KC Parent Magazine June 2012

FREE June 2012 KCParent.com

27 years of connecting with kansas city families

win it! an overnight in a tree house—see pg. 38 got books? start your own book club in 5 easy steps ready, set, swipe! teaching kids about credit

TEAM SPORTS FEATURING KIDS ALL OVER KC INSIDE!

kcparent.com june 2012

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healthcare you can trust.

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

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kcparent.com june 2012

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REDEFINING PEDIATRIC HEART CARE

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

At Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, our extraordinary approach is helping kids with heart conditions lead ordinary, active lives. As one of the highest-volume pediatric heart centers in the country, our technologically advanced facilities—including state-of-the-art operating suites and cardiovascular labs—allow us to do more procedures less invasively. And our groundbreaking cardiovascular research on the effects of cholesterol and childhood obesity is giving physicians a better picture of how to prevent and treat heart disease. To learn more, visit childrensmercy.org/redefine.

Ranked one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

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kcparent.com june 2012

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KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE, pg. 10

JUNE 2012

DEPARTMENTS 19

Word from Dad

23

Media Mix

51

Out & About in KC

SPECIAL SECTIONS Hudson, from Leawood

FEATURES

20 Should Sports Be Required?

The pros and cons of requiring all children to participate

26 Father’s Day Find out what dads really want for Father’s Day

10

Summer Fun Guide

27

Camp Guide

32

Party Guide

34

Education Guide

40

Calendar of Events

38

Our KC cover kid is Michael of Overland Park.

Cover and select interior photos by Antisdels.com.

Unique Accommodations Unique places to stay for a vacation or weekend away

FREE June 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

ON THE COVER Start your own book club

12

Kids and sports

20

Teach kids about credit

24

Win an overnight in a tree house

38

win it! an overnight in a tree house—see pg. 38 got books? start your own book club in 5 easy steps ready, set, swipe! teaching kids about credit

TEAM SPORTS FEATURING KIDS ALL OVER KC INSIDE!

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kcparent.com june 2012

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editor’s letter JUNE 2012

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

I

FEELING LUCKY?

Head to KCParent.com where there are two GREAT giveaways, including a private party at the Crown Center dino exhibit, along with a $100 gift card and a unique opportunity for your family to stay overnight in a tree house!

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kcparent.com june 2012

t’s here! It’s here! My most favorite time of the year! School is out and our summer adventure begins.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, summer is my favorite time of the year. I love having my girls home with me and love not being a slave to the school schedule. At the beginning of each summer, we sit down as a family and put together our summer to-do list, which includes events we’d like to attend, places we’d like to visit, etc. In the past, our list has included things like having a lemonade stand, watching a movie in the backyard and eating lots of ice cream (we never seem to have any trouble accomplishing that one!). As “crafty” is not my middle name, our list is usually, well, just a list. Thanks to clever and creative Overland Park mom Wendy Connelly, our list will have some flair to it this year! Check out her article “Creating a Summer Bucket List” on pg. 16 for some great tips.

Nearly 20 million U.S. kids play sports (that’s a lot!). Chances are good that your children have played at one time or another.

In fact, Johnson County ranks second in the nation for the number of soccer players per capita, according to government and soccer officials.

There are many benefits that come from sports, including learning about teamwork and exercise. Should sports be required? On pg. 20, Hallie Sawyer takes an interesting look at the pros and cons of requiring kids to participate in athletics.

Happy June, happy summer, happy school’s out, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Brett Anthony (Kansas City), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Kerry Chafin (Independence), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Jennifer Duxbury (Belton), Tisha Foley (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Julie Hubble (Leawood), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Hallie Sawyer (Overland Park) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Find us on Foursquare: foursquare.com/kcparent Member of:

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

However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

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kcparent.com june 2012

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KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

SUMMER IS It’s summertime in Kansas City!

KC Parent has your guide to make the most of this glorious season, so sit back, relax and read on for great ideas on how to make this the best summer ever!

SUMMER FUN GUIDE

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kcparent.com june 2012

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Enjoy Ice Cream Treats Host a Book Club Stay Safe in the Sun Create a Bucket List See a Drive-In Movie

HERE!

YOU SCREAM, RASPBERRY RIPPLE FLOAT I SCREAM, Raspberry Ripple – vanilla ice cream WE ALL with raspberry sauce running through it – is a favorite children’s dessert.

SCREAM Combined with raspberry or cherry soda this is the prettiest of drinks – FOR ICE bright pink and decorated with sugar sprinkles. Serve with a spoon for eating CREAM the fresh raspberries.

Did you know?

4 scoops raspberry ripple ice cream 10 fresh raspberries 2 c. raspberry or cherry soda, chilled pink sprinkles, to decorate

• Each American consumes a yearly average of 23.2 quarts of ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, ices and other commercially produced frozen dairy products.

Serves 2 Put one scoop of ice cream in the bottom of each glass and divide the raspberries between them. Top off the glasses with raspberry or cherry soda and finish with a second scoop of ice cream. Decorate with sprinkles and serve immediately with straws.

Photographs by Kate Whitaker

Recreate classics and experiment with new creations like a Raspberry Ripple Float, excerpted from Hannah Miles’ delightful new book, Milkshake Bar. Sip a sweet Salted Caramel Shake, a decadent Cherry Garcia or a fragrant Rose Dream. Whatever your choice, shakes are not just for summer. They make a perfect treat or dessert for those happy days all year round! RylandPeters.com

Visit KCParent.com to find TONS of fun activities for this summer!

Spraygrounds & Water Playgrounds Free Summer Movies & Concerts Festivals & Fairs FREE Summer Outings for Little Ones Best Parks

• More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week.

• Ice cream and related frozen desserts are consumed by more than 90 percent of households in the United States.

• The most popular flavor of ice cream in the United States is vanilla (27.8%), followed by chocolate (14.3%), strawberry (3.3%), chocolate chip (3.3%) and butter pecan (2.8%).

• Children ages 2 through 12 and adults ages 45 and up eat the most ice cream per person.

• The average number of licks to polish off a single scoop ice cream cone is approximately 50. kcparent.com june 2012

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KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

Summer’s here and the living is easy. No more teachers, no more books…While a break from the rigors and routine of the school year is beneficial, we’ve all heard about the “summer slide” or “summer brain drain” that many students experience.

HOST A

SUMMER BOOK CLUB IN 5 EASY STEPS

RECOMMENDED TITLES 1st-2nd grades Magic Tree House Series Cam Jansen Series Polk Street School Series Henry and Mudge Series

5th-6th grades Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Paterson Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen Number the Stars

by Lois Lowery The Lightening Thief

by Rick Riordan

3rd-4th grades James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl Mr. Popper’s Penguins

by Richard Atwater Dr. Doolittle

by Hugh Lofting The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

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kcparent.com june 2012

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ach summer, I plan activities, field trips and lessons (it’s the teacher in me) to help both of my girls ward off the dreaded summer slide. My goal is to create fun experiences in which the girls don’t even realize they are learning. To keep my older, Tori, engaged in reading, last summer she and I worked together on planning and hosting a five-week mother-daughter book club.

It was a lot of fun and super simple to put together.

You, too, can host a book club this summer! Just follow the five simple steps below, and you’ll find yourself spending quality time with your child and socializing with good friends while sneaking in some good, old-fashioned learning.

The first step is to determine whether there is an interest among friends to participate in the book club. My daughter and I came up with a list of 10 friends, and I sent an email to all moms gauging their interest/availability. After hearing back from everyone invited, we had six moms and six daughters ready, willing and able to be a part of the book club.

STEP TWO: CHOOSE A BOOK

After gathering your group of friends, it’s time to choose a book. I got three book choices for Tori to look over.

One of the books I choose, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, was being released as a movie, so we went with that. We thought it would be a fun field trip for our book club to see the movie together after reading the book.

See the sidebar for a list of suggested titles for getting your book club started.

STEP THREE: DECIDE WHEN & WHERE

Think about how often you’d like to meet. We found that once a week for an hour and a half was the right amount of time. The first half hour was spent discussing what was read and the last hour was time for a craft, game or other activity.

We decided to host at our home, but there are several options available.You could take turns meeting at a different person’s house each week or you could look into using a room at your local library.

If the weather is nice, gather outdoors at a park or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, head to Panera or a coffee shop. The possibilities are endless!

STEP FOUR: READ & PLAN

Once you’ve chosen a title, decided on how many times you’ll meet and for how often, it’s time for the fun to begin!

Read through the book, taking notes along the way for any fun ideas that inspire you

while reading the book. Write down any and all ideas—you’ll have time later to narrow down that list. After reading the book, search the internet for lesson plans and fun activities for the title selected.

You’ll be amazed by the wealth of information at your finger tips. In fact, much of the planning is already done for you.

Go ahead and plan out each week before you start the club—you’ll be glad for the advance planning once summer hits and your book club begins.

STEP FIVE: LET THE FUN BEGIN

Now that all of your plans are made, it’s time for the book club to begin! Each week Tori and I put out a snack and made lemonade for the group. We also made sure that Dad was available to watch Ally, as siblings weren’t allowed at book club (Tori’s rule, and I understood and respected her rule).

To prepare for our discussions, Tori wrote 10 comprehension questions on our assigned reading for the week. It was a great way for me to check her comprehension and a fun way for her to take on a leadership role in our book club. Having a list of questions she prepared in advance made it easier for her to feel comfortable in leading our discussion.

After discussion time, we moved onto our craft or activity. This typically took up the entire time we had allotted.

Once finished, the girls enjoyed some time playing while the moms chatted.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your kiddo, find a book and put together a summer book club!

KC Parent editor Margaret Sarver can be found at her home in Lenexa reading several books at once and is always looking for suggestions on new titles.

Sample activities for Mr. Popper’s Penguins Week One: Discuss chapters read. Because Mr. Popper dreams of traveling, make a travel brochure about Kansas City, telling Mr. Popper why he should visit KC. Materials needed: construction paper, scissors, glue, magazines, markers Week Two: Discuss chapters read. The Popper family enjoys playing games. Ask each person to bring his or her favorite game and have a game night.

Materials needed: favorite games Week Three: Discuss chapters read. Talk about alliteration (use Poppers Performing Penguins as springboard for discussion). Create Alliteration Accordions (activity found online).

Materials needed: construction paper, markers, paper, scissors, glue Week Four: Discuss book. Make a penguin out of paper plates. Discuss with parent favorite part of story. Write about favorite part on back of penguin.

Share with group.

Materials needed: paper plates, paint, paint brushes, glue, scissors, pens Week Five: See movie together. Make Venn diagram to discuss similarities and differences between book and movie.

Materials needed: paper and pens

For tasty treats to serve at your book club, visit KCParent.com and learn how to make storybook cupcakes. Super simple and super yummy! kcparent.com june 2012

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KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

STEP ONE: SURVEY FRIENDS & FAMILY

KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

SUMMIT WAVE POOL

We asked KCParent.com readers: how often do you hit the pool during the summer?

57% A couple of time a week.

29% Rarely, we’d love to go

T

POOL RULES!

he pools are finally open, and hopefully your kids haven’t suffered their first sunburns of the season! After all, contrary to what we heard when we were kids, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. “Every time your skin color changes after sun exposure, your risk of developing sun-related ailments increases,” says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So be sure to grab your favorite SPF before you head outside!

Sunscreen packaging is required to list its Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF is the amount of time one can stay in the sun without obtaining a sunburn. The SPF ranges are from 2 to 85 and are produced

in sprays, stick form, lotions, foams and creams. The most important thing to do is to follow the directions on the individual packaging to obtain the best protection for your child. Usually, 1 ounce of waterresistant lotion or cream, applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, allows for proper penetration.

Typically, if a child burns in 15 minutes with no sunscreen, then a correctlyapplied SPF 15 sunscreen should allow (15x15) 225 minutes of safe exposure.

However, if the child gets into the water or sweats heavily, you will need to reapply sooner. Sunscreen protects your child’s skin by reflecting the harmful rays. “Use a

LEAWOOD PEDIATRICS • Conveniently located office • Front door parking • Electronic medical records • Extended evening and Saturday hours

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14% Everyday! We love to swim! sunscreen that says ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “That means it will screen out both UVB and UVA rays.”

Moms across the globe advise, “You only have one pair of eyes, so you better take care of them!” The AAP concurs with this warning: “Sunglasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.” They also recommend green, brown or gray lenses for ideal protection.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN, mother of two fair maidens and humor columnist. Her site, NurseMommyLaughs.com, has won several awards.

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kcparent.com june 2012

5401 College Boulevard, Suite 101 Leawood, Kansas 66211 (College & Nall) (913) 825-DOCS (3627) www.leawoodpediatrics.com

Join the 14,650 people who already enjoy our FREE weekly eNews. Subscribe today at KCParent.com.

Plus, join our 7,400+ Facebook Followers! facebook.com/kansascityparent

play it safe in the sun It comes as no surprise that the inspiration for SwimZip was born on a sunny beach. Founder and KC native Betsy Johnson and her brother were sitting around playing with her niece when her brother started to complain about the effort involved in putting on and taking off his children’s swim shirts. Two months later, SwimZip was making sun protection a zip!

SwimZip is an easy-on, easy-off UV 50+ protective swim shirt for children. The full front zipper and sewn-in protective collar make changing little ones a breeze.

The no-pinch zipper flap, tagless neck and flat seams make wearing the swimwear comfy! SwimZip’s material is chlorine resistant, too!

Betsy has a personal reason for keeping kids safe from the sun. At the age of 26, she was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Since then, she has made it a priority to educate children and parents about the dangers of UV rays.

“SwimZip perfectly blends my loves of fashion, function, health and kids,” she says. “From someone who knows firsthand the dangers of too much sun exposure: Please keep your children protected from the sun!” 1.888.SwimZip (794.6947) or SwimZip.com

QUICK QUIZ 1. How much sunscreen should be applied to each child? a. enough to coat the uncovered parts b. about 1 ounce of water-resistant lotion or cream 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors c. stop applying when child begins to whine 2. How often should you reapply sunscreen to your kiddo? a. never b. when they remind you c. reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.

3. Sunglasses should protect your eyes from only UVA rays. (True or False) (1. B, 2. C, 3. False, UVA and UVB ray protection is recommended.)

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kcparent.com june 2012

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KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

summer bucket list

Oh, the PLACES we will GO; Oh, the FOOD we will EAT; Oh, the ACTIVITIES we can DO; Oh, the CRAFTS that can be MADE, Oh, the SERVICE that can be DONE

MAKE IT MONDAY Car paint Carve tree with family initials Face painting Friendship bracelets Froot Loops rainbow with marshmallow clouds Ice cream in a bag Make play dough Melt crayons on canvas with a hair dryer Paint rocks Pick berries & can jam Postal paper pirate map Sidewalk chalk Squirt paint TRY IT TUESDAY Backyard camp out

Backyard luau Bike a trail Black out—no electronics Chase fireflies Croquet Flashlight Tag Fly kites Hula hoop Kitchen science lab Nap on the lawn Parade Read in a tree Roast s’mores Rootbeer floats Snow cones Spa Day Stargaze GET WET WEDNESDAY Canoe Find seashells in the kid pool

OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM

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kcparent.com june 2012

Freeze toys in ice Glowing bath paints Homemade bubbles Mud pies Slip-n-slide Sprinkler fun Sunset swim Wash the car Water balloons Water guns THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY Animal shelter volunteer Feed ducks Feed goats at Deanna Rose Farmstead Host a lemonade stand & donate proceeds

Invite dinner guests Make a meal Pick up litter Plant flowers Retirement home visit Soup kitchen FIELD TRIP FRIDAY Bounce house Crown Center Drive-in movie Kaleidoscope Kansas City Zoo Kansas Speedway LEGOLand Midland Railway Moon Marble Factory Nelson-Atkins, Nerman or Kemper art museums Overland Park Arboretum Paradise Park Pirate parks Powell Gardens Royals game Schlitterbahn Science City Sea Life Kansas City Sporting Kansas City T-Rex Café Theatre in the Park, Coterie or Starlight Theatre Wonderscope Worlds/Oceans of Fun Zona Rosa

S

ummer usually comes crashing into my family like a wave.

The days first seem lazy and long, but just as soon as we wet our toes in summer’s freedom, before we wade into its deep bliss of glorious abandon, the undertow of busy-tide steals back its gifts. The memories that remain to gather always seem too few, like scattered bits of shell. Our buckets don’t fill.

I won’t have it. Not this year. I lay my claim on this summer with our family’s first ever Summer Bucket List, a collection of fun-in-the-sun things to do to lasso these long days and live them to the full. Yes, we will capture this summer and bask in its treasures.

Will you join us? Grab your bucket, and let’s dig in.

How to Create Your Bucket List

Consider grouping activities by theme. LifeAsMom.com blogger Jessica Fisher divides her list into five categories: Things to Do, Places to Go, Books to Read, Movies to Watch, People to See. Also, Shauna Thompson, blogger from MyMixofSix.Blogspot.com, takes inspiration from Dr. Seuss: Oh, the PLACES we will GO; Oh, the FOOD we will EAT; Oh, the ACTIVITIES we can DO; Oh, the CRAFTS that can be MADE, Oh, the SERVICE that can be DONE. To simplify further, get into a routine with weekly theme days. Some ideas: Make It Monday, Try It Tuesday, Get Wet

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Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday, Field Trip Friday. Or, have a family meeting on Sunday nights to fill in the calendar for the week ahead.

How to Display Your Bucket List

Crafty bucket lists are all the rage on blogs and Pinterest as school’s end approaches, and most come in two varieties. First, there’s the checklist. Whether displayed on a dry erase/chalkboard in a lovely frame, a poster in multi-colored inks and doodles or a scribbled paper taped onto your kitchen fridge, the checklist requires little explanation.

The other is the 3D variety, which lends itself to endless creativity: A simple jar of ideas • Scribbled-on seashells buried in a pail of sand • Labeled clothespins clipped to the rim of a can, ready to plunk in • A bowl of fish-shaped papers with paperclips and a magnetic fishing pole to fetch them

The “Laundry List”

Our family’s idea of choice, a “Summer Laundry List” to hang from the mantel, was inspired by blogger Shirley of TheseMomentsofMine.com. We gathered miniature clothespins, a spool of wide ribbon, double-sided scrapbook paper and scissors to make laminated (reusable!) swimsuit cut-outs, then wrote our activities on them using dry erase markers. We hang our laundry with the written sides facing out until each is completed and turned around.

The kids have just more than 80 days of summer freedom, with vacations, VBS and summer camps dotted in between.

We want our bucket list to bring joy and inspiration, not overwhelm, so we’ve landed on a list of 25 as our magic number. Some activities take only the smallest effort, others require more planning, but all will be accomplished in the same way: together. Nothing could fill my bucket more than that.

Leigh’s School of Dance now enrolling for summer!

established in 1970 recreation & competitive levels

Wendy Connelly, Overland Park, is a happy-at-home mom of two who’s airing a lot of summer laundry.

Visit KCParent.com for a list of 100 FREE summer activities to add to your bucket list!

135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com

913.764.4146 kcparent.com june 2012

17

KC SUMMER FUN GUIDE

DRIVE-IN THEATERS IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA

What could be more fun than a summer movie and a box of popcorn? Viewing under the stars of course! This summer, trade in stadium seating for the nearly extinct novelty of the drive-in theater.

7 Classic Movies For Your Children: E.T. Babe The Wizard of Oz The Princess Bride Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory The Secret Garden The Sound of Music

Boulevard Drive-In Theatre Where: 1051 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, KS 66103 Phone: 913.262.0392 Web: BoulevardDriveIn.com

Not sure if a particular movie is appropriate for your children?

PluggedIn.com is a terrific website that reviews movies, videos, music, TV and games. Plus check out their “Movie Nights for Kids” section which includes a 1-page tip sheet for parents with activities and discussion questions.

I-70 Drive-In Theatre Where: 8701 E. 40 Hwy., Kansas City, MO 64129 Phone: 816.861.0501 Web: GlobeCinemas.com/Cinemas Twin Drive-In Theatres Where: 1320 N. 291 Hwy. & Kentucky Rd., Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816.257.2234 Web: GlobeCinemas.com/Cinemas

Visit KCParent.com for tips on making the most of your visit to the drive-in with your family!

Even Though I Was Shy, No

IT’S HERE...

JUST WHAT YOU’VE ASKED FOR!

spring/summer 2012 fall/winter 2011-12 FREE May 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

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word from dad

I will see my provider.

out of gas

“D

ad!” I exclaimed after I discovered that he had slid my cake in front of him when I wasn’t looking. Dad gave a big guffaw and slid my cake back to me. He loved expressing his sense of humor, but always in harmless ways. Being a child in my middle teens, though, I was too involved in my own dignity and I didn’t appreciate his humor as much as he thought I should. My pompous self-importance drew his wit like a mosquito on a hot summer night, and it was just as pointed.

I accompanied him on an errand in his pickup out through the countryside to Olathe when we stopped at a light. After the light turned green, our motor sputtered and stopped.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as he reached under the seat.

“Nothing,” he answered with an air of nonchalance, “we just ran out of gas.” He turned the key and tried to start the motor.

At nearly 15, I already knew more than Dad and I knew that every vehicle needed fuel. Just acting like it had fuel wouldn’t make it magically appear. I became embarrassed as cars drove around us.

“Do you need any help?” one driver called out.

“No thanks,” Dad answered cheerfully and continued to crank the starter. I slid down in my seat and pulled my hand over my face when the motor coughed to life.

Astonished, I stared at him and Dad laughed.

“I installed another gas tank. I just switched it over and it started.You should have seen your face.” Dad laughed again.

Forty years later, Sandi poured a cup of coffee and turned to do something else.

Unnoticed, I picked up her cup and placed it in a different location.

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad,” I thought with a smile.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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SHOULD SPORTS BE REQUIRED?

G

ordon Brown, former Prime Minister of Great Britain, lit a fitness fire in the UK while in office. Fueled by both the glaring statistics showing low physical activity in today’s children and the UK’s role in the upcoming Summer Olympics, the British Government is getting involved in the physical health of its future. They launched a Sports Manifesto that guaranteed each child the opportunity of competitive sport. Their government sees the increase in participation in school sports as an important social investment.

The Sports Manifesto states: “This ambition will be reinforced through a new Pupil Guarantee, ensuring every pupil will have access to: • regular competitive sport; • coaching to improve their skills and enjoyment; • a choice of different sports; • pathways to get involved in club and elite sport, and; • opportunities to lead and volunteer in sport.”

KCParent asked its readers to send in their favorite photos of their kids participating in sports.

With numerous entries, 20 finalists and thousands of votes, meet the five winners!

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kcparent.com june 2012

BRAYDON

Braydon lets us know he has it under control during the middle of the race. He lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys BMX, baseball and Nascar.

Again, this isn’t a requirement, just the opportunity to participate. Maybe the Brits are on to something. This strategy, called the P.E. and School Sports Strategy, has found success. In 1997, only one in four UK children ages 5-16 was doing two hours of P.E. and sport a week. As of 2007, nine out of 10 were getting their two hours in. But it wasn't cheap. With a price tag of almost $4 billion (U.S. dollars), they have created 422 school sports partnerships and 2,300 school sports coordinators, a National Sports Week and the UK School Games.

In contrast, kids in school in the United States get only a few precious minutes on the playground at recess, weather permitting, and an hour or two a week in P.E. class. And technically, the kids aren't getting even an hour of exercise. The American Journal of Physical Education conducted a study among elementary school students in Texas and found that although the students were in P.E. class

an average of 140 minutes per week, they were active an average of only 10.4 minutes per week. Some schools have even cut that program out completely, viewing it as extracurricular and the first thing cut from school budgets.

Stanford University reports in their Stanford Report article “Building Generation Play” that one recent study among 8to 18-year-olds found that they spend 6.5 hours per day with personal use media (including TV, DVDs, computers, radio and CDs), among which a daily average of 4 hours is spent watching TV, DVDs or videos. Are we really all that stumped as to why childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise?

Perhaps starting a similar program in the United States could be just the right thing to turn things around for our youth.

Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

PROS:

1. Participation. Children get to participate in sports programs they normally wouldn’t enjoy whether the constraint was lack of access to such programs, financial reasons, inability to get there or not having support from home.

2. Development of a healthy lifestyle. Children get the opportunity to choose a sport they normally wouldn’t have chosen before. By selecting the sports they would like to participate in, they are showing what really interests them. Therefore, they’ll stick with it longer.

Making it a part of their daily lives now will create a lifelong dedication to an active lifestyle.

3. Exercise. They would be getting at least one hour of vigorous play a day.

Physical inactivity takes a toll in more than one area. From Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the estimated costs of physical inactivity in the United States are $37.2 billion annually. More research shows that childhood obesity alone is estimated to cost $14 billion annually in health expenses.

4. Becoming better students. Active children do better in school. A recent study by the American College of Sports Medicine found that moderate activity for 30 minutes, like P.E., did nothing to influence the grades of the middle school children in their study. However, what it did show was that the more active the children were, the better their grades were. Those children were the ones that participated in sports like basketball, soccer, football, baseball and softball outside of school.

CHLOE Chloe poses at her dance recital at Diane’s School of Dance. She lives in Riverside and loves art, riding horses and reading books.

THE MORE ACTIVE THE CHILDREN WERE, THE BETTER THEIR GRADES WERE IN SCHOOL.

TRENT

Trent gets some casual football practice in at Rotary Park, Blue Springs. He lives in Independence and enjoys traveling, time with family and riding go-carts.

kcparent.com june 2012

21

CONS:

Are sports drinks okay for kids?

Find out at KCParent.com.

What do kids learn from sports?

Sports teach things that go well beyond the ball field: • self-esteem • cooperation • patience • persistence • social skills • critical thinking • self-discipline • how to lose graciously • respect for others • goal setting • leadership skills

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1. Ridicule. Not all kids are athletically inclined. Could this actually hurt their self-esteem? We’ve all seen it. We’ve watched the kid that steps up to the plate and looks like he has never held a bat before. His peers laugh. As if we need one more thing for kids to get bullied about.

But if given the right coaching and consistent skill development, would this still be an issue?

2. Pressure of competition. Some kids just aren’t competitive. They don’t feel the need to win or have the desire to win. However, if given the perspective that sports isn’t about winning, it is about being active and enjoying the activity, the right message is clear. And not everything has to be team-oriented. Swimming, gymnastics, tennis and dancing are individual pursuits, yet great exercise.

3. Injuries. Four million children head to the ER for sports injuries every year. Also, overuse injuries are on the rise for kids that play the same sport all year round. Can someone alert the “elite” clubs in town...stat?

4. Government involvement. Who wants the government to get involved in something at the local level when they have much bigger issues to deal with? But maybe an investment in our society’s future and our communities would provide a better return on investment than some of our current political agendas.

The jury is still out on whether or not this approach would be effective here, but across the pond, everything seems to be working with great results. What do we have to lose? A few pounds...which is a good thing here!

Hallie Sawyer is a freelance writing mom in Overland Park who has no less than 30 balls roaming around her car, garage and backyard at all times.

LEXIE

NOLAN

Fishing with her daddy at Hillsdale, Lexie caught three fish that day and this is one of them! Lexie lives in Raymore and loves dancing, soccer and playing with her friends.

Nolan plays in his first T-Ball game, ready and waiting for the action. He lives in Overland Park and enjoys going to parks, the library and Royals games.

media mix

For the Father in Your Life Try these ideas for the person who expands the world for you and your children.

Grill-It! (Sluice) When summer comes, dads start grilling!

Download this app for both Apple and Android products before you fire up the grill. With free recipes and marinades, a simple user interface and great photos, this app will be well-used by summer’s end.

GeekDad.com You’ll find this blog at Wired.com/GeekDad. As we raise Geek Generation 2.0, this site will provide all kinds of great ideas to impress little minds. Legos, homemade batteries, first-time gardens, comic strips and all the new electronic toys come streaming to you straight from Wired Magazine with the new dad in mind! Although not completely intuitive, there are plenty of articles that will catch your attention, with a full staff of editors and a large community of contributors.

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown (Chronicle). A must-have for Father’s Day, the Dark Lord is envisioned actually having to parent the adorable little Luke. Does Vader have the ultimate power in the universe? Apparently, that is not enough to raise a 4-yearold… Brown’s comic book drawings capture these iconic characters doing everyday things like making breakfast, playing checkers and fighting with, of course, a twin sister!

Faster! Faster! by Leslie Patricelli (Candlewick). Patricelli’s trademark bright colors and wide smiling faces return in this ode to a special fatherdaughter bond. As a young girl takes her father’s necktie in her hands like reins, she climbs aboard her most beloved ride and yells, “Faster! Faster!”

Daddy changes into a dog, then a rabbit, followed by a host of other animals, all wearing his purple tie.

Finally, he collapses with exhaustion as a sea turtle, and they share a tender moment. (3 – 7) Tyrannosaurus Dad by Liz Rosenberg, illus. by Matthew Myers (Roaring Brook). A human boy named Tobias has a Tyrannosaurus for a dad. Field Day is coming, and Tobias, more than anything, wants his father to play in the baseball game. But Dad is always working. Will he show up on the big day? Rich and expressive illustrations make this title a true winner. (4 – 8) 50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do) by Gever Tulley and Julie Spiegler (Penguin). In 2007, Tulley spoke at a TED.com conference on the “5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do,” which was an excerpt of this book. The video has been seen by millions and touched on something very primal in parenting. Tulley believes that child safety regulations and overzealous parenting have ballooned to the point that children are unprepared to handle the sharp corners of life. Do you agree? Do you let your children play with fire? Then you’ll like this book.

Julie Hubble lets her children play with fire in Leawood. kcparent.com june 2012

23

ready

set

swipe! teaching kids

about credit

ey.

Credit is not free mon

line en you are standing in It can sure feel like it wh ticen you so badly staring at with the item you want ipe sw ple sim is make one ingly. All you have to do st ere talking about intere wh is is Th rs. and it’s all you , nth mo the hin wit it pay for comes in. If he cannot m is st, which means the ite ere int d rge cha be l wil he ce. pri r ke ve than the stic actually more expensi

Keep track of your cha rges.

Emphasize that keepin g track of w and where hat you spe is importan nd t. Kids (teen tend to hav s especially e selective ) m e m to money. G o ive them a sm ries when it comes all ledger o on their pho r an app ne that will allow them charges an to track any d spending .

Use yourself as an example.

Good credit or bad, your own credit report and credit card statements are a wealth of knowledge for your kids. If you have good credit, get a credit report and show your kids what you did right. Tell them the steps you take to pay off your credit cards.

If you have poor credit, whip out that credit report and tell the cautionary tale. Show them what not taking care of your credit can do.

DON’T MISS OUT! JOIN US ON

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W

e all have it. None of us want it. Credit and debt are a harsh reality for many of us. Whether we have it or are avoiding it like the plague, it's time to sit down with our children to teach them the in’s and out’s (and all the icky in between’s) of using credit.

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Part of preparing your child to learn about credit is to prepare yourself.You don't need to be a financial expert, but you should know the basics about how credit cards work, including common fees and interest and how credit cards can affect credit scores.

The first step is to start early. Money is something that needs to be up for open discussion. There is absolutely nothing

wrong with living on a budget, even a very tight one. Talk to your kids about budgets and what it takes to stay in budget. Using allowances to help them learn to earn and save money will get them ready to learn about credit.

Once your kids have a good handle on basic cold hard cash, move them onto an actual checking account so they can learn the banking basics. Let them start with the checks and learn how to balance the checkbook before giving them their first piece of actual plastic.

When your child is ready for the debit card, it's also time to talk about credit. Even though the debit card is not a credit card, it will be their first introduction to easily spending potentially large amounts of money in one simple swipe.

This is great practice for the real deal. Just make sure that when you set the account up, you tell the bank not to authorize any charges that will result in an overdraft of the account. This will save both you and your child from very expensive hassles later on.

You have set up a great foundation of financial knowledge and now you can capitalize on it. Don't forget to praise the good, such as saving money and not writing bad checks, and explain how to learn from the mistakes.

Do you feel your child is ready for her own credit card? The first instinct may be to run out and buy a pre-paid credit card. Resist! These cards are so full of fees they're just not worth it. Instead, find a card with a low credit limit and cosign for them.

This way if they do make the mistake of spending too much, it won't be disastrous for either of you.

Credit can be a good thing. It helps us pay for things that we would normally be unable to afford such as homes, cars and college. Take every step you can to set your child up for a smart financial future.

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

PURPOSE

To study the effects of adult speech on grammatical development of preschoolers with language delay.

BENEFITS

Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child, whether or not Effects of Adult on Grammar theSpeech child qualifies for the study. Developmen

in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

WHO QUALIFIES?

Children 4 and 5 years old with PURPOSE BENEFITS To study the effects of adult speech delays Caregivers receivetoa summary of developmental that appear on grammatical development of testing for their child, whether or n be specific to language. preschoolers with language delay. the child qualifies for the study.

WHO QUALIFIES?

CAREGIVER CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES Bring your child to KUMC for up RESPONSIBILITIES 4 preliminary evaluations of you

Children 4 and 5 years old with developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

Bring your child to KUMC forcommunication up to child’s skills.

Attend 10 study sessions 4 preliminary evaluations of your at KUMC or at home. child’s communication skills. Attend 10 study sessions KUMC or atDevelopment Effects of Adult Speech on at Grammar home.Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar

Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey Development

Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey

2012-- Make it a musical summer!

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For tips on raising money-savvy kids, visit KCParent.com.

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call today - 913-735-9773. kcparent.com june 2012

25

what I

really want for father’s day

Catch all the latest in KC Parent’s blogs this summer, including our newest blogger, Brett Anthony, along with all-new teen bloggers. At the KCParent.com blogs, you’ll find the inside scoop on what to do the summer so your kids don’t say, “I’m bored” – along with so much more!

M

any of you may know (or perhaps don’t know) that I am the morning meteorologist at 41 Action News, a job that requires me to wake up early—really early. How does waking up at 1:45 a.m. strike you? You get used to it.

The best part of the schedule is that I get to spend a lot of time with my kids after school and during the evening. Speaking of kids, I have two boys, Seth and Aaron, two cats, Whiskers and Lucy, and have been married to my wife, Sherri, for 21 years. We have lived in Olathe for the last 10 years.

The question I’m facing as we get closer to Father’s Day 2012 is what do I really want for Father’s Day? Do I want a universal television remote control or a tie that contains a hidden message?

Too cryptic! Or how about the impressive wireless talking barbecue and oven thermometer? All have a certain attraction for one reason or another… I mean who wouldn’t want a thermometer that tells you when to flip a steak? But what I really want for Father’s Day comes down to what I want every day: quality time with my fast-growing kids.

I bet you thought I was going to say a long, uninterrupted nap, considering the time of night my alarm clock buzzes, or a complete day of silence parked on the couch watching some sporting event.

Or maybe an endless sunny day on a golf course where my swing is perfect and all my putts drop in for birdies. Those days will come, except for the perfect golf day.

That’s only possible on a video game. So my top pick is really as simple as “quality time.” Why that? Because every time I look at my 7- and 11-year-olds, it seems they’ve somehow gotten a fast pass to adulthood. They are growing faster than some video of a dancing dog goes viral on the internet. I am so thankful my 7-year-old still holds my hand when we cross a parking lot, but I know those days are numbered. So, for now, I relish that moment of quality time.

Author Gary Chapman wrote a book called The 5 Love Languages.

The book says that everyone has a love language, a way of expressing and interpret-

ing love. Sherri, the kids and I all share the same love language and that is “Quality Time.” Quality time, as Chapman notes, is being there for that person with undivided attention. TV off, work done—in other words, no distractions.

That’s what I really want. Although I try every day to give Seth and Aaron that quality time, they always seem to catch me drifting off to another thought, most times work-related. As many of you can attest, more work seems to come our ways with the same amount of time in which to do it. With all the technological advances in recent years, no one has figured out how to stop the 24-hour clock that ticks every day. When my mind wanders, my younger, Aaron, with voice raised, will say emphatically, “Dad, you’re not listening to me!” He’s right, and it’s a call to action to refocus and stop thinking about how soon I get to open that package of cookies sitting on the kitchen counter or check Facebook to see whether it’s my turn at Words with Friends.

So here is what Father’s Day should look like for our family. My older son, Seth, will try to break me down physically with a laundry list of backyard sports games that will test my twice-surgically-repaired left knee. Hopefully, it survives. That’s when Aaron—who, by the way, is 1,000 times smarter than me already at the age of 7—will invite me to his bedroom for countless consecutive hours of playing Legos. The challenge here will be to just stay awake. Remember, his older brother just took me to my 47-year-old physical limits. Lego building will be easy by comparison, and it will eventually turn out to be Aaron’s building Legos and my just listening to his theories on everything from dinosaurs to celestial black holes to presidential history.

For both boys, I don’t think it’s what we are doing; it’s that we are spending time together. And while it may seem like I’m giving more than I am getting for Father’s Day, that is really not the case.

Because for everything we will do on Father’s Day, I will finish the day with a smile on my face because of quality time.

Brett Anthony is the morning meteorologist at 41 Action News, KSHB-TV. He has been working in TV for 25 years, the last 10 in Kansas City. He’s been married to his wife, Sherri, twice as long and has two boys; Seth, who is 11, and 7-year old Aaron.

Need help finding the perfect gift for Dad? Visit KCParent.com for a list of terrific ideas.

26

kcparent.com june 2012

Special Advertising Section

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

support in a fun, high-energy environment for kids, ages 6-17, who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Carousel is a free, weekend retreat, Sept. 21-23, combining fun, recreational activities and creative opportunities to foster sharing and healing for grieving families with school-aged children and teens.

Both camps are at Heartland Center. See display ad on pg. 31. Call 816.363.2600 or visit www.KCHospice.org.

Camp Special Beginnings

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

Accelerated Schools At Accelerated Schools of Overland Park, we work with students who don’t fit “in the box.”

Join us this summer for High School credit courses, as well as Summer Camp for students in grades 1-8. Individualized tutoring is also available. We offer a flexible schedule and

low student/teacher ratio. 913.341.6666. See display ad on pg. 30. www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org

Camp Erin Camp Erin is a free, weekend, overnight camp, June 8-10, with grief education and emotional

Make wonderful memories with great friends and caring teachers at Camp Special Beginnings! Your child will have a SUPER FUN summer being a part of a high-quality program in a positive, Christian environment. Enjoy fieldtrips including Science City, Power Play, and KC Zoo, as well as participate in top notch educational activities including Spanish and Book Club.

Camps available to 1st-6th graders for both FT and PT. 913.492.4659. See display ad on pg. 30 for free registration (new families only). www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

Ceramics and Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Ceramics & Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire is offering summer camp for its 14th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our

kcparent.com june 2012

27

FULL & 1/2-DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 4-18!

RECOMMENDED READING A laugh-out-loud funny collection of real letters written by children ages eight to sixteen to their parents about their adventures at summer camp. P.S. I Still Hate It Here conjures up the experience of being away from home, and the hilarious and lasting memories that accompany that special place called sleep away camp.

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multi-medium camps. Check it out online and get a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. All supplies and a daily snack are included.

Sibling and early registration discounts are available. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website.

See display ad on pg. 30. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Christian Youth Theatre Join Christian Youth Theater for summer fun! Camps include: “Winnie the Pooh” (ages 4-5), “Jungle Out There” and “So You Want to be a Pop Star” (ages 5-12), “Xtreme Theater: Harry Potter” (ages 10 - 14), “Camp Willy” (Shakespeare) (ages 12-18), middle school camp “Selections from Shrek” (grades 6 - 8) and our high school overnight master camp “Guys and Dolls” including two full production performances. Camps offered June -July at locations throughout the KC area. Call 913.681.3318 for more information or visit us online at www.CYTKC.org. See display ad on pg. 28.

The Culture House

It’s A

JUNGLE OUT THERE

Winnie Pooh the

Spend your summer at The Culture House! A whole new selection of summer programs includes dance, theater, music and art. 2-Week Musical Intensives, Godspell and Jungle Book, Stuntman Stage and Film Combat Camp, Enchanted Princess Ballet, Animation Nation, Creative Kingdom Art Camp, Annie Musical Revue, Broadway Starz, Beat Bounce Hip Hop Workshop & END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: The Ridiculously Entertaining Talent Spectacular! Openings limited, call today. (14808 W 117th St, Olathe) 913.393.3141. See display ad on pg. 7. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com.

A Fairytale Ballet elections From

hrek

Camp

Willy

GET DETAILS & SIGN UP TODAY AT CYTKC.ORG

Experience the enchanting world of A Fairytale Ballet this summer!

Exclusively for ages 2-8, camps combine cherished childhood literature, with dance, music, props and beautiful costumes each week. Children will create a take-home prop in our prop workshop. Watch your little ballerina blossom when she becomes Cinderella and other favorite princesses this summer! Camps and classes are offered Mon.- Sat. in the morning and afternoon, June-Aug. 913.671.7944. See display ad on pg. 29. www.AFairytaleBallet.com

i9 Sports Camp i9 Sports is best known for making smiles, but we also produce pats on the back, cheers, and good sportsmanship. While we offer flag football, t-ball, basketball, soccer leagues and cheerleading for kids ages 2 to 14, we provide an incomparable experience that goes far beyond the game.

KANSAS CITY 28

kcparent.com june 2012

Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geobased Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for camps!

Parents can expect convenience and unsurpassed organization and communication. Join us for an all sports summer camp June 11-15.

For details visit us online at www.i9Sports.com or call 913.904.0810. See display ad on pg. 31.

KC Young Audiences The KCYA Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps and private instruction on the campus of St. Teresa’s Academy. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 29. www.KCYA.org.

KinderCare KinderCare offers school break camps that focus on education and include plenty of fun.

Our camps are THE place to be when school is out. At KinderCare, it’s our passion that makes us different. A passion for teaching and caring for children that leads us to develop the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually – equally. Visit us at www.KinderCare.com or contact us at 1.877.

KinderCare to learn more. See display ad on pg. 9.

Miller Marley Miller Marley’s Summer Intensive is a two-week (Aug. 20 - Aug. 23 and Aug. 27 - Aug. 30) dancebased program staffed by an all-star faculty of consummate professionals. The Intensive is open to students in 4th grade through high school and includes training at the intermediate through pre-professional level. Classes will meet in the evening. Please contact the studio at 913.492.0004 or info@millermarley.com.for further information about class descriptions, costs and scheduling. See display ad on pg. 27. www.MillerMarley.com

an unforgettable adventure with horses

2012 Horsemanship for Fun Summer Camps safety • saddling • grooming • games on horseback • RIDE, RIDE, RIDE!

5 Camp session dates June 18-22; June 25-29; July 9-13; July 16-20; July 23-27 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ages 8 through 14 years. $265.00 per session.

Call or email now!

Phone: 816-220-2332 E-mail: cindystrahm@hotmail.com Misty River Equestrian Center 21400 Eureka Road Independence, MO 64057

Missouri Military Academy The New ERA Summer School - Enrichment & Recovery Academy offers students in grades 7-12 an opportunity to gain extra credit or recover lost credits. New ERA offers boarding and day options for boys and day options for girls. Fun activities are incorporated into the daily schedule. June 24-July 21. Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 can learn basic leadership skills at this military-style boarding camp. Campers will enjoy adventures while learning how to tap into their inner leader. July 8-20. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 31. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org.

Misty River Equestrian Center Find adventure EVERY DAY at Misty River Equestrian Center’s Horsemanship For FUN summer day camp (located near I-70 and 291 Hwy in Independence). Each Session is continued on pg. 31 kcparent.com june 2012

29

DO check with the camp director to see what the camp’s policies are regarding care packages. Be sure to ask what items may or may not be included. Also, consider sending your child to camp with photos or a favorite stuffed animal.

camp guide

CAMP

DO avoid mentioning how much parents, siblings, family and even pets miss them.

DON’T worry. Your natural reaction is to call on the first day just about bedtime to see how your camper is doing. Remember that counselors are trained to help campers adjust to camp life.

HELLO CAMPER

C

amp is a special time for children and youth. Through a positive camp experience, campers develop self-esteem, ward off summer learning loss and develop a sense of independence. For the families at home, communicating with their campers is a fun and exciting way to share in the camp experience. The American Camp Association® (ACA) suggests the following do’s and don’ts for families to keep in touch with their happy camper:

DO give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards so that he or she can keep you informed of camp activities.

DO send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives. This lets young campers know that the family is thinking about them, assures campers that parents know they are having a good time and expresses enthusiasm for the camp’s activities.

Packing for overnight camp?

Visit KCParent.com for a list of what to bring (and what to leave at home!).

Your destination location for

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$50 tuition credit if you enroll by July 1

Many camps also offer families the opportunity to check in from afar, using technology to post photos and video of daily activities to camp websites. It’s important for families to always check with the camp director prior to camp to get the scoop on policies—from what electronics are allowed at camp to correspondences with home.

ACA reminds families that there truly is a camp for every child and every situation. For more information on the life-changing experience of camp, or to use ACA’s Find a Camp database to find the perfect camp experience for your child, visit CampParents.org. In addition, families can follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

Monday -Friday, from 8 AM - 2 PM for ages 8-14 years. No experience required. Campers will learn safety, saddling, grooming, horse bathing, horseback games, and they will RIDE, RIDE, RIDE!!! The buccaneers can show their skills at the Friday night Family Weenie Roast/Showdeo.

Now enrolling. 816.220.2332 See display ad on pg. 29. www.MistyRiverEq.com

June 8-10, 2012

Theatre of the Imagination Performing arts. One and two week camps run Mon-Fri, May 31-Aug. 12 at 6100 W. 127th, OP, KS. Open Pre-K -10th grades. Half-day or full-day, (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), available. Shows spoof Clones, Divas, Vampires, Princesses, Video Games and more. No auditions and no experience required. Free costumes, shows & snacks.

Multiple child discount 10%. Flexible schedule, make your own. Specials: $54 half day, $99 full day. Also have one week camps in NKC, LS and Plaza, 816.561.2787 or tiarts@hotmail.com. See KC Parent ad on pg. 31 for $20 coupon. www.DramaKC.com

YMCA Summer Program At Y Day Camp, the possibilities are endless— and fun. Kids explore nature, find new talents, and make lasting friendships and memories.

Choose among camps for preschoolers, grade schoolers and teens with different themes weekly. Specialty camps include sports, engineering, cooking and fashion; service learning for tweens and teens; and a new camp at Camp Naish to explore the outdoors. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Shawnee Mission and Spring Hill school districts; Platte County Community Center South and Broadway United Methodist Church in KCMO. See display ad on pg. 5. www.YMCASummerFun.org.

Flag Football • Soccer • Baseball Basketball • Cheerleading

September 21-23, 2012 Free weekend camps for grieving children & their families Presented by Solace House, a program of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care

kansascityhospice.org 816.363.2600

    

   

 



REACH NEW HEIGHTS THIS SUMMER

Organized Programs For Boys & Girls 2-14

913-904-0810 Focus on fun, inclusivity, good sportsmanship, and safe play All skill levels! No tryouts!

All instructors background checked and certified FREE Memberships Available

For more information and to sign up as a member, visit www.i9sports.com.

Summer opportunities abound at MMA! Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 learn basic leadership and military skills from experienced mentors at this military-style leadership camp. July 8-20.

New ERA Summer School - Students in grades 7-12 can recover lost credits or gain extra credits in just four weeks at our structured academic summer school program. Co-ed day and all-boy boarding options available. A full schedule of fun activities is included.

June 24-July 21.

Visit www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer kcparent.com june 2012

31

KANSAS CITY Water Slide Water Water SlideSlide Slide Combos Slide Combos Slide Combos Obstacle Course Obstacle Course Obstacle Course Character Themes Character Themes

Where kids come to play!

10% OFF Weekend Party

Character Top Quality Themes

Service $5 off&with ad

$5 off with ad

Mention ad for $10 off & FREE delivery

913-538-7227

www.airjumpmoonwalk.com

Olathe location

LASER TAG

Throw an outdoor laser tag party!

Rent our taggers. Play anywhere. We come to you.

GET YOUR GAME ON

913-232-2692

www.KansasCityLaserTag.com

$7.50, $1.50 OFF 2(reg. per group)

Open Play Both locations

Monkey Bizness 20800 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 913-780-2500

$50 OFF Saturday Parties June Only Shawnee Only $249 & up

Litttle Monkey Bizness 12219 S.M. Pkwy Shawnee Mission, KS 913-631-7000

monkeybizness.com | littlemonkeybizness.com Visit us on facebook: Little Monkey Bizness Shawnee & Monkey Bizness Olathe

party guide

KC Parent’s

KC MOM PARTY TIPS

MOONWALKS WATER SLIDES CONCESSIONS

913-441-9200

www.FunServicesMidwest.com

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kcparent.com june 2012

Don’t go at it alone! You can’t be in two places at once. You can’t play musical chairs, cut the cake and direct traffic to the bathroom at the same time. Enlist one or more “big people” (adults or responsible older children) to help you at the birthday party.

Mary Fitzgerald, Olathe

FU N R UN

The MagiComedy of Reggie Gray

THE MAGICOMEDY OF REGGIE GRAY 816.606.6815

Specializing in childrens & family entertainment for all occasions!

MAGIC • JUGGLING • LIVE ANIMALS www.DiscoverTheMagicInYou.com

fresh ideas + terrific themes + great venues

Indoor Pony Parties

1919 Industrial Dr. Liberty • 816.781.0386

Largest Indoor Play Centers in the Northland!

6501 N. Cosby Picture Hills • 816.741.0386

$20 off

Outdoor Rental & Receive 1 Free Child’s Admission to Indoor Facility

To book call 816-741-0386 or email rentals@funrunkansascity.com

FunRunKansasCity.com

Need more ideas?

KCParent.com has a list of great books to consult when planning your child’s next birthday party.

A scavenger hunt is a fun activity for a child’s birthday party. Depending on the age of the kids, you may limit the hunt to your yard or home. Older kids will enjoy going around the neighborhood, but make sure you have one adult with each group and set some clear boundaries.

Elizabeth Scott, Kansas City

Let us bring our ZOO to you!

for mentioning this ad. Exp. 6/30/12

kcparent.com june 2012

33

Special Advertising Section

Special Beginnings Early Learning Serving the community for over 20 years, Special Beginnings has 4 JOCO locations in Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park. Special Beginnings provides a quality program within a safe, loving, Christian environment. The programs have earned NAC national accreditation. Well-balanced, pre-academic curriculum includes art, music, cooking, and an innovative early wellness program. Serving infant through school age children. Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

M-F. See display ad to receive a $100 tuition credit. See display ad on pg. 36. www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

Wee Workshop

KC Parent’s

Education Guide

Interactive Education Guide available @ KCParent.com

Early Childhood All 4 KIDS Christian Day Care & Preschool Offering full- and part-time daycare and preschool for ages 1-5, our focus is to provide a Christian learning environment while helping parents to grow the whole child both spiritually and intellectually. Our age based Christian curriculum will promote the love of reading, the world of numbers, values and character building. Quality teachers will sing, read, talk and listen, and your child will feel secure in their home away from home. See display ad on pg. 34. 913.764.0300. www.All4KidsChristianDaycare.com

Building Blocks Building Blocks is a privately owned and operated child development center for children ages 2½ - pre-kindergarten. At Building Blocks our goal is to enable your child to learn and experience life though a hands-on approach in an atmosphere where they feel good about themselves and the world around them. Field trips, computer classes and summer swimming lessons are also offered at an additional fee. Building Blocks is located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park.

913.888.7244. See display ad onp pg. 34. www.BuildingBlocksCDC.com

“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future” Child Development Center “The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

Child Development Center • Preschool, Pre-kindergarten & Child Care • Starting at age 2 1/2 • Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm • Located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park • Privately owned & operated

913.888.7244

www.buildingblockscdc.com

ENROLLING NOW!

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kcparent.com june 2012

Wee

Workshop

Child Development Center Ages Two Weeks to Twelve Years Part Time Preschool • Mom’s Day Out Two Convenient Locations:

127th & Antioch 913.681.2190

162nd & Metcalf Ave 913.681.2191

Family Owned and Operated since 1990

weeworkshopchildcare.com Our dedicated teachers have a combined total of over 125 years of childcare experience. Their kindness provides a warm and loving atmosphere for your child. This includes many hours of hands-on activities. Wee Workshop is your home away from home.

Wee Workshop has been serving Southern Johnson County for nearly twenty-two years as a family owned business. Full time childcare is offered for ages two weeks to five years.

After school and full time summer care is also provided. Additional programs offered include part-time Preschool for ages three to five during the school year, and Mother’s Day Out for ages one and two. We’re open year round, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Call 913.681.2190 (OP) or 913.681.2191 (Stilwell) for more information. See display ad on pg. 34 for a free week coupon. www.WeeWorkshopChildCare.com

Elementary - High School Brookridge Day School We believe that the secret to learning is within the child rather than the method. We offer an education with positive, enriching experiences inside a loving environment. Our goal is to create a classroom where the child is exposed to as many different ways to learn as possible,

Missouri Military Academy

Colleges and Universities Johnson County Community College With 100+ transfer agreements with area colleges and universities, you choose a specific major here and take the courses needed to complete your degree at a four-year school.

JCCC also offers 50+ one-year certificate and

Enrichment Rapid Road to Reading The Rapid Road to Reading learning center provides one-to-one interactive instruction for students K- 6th grade. Our program incorporates a variety of instructional methods that result in high rates of literacy achievement.

While learning to recognize the sounds of letter combinations and sight words, students master skills needed to crack the code of reading. The emphasis on expanding our students’ vocabulary and teaching them to associate nouns with images and verbs with actions is integral to improving reading comprehension. 913.317.5515.

See display ad on pg. 35. www.RapidRoadToReading.com

S

U

M M I

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Missouri Military Academy is one of the premier all-boy private military boarding schools in the country. Educating young men in grades 6-12 for more than 120 years. MMA has an impressive record of college admission and thousands of accomplished alumni who have assumed positions of authority in business, finance, law, education, the arts and the military. Located in Mexico, Mo., MMA’s boarding and activities programs offer 11 varsity sports, marching band, drama, Army JROTC, Cadet Chorus, drill team and Boy Scouts. For more information see our website. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 31. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

SCA is a college-preparatory, nondenominational Christian school in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. Serving over 660 students from preschool through 12th grade, SCA is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the North Central Association. The 36-acre campus includes both an elementary and secondary facility. SCA offers extensive extracurricular activities including fine arts, athletics, and academic groups. Teachers are fully certified and are chosen for their ability to inspire students. Call 816.525.1480 or email scoats@sca-kc.org to schedule a private tour or appointment. See display ad on pg. 35. www.Summit-Christian-Academy.org

two-year associate degree and certificate programs. JCCC students find time for fun!

Concerts, plays, comedians, movies, sports, 50+ special interest clubs, student governance, lectures and campus forums are some of the activities students enjoy. 913.469.3803. See display ad on pg. 36. www.JCCC.edu

Y

Those who believe a quality education should include an emphasis on the development of Christian character, wisdom beyond the accumulation of information and knowledge, and a lifestyle of service and responsible citizenship would feel right at home at Maranatha Academy. Besides a rigorous academic curriculum, students have many avenues in which to excel, including athletics, visual or performing arts, National Honor Society, Scholar Bowl, student council, community service, yearbook, journalism, and more. We welcome the new Superintendent-Elect, Mark Schultze. 913.631.0637. See display ad on pg. 37. www.MA-KC.org

Summit Christian Academy (SCA)

M

Maranatha Christian Academy

Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geo-based Education Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for schools!

E

enhancing the probability of successful learning for every learner. Ballet, tap, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do offered on campus. Before & after school care included. Tours: 913.649.2228. See display ad on pg. 36. www.BrookridgeDaySchool.com

T

IA

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A

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660 Preschool-12th Grade Students 13:1 Student/Teacher Ratio 2011 Average Composite ACT of 25.2 Ranked #7 on “Top Area Private High Schools” List by Ingram’s Magazine Accredited by Association of Christian Schools International and North Central Association College Prep • College Credit Courses Fine Arts • Athletics International Program 36-Acre Campus in Lee’s Summit, Missouri Missouri State High School Activities Association Enrolling now for the 2012-13 school year.

Call 816.525.1480 for a personal tour.

summit-christian-academy.org kcparent.com june 2012

35

education guide

WHAT NOT TO DO THIS SUMMER

beating summer brain drain

A

hhhhhh…summer.

The season of lazy days, pool time and vacation getaways, Right? Absolutely.

But it’s also the season of “brain drain,” when kids lose much of the skills and knowledge they mastered during the previous school year.

Exactly how much is lost and in what areas depends on the child, but research suggests that elementary school-aged children can lose up to three months of previously mastered skills over a dormant summer break.

“We spend the first three weeks of school reviewing material that the students learned the previous year. This must be done because it is necessary for them to have the foundation so we can build off of it in third grade,” Mendy Wilson, third grade

teacher at Lillian Schumacher Elementary in Liberty, says. “This review is important; however, it does take time away from moving forward with third grade curriculum.”

Whitney Szczucinski, second grade teacher at Cambridge Elementary in

Special Beginnings Early Learning Center

Belton, considers communications arts and math to be the subject areas most affected by summer brain drain. “Children do not use those skills and/or are not asked to explain why/ how they are doing things over the summer, so they have to rebuild them the next year. Think about it in terms of training for a 5K all year then stopping exercise for two months.You could not jump in and run another race.You would have to spend some time rebuilding your stamina.”

The good news is that parents can help their children retain and build knowledge over the summer, without creating a stuffy, textbookfilled atmosphere.

“Take advantage of all there is to offer in Kansas City,” Szczucinski suggests. “Public libraries, the Nelson-Atkins

Creating your story at JCCC …

PT or FT schedule Accredited Kindergarten thru 3rd Grades.

Preschool Accreditation through K.D.H.E. Parent Friendly Hours - 6:45am to 6:00pm.

now open at 6:00 am

M-F 6 am to 6 pm

Infants to 12 years

Full-time / Part-time Preschool Available.

Minutes from 69 Hwy., I-35 & I-435.

Quality Christian early care and education for over 20 years!

OLATHE

Infants-Prekindergarten 14169 Murlen Rd 913.393.2223

OVERLAND PARK Infants-School Age 8205 W 108th Terr 913-378-1075

LENEXA

Enrolling now for 2012-2013

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kcparent.com june 2012

10216 Pflumm Rd, 913-894-0131 Register TODAY & receive $100 credit upon enrollment!

“You can do it! You can totally do it!”

Nicole, Student Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 913-469-3803 | www.jccc.edu “Like” JCCC at facebook.com/JCCC411

SUMMER READING IN KANSAS CITY

Museum, Deanna Rose, etc. all have free or reduced-priced summer programs.”

Summer camps provide an enriching experience for kids and are a great way to combine physical activity, new skills and structure in a fun environment.

Go to KCParent.com for a listing of area summer camps.

Home provides an abundance of opportunities for you and your kids to practice skills together.

Invite your child to cook with you and have him read the recipe and measure the ingredients. Or operate a lemonade stand and have your child make change for customers.

Maintaining a level of structure and consistency is the key, Szczucinski says.

WHAT NOT TO DO THIS SUMMER

Visit KCParent.com for details on all summer reading programs at local libraries.

MID-CONTINENT THRU JULY 31 JOHNSON COUNTY THRU AUG 4 BONNER SPRINGS THRU JULY 28 KANSAS CITY, KANSAS THRU JULY 31 KANSAS CITY THRU AUG 4 chapters and to do activities related to the book.”

Don’t rely on the internet and video games (even educational ones).

Children should not be expected to learn on their own with web games or a workbook, says Szczucinski. “Be an active and engaged partner in your child’s learning.

Ask questions and have high expectations.Your child needs to know that you think learning is important!”

Don’t forget to set a good example.

Kids emulate what they see around them, so if parents spend hours parked in front of the computer or television, what do you think the kids will do? You can make learning a family activity by planning trips to museums and the zoo, playing board games together and turning travel time in the car into educational opportunities.

Parents who frequently read also set good examples for children.

Don’t forget to have fun. Summer is about creating happy memories, and kids will become resentful if you are forcing facts down their throats every moment.

By keeping summer learning opportunities interesting and enjoyable, you will help your children stay on track and be prepared for the next school year, while having fun in the process!

You can make learning a family activity by planning trips to museums and the zoo, playing board games together and turning travel time in the car into educational opportunities.

Don’t wait until July to create a learning plan. If kids spend the first month of summer lazing around, they have already lost precious learning time. Start early by making a list of educational, fun activities for your children and formulate a plan for daily learning.

Don’t be afraid to contact their teachers for ideas. Check with your local library, talk with other parents, use school resources, do whatever it takes to get a plan in place right away.

Don’t skip reading. Wilson suggests children form their own summer book club: “For older children, Mark Twain Award winners are a good choice.

They can invite their friends to join them in reading the same book. The kids can then meet weekly to discuss the assigned

Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to a fun and educational summer with her family.

Ideas to make summer learning fun: Write in a journal every day. • Practice math problems or spelling words in sand or shaving cream. • Create daily or weekly themes and base activities on that theme. • Read, read, read! kcparent.com june 2012

37

River of Life Farm in the Ozark Mountains

“The world is full of nice, ordinary little people who live in nice, ordinary little houses on the ground.

But didn’t you ever dream of a house up on a tree top?” –Father, in the Disney classic film Swiss Family Robinson

H

otels are great—don’t get me wrong. My children love returning to the room to discover nicely made beds and fresh towels left behind by “hotel fairies,” as they believe housekeeping to be. Ah, to have such treatment at home! But, sometimes you’re in the mood for adventure. Something unusual.

Something unique. Something straight off the pages of your favorite storybooks… and that’s where our favorite family trips come in!

TO DREAM UPON A TREETOP

UNIQUE & UNFORGETTABLE

FAMILY VACATIONS WIN IT!

Enter to win your own night in a unique setting! One lucky family will win an Enchanted Overnight Stay at Powell Gardens on Friday, July 13.

Prize includes tickets to Enchanted: A Magical Evening in the Gardens, 6-10 p.m., an exclusive opportunity to spend the night in one of the Fairy Houses or Forts (or alternative location agreed upon with staff) and a continental breakfast before the Gardens open to the public on Saturday, July 14.

A prize money can’t buy—win exclusively at KCParent.com.

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kcparent.com june 2012

Tucked in the Ozark Mountains on the North Fork of the White River lies a picture-perfect resort that seems to have sprung from the pages of a storybook.

The McKee family, owners of River of Life Farm (RiverOfLifeFarm.com), have created a secluded and scenic getaway where visitors may stay in lodges built among the treetops, enjoying breathtaking views of the 350-acre Ozark Mountain property and the falls of the White River beneath.

Each tree house lodge is built into the hills and surrounding trees, creating a pictureperfect escape. The lodges vary in size to accommodate everyone from couples wanting romantic getaways to families to groups. If, however, you prefer to stay firmly planted on the ground, they also offer lodge accommodations and camping.

Our family recently enjoyed a weekend getaway at River of Life Farm, where we stayed in the tree house, a beautifully appointed lodge with two bedrooms (each with a queen bed), a loft (with a queen and two twins), a family room and full kitchen. Each lodge includes a deck overlooking beautiful views of the property; ours offered vistas of the river and the falls that melodiously lulled us to sleep.

Tip: Search for “Tree House Camping” on KCParent.com for more details.

Recreation: At the resort, you may enjoy canoeing, trout fishing, hiking, star

Caboose Junction in Lampe, MO

gazing (a telescope is available to borrow), cooking over a campfire, bird watching and exploring.

Nearby: River of Life Farm is surrounded, within 40 minutes, by several historic grist mills. We went for a sightseeing drive and took photos at Hodgson Mill, the most beautiful mill in Missouri, and then enjoyed lunch at Rockbridge, where you’ll find a restaurant.

On the Way: We stopped in Mansfield, MO, where we toured the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. The final home and museum of this famous Missouri author displays Pa’s fiddle, family photos and other artifacts and memorabilia. This is a must-see for fans of the “Little House” series.

CABOOSE CAMPING

We love to visit Branson—Silver Dollar City is one of our family’s favorite attractions in Missouri. Branson, the vacation capital of the Midwest, brims with great hotels on the strip, but sometimes we all crave a little “off-the-beaten-path” adventure.

For just such a craving, we found the perfect place.

On Table Rock Lake, just 30 minutes from Silver Dollar City, tucked in the woods in Lampe, MO, you’ll find one of the most unique places to stay in the state. If your children love trains like mine do (Daddy, too), if your family loves unique like we do and if you enjoy an outdoor experience, but don’t want all the work of camping (and would like a flushing toilet and shower), Caboose Junction (800.777.4922, CabooseJunctionResort.com) is a great place to stay!

Caboose Junction is a quaint little resort with six renovated cabooses, each featuring two sets of bunk beds, a loft with a double bed, a kitchenette, shower, bathroom, loveseat, television and Wi-Fi. Each caboose also features a deck overlooking Table Rock Lake, complete with picnic tables and grills. The cabooses are well-maintained and clean, just perfect for an “almost camping” experience. You can grill hot dogs and hamburgers, roast marshmallows, hike and fish… and enjoy dry lodging complete with running water.

The best of both worlds. Tip: Search for “Caboose Camping” on KCParent.com for more details.

Recreation: If you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming, they offer a twostory dock for boats (you can bring your own boat or rent one of theirs... all types), fishing and swimming/diving in the summer (complete with water slide).

Nearby: While you’re in Branson, we recommend a popular attraction, Silver Dollar City (www.SilverDollarCity.com), an 1880s-styled amusement park with thrill rides, including the Fire in the Hole roller coaster through a mineshaft, Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast, where you enjoy “America’s biggest water battle,” and more than 30 other rides, including roller coasters Wild Fire and Thunderation. Kids love Half Dollar Holler, a super-sized children’s play area, and the vintage carousel.

Live shows, annual festivals, craft demonstrations and a tour through Marvel Cave are also part of the fun!

Kids get a thrill out of riding the Ducks (Branson.RideTheDucks.com), refurbished military vehicles that travel on land and water. Quack duck calls as you ride through town and conclude with a big splash into Table Rock Lake for a cruise where children “co-pilot” the boat. Also visit the Titanic (TitanicBranson.com), a replica of the legendary ship with attractions for the whole family.

Dixie Stampede (DixieStampede.com) is a dinner show unlike any other! The event includes horse acts, comedy, music and a menagerie of animals from ostriches to pot-bellied pigs.

Everyone is served a full meal with one fun catch: the entire meal is “finger food.”

On the Way: We drive through Springfield on our way to Branson. Visit KCParent.com and search for “Springfield” for cave tours, parks, the zoo and fun things to see and do!

Kristina Light believes that the best trips include experiences that cannot be enjoyed at home… if you’re going to pack for an entire family, make it worthwhile and unique!

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june

The NEW KCParent.com calendar now has 10x MORE EVENTS!

CALENDAR

Photo Credit: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

Park Place

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

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June 7 from 10:00 to 11:00, explore pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions through books at the Grinter Place.

Every Thursday thru Aug. 30.

913.299.0373

Celebrate community, family and fun at this year’s Strotherfest on June 8 & 9 at Paradise Park.

Enjoy activities, games, attractions, entertainment, food and fun!

Strotherfest.com

Every Thursday this summer, enjoy local musicians at Park Place. Bring your lawn chairs and family out June 14 at 6:30 to hear the sounds of the Okee Dokee Brothers.

913.381.2229

Take the family to Sprint Family Fun Days on June 16, from 11:00 to 3:00, in the Power & Light District.

Free fun activities for the entire family. This month’s theme is summer sports.

Enjoy music from Funky Mama while browsing the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. On June 27 at 10:30, stop by the Clock Tower for the performance.

PowerandLightDistrict.com

FunkyMamaMusic.com

1 FRIDAY

Day out with Thomas Thru Sun, 9:00, Midland Railway. A 25-minute ride with a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine! Tickets: 866.468.7630 Summer Arts Program 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Even though it will be messy, kids will love exploring the art process. $2-$3. 913.715.2550 Munchkin Open Gym 10:00, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics. Kids can run off their energy in our foam pits, rope swings, inflatables and more.

913.469.5554 Downtown Days…Streets Alive! Thru Sun, Noon, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Music, carnival, arts, crafts & more. SmokinOnTheSummitBBQ.com Summer Splash Noon, Splash Cove. On the first Friday of each month, enjoy special concessions, games and prizes. 913.631.5200 Plant Diseases Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Parents learn about common plant diseases and how to control them. 816.931.3877 Festa Italiana Thru Sun, 5:00, Zona Rosa. Celebrate unique Italian traditions through music, dancing and food! Free admission! ZonaRosa.com Liberty Arts Squared Today (5:00) & tomorrow (8:00), Liberty Square.

Festival includes a children’s arts area. LibertyArtsSquared.org First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open late on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Disney in Concert Thru Sun, 8:00, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Hear some of the most memorable music from Disney. KauffmanCenter.org A Nice Family Gathering: The Play Thru Sun, 8:00, Sermon Center. The City of Independence Theater performs. Info and showtimes: 816.325.7367.

2 SATURDAY

Breakfast on the Trails 7:00, Bingham Waggoner Estate. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a home-style breakfast served around a chuck wagon.

816.461.3491 Friends of the Library Book Sale 8:00, City Market. Swing into the market and find some great books at discounted prices. TheCityMarket.org Strawberry Festival 9:00, Vaile Mansion. Enjoy entertainment, food, children’s corner, vintage cars, carriage rides and more. 816.325.7430 Raytown Kids’ Fishing Derby 9:00, Kenagy Lake. The 36th annual fishing derby is free and open to Raytown residents of all ages. RaytownParks.com Children’s & National Trails Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855 (Fleming Park).

Enjoy simple games played by ancestors. 816.503.4860 National Trails Day 9:00, Maple Woods Nature Preserve. Plan a self-guided tour through the Maple Woods Preserve today! Gladstone.Mo.Us Fill a Bag for $5 Event 10:00, Children’s Orchard. Stuff a bag full with selected resale clothing and pay just $5 for it! ChildOrch.com 12th Annual Bike Rodeo 10:00, GEHS Parking Lot. Bring bikes out to learn about safety and ride through our obstacle course. 913.856.0936 National Trails Day Roll and Stroll 10:00, Turkey Creek Streamway Trail.

Ride your bike or walk/jog on the trail! 913.322.5550

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Hospital Hill Run Hospital Hill. Sign up for this challenging course while enjoying a scenic “tour” of Kansas City. HospitalHillRun.com Tree-Mendous Giants 11:00, Burr Oaks Woods.

Children ages 9+ are invited to learn about the most incredible tree in our area. 816.228.3766 Rapunzel Puppet Show 11:00, Powell Gardens.

See a “veggie” wonderful fairy tale you won’t want to miss. 816.697.2600 The Monkey’s Dream Puppet Show 11:00, Blue Springs North Library. StoneLion Puppet Theatre presents this puppet show. 816.224.8772 Open Swim Noon, Centennial Pool-Plex. Join us as “The Blue” Centennial Pool-Plex opens its doors for an open swim session! 816.228.0137 Raymore Skate Competition Noon, Raymore Skate Park. Watch some talented skate boarders or register yourself for this event! Raymore.com A Recital for Little Stars 4:00 & 7:00, Music Hall.

Miller-Marley School of Dance and Voice presents their annual recital. 913.492.0004 Stargazing Program 8:00, Powell Observatory.

Tour the observatory and view the night sky with giant telescopes. 913.837.5305

3 SUNDAY

paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

KC Northern Railroad Saturdays (10:00) & Sundays (Noon), KC Northern Railroad. Plan a fun excursion with the kids on the railroad! 816.436.0576 Weston Kids Day Noon, Weston City Park. Kick off your summer fun with food, games and drawings for prizes. 816.640.2300 First Sunday Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum.

Visitors will embark on a journey through their own family histories. 816.483.8300 Rose Show & Rose Day 1:00, Loose Park Garden Center. Rose care demonstrations will be held along with other educational programs. 816.784.5300 Meet Me at the Museum 2:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Join a Kemper Museum docent for a discussion and tour current exhibitions. 816.753.5784 Gospel Skate Night 7:00, Skate World. Skate to gospel music with your friends and family the first Sunday of each month. 913.262.0711

4 MONDAY

All You Can Play Day 10:00-6:00, Cool Crest. For only $10.99, receive unlimited mini golf, 2 go-kart rides and 10 tokens! 816.358.0088 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a

LEGOLAND and Sea Life Open 10:00, Crown Center. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind experience at either of these venues. CrownCenter.com

5 TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Indoor playtime every Tuesday and Wednesday for your preschooler. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390 Summer Kids Club 10:00-11:00, Barkely Square (Park Place). The Barstow School presents unique and engaging activities each Wed. BarstowSchool.org/ParkPlace Farmers’ Market 4:00, Zona Rosa. Every Tuesday enjoy fresh produce, homemade jams, breads, herbs and much more. ZonaRosa.com In the Heights Thru Sun, 8:00, KC Starlight Theatre.

This musical is about chasing your dreams and finding your true home. 816.363.STAR

6 WEDNESDAY

Liberty Farmers’ Market 7:00, Crowley/Perkins Parking Lot. All products are locally grown on farms around the northland. 816.930.2175 Farmers’ Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park.

Every Saturday and Wednesday morning, enjoy local produce at the market!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

June 8 & 9 2 Days Only!

Car Show- Saturday FREE 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Plus!

FREE Strotherfest T-shirts to the first 100 people to purchase Max Paks

Friday, June 8

FREE Paradise Park Sports bottles to the first 100 people to purchase Max Paks

Saturday, June 9

Special discounted Max Pak rate all weekend

TM

1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO Paradise-Park.com 816.246.5224

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Live Music- Friday & Saturdayy FREE 5 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

YOUTH SUMMER LEAGUES Ages 4-6 (Pee Wees) 1 game @ $3.50/wk Ages 6-8 (Bantams) 2 games @ $6.50/wk Ages 9-11 (Preps) 3 games @ $9.00/wk Ages 12- 19 (Juniors) 3 games @ $9.00/wk

Registration fee is $17.00 and receive a FREE USBC t-shirt Everyone who joins a league gets 25 FREE games every 4 weeks and if you pay the fees up front in FULL you will receive 50 FREE games every 4 weeks!

Olathe Mission 913-782-0279 913-432-7000 www.missionbowl.com

The Stinky Cheese Man Thru July 1, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. See KC Parent ad for a valuable coupon. 816.756.3500 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. $5 for tots includes skating, a snack and a drink.

913.888.6668 Splash the Day Away 10:00, Coco Key. Day passes to Coco Key are only $20 all summer! 816.737.0200 Fairy Tales 10:00, Riverside Library. Classic tales will be read with zeal and enthusiasm. Join the fun! Pre-reg: 816.741.6288.

Funky Mama Concert 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Funky Mama performs today with a fun rock ‘n roll concert for kids! Tickets required. 913.715.2550 Mr Stinky Feet 10:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Sing and dance at this free, entertaining concert with Mr Stinky Feet. 913.895.6390 Geo-Kids 10:00, OP Arboretum. Sign up your kids for a treasure hunt at the Arboretum. $5/child. 913.685.3604 Summer Reading Series 10:30, Kemper Museum. The librarians will select books related to Dodd’s paintings every Wednesday in June. 816.753.5784 Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support and guide you. 816.781.7200 Family Night 4:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Wednesday night, admission is only $6 to play and climb the rock wall! 913.780.2500

7 THURSDAY

Art in the Parks 10:00, Cornerstone Park. Sign up to join us for birdhouse painting in the park! GardnerKansas.gov Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bring your preschooler 5 and under to our alley every Thursday for bowling fun. 913.432.7000 Reading at the Grinter Place 10:00, Grinter Place. Every Thursday, explore pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions through books. 913.299.0373 Summer Sounds 6:30, Park Place. Every Thursday this summer, local musicians hit the stage with a variety of music genres. ParkPlaceLeawood.com

8 FRIDAY

Day out with Thomas Thru Sun, 9:00, Midland Railway. Plan on this 25-minute ride with a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine! Tickets: 866.468.7630.

Strotherfest Today & tomorrow, 9:30, Paradise Park. This two-day festival is a celebration of community, family and fun. Strotherfest.com Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Friday mornings just got more fun!

Little ones can create masterpieces in our store. 913.661.2529 Sugar Creek Slavic Festival Today & tomorrow, 5:00, Mike Onka Memorial Building Grounds. Celebrate Slavic customs and traditions.

SlavicFest.com/Festival YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Paul Henson), 5:30 (Miami County) & 6:00 (Atchison & Blue Springs). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun!

KansasCityYMCA.org Tweens’ Night Out 6:00, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Drop off your tween (ages 10-13) for a fun night of painting pottery. 913.661.2529 Rock’n Party in Your Park 6:30, Quail Creek Park. Spend an evening with kcparent.com june 2012

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neighbors at a free concert and enjoy activities for the kids. 913.322.5550 Free Concert 7:00, Downtown Liberty. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a performance by the KC All Stars. 816.439.4360 Anne of Green Gables Play Thru Sun, 7:00, Pioneer Ridge Auditorium. The Tall Grass Theatre Company performs this production. 913.856.0936 Ice Cream Train 7:00, BG&KC Railroad. Call and reserve your spot for the ice cream train every Friday through August. 816.331.0630 Free Movie in the Park 8:45, Meadowmere Park (Grandview). Pack your lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray for this fun night outside! 816.316.4888 Night Flight 2012 9:00, Harris Park. Sign up for this 5K run/walk and see historic downtown Lee’s Summit. Enter2Run.com

9 SATURDAY

Festival on the Trails 7:30, Downtown Gardner.

Kids’ Zone activities, arts and crafts show, live entertainment and more. FestivalOnTheTrails.com Raymore Kids’ Fishing Derby 8:00, Recreation Park Pond. Bring your pole, bait and tackle! Ages 2-15. Raymore.com Flag Day 9:00, Fort Osage. Learn how our flag originated and has changed through our nation’s history. 816.503.4860 10th Biennial Garden Tour 9:00, John Wornall House. Explore some of Kansas City’s most intriguing gardens. 816.444.1858 HOPE Walk and Touch a Truck Event 9:00, Frontier Park. Enjoy a walk to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. 913.961.3703

Through August 19 | Buy Tickets Now

Lake Jacomo Marina Day 9:00, Lake Jacomo.

Boat rides, fishing tips and tricks, raffle prizes, children’s crafts and more! 816.795.8888 Kids’ Fishing Derby 9:00, Hamilton Heights Park.

Free events for kids ages 3-14. Bring your own pole; worms are provided. Gladstone.Mo.Us Antique Festival Today & tomorrow, 9:00, Crown Center Square. More than 100 dealers display pottery, china, linens, collectibles and much more.

816.274.8444

InnovatIon ShowcaSe Saturday, June 9, FREE

Innovation thrives in Kansas city! Sustainable energy demonstrations, green concept car premier and Paseo academy robotics.

45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri | 816.751.1ART | nelson-atkins.org kcparent.com

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Handprint Hamburger Plate 9:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Decorate a plate with your handprint geared toward the 4th of July! 913.661.2529 Bugs! 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn how bugs see, make noises, what they do and other cool facts. 816.513.8960

Build ‘n Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores across the Metro. A free clinic where kids build and create a special project. LowesBuildAndGrow.com Dragon Boat Festival 10:00, Brush Creek.

Celebrate Chinese history with dragon races along Brush Creek. ChinaGardenSociety-KC.org Family Fun Day 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Free wagon rides, refreshments and memories await you! 816.325.7575 Swim Like a Snake 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn some fascinating facts about Missouri snakes and meet a few from the center. 816.228.3766 Arts Festival Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Downtown Olathe. See beautiful art displayed from artists all over the country right here in Olathe! 913.393.0175 Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Truman Presidential Library.

Come learn about the Truman and Wallace families of Independence. 816.268.8200 Touch a Truck 11:00, National Ag Center and Hall of Fame. Climb and explore trucks of all shapes and sizes. 913.721.1075 Farmstead Dairy Days 11:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Participate in games and activities all centered on healthy habits. 913.897.2360 ACT Test Date Noon, Maranatha Academy. Call our

offices to inquire more about this opportunity and reserve your spot. 913.631.0637 Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. The funniest magicians are here to entertain the whole family at the Improv! ImprovKC.com Pool Block Party 1:00, Budd Park. Bring your family and friends to Budd Park for community fun and entertainment. 816.350.2628 Innovation Showcase 1:00-4:00, The NelsonAtkins. Enjoy an afternoon of demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the museum. FREE. 816.751.1ART

A Summer of Family Fun! • • • • • • • • • • • •

From periscopes to painting, it’s an exciting summer!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Independence, Platte County North & South, Prov/Ball), 5:30 (Richard C Green, Sr) & 6:00 (Red Bridge). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org Stargazing Program 8:00, Powell Observatory.

Tour the observatory and view the night sky with our telescopes. 913.837.5305

10 SUNDAY

Free Music in the Park 6:30, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday this summer, enjoy great music outdoors! BlueSpringsGov.com Americana: Our Heritage in Song 7:00, Memorial Chapel, William Jewell College. Liberty Community Chorus presents! LibertyCommunityChorus.org

Adventures in Learning Wednesdays!

Talks and Tours, 1& 2 pm Hands-on workshop, 1 - 3:30 pm June . . . . . . 6 Let’s Explore Casting June . . . . . 13 Boyhood of Abraham Lincoln June . . . . 20 Marble Madness June . . . . 27 Miniature Paintings

May 19 - OctOber 7, 2012 Fairy houses and forts to inspire, amuse and ignite an interest in exploring the great outdoors, all at Kansas city’s botanical garden. It’s a garden adventure you won’t want to miss!

Funded in part by Missouri Arts Council, a state agency

July . . . . . 11 Fabulous French Miniatures July . . . . . 18 Nettie Wells Dollhouse July . . . . . 25 Fashion Dolls August . . . . 1 German Toys August . . . 8 Surprise Program August . . 15 Make Your Own Periscopes

For more information and a full list of summer programming, visit www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org & click on ‘Calendar’.

816.697.2600 | www.powellgardens.org kcparent.com june 2012

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Free Jazz Concert 7:30, Gladstone Amphitheatre.

Corbin Jazz Ensemble performs tonight!

Gladstone.Mo.Us As Long As We Both Shall Live Thru June 17, 7:30, Crown Center. American Heartland Theatre presents this production. AHTKC.com

13 WEDNESDAY

Belton Community Days Thru Sat, Markey Park.

Festival includes a parade, carnival rides, booths and entertainment. Belton.org Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Kids Cooking Session 10:00 or 11:00, Dream Dinners. Go for the gold this summer at our Kids Cooking Sessions! 913.491.6733 Wagons Ho! 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Explore life on the trails with a wagon ride, museum tour, a prairie schooner and more.

816.325.7575

Culture House | Cinderella | June 15 & 16

11 MONDAY

Fairy Houses & Forts Thru Oct 7, 9:00, Powell Gardens. Visit a magical world of childhood fantasies come true at this exhibit. 816.697.2600 All You Can Play Day 10:00-6:00, Cool Crest. For

only $10.99, receive unlimited mini golf, 2 go-kart rides and 10 tokens! 816.358.0088

12 TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Indoor playtime every Tuesday and Wednesday for your busy preschooler. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390

happy father’s day Ceramics & Coffee House at Paint, Glaze and Fire Clay Hand Prints (7” circle) with simple design, name/date for $35.00 and a hand print dinner plate with a simple border, name/date for $25.00. Deadline: for Father’s Day for Clay is Wednesday, June 7 and for the dinner plate June 10.

PaintGlazeAndFire.net

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Paradise Park Register to win $100 gift certificate to Miller Lawn and Landscape! All dads subscribed to the e-newsletter will also receive a coupon for a FREE attraction at Paradise Park to be used between June 11-14. Coupon will arrive by email.

Paradise-Park.com

June 16 Red Bridge Library Surprise dad and granddad with special handmade cards and gifts. It will be a fun time

for the children to be creative.

Supplies will be furnished for four different projects.

Father Daughter Tea 10:30 am until 12:00 pm Celebrate Father’s Day by sending dad and his special girl off to a tea party designed just for the two of them! A special Tea Date that our family looks forward to every single year! An elegant setting for fun conversation, delicious tea and yummy food.

The Juggling Book and a Dream! 10:00, Riverside Library. Brian Wendling shows off some tricks.

816.741.6288 The Very Hungry Caterpillar 10:15-11:00, Antioch Library (JoCo). Enjoy Eric Carle’s classic story followed with play time. 913.826.4600 Adventures in Learning 1:00, Toy & Miniature

Show dad just how special he is to you! $20.50/ea at Anna Marie’s Teas in Liberty.

AnnaTeaShop.com June 17 Kansas City Zoo Father’s get free admission and a free hot dog or bratwurst on Father’s Day.

Father’s Day Barn Dinner Renée Kelly will prepare a fabulous Father’s Day dinner, featuring ingredients from Powell Gardens’ Heartland Harvest Garden.

Seating is limited and reservations are required.

PowellGardens.org

Father’s Day Special: Louisburg Cider Mill Bring Dad to visit the Country Store on Father’s Day and we’ll treat him to a FREE Lost Trail Root Beer. In June, also enjoy fresh peaches from small orchards.

LouisburgCiderMill.com

Dads Play for Free at Cool Crest Bring Dad to Cool Crest for a FREE round of mini golf on his special day (with one paid player).

CoolCrest.com

Museum. See a miniature replica of Abe Lincoln’s boyhood home and make a mini split log bench.

816.235.8000

TRAIN RIDES

Stellaluna Puppet Show 1:30, Olathe Library. The StoneLion Puppets present an amazing high-flying adventure. 913.971.6850

14 THURSDAY

Don’t Forget Your Manners 9:30, Shawnee Civic Centre. Your child will learn a variety of manners in a fun, creative environment. 913.631.5200 Reading at the Grinter Place 10:00, Grinter Place.

Every Thursday, explore pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions through books. 913.299.0373 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bring your preschooler 5 and under to the alley every Thursday for bowling fun. 913.432.7000

Train Rides

$8.50 Regular Trains Depart Sat & Sun, 2 pm [May - Oct] Sat., 11 am [June - Aug only]

Financially Alert Kids 11:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Your child will learn about finances in a fun, creative environment. 913.631.5200 Plaza Live! Thu-Sun, 5:00, Country Club Plaza. KC’s favorite musicians rock the streets all summer long!

CountryClubPlaza.com Children’s Concert 6:30, Barkley Square, Park Place. The Okee Dokee Brothers perform this free concert for kids. ParkPlaceLeawood.com

Ice Cream Train $9.50 Every Friday, June - Aug, 7 pm

Charters • Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Kids under three FREE

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri • 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org

15 FRIDAY

Summer Arts Program 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Even though it will be messy, kids will love exploring the art process. $2-$3. 913.715.2550

913-227-4764

The Stinky Cheese Man Thru July 1, 11:00 & 1:30, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. See KC Parent ad for a valuable coupon. 816.756.3500 Englewood Art Walk 5:00, Englewood Shopping

NEW FACILITY

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elp h n a c u o Y event

pr

. e s u b a d l i h c

Get your

licensee to car

District. See art demonstrations, hear live music and enjoy refreshments. 816.252.3372 Free Summer Concerts 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Bring your lawn chair and listen to local musicians perform. 913.322.5591 Rock the Green Concert 7:00, Lee’s Summit City Hall Plaza. Enjoy the free summer concert series!

CityOfLS.net Free Movie Under the Stars 7:00, Merritt Lake (Leavenworth). A family-friendly movie with snacks available for purchase. LVArea.com Free Summer Concerts 7:00, Frontier Park in Olathe. Trampled Under Foot and Mark Selby perform tonight! OlatheKS.org Free Movie in the Park 9:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove). Gather your blankets and chairs to see a movie under the stars! 816.690.4003 Movies in the Park 9:00, Oak Grove Park. See Cars 2 on the big screen, so bring your chairs and blankets tonight! Gladstone.Mo.Us

16 SATURDAY

Kids’ Triathlon 6:00, Blue Springs YMCA. Three divisions of kids ranging from 4 to 14 can participate in this event! BlueSpringsGov.com Olathe Kids’ Fishing Derby 7:30, Cedar Lake.

Event is open to kids ages 3-15 years. Finish with a free hot dog lunch. OlatheKS.org Kids’ Fishing Derby 9:30, George Owens Nature Park. Catch some great prizes competing in our fishing derby. $2/child. 816.325.7115 Scavenger Saturdays at the Kemper 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Pick up a self-guided scavenger activity and follow the clues. 816.753.5784 Hike with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Dress appropriately for the weather and come ready to hike! No strollers. 816.513.8960 Fire Bows 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Bring Dad with kids ages 7+ to create a primitive bow-and-drill fire starter. 816.228.3766 Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring your family downtown for fun day activities. PowerAndLightDistrict.com Father Daughter Tea Party and Mother Son Tea 10:30 & 2:30, Anna Marie’s Teas. Two special events at our tea house today! 816.792.8777 Three Billy Goats Gruff 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The show features audience participation, storytelling and more! 816.833.9777 Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. The funniest magicians are here to entertain the whole family

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JUNE 2012 Proof at the Improv! ImprovKC.com Starry, Starry Night Puppet Show 2:00, South Independence Library. Hear constellation stories from our wacky professor. 816.221.5351 Dance Production of “Cinderella” 2:00 & 7:00, Blue Valley West High School. Culture House performs this timeless fairy tale. 913.393.3141 Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Join us for a public feeding of our cats for an unforgettable experience. 913.837.5515

TIME TO CELEBRATE! JUNE IS OUR 23RD

ANNIVERSARY! SO BUZZ ON IN FOR GREAT SPECIALS ALL MONTH LONG!

Ice Cream Social 4:00, Rice-Tremonti Home. Join us for free homemade ice cream and a historical presentation. 816.358.7423

17 SUNDAY: FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day Special 10:00, Louisburg Cider Mill.

The Mill will treat Dad to a free Lost Trail Root Beer in honor of him! 1.800.748.7765 And the Oscar Goes to... 2:00, Chestnut Fine JoCo Museum 0611_Layout 1 5/5/11 9:29 AM Page 1 Arts Theatre. Take your seat and enjoy your favorite Oscar-winning songs! 913.764.2121 Father’s Day Barn Dinner 6:00, Powell Gardens.

Chef Renée Kelly will prepare a delicious Father’s Day dinner. Reserve your spot! 816.697.2600

7275 W 105th Street • OP, KS 66212 • 913.962.1503 • usababyks.com

KC Parent Proof June 11

Free Music in the Park 6:30, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday this summer, join us for great music outdoors! BlueSpringsGov.com

18 MONDAY

Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 LEGOLAND and Sea Life Open 10:00, Crown Center. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind experience at either of these venues. CrownCenter.com Splash the Day Away 10:00, Coco Key. Day passes to Coco Key are only $20 all summer!

816.737.0200 Ball Time 3:00, Harris Park Community Center. At least one half court is always reserved for free play and shooting. 816.969.1540

19 TUESDAY

Stellaluna Puppet Show 10:30, Kansas City Library. This puppet show offers a great tale of acceptance that every kid should hear. 816.221.5351 Once upon a Mattress Thru Aug 5, 11:00, Coterie Theatre, Crown Center. See The Princess and the Pea as a musical comedy! 816.474.6552

Now a Permanent Hands-on Exhibit for KIDS! FREE!

Check more infoSummer @ www.JoCoMuseum.org Drop out in for the Arts Program

Fridays Through July, 10:00-Noon

Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Olathe Medical Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support and guide you. 913.791.4200 kcparent.com june 2012

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The Princess and the Pea brought to life as a musical comedy!

JUNE 19 - AUG 5

Farmers’ Market 4:00, Zona Rosa. Every Tuesday, enjoy fresh produce, homemade jams, breads, herbs and much more. ZonaRosa.com Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Thru July 15, 6:00, Southmoreland Park. Enjoy a play under the stars! FREE. KCShakes.org Free Concert 7:30, Gladstone Amphitheatre at Oak Grove Park. The Northwinds Jazz Band gives a free performance tonight. Gladstone.Mo.Us

20 WEDNESDAY

Liberty Farmers’ Market 7:00, Crowley/Perkins Parking Lot. All products are locally grown on farms around the northland. 816.930.2175 Summer Story Time 10:15, Antioch Library (JoCo).

The popular summer story times are back! Loads of learning and a heavy helping of fun! 913.826.4600 Summer Reading Series 10:30, Kemper Museum.

The librarians will select books related to Dodd’s paintings every Wednesday in June. 816.753.5784

Coterie Summer Theatre and Performance Camps offered at 6 sites: Parkville, Liberty, Lee’s Summit, South Kansas City, Plaza and Overland Park.

Adventures in Learning 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Explore the marble collection on a guided tour and then make your own marble run. 816.235.8000 Leavenworth Farmers’ Market 3:00, Haymarket Square. Come down to the local farmers’ market every Wednesday. LeavenworthFarmersMarket.com Family Night 4:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Wednesday night, admission is only $6 to play and climb the rock wall! 913.780.2500

21 THURSDAY

Kids’ Day 10:00, Kenagy Lake. Stable T Farm will bring their petting zoo for the kids to enjoy.

RaytownParks.com Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bring your preschooler 5 and under to the alley every Thursday for bowling fun. 913.432.7000 Reading at the Grinter Place 10:00, Grinter Place.

Every Thursday, explore pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions through books. 913.299.0373 FitMom & Baby 10:30, Summit Fair. Work out with babies from 6 weeks to 6 ½ months for free! Call for more info. SummitFairShopping.com Highlights Tour 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. During this tour, investigate various aspects of western settlement. 816.325.7575 Summer Sounds 6:30, Park Place. Every Thursday this summer, local musicians hit the stage with a variety of music genres. ParkPlaceLeawood.com

22 FRIDAY

Fiesta Kansas City 8:00, Crown Center Square.

Celebrate Hispanic culture with great music, food,

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out & about

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Before You Go

Check the website for upcoming events. Living history weekend activities include blacksmithing, knitting, outdoor cooking with Mrs. Mahaffie and a stagecoach passenger talk. Throughout June and July, be on the lookout for “Day Out With Frank & Ella” activities and enjoy family fun nights every Thursday.

Olathe Junior Service League provides a free e-book on their website (OJSL.org) called Plow, Plant and Play on the Prairie. Print it and take it with you as a guide book and memory book all in one! After your visit, you can substitute your own photos for the ones in the album.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm 1200 Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061 Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00-4:00, Sunday: Noon-4:00.

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission: Wednesday-Friday: $3/adults, $2/children ages 5-11, Free/4 and under.

Special Event & Living History Saturday & Sunday: $6/adults, $4/children ages 5-11, Free/4 and under.

Olathe residents receive $1 off admission with proof of residency.

While You’re There

Start your journey inside the Heritage Center. There you can view the exhibit “I Knew It Was a Fine Country” and three documentaries (one on the history of the farmstead, one on the border wars and one of the history of Olathe). Make sure to have your camera handy! Visitors have opportunity to try on period costumes. Jot a note to a friend, buy a stamp at the gift store and your special someone can receive a message that “traveled” by stagecoach! Outdoors you will have a hands-on experience of life on a running farm in the 1860s.

After Your Visit

If one trip to the farmstead isn’t enough, consider getting an annual season pass, which entitles you to free admission to all special events and a gift shop discount.

When you get home, consider indulging in some 1860s fun of your own! Some of the most popular games of the day included playing marbles, checkers and cards. For better insight into what life was like for a child growing up on a Midwestern farm, consider reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Little House on the Prairie series or or go to KCParent.com and find Little House ideas right here in KC. Lauren Greenlee is proud of the rich history her hometown, Olathe, has to offer. She and her family concur with the Shawnees that it truly is beautiful! spring/summer 2012

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dancing and exhibits. 816.472.6767 Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Friday mornings just got more fun! Little ones can create masterpieces in the store. 913.661.2529 Great Lenexa BBQ Battle Today (5:00) & tomorrow (10:00), Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. A favorite event each year. CI.Lenexa.KS.US Longview Charity Horse Show Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Longview Horse Park. Event includes various horse breeds & carriage events. 913.681.2397 Family Night 6:00-9:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy a pizza, drinks, soft play and game tokens for $21.99.

816.358.0088 Free Friday Night Concert 6:30, Howard Station Park. Enjoy free music every Friday night through Labor Day weekend! DowntownLS.org Bahama Bash Teen Night 8:30, Summit Waves.

Enjoy night swimming with games, giveaways, a DJ and concessions. 816.969.1545

Parachute & Bubbles in the Park! 9:30, Lowenstein Park. Join Gymboree Play & Music of Lee’s Summit for outside fun! 816.525.7529

23 SATURDAY

Tour de Lakes Annual Memorial Ride 7:00, Longview Recreation Center. Join us as we bike and remember Tom Logan. TourDeLakes.org Garden Party 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. An afternoon of teacakes, crafts, games and old-fashioned fun for girls! 913.248.2360 Build ‘n Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores across the Metro. A free clinic where kids build and create a special project. LowesBuildAndGrow.com

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Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Enjoy a public feeding of the big cats for an unforgettable experience. 913.837.5515 Dive-in Movie 6:00, Thomas A Soetaert Aquatic Center. This fun themed evening will include games, prizes, and The Adventures of Tintin. 913.631.5200 Stargazing Program 8:00, Powell Observatory.

Tour the observatory and view the night sky with our telescopes. 913.837.5305

24 SUNDAY

Children’s TLC Duck Derby 10:00, Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Watch thousands of rubber ducks race to benefit Children’s TLC. DuckRace.com

Family Day at the Farm 11:00, Shatto Milk Company. Bring out the family for a free day on the farm with hands-on experiences. 816.930.3862

Plaza Live! Thu-Sun, Noon, Country Club Plaza.

KC’s favorite musicians rock the streets all summer long! CountryClubPlaza.com

Missouri Predators 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn more about the predators of Missouri’s wildlife!

816.228.3766

The Stinky Cheese Man 2:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. See KC Parent ad for a valuable coupon.

816.756.3500 kcparent.com june 2012

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Family Fun Night 8:30, Summit Waves. Bring your friends for swimming, games, giveaways, a DJ and concessions. 816.969.1545

Powell Gardens | Fairy Houses & Forts Enter to win! Details on pg. 38.

26 TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Indoor playtime every Tuesday and Wednesday for your busy preschooler. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390 Flags 4 Freedom Merriam Marketplace. Celebrate American soldiers. More than 2,000 American flags will be on display. Flags4Freedom.org Live Angry Birds 2:00, Riverside Library. Come join other teens and play a version of Live Angry Birds and win prizes. Pre-reg: 816.741.6288.

Family Night 4:00-8:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Every Tuesday admission is only $6! 913.631.7000 Once upon a Mattress Thru Aug 5, 11:00 & 1:30, Coterie Theatre, Crown Center. See The Princess and the Pea as a musical comedy! 816.474.6552

Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Free Music in the Park 6:30, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday this summer, enjoy great music outdoors! BlueSpringsGov.com

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to the center for fun and movement! 913.422.7010

25 MONDAY

Fairy Houses & Forts Thru Oct 7, 9:00, Powell Gardens. Visit a magical world of childhood fantasies come true at this exhibit. 816.697.2600

Preschool Story Time 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. Children ages 3-6 can come for stories, crafts and games. 816.229.3571

Geo-Kids 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Mark your calendars for your kids to participate in a treasure hunt at the Arboretum! 913.685.3604

A ONE-HOUR PRIVATE PARTY AT THE DINOSAURS: LAND OF FIRE AND ICE INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT AT CROWN CENTER

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The Monkey’s Dream Puppet Show 10:00 & 11:30, Lee’s Summit Library. Production by StoneLion Puppet Theatre. 816.524.0567

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Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550

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Leawood, KS 66206 913-642-8247

27 WEDNESDAY

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A $100 CROWN CENTER GIFT CERTIFICATE GOOD AT CROWN CENTER SHOPS RESTAURANTS, THEATERS AND ATTRACTIONS. ENDS JUNE 29TH ENTER TODAY AT KCPARENT.COM! The exhibit was created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum.

Rosehill Children’s Gardening Class 10:0011:00, Barkley Square (Park Place). Children enjoy lessons and activities with garden experts. Pre-reg 816.941.2332 Rabbits’ Moony Hocus Pocus! 10:00, Riverside Library. Kids will come to see that reading can help make their dreams come true. 816.741.6288 Funky Mama 10:30, Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Funky Mama performs and entertains at the Clock Tower. FunkyMamaMusic.com Family Night 4:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Wednesday night, admission is only $6 to play and climb the rock wall! 913.780.2500 Concert in the Park 6:00, Roanoke Park. Listen to music in the park for free with family and friends from the community. KCMO.org

28 THURSDAY

Art in the Parks 10:00, Veterans Park. Enjoy 4th of July crafts and activities!

GardnerKansas.gov/Playgroup FitMom & Baby 10:30, Summit Fair. Work out with babies from 6 weeks to 6 ½ months for free! Call for more info. SummitFairShopping.com Highlights Tour 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. During this 30-minute guided tour,

investigate various aspects of western settlement.

816.325.7575 Family Movie Night 6:30, Antioch Library (MidContinent). Every fourth Thursday you can enjoy a family-friendly movie! 816.454.1306

29 FRIDAY

Splash the Day Away 10:00, Coco Key. Day passes to Coco Key are only $20 all summer!

816.737.0200 Rockin’ and Readin’ Nature Tales 11:00, Burr Oak Woods. Drop in for a story hour as you hear fantastic nature adventures! 816.228.3766

Summer Arts Program 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Even though it will be messy, kids will love exploring the art process. $2-$3. 913.715.2550

Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. The funniest magicians entertain the whole family at the Improv! ImprovKC.com

Plaza Live! Courtyard Concerts Thu-Sun, 6:00, Country Club Plaza. KC’s favorite musicians rock the streets all summer long! CountryClubPlaza.com

Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Enjoy a public feeding of our cats for an unforgettable experience. 913.837.5515

Free Friday Night Concert 6:30, Howard Station Park. Enjoy free music every Friday night through Labor Day weekend! DowntownLS.org

Booms & Blooms 7:00, Powell Gardens. See the dazzling display of hundreds of daylilies, a daylily and iris sale, children’s activities and music.

816.697.2600

Free Summer Concerts 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Bring your lawn chair and listen to local musicians perform. 913.322.5591 Ice Cream Train 7:00, BG&KC Railroad. Call and reserve your spot for the ice cream train every Friday through August. 816.331.0630

30 SATURDAY

For TONS of July 4th events along with a complete list of all firework displays all over KC, visit KCParent.com!

Summer on the Farm 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Interpreters will demonstrate summer chores that kept farm families busy. 913.248.2360

We don’t address the symptoms of ADHD. We address the cause.

At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

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6406 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66211

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DR E AM DINNERS SUMMER OLYMPICS

JOIN U S T H I S S U M M E R F O R K I D S C O O K I N G S E S S I O N S !

Wednesdays Kids Session

10am – 12Noon OR 11am-1pm June 13, July 11 and August 8 Register online: www.dreamdinners.com/119MetcalfKS 9 years and older • Space is limited

Attend all 3 Summer Sessions and receive a special “OLYMPIC” gold medal! kcparent.com june 2012

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Kansas City Zoo

NEW Sumatran Tiger Exhibit Renovations Opening Spring 2012

Affordable Family Fun Purchase Your 2012 Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Membership Today!

2012 FOTZ Memberships Include: FREE Zoo admission through March 31, 2013 Discounts at Zoo gift shops and ed-ZOO-cation and much more!

Open Daily 816.513.5800 kansascityzoo.org 56

kcparent.com june 2012

The Kansas City Zoo is a private non-profit operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.