KC Parent Magazine August 2016

FREE | August 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

Yikes!

time to head back to school, K C! make a healthier

lunch box new school?

no worries! organizing

middle schoolers

7 best

educational apps

+

ways to savor the

final days of summer!

physicians

lee’s

summit

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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 Ashley Campbell, DO

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kcparent.com august 2016

AUGUST

2016

DEPARTMENTS

KANSAS CITY’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE, PGS. 36-50

10

Craft Corner

12

Media Mix

28

Faith & Family

45

Word from Dad

48

Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

18

22

24

Playful Mom

Summer Olympics

Pokémon Go

Tips on adding playfulness to your daily routine

Celebrate the games with your family

Find a list of great PokéStops in Kansas City

14

Party Guide

36

Back-to-School Guide

52

Calendar of Events

Our cover features Brock from Overland Park.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

FREE | August 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER

6

kcparent.com august 2016

Savor Summer

34

New School, No Worries

42

Make a Healthier Lunch Box

44

Organizing Middle Schoolers

46

Best Educational Apps

49

Yikes!

time to head back to school, K C! make a healthier

lunch box new school?

no worries! organizing

middle schoolers

7 best

educational apps

+

ways to savor the

final days of summer!

ceL

20 raTi

Years

Since 1996

With over 65 teaching artists, we teach ALL levels, recreational to professional, and ALL ages, preschool through adult, in our 20,000-square-foot modern facility.

nG

Dance Music TheaTre arT

eB

From playing a baby mouse eight years ago to being the lead in Cinderella in 2016, Briana James studied dance and theater at The Culture House for a decade and earned a substantial scholarship to attend Oklahoma City University’s prestigious dance program this fall.

Classes Begin August 17th. Enroll Today!

117th and Black Bob in Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 • CultureHouse.com

EDITOR’SLETTER

A

MORE Giveaways! t

See Simone Biles & Gabby Douglas t

Win a $1,750 Rainbow Play System t

Enjoy FREE Ringling Bros. Circus Tickets

at KCParent.com

Here’s to a great school year, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

AUGUST 2016 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Overland Park), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Erin Jones (Overland Park), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Katie Newell (Shawnee), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | August 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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Yikes!

time to head back to school, K C!

DISCOVER OUR

choosing

CITY BEAUTIFUL

classic

summer fun in kc

500 WAYS TO EXPLORE KC

make a healthier

your doctor issue

for little ones

lunch box new school?

no worries!

STOP A

organizing

befORe IT STARTS

TANTRUM

PRegnAncy PAInS? we’ve got answers

middle schoolers

7 best

educational apps

+

ways to savor the

final days of summer!

ultimate guide to kc’s

COOLEST DISTRICTS – daytime & night!

+

50

MEGA

fun ways to

SAVOR SUMMER!

ZIKA VIRUS

+

what pregnant moms need to know

BEST FESTS EXTREME THRILLS WINE TOURS

.com

Giveaways and

ugust is a big month in the Sarver home this year. This August marks my 10th year with Family Media Group. In addition to its marking a decade with KC Parent, the month also brings another big transition.

My older daughter is off to high school. High school!

How did that happen?!?

Wasn’t she just learning how to read, count to 100 and hold a pair of scissors correctly?

She’s very excited for this next chapter, but I have to admit I’m a little apprehensive. A big part of the reason I’m having trouble with my child’s starting high school is because I remember my own high school experience pretty clearly. I remember thinking that I was grown up and knew so much (oh, how wrong I was!). And if I was just in high school, how in the world can I be old enough to have a child entering high school? Also, we’re going to have to deal with things like driving and dating and all that other stuff/drama high school brings. Can she just stay young for a little while longer?

Whether this August brings a new start in your home or just a new grade, we’ve got you covered in our back-to-school guide, starting on pg. 36. And to all of you parents who have survived the high school years and have tips to share, send them my way. I’m all ears!

Before the kids do head back to school (too early, in my opinion), be sure to soak up those last days of summer in Kansas City with some of the many fun activities you haven’t enjoyed yet. Our calendar here and at KCParent.com has TONS of ideas to make the most of those last few days of freedom.

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

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Circulation verified by:

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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KCPARENTONLINE

KCParent.com

Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

Search KCParent.com for OUR TOP 10 LISTS OF fun ideas: 1. Apple Picking Guide 2. Cool Summer Nights 3. Best of August 4. 50 Ideas Under $5 This Summer 5. Farmers Markets 6. School Lunch Ideas 7. Labor Day Weekend Ideas

Spotlight Festivals

8. Summer Festivals

It’s festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals...there is something for everyone! Visit KCParent.com for a complete list!

9. Sneak Peek of Fall Fun in KC 10. Kids Eat Free

KCPARENT.COM IS THE PLACE FOR FREE STUFF! The circus is coming to KC September 15-18 and KC Parent is

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9

CRAFTCORNER

kid’s art coasters

t

his is such an easy and unique way to preserve your kids’ artwork. Take those paintings and drawings that you don’t know what to do with and make some personalized coasters. Give away sets of coasters to grandparents for a gift they will love—or set them out on your own coffee table to show off the skills of your budding artist!

Set these coasters out on your coffee table to show off the skills of your budding artist!

Materials Needed:

• Kids’ paintings or drawings • Wood slices • Mod Podge • Foam brush • Craft knife

Step One: Use the wood slices as a template and trace around one onto the painting or artwork. Using a craft knife, cut just inside the shape you traced.

Step Two: Brush on a layer of the Mod Podge.

Step Three: Place your cut artwork on top of the wood slice and smooth out any bubbles. Brush on another layer of the Mod Podge.

Step Four: After the Mod Podge has dried, add two to three more layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying another one.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters.

She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

10 august2016 2016 10 august

kcparent.com kcparent.com

kid-mergency for those dino-sized emergencies.

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Learn more at Turn4TheBetter.com.

Text “ER� to 23000 to view current average ER wait times.

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* According to Hospital Compare December 2015; ** According to National Pediatric Readiness 2015; *** Message and data rates may apply. For more information visit texterhelp.com. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

MEDIAMIX

good manners and good friends new titles illustrate the importance of manners and respect

By McGeath Freeman

Please Say Please!

By Kyle T. Webster

Hello, Hippo!

Goodbye, Bird!

Best for: Ages 4-8

By Kristyn Crow

What’s the magic word? In this lively new picture book from Kyle T. Webster, the word is “please.”

When you want something, how do you get it? Do you shout and say, “I want”? Or do you show some manners and ask nicely?

On the first page of this book a young girl begins by shouting, “I want a fish.” When an older gentleman says, “Please say please, and I’ll grant any wish,” the little girl changes her tune. This happens over and over again—parents will relate to that— until the girl finally gets the hang of using her manners and very nicely asks for a giant.

The text is short and flows nicely. The main characters are a retro black and white style, but the scenes they are thrown into are bright and lively. The spreads are sure to draw readers in and keep them engaged. This book is a good addition to any classroom or home library.

What’s good: This book’s message focuses entirely on one word—please—making the lesson easy to learn.

What’s bad: Not much. Learning good manners is never bad.

12

kcparent.com august 2016

Illustrated by PolyBernatene Best for: Ages 4-8 Are you ready for another unlikely friendship tale? This one mostly focuses on how to and how not to make friends.

Hippo is annoyed that Bird won’t leave him alone. Bird is always there, sitting on Hippo’s head. Bird just wants to be best friends and share in everything. And he thinks being annoyingly persistent will pay off. Ultimately, both the grumpy Hippo and the effervescent Bird have to learn to like each other’s positive qualities so they can be better and stronger together.

The illustrations offer inviting contrasts between rotund and lithe shapes, as well as sky-high and ground-level perspectives. The humor is silly but right at the age level intended. This is a good story for classroom story time, so long as you are ready to discuss manners, as well as good and bad ways to make friends.

What’s good: Lessons in manners and making friends.

What’s bad: This title may get lost in the glut of books about unlikely friendships.

Agatha Parrot and the Odd Street School Ghost

By Kjartan Poskitt Best for: Ages 7-10

Young girls making the transition to chapter books have no shortage of series from which to choose. This one was originally released in England two years ago and now is getting its debut on U.S. shelves. It stars Agatha Parrot, a high energy girl with a zest for life. When the Odd Street School’s clock tower bell begins ringing off schedule, Agatha and her friends decide to investigate. One of the gang hypothesizes there may be a ghost, and the rumor spreads quickly.

Told in a very chatty, irreverent manner, this title will entertain and engage young readers.

What’s good: Silly and engaging, the dialogue is quick and direct.

What’s bad: The thin plot may leave some new chapter book readers wanting more.

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kcparent.com august 2016

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party guide the no-gift birthday party

C

hances are your kid will attend dozens of birthday parties over the course of the next few years. At even $10 a pop for a gift, that can really add up.

Now think of all the gifts that come into your own home for birthdays and other holidays. Picture at least half of that stuff eventually going into a landfill or to charity.

Talk about a bunch of wasted money! So I’m proposing a radical idea: the no-gift birthday party. You’ll have a lot less cleanup, and the other parents just might thank you.

Try it just once and see what you think!

Here are some ideas:

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

Ask guests to bring canned goods for a local food bank to the party.

After cake, depending on the ages of the kids, caravan to the food bank so the kids and adults can help out for a couple of hours.

Cook up some fun at a place where kids can cook. Businesses like this often

offer birthday parties where kids can make their own pizzas or decorate their own little cakes.

For very young children, consider giving just one fun gift from you and ask everyone else to gift money for a savings account. I know my babies were

too young to care about gifts, but they sure are proud of the money they already have saved for their future.

Have a party at a cool place like a nature center and ask for donations.

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

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

Throw a party with an animal theme and donate gifts to the local animal shelter.

Throw a party with an animal theme. Shari Fresorger, mom of Hunter,

says, “We have done two no-gift parties because my son has a December birthday.

[At the first] we did animal-themed Christmas ornaments, and gifts were

donated to the local animal shelter. The second party, I ended up with a large SUV packed with supplies for the animal shelter. Lots of large bags of dog food, blankets, toys and even checks to be donated in my son’s name.”

Ask guests to bring an item from home or even a new book or toy for charity. Your child will get a kick out

of taking donations to a local center that helps those in need.

If you do it right, nobody will be thinking about presents at all. They’ll be too busy having fun!

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

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17

Try infusing fun playtime and silliness into your life and parenting by taking advantage of everyday activities that you already do.

a playful mom p

arenthood is full of to-dos, and sometimes the busy-ness seems never-ending. With tasks constantly piling up, who in the world has time to play and frolic with her children? Well, believe it or not, we all do. And even if you think you don’t, you should.

Does this mean you need to involve yourself in everything they do? Should you stop what you’re doing and play with them every time they ask you to? Nope. Instead, try infusing fun playtime and silliness into your life and parenting by taking advantage of everyday activities that you already do.

What this is all about is forgetting the to-do lists for a bit and having fun. Being silly will release some of those good, happy hormones and help relieve some stress. So go ahead— embrace your inner goofball and have some fun! Here are some great ways to enjoy life with your child(ren): Splash in the puddles. A rainy day doesn’t have to be a dreary day. Put on your gear and take your little one(s) outside. Jump in the puddles and have a great time!

Take out the jump rope. Teach them some old jump-roping songs from your childhood. See who can jump the longest.

Do the hula! Bring out the hula hoop and show your child your moves.

Play basketball. Shoot some hoops and challenge your child to a game of Horse or Around the World.

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kcparent.com august 2016

=

a happier mom

Blow bubbles. You can find some great recipes online for making giant bubbles!

Make tattoos. Use washable markers and draw tattoos on each other. You’ll win the cool parent award for sure.

_

Have a family scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to find and visit a playground or two to search for them together.

Who can make the silliest face? See who can make the funniest face—and don’t forget to take pictures!

Another great way to instill fun into your days is during household chore time. That’s right. All work and no play can make anyone dull, so here are some creative ways to have fun while you and your child(ren) clean the house.

Play music. While you’re at it, dance and sing along while you dust the picture frames.

Sing into the mop handle while you clean the floors. Bounce around the house until your work is done. Music puts everyone in a better mood during chore time.

Have a race. Start the timer and see who can get their duties finished first! Remind them, though, that the work has to be done correctly for it to count.

Make it into a game. Shoot trash into the trashcan; toss toys into the toy box; slam dunk dirty clothes into the laundry baskets.

Have fun with it!

_

Have a water fight. Make cleaning the bathroom fun! Or splash each other with water outside while you wash the car or pull weeds.

Running errands can seem like a dreadful chore at times with your little ones, so why not get silly together while out and about?

Race to the buildings. Or down the aisles. Pretend the shopping cart is a race car and watch the joy in your child’s face.

Point out the worst clothing. See a silly outfit at the store that you’d never wear?

Show your child! Or better yet, take it in the dressing room and try it on. It doesn’t have to fit—that’s part of the fun.

Make the car ride awesome. Roll down all the windows, even on the Interstate.

Wave to all of the passing cars and say, “Hi!” Play the music loud and sing along. Hold your breath when you pass graveyards. Play I Spy and see who can spot a pink car first.

Parents obviously cannot do these fun things all the time, and every parent needs a 10-minute breather on the bench away from the kids sometimes. Go ahead and enjoy the break, but don’t forget to play too. Release your inner goofball and have fun with it!

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein can’t help but release her inner dork in all that she does with her two daughters…it’s just who she is, and they know it!

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19

Five “Secret” Places to Picnic in Kansas City Venture beyond your neighborhood park and enjoy a summer picnic at one of these unique places in Kansas City:

1

View downtown’s skyline at Rooftop Park in the Kansas City Power & Light District, located on the rooftop of Cosentino’s Market downtown. Access may be found off of Main Street, between 12th and 13th streets. The park is open from 8:00 in the morning until dusk throughout the summer and offers green space in the center of the city where you can relax and enjoy amazing views of the downtown skyline. You may pack a picnic or purchase one from the delicatessen at Cosentino’s. Bring a blanket (there are no tables, only benches) and eat on the lawn atop a downtown roof!

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Listen to a waterfall while you picnic at Parkville Nature Sanctuary (MO Highway 9 & 12th Street, Parkville, MO).

Enjoy scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity just 15 minutes from the city! Bring a backpack picnic and enjoy it in nature. Or hike, then picnic, at nearby English Landing Park overlooking the Missouri River.

Explore a cave at Cave Springs Park (8701 Gregory, Kansas City, MO). Enjoy a nature center with local exhibits, hiking trails, a pond, water garden, waterfall, historic ruins including chimneys from pioneer homes and, of course, the cave!

Picnic at the pavilion on the grounds.

Share your lunch with bison at the Native Hooved Animal Enclosure in Fleming

Park in Blue Springs, MO, where you can feed apples or pears to bison, white-tailed deer and elk as they approach the fences. Fleming Park is also home to Missouri Town 1855, Lake Jacomo and the Kauffman Education Center with a variety of great shelters and picnic areas.

Rent a pedal boat at Jacomo or step back in time at Missouri Town 1855 while you’re there.

Pretend you live in the Wild West then picnic at Antioch Park (6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, KS), where you can explore a pond, rose garden, acres of land for playing, a park and the beloved Wild West Village, where children pretend to live in old Kansas.

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Summer

I

f hearing the word Rio makes you think of the ’80s Duran Duran song or the popular kids movie, think again. Rio de Janeiro is the host of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, set to begin Aug. 5 and run through Aug. 21. Just because summer is winding down and school will be starting soon doesn’t mean all the fun has to end!

The beginning of the Olympics lends itself perfectly to breaking out creative and unique ideas for your family to get in the Olympic spirit!

Rio de Janeiro, with a population of more than 6 million, is the second largest city in Brazil. While it is perhaps best known for its towering Christ the Redeemer statue and sunny beaches, its new claim to fame will be the first South American city to host the Summer Olympics. While watching the two weeks of sports is a great way to support and enjoy the Olympics, there are other ways to spice up the family experience. In keeping with the tradition of the five rings, here are five Olympic-sized activities you may want to consider:

Opening ceremony torch and bingo To make the torch, have your child stuff a few pieces of red and yellow tissue paper in one end of an empty paper towel tube (which can be painted gold or brown, left as is or covered with aluminum foil).

Afterward, play opening ceremony bingo

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kcparent.com august 2016

Olympics, Family Style while watching together as a family. A sample from the 2012 London Olympics is available at ThirtyHandmadeDays. com/2012/07/kids_worksheets/.

Olympic trivia night Exercise everyone’s brain a bit and shake off the summer cobwebs with an Olympic trivia night! Sample questions could be: *Where is Rio de Janeiro? (Brazil, South America) *What is the population of Brazil? (200.4 million as of 2013) *Where and when did the first modern Olympics take place? (Athens, 1896) *What is the significance of the Olympic rings? (The five rings represent the five continents and their union in the games.) *Which country has held the most Olympic Games? (United States) *Which city has held the Olympic Games three times? (London) *For more fun Olympic trivia and facts, head to TopEndSports.com/events/summer/ trivia.htm.

Ring toss and Olympic rings artwork Make five rings from paper plates by first cutting out a circle from the center of each plate. Then have your child paint or color each plate in colors corresponding to the Olympic rings (blue, yellow, black, green and red). Next, paint five toilet or paper towel tubes the same colors as the rings you made. After the tubes dry, glue them onto a stiff, flat piece of cardboard, leaving enough space between each so the rings you made will easily fit around them. Your ring toss game is now ready to play by tossing each ring onto the matching tube! When the game has lost its pizazz, cut a slit in each plate so they can be interlocked to create the famous Olympic rings (make sure to put them in the right order!).

Family fun day Head out to a park and host your own family Olympics! You could do more traditional, old-fashioned games, such as a sack race or three-legged race or try some of the Summer Olympic sports, such as golf, badminton or volleyball.

Don’t forget the medals too! You can make your own with a simple salt dough recipe by mixing 1 cup each of flour and salt together and gradually adding in water (about ¾ cup total). Knead together until a smooth dough is formed and all the ingredients are combined. Use a cookie cutter to cut out whatever shape you want for the medals and bake at 250 for about two to three hours or until dry. Don’t forget to poke a hole in the medal with a straw to thread some ribbon through after baking.

Once the medal is completely cooled, your child can paint it using acrylic paints. If mixing a dough and baking is too much, use construction paper, cardstock or poster board instead!

International dinner To honor the Olympics and the unity it creates in our world for those few short weeks, mix up your weekly dinner menu by including foods from around the world.

You could have an Italian or Mexican night, or add one new international side dish as a complement to your meal. Don’t forget a sweet, themed treat to surprise your little Olympic athletes. Olympic ring sugar cookies, either cut out like an “O” or just a round cookie, decorated with colored frosting or candy, are an easy and yummy way to bring the Olympics right to the table.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a fun, crazy, multi-family way to celebrate the Olympics, check out the website CourtneyDefeo. com/best-events-family-olympics/. You’d

definitely need people who are willing to be good sports, but what a hysterically fun family event!

However you celebrate it, the world is truly your oyster when it comes to Olympic fun, so pick one or two new ideas and try them out…the whole family might just have fun!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she’ll be trying out a few of these ideas with her own children, ages 5, 3 and 1.

Enter to win tickets to the

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See details on page 9

o o o o o

The torch relay began on May 3 in Brasilia and will travel through 329 cities and reach 90 percent of the population of Brazil.

More than 10,500 athletes will be participating.

Kosovo and South Sudan are first-time entrants.

Rugby and golf, last seen at the Olympics 92 and 112 years ago respectively, are two of the 28 sports.

The Rio Olympics mascot is a Vinicius, a mixture of all the Brazilian animals. It can fly and has the power to stretch its body and limbs.

kcparent.com august 2016

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Pokémon Go in KC

By Margaret Sarver

L

ove it or hate it, Pokémon Go is one of the things everyone has been talking about this summer. While there is some thought that kids don’t need any more encouragement to spend time on their devices, the overwhelming majority of Kansas City parents give the app a thumbs up. From spending more time together as a family (without arguing!) to getting more exercise, parents see the app as providing several positives for their kids.

Whether you’ve been hunting for a few weeks or are new to the game, here’s a list of places that KC parents list as faves for PokéStops in KC:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art National Museum of Toys and Miniatures Paradise Park Union Station Kauffman Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Woods Chapel Church in Lee’s Summit Johnson County Museum Dogwood Park in Lee’s Summit Downtown Lee’s Summit Monkey Mountain Nature Center

Fountain at Adam’s Dairy and I-70 Worlds of Fun Lea McKeighan Park in Lee’s Summit Gates Bar-B-Q Lake Remembrance Railroad Park in Blue Springs Blue Valley Aquatic Center Blue Springs Parks and Rec Center National World War I Museum and Memorial Crown Center The Roasterie

Sunnyside Park Thomas Stoll Park Loose Park Antioch Park Lake Jacomo Longview Lake Shawnee Mission Lake As with any activity, be sure to use caution and pay attention to your surroundings when out. Happy hunting!

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five ways to encourage empathy Talk about it!

Having conversations with your children about what’s going on in their lives not only is important, it’s necessary! Children are like sponges; they absorb so much. New information is given to them daily, and most of it they don’t know what to do with. Help them out. Or at least help them express how they feel about it. For instance, if your child is having trouble coping with a recent move or a big change in his normal routine, ask him about it. Let him know you are here to help and give some examples of different instances in life where something made you upset or angry. Then round it out with how talking about it made it so much easier for you to deal with.

Show and tell.

f

inding creative ways for children to channel their energy is huge.

Playing in the park, engaging in the classroom, participating in sports and even having difficult conversations about those everyday activities are important. Parents have to be extremely supportive and extremely cautious. So how do you know whether you’re moving in the right direction regarding empathy? Here are a few thoughts…

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Empathy only can be shown if it is first understood.

According to ZeroToThree.org, a child’s being able to empathize with another person means the child understands he is separate and his own person. Kids also have to be able to recognize common feelings. For example, being able to differentiate happy from sad, angry from surprised. For small

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children, being able to imagine a response and give comfort may be difficult. Parents, if you notice a change in behavior of one of your children or children’s friends, encouraging your child to give a hug is an awesome way to encourage empathy.

be a role model. lead by example!

Read about it.

By reading this article, you’re already making progress.

Educating yourself about effective practices regarding children and empathy is the first step, and resources are all over the place— from mom blogs to classrooms and back to parenting magazines.

Parents love to share some of their experiences. It’s even a great icebreaker at parties or on the playground. Talking about it even can lead you to encouraging the practice in the environment. If Sarah falls off the swing and starts to cry, encourage your child, Katie, to give her a hug—and remember to use language she’ll understand. For example: “It made Sarah very sad when she fell

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from the swing. Do you see her tears?” Then follow up: “Give her a hug. That will make her happy or help the tears disappear.”

Be a role model.

Lead by example! As I mentioned before, kids are like sponges. They retain a lot of information and they repeat a lot of the learned information. So if your kid sees you laugh at a video of someone who falls flat on his face, more than likely your child is going to believe that is a funny behavior. My word of advice: Be careful when teaching empathy. My rule is be sensitive to everything with an emotional attachment and you’ll be safe.

Be patient.

Remember you are dealing with children. You can’t expect them to understand and perfectly practice all at once. If you remember that every moment is a learning moment, your patience will grow and so will your child’s understanding.

Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and a current Kansas City resident. She is a grad student, photographer and journalist.

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FAITH&FAMILY

A Trophy Childhood

“F

or by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 Why is it that we appear to be a culture, a generation, who is more concerned with what our kids do rather than who they are? We know deep in our parenting gut approval-based living is fragile and doesn’t really provide desirable long-term results, yet we slip into it over and over again. Days turn into years, and before we know it, our kids are performing their way through life on the soccer fields, in the classrooms, on dance stages, in friendships, in relationships, in families and in neighborhoods. Our children are learning to perform for approval by earning our approval.

There’s nothing wrong with achievements or being recognized for accomplishments, but if we think back to the last few months of our kids’ lives

and there have been more conversations centered on performance than character, we know there are or soon will be problems.

Childhood is not a meritocracy. A trophyriddled superhero bedroom isn’t a key indicator for happy and healthy teenage years, let alone successful adulthood.

What if instead of rewarding our kids with our praise for the awards they’re already receiving, we start teaching them how to reflect on their own motives? Why did you win the award? How did your daily choices affect the outcome? Who helped you along the way? There are always helpers. Did you thank them? Was the award worth your effort? What advice would you give others who want to try the same thing?

This idea of unmerited favor is how God parents us, His kids. God certainly cares about what we do, but He knows it all stems from who we are. First and foremost, we are recipients of eternal life because of grace He gives us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says it this way:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” As children of God, we have His unmerited (unearned) favor, grace.

When we come to God with our list of achievements and awards, He asks us about our hearts. When we walk into His presence with our trophies of success, He asks us who we served along the way. When we feel entitled to blessings and comforts, God points us to Jesus, like in Philippians 2: 4-5 (The Message): “Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all.”

You can find more of Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter’s writings at UnravelGrace.com.

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Kansas City’s Dog Parks

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pend a day at the park with your favorite four-legged friend!

Dog Park Etiquette:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Local Dog Parks:

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lessons

Kansas:

• Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Rd., Olathe • Leawoof Dog Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood • Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Park, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee • Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park

Missouri: • Blue Springs Dog Park, 1049 NE 20th St., Blue Springs • Dogwood Park, 51 NW Victoria Dr., Lee’s Summit • Happy Tails Park, 1251 SE Ranson Rd., Lee’s Summit • Tails & Trails Dog Park, 7601 E. 139th St., Grandview • Waggin Trail Dog Park, 432 NE 32nd Ave., North Kansas City • Wayside Waifs Bark Park, 3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City

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KC Parent Family

2016 WINNER

family faves After tabulating thousands of votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses which have been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2016!

Winners are listed in alphabetical order.

There are multiple winners in each category.

Medical Categories: Favorite OB/GYN practice: Rockhill Women’s Care Northland Women’s Health Care

Favorite Pediatrician Practice: Pediatric Partners Priority Care

Favorite Dental Practice: Jenkins & LeBlanc Pediatric Dental Specialists

Favorite Orthodontist: Fry Orthodontics Hannah Orthodontics

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kcparent.com august 2016

Favorite Place to Have a Baby: Menorah Medical Center St. Luke’s Health System

Kansas City Area Attractions: Favorite Animal Attractions: Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Sea Life Aquarium

F​ avorite Garden and/or Nature Center: Ernie Miller Nature Center Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

FavoriteS 2016 Favorite Museum:

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art National Museum of Toys and Miniatures National World War I Museum and Memorial

Kansas City Zoo Schlitterbahn Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Live Show:

Favorite Indoor Family Destination:

Broadway Across America Coterie Starlight Theatre

Bass Pro Shops Great Wolf Lodge Paradise Park

Favorite Sports Family Experience:

Favorite Place to Have a Birthday Party:

Kansas City Royals Sporting KC T-Bones

Little Monkey Bizness Paradise Park Urban Air

Favorite Festivals & Fairs:

Favorite Pizza Place:

Celebration at the Station Oktoberfest (Downtown Lee’s Summit) Old Shawnee Days

Pie Five Pizza Shoppe SPIN! Pizza

Favorite FREE Attraction:

Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant:

Crown Center Seasonal Exhibits Kaleidoscope Mahaffie Summer Family Nights

Fritz’s Red Robin T-Rex Cafe

Best-Kept Secret:

Programs & Classes:

Arabia Steamboat Museum KC Rail Experience at Union Station Powell Observatory

Favorite Dance:

Favorite Parents Night Out: Crossroads Legends Outlets Pinstripes

Favorite NEW Place in KC: Go Ape Main Event Topgolf

The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Gymnastics: 360 Gymnastics Gage Center Integrity Gymnastics

Favorite Drama/Theater: Christian Youth Theatre ​The Coterie The Culture House

kcparent.com august 2016

31

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August

festivals & fairs in Kansas City

Try out some of our favorite festivals in August in Kansas City. For a complete Summer Festival Guide, visit KCParent.com Johnson County Fair Aug. 1-6, Gardner, KS, JoCoKansasFair.com.

Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking, police and fire demonstrations, bull blast, barrel racing, parade and demolition derby.

Festival of Butterflies Aug. 5-7, 12-14, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. See hundreds of colorful, free-flying butterflies in the indoor conservatory. Experts from Monarch Watch will be here with a fantastic educational display and to offer advice on ways to protect these beautiful butterflies. Don’t miss the daily costume parade led by Ms. Frizzle!

Johnson C

ounty Fair

Missouri State Fair Aug.11-21, Sedalia, MO, MoStateFair.com.

The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows, competitive exhibits and first-class professional entertainment.

Admission charged. Read our “Tips for the Missouri State Fair” before you go!

Sprint Family Fun Days: “Ice Cream Social” Theme Aug. 13, Festival

rflies

of Butte

KC Power & Light District, PowerAndLightDistrict.com. Enjoy a day of ice cream-themed fun. Admission to the event is free. Fees apply for premium activities.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City Aug. 19-21, Swope Park, KCParks.org. Admission charged. Parking is free; handicap parking available. Enjoy more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts and performing ethnic music and dances.

Parkville Days Aug. 19-21, Parkville, MO, ParkvilleMo.org. Live entertainment, craft booths and vendors, carnival and more.

Bacon-Fest Aug. 27, 3011 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, BaconFestKC.com. Sample some of the area’s most awesome bacon creations!

Parkville Days

For more great fun before kids head back to school, turn the page to find lots of ways to savor summer! kcparent.com august 2016

33

wait !

summer’s not over yet!

make the most of summer’s final days....

Thrillseekers, we have ideas just for you for the last few days of summer!

Check them out on KCParent.com.

Steel Hawk, Worlds of Fun

S

chool is about to begin again, but your kids are still relishing summer. Make the most of the final days of summer break by doing what really only can be done in summer!

dine al fresco

It always seems to be even more relaxing when you eat outside. These are a few of our favorite Kansas City restaurants with patio seating available:

• Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House

location (101 W. 22nd St. #300, Kansas City, MO, 816.472.7427). Near Union Station, enjoy Kansas City’s landmark barbecue restaurant.

• The Brooksider Bar & Grill (6330 Brookside

Plaza, Kansas City, MO, 816.363.4070, BrooksiderBarAndGrill.com) is a great fast-casual sports bar and grill with pub fare, including wings, tacos, sandwiches and tasty appetizers.

•

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza (9474 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS, 913.438.7746, SpinPizza.com). Pizza with outdoor seating available—when dining with kids, we call this a win-win!

• La Bodega (4311 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS, 913.428.8272) is a spot where you can enjoy authentic Spanish tapas for a fun night out.

• Renee Kelly’s Harvest (12401 Johnson Dr.,

Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100, ReneeKellysHarvest. com). Dine inside the historic Shawnee castle or outside on the patio surrounded by gardens. Renee Kelly’s is one of the most relaxing restaurants in the area with an exquisite brunch menu.

• Vivilore (10815 E. Winner Rd., Independence,

MO, 816.836.2222, Vivilore.com). This is a perfect date night for parents. Consistently voted the prettiest courtyard dining in the area, this is an unforgettable restaurant with outstanding food and ambiance.

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kcparent.com august 2016

spend a day at the lake

Rent a pontoon or fishing boat at one of the local marinas or spend a day at the swim beach. Pack a picnic and a few towels, then stretch out on the sand. Swim a bit, build a sand castle and just relax!

• Blue Springs Lake (Jackson County, MO, 816.503.4870, MakeYourDayHere.com).

Swim beach, boat rental and campsites.

• Kill Creek Park Beach (Johnson County, KS, 913.312.8847). Swim beach.

• Lake Jacomo (Jackson County, MO,

816.503.4870, MakeYourDayHere.com).

Boat rental and campsites.

• Longview Lake (Jackson County, MO, 816.503.4870, MakeYourDayHere.com).

Swim beach, boat rental and campsites.

• Shawnee Mission Park Beach (Johnson County, KS, 913.312.8847). Swim beach, boat rental and campsites.

• Smithville Lake Beach (Clay County, MO, 816.407.3400). Swim beach, boat rental and campsites.

• Watkins Woolen Mill State Park Lake

(Clay County, MO, 816.580.3387). Campsites and swim beach.

be creative!

You also can spend the day painting pottery at Paint, Glaze & Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.661.CLAY [2529]) or Ceramic Café (9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS, 913.383.0222). When you arrive at these shops, you select a piece of pottery to paint. Items may range from a mug, plate or dish, to a ceramic figurine or ornament. They offer a variety of projects from small to large. You’ll see samples and books throughout the store to help inspire ideas and techniques. Next, you will choose your paint colors. A team member will explain the process for the best effect or help with techniques if needed. After you finish, you’ll return in roughly a week to pick up your piece after it’s been fired and prepared for you. This activity is a great way to enjoy some creativity over the summer, and you’re making something that lasts!

You also can enjoy painting at one of the local shops that offers classes to paint specific pieces of art. There are many (search Canvas Shops on KCParent.com), but our favorite is Thirsty Palette (11958 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS.913.669.0501, ThirstyPalette. com). Visit their website for a calendar, choose the work you’d like to learn to paint and make reservations to attend. One of their instructors will provide step-by-step instructions to create your own masterpiece.

School is structured with assignments, deadlines and clear instructions from the teacher (we hope!). Sometimes, it’s fun to nurture spontaneity and let your creative juices flow.

stay up late

Take the kids to Kaleidoscope (HallmarkKaleidoscope.com), where they offer free family sessions throughout the day (check calendar for times). Simply check in and request a free ticket, which they give out when you arrive in order to limit groups to manageable sizes. Then, enjoy this magical art center provided free by Hallmark and Crayola, where children are equipped with endless art supplies (much of it uniquely from Hallmark) in a creative and fun-filled atmosphere.

Head to Powell Observatory (26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS, 913.837.5305, ASKC.org/Powell) on Saturday nights for their public star watching parties. Home to the largest public telescope in the area, Powell Observatory offers a spectacular way to enjoy the night sky.

enjoy theme parks and water parks It just isn’t summer without a ride on a roller coaster and a waterslide!

Enjoy our favorite summer attractions when you head to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com), open late all summer long. Tip: Admission is cheaper after 4:00! Ride seven world-class roller coasters, enjoy thrill rides, check out Planet Snoopy’s five new rides, watch live shows and swim at Oceans of Fun—all for the price of one ticket.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Schlitterbahn.com) is cheaper after 3:00 (hours vary). Ride the rapids through roaring rivers, experience the world’s tallest waterslide, test your surfing skills on Boogie Bahn, ride a water coaster and let little ones play on a pirate ship. Parking is free and picnics are welcome (no glass or alcohol).

Longview Lake

The school year means strict bedtimes and waking early. Enjoy late nights while you still can.

Kansas City’s local parks and attractions offer free concerts and free (or inexpensive) movies under the stars all summer long. Visit KCParent.com and search our calendar for ideas.

Kristina Light shares even more great summer ideas all season long on KCParent.com

kcparent.com august 2016

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Back to School CONTENTS 37 rock the school year 38 field trips 40 when kids resist school 42 new school, no worries 44 build a better lunch box 45 off to school 46 organize your middle schooler 48 back-to-school checklist 49 best educational apps 50 getting on a sleep routine

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f

or many of us, August is paved with good intentions. We resolve that this school year, we will be organized, patient, consistent and engaged. In August, we are rested. We have renewed our vows with parenthood, ready to be the best we can be.

Then, the alarms cut through the house on that first morning and everyone is jolted awake hours before their summertime wake-up call. There are fights over the bathroom, and someone can’t find his shoes.

A phone falls into the toilet, and the dog throws up on the carpet. You squeal out of the driveway 10 minutes late, screaming at the kids to buckle up, and someone is crying. It might be you. You get to work feeling frazzled and guilty.

And then there are the evenings, when you are juggling practices and dinner and work schedules and bedtime routines and laundry. It doesn’t matter whether you have one kid or five—managing the school year is tough. But we are all in this together, so we want to help you rock this school year with a few tips to make life as the parent of schoolage kids better.

get up earlier Imagine if you were already showered, dressed and enjoying a cup of coffee by the time the kids got up. You would have time to French braid your daughter’s hair or help look for the missing shoes or talk about what’s coming up in the day. You could be engaged, not rushed. I know you are tired.

The snooze button is so tempting. But the energy you will save from transforming chaotic mornings into peaceful, controlled ones will be more than enough to get you through the day—and your kids will be off to a great start.

the family calendar I would venture to guess that most of us do some version of this. For me and my blended family of six, a family calendar is an absolute necessity, and I spend hours getting it set up before school begins. As soon as fall sports and activities schedules are available, I add the dates and times to our shared Google calendar. Next, I go to the school calendars and add all no school

days, concerts, programs, parent nights and holiday breaks. Lastly, I add the parent stuff.

When it’s finally finished, I consider my calendar a work of art. It is the nerve center of our family during the school year.

plan your meals Most families have at least a few evening commitments during the week that make family meals difficult to achieve. But with a little planning, you can make that essential quality time with your kids possible.

Countless bloggers have free printables to help you get started on a system that fits

ROCK the school year

your lifestyle. I use a template that includes space for the week’s grocery list. I also reuse my weekly menus, so after the initial time investment to determine recipes and shopping lists, it’s as easy as pulling out a premade menu for the week.

crockpots and online grocery shopping I must give a shout-out to my crockpot for filling my home with delicious smells and a dinner that is ready when I walk in the door. About once a week during the school year, our dinners are brought to us by the crockpot. Hy-Vee Aisles Online grocery shopping is another excellent resource for busy families. It’s affordable, convenient and basically life-changing. These two timesavers are the perfect pairing for your meal plan initiative.

routines Kids thrive on routine. There is safety in predictability. There is comfort in knowing what the expectations are. Today’s kids tend to be heavily scheduled, and so it becomes imperative that their time be structured in a way that allows them to succeed. Whether it’s homework time, screen time, family time or bedtime, routines you create to fit the rhythms of your family will help everyone move through their tasks and responsibilities more easily.

I like what local author Kelly Wachel has to say in her book Parents and Schools Together: Blueprint for Success with Urban Youth: “The days of ‘It’s the school’s responsibility’ or ‘It’s the parents’ responsibility’ are over. Education is everyone’s responsibility. The two should be so interwined that they are indistinguishable.”

A great school year begins at home, and if we can provide our kids with an environment that nurtures their emotional, physical and intellectual needs, we are setting them up for educational success.

Erin Jones works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and professional photographer. She is working on her first book – part memoir and part single parenting survival guide.

kcparent.com august 2016

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Back to School

how to pick a place, how to plan the day.

Thankfully, there were other experienced parents who could give me some ideas!” says Janice Meyer, Kansas City, KS, mom.

Volunteering as a field trip coordinator can seem like a daunting task. To help your next group outing qualify as a fabulous field trip, metro parents share their tips and experience:

set the goals for the trip.

Fabulous

field trips

k

ansas City is full of fun places to take groups of children. Whether you are a classroom volunteer, a Girl Scout leader or a coach, planning outings is part of the job description. In addition to selecting educational and enjoyable venues, a large part of ensuring a successful field trip is understanding how to plan the event itself.

“The first time I volunteered with my son’s class, I had no clue what to do. I didn’t know

Have an understanding of what you hope to achieve with this field trip. What do you want the children to learn? How long should the outing take? How big is your group?

Once you have a solid vision for what you want your day to look like, you will be able to choose a venue, select a theme and identify possible dates.

secure the needed permissions. To make sure your trip is a smooth one, get the necessary permissions ahead of time. This includes talking to your venue about your group’s needs, booking your date, clearing your plan with the school or organization you

are working for and getting any needed permissions from the children’s parents. “I found out the hard way that some venues only allow groups of a particular size. If you don’t put it all out there and get the okay, the trip can go downhill fast,” says Rachel Mower, Olathe, KS, mom.

set the date and communicate. Set your date and make sure it is confirmed with your venue.

Communicate the date to parents and your organization to prevent any conflicts.

Sharing tips on attire and footwear for the outing will be very helpful for the whole group. Don’t forget to let everyone know what the alternative plan is in case the weather plays havoc with your field trip! “As a parent, I love hearing details about where the kids are going and what they are doing.

I feel confident and excited for them when I see a plan for a great outing,” says Monica Michaels, Kansas City, KS, mom.

plan ahead. Make the day fun! “I love planning field trips because I like to put my own spin on things. Sometimes it

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is what we wear, sometimes it is silly songs we sing. I really love knowing that the trips are making great memories for the kids,” says Noelle Campbell, Overland Park, KS, mom. The planning is the biggest part of putting the trip in motion. Set an itinerary for the day to keep the trip on track. Plan for snacks, drink breaks and mealtimes. If your venue requires a lengthy drive, make sure to have some car games or songs ready to keep the kids entertained during the trip. And

above all, enjoy the planning! Add your own twist to the day with special surprises, crafts or treats.

have a plan for safety. From

your transportation to and from your event, to how you will keep track of the group while you are there, you need a detailed plan to keep everyone safe. Group t-shirts are a popular option to help identify members of your party, as are fun name tags made by the kids. Take the time to review safety

protocols with your venue to ensure you understand their rules and processes and can communicate those rules to your group.

Make sure the parents are aware of your safety plan and allow them to ask questions if there are any concerns. Always better safe than sorry!

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, journalist, wife and mom of two living in Overland Park.

Are you planning an upcoming field trip for a group and looking for some less traditional ideas? Great options from all over your neighborhood can both educate and offer children the chance to develop a better understanding of how the community works together. Here are a few options to try:

• Tour the grocery store and learn about where the food comes from.

• Take a tour of the local library to learn how it works and how it functions in the community.

• Visit a local bank and learn about daily operations of managing the money.

• Take a nature walk at a local park.

• Plan a trip to a local ice cream shop and learn how the ice cream is made.

• Schedule a tour of your city government offices.

• Visit a local firehouse for a tour and learn about how the engines work.

• Tour your local post office to learn how the mail system works.

• Pay a visit to an animal shelter and learn about how they work and what role they play in the community.

• Visit a local bakery; the math and measurements needed to bake the goodies can serve as a great lesson with a delicious reward!

kcparent.com august 2016

39

Back to School

what to do when your child resists going to

SCHOOL

S

chool should be a positive, warm, nurturing place for kids—a place they want to be. So what does a parent do when her child refuses to go?

Here are some steps you can take to diagnose the problem and work with your child to improve her educational experience.

1. start with a conversation. Ask your child what’s wrong. Why doesn’t she want to go? Is there a specific part of her day that is upsetting? Is there a student who upsets her? Is there an adult who upsets her?

2. Listen. It is often difficult to glean facts from kids, so it’s important to truly listen to them. Listen to every single thing they say. When they talk about recess or John down the street, realize that anything they tell you could be a clue about what is going on.

3. Talk to your child’s teacher(s), principal and possibly the school counselor. Ask them what they see during the school day. Together you might be able to figure out the root cause.

4. Rule out any medical issues. Contact your pediatrician to set up an appointment or at least have a phone conversation about your child’s behavior.

5. Try the buddy system. If recess is an issue, is there another student your child could be paired up with so that she has a friend? Or is there an older student who could serve as a mentor to her and help her feel safer?

6. Try more extracurricular activities. If sports aren’t his thing, how about chess club? Or drama? Or an after-school art program?

7. Reach out to other parents. Organize an after-school playdate. Kids love checking out other kids’ toys. And this way you get to know the kids your child is befriending. (Note: If your child is truly struggling to make friends, try organizing it with just the parents first, without her knowing. This way if it doesn’t work out, she isn’t embarrassed and devastated.)

8. Don’t encourage him to take time off from school. Don’t make a day off fun—no video games or TV. He should read, do schoolwork and lie in bed to rest if he is sick.

9. Don’t offer a great deal of affection if he stays home from school. This pertains especially to a child with separation anxiety. Of course

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be loving and supportive, but an extra-long snuggle with Mom on the couch in front of a movie is not going to help him overcome this problem.

10. Try exposure therapy. Walk the halls on the weekends. If your child does take a day off, maybe the next day she can go for part of the day, and the following day a bit longer and so on. (Note: It is important that her teacher(s) understand and are on board with this plan.)

If your child is struggling, don’t give up.

Keep talking. Keep listening. Keep trying. That school building is full of so many people who care, who love your child and who want her there. Reach out. Come together as a team.

Make her feel safe again. She deserves a positive school experience and, with a little perseverance, she will have one.

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

quiz: 1. If your child is refusing to attend school, you should A. Let her stay home for a few days to recharge.

B. Let her rest by watching TV and movies.

C. Create a working school environment at home where she does schoolwork.

D. Never let her stay home for any reason.

2. Which of the following people should you contact if your child refuses to attend school?

A. Your child’s teacher(s) B. Your child’s principal C. The school counselor D. All of the above 3. Which of the following is NOT something you, as the parent, should do in this situation?

A. Shower him with love and affection when he stays home from school.

B. Talk to him about what is going on.

C. Listen to every single thing he says.

D. Reach out to other parents and try to foster friendships for your child.

4. Which of the following is NOT an effective way to encourage your child to attend school?

A. Bridging friendships by hosting playdates and involving her in extracurricular activities.

B. Demanding he join a sport, even if he doesn’t show interest.

C. Trying exposure therapy, including walking the halls of the school on the weekends.

D. Partnering your child up with a buddy to help her feel more secure.

kcparent.com august 2016

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Back to School

NEW SCHOOL

NO WORRIES!

p p

ublic school to private school. A move across town.

Graduating from elementary school to junior high.

For a number of reasons, children throughout Kansas City may find themselves starting school in unfamiliar territory this year. While some kids welcome the change with open arms, others may find themselves grappling with fear about navigating a new building or developing new friends—not to mention concerns about academic performance.

If your child finds himself in this boat, rest assured these tools will help your child not only endure, but embrace, a new school with open arms.

take a visit. As soon as you know your child will be transferring from one school to another, make it a priority to visit the new one side by side. Attend an open house, orientation, or schedule an appointment during the summer.

Introduce yourself and your child to the teachers and administration and ask to take a tour of the campus. Prompt your child for any questions she may have about the school in advance and address them while there.

For many children, fear of the unknown is the hardest part of attending a new school.

Preemptive steps such as meeting school staff, figuring out where each classroom is and navigating the halls can calm unsettled nerves. connect early.

One of the most common concerns children have about changing schools is wondering how to make friends. Don’t wait until the bell rings to tackle this. Activities such as swim lessons, VBS or library reading hours are natural ways to make connections with potential

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classmates. Consult a school counselor, your local church or social organizations to find popular activities. Building relationships throughout the remainder of summer break will help your child anticipate a few familiar faces in the crowd when school does begin.

build anticipation. For younger children, the concept of time can be rather abstract. Make a sticker chart or paper chain to provide a visual reminder of how many days they have until their first day of school. Kindergarten is on the horizon for Rebecca Ishum’s quadruplets. “To get ready for our kids’ transition into kindergarten, we are driving them past their new school repeatedly, talking about how much fun they will have and working to get them excited about all of the new friends who are waiting to meet them,” the Kansas City mom says. “We are also mapping out the routes from our house to school and from their grandpa’s house to school so they can see how close we will all be to each other.

Excitement is ramping up!”

Spring Hill mom Amara Kwasiborski was proactive when her young children transitioned from public school to homeschool. “On the day that classmates went to meet their new teachers, we took our girls out of school and out to lunch,” she says.

“We purchased a ‘class pet’ (goldfish) and talked about some of our exciting plans for the next year, which included joining a co-op.”

scavenge school supplies. School supply shopping is a necessary evil. Why not have fun with it? Make a game of finding required supplies throughout the store while allowing your child some freedom to pick out a favorite backpack, binder or folders. Having a sense of control over little things can help ease a child’s mind about a transition he otherwise doesn’t have a lot of control over, while giving an opportunity to showcase some personality in the process.

make new friends but keep the old. Exerting energy toward making new friends can be exhausting. Encourage your child to maintain old friendships, both near and far, through continued playdates or, if cross country, by staying in touch as pen pals. Build a scrapbook together of favorite memories with friends and family. Not only is the activity cathartic, it also helps a child realize all the good times she’s had while equipping her with the confidence to seek out new friendships.

project confidence to build confidence. It’s normal to anticipate some butterflies, but if you have apprehensions or worries about how your child will acclimate to a new learning environment, avoid projecting those onto him. Express excitement over your child’s ability to handle new experiences well.

keep sharp. According to Oxford Learning, students typically will lose two months’ worth of reading skills throughout

the summer break. Set your child up for academic success by keeping skills sharp.

Go on a nature walk and journal findings, sign up for a summer reading program or bake cookies together, which strengthens math, reading and even simple science skills.

keep the conversation open-ended. Some transitions are smooth; others can take time. Don’t assume your child is over all the newness of a school transition shortly after school starts. Some children will want to talk through their feelings while others may have a hard time finding the words. Planting Post-It’s in your child’s lunchbox with questions such as, “What was your favorite subject today?” or “How did you show kindness to your classmates this morning?” or “What are you looking forward to most this school week?” helps prompt conversation. Encourage your child to draw a picture, write back a response on a Post-It, or simply discuss the day’s question together on the commute from school to home.

preparing for the future.

Preparing your child to enter a new school is teaching an important life lesson: how to cope well with change. More than likely, your child will grow up to make a move, whether geographic or within her career.

Training her to adjust to a new environment with grace gives her skills not only for the upcoming school year, but for life.

Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee can be found preparing all three of her children for a new school this fall.

Check out these top picks about going to school!

Curious George Goes to School

by Margaret Rey The Berenstain Bears Go to School

by Stan & Jan Berenstain Oh, the Places You Will Go

by Dr. Suess Owen by Kevin Henkes

kcparent.com august 2016

43

Back to School

W

e all know our bodies perform at their peak when fueled with the foods God provided when He created the earth. Each day, the foods we choose to give our children play a large part in their ability to learn new information and control their behavior. It also gives them the stamina they need to excel in afternoon sports and activities.

However, coming up with a quick and healthy lunch, especially one that our kids will enjoy eating, often can feel like more work than it’s worth. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips and advice, you easily can make this your child’s healthiest and tastiest school year ever.

What is a healthy lunch? According to Dr. Heather Cardin, mama to four boys and coowner of the Cardin Center for Wellness in Overland Park, “We need to remember that a child’s brain is 60 percent fat. For years, we thought fat was the enemy. This is no longer the case. Be sure to power pack your child’s lunch with a combination of healthy fats, clean protein and fresh produce. Healthy fat will fuel the brain and nervous system, clean protein helps build strong muscles and fresh fruits and veggies will nourish the body and maintain a strong immune system.”

Nicole Smith, Olathe mom, kids yoga instructor and Norwex consultant, explains why a healthy lunch is so important. “I

make packing my kids a healthy lunch a priority, because I know how my mood is affected when I eat an unbalanced, highsugar meal,” she says. “I am moody, tired and uncomfortable. Packing my kids a meal that will give them energy while keeping them balanced emotionally and physically is one small thing that I can do to help them succeed.”

Each day, the foods we choose to give our children play a large part in their ability to learn new information and control their behavior. Food also gives them the stamina they need to excel in afternoon sports and activities.

Building a Better

Lunchbox Here are some easy ways to make these power-packed lunches happen.

1. Think beyond the sandwich: Any well-rounded combination of healthy fats, protein, fresh produce and un-processed carbs can make up a healthy lunch.

Turkey and cheese rollups, homemade trail mix, granola bars, stovetop popcorn, bean and cheese quesadillas and leftover chicken are all great options for a school lunch.

2. Stock your freezer: Homemade chicken nuggets, muffins, fruit, single portions of soup and waffles all can be frozen in labeled and dated freezer bags for up to three months. Reheat soups and chicken nuggets to piping hot, then pack them in a thermos-type device to send to school. Pack muffins, cookies, fruit and yogurt directly from the freezer. By the time lunch arrives, the goodies will be perfectly defrosted and ready to eat.

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3. Eat the rainbow: Make it a goal to feed your family all the colors of the rainbow as often as you can. We like to prepare large bowls of mixed fruit and cut up veggies to serve throughout the week. (No need to spend time slicing and dicing each morning.)

4. Pick low maintenance containers: Invest in a durable, dishwasher safe bento-style box (PlanetBox.com) and a kid-sized thermos. Trust me, you will not want to hand wash your lunch containers each and every day.

5. Don’t sweat the small stuff: Lunch is only one part of your child’s daily food intake. Shelby Malin Ainley, labor and delivery nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center and busy mom of three, has a great approach for finding a balance between real food and treats. “I’ll admit that it’s a struggle to keep our lunches healthy, especially with three kids that all have a different set of likes and dislikes,” she says.

“To keep meals balanced, I only allow one artificial sweet per day... fruit snacks, cookies, fruit roll, etc.

My goal is to teach them to make healthy choices but still allow them to eat kid food too.”

The last thing you want is for lunch to become a daily power struggle. Remember, just like adults, kids are not as hungry on some days as they are on others. Start their day with a good breakfast at home, offer a wholesome after-school snack and model healthy eating at the family dinner table. As your kids continue to see you modeling your own healthy food choices, they eventually will adopt them as their own.

Katie Newell is a reformed junk food junkie turned healthy eating expert and nutrition coach.

She lives in western Shawnee with her chef hubby, two sweet girls and ornery puppy. Learn more at HealthNutFoodie.com.

WORDFROMDAD

Off to School

“R

emember, guys.” I turned to James and Ian, tucked into their beds. “Your first day of school is tomorrow.” Neither boy answered me.

Neither could. James had just turned 5 and Ian was 3 when we received the reason for their delay in speaking even the most rudimentary words.

Autism severely impacted their progress, and we needed to get them into a special program as soon as possible. Early February? No matter. Get them both started with professionals who could help them.

“Instead of a story, I’m going to tell you about tomorrow.” They kept their eyes on me as I continued. “Remember the school we visited today? Tomorrow, you’ll get on a bus and go back.” Ian yawned and James shifted in his bed. “After you’re done, it’ll bring you back to Mom and me.” I looked at each boy. “Understand?” They didn’t even nod. I bent over and kissed each good night.

The next morning had Sandi and me scrambling. Another diaper change for Ian, a dispute over a toy with James and a desperate search for a shoe, but we succeeded. Ahead of schedule, we had each boy dressed, coat on and wearing a backpack that reached to their knees. When the bus stopped at our drive, I took James by his hand while Sandi led Ian, and we walked them out of our home.

I put my arm around her shoulder and waved with her until the bus rounded the corner. For the first time in their lives, they left us and were out of our care. We returned to the house, warm, but now strangely quiet. I poured a cup of coffee for each of us and held one out to her. “Are you okay?”

She dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “Yes. I think so.”

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Back to School

keeping your middle schooler

ORGANIZED

the s get into When kid , rganizing habit of o g evelopin they’re d and planning valuable ills that inking sk th l a c ti ri c ome them bec will help ers blem solv better pro ers. tive think and crea

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hen Rachel Pheffer’s son Brock starts middle school this fall, teachers will expect him and his classmates to manage homework, school supplies and activities without the same oversight they experienced in elementary school. Set your tween up for success in a way that supports his growing independence.

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kcparent.com august 2016

“This is the time to let go and hope that I’ve taught him how to stay organized,” says Pheffer, a creative business owner based in Lenexa.

Of course, she’ll still offer guidance as Brock chooses organizational systems and colorful supplies that motivate him—all while staying on budget.

“The dollar store is my favorite place.

They have tons of bins and organizational things that you can buy and not bust your bank,” Pheffer says.

why get organized?

Organization is a learned and essential life skill. Mismanaged materials result in needless stress, time wasted tracking down lost items and poor grades.

“When kids get into the habit of organizing, they’re developing valuable planning and critical thinking skills that will help them become better problem solvers and creative thinkers,” says professional organizer Shawna Childers, Organizing Solutions KC.

remember homework.

Writing to-do lists and filling out assignment pads helps kids keep track of homework. If teachers permit, your tween might also snap photos with her phone of assignments posted on the board.

Mikita Burton, a Lenexa mom of three, lifestyle blogger and professional organizer, takes advantage of technology to help her son remember homework materials.

“Most teachers now have ‘web backpacks’ where parents also can see the assignment. I used the technology that our kids are now accustomed to and added assignments to his cell phone,” she says.

“I set reminders and they would ping five minutes after the dismissal bell in hopes that by the time he got to his locker, he’d be reminded of the assignment and bring the correct book home.”

accessorize lockers.

Prevent a locker from becoming a jumble of books, smashed papers and supplies.

“A locker shelf should be your first purchase,” Burton advises.

Discount stores sell baskets that can be flipped on the side to create an inexpensive locker shelf, or you can purchase a shelf at area office supply stores.

Hang magnetic baskets on the inside of the locker door to house extra pens and pencils.

Kids generally love choosing personalized accessories to customize their temporary space.

Fun decorations on the inside encourage kids to keep it clean,” Burton says.

choose a calendar.

Between school, extracurricular activities and a budding social life, busy middle schoolers can get overwhelmed. Select a cool calendar with your tween that she can fill out each week to help her visualize and prioritize her time.

Each afternoon, Burton’s son stows his backpack in a large round plastic tub on the floor. He files paperwork that needs to be signed or reviewed by his mom in a hanging file folder box positioned above the tub. A small night stand holds his school-issued laptop and serves as a charging station.

encourage independence.

As long as her son completes his work and earns good grades, Pheffer says she’s comfortable with whatever kind of organization system he implements. Late assignments and poor grades will mean more oversight from Mom, which typically doesn’t excite an independence-driven middle schooler.

“Letting your child fail a bit is hard as a parent, but I’ve found sometimes that’s what we need to do to help them learn,” she says.

manage backpacks.

Simplify filing and retrieving of materials stashed in backpacks with colorcoordinated folders and notebooks for each school subject. Get your child in the habit of cleaning out his backpack weekly to manage the balled-up papers, broken pencils and other trash that inevitably collects.

toss clutter.

“A great way to stay organized for the entire school year is to quarterly reorganize their binders, notebooks and folders,” Childers says. “It works well to do this ‘clean out and refresh’ after each report card.”

create a homework station.

Together, design and organize a functional, distraction-free homework space and stock it with necessary supplies.

“Every kid should have what I call a landing station—a place in their room or common area to land all of their stuff,” Burton says.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and their two sons, including a soon-to-be middle schooler who is working on getting organized. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Free Digital Organization Apps MyHomework - Digital student planner (iOS or Android) inClass (iOS) or Studious (Android) - Multimedia note-taking, filesharing, to-do list management and schedule planner Freedom (PC or Mac) - Blocks distracting websites, mail servers, social media during homework time

kcparent.com august 2016

47

Back to School

HEALTHYKIDS

Your Back-to-School Health Checklist:

things to take care of before the kids head back to school

B

ack-to-school isn’t just about school supplies, first day outfits and haircuts.

Appointments need to be scheduled and everyone needs to be on the same page when it comes to the health of your child.

Vaccines: Before starting school, all children need to present their immunization card. The child’s pediatrician, as well as the school nurse, can answer any questions you may have regarding what vaccines are due at what age. Most vaccines are completed prior to kindergarten, and boosters are given in middle school. Annually, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends a flu shot.

Vision: One out of 20 kids are unable to see clearly (WebMD.com). While many schools do vision screenings during the school year, it is important to be screened prior to the school year by the child’s doctor or ophthalmologist. A child is constantly

growing and changing, and his eyes are no different. Through the course of the school year a child could go from having 20/20 vision to needing glasses. A child who is unable to clearly read the information presented to him will have a difficult time learning (WebMD.com).

children should be able to state their name, parent’s name, a phone number, as well as general school information, such as what grade they are in and their teacher’s name.

If the child does not have this information memorized, write it down in a location the child can find easily if needed.

Allergy: If your child is one of the many who suffer from an allergy, develop an action plan and discuss it with the child’s teacher, as well as any other pertinent staff, such as the school nurse. In addition, discuss this plan with your child and make sure he feels comfortable acting out the plan. If the allergy requires an epi-pen, check the expiration date and give it to the person responsible for administering it (EmergencyCareForYou.org).

Anxiety: A new school, new teacher or different classmates all can have a positive or negative effect on the new school year. Answering questions and listening to concerns can ease any anxiety your youngster may be feeling.

Important information: The information a child should know is dependent on his age. With age in mind, all

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Nothing is more important than your child’s health, and checking a few things off the list prior to the school year’s beginning can save lots of time and frustration in the future.

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

She lives in Olathe with her family.

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Best Educational Apps for Kids

ace it, portable internet devices are here to stay, and our kids are fond of them. Screen time for kids becomes more palatable when we know they’re learning something at the same time.

However, sorting through the thousands of learning apps out there to find the ones that work can be a trick. That’s why we’re sharing a few recommendations for both Android and Apple devices.

math apps Motion Math (ages 1-11): More than a dozen apps each focus on a different age group (Hungry Guppy for ages 5 and under) or a different skill (Fractions!). Kids simulate experiences from feeding fish to running a bakery, all while learning math concepts— which makes the apps both engaging and educational. Motion Math apps can be bought separately or as a bundle.

language arts Writing Wizard (ages 5 and under): Help your child learn handwriting with Writing Wizard. Kids trace letters and hear letter names and phonetic pronunciations.

Parents can add their own words and choose from five fonts, customizing the letter size to suit their child’s progress.

Includes printable worksheets and shape tracing for toddlers.

Rory’s Story Cubes or Story Dice (ages 3+): These inexpensive storytelling apps use dice with images in place of numbers. Roll one, two or more cubes to establish story parameters.

They can be used for oral stories with preschoolers, writing games for grade-schoolers or even creative writing prompts for high schoolers. A fun, flexible virtual version of the popular dice sets.

science and social science Britannica Kids (ages 8+): While the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s apps are pricier (usually $4.99), they offer a wealth of articles and videos on a variety of topics. Kids can learn about the solar system, ancient Rome, volcanoes, presidents and more, depending on which app you choose.

other DuoLingo (all ages): This free app uses graphics and easy-to-repeat audio to teach basic language skills for 10 different languages. Skills are reinforced through repetition, and players don’t move on to the next module until they have successfully learned the previous, earning points to cash in at a virtual store.

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mother of three girls who are quite savvy at using learning apps, thanks to school district digital learning initiatives.

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kcparent.com august 2016

49

Back to School

Crash Course

returning to a school year sleep routine

For more sleep tips, log onto KCParent.com.

W

ith fall on the horizon, we have checked off supply lists, trimmed overgrown locks and filled backpacks to the brim. But if kids haven’t transitioned back to their school year sleep habits, they’re not ready for the first day.

Trading summer’s relaxed sleep schedule for a school year routine is an important part of back-to-school prep, says Roslinde Collins, M.D., medical director of the Sleep Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Vermont. Reestablishing an earlier time for lights-out helps ensure that kids get the rest they need to shine at school.

Kids who get their required nine to 12 hours of nightly slumber are primed for school year success. Proper rest helps children learn and retain information, because memories are incorporated during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

If a late summer bedtime lingers into the school year, kids will be subject to grouchiness, inattentiveness or worse.

“Chronically sleep-deprived children often exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and can even be diagnosed with ADHD,” says Collins.

Don’t expect kids to fall back into their school year sleep habits without some help. While you can’t make them celebrate summer’s end, you can facilitate brighter mornings and happier days with some advance preparation.

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slow and steady Kids depend on a regular sleep schedule, so don’t wait until the last day of summer to dig out the alarm clock. Rising early after months of sleeping in can shock little bodies and leave kids in a daze during the critical first weeks of school.

Instead, give them time to adjust to the new schedule. Beginning a week before the first day, wake kids 15 minutes earlier in the morning, and move bedtime earlier by the same amount of time. Continue adjusting both wake-up and bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes per day until both are appropriate for their school day schedule.

early to bed, early to rise During the transition, adjust both bedtime and wake-up time. Hitting the sack early isn’t enough, says Collins. Kids won’t be tired enough to fall asleep at an earlier hour unless they’re also waking earlier in the morning.

Once they’re up, let the sun shine in—fling open curtains to expose them to morning light and serve breakfast in the brightest spot in the house. They’ll be awake in no time, and the light will reset their internal clocks to help them fall asleep earlier at night.

An hour before bedtime, help kids slow down to prepare for sleep. Draw the curtains to block out late summer rays and limit

stimulating television and video games.

Spend time winding down as a family with books and other quiet activities.

stay in the groove Kids’ bodies and brains depend on consistency, so aim to keep bedtimes in check even on weekends and school breaks.

Collins recommends keeping school vacation bedtimes no more than an hour later than normal.

Sleeping in on weekends is a reality of our sleep-starved culture, but it’s no substitute for good everyday habits. Collins offers a general rule of thumb: “If kids have to sleep in more than two hours later than normal on weekends, they’re probably not getting enough sleep during the week.”

When it comes to sleep, kids are not little adults. “Parents often wonder why it’s hard to get their child up and ready for school after eight hours of sleep,” Collins says.

“They’re not done sleeping yet!”

Good school year snooze habits will make this year their best yet.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her most recent book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

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kcparent.com august 2016

celebrate

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Celebrate the start of the Olympics with a fun-filled Olympic Kick-Off Carnival at Elite Gymnastics on Aug. 6. Games, prizes, swimming and more! $5.

913.469.5554

Head to Missouri State Fair in Sedalia! The event runs Aug. 11-21 and features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more!

MOStateFair.com

Farewell to Summer on Aug. 20 at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Enjoy free admission and lots of fun superhero activities.

816.235.8000

On Aug. 20, the National World War I Museum and Memorial presents Bricks and Mavericks: Lego & WWI Planes with interactive demonstrations.

TheWorldWar.org

See Simone Biles & Gabby Douglas, Win a $1,750 Rainbow Play System, Enjoy FREE Ringling Bros. Circus tickets and MORE at

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1 Monday

2 Tuesday

3 Wednesday

Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens—no coupon required. CoolCrest.com

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350

Perform an Enchanted Play 9:30, Overland Park Arboretum. Become a gnome or fairy and tell a story to the audience. $5. Parents are welcome to watch. OPABG.org

Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). Beat the heat and see the movie Shaun the Sheep for only $1.

Snacks available. Cinemark.com Johnson County Fair Thru Aug 6, Jo Co Fairgrounds (Gardner). Enjoy a wide variety of fun family entertainment.

JoCoKansasFair.com Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000 Jazz on the Square 5:30, Corbin Theatre (Liberty). Enjoy live jazz! The music will keep your toes tapping. CorbinTheatre.org En Garde Bard! 6:30, MCPL (North Oak).

Learn the art of stage combat from the masters at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child. 800.960.4778 Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park Shelter (Oak Grove). Little ones enjoy fun playtime, a snack and story time. Must pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

Jurassic Garden Thru Oct, Powell Gardens. See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more!

PowellGardens.org Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

Summer Movie Series 10:00 & 12:30, Blue Springs 8. Enjoy a $1 movie and $4 combo. Titles this week: Despicable Me 2 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

816.224.0551 Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop.

Different themes each week. 816.235.8000 What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766 Time Travelers 6:30, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

kcparent.com august 2016

53

Festival of Butterflies Aug. 5-7 and 12-14, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600

4 Thursday Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575 Storybook Club Around Town 9:30, Roeland Park Community Center. Enjoy stories, songs, arts and crafts, toy time and a morning snack! $3. 913.826.3160

Hazards of the Trail 2:00 Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Discover the dangers of trail travel in this 30-minute guided tour.

816.325.7575 Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theatre (Independence Square). Movie under the stars. Concessions available. Tonight’s movie: Zootopia. FreeMoonlightMovies.com

5 Friday

Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City – where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child, parents/free.

JumpCityKC.com

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15.

Pre-reg. 913.661.2529

Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun and Aug 12-14, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600

Summer Kids Series 10:00 & 12:30, B & B Theaters. Family-friendly films only $3/ person. Today’s film is Hotel Transylvania 2.

BBTheaters.com

End of Summer Splashdown! 11:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Our annual end of the summer fun water day! 785.783.8300

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

Shrek 8:30, Gladstone Amphitheater.

Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage.

GladstoneTIP.com

WeekEnder 5:00, Crown Center Square. Cap off your week with live music, food trucks and a flick under the stars. Tonight’s movie is Up. 816.274.8444

The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com

FREE

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Join us on The Culture House Lawn for an end of Summer Celebration and Kick off to Fall Classes!

We will be showing the Minion movie under the stars.

AUGUST 5TH, 8:00 PM Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

14808 W. 117th • Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 • CultureHouse.com

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kcparent.com august 2016

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Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! 816.331.6630 Free Family Movie Night 8:00, The Culture House Lawn. See Minions under the stars! Concessions available for purchase.

CultureHouse.com

6 Saturday Grinter Place Summer Fest 7:00, Grinter Place Historic Site. There will be vendors, games, food and tours of the house! KSHS.org/grinter_place Youth Fishing Derby 8:00, South Lake Park (Overland Park). All fishing participants receive gift bag, shirt and picnic lunch. $5-$8.

913.895.6346 First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with skits, skirmishes and demonstrations. 816.792.2655 Back-to-School Day Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy your last days of summer break with exciting activities around the zoo.

KansasCityZoo.org

Summer Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Activities include stagecoach rides, blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations, farming activities and more.

Mahaffie.org.

Tiny Tots Triathlon 10:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Preschoolers bike, run, get wet and go down an inflatable slide. Parent assistance required. $2. CI.Lenexa.KS.US Open Hangar Day 10:00, Commemorative Air Force Hangar (New Century). Tour museum of WWII aviation memorabilia, kids games, face painting and more. Free. 913.461.6777 Family Creek Exploration 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Explore for wildlife signs, fossils and splashing. Bring a lunch to continue the funfilled afternoon. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Fishing Fun 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Play our casting game and learn about the fish you most likely would catch. Then create a piece of fish art. 816.759.7300 Summer Nature Walks 10:30, Fort Osage (Sibley). A guided tour along the banks of the Missouri River, highlighting both indigenous and invasive species. $3-$7. 816.650.3278

Little Red Riding Hood—a Doll’s Tale 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A story within a story. Enjoy live puppet show by Emma McLean. $6. Hazelle.org Olympic Kick-Off Carnival 1:00, Elite Gymnastics. Celebrate the start of the Olympics with a fun-filled family carnival. Games, prizes, swimming and more! $5. 913.469.5554 Summer’s Last Blast 1:00, KCYA (STA Commons). Celebrate the end of summer with KCYA. It’s part Open Mic Night and part Summer Camp Showcase. KCYA.org Free ACT and SAT Practice Tests 2:30, the Tutoring Center. Take a real practice version of the ACT or SAT and receive a comprehensive test report. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

7 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open air setting.

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SnowZoo Aug. 20 & 21, Kansas City Zoo. Beat the heat with the animals. Berlin and the river otters will enjoy some cool fun! KansasCityZoo.org

Sunday Funday 9:00, Topgolf. Don’t give up on the weekend just yet! Enjoy brunch and games at Topgolf. Topgolf.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment.

816.228.0137

8 Monday Enchanted Gardens 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Discover homes of gnomes, fairies, elves, sprites and more along a woodland trail. $1-$3. 913.685.3604 Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5.

KC360Gym.com Kansas City T-Bones 7:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Lincoln. Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com

9 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350 Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child; parents free. 800.960.4778

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

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kcparent.com august 2016

117th and Black Bob in Olathe, KS 913.393.3141 • CultureHouse.com

10 Wednesday 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 Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City – where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child, parents/free.

JumpCityKC.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000 What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

11 Thursday Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

Jump into fun in the laser tag arena! For only $15 get a “pick 3” wristband. Paradise-Park.com

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6.

IntegrityOP.com Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 21, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com Feast of Fountains 5:30, Spirit of Freedom Fountain. See a prominent KC fountain while enjoying food from popular food trucks.

KCParks.org

12 Friday Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12.

Free. KemperArt.org Richard Petty Driving Experience Thru Sunday, Kansas Speedway. Get behind the wheel of a 600 hp NASCAR race car or take a ride at 155 mph. 1.800.237.3889

Holy free day, Robin!

Summer Concert in the Park 7:00, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Great ’80s music and fantastic fare for sale from local food trucks.

NKC.org Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars! Tonight features the country music of Hudson Drive.

Gladstone.Mo.Us The Wizard of Oz 8:00, Memorial Park (Belton).

Click together those ruby slippers because it’s time to journey back to Oz! Free.

BeltonParks.org The Perseid Meteor Shower 10:00, TimberRidge Adventure Center. A 45-minute program about the meteor shower followed by on-your-own stargazing. $9-$10. 913.831.3359

13 Saturday Gardner Grind Obstacle Course 8:00, Celebration Park. Try your hand at obstacles, water challenges and of course...mud!

GardnerKansas.gov

FAREWELL TO SUMMER FREE DAY / Saturday, August 20 / 10AM - 4PM Check one last thing off your “summer fun” list with FREE admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Make a superhero mask to engage your superpowers and save the museum from the evil Toynado in an all new scavenger hunt.

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

kcparent.com august 2016

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Dog Days of Summer 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Bring your dog for contests, prizes and visits with local vets, groomers, trainers and friends. ShawneeTown.org Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Activities, demonstrations and crafts will take place in the main lobby. Today’s animals: reptiles and amphibians. KansasCityZoo.org

Shop the consignment sales event where you and your friends can save BIG on everything you need to raise confident, stylish, good-looking kids! “...THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!” Lee’s Summit: August 26-28

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The Pavilion at John Knox Village Fri & Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 10am-7pm Half Price Sale!

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Safety Day 10:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Interact with first responders, watch a helicopter land and see the equipment first hand. DRFarmstead.org Archeology Day 10:00, Ft Osage. Professional archaeologists will present an overview of more than 60 years of investigations. $3-$7.

816.503.4860 Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring the family out to Sprint Family Fun Days for an ice cream social.

PowerAndLightDistrict.com Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630 Sly’s Rock the Block 4:00, Union Station.

Enjoy fun for the entire family with basketball, video games, carnival games, face painting, community zone & more. 816.460.2083 Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com Kids Night Out 5:30, High Blue Wellness Center. Kids will have a blast with swimming, crafts, games, gym time, food, drinks and more!

816.348.7400 Cruise Night 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Cruise to Merriam for some curbside fun with other car enthusiasts. Door prizes, music and food.

913.322.5550 Kansas City T-Bones 7:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Laredo.

Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com Movies in the Park 8:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. Grab a blanket and snacks and enjoy Cool Runnings under the stars. Free.

OPKansas.org Overnight Fishing 11:00, Kill Creek Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

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14 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open air setting.

816.842.1271

Dinosaurs have invaded Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical gardenTM!

Enchanted Gardens 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Discover homes of gnomes, fairies, elves, sprites and more along a woodland trail. $1-$3. 913.685.3604 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 Reading Tales from the West 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Discover the stories of pioneers and American Indians by readings from journals. Pre-reg at 816.325.7575.

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment.

816.228.0137

15 Monday Pay to Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems. Open play time on the play sets. Only $5 for two hours of play! SwingsetsKansas.com

May 21-October 3, 2016 Discover lifelike dinosaurs large and small and the plants of our distant past.

816.697.2600 powellgardens.org/JurassicGarden

The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com Visit Science City 10:00, Science City (Union Station). New exhibits, hands-on activities for the entire family, workshops, demonstrations and more! UnionStation.org Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax!

913.631.7000

16 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350 Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child; parents free.

800.960.4778

FREE general admission 45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri

Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park Shelter (Oak Grove). Little ones enjoy fun playtime, a snack and story time. Must pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

| nelson-atkins.org

Nelson-Atkins_KCParent_Aug2016.indd 1

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august by the numbers

1927 In this year on Aug. 17, after flying to Kansas City in the Spirit of St. Louis, famed aviator Charles Lindbergh dedicates Kansas City’s Municipal Airport while on a national tour to promote air travel.

5

The number of homemade ice cream sandwich combinations sold at Betty Rae’s in Waldo—a tasty way to celebrate Ice Cream Sandwich Month.

18

The night of August’s full moon.

12

Varieties of peaches grown at Schweizer Orchards in St. Joseph, MO, where you can pick your own peaches in celebration of Peach Month.

1920 On Aug. 29 this year, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Kansas City’s beloved jazz saxophonist, is born.

115

This summer marks the 115th Missouri State Fair, held Aug. 11-21.

10

Date in 1821 that Missouri becomes a state.

5

294

Average number of sunny hours in Kansas City throughout the month of August.

The opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games takes place this day in the Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784

17 Wednesday

Local Life 5:00, Downtown Overland Park.

Explore downtown businesses through food and drink samples, live music and more!

DowntownOP.org Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Sunday, Swope Park. Festival features more than 60 nations that sell food and crafts and offer performances. $3. KCParks.org

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 21, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com

Mini Mud Run 5:30, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore). Set your kids loose on this muddy obstacle course through Hawk Ridge Park.

Raymore.com

Summer Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Activities include stagecoach rides, blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations, farming activities and more.

Mahaffie.org.

Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops.

EnglewoodStation.com

Storyteller Jo Ho 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Sit a spell and enjoy perky tales from the picnic basket. $2. 913.715.2575 What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

18 Thursday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent.

Nelson-Atkins.org

19 Friday Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg.

913.661.2529 Preschool Playtimes 10:30, NKC Parks and Recreation. Join us under the big top with carnival games, elephants and clowns. Pre-reg at NKC.org.

Parkville Days Thru Aug 21, English Landing Park. Great family fun in historic downtown Parkville. Something for everyone!

ParkvilleMo.org

39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District.

Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com Rockin’ Party in YOUR Park 6:30, Campbell Park. Food, games, a bounce house and fun music from area bands. 913.322.5550 Legally Blonde 8:00, Memorial Park (Belton).

See a fabulously fun musical based on the adored movie Legally Blonde. Free.

BeltonParks.org Full Moon Hike 8:30, George Owens Nature Park. Hike through the park. Bring binoculars for gazing at the man in the moon. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

20 Saturday SnowZoo Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Beat the heat with the animals. Berlin and the river otters will enjoy some cool fun!

KansasCityZoo.org Farewell to Summer 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Free admission with lots of fun superhero activities. 816.235.8000

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 What’s Out at Night 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn about nocturnal creatures both in our backyards and outdoors in general. Free.

816.513.8960 Book in a Bag! 10:30, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka). Families will take home a bag of fresh produce and the featured book. Pre-reg at 785.783.8300.

Bricks and Mavericks: Lego & WWI Planes 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Interactive demonstrations on building WWI-era airplanes. TheWorldWar.org Living Fossils Discovery Station 11:00, Powell Gardens. Dig into the past and search our present for living fossils! $4-$10.

PowellGardens.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Free ACT and SAT Practice Tests 2:30, the Tutoring Center. Take a real practice version of the ACT or SAT and receive a comprehensive test report. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com Music & Movies in the Park 6:30, Celebration Park (Gardner). Come for the music and stay for the movie! Catch Rusty Laffoon and Field of Dreams! GardnerKansas.gov Public Stargazing 7:30, Powell Observatory.

An educational talk on astronomy, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes, weather permitting. ASKC.org

21 Sunday

Fins to Fashion 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Use molded fish and textile inks to create beautiful wearable works of art of Missouri fishes. MDC.MO.gov

Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open air setting.

816.842.1271

Space Out Saturday 10:00, Cosmosphere.

Family day at the Cosmosphere with lots of great free programming for kids. Cosmo.org

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 21, Sedalia. Last day! The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, carnival rides and more!

MOStateFair.com

Caterpillar Hunt 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Track the number and variety of butterflies at our site by looking for all stages of the life cycle. 816.228.3766

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 kcparent.com august 2016

61

Kansas City T-Bones Thru Sept. 5, Community America Ballpark. Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com

Kansas City T-Bones 1:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on the Texas Airhogs.

Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com

22 Monday Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

23 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org

Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City – where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child, parents/free.

JumpCityKC.com

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5. KC360Gym.com

Prep Course Thru Oct 11, Hoffman International Model and Talent Agency. Course meets for 10 weeks and covers a variety of topics. Ladies 13+. HoffmanModels.com

Putting the Magic into a Walt Disney World Vacation 6:30, MCPL (North Oak). Join a Disney destination specialist for resort options, park tickets and more. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

24 Wednesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000

Doo-Dad Mike 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Doo-Dad Mike brings his highenergy rock concert to the museum! Pre-reg at 913.715.2575.

What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766 Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. The sounds of Grand Marquis will echo through the air. Sit back and relax under the stars. Free. ShawneeTown.org

KC DANCE DAY • AUGUS T

2 7, 201 6 •

FREE dance classes FREE local & world dance performances

HOSTED AT

THE

TODD BOLENDER CENTER FOR DANCE & CREATIVITY HOME OF

FOR THE FULL EVENT SCHEDULE:

kcballet.org

62

kcparent.com august 2016

Sponsored in part by:

25 Thursday The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115

Art in the Park 11:30, Ilus Park (11th & Oak).

Enjoy temporary art, performance art and food trucks! August performance by Matthew Bennett. KCParks.org

Movie in the Park 8:45, Macken Park Festival Shelter (NKC). Bring the kids out to see Inside Out in the park. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets! NKC.org

Fall Open House Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lee’s Summit. See all of the new fall merchandise our stores are offering! Stock up on the latest trends! DowntownLS.org

27 Saturday

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

Fourth Fridays 5:00, Johnson County Square (Olathe). Live music, local shops and food, giveaways, activities to celebrate end of the week. OlatheFourthFridays.com

Tiblow Days Thru Saturday, Bonner Springs.

Community event includes a parade, musical entertainment, BBQ competition, car show and more! BSEDWChamber.org

Free Movie in the Park 6:00, Grandview Amphitheatre. Watch Toy Story under the stars with family and friends!

GrandviewAmp.com

26 Friday

Movie in the Park 7:00, T B Hanna Station Park (Raymore). Enjoy a magic show and then as the sun sets, stick around for Aladdin on the big screen. 816.322.2791

JBF Consignment Sale Thru Sunday, The Pavilion at John Knox Village (Lee’s Summit).

Shop for clothing, toys, gear and more! Big savings! JBFSale.com

Free Movies in the Park Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Grab a blanket, a lawn chair, family, and friends, and head to see The Good Dinosaur under the stars. BlueSpringsGov.com

From Stash to Treasures Quilt Show 10:00, Abdallah Shrine Temple. See quilts by members and vendors, door prizes and quilts for sale. $3.

913.232.8732

The circus is coming to KC September 15-18 and KC Parent is

Kids Triathlon 8:00, Kill Creek Park. Kids compete in a race against similar age groups, completing swim, bike and run portions.

913.831.3359 KC Dance Day 9:00, Bolender Center. Free dance classes and free local and world dance performances. KCBallet.org Kids in the Kitchen 9:30, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Learn how to make Chinese food. Class covers food safety, basic cooking skills and nutrition. Pre-reg at 913.715.7000.

An Agricultural Century 10:00, Missouri Town 1855. Experience the rapid evolution of farming in the Midwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 816.503.4860 Hummingbird Festival 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Hike the Hummingbird Trail and kids make a hummingbird craft. 816.325.7115

TRAIN RIDES

giving away over

100 tickets!

Train Rides $10.00

Regular Trains Depart Sat & Sun, 2 pm (May – Oct) Closed Sundays in July and Aug Sat, 11 am (June – Aug only)

Ice Cream Train $12.00

8/31/16

Kids under Every Friday three FREE June – Aug

Kids’ Tickets $10!

Log SEPT.onto 15 – KCParent.com 18 SPRINT CENTER to register for your Ringling.com • AXS.com • 888-9-AXS-TIX chance to win #KCParentContest

Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

GOOD ONLY

Activities vary by season Wild West Days September 24 & 25 Visit www.mahaffie.org

356630

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas 913.971.5111

Fri. SEPT. 16 H 7:00 PM Sat. SEPT. 17 H 7:00 PM Sun. SEPT. 18 H 1:00 & 5:00 PM

7 pm

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co. 502 Walnut • Belton, Missouri 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time kcparent.com august 2016

63

Penguin March Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. The birds will parade around the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, enjoying the fresh outdoor air.

KansasCityZoo.org Lego Ninjago Days Today & tomorrow, Legoland Discovery Center. Explore Ninjago Training Camp including laser maze, reflex training and more!

LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Stream Team for Families 12:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Join us for a hands-on program sampling our own Burr Oak Creek. Prereg at 816.228.3766.

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Free Outdoor Movie 8:30, Linden Square (Gladstone). Enjoy a movie under the stars. Come early for leisure games. Tonight’s movie: Raiders of the Lost Ark. Gladstone.MO.US Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

28 Sunday

30 Tuesday

Train Rides Noon, KC Northern Railroad. Fun for the entire family! Ride a park train from the ’50s and ’60s. Fare is $.75/ride. KCNRR.com

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 Jazz in the Roses 4:30, Laura Conyers Smith Rose Garden (Loose Park). Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy! Free. 816.513.7500

29 Monday Pay to Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems. Open play time on the play sets. Only $5 for two hours of play! SwingsetsKansas.com Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens—no coupon required. CoolCrest.com Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5. KC360Gym.com

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free. 800.960.4778 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

31 Wednesday Jurassic Garden Thru Oct, Powell Gardens. See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more!

PowellGardens.org Kids Klub Thru Oct 19, Hoffman International Model and Talent Agency. A 10-week course for kids ages 4-8 to learn runway modeling, manners and more. HoffmanModels.com Preteen Course Thru Oct 19, Hoffman International Model and Talent Agency. Course meets for 10 weeks and covers visual poise, hair care & more. Girls 9-12. Hoffmanmodels.com

! !

E C N E I D U A R U THRILL YO

★

with an unforgettable night under the stars!

G AT STARTIN

$295

11'

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From MOVIES to VIDEO GAMES, SPORTING EVENTS to CONCERTS, we transform your venue into a world-class cinema.

★ Residential ★ College Campuses ★ Parks & Pools

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kcparent.com august 2016

★ School Events ★ Churches / Weddings ★ Corporations

Outdoor Cinema • Special Events 12120 State Line Rd., Suite 195, Leawood, KS 66209 913.424.944 • Movies2U.com

Kids’ Tickets $10!

Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

SEPT. 15 – 18 356630

SPRINT CENTER

66

kcparent.com august 2016

GOOD ONLY

Fri. SEPT. 16 H 7:00 PM Sat. SEPT. 17 H 7:00 PM Sun. SEPT. 18 H 1:00 & 5:00 PM

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Call 816-533-7566

Call 816-533-7566

Call 816-533-7566

Call 816-533-7566

Call 816-533-7566

New patients only. Exp. 8/31/16

New patients only. Exp. 8/31/16

New patients only. Exp. 8/31/16

New patients only. Exp. 8/31/16

New patients only. Exp. 8/31/16

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

Aug 6 Meet PBS Star Daniel Tiger Aug 6 & 7 Back to School Weekend Aug 13 & 14 Zootastik Learning Fest— Reptiles & Amphibians Aug 20 & 21 SnowZoo Cheetah Run Aug 26 FOTZ Exclusive Evening Aug 27 & 28 Species Spotlight—Lions Penguin March Sept 3 & 4 Superhero Weekend

Always a New Adventure!

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences! kansascityzoo.org

Koala Flats OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER!

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.