explanation.
Consider creating a small memorial or ritual which can help your child with the process of saying goodbye. This could involve making a memorial collage or planting a tree in your pet’s memory.
What your child understands about death will depend on their age—for instance, toddlers may ask over and over where their pet is.
You can also search your library website for many more age-appropriate books.
It’s important to resist your natural desire to protect your child from unpleasant emotions. Instead, focus on
acknowledging their feelings of loss, sadness and grief. Remember, the death of a pet is just plain hard. Yet it’s also an opportunity to develop coping skills that will help your children throughout their lives.
Show them healthy ways to manage their sadness or anger—you could suggest drawing, coloring, running, taking a warm bubble bath, listening to music or talking about happy memories of your pet. Share your own feelings about the deceased pet, and discuss your own childhood experiences. This can help your child understand that Mommy and Daddy have these emotions too, and it’s a natural part of life.
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: HealthyChildren.org, PsychCentral.com
TODDLER BOOKS INCLUDE:
Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understanding Death by Bonnie Zucker
Bear Island by Matthew Cordell
Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark
PRESCHOOLER BOOKS INCLUDE:
Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris
The Forever Dog by Bill Cochran
The Old Dog by Charlotte Zolotow
Goodbye, Brecken by David Lupton
Alfie and the Birthday Surprise by Shirley Hughes
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
birthday party checklist
In planning to celebrate, keep the guest of honor in mind. The options are endless. Let the fun begin and lasting memories be made!
THE BASICS
Make these decisions first; having them made will help you the most.
H Date and time
H Guests
H Budget
Visit www.kansascityzoo.org/birthdays to plan your party today!
THE AESTHETICS
You want to be comfortable with the party parameters, whether that’s dictated by space, age or budget—or all of them—and any other special considerations.
H Location
H Theme
H Colors
H Activities
THE DETAILS
Thinking through these things in advance will help your party go as planned.
H Food
H Agenda
H Paper goods
H Decorations
H FUN!
DATES GOING LOCAL
How about a date night activity that gives you a souvenir from your time together?
Driftwood Ceramics in North Kansas City is a pottery studio that offers classes and open workshops. On Friday and Saturday nights they have a Pots & Pints class. You learn how to make a cup, bowl or plate while sipping a pint of beer (or glass of wine) if you like. My husband and I had never done anything like this before, and it was a lot of fun! I was surprised at how hard—and yet how easy—it was to shape the clay. It takes some getting used to, as does the pottery wheel. Once you’re finished, you leave your pieces there to cure, get fired in the kiln and be glazed in a color of your choice. The whole process takes about three weeks, then you can pick up your finished pieces.
Located in the historic Englewood neighborhood (Independence), just a couple doors down from the old Ben Franklin store, is Englewood Arts Center. This place has got it all: glassblowing, ceramics, woodworking, textiles, painting, performing arts and more. It’s a place for artists to hone their craft. It’s also a place to learn about and engage in the arts through classes, exhibits and arts camps for kids. We tried our hand at glassblowing recently through a MakeYour-Own class, and wow! Such a fun and unique experience. The process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Kevin, the instructor, has been blowing glass for 18 years, so we were in good hands. He was great at explaining everything and made us feel relaxed. I have to admit I was a little nervous. But as long as you follow Kevin’s instructions, there’s no need to be. It’s all very hands-on, from rolling the hot glass into colored shards, to heating the glass in the furnace, to blowing into a tube to form the bowl. The reward is getting to see your finished product several days later. Beautiful!
Embers Candle Bar in downtown Lee’s Summit offers a pour-your-owncandle experience. We recently tried it, and it couldn’t have been simpler. First, you choose your candle jar—these range in price from $16 to $50+ depending on size. (You can also opt to do a room spray or wax melts.) Next, you choose 2–3 of their 60+ scents, which include fragrances like rain, Meyer lemon, leather and margarita. Once you’ve made your choices, you locate the corresponding oils and concoct your perfect blend. (I used coconut and island sunset, while my husband opted for blackberry suede and sel de mer.) This is added to your jar of hot wax and left to set for 60–150 minutes. We sadly had to leave our candles there overnight as we were one of the last appointments of the day. But we were not at all disappointed when we got them back. They both smell amazing!
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.
THE COTERIE’s
TAMING THE tattletale
Whether you’ve encountered tattletales at the playground or in your own home, you know tattling is part of childhood. We want our kids to tell us if something bad or unkind happens to them—we just want them to do so in the right way. So how do we approach this inevitable part of childhood?
Tattling versus reporting
First, it’s important to teach our kids the difference between tattling and reporting. Tattling is generally more emotionally charged—there are strong opinions and whining involved. While we should allow our children to express opinions and emotions, escalation is not productive and usually makes the problem worse. On the other hand, reporting is more constructive—it simply means relaying to an adult the information that’s necessary to solve a problem. It is a statement of facts that takes a lot of the emotions out of the equation.
Why do kids tattle?
To get to the root of the problem, start by identifying the reason why your child is tattling. It might be an attentionseeking behavior. A child might tattle to shift blame from herself and avoid consequences. Or it might indicate that the tattler lacks empathy or problemsolving skills.
What’s so bad about tattling?
You may wonder if tattling is such a bad thing—after all, it’s a normal and natural part of child development. However, if tattling persists or intensifies, it can have negative repercussions.
Most importantly, tattling can affect relationships. Few children want to be friends with a tattletale. Constant tattling could also lead an adult to question the validity of the child’s words. Unfortunately, this could put the child in a situation where an adult doesn’t believe him when a real problem occurs. Depending on the age of the tattler, this behavior can also affect social and emotional development. This in turn can lead the child to feel isolated or frustrated.
What to do if your child is constantly tattling
First, help your child develop healthy communication skills. Rather than engaging in one-sided tattling, encourage her to communicate with peers using constructive and developmentally appropriate language.
Second, teaching your child empathy and perspective can deter her from tattling. Encourage your child to put herself in someone else’s shoes. Ask how she thinks her friends feel in a given situation. These social-emotional skills come with time, but by modeling them, we help children understand them.
Promote positive reinforcement
The best way to curb tattling is with positive reinforcement. Show your child how to reframe the situation. Encourage open dialogue and talk through different ways he can respond in interactions. Model problemsolving. Acknowledge when your child could have tattled but didn’t, and praise him for the ways he did well.
Though the tattling stage can be exhausting for parents and caregivers, it’s perfectly normal! If your child has a problem with tattling, try using these methods to guide him through it.
Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, Missouri, where she lives with her husband and two small children.
sunflower counting craft
fall is here, and there’s no better time to get crafty while working on some math! This cute craft encourages fine motor development and is easy to customize based on your child’s math skills.
Step one: Color paper plate on either side.
Step two: Write numbers around the outside of the plate. (We did 1–5, but feel free to adjust to your preference.)
Step three: Create the sunflower petals by making a cut on each side of the numbers (we cut about 1–1.5 inches toward the center). For younger children, draw lines on the paper plate for them to follow as they cut.
Step four: Fold the extra petals back to create a 3D flower.
Step five: Make the flower stem by taping a piece of pipe cleaner to the plate.
Step six: Pour sunflower seeds onto a clean plate, including some extra for snacking. This is a great time to stop and chat about seeds.
Step seven: Count out enough sunflower seeds to match with the numbers on the petals. This is a great time to focus on counting, adding and subtraction.
Step eight: Optional: Once you’re done working on math, glue the sunflower seeds to the flower.
Step nine: Hang your sunflower as a piece of homemade fall décor.
Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, with her husband, three children (1, 3 and 5) and two senior dogs. Janelle is a homeschooling mom who enjoys writing in her spare time. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.
Materials needed:
• White paper plates
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaners
• Sunflower seeds
• Tape
• Paintbrush
• Tape
• Glue sticks (optional)
Outdoor ICE SKATING RINKS
November means outdoor ice-skating season in Kansas City!
Crown Center Ice Terrace
2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
The Ice Terrace opens for the 2024 season on Nov. 1, with free skating from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. on opening day. Enjoy public skating daily. During the holiday season, the rink overlooks the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
A Day of Shopping and Skating
The Rink at Zona Rosa 8731 N. Stoddard Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
The Ice at Park Place 11549 Ash St., Leawood
Along with ice-skating, enjoy shopping from local and national retailers and dining at an eclectic mix of restaurant options.
Pickleball and Skating
Chicken N Pickle Overland Park 5901 W. 135th St., Overland Park
Chicken N Pickle offers affordable fun on their Ice Pond all season long. Check their calendar for family skates, character skates and holiday skate parties. Chicken N Pickle is also the place to gather on game day. Check out their Sunday Brunch Buffet & Singo, where parents can watch the game, kids can play in the game yard and everyone can enjoy brunch and bingo.
Two Friendly Neighborhood Hangouts
The Rink
214 S. Washington St., Raymore, Mo.
Summit Ice
120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit Raymore’s small outdoor rink is a fun neighborhood gathering space with affordable skate rentals and season passes. Summit Ice is another great hangout offering skating lessons, pond hockey, curling and broomball in addition to ice-skating.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
READING THAT SUPPORTS ELECTION DAY
Compiled by Lauri Clapper
THE WALK (A STROLL TO THE POLL)
by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by E.B. Lewis (PICTURE BOOK)
From award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our democracy: the walk to vote. School Library Journal gave it a STARRED review, saying its “gorgeous writing paired with luminous art and combined with an impactful message make this work an essential purchase.”
SOFIA VALDEZ AND THE VANISHING VOTE
by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts (CHAPTER BOOK)
Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote is fourth in a unique and exciting series of Questioneers chapter books for children, parents and teachers who want to make STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fun. “A winning (and timely) addition to the series; sure to delight existing fans and attract new ones as well.” —School Library Journal
BALLOTS
FOR BELVA
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Courtney A. Martin (PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY)
In 1884, when men were the only people allowed to vote in national elections, Belva Lockwood took a bold but legal step: She ran for president! Though her campaign was difficult, Belva never wavered in her commitment to equality, earning the respect of many fellow citizens.
A little-known but richly deserving American historical figure, Belva is an inspiration for modern-day readers.
THE CAMPAIGN
by Leila Sales and illustrated by Kim Balacuit (MIDDLE GRADE)
Veep meets Parks and Recreation in Leila Sales’s The Campaign, a hilarious middle-grade political comedy about a 12-year-old who runs her babysitter’s campaign for mayor— featuring black-and-white illustrations by Kim Balacuit. “A highly readable, enjoyable, nonpartisan story meant to encourage civic activism amongst middle schoolers.” School Library Journal
SOFIA VALDEZ, FUTURE PREZ
by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts (PICTURE BOOK)
From Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, the bestselling creators of Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist Sofia Valdez, Future Prez is a picture book story about a community leader who stands up for what she believes in! “This rhyming romp reminds readers that one young person can make a difference.” —Kirkus Reviews
Two Favorite Soup Spots
Awarm bowl of soup on a cold day is a perfect winter meal! Treat your family to a delicious steaming bowl from Kansas City’s own eateries where local chefs know how to create tasty, filling and nutritious soups for every palate! Tip: Most restaurants change their soup offerings frequently with new choices throughout the week.
HAPPY GILLIS
549 Gillis St., Kansas City, Mo., 816.471.3663, HappyGillis.com
Happy Gillis, located in Old Columbus Park, was founded by Todd Schulte, who started his culinary career in the soup business. His expertise at creating delicious recipes with healthy, all-natural ingredients makes Happy Gillis an absolute must on a KC soup tour.
Most popular soups: White bean soup and tomato soup are both super popular among reviewers. Truly, though, at Happy Gillis, where the soup changes seasonally, you can’t go wrong with any choice!
Great for kids because: Happy Gillis is committed to using all-natural, healthy ingredients, and they offer a super fun vintage atmosphere with white paper and crayons on the tables.
BEST REGARDS BAKERY & CAFE
6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913.782.1505, MakeThemSmile.com
At Best Regards Bakery & Cafe, everything is made from scratch. In addition to great soups, the grilled cheese is something that has everyone talking.
Most popular soups: It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the San Marzano tomato basil soup and oven roasted potato soup are two that top the list.
Great for kids because: BRB&C uses healthy ingredients and the finest products they can find. They use no corn syrup, no preservatives, no artificial flavors and as little salt and sugar as possible.
LIFE SKILLS EVERY CHILD NEEDS
“Life Skills Every Child Needs” is a seven-part series to help you raise happy and successful kids. Based on the book Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky, the series condenses years of research in children’s brain development and learning for your action as a parent or caregiver. Find more profoundly helpful resources at MindInTheMaking.org.
Happy and Successful Kids Life Skill 3: COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication is a key skill for kids of all ages. But communicating is more than just understanding speech and being able to read and write. It’s a broader term that includes the skills of determining our intended message, then knowing how to convey it. On the receiving end, it’s all about understanding the intent of the message given. It’s a crucial skill in all social and work environments and is sometimes lacking in our highly technical world.
Preschool and other learning environments such as your own home are great places to work on communication skills. Children learn to listen, respond, speak their mind and begin to write their ideas on paper. Communication is about understanding, not drill and practice. It’s much better for a child to write a pretend sentence with a few correct sounds or letters than to copy a perfect sentence. Meaning is at the heart of communication.
From the start, babies listen to voices and pay attention to facial expressions that accompany sounds. They detect emotional responses such as fear or calmness. They note tone of voice and begin to understand repeated words such as mama, dada, yes, no, etc. They link certain gestures to word meanings, such as a waving motions with the words “bye-bye.”
By the age of two, children are learning new words and their meanings at an amazing pace, and many are speaking in short sentences. The miracle of communication begins at birth and grows “like a weed” until language is mastered. However, without support, children may not reach their communication potential. Parents can support this process in a number of ways:
How to Promote Communication Skills
Build a literate home. Reading, writing and speaking skills should be a normal part of everyday family life.
• Read aloud to children daily. Reading to children is hands-down the best activity you can do to build their language skills. The earlier you read to your children, the sooner they will learn print concepts such as pages go left to right, words track from top to bottom and there is a beginning and end to a story. These concepts are necessary to comprehend before a child can focus on individual letters, sounds and words to begin the reading process. Reading aloud is also the platform for vocabulary-building and analyzing a storyline (e.g., “Why did Goldilocks go into the three bears’ home?”).
• Encourage children to talk about their ideas. Ask questions to extend their thinking and reply with words to enrich their vocabularies. Encourage discussion that goes beyond the here and now, such as predictions (“What might happen next?”) or reflections (“Why do you think that happened?”).
• Go to the library or buy books as gifts to encourage a love of language and literature. Capitalize on your child’s interests. Extend reading sessions to include art or imaginative play that expresses the feelings, dialogue, storyline or character development in the books.
• Talk with your children—a lot. Talk about what you’re seeing and doing. Elaborate on the words your children say. If they say “car,” you can reply, “You see a car. What color is the car?” Build vocabulary by asking older kids to Google words they don’t know. Ask them to write about their thoughts and observations. Some children like to keep journals to express their ideas.
• Play games with your child. Beginning with peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake, then progressing to rhyming games, guessing words that begin with a certain letter, clapping syllables and reciting tongue twisters.
• Encourage storytelling activities. Try giving your child prompts like, “Tell me the story of Goldilocks,” or, “Can you make up a story about a teddy bear?”
• Encourage writing. Keep a supply of paper, envelopes, stickers, crayons, markers, pencils—anything to foster writing skills. Soon squiggles will become pictures which will then become words and illustrations.
• Choose books that reflect your child’s current interests. Engage with them in discussions about their favorite topics. When children are excited, their enthusiasm will stimulate increased communication and understanding. They’ll ask questions and pursue answers. They’ll want to draw or write about the topic.
Language development is at the heart of clear communication. It’s a process that begins with a baby’s first smile and grows over time until our children are able to share their deepest thoughts and dreams. Kids build effective communication skills over time, in environments that support their growth in expressing their thoughts, feelings and hopes for the future. Language skills expand a child’s learning by allowing giveand-take exchanges with others. The goal is to facilitate the flow of communication and open the doors to learning about anything and everything in the world.
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and reading specialist. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. She specializes in articles on education, family life and parenting. Find Jan at JanPierce.net
Five Ways to Support a Friend
WHEN THE HOLIDAYS AREN’T SO HAPPY
For many people, the holiday season is filled with joy, celebrations and gatherings. For others, however, circumstances like the loss of a family member, financial constraint or divorce can make this an especially difficult time. Memories of past holidays or the absence of a cherished person can amplify feelings of loneliness and sorrow. If you have a friend who is grieving this holiday season, you might wonder how you can best support him. Offering meaningful support is not always easy, but your compassion and understanding can make a world of difference.
Acknowledge loss and grief
It’s tempting to avoid difficult subjects, but it’s important to acknowledge your friend’s feelings. Ignoring the circumstances she’s walking through will only make her feel more isolated. A simple, heartfelt acknowledgement such as, “I know the holidays can be really hard, and I’m here for you,” can be comforting. Whether she’s sad, angry or experiences moments of joy, let your friend know it’s okay to feel the way she does. Simply sending her a card or texting her when she comes to mind can mean a lot.
Grief is personal, and there’s no one right way to experience it. While some days might be easier than others, certain triggers like holiday traditions or favorite songs may suddenly intensify the pain. Respect her feelings and refrain from giving advice like, “Be strong,” or, “Stay positive.” Instead, offer an empathetic ear and validate her emotions without giving advice.
Be patient and understanding
Grief during the holidays can be unpredictable. One day your friend may want to engage in holiday activities, while another day he may prefer not to participate.
Be patient with him as he navigates these emotional ups and downs. Avoid pressuring him into participating in traditions or events if he doesn’t feel ready.
Respecting his boundaries and giving him the space to process his grief at his own pace is key. If he chooses not to attend a holiday party or cancels plans at the last minute, don’t take it personally. Reassure him that it’s okay to opt out of festivities if he’s not up for them and that his well-being is what matters most to you.
Offer specific help
“Let me know if you need anything” is a well-meaning expression, but it often goes unanswered. Instead, offer specific ways you can help. Offer to cook a meal, bring groceries over, run a holiday errand, wrap gifts or go out for coffee with your friend. Practical support can lift a heavy burden off her shoulders, especially when there are additional holiday stressors like shopping,
decorating or preparing meals. Even small gestures like sending a thoughtful message or delivering her favorite comfort food can show her she isn’t alone.
Be there after the holidays and beyond
While the holiday season may intensify feelings of grief, it’s important to remember that grief doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down. Continue to check in with your friend after the holidays have passed. Even as life begins to settle back into a regular routine for those around him, he may still need support. Send him a text or give him a call to see how he’s doing. Continue offering your presence, whether through ongoing conversations about his grief or casual meetups that give him a break from the emotional weight he’s carrying. Consistency in your support shows him that you truly care and that you are committed to being there for the long haul.
Supporting a grieving friend during the holidays can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to provide meaningful and compassionate care. Your continued presence during and after the holidays will be a powerful reminder to your friend that she’s not alone in her grief.
WHAT NOT TO DO
• Avoid him while he is grieving
• Brush off or minimize her feelings
• Tell him how to feel or what to do
• Expect her to act “happy” or “normal”
• Take it personally if he does not attend a gathering
Sarah Lyons is a wife and mother of six children living in Olathe.
FUN GUIDE
35 pair & share 36 science of gratitude
38 build a habit of gratitude
40 best pies in kansas city
41 pumpkin pie dip
42 operation christmas child
44 holiday savvy
46 gift ideas 49 november calendar
50 best holiday lights
Thanksgiving Book & Snack Pairing
Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
This charming picture book follows the life cycle of a pumpkin from a decoration by the front door to a decaying pumpkin, eventually transforming into new life as a sprouting pumpkin plant. It gives all the fall feels—crunching leaves, crisp air –and takes you into the next seasons as we learn what happens to the pumpkin.
Pumpkin Hummus
Parents will need to help with the food processor, but kids can help add everything to the bowl. Serve this pumpkin hummus with crackers and veggies, and include a piece of cucumber at the top of your serving bowl to make a stem.
Ingredients
2 cans chickpeas, drained
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
2 T. tahini
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 t. kosher salt
1 1/2 T. lemon juice
1 t. ground cumin
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 t. paprika
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If mixture seems too thick, you can add more olive oil.
Natalie Mikles, a food writer and a library story time reader, loves to combine her two passions and write about good food and good books!
SCIENCE-BACKED BENEFITS OF PRACTICING
We are entering the busy holiday season, and while we may be bombarded with “Thankful” and “Grateful” décor and reminders at every turn, it’s for good reason!
According to Heart.org, “Research has shown that the practice of gratitude is associated with many positive effects in a person’s physical and mental health. Expressing gratitude can improve sleep, mood and immunity, and can decrease depression, anxiety, chronic pain and disease.” These are amazing benefits, especially during the holiday season, which tends to bring extra stressors.
Practicing gratitude is not only beneficial to our own health—it can change the atmosphere of our homes when our children follow suit. So how do we foster thankfulness in our families?
One simple way is to take turns sharing highs and lows from the day—our family began this practice at the dinner table when our kids were younger. Our highs are usually something we are thankful for. And while our lows aren’t necessarily things we’re thankful for, we can focus on being grateful that we have a loving family with whom we can share our disappointments. Though our family dinners are fewer and farther between these days due to all the kids’ activities, we still touch base every now and again or ask each other about our highs and lows during time spent in the car.
It’s especially powerful when parents model thankfulness. For example, if my husband thanks me for preparing a meal, or if I thank him for filling my van with gas, our kids are more likely to notice and be thankful too. Just the thought of my children being more appreciative on a daily basis makes me happy!
A seasonal family tradition that fosters gratitude is creating a thankful tree or a grateful pumpkin. When my kids were little, they helped me cut out a tree from brown craft paper, then we cut out different colored leaves from construction paper. Each day, we wrote down something we were thankful for. Sometimes my kids were thankful for Elsa or Spider-Man, but other times they surprised me by giving thanks for food to eat or family time. Now that my older kids have moved past this family craft, we use a permanent marker to write things we’re grateful for on a pumpkin that we leave sitting out on the table. This may not be a favorite activity for teenagers, but it is a grounding tradition that they will remember. Even if they think they’re too cool to participate, it may prompt them to
practice gratitude in their thoughts. Keeping it more informal could help during a busy season of life—for instance, you can keep a chalkboard in the kitchen where family members and friends can jot something down in passing.
Keeping journals or lists of things we are thankful for is a thoughtful way to spend a few minutes reflecting on the good in our lives rather than the bad or frustrating.
Keeping journals or lists of things we are thankful for is a thoughtful way to spend a few minutes reflecting on the good in our lives rather than the bad or frustrating. A new journal for this purpose might make a nice present this gift-giving season. Also, teaching our children how to write thank you notes for birthday gifts, graduation gifts, fundraising support and more goes a long way.
Reminding each other to look for the good in our days creates an overall happier home. If your children are being obstinate and can’t possibly think of anything they’re thankful for, you can prompt them with questions like these:
• How did someone else help you today?
• What was something tasty you ate today?
• What did you do for your body today? (Examples: Running super fast at recess, using their arms to hug a loved one, relieving some stress through a workout.)
• Did you do anything that you really enjoyed today? (Examples: Reading a good book, catching up on their favorite show, hanging out with a friend.)
• What’s something you’re looking forward to in the future? (Examples: An upcoming concert or holiday.)
Serving our communities both near and far is another great way to teach thankfulness. Jess Chavez, mother of three, says, “Gratitude is a constant discussion and practice in our house. For us it’s a completely spiritual practice. Gratitude and stress can’t exist in the same place. Gratitude ushers in joy so fully and helps us to appreciate what we have during hard times. One way that really helped our kids to gain a real understanding of how much they have to be grateful for was taking them on mission trip to build houses for the less fortunate in Mexico. It had a profound impact on them and really helped them understand how blessed they are and how the things that feel like ‘big deals’ to us are often not in the big picture. We also make it a priority to find time to serve others in need via various ministries. During the rare family dinner when we are all together, we often go around the table to say one thing that we are grateful for.”
Lastly, reflecting together before bedtime is a great way to reset before the next day. Simply counting off their blessings on their fingers is a great tool for kids to keep in their back pocket as they grow older.
As the saying goes, the past is history, the future is a mystery and today is a gift—that’s why it’s called the present! Each day gives us another 24 hours to reset and refocus on what matters most in this one beautiful life we’ve been given.
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla (14), Mason (12) and Slade (9) and tries her best to teach thankfulness to her children.
BUILD A
GRATITUDE
HABIT IN YOUR HOME
When I look back through my life, the people who left the most indelible marks on me were very different from one another, yet they shared a common trait: they exhibited contentment, gratitude and joy. I challenge you to reflect on the people who have shaped you the most—no doubt they also share this trifecta of good character. I’m convinced that these three attitudes are tied together for a good reason; contentment begets gratitude which begets joy. These qualities aren’t developed in a vacuum, but are pressure-cooked into hearts through our response to hardship, tough times and sticky situations. No doubt they’re the reward for choosing healthy responses to unhealthy situations. And like a muscle, they grow in definition with use and application.
As parents, most of us aim to have happy children. But happiness is fleeting, the race for it can be a fool’s errand, and like a shady salesman, it seldom delivers what it promises. Happiness is fool’s gold—pretty but worthless—compared to the treasure of gratitude. What kids really need is the fulfillment that comes from knowing that while life won’t always be easy, they can grow and become better people through navigating both the highs and the lows of life. Here are some simple ways to bolster a spirit of gratitude in your home this Thanksgiving and beyond.
Live Consistently
Psychologist John Delony says that our actions are a language. It’s not enough to tell our kids to appreciate what they have; they need to see gratitude modeled in their parents’ lives. Teaching our children gratitude is akin to teaching them a foreign language—don’t expect them to be fluent right out of the gate. Here are some simple ways to model gratitude:
n Write thank you cards (it’s every bit as good for the writer as it is for the recipient!).
n Leave sticky notes around the house or in your kids’ lunchboxes acknowledging their efforts and good character (“I saw how hard you studied for today’s math test. You’ve got this!”).
n Keep a gratitude journal and encourage your children to do the same.
n Tell them about lessons learned through challenges.
n When you experience good customer service, leave a generous tip or fill out a corporate survey to show your appreciation.
n Scrapbook through a service like Chatbooks, which downloads photos from your phone to produce monthly photo books for you (going through them as a family helps remind us of good things in our past).
Articulate Clearly
Our actions speak loud and clear, but it’s equally important to point out good and bad examples both in the real world and in media so that our kids develop discernment. One of my favorite low-pressure ways to teach life lessons is through reading aloud to my kids.
reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, our family adopted the catchphrase “Don’t be a Veruca Salt” to mean there’s nothing more disgusting than an entitled attitude that demands its own way (much like the deplorable character in the book displays).
In addition to fiction, biographies and memoirs about heroic people overcoming the odds inspire children to realize how much they’re capable of. As we seek positive examples for our kids, we must also filter out cultural voices that encourage comparison, whining, entitlement and a victim mentality.
Serve Selflessly
Helping others feels good and gives us perspective. Even our little ones can join in. Here are some ways to show kindness together:
n Clean up litter at a local park or nature
a water bottle, non-perishable snacks or a gift card to a local fast-food restaurant).
n Donate stuffed animals or old blankets to an animal shelter.
n Cook meals for family and friends who are going through big life changes (moving, job loss, hospitalization, welcoming a new baby, etc.).
n Deliver a plate of cookies to local community service workers (firefighters, EMTs, police officers, etc.).
n Make simple DIY Christmas gifts for your neighbors (Pinterest options are endless!) and give your children the honor of helping to distribute them.
THE BEST PIE IN KANSAS CITY
Buttery, flaky pie crust and delicious filling—mmmm! The cold winter months are our favorite time to savor classic American pies! Be they chocolate, pecan, cherry or something a little more exotic, delicious pies just like Mom used to make (or maybe even better) are served up by masterful local bakeries.
The Upper Crust Pie Bakery (7943 Santa Fe, Overland Park, 913.642.2999, UpperCrustPieBakery.com) is owned and operated by sisters who know the art of a delicious made-from-scratch pie. Their shop specializes in buttery, flaky crusts and delicious flavors. Try Grandma’s apple pie with a hint of nutmeg, blackberry apple, pumpkin pie or French apple with a streusel crumb topping.
A City Market favorite, Bloom Baking Co. (15 E. 3rd St., Kansas City, Mo., 816.283.8437, BloomBakingCo.com) uses only the finest ingredients for their made-from-scratch baked goods— and you can taste the quality! They bake delicious pies, cakes and breads that are perfect for special occasions or a delicious weekday treat.
A Kansas City tradition for more than 35 years, Tippin’s (TippinsPies.com) won the hearts of pie lovers across the metro. The restaurant chain closed in 2004, but Balls Foods purchased the company and sells pies using the original recipes at grocery stores across the metro. Kansas Citians still can enjoy their favorite Tippin’s pies by ordering online or by clicking “Pie Finder” on their website to find grocery store retailers. Traditional holiday flavors, including pumpkin and pecan, are always popular, but we’re partial to the French silk and key lime pies.
Nothing is quite as satisfying as a delicious homemade potpie on a cold winter’s day, and Potpie in Westport (904 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Mo., 816.561.2702, KCPotpie.com) lives up to the name. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, they sell the tastiest potpie in town. Choose from beef, chicken or vegetable varieties.
Pumpkin Pie Dip
Craving a sweet, fall-worthy recipe? Try this pumpkin pie dip. Ready in just 10 minutes, this dip has all the flavors you love about the staple pie—no pie crust needed.
Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Ingredients
• 2 c. heavy cream
• 1 (3.4-oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 c. canned pumpkin
• 2 t. pumpkin pie spice
• 3 t. cinnamon
• Ginger snaps, graham crackers or vanilla wafers for serving
Directions
1. In a stand mixer, beat heavy cream and vanilla pudding mix until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine, then chill if desired. Serve with ginger snaps, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
How to make the best pumpkin pie dip
Think about what you would want a perfect pumpkin pie like dip to be. If you love the flavor of Cool Whip, then feel free to replace the heavy cream. If you’re looking for a more decadent dip, then cream cheese would be a great addition. You could also fold the whipped cream into softened cream cheese to make it nice and fluffy. Keep things a little less “cream” heavy and place in whole fat Greek yogurt. Add in some cinnamon if you want to up the warm and cozy spiced vibes. This dip is extremely versatile, so feel free to experiment with it and get creative!
Storage
If you have any leftovers, refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Because there is whipped cream in this recipe, it might not stand up great in the freezer, so we don’t recommend freezing.
Recipe courtesy of Delish.com
FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
Many families in La Barra de Coyuca, a small town west of Acapulco, Mexico, lost practically everything they owned to Hurricane Otis this past year. Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief teams responded to this region in partnership with area churches, including several from Mexico City, who tarped damaged roofs and provided access to clean water. Numerous local congregations have partnered with Operation Christmas Child for years, putting them in a unique position to offer the hope of Jesus Christ to suffering families.
A group of children from La Barra de Coyuca heard the Gospel and received shoebox gifts at a gymnasium. Its metal roof lay twisted on the ground from the powerful storm. A girl named Litsea, 11, who had prayed to receive Christ, learned to follow Him through The Greatest Journey discipleship lessons attended by dozens of the children.
In another town outside of Acapulco, the Category 5 hurricane had peeled away Fernanda’s metal roof. Mud filled her one-room home and buried what she and her mother owned, including the 10-yearold’s cherished notebooks and crayons. The shoebox gift Fernanda received contained toys, socks, and most meaningful to her— notebooks, colored paper, crayons, and pencils.
“I was excited because I wanted to draw many things, and a picture of how God took care of us during the storm,” she said.
“Yes, they are small things,” said Pastor Pedro Victorino, an Operation Christmas Child ministry partner, about shoebox items like these. “But to a child who has lost everything, they are a way of introducing them to the love of Jesus Christ.”
Fernanda
HOW TO PACK A SHOEBOX GIFT
Gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are delivered together with the Good News of Jesus Christ as expressions of God’s immense love for a child. So, be sure to make them …
FUN: Include a quality “wow” item (and other new toys) to delight the child. FULL: Add school supplies and personal care items to fill empty spaces. PERSONALIZED: Make sure every shoebox is unique and covered in prayer. Prayerfully packed shoebox gifts lead to evangelism, discipleship, and the multiplication of believers and churches around the world. A donation of $10 per shoebox is critical to help cover collecting, processing, shipping, and evangelism training and materials. Give online through Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your gift.
Find packing tips and ways to give:
“Shoebox
—Franklin Graham President, Samaritan’s Purse
HOLIDAY SAVVY SURVIVING WITH FINANCES INTACT
The holiday season brings joy, family time and lots of gifts, but also an unspoken stressor: money. A 2024 Sleepopolis study of 2,000 participants found that 8 in 10 Americans report increased stress during the holiday season, and 48% of Americans say money is their biggest stressor over the holidays. This could be because 1 in 5 people anticipate spending over $1,000 this holiday season. Without a clear budgeting strategy, you could find yourself set back financially
in the new year. Here are a few tips for making it to January without going off the rails with your spending.
Set a Holiday Budget
Set a clear budget for your holiday spending. Decide how much you would like to spend on gifts for each family member. Make sure you include other holiday expenses such as food, gift wrapping, decorations, family entertainment and travel.
Cut Spending
Try cutting your spending as much as you can. Reach out to your family and see if you can forgo exchanging gifts this year, lower the spending budget or draw names instead of purchasing for everyone. Spend less on gifts for your coworkers, friends, teachers and delivery drivers. To cut back on your food bills, ask to do a potluck-style meal for your holidays gatherings. Save on postage by sending digital holiday cards.
Sinking Funds
Prepare for the upcoming expenses by setting up sinking funds. Once you have your budget, divide the amount you need for the holidays by the number of paychecks you have left till then. This is the amount you’ll need to save from each paycheck. When the new year begins, go ahead and start a sinking fund for the next holiday season. You will have the entire year to save up.
Research
Before making purchases, do your research! The internet makes it so easy to look up the best prices for items
I’m guilty of this—every year, the excitement of the holiday sales gets to me. I go to the store and stock up on wrapping paper, holiday decor and holiday apparel. In reality, I have tons of wrapping paper left from the year before, and I definitely don’t need more holiday decorations or Christmas sweaters.
you’re looking to buy. Do your best to shop sales. You can save hundreds just by shopping during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Days. There are also many budget influencers on social media who can help you track down the best deals for the season’s must-buy items.
Stick to Your Shopping List
It can be easy to make impulse purchases while you’re shopping, but do your best to stick to your shopping list. I find when I make an impulse gift purchase for one of my daughters, I end up having to make a purchase for my other daughter so I spend the same amount on both. It can be a slippery slope.
Give Gifts That Pay Off
Instead of purchasing toys that your kids don’t need, think about giving gifts that will save you money in the long run. Some ideas include memberships or season passes to the zoo, Science City or Worlds of Fun. These will translate into many free trips in the upcoming year.
Get Creative
Some of the most heartfelt gifts are handmade and cost very little. If you have a talent, use it! Maybe you’re an artist, a crafter or you’re great at woodworking. Use your skills to create one-of-a-kind gifts. Also, think of things you and your children can make
together. Perhaps they can make baked goods for their teachers or write them letters of appreciation. Usually these items mean much more than a gift card or store-bought present.
Use Cash
Leave your credit cards at home and use cold hard cash for your purchases. You’re less likely to add extra items to your shopping cart when you have a set amount of cash to spend. With your credit cards at home, you won’t be able to add those impulse buys.
Don’t Splurge on Yourself
According to a 2023 Shopify survey, 64% of Americans are either likely or certain to use holiday sales to shop for themselves. I’m guilty of this—every year, the excitement of the holiday sales gets to me. I go to the store and stock up on wrapping paper, holiday décor and holiday apparel. In reality, I have tons of wrapping paper left from the year before, and I definitely don’t need more holiday decorations or Christmas sweaters. The temptation can be a struggle, but try not to blow your budget on yourself.
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 10, and Ensley, 4, in St. Joseph.
the BEST GIFTS for the holidays
BY ELENA EPSTEIN DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS
Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition)
Players work together to form dynamic alliances of Disney and Pixar heroines, including Moana (Moana), Violet (The Incredibles), Maid Marian (Robin Hood) and Belle (Beauty and the Beast). $29.99, ages 8+, Target.com
National Geographic Clay Dinosaur Modeling Kit
Kids can design colorful figurines by shaping 5 different colors of clay over the 5 dino skeletons (T. Rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, dimetrodon and brachiosaurus). $16.99, ages 4+, Amazon.com
BFF by Cry Babies
The collectible fashion dolls from Cry Babies. Six characters that come dressed in trendy outfits and strike various poses. Unbox the doll and discover seven surprise accessories. $19.99, ages 5-8, Amazon.com
BrainBolt Genius
The all-new, mind-melting memory game. Watch the lights flash across the 21 buttons and use your memory to recreate the pattern without missing a beat. Has five different levels and head-tohead and solo modes. $23.99, ages 7+, Amazon.com
Flipslide
A fast-moving matching electronic handheld game. Can you master the moves to beat the blocks? Flip to find the color and slide to match the lights. Challenge yourself or play with friends. $19.99, ages 4+, MooseToys.com
Critter Creator Fossil Kit
Build, paint and fossilize 10 different little critters with airdry clay. The kit includes molds to create dragonflies, spiders, hornets, scorpions, ladybugs and more. $24.99, ages 7+, Crayola.com
Kinetic Sand Squish Motion Set
An all-new, magical, moving, squishable sand space. Open the case that doubles as a storage container and discover six tools, a flat play space, a squish zone and 1 pound of Kinetic Sand in three colors. Layer, load and squish! $19.99, ages 5+, Target.com
Cat Dig N’ Build Dirt Play Set
Little builders can create their own rugged landscapes and construction zones. Equipped with vehicles, premium dirt compound, a crane, molds, accessories and an easy cleanup tray. $14.99, ages 3+, CatToysOfficial.com
Cool Maker Stitch ’N Style Fashion Studio
An all-in-one fashion studio that includes an innovative cartridge thread system and automatic sewing sensors to make sewing safe and easy. Customize your designs with unique prints that are magically applied with water. $34.99, ages 8+, SpinMaster.com
Craft-tastic Nature – Make a Bug Hotel
Mumaloo Craft Boxes
Prepackaged, creative arts and crafts boxes that come with all the necessary materials and easy-to-follow instructions. Great for the whole family to take a break from screens. $29.99, ages 3+, Mumaloo.com
Switcheroo Coding Crew
Embark on challenge-solving rescue missions using a codable robot with three shells that transform into a police car, fire truck and construction vehicle. Race around the town’s puzzlepiece board to learn coding concepts, logic, problem-solving and critical thinking. $59.99, ages 4+, Amazon.com
Give bugs and insects a place to rest and nest. Easily snap the wooden panels together and personalize it with fun waterproof hotel-themed stickers. Fill it with leaves, stickers, flowers and other found objects from nature. Includes an identification guide booklet. $19.99, ages 4+, PlayMonster.com
TMNT Turtle Party Cruiser
A vintage “Woodie”-style vehicle equipped with longboards on top, featuring the signature colors of your favorite turtles. Press down on each longboard to see Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael pop out of the car. Each turtle also delivers a unique catchphrase. $19.99, ages 6+, TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles.Funrise.com
Super Blanky
A wearable blanket that doubles as a superhero cape. Available in four designs: T-Rex, Starpow, Zapzing and Fairybloom. Each includes a coordinating mask, blending warmth with imaginative play. Ideal for naptime, cozy reading or dress-up. $39.99, ages 3+, Dreamighty.com
Letter Tracing Sensory Pad
Learn how to form lowercase and uppercase letters with this multisensory pad. Filled with a thick, movable gel, this is a great tool for kids to practice letter formation while strengthening their fine motor skills. $19.99, ages 2+, Hand2Mind.com
Pluzzles
The more you collect, the more you connect! Made of super soft and squishy 3D stuffing with corduroy accents, each lovable character is finished with pellet beads in the bottom “legs” and can be connected with other plushies in this unique line. Starting at $5, ages 3+, YooniqueToys.com
Pickleball Blast
A board-game-sized tabletop court that uses thumbaction paddles to send the pickle-shaped game piece soaring. Can you smash your opponents by flipping the pickle lids at the other end of the court? $19.99, ages 6+, MooseToys.com
Koosh Flix Stix
Plays like lacrosse—easy to flick, catch and hard to put down. Perfect for hours of outdoor fun. Families can test their skills and go head-to-head. Each set comes with two Flix Stix and one Koosh Ball. $24.99, ages 6+, PlayMonster.com
Dinosaur Railway Adventure Set
LeapFrog LeapPods Max
Beyond listening to music, hours of included activities take kids on an audio adventure. Includes a 14-page Adventure Passport for engaging soundscapes and animals sounds with detailed illustrations. Wirelessly connect to your own devices to listen to favorite music, podcasts and more. $49.99, ages 4+, LeapFrog.com
Navigate a wooden train through glow-in-the-dark bones, volcanoes and waterways. Build and steer through a dinosaur’s skull, climb bridges and brave a dark tunnel to avoid an erupting volcano. Set includes dinosaurs, trees, bridges and more. $99.99, ages 3+, Toys.Hape.com
Celebrate November KC Style
Nov. 3: El Dia de los Muertos Celebration
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art hosts an annual Day of the Dead Celebration on Nov. 3 commemorating the rich and beautiful Mexican culture, including an altar installation that’s a tribute to loved ones who have passed away, hands-on art activities, music and authentic Mexican food.
Nov. 6: Saxophone Day
Charlie “Bird” Parker is one of the most famous and celebrated jazz saxophonists of all time, and the Kansas City legend is commemorated with a statue in the 18th & Vine Jazz District. The statue was pieced together rather than cast and features a green patina and inscription stating, “Bird Lives.”
Nov. 11: Veterans Day
The National World War I Museum and Memorial (TheWorldWar.org) will offer free admission for active duty military/veterans and half-price admission for the general public all weekend (Nov. 8-11). The museum will host family-friendly activities all weekend too.
Nov. 17: Homemade Bread Day
No time to bake your own bread but still want to enjoy the deliciousness? Support Kansas City’s own Farm to Market Bread Co. The company is known for making allnatural, hand-formed, hearth-baked bread delivered fresh to local grocery stores and restaurants daily.
Nov. 29: Black Friday
Most Americans have a love-hate relationship with our annual shopping holiday. For great local shopping, our favorite Black Friday destination is Legends Outlets, which offers shopping specials, giveaways and events throughout the day.
Kansas City’s Best Christmas Lights
Kansas City sparkles in holiday splendor with magnificent displays across the metro! These are our top picks for the best Christmas lights in KC!
Most displays operate from Thanksgiving through Christmas, from sunset (5:30) to 10:00. However, there are a few exceptions. Check websites to verify times.
Winter Magic Holiday Light Experience (Northland)
New in 2024, you can enjoy one carload for one ticket at a brand-new Northland location. Two beloved holiday light traditions have merged into one Mega Holiday Light Spectacular to create the most dazzling and unforgettable holiday light display in town. WinterMagicKC.com
Luminary Walk (Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens) Enjoy illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music, and photos with Santa, perfect for a family luminary walk. On alternate nights, see the Electric Glow, a limited electric lights-only version with low crowds, perfect for low-sensory needs and a quick, peaceful walk through of the glowing gardens and gnome houses. ArtsAndRec-OP.org/Arboretum/Luminary-Walk
GloWild: Legends and Lore (Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium) The popular GloWild lantern festival returns with a brand-new theme and displays. Now in its third year, this event features two loops: an adventure loop and a fantasy loop. Santa will greet guests in his North Pole Village, which features holiday-themed lanterns and activities. Guests will want to visit multiple times to experience all that GloWild has to offer! KansasCityZoo.org
Holiday Reflections (Union Station)
Nov. 22 – Jan.1, experience breathtaking scenes and endless photo ops as this Kansas City icon comes to light for the holidays. Find dozens of new scenic elements and nearly 40,000 square feet of lights. Details, tickets and schedule at UnionStation.org/Holidays.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree (Crown Center) The 100-foot-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights. You can also visit Legoland and Sea Life during the day, enjoy Crown Center’s shopping and dining options, catch a show at The Coterie and take a spin at the Ice Terrace this Christmas season. CrownCenter.com
Legendary Christmas (Legends Outlets Kansas City)
Synchronized to music and displayed on a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree, this unique light show was created by a world-renowned, technology-driven holiday lights team. LegendsShopping.com
Festival of Lights (Powell Gardens) Explore more than 20 miles of lights that turn the botanical garden into a winter wonderland. Encounter immersive, festive installations that showcase the gardens’ exceptional architecture and landscapes. PowellGardens.org
Jingle! (Legends Field) Glide around the twisting ice-skating trail, feel the rush of snow tubing on real snow and enjoy wandering with your friends and family through a dazzling holiday light maze! Find the perfect gift for that special someone amongst the featured local artists and makers. JingleHoliday.com/KansasCity
Christmas in the Park (Longview Lake Park) With more than 500,000 lights, 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color, this enchanting drive-through winter wonderland will delight the entire family. MakeYourDayHere.com
Magic Tree (Lee’s Summit) This tree is lit with more than 12,000 LED lights in every color of the rainbow! LSMagicTree.com
Plaza Holiday Lights (Country Club Plaza) Take in the 80+ miles of lights on display from Thanksgiving to midJanuary. CountryClubPlaza.com
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane (Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead) Experience the enchantment of the season with the farmstead’s 38-minute, musicsynchronized show. OPKansas.org
Marriott Light Display (Downtown Marriott) The 20-story hotel provides an animated display of 30,000 bulbs and 16.7 million colors featuring your favorite holiday characters.
ALTA Sciences Animated Lights (Overland Park) The display of 175,000 LED lights is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light show your children will love! ParticipantsKC.AltaSciences.com
Sar-Ko-Aglow (Sar-Ko-Trails Park) Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the beautiful annual lights display. Miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs brighten this favorite park each winter. Lenexa.com
Stagecoach Park Lights (Olathe) The Hometown Holidays light show features 41,000 lights and more than 16 million color combinations. OlatheKS.gov
Gardner’s Christmas in the Park (Cornerstone Park) Thousands of beautiful lights illuminate Cornerstone Park in Gardner’s 33rd annual display. GardnerKansas.gov
Coterie brings Finding Nemo (Nov. 6–Dec. 30) as this beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to the live stage. TheCoterie.org
Holiday Reflections at Union Station Photograph by Roy Inman
1 Friday
Holiday Fine Art & Craft Show thru Nov. 2, John Knox Pavilion. Enjoy the talents of 90+ artists of homemade art and crafts. IBDPromotions.com
Mistletoe Madness thru Nov. 2, Gamber Community Center. Two-day free shopping event. CityofLS.net
Goodnight Moon thru Nov. 2, Theatre for Young America. A charming musical that brings the beloved bedtime story to life. TYA.org
Electric Poe thru Nov. 3, Union Cemetery Park. R.H. Wilhoit will once again captivate audiences as the master of the macabre. TheCoterie.org
Puffs thru Nov. 3, Avila College Goppert Theater. The story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be at a certain wizarding school too. LeawoodStageCo.org
American Royal World Series of Barbecue thru Nov. 3, Kansas Speedway. Savor the world’s largest barbecue competition. AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ
Opening Day Ice Terrace 6:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Join the excitement of the season at the Ice Terrace with FREE skating and hot chocolate from 6-9 am. CrownCenter.com
Jurassic Quest thru Nov. 3, OP Convention Center. See realistic scenes, 80 life-size dinosaurs and lots of fun activities for kids of all ages. VisitOverlandPark.com
Dino-Mite Dino Life 9:00, Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about dinosaur anatomy, paleontology, fossilization and extinction. NatureSanctuary.com
Storytime for Families 9:30, North Oak Library. Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities and create memories together. MyMCPL.org
Potion Kitchen Experience 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Lego Monsters take over and throw a Monster Party you don’t want to miss! LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com
Arrival of Mayor’s Christmas Tree 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Watch the 100-foottall tree placed on its stand to usher in the holiday season. CrownCenter.com
Squishmallow Party 10:30, Blue Valley Rec. Enjoy this squish-tastic celebration where kids can choose a mini Squishmallow to adopt. Preregister. BlueValleyRec.org
A Turkey for Thanksgiving 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item and finish with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com
Homeschool Jump 1:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park Lenexa & Overland Park. Get your PE credits or just take a break. UrbanAirLenexa.com & UrbanAirOP.com
Critter Feeding 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. MDC.MO.gov
Club SciKidz Camp Jurassic 4:30, IDEA Space. Kids learn about a variety of dinosaurs, rocks, minerals and fossils. IdeaSpaceKC.org
Crafternoon for Kids 4:30, Indian Creek Library. Get creative with a fun after-school craft activity. Pre-register. OlatheLibary.org
Family Fun Night 5:00, Powell Community Center. Enjoy this FREE family fun night with our indoor playground, craft room and swimming. MissionKS.org create
here. thrive everywhere.
Winter Magic
Nightly Nov. 1 – Jan. 5, North Kansas City. Experience the enchantment of drive-thru holiday lights with a car full of your favorite people. WinterMagicKC.com
Cub Scout Night at the Zoo 6:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Explore the Zoo after sunset with night hikes, s’mores and sleeping. PreRegister. KansasCityZoo.org
1860s Health & Beauty Workshop 7:00, Mahaffie. Discover all of the 1860s tricks to improve a woman’s health and beauty. Preregister. Mahaffie.org
2 Saturday
KC Local Holiday Market 9:00, Thompson Barn. ‘Tis the Season for this free shopping event with 55+ local handmade vendors and giveaway raffles. KCLocalCraftFair.com
Free Kids’ Project 9:00, Home Depot Locations. Free in-person kids’ workshops. This month, make a pumpkin tic-tac-toe game. HomeDepot.com
Cub & Scouts BSA Day at the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Scouts in uniform get FREE admission and parent receives $3 off admission. KansasCityZoo.org
Pollination Investigation 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Love pollinators? See the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit “Pollination Investigation.” OPKansas.org
Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Registration required. Join naturalists in making hands-on nature projects. MDC.MO.gov
KS Chocolate Festival 10:00, Downtown Topeka. Bring friends and family for a chocolatefilled adventure. TopekaChocolate.com
Hike with a Naturalist 10:30, Lakeside Nature Center. Explore habitats around the nature center on a guided hike. LakesideNatureCenter.org
Art with an Exotic Animal 10:30, Camden Point Programming Space. Make are by using an animal from the Exotic Animals Education Institute. MyMCPL.org
Cedar Cove: Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. See these epic animals and learn about their characteristics and behaviors! SaveOurSiberians.org
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express 11:00, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Train ride for the family that seeks to find that eternally elusive Great Pumpkin! ASVRR.org
Hands-on History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Guests of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
Dark Forest 7:00, Powell Gardens. An extraordinary outdoor event in collaboration with renowned performance art collective Quixotic. PowellGardens.org
3 Sunday
American Royal World Series of Barbecue 10:00, Kansas Speedway. Savor the world’s largest barbecue competition. AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ
Brunch & Bingo 10:00, Chicken N Pickle: KC & OPKS. Have fun eating brunch and playing Bingo. ChickenNPickle.com
Dia de los Muertos Celebration 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Explore the history and cultural traditions of Mexico with live performances and food. KansasCityMuseum.org
Back to the 50s Bowling 12:00, Summit Lanes. Enjoy 50’s prices: 50 cents for games, shoes rentals, hot dogs and sodas with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com
Knox Classical School Open House 12:30, Providence Community Church. Learn about our Christian, Classical and Collaborative school for grades K-4. KnoxKC.org
Disaster: The Musical 2:00, Roger T. Sermon Community Center. Enjoy this jukebox musical comedy with many hits of the 70s. IndependenceMO.gov
Winter Magic Lights 6:00, Northland KCMO. Welcome the holiday season with KC’s premiere dazzling 1-mile light show at Winter Magic. WinterMagicKC.com
4 Monday
GloWild: Legends & Lore thru Dec. 29, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Immersive nighttime experience with massive artworks on display at the Zoo. KansasCityZoo.org
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Provides kids a place to run, ride and play while making new friends. Lenexa.com
Sensory-Friendly Days 9:00, Johnson County Museum. This limited-occupancy session is for children and families with sensory processing differences. JCPRD.com
EXPLORE
A DIFFERENT PATH
Christ-Centered, Classical, Collaborative Education in Johnson County
• Grades K-4, and growing
• 6:1 student-teacher ratio
• Hybrid model: Two days on campus, three days at home
• Member of the Society for Classical Learning
Movin’ and Groovin’ Rhyme Time 9:30, Lenexa City Center Library. Songs, classic rhymes and fingerplays for 1–2-year-olds. Pre-register. JOCOlibrary.com
Mornings with Mommy: Forest & Friends 10:00, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church & School. Story time and playdate for ages 0–5. MtOliveLutheranSchool.com
Kids STEAM 1:30, North Independence Library. Learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math while you play STEAM games. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
LEGO Builders’ Club 6:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Join other LEGO lovers for a builders’ club featuring cooperative projects. Preregister. OlatheLibary.org
5 Tuesday
Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Ride and slide with us in our indoor playground. Merriam.org
Community Heroes Storytime 10:00, Parkville Library. Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and create memories with community heroes. MyMCPL.org
Preview our robust curriculum and start the application process at an upcoming info meeting:
Sunday, November 3 | 12:30 pm Sunday, January 5 | 12:30 pm
RSVP and learn more at knoxkc.org
Container Workshops
Nov. 14-17, All 3 Family Tree Nursery locations. Create a stunning holiday container. Registration required; space is limited. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
Discovery Day at the Arboretum 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Little explorers can enjoy the world of nature plus do a make-andtake project. OPKansas.org
Critter Feeding 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Tuesday and Friday. MDC.MO.gov
Little Scientists 3:30, IDEA Space. Your little scientist can make a marshmallow catapult, beeswax candle and edible ocean. IdeaSpaceKC.org
KC Zoo & Aquarium’s Adapt to That! 6:00, Blue Ridge Library. Investigate the differences in living creatures around the world. Preregister. MyMCPL.org
Goldilocks and the Three Dogs 6:30, North Independence Library. Join Martin City Melodrama telling about Goldie and three down-on-their-luck dogs. MyMCPL.org
6 Wednesday
Finding Nemo select dates thru Dec. 30, The Coterie. The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to the live stage as Nemo explores beyond his anemone home. TheCoterie.org
Giggle Time 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Your little ones will giggle, wiggle and have a blast with a fun puppet or music show. OPKansas.org
Tails, Tales, and Trails 10:30, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Enjoy a nature-themed story time and nature walk! Meet an animal and go for a short hike through the park. Leawood.org
Kids Create Art: Fall Crafts 4:00, Riverside Library. It’s fall, y’all! Come to the Library to create fallthemed crafts. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
Child & Parent Craft Program 4:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Get creative with a fun after-school craft activity. Pre-register. OlatheLibary.org
Family Night 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Bring the whole gang for free activities like a balloon artist and classic board games. LenexaPublicMarket.com
Annual Fish Fry 5:30, South KC Colonial Presbyterian Church. The whole family will enjoy our annual fish fry. ColonialKC.org
7 Thursday
Hello Dolly thru Nov. 9, Avila’s Goppert Theater. Join Dolly Levi, a charming matchmaker, as she finds a husband for a grumpy millionaire. CultureHouse.com
Beauty and the Beast thru Nov. 10, Bell Cultural Arts Center. This “tale as old as time” shares the value of love and being loved. FirstActKC.org
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com
The Great Pumpkin Playdough Activity 10:00, Riverside Library. Children ages 3–5 can make edible playdough using pumpkin puree. MyMCPL.org
Kids Create Puppets 4:00, Edgerton Library. Create fun puppets! We provide the supplies; you supply the imagination! MyMCPL.org
Vitamin String Quartet 7:00, Kauffman Center. Listen to arrangements performed by the VSQ, including renditions of Taylor Swift and Bridgerton. KauffmanCenter.org
8 Friday
GloWild: Legends & Lore thru Dec. 29, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Immersive nighttime experience with massive artworks on display at the Zoo. KansasCityZoo.org
Family Storytime 9:30, Lenexa City Center Library. Stories, songs, fingerplays and movement activities foster pre-reading skills. Pre-register. JOCOlibrary.com
Early Literacy Music & Movement 10:00, Blue Springs North Library. Develop early literacy skills through music, instrument play and big body movement. MyMCPL.org
Epic Bounce Park 3:00, Independence Center Mall. Bounce and bounce in 25,000 square feet of a bounce park. EpicBouncePark.com
Club SciKidz Camp Jurassic 3:30, IDEA Space. Campers learn about dinosaurs, their habitats, rocks and fossils. IdeaSpaceKC.org
The Chamber of Music Society of Lincoln Center 7:00, Midwest Trust Center. A spectacular program centered around music for wind instruments. JCCC.edu
9 Saturday
Power Wheels Grand Prix 10:00, BVRC Sports Complex East Fields. Bring your personal Power Wheel to compete in this friendly race. Preregister. BlueValleyRec.org
MUSEUM HOURS Monday - Saturday 9am - 4:30pm
Goldilocks and the Three Dogs 10:00, East Independence Library. Join Martin City Melodrama telling about Goldie and three down-on-their-luck dogs. MyMCPL.org
Penguin Swims 10:00, Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Get in the water with a few of our feathered friends as you touch, pose and play with penguins. TWPark.com
KC Magic Man 10:30, Blue Springs North Library. See the world of illusions with KC Magic Man Brad Lynn using cards, coins, cups and more. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
Olathe Grand Prix 11:00, Olathe West High School. Teams of four will enjoy a Mario Kart Tournament. Prizes awarded. Pre-register. OlatheLibary.org
Pumpkin Smash Noon, Juniper Gardens Training Farm. Help smash pumpkins to divert pumpkins from landfills and turn them into compost. CompostCollectiveKC.com
Family Game Night 5:30, The KC Improv Comedy Company. Bring the whole family for an hour packed full of improvised games, scenes and characters. KansasCityComedy.com
10 Sunday
Finding Nemo select dates thru Dec. 30, The Coterie. The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to the live stage as Nemo explores beyond his anemone home. TheCoterie.org
Second Sundays in Lexington 11:00, Downtown Lexington, Mo. Discover the history of Lexington with activities for all ages. HistoricLexington.com
Princess Magic Cupcake Designing 2:00, Blue Valley Rec. Channel your inner princess and come decorate dazzling cupcakes. Pre-register. BlueValleyRec.org
Tubby the Tuba and the Toy Symphony 2:00, Kauffman Center. Squeaks, tweets and honks as you enjoy a whimsical, world-travelling sound scientist! KCSymphony.org
Youth Symphony of Kansas City 2:00 & 7:30, Midwest Trust Center. Be mesmerized listening to a great repertoire of music plus feature soloists. JCCC.edu
Winter Magic Lights 6:00, Northland KCMO. Welcome the holiday season with KC’s premiere dazzling 1-mile light show at Winter Magic. WinterMagicKC.com
11 Monday
Disney100: The Exhibition thru Nov. 30, Union Station. Relive your dreams with ten imaginatively themed galleries highlighting renowned classics. UnionStation.org
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Provides kids a place to run, ride and play while making new friends. Lenexa.com
Gobble Across the USA with Mr. Stinky Feet 6:00, Antioch Library. Join Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove for fun songs about festive foods. Preregister. MyMCPL.org
12 Tuesday
Splash With Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Let your little ones splash, play and build confidence in the water. Lenexa.com
Create. Explore. Experiment 10:00, Science City. Experience the amazing world of science first-hand through engaging exhibits. ScienceCity.UnionStation.org
Totally Tots 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art at this free program. KemperArt.org
Little Scientists 3:30, IDEA Space. Your little scientist can make a marshmallow catapult, beeswax candle and edible ocean. IdeaSpaceKC.org
Experience the Guitar 6:30, Grain Valley Library. Watch a professional guitarist at work as Aidan Elwell performs a varied guitar repertoire. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
13 Wednesday
Barstow: Lower School Open House 9:00, The Barstow School. Meet faculty and staff and see firsthand everything Barstow has to offer. BarstowSchool.org
Retro Storytime: Four Puppies 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest. JCPRD.com
Tails, Tales, and Trails 10:30, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Enjoy a nature-themed story time and nature walk! Leawood.org
Snake Feeding 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Discover what’s for dinner for the Burr Oak Woods’s snakes. MDC.MO.gov
Bee Inspired: Sensory Play 3:30, Raytown Library. “Bee” inspired by a read-aloud of The Honeybee by author Kirsten Hall. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
14 Thursday
Festival of Lights thru Nov. 16, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights that transforms KC’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. PowellGardens.org
White Christmas thru Nov. 17, Avila College Goppert Theater. This uplifting, wholesome musical will usher the Christmas spirit in for all. FirstActKC.org
Holiday Container Workshops thru Nov. 17, Family Tree Nurseries. Make a stunning holiday container; all supplies provided. Pre-register. FamilyTreeNursery.com
St. Paul’s Open House 9:00, St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School. Meet school leadership, discuss curriculum with teachers and tour school facilities. SPEDS.org
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists. com
Thursday Toddler Time at Ceramic Cafe 10:00, Ceramic Cafe. Toddlers 5 and under get to paint one of our selected items for just $12. CeramicCafeKC.com
SIX-STOP
TOUR: RED BRIDGE
Conveniently located in the heart of Kansas City near to I-435, this neighborhood is known for its charm.
1. WONDERFUL WONDERSCOPE
Wonderscope, Kansas City’s nonprofit children’s museum focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for children under 10 and under, is a whimsical and dynamic attraction families love. The museum houses hands-on exhibits and a half-acre of outdoor activities.
Children learn while celebrating Kansas City’s history and legacy.
2. LOVE LOCKS
Inspired by the Love Lock Bridge in Paris, the Old Red Bridge in Minor Park allows Kansas Citians to engrave a lock and secure it to the bridge. Fun fact: The largest lock on the bridge commemorates the anniversary of Kristina Light and her husband, Ron, who handcrafted the lock himself.
3. SHOP LOCAL
Made in KC began as a hub for local shoppers on the search for locallymade Kansas City merch. Now they’ve expanded with multiple locations, one of which is located in Red Bridge Shopping Center. You’ll find your favorite KC tees, artisan products, foods and drinks here. This is our go-to spot to stock up on Messner Bee Farm’s hot honey.
4. SWEET TOOTH
The Sweet Granada is a locally-owned gourmet chocolate shop offering over 200 handmade chocolates as well as Pop-Choc—the ultimate popcorn/ chocolate combo! This quaint shop offers something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Their salted caramels and seasonal assortments are personal favorites.
5. STREET TACOS
Tacos make everything better, and Barrio KC is the perfect neighborhood hangout for fabulous street tacos. Their fun ambience, terrific hospitality and happy hour specials keep us coming back for more. With locations in Red Bridge, Briarcliff, Midtown and Brookside, this is a local favorite.
6. BEAUTIFUL BRUNCH
Offering homemade omelets, fabulous French toast and a fried chicken salad to die for, Caleb’s Breakfast & Lunch is a favorite local diner. With their delicious food, pleasant atmosphere and warm hospitality, they’ve created a loyal local following that is truly well deserved.
Operation Wildlife Presents: The Day Shift 4:00, Withers Library. Meet hawks and falcons and learn their hunting habits. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
Dwell 6:30, Lenexa Baptist Church. Make plans to join us for this evening of dinner, worship, fellowship and Bible study. Pre-register. LenexaBaptist.com
15
Friday
Holiday Container Workshops thru Nov. 17, Family Tree Nurseries. Make a stunning holiday container; all supplies provided. Pre-register. FamilyTreeNursery.com
Educating the Whole Person: Arts & Athletics 8:00, Whitefield Academy. Join us to learn more about Classical Christian education. WhitefieldAcademyKC.org
Jumperoo 8:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park Overland Park. Children 5 and under and their parent/guardian can jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirOP.com
Penguin Swims 10:00, Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Get in the water with a few of our feathered friends as you touch, pose and play with penguins. TWPark.com
Pumpkin Soup Story & Pottery 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. CeramicCafeKC.com
Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar 1:00, Lake Quivira Country Club. Shop FREE with over fifty art, decor, clothing, and holiday vendors. Facebook.com/lakequiviraholidaybazaar
Club SciKidz Camp Jurassic 4:30, IDEA Space. Kids learn about a variety of dinosaurs, rocks, minerals and fossils. IdeaSpaceKC.org
OP Mayor’s Holiday Festival 5:00, Downtown Overland Park. Enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, festive activities and photos with Santa. VisitOverlandPark.com
Night at the Arboretum 6:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Observe celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters with telescopes on site. OPKansas.org
16 Saturday
Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar 9:00, Lake Quivira Country Club. Shop FREE with over fifty art, decor, clothing, and holiday vendors. Facebook.com/lakequiviraholidaybazaar
Belton’s Holiday Craft Show 9:00, High Blue Wellness Center. Come shop over 50 vendors with their handmade products. BeltonParks.org
Lee’s Summit West Holiday Mart 10:00, LS West High School. Shop 120 local vendors with dazzling goods, holiday décor, stunning jewelry and treats. ExploreLS.com
Kids Maker Market 10:00, Blue Valley Activity Center. An opportunity to run your own business and sell your hand-crafted items! Pre-register. BlueValleyRec.org
Mistletowne Market 10:00, North KC Parks & Recreation Center. Enjoy this artisan holiday market filled with local fine art and maker goods. NKC.org
Mad Science: Brixology Aerospace 11:00, Red Bridge Library. Launch your imagination as you explore aerospace engineering. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
Hands-on History Noon, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Guests of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org
Olathe Book Sale 4:30, Indian Creek Library. Support the library and get books, DVDs, and audiobooks all priced for $1 or less. OlatheLibary.org
Winter Magic Lights 6:00, Northland KCMO. Welcome the holiday season with KC’s premiere dazzling 1-mile light show at Winter Magic. WinterMagicKC.com
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony 6:00, Zona Rosa. Watch the 50-foot Christmas tree illuminate plus the arrival of the Fairy Princess & Santa Claus! ZonaRosa.com
Women’s Christmas Worship Night 6:30, South KC Colonial Presbyterian Church. Women enjoy a time of worship to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. ColonialKC.org
J.S. Bach: St. John Passion 7:00, Atonement Lutheran Church. Listen to J. S. Bach’s most foundational works, the St John Passion, a leading Baroque ensembles. ChamberMusic.org
17 Sunday
KC Reptile Show 10:00, Doubletree Hotel. Bring your reptile-loving kids, and explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates. VisitOverlandPark.com
Ice Skating Ice Terrace 12:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Grab the family and skate at KC’s iconic ice terrace. CrownCenter.com
Paragon Ragtime Orchestra: Meet Me At the Fair! 2:00, Midwest Trust Center. Listen to a spectacular musical celebration of the world’s fairs. JCCC.edu
18 Monday
R.E.A.D. to a Pet 3:30, Blue Valley Library. Improve children’s reading skills by reading to a registered therapy dog or cat. Pre-register. JOCOlibrary.com
KC Zoo & Aquarium’s Adapt to That! 6:00, Woodneath Library. Investigate the similarities and differences in living creatures. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
Kid’s Pie Baking 6:00, NKC Parks & Rec Center. Kids ages 6-12 will learn to make crust, roll, cut, make fillings and bake delicious pies! Preregister. NKC.org
19 Tuesday
Create. Explore. Experiment 10:00, Science City. Experience the amazing world of science first-hand through engaging exhibits. ScienceCity.UnionStation.org
R.E.A.D. to a Dog 5:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Read aloud to a friendly Reading Education Assistance Dog. Pre-register. OlatheLibary.org
Operation Wildlife Presents: The Day Shift 6:30, Parkville Library. Meet up to four hawks and falcons and learn their hunting habits and adaptive characteristics. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
20 Wednesday
Finding Nemo select dates thru Dec. 30, The Coterie. The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to the live stage as Nemo explores beyond his anemone home. TheCoterie.org
Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Provides kids a place to run, ride and play while making new friends. Lenexa.com
Pajama Storytime 10:00, North Independence Library. Put on your PJs and enjoy a family storytime. Sing songs, play with bubbles and share a story. MyMCPL.org
Chess Night 5:30, Olathe Downtown Library. Come play chess with a worthy opponent. All ages and playing levels welcome. Pre-register. OlatheLibary.org
21 Thursday
Festival of Lights thru Nov. 23, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights that transforms KC’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. PowellGardens.org
Shrine Circus
The Last Night of Ballyhoo thru Nov. 23, The Culture House Stage & Studio. This captivating play explores family dynamics and the challenges of love. CultureHouse.com
Disney100: The Exhibition thru Nov. 30, Union Station. Relive your dreams with ten imaginatively themed galleries highlighting renowned classics. UnionStation.org
Holiday Boutique thru Nov. 24, Overland Park Convention Center. Shop for holiday gifts; see works from local artisans and holiday displays. VisitOverlandPark.com
Pumpkin Yoga 10:30, Excelsior Springs Library. Learn “the Pumpkin” and other autumn poses while moving and listening to stories. Preregister. MyMCPL.org
Resurrection Blood Drive 2:00, Donate today and join COR in their collection of nearly 60,000 units of lifesaving blood products. Resurrection.Church
Nov. 21 – 24, Cable Dahmer Arena. Experience traditional 3-ring circus magic of captivating performances. CableDahmerArena.com Box Office: 913–469–4445 Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stuffy Sleepover at Shawnee Town 5:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Drop off your favorite stuffie. While you snooze at home, your stuffie travels around the 1920s town. ShawneeTown.org
Josh Gates Live! 7:30, Kauffman Center. Enjoy an evening of legends, mysteries and adventure from the host of the smash-hit Discovery Channel show. KauffmanCenter.org
22 Friday
Friday Fish Tales 9:00, Blue Valley Rec. Join us the fourth Friday of the month for an aquaticsthemed storytime and admission to Preschool Splash. BlueValleyRec.org
Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village 10:00, Union Station. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds at Kansas City’s historic home. UnionStation.org
Gobble Across the USA with Mr. Stinky Feet 10:00, Blue Spring South Library. Join Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove for fun songs about festive foods. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
How The Grinch Stole Christmas Story & Pottery 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids paint a ceramic item and end with a snack. CeramicCafeKC.com
Shiver Me Paintbrush: A Pirate’s Adventure in Art
SCHOOL SHOWS (Tickets start at $5.) WED. / DEC. 4 / 12:30 PM THUR. / DEC. 5 / 10 AM & 12:30 PM | FRI. / DEC. 6 / 10 AM PUBLIC SHOWS (Tickets start at $10.) FRI. / DEC. 6 / 6 PM | SAT. / DEC. 7 / 10 AM
is
and
arts agencies of
by
Endowment
Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma,
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Adams Family Foundation, Brad and Libby Bergman, Brooks and Carol Sherman, Friends of Barton P. Cohen Fund, Hall Family Foundation, JCCC Foundation, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education Program, Kansas Arts Commission, and Yellow Freight System, Inc.
Creative Hand 4:00, Old Shawnee Town Hall. A wide variety of finely crafted artist created fashions, wearable jewelry, home décor and pottery! CreativeHandKC.org
Independence Square Lighting and Santa’s Village 6:00, Truman Courthouse. Kick off the season with treats, music, games and Santa. IndependenceMO.gov
Glow Bingo 6:30, Blue Valley Rec. Play Bingo with the whole family with prizes awarded for game winners. Pre-register. BlueValleyRec.org
LS’s Mayor’s Tree Lighting 6:30, Howard Park Station. Celebrate the Miracle on Main Street with musical performances and Santa & Mrs. Claus! CityofLS.net
23 Saturday
Holiday Boutique thru Nov. 24, Overland Park Convention Center. Shop for holiday gifts; see works from local artisans and holiday displays. VisitOverlandPark.com
KC Rep: A Christmas Carol thru Dec. 28, Spencer Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey as one of Kansas City’s beloved tradition. KCRep.org
Shrine Circus 10:00, 2:30, 7:00, Cable Dahmer Arena. KC’s only 3-ring circus. Children under 3 are free and 3-12 have kid’s pricing. CableDahmerArena.com
Holiday Boutique 10:00, Bernard Campbell Middle School. See Santa and shop 75 local vendors just in time for the holiday season! BCMS.LSR7.org
Penguin Swims 10:00, Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Get in the water with a few of our feathered friends as you touch, pose and play with penguins. TWPark.com
Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Registration required. Join naturalists in making hands-on nature projects. MDC.MO.gov
Best Little Arts & Craft Show 10:00, Roger T. Sermon Community Center. Shop over 100 booths of handmade merchandise for the holiday season. IndependenceMO.gov
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 12:30, 4:00, 7:30, Union Station. Watch this holiday classic as the Griswold family enjoy a big family Christmas. UnionStation.org
24 Sunday
Finding Nemo select dates thru Dec. 30, The Coterie. The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to the live stage as Nemo explores beyond his anemone home. TheCoterie.org
Holiday Reflections Walk-Thru Village 10:00, Union Station. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds at Kansas City’s historic home. UnionStation.org
Winter Magic Lights 6:00, Northland KCMO. Welcome the holiday season with KC’s premiere dazzling 1-mile light show at Winter Magic. WinterMagicKC.com
25 Monday
Dino-Mite Dino Life 9:00, Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about dinosaur anatomy, paleontology, fossilization and extinction. NatureSanctuary.com
Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. On Mondays and Wednesdays, moms and little ones bowl for $3 per person (one game, shoe rental and drink). SummitLanes.com
December Fun Checklist
• Sar-Ko Aglow
• Candy Cane Hunt
• Naughty or Nice Games
• Breakfast with Santa
• It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
• Holiday Farmers Market
• Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party
• Cookies, Sweet Breads & Homemade Gifts class
• Warmth Trees
Electric Glow & Luminary Walk
Select nights Nov. 25 – Dec. 30, Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Walk through the lights for a unique holiday experience. OPKansas.org
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 12:30, 4:00, 7:30, Union Station. Watch this holiday classic as the Griswold family enjoy a big family Christmas. UnionStation.org
26 Tuesday
LEGO Builders’ Club 4:30, Indian Creek Library. Join other LEGO lovers for a builders’ club featuring cooperative projects. Preregister. OlatheLibary.org
Electric Glow 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the electric gardens during this low-key version of the Luminary Walk. OPKansas.org
Kids Make Chinese Food 6:00, NKC Parks & Rec Center. Kids ages 6-12 will learn to make fried rice, wontons, orange chicken and spring rolls! Pre-register. NKC.org
The Puppets of Spelhorst 6:30, Grandview Library. See puppets from this beloved story by Kate DiCamillo with themes of adventure and friendship. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
27 Wednesday
‘Twas the Night Before…by Cirque du Soleil thru Dec. 1, Music Hall. Features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and holiday music. CirqueDuSoleil.com
Free Day at KidScape 9:00, JOCO Museum. Explore KidScape and the newest special exhibit, “Inside the Box: A 1951 Time Capsule.” VisitOverlandPark.com
KC Zoo & Aquarium’s Adapt to That! 10:15, Green Hills Library. Investigate the similarities in living creatures around the world. Pre-register. MyMCPL.org
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Campground. This magical winter wonderland features more than one million lights and 200 animated displays. JacksonGov.org
28 Thursday
Happy Thanksgiving, KC Parent readers! We are thankful for your 39 years of readership and support.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane 5:00, Deanna Rose. Join the Farmstead for a light show synchronized to your favorite holiday and movie music.VisitOverlandPark.com
Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Celebrate this iconic lighting ceremony that will usher in the holiday season in KC. CountryClubPlaza.com
29 Friday
Home Alone Film & Live Orchestra thru Dec. 1, Kauffman Center. This adored comedy classic features a delightful score performed live. KCSymphony.org
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever thru Dec. 24, Theatre for Young America. When the Herdman children show up, disaster ensues but the true meaning of Christmas emerges. TYA.org
Festival of Lights thru Nov. 30, Powell Gardens. Explore more than 20 miles of lights that transforms KC’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland. PowellGardens.org
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop 9:00, Taste Buds Kitchen. Parent and child work together to design and decorate a gingerbread house. Tastebudskitchen.com
See Santa10:00, Crown Center. Santa Claus welcomes the public throughout the holiday season for visits, wish lists and photos. CrownCenter.com
Holiday Tours at Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion. See a Victorian Winter Wonderland during the holidays this year. IndependenceMO.gov
The Mitten Story & Pottery 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, then the kids get to paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. CeramicCafeKC.com
1860s Living History Noon, Mahaffie. Bring your family and friends to experience the1860s with games, blacksmith demos and a stagecoach ride! Mahaffie.org
Elf 12:30, 4:00, 7:30, Union Station. Watch this holiday classic as a man raised as an elf at the North Pole decides to travel to NYC to locate his real father. UnionStation.org
30 Saturday
KC Rep: A Christmas Carol thru Dec. 28, Spencer Theatre. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey in one of KC’s most beloved holiday traditions. KCRep.org
GloWild: Legends & Lore thru Dec. 29, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Immersive nighttime experience with massive artworks on display at the Zoo. KansasCityZoo.org
Disney100: The Exhibition thru Nov. 30, Union Station. Relive your dreams with ten imaginatively themed galleries highlighting renowned classics. UnionStation.org
Hallmark Christmas Experience 10:00, Crown Center. Right outside of Hallmark’s headquarters, enjoy this immersive experience with the charm of a Hallmark movie. CrownCenter.com
Santa Paws Holiday Mart 10:00, The Dogs’ Spot in NKC. This pet-friendly event is a dog lovers holiday mart to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts plus see Santa! TheDogsSpot.com
Luminary Walk 5:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music and photos with Santa. OPKansas.org
Winter Magic Lights 6:00, Northland KCMO. Welcome the holiday season with KC’s premiere dazzling 1-mile light show at Winter Magic. WinterMagicKC.com
February 7, 2025 | 7:30PM Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Kansas City, MO
The Birth Place was carefully designed with you and your newborn in mind. That means cozy suites, luxury amenities and a NICU where you can stay in the same room with your baby. It also means we’re going the extra mile to keep newborns and their families safe and healthy.
• Level II NICU, for babies needing extra care
• Skilled neonatal doctors and nurses
Neonatal nurse practitioners provide on-site support 24/7. Part of The University of Kansas Health System
• Repeat winner of KC Parent’s “Favorite Place to Have a Baby”
• Comforts like queen beds and large windows
