KC Parent Magazine July 2017

FREE | July 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

summer fun guide fests, fairs & arcades homemade ice pops plan a photo safari

squash sibling

squabbles PLAN AHEAD! tips for viewing the SOLAR ECLIPSE in kc

SUMMER CAMPS HURRY! ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT. ENROLL TODAY!

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Try a MUSIC OF MOANA or NEWSIES REVUE or ANNIE & OLIVER MUSICAL MASH-UP musical theatre camp. Little ones will love our ITTY BITTY BALLERINA dance camp or performing in SEUSSIN’ IT song & dance revue!

Have an artist? Enroll them in DRAWING, PAINTING or MIXED MEDIA camp.

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Foster parents needed!

Help children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges Do I qualify to be a foster parent?

All kinds of people can qualify to foster a child. Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may be eligible.

How will I handle saying goodbye to the child if and when it’s safe for them to go home?

This is no doubt difficult, but any sadness is outweighed by the safety and love you will give to a child during a time of crisis. Plus, you’re encouraged to maintain life-long connections with the child and family. Thousands of children in the Kansas City area are in need of caring foster families. If not you, then who?

Contact us to learn more. We offer FREE training classes and support you every step of the way.

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kcparent.com july 2017

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JULY

2017

DEPARTMENTS 10 Media Mix 27 Word from Dad 37 Craft Corner 45 Healthy Kids

SUMMER FUN GUIDE, PGS. 36-51

SPECIAL SECTIONS 18 Party Guide

FEATURES

36 Summer Fun Guide 52 Calendar of Events

22

30

31

Resilient Kids

Busy Teens

Mother’s Helper

Tips for teaching resiliency in children

Time-saving tips for busy teenagers

Benefits of having a helper for Mom

Our cover features Layne from Overland Park.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com. w FREE | July 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER

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summer fun guide

Squash Sibling Squabbles

14

Solar Eclipse Viewing Tips

34

homemade ice pops

KC’s Arcades

39

plan a photo safari

Photo Safari

40

Homemade Ice Pops

50

Fairs and Festivals

51

fests, fairs & arcades

squash sibling squabbles PLAN AHEAD! tips for viewing the SOLAR ECLIPSE in kc

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EDITOR’SLETTER JULY 2017

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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 Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Trish Foley (Belton), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Susan Gimotty (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Katie Newell (Shawnee) Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS w

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kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

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FREE | July 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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MATERNI T Y YE A R S

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Happy summer, Kansas City!

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

G A Z I NE MA

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summer fun guide

WHAT’S NEW IN

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TO MAKE IN KC

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choose your doctor issue the

SUMMER FUN LIST FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

+ BEST KEPT WEEKEND SECRETS

squash sibling squabbles

INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT WITHOUT LEAVING KC

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PLAN AHEAD! tips for viewing the SOLAR ECLIPSE in kc

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have a secret talent. I rock at classic arcade games. Growing up we had arcade-style games in our basement, and we spent many hours down there playing them and listening to our 45 records on our FisherPrice record player (“Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton was a fave). While my brothers typically beat me in most of the games, I held the high score record on Frogger. To this day, I won’t pass up a chance to play. For several years I owned a Frogger machine. It’s out of my basement and now lives at Tapcade, down in the Crossroads district (yes, I have visited it). I love the fact that retro arcades are a thing these days. My husband and I have spent many a date night at several. When the weather’s too hot to be outside, cool off in an arcade. We’ve put together a list of lots of fun places all over KC on pg. 39.

While I personally try to stay out of heavy conversations online, I know many people use social media as a sounding board for ideas.

Sometimes even an innocent post can elicit strong reactions, and the conversation might turn ugly. Olathe mom Christa Hines shares tips for handling these situations on pg. 16.

Summer is in full swing, and while certain retailers may try to get us thinking about that time in August when the kids return to learning (if I don’t say it, then I don’t have to deal with it, right?), there are still plenty of lazy, hazy days of summer. Our Summer Fun Guide has tons of great info on fun things to do throughout the month of July. Soak up the sun and unstructured days!

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

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

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

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

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

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KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE SUMMER FUN IDEAS: 1. Cool Summer Nights 2. Best Burgers 3. 4th of July Fireworks Guide

4. KC Adventure Guide 5. Best of July 6. Best Ice Cream in KC

SPOTLIGHT 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!

7. Free & Cheap Movie Guide 8. 40 FREE Things to Do

This Summer

9. Berry Picking

eNEWS Get the latest in family fun ideas with our weekly eNewsletter, delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning. Join the 49,000+ subscribers and be in the know for the best family fun in KC! 10. KC Water Fun Guide

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com

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MEDIAMIX

monsters and mayhem

new books offer fun, adventures and light scares for the summer

By McGeath Freeman

The TooScary Story

Monster’s New Undies

By Bethanie Deeney Murguia

By Samantha Berger

Best for: Ages 4-6

The Adventures of John Blake: Mysteries of the Ghost Ship

Illustrated by Tad Carpenter

By Philip Pullman Illustrated by Fed Fordham

Best for: Ages 4-7 Parents with multiple children will relate to Papa when Grace and Walter ask for a bedtime story. Grace is the older of the two and she wants the story to be scary. Walter, on the other hand, doesn’t want it too scary. Walter speaks up every time he thinks Papa is going to make the story too scary, but Grace reminds Walter that she has a magic wand to protect them. As Papa tells the story, the illustrations show Grace and Walter pretending to be in the tale. When a creepy shadow figure begins to chase the siblings, they team up to defeat it and turn the shadow into Papa. This is a very light “scary story” for backyard camping or those nights when you huddle under your blanket fort.

What child doesn’t like to giggle about underwear? In Monster’s New Undies, Monster must face his fears of shopping for new underwear. He loves his old pair. Monster has worn them so much that they finally disintegrate. His mother takes Monster to Undie World to find a new pair. Nothing seems to be a good fit and Monster exhausts the store employees until he spies one pair of undies that looks just like his old pair. They are perfect. Kids will relate to the dread of shopping. They’ll also understand that change is difficult, but sometimes change should happen, especially with underwear.

What’s good: Fun rhyming and cute

Best for: Ages 8-12 The Mary Alice is a legendary ghost ship that disappears and reappears at different points in time. When Serena Henderson is washed overboard from her family boat, she is rescued by the mysterious Mary Alice and then vanishes.

Serena is the story’s catalyst. Through her we learn about the characters— especially John Black—and history of the time traveling ship. We also learn about Carlos Dahlberg, a tech millionaire with secrets he wants to keep, and he’s willing to kill to do it. The setup for this graphic novel is slow, but if you hang with this one through the first half, the pacing and adventure pick up quickly.

illustrations add humor and good pacing.

What’s good: Expressive illustrative

and strong premise.

What’s bad: Your children will giggle

What’s bad: Uneven pacing may lose

What’s bad: The ending seems rushed.

about underwear for quite some time.

some readers.

What’s good: Engaging illustrations

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kcparent.com july 2017

paneling helps strengthen the dialogue.

How Do You Know if Your Child Really

Needs Braces – Or Will Just Grow Out of It?

When you need to take care of it – or can it wait?

To go to a dentist or an orthodontist? Are all orthodontists the same?

To get Invisalign® or a lower cost alternative? Who can you trust for advice?

BurlesonSmile.com Authoritative information for parents of children, pre-teens and teens is available, free, and at no obligation, including downloadable free reports, online video, and more.

In this era of social media, social media shaming and bullying, shocking numbers of pre-teen and teen suicides, and hyper-emphasis on personal appearance, crooked and mis-placed teeth and a smile he or she is embarrassed about and humiliated by can be a serious issue. Further, there are lifelong health ramifications of neglected or postponed, necessary teeth straightening. This is much more than just ‘cosmetics’. But how can you feel confident about the decisions you make, for your daughter or son? Please let us provide the information that directly and clearly answers your questions.

Visit BurlesonSmile.com BEFORE you visit any dental or orthodontic office.

Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is committed to the highest standards of care, beginning with having fully informed parents and patients. Our doctors have worked with the prestigious Disney Institute and Ritz Carlton Leadership Center to bring the same “wow” experience to the smiles of your son or daughter.

See why over 15,000 Kansas City moms trust Burleson to help their children smile with confidence. Call (816) 759-0119 today to reserve your comprehensive smile assessment and ask about our exclusive offers for readers of KC Parent Magazine.

Visit our website today to find out more:

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© 2017, Burleson Orthodontics.

Rights Reserved july 2017

finding your family identity Build a Mission Statement The old saying goes that if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time. Family life is no different. Building a mission statement for your home is a way to articulate the values you hold most dear, build goals, cast vision and realign when falling off course. Developing a mission statement is relatively simple but requires intentionality and only serves its purpose if it’s derived from the input of the whole crew. Call a family meeting and ask questions like:

• • • • •

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kcparent.com july 2017

Where are we going as a family?

What are our priorities?

What are our individual strengths and weaknesses?

What are some ways we can serve each other and others?

What are three words that we aspire to have describe our home environment?

Purposefully seek to determine what you want your children to remember about home life and what you aspire to impart to them during the years they are in your care.

Remember, a family mission statement has everything to do with building goals to implement, not wishes you hope will happen. Purposefully seek to determine what you want your children to remember about home life and what you aspire to impart to them during the years they are in your care. And be willing to listen to your children’s contributions, too. If activities like game nights or family hikes rank high on their list of priorities, but not yours, compromise may be necessary to foster an environment they perceive as loving and nurturing. Develop practical ways for implementation so your final draft can be put into action.

Place your mission statement on display in a place that’s highly trafficked throughout your home, so all family members can refer to it often. “The key is to discuss them constantly (at least once a week) to see how well the family is living up to it (even the parents),” Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, explains. “Everyone governs themselves by the mission statement if they feel genuinely involved.”

Build Ties Through Service Oftentimes, families prioritize recreation as a way to forge deeper, more meaningful relationships together. But working together has a lasting impact that can be far more reaching, as Lenexa mom of seven Carissa Jones can attest. Placing flags on the graves at Leavenworth National Cemetery evolved from being a Boy Scout service project for one of her sons to a beloved annual tradition the whole family upholds. “We, along with hundreds of other Scout and adult volunteers, place flags on the grave markers in the cemetery on the Saturday

before Memorial Day,” Carissa says. “It is one of our very favorite service projects each year. We’ve gone every year since we moved here in 2008 except one. I don’t know how you can look at those flags and not be moved!”

Families easily can contribute to worthwhile causes together, such as sponsoring a child internationally through Compassion International, building gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child or serving in a local soup kitchen.

Build a Culture That Aligns with Your Values Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is family culture. The process takes time, dedication and the building of habits.

Aspire to order your loves sequentially so that family life is an integrated part of your priorities. For instance, if you seek to foster a love of reading in your children, carve out time in your schedule to make reading together as a family feasible, visit the library regularly or have discussions about what you’ve been reading independently.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Hard When Friday night rolls around, my kids eagerly jump up and down in excitement even though we have the same thing on the docket every week. It’s family movie night, the only time we ever eat in front of the TV. The same spread is made available—stovetop popcorn, along with an array of fruit and cheese—but the movie, per house rules, has to be new to us. The tradition began three years ago and has become a much-loved part of our family culture. I’m convinced the best traditions are the simplest ones.

Prairie Village mom Jennifer Rodriguez keeps a simple tradition alive that’s been in

the family for more than five generations.

“We have a birthday tradition that everyone looks forward to,” Jennifer explains. “The birthday person isn’t allowed to speak while he/she eats her piece of cake. Meanwhile, everyone else tries everything they can think of to trick him/her into talking. If they succeed, the birthday person has to finish eating his/her cake under the table.

The only rules are that it begins with the first bite and ends with the swallowing of the last bite, and we can’t touch or speak unkindly to the birthday person. There is so much laughter and we have so many goofy pictures under the table! Most of the time, the children join the birthday person under the table as well.”

936 Nine hundred and thirty-six. That’s the number of weeks your child more than likely will live at home. The number might seem like an abstract figure until you see it laid out visually. Place 936 pennies in a mason jar and take out one for every week your child has been alive. This act isn’t meant to cause grief and despair. Instead, when you count the weeks you have left with your child, be more inclined to make those weeks count. If your time is invested in building a strong family culture, then an empty jar will be a visual representation of a life well spent.

Lauren Greenlee loves maintaining family traditions, especially in KC! Favorites include attending Celebration at the Station in May and Christmas in the Sky in November. Her family’s mission statement is “to live simply in order to engage in life more fully.” She is the mother of three boys and lives in Olathe.

kcparent.com july 2017

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SQUASH sibling squabbles

C

an’t they all just get along? One minute, they’re playing nicely.

The next, they’re arguing, calling names and bringing on tears. In homes with more than one child, sibling rivalry happens—and at all ages. However, just because it’s common doesn’t make it any easier on your sanity as a parent.

For just a moment, put yourself in your child’s shoes, because more than likely, you’ve been there. When the second little one comes along, the first child gets demoted and feels less than. Then, as he gets a little older, child number two gets tired of being bossed around by the big brother or sister all the time. Thus the squabbles begin.

Is there a magical way to stop the arguments entirely? No, but you can reduce the frequency. Here are some wonderful tips on preventing sibling rivalry and putting a stop to squabbles before they get too heated:

Don’t label. Labeling your kids as the smart one, the athletic one or the pretty one creates competition among them. Instead, ditch the labels so your not-so-athletic child can shine even if she’s not the best runner or player, your not-so-brainy child can be proud of his work and all your children will know and understand that all are beautiful just as they are. This, in turn, will help the children root for one another instead of competing for their parents’ approval.

Introduce them early. Once your second baby is in utero, let your first-born get acquainted with her new sibling. Let her talk to the baby in your tummy, listen to his

Teach peace. Work with your kids on how to take turns, use the “I feel” statements (e.g., “I feel sad when you make fun of my Lego creation”) and how to walk away and

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heartbeat and feel the baby’s kicks. Show her how to welcome the new baby and care for him once he arrives.

control their tempers by counting to 10 or finding a quiet space in the house to be alone until they feel better.

Divvy up attention. Plan to give each child at least 10 to 20 minutes of positive, individual attention every day from each parent. This will keep little ones from fighting for it.

Stay out of it. When your children are arguing, don’t jump right in. Allow them the time to work it out on their own. If they can’t, you might have to step in. Listen to each child’s side of the story, then, without taking sides, ask them to come up with some solutions. If they can’t, give them some suggestions so they can come up with an agreeable resolution. This, in turn, teaches them how to compromise. If you give them the tools, they eventually will have the confidence they can work it out themselves.

Never discount or demean your older children. Don’t tell her to be a big girl, act grown up or be more understanding. Remember that older kids have feelings, too. Show empathy, and you’ll receive a lot more cooperation. Say things such as, “Of course you feel this way,” or “I completely understand.” Empathy goes a long way.

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Avoid gossip. Never discuss one child with the other. You don’t like to be talked about behind your back, so be courteous with your children and avoid the gossip.

Don’t force them to share their own toys. What’s theirs is theirs. Allow them to decide whether they want their sibling(s) playing with their toys. If not, that’s okay. Have toys that are shared by everyone in the playroom, but allow kids to oversee the toys that belong solely to them.

Post a set of rules in your home.

Then, set up a family meeting to discuss them. Rules are an effective preventative strategy. Don’t hit, treat each other with respect, don’t take someone else’s things without asking first, and always make amends when you hurt someone or damage something are all good examples.

Mom and author Gina Klein resides in Kansas City with her two daughters, husband and houseful of animals.

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this person? Am I willing to risk alienating myself from some people by voicing my thoughts? Are those individuals really my friends to begin with?”

Maybe quietly unfriending these folks is the best solution. Otherwise, respond with curiosity: “Why do you feel I should unfriend you? Why do my thoughts on this matter bother you?”

Contempt. Instead of empathizing with or at least listening to your concerns, a friend or family member responds in a dismissive way. For example: “How dumb.

Maybe you should run for office if you have such strong opinions.”

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, contempt is defined as “the feeling that a person is beneath consideration or deserving scorn.” Renowned relationship researcher and psychologist Dr. John Gottman, author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, calls contempt one of the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” and “the single greatest predictor of divorce.”

Of course, contempt is poisonous to other relationships too.

Solution: Disarm with compassion: “Clearly, I touched a nerve. Would you like to talk about it?” If your thoughts are frequently met with disgust by this person, you can respond with “I don’t allow people to talk to me/treat me that way.” If the toxic behavior continues, say goodbye or put the person at a healthy arm’s-length if you can’t completely dump the relationship from your life.

what to do when online Y L conversations turn UG Reinforce

positive exchanges by saying, “Thank you for the healthy debate.”

W

ithout the benefit of body language that can help soften or defuse tense conversations, online discussions are ripe for misunderstandings and heated exchanges.

How can we make social media a kinder place for the healthy exchange of views?

Here are a few common scenarios and suggested solutions.

The shut-down. A disgruntled “friend” strongly suggests you pipe down on a topic you feel strongly about. She might say something along the lines of get over it, maybe you should unfriend me or you’re making people not like you.

Solution: Women, in particular, are frequently the target of the “play nice” card.

If the issue is important to you, ask yourself: “Why does my difference of opinion scare

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kcparent.com july 2017

Online confrontation. Your post or comment unleashes the fury of another person in your network. You dig in your heels. Friends jump in to take sides. Trolls show up. And the virtual mudslinging commences.

Solution: Dale Carnegie once said, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” First, consider whether a comment is worth addressing. Trolls bait people by dropping inflammatory comments into a thread. Don’t bite. If you do respond, take the higher road. Avoid personal attacks and excuse yourself from mean-spirited conversations: “As you’ve decided to make this personal, I’m exiting this conversation before I say something

I regret.” Or, “While I disagree, I appreciate hearing a different opinion.”

Reinforce positive exchanges by saying, “Thank you for the healthy debate.”

Manage your emotions. You read something on a friend’s page that enrages you. Do you immediately blast off an angry comment or walk away?

Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying isn’t only a problem that affects kids.

According to Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, nearly 65 percent of young adults between 18 and 29 have experienced some sort of online harassment. Overall, 40 percent of adults have been victims of cyberbullying or online stalking.

Solution: Give yourself a 24-hour cooling off period. This is a form of self-care and a healthy way to manage anger. Work through your anger in a private journal or talk to an empathetic friend. Take a walk, put on some soothing music or engage in an activity that steadies your heartbeat. By disengaging, you can put the situation in perspective, avoid making a remark you might later regret and preserve a relationship you care about.

Solution: Respond to inflammatory remarks or name-calling by instructing the offending party to respectfully move along. Block any harasser that refuses. Avoid retaliating, which only can escalate the issue. If the person continues to attack you through private messaging, either ignore the message or calmly tell the person to stop contacting you. If the cyberbullying continues, save the messages in case you need to alert law enforcement.

Freelance writer and communication researcher Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her family. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Use the acronym “THINK” as a guide before posting online:

T H I N K

Is it THOUGHTFUL? Is it HELPFUL? Is it INFORMATIVE or INSPIRING? Is it NECESSARY? Is it KIND?

Set a Positive Tone for Civil Online Conversation • Avoid publicly embarrassing or humiliating friends who share dissenting opinions.

• Politely thank others for sharing opposing viewpoints.

• Offer to continue a contentious disagreement in private.

• Focus on informative exchanges. Ignore trolls.

• Be curious. “Why do you feel that way?”

Listen to learn.

• Use friendly humor to dial down tension.

• Reinforce respectful dialogue on your page. Warn and/or remove individuals who ignore your rules.

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19

L

ong gone are the days where throwing a party just consisted of putting up a few streamers and playing pin the tall on the donkey. Today the new trend is throwing a themed party, where everything coordinates, from the invite you sent out to the food/beverages you will serve.

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the occasion? Whom are you inviting? “I decide my theme based on two things: what time of year it is and what that person is interested in,” says Jennifer Moore, Olathe. If your child is old enough, let him decide what type of party he would like to have. For younger children, observe their interests and hobbies, favorite TV shows and books. Check out Pinterest and other blogs for inspiration.

guest list – Incorporating your theme will begin when you send out your invitations.

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to come at the celebration. You can create your own invites that correlate with your theme at places like Shutterfly.com or MPix.com. Cut costs by sending electronic invites from places like Evite.com, PunchBowl.com or Facebook.

decorations – Decorations are key when trying to create the ambiance for your party. Keep in mind you can create custom, darling and oh-so-cute decorations that are affordable too. Check out your local dollar and thrift stores and stop by crafting stores to create your one-of-a-kind décor. Etsy.com is also a wonderful resource for printable party packages that are already themed and ready to print.

menu and cake – Plan a flexible menu that everyone will enjoy and that goes along with the theme. “We had a barnyard-themed party for our son’s first birthday, and we served country ham, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, homemade pickles and cornbread,” says Suzanna Ruth, Prairie Village. Keep in mind whether any of your guests have allergies or are diabetic; offering an alternative option for them is considerate. Cakes and cupcakes can be custom made to fit your theme at any

bakery in town—just make sure you bring in a picture of your vision. If you plan to do your own baking, there are many websites that offer ideas and tutorials.

games – Keep the party alive with entertainment. Rent a clown or set up a ring or beanbag toss for a carnival theme party.

Plan a scavenger/treasure hunt for your pirate crew. The options are endless; just keep in mind that the younger the children, the less competitive the games should be.

Set up craft tables and other activities so there is something to do for all ages.

goody bags – Every child should leave with a little something to show your appreciation for their attending. Whether it be a sand bucket and shovel from your under the sea party or a potted tomato plant from your barnyard bash, make sure the goody is theme-based and age appropriate. prepare in advance – Give yourself plenty of time to assemble and play with the decorations, set up seating and table arrangements, prepare goody bags and clean and cook before the party. Have a backup plan in mind in case of weather or sickness.

don’t forget! – It’s your child’s day; make sure you are in touch with what she wants and that she is having a blast. “Themed parties are the best because they’re more enjoyable and look more organized!” says Karen Loudon, Lenexa. “Remember to take pictures, thank your guests as they leave and take a moment to enjoy the party you worked so hard to prepare.”

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L

ee’s Summit mom Cari Chretien recently had to help her 10-year-old son accept the fact he didn’t make a specific baseball team after playing for that team for a couple years. Instead of letting him focus on the fact he didn’t make the team, they discussed his strengths, talents and everything he had to contribute to another team he made after trying out. After framing it in this manner, he said himself he was glad he was able to help out and play on the other team.

“Not everybody is cut out to do everything, so not everyone can make the team,” Chretien says. It’s all in the way we look at things as parents, she says, and the truth is her son wasn’t meant to be on the other team.

Processing rejection and building resilience are experiences children need when they are young in order to become strong adults in a difficult world.

If children do not learn to deal with disappointment, stress and difficulties in relationships…you set them up to believe they have to be perfect or other people have to treat them perfectly.

building STRONG, RESILIENT kids

Life isn’t fair, and learning to accept that is an important skill

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“The simple fact is life is not fair,” says Celeste Lundergan, a Lee’s Summit-based counselor with Cornerstone Counseling. “If children do not learn to deal with disappointment, stress and difficulties in relationships…you set them up to believe they have to be perfect or other people have to treat them perfectly.”

Lundergan says one of the most important things parents can do to help their children deal with rejection is to allow them to fail. She says the urge to jump in and protect children is strong. Yet if a parent is always trying to rescue a child, they are teaching him failure is unacceptable and everyone else’s life is perfect—which of course isn’t true.

“There are times when we need to let our children struggle,” Lundergan says. “That’s really hard and really painful, but they can struggle, succeed and overcome.”

Along these lines, she says another thing parents can do is avoid intervening every time the child comes home complaining she has been treated unfairly by a friend, teacher or other adult. Parents’ doing this teaches kids you always will fix their problems.

Instead of always intervening, parents should talk through the situation with the child, hearing his perspective and discussing the rules of the class, team or situation to evaluate whether the child was treated unfairly, Lundergan recommends. If parents decide the child was treated unfairly, they should analyze the scenario to see whether something is so unfair it

requires action, or whether the situation is one the child is going to face again and again in life. In that case, parents can help youngsters learn to just let go of the negativity the circumstances stir up. She says talking through this sort of analysis with children helps them build critical thinking skills to use in the future.

Kids also need to learn that dwelling on being mistreated by certain individuals allows those people to have power over them. Lundergan recommends starting discussions about this at a very young age by simply telling the child something like, “You are letting your friend ruin your day, and he isn’t even here.”

Jennifer Brault, a Lee’s Summit mom, sees board games as an opportunity to teach her 5-year-old daughter she will not always win everything. At first when they would play games together, her daughter would get very upset when she lost, and losing was difficult for her to accept. Eventually, Brault told her if she couldn’t lose nicely, they couldn’t play games together at all. Over time, her daughter decided playing was her priority and became less upset when she lost.

Brault also uses this opportunity to teach her to win graciously.

Five aspects of helping your child face rejection and build resilience The following tips are from Celeste Lundergan with Cornerstone Counseling:

• Connection. Being connected with your child and having a strong relationship will help him have an overall sense of protection and security when facing challenges.

• Courage. Allow a child to stretch her abilities and do things independently—from opening the play dough to picking toys up off the floor. Letting a child struggle and overcome obstacles will help her appreciate the success she works to achieve. Offer guidance, support and perspective along the way.

• Counting. Kids need to know they have value and a voice, and this is taught by truly listening to the child, problem-solving together and reconnecting after discipline or disappointment.

• Competence. Help a child asses his skills, abilities and interests, and discuss with him how to build his strengths and identify areas for growth.

• Emotional regulation. Children need to know what they are feeling (mad, sad, tired, bored, etc.) and have assistance figuring out how to manage those feelings in a variety of

Allison Gibeson is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer from Lee’s Summit.

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23

inexpensive things

that will keep your kids entertained (from the personal experiences of a kid!)

1 Crafts all day!

One thing I absolutely love to do is craft!

Kids can easily do so many things themselves.

Some ideas are taking an old sheet you won’t use any more, hanging it up outside and allowing the kids to paint it to their liking. If they love the masterpiece they have created, allow it to dry, then hang it in their rooms.

Also, mason jars are great for decorating, then using to organize in kids’ rooms.

2 Slime all the time!

This idea is a bit messy, so I recommend parents help younger children. All you need to make slime is glue and laundry detergent. Put the glue in a bowl and then slowly add small amounts of laundry detergent and stir until the slime is no longer sticky! Of course, you can use other formulas to make slime, but this one is the simplest and quickest. Also, some recipes use borax, but I would stay away from those because borax is toxic if eaten.

3 Code, code, code!

Although something educational doesn’t sound that fun, coding is one of my favorite things to do. There are many apps you can use, but there are two that stand out to

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me. For younger children, try ScratchJr, an app where kids can create stories and then watch them! For older children, Hopscotch is the way to go! This app lets children make anything their hearts desire. There are tutorials on how to make things, but children also can go off on their own and make whatever they want. Coding is also great because it gives kids early S.T.E.M skills, which help prepare them for school and even jobs for the future.

4 Got to go build!

When kids think of building, they probably think of the men in the yellow hats and bright vests. But building can be very fun! Just find any items from your house, such as straws, card stock, ribbon, tape, etc.

Then tell the kids they can build whatever they want using those materials only. Now watch as their creative juices start flowing.

To make it even more challenging, tell them what to try to build with those materials.

See their impressions of what they were supposed to construct!

5 Upcycling old clothes!

Do you have any plain t-shirts sitting in the back of your closet? Well, give them to the kids and let them help pump up your

style! First put cardboard in your shirt, then give the kids markers, paint and other art supplies. Let them do whatever they want with the shirts, and they will have a blast! I suggest doing this outside to prevent a huge indoor mess.

6 Baking fun!

For kids who are a bit more independent, baking is a great idea! Give them a recipe and allow them to make delicious treats.

Although this might leave the kitchen a little messy, children will have a blast and learn how to follow recipes, measure food and work the oven!

These are some of my favorite things to do in my free time. You don’t always have to buy entertainment. These things are fun and entertaining and don’t require much money at all! Something that might even encourage the kids more to try these activities is setting up a day or two each week for the fun. The kids will anticipate the day’s coming, and you will have some free time on your hands!

Ally Sarver is 12 and will be in seventh grade next year. Her mom, Margaret, is the editor of KC Parent. When asked whether she wanted to write an article, she came up with these ideas—enjoy!

vering i

got sleep?

f you’re not sleeping well, you are not alone. More than a million Americans suffer from insomnia, which can be a persistent problem with serious consequences. Insomnia is defined as difficulty with sleep, whether it is a difficulty ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early or feeling tired upon waking. It is a We can know sign and symptom that beacademic associatedresults are important CUSTOM OFFER arning, Results Matter to you.

Sylvan students typically see up to AREA with several sleep, medical or psychiatric ypically see up to two to three times more growth in their math two to three times more growth in their 100 Details of offer and We know academic * es than if they hadn’t come Sylvan . disorders andtotherefore should be a reason to disclaimer can go in here.

90 math and are reading scorestothan if they SYLVAN ACCELERATES results important Select color of offer block Offer valid at participating STUDENT PROGRESS l get: 80 seek medical attention.

Some causes may be: hadn’t come to Sylvan*. you. Sylvan students locations only. Expires

next report h Sylvan

Delivering RESULTS

SYLVAN STUDENTS SEE RESULTS

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and reading scores your family’s busy schedule – and budget. than if they hadn’t n Depression make this school year the best onecome yet. to Sylvan.* n n

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40

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READING

EXPECTED STUDENT GROWTH

Insomnia varies in how long it lasts and ACTUAL STUDENT GROWTH WITH SYLVAN best one yet. how often it occurs. It may be short term, *See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. *See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. lawdir@sylvanks.com long term or intermittent. Symptoms of insomnia may be sleepiness during the Overland Park Shawnee Sylvan of Lawrence day, tiredness, irritability and problems 913.681.1141 913.543.6085 with concentration or memory. If you are experiencing mildSYLVANLEARNING.COM insomnia, you may want lawdir@sylvanks.com to try adding the following sleep habits to your routine: *See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com.

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n n

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Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the day.

Caffeine and nicotine are SylvanLearningCenter_LM16sp.indd 1 stimulants, and alcohol can cause waking in the night.

Get regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.

Don’t eat a heavy meal late in the day, but a light snack before bed may help with sleep.

Make your room comfortable.

Follow a routine to help you relax right before sleep.

Avoid using your bed for anything but sleep.

If you can’t fall asleep and don’t feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not over-stimulating until you feel sleepy.

If you find yourself worrying, then get up and make a list before you go to bed.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mom and nurse practitioner.

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25

simple and succulent succotash

a

fter enjoying a similar dish while dining at a “locals-favorite” restaurant in Lawrence, we became determined to find a way to recreate succotash at home. It took a bit of creativity, but we finally realized that a bit of cream cheese stirred in at the end could replace the cup of heavy cream called for in other recipes. This simple step also greatly reduces the amount of time it takes to make this succulent side item, keeping the colors bright and the vegetables crisp-tender. We are confident this will soon become one of your family’s favorite ways to use fresh corn.

Serves six as a side item, and the leftovers taste great for an easy lunch the next day.

Ingredients: 4 slices nitrate-free bacon 2 T. extra virgin olive oil ½ c. red onion, minced 1 clove garlic 1 red bell pepper 1 c. frozen organic edamame or baby lima beans 4 ears fresh corn, shucked ½ t. organic cane sugar ½ t. sea salt ½ t. fresh ground pepper 1 lemon, zest and juice 2 green onions, minced 2 T. fresh basil 1 T. fresh tarragon 2 T. real cream cheese

Start to finish: 30 minutes, mostly active

INSTRUCTIONS Preparations: Mince ½ c. red onion and one clove garlic. (You will add the onion/garlic, pepper, edamame, corn and herbs all at separate times— please store separately if working

26

kcparent.com july 2017

ahead.) Dice one red bell pepper.

Set frozen edamame out to defrost slightly. Remove the kernels from 4 ears of fresh corn. Mince green onions, basil and tarragon. Zest one lemon.

all vegetables are heated throughout and crisp-tender. Stir lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs and cream cheese into skillet. When cream cheese has melted, turn off heat.

Brown your bacon: Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. When skillet is hot, use sharp kitchen shears to cut bacon into ¼-inch strips. Brown bacon until crispy, about 5-8 minutes. When crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to dry.

Getting it on the table: Transfer

Prepare your succotash: Add 2 T. extra virgin olive oil to the remaining bacon drippings and allow to heat for about 30 seconds, until oil shimmers (still over medium heat). Add minced onion and garlic to skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds, just until fragrant. Add diced bell pepper to skillet and sauté one minute more. Add edamame to skillet and sauté another minute.

Finally, add fresh corn and ½ t. each cane sugar, sea salt and black pepper to skillet. Sauté 1-2 minutes more, until

contents of skillet to a suitable-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle the succotash with the crumbled bacon. If desired, garnish dish with a few extra herbs.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes: This side item makes an excellent accompaniment to roasted jumbo shrimp, scallops, chicken sausage or grilled salmon. It is naturally gluten-free and nut-free. Vegetarians can omit the bacon and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when starting the onions and garlic. Both of our girls have enjoyed this dish from a very young age, and it is a great way to introduce new eaters to some of the fresh flavors of summer herbs. If desired, this dish can be made year round using frozen corn (2 c.) and dried tarragon (1 t.) in place of the fresh.

WORDFROMDAD

living history

“d

ad, I’m going to hang around with some friends.”

Summer meant no school, but he kept learning.

Patrick and I were Civil War living historians, and this event at Mine Creek left him surrounded by hundreds like us, all bound by the love for our nation’s history. I relaxed, confident in his safety.

“OK, but don’t stay out late.”

I crawled into our tent and dozed until he came in and deeper sleep took me.

Around two that morning, I woke and checked on him. He wasn’t there and had never been. I rose and walked around our area.

Only snores. The site encompassed acres, and campfires dotted the night. I couldn’t begin a methodical search. I’d lose my bearings in the dark and might visit the same fire several times.

The cavalry! I could get the people with horses to look for him.

I stopped short. But, what if it isn’t anything serious? I’d wake them for nothing, and the horses needed their rest. I turned away, but paced toward and away from them with the ebb and flow of my internal debate.

I returned to my tent to wait until dawn. If he wasn’t back by then, I’d go ask the cavalry to saddle up.

Special Beginnings

Worry sent my imagination into overdrive and every horrible scenario flashed through my mind. Fallen into the creek? Plausible.

Kidnapped? Unlikely, but still possible. And what would I tell my wife? I started to rise, but the tent flap opened and he walked in.

“Where have you been?”

“Down at Scott’s campfire.”

My voice began to rise. “I told you to come back early. Do you know—” “Shh, Dad, you’ll wake the others.”

Now that he was safe, I could sleep, but I think he shortened my life by decades that night.

William Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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kids collections: a great way to boost learning and processing skills

Need a way to organize all the things kids collect?

Find tips at KCParent.com.

i

remember having collections as a child, don’t you? I remember the joy I felt when I added a new, sparkly rock to my rock collection.

I recall my Hello Kitty sticker album where I not only collected, but arranged and categorized my stickers. I remember collecting these small fuzzy bears, which are now called “vintage” on eBay (Google it and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!), and miniature Trolls before they were a blockbuster hit. Guess I have kind of dated myself a bit! At any rate, while collections to us as adults might seem trivial or useless, children can benefit greatly from starting and managing their own collections.

If your children are anything like mine, they are always collecting what I think are random items. I am always emptying out

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pockets before laundry, cup holders in the car, as well as finding more random items around their bedrooms and the house. Often I’m tempted to gather up these random items and pitch them into the nearest trash can. In fact, not too long ago, we lived in an apartment. At one point there, our son’s stick collection was so big, we could have had a bonfire! Every time I left the apartment alone, I took a couple of sticks with me to find a new home for them!

I think sometimes we parents have difficulty not squelching a child’s desire to collect, because we just see clutter and space-takers that have no value. We often forget that many of us did this same type of collecting as children, and we also forget what children can learn from having sentimental collections.

SOMETIMES A COLLECTION IS NOT JUST A COLLECTION, BUT A SPUR TO THE IMAGINATION, TO LEARNING AND CREATING.

A great thing about collecting is that it naturally provides some fun teaching opportunities, without your kids’ realizing they’re learning. Anna, whose 19-monthold collects different versions of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters (stuffed animals, bath toys, chunky puzzle pieces, small figurines, stickers, etc.), highlights a great example of this exact situation. “At first it was just for fun, but then she started using them to draw comparisons,” Anna says. “She tells us which ones are bigger and smaller, softer and harder, matching in color, etc.

She’s also started using them to practice prepositions such as ‘Big Minnie is on small Minnie’ or ‘Goofy is next to Daisy.’ So not only does she just love them, but also they’ve become an easy, fun teaching tool too!”

Creativity is another benefit of children’s collections. “My oldest three kids are

constantly collecting random things wherever we are (think Tinkerbell and her lost things). The middle two call themselves ‘junkers’ and they animatedly discuss what they can turn each new find into (e.g., this spring can be the neck of a robot, that part can be added to something else to create an airplane or rocket ship). It makes laundry day interesting for us with full pockets, but I love the creativity it engenders!” says Katrina.

Nora also shares how her son’s collection of stuffed animals fosters his imaginative play: “He will sit in his room for ages talking to and creating imaginative situations with his animals.”

Beginning a collection also can instill a passion in children, as well as introduce them to things they might not normally be interested in. For example, if your child’s grandparent shares a coin or stamp collection, or an older sibling has a baseball card collection, your child may take up an interest in one of those or decide she’d like to learn more about it. This might lead to a trip to the library so she can pick out some books on her newfound interest, which in turn can lead to a renewed love of reading by finding a topic to be passionate about. Bonus!

At the same time, collections can foster relationships among people. Collections can bridge the generation gap, bring siblings closer together and encourage new friendships. “While your child is negotiating a card trade or informing a classmate about the new addition to his dinosaur collection, he’s inspired to interact with other children.

A collection can be a great way to boost self-esteem, as well as serve as a smooth entry into friendships. If your child is new to a school or neighborhood, discussing his trading card collecting can be a great icebreaker. Meeting kids who share a similar interest could mean he’s also found new buddies,” according to BabyCenter.com.

Collecting can teach children the fine art of patience and responsibility as well. True collecting is slow. Anyone can go outside and

find a load of sticks or rocks to add to their collection in no time at all. However, if your child is collecting coins, stamps, sports cards, etc., he will need patience in trying to find just the right item to complete his collection.

Likewise, children learn that these same items require special care and attention, as some are quite delicate and need preserving.

I love the quote from Pyschology Today that says, “Sometimes a collection is not just a collection, but a spur to the imagination, to learning and creating. And that’s what makes collecting in childhood a worthy pursuit.” We don’t hear much about collections these days, but maybe we should.

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park. She is constantly finding acorns, sticks, leaves, rings, coins, etc., around the house that her children are “collecting.”

TOP 10 THINGS KIDS COLLECT (according to TheTopTens.com) • Legos • Toy cars • Barbies/dolls • Stuffed animals • Movies • Happy Meal toys • Coins/cash • Pokemon memorabilia • Nintendo memorabilia • Rocks/stones

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Skipping meals isn’t only unhealthy, it’s likely to slow you down when you get hungry and have to stop for a snack at an inconvenient time.

solid form and clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria so you can spottreat acne at any time. Learn more at OxySkinCare.com.

3

USE SCREEN TIME WISELY.

It’s easy to get sucked into hours of catching up on social media or pulled into a game where you’re trying to conquer just one more achievement.

Avoid getting yourself into a time crunch by simply setting down your phone or controller when you have other obligations. Save the screen time for a break or treat it as a reward for accomplishing a task.

FIVE F

time-savers for busy teens

Family Features

or many teens, summer is just as busy as the school year. Jobs, athletic activities and social events can keep that so-called “break” jam-packed with action.

Time management is essential, but there are some other easy steps teens can take to save time and make sure there’s at least a little room left to kick back and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

1

GET ORGANIZED. Precious

minutes tick away while searching for lost keys or phones, or finding the perfect shirt for a night out with friends.

Taking a little time to get organized will pay off in the long run. Create a specific place, such as a shelf or basket, to hold

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items that get used every day so you always know where to look. Also take time to put away laundry and hang clothes so you can skip the wasteful rummaging that results from an untidy room and closet.

2

BE PREPARED. Even when you’re on the go, taking care of yourself is important. Create a portable pack, whether you’re headed out for a day at the beach or an impromptu camping trip, because pimples are unpredictable and can appear at a moment’s notice.

Make sure your skin stays clean and clear by including an easy-to-use, messfree Oxy On-the-Go Acne Stick, which is conveniently packaged in a slim,

4

KEEP A SCHEDULE. Flitting

from one spot to the next all summer long can make it tough to keep track of where you’re supposed to be and when. Writing down details like your work schedule and game times can help ensure you never miss a beat. You also can use your schedule to keep track of to-dos like registration for fall classes or chores around the house.

5

MAKE TIME FOR MEALS.

Skipping meals isn’t only unhealthy, it’s likely to slow you down when you get hungry and have to stop for a snack at an inconvenient time. Look for healthy on-the-go foods you can eat in transit, or dedicate a little time one day a week to prepare snacks and meals for the week ahead so you can still stay nourished when you’re in a time crunch.

A busy summer may not feel like much of a vacation, but if you work to manage and save time where you can, you’ll be able to carve out some much-needed rest and relaxation.

why you need a mother’s helper

i

have a confession: I am in love with my mommy interns, a.k.a. mother’s helpers.

I have a few on call for when I am feeling frazzled as a mom. You know, those times when you can’t seem to get a dish done because of the laundry that piles up. Or when you can’t even shave your own legs because of all the hygienic upkeep your kids require (all those nails, hair and teeth!). A mother’s helper can take kids to the park to swing and play ball, color with your girls, play Legos and— perhaps best of all—change diapers! Read on to find out all you need to know about the wonderful world of mother’s helpers.

How do you go about finding this kid whisperer of sorts?

Keep your eyes peeled in the neighborhood for girls about age 10 and up.

Put the word out with your friends, family and neighbors, and you should soon have more help than you could ever use. One of my helpers lives a few doors up and we met at the park, while another approached me at church and asked if I needed some help wrangling my crew (the answer is usually YES!).

What should you pay?

It depends on the age of the child. As a general rule, I give a tween (under age 13) about $2 per hour. Sounds like squat to you, but it’s a lot to her. Remember, she’s interning, not babysitting while you are out of the house. A member of the 13- to 15-year-old crowd might make more like $3-4 per hour, depending on how long a stretch she can occupy your kids and how helpful she is. I would discuss up front what you are able to pay so there are no misunderstandings. Let your helper know you will pay a little more when she gets older, especially if you’re able to actually leave her at the house alone with the kids while you grocery shop or hit an exercise class.

What should you have her do?

The sky is the limit here! Because I’m with my kids all day, every day, I like to farm out my mommy-attention duties, like coloring, playing trains, dolls and Candyland, pushing the baby in his swing, etc., so I can write, scrapbook, organize clothes, clean long-forgotten closets and

so much more. If you work all week, you might like a mother’s helper to do chores while you focus on your kids. Depending on her age, she could fold laundry, do dishes, vacuum, start dinner and more. She even can help your kids with their homework while you make dinner so you can avoid a little homework burnout. If your helper is too young to leave at your home with your children, she can go places with you and help wrangle the kids while you grocery shop or entertain the kids in the car while you do quick, run-inside errands.

The great thing about mother’s helpers is they are getting to know you and your children in a low-pressure situation. Before you know it, your helpers will be fullfledged babysitters while you do something crazy, like go out on that long-lost thing called a date.

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com), mom of five, has had several mother’s helpers on call, and recently one of them did an overnight as a full-fledged sitter!

Is your child old enough to be a mother’s helper or to babysit? Find out at KCParent.com. kcparent.com july 2017

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it’s called

play

(AND OUR KIDS AREN’T DOING ENOUGH OF IT)

i

t seems these days that almost every tablet, toy and DVD is stamped with some added educational bonus to our kids. As parents, this makes us feel good. We’re increasingly being told by books and marketing ploys that if we’re not buying all of these shiny, mentally stimulating products, we’re not helping our children excel.

When we’re not purchasing the latest and greatest gadgets, we’re hard at work building an extracurricular schedule for our children.

There is no limit to the number of activities in which one can enroll.

Do you want your child to play soccer? Take music lessons? Join the Girl Scouts? Learn Mandarin? Perhaps you should sign her up for all of it. You’re only trying to create a well-rounded individual, right?

According to a 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics report by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, however, “For some children, this hurried lifestyle is a source of stress and anxiety and may even contribute to depression.” It’s difficult to imagine that our efforts to build up our children might actually be tearing them down, but more studies are beginning to emphasize the importance of unstructured play for kids over hectic schedules.

What has happened to our children’s free time? A Scholastic.com article titled “Make Way for Play” says, “Unfortunately, over the past few years, the value our society places on play has evaporated like a puddle on a hot playground. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: an increased emphasis by schools on academics; the corresponding elimination of recess and physical education; a greater number of organized activities like sports and lessons; the exploding use of computers and TV in kids’ lives; and parents’ fears that their children will fall behind if they aren’t enrolled in extra programs.”

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More studies are beginning to emphasize the importance of unstructured play for kids over hectic schedules.

Unfortunately, over the past few years, the value our society places on play has evaporated like a puddle on a hot playground.

To incorporate other ideas for unstructured play, check out KCParent.com.

I understand the pressure to raise successful young people. I’ve often felt overwhelmed with the seemingly endless list of programs that I could enroll my toddler in. Even my youngest son, who just turned 1, has a plethora of options ranging from swimming classes to baby yoga. It’s a bit intimidating to pick only one or to steer clear altogether, especially when you feel like every other parent out there is doing it all.

One of the reasons that I love my neighborhood, however, is that I can see how instrumental unstructured play is in our children’s lives. On any given day, I can walk outside with my own little ones and be greeted by groups of kids playing spy games or kickball or riding bikes. These children are all also involved in extracurricular activities, but their parents understand the value of free time. The kids are free to explore and create adventure and socialize with their friends. These are the activities that help our children excel—the ones in which they step back and allow their minds to wander, question and rise to challenge. It might be something as small as finally overcoming the plastic rock wall on a play set or as big as working together to sell lemonade at a sidewalk stand. Just a few weeks ago, a large group of kids in my neighborhood did just that.

Some made signs, others made the lemonade and a few rode up and down the street on bicycles vocally advertising the prices.

So now you may be wondering, “How do I encourage play?” The great thing about unstructured play is that it can be as simple as taking everyone out to the backyard. If you have younger children, sandboxes or sand tables are great for getting your child’s creative juices flowing. My 1-year-old will shovel and collect sand into piles for hours. My toddler loves to build sand castles and bury “treasure” for me to find.

Mother of two Anna Bannister says, “We do a lot of sensory play with water, rocks and dirt, which leads to a lot of exploration and creativity. We also do quite a bit of crafts, which not only spur creativity, but problem solving, too.”

Kaleidoscope, located in Crown Center Plaza, is free and is a great place for kids up to age 12 to explore, create and use their imaginations.

For older kids, a bike ride, a short hike, building a birdhouse or other small woodwork project can reignite their love for the outdoors. Geocaching is also gaining popularity among a wide range of ages. It’s basically a real-world treasure hunt. To learn more, visit Geocaching.com.

Providing our children structure is important. I’m not saying that extracurricular activities or tablets are terrible. Both can be very educational and enriching. However, at the end of the day, it’s important to find balance and most importantly, have fun!

Jennifer Bosse is a wife and boy mom extraordinaire. When she’s not watching her kids play, she’s blogging at JensTheBosse.com.

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For TONS more eclipse events, log onto KCParent.com.

A TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN: Kansas City’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment ONCE IN A LIFETIME. This year, on Aug. 21, Kansas Citians get to experience a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. We are in the path of a total solar eclipse, a dazzling celestial event when the shadow of the moon falls on the surface of the earth and is large enough to cover the sun. For a few minutes, we will be able to look directly at the eclipsed sun and watch a truly extraordinary and unforgettable event.

The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in our region was August of 1869, and after 2017, the phenomenon will not occur in our region again during this century. This eclipse is particularly special, as the path of totality runs from the pacific coast of Oregon to the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, and for the first time this century, all continental Americans live within a day’s drive of the path.

Here are some great tips to make the most of this truly once-in-a-lifetime event:

LEARN ABOUT THE SOLAR SYSTEM BEFORE THE ECLIPSE. LEARN AT HOME. We remember what we understand.

For children, this will be a truly memorable experience, especially if they learn about the eclipse ahead of time.

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Many Youtube videos explain the eclipse simply for kids.

Also, Aaron Lindsdau’s book Missouri Total Eclipse Guide is an excellent resource with tips for viewing plus history and understanding the eclipse. For hands-on educational fun, learn about the solar system with the Secrets of Space Kit from Magic School Bus.

HEAD TO SCIENCE CITY AT UNION STATION. Take a trip to Science City and catch a show at the planetarium.

Spend time in the Science on a Sphere exhibit, where children learn about Earth and our solar system.

GO ON A DAY TRIP TO HUTCHINSON, KS. Visit the Kansas Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Hutchinson (just a few hours west of KC), which chronicles the space race through stories, displays of real spacecraft, hands-on exhibits, live rocket shows and more.

GO STARGAZING. Enjoy stargazing at Powell Observatory in Louisburg, when they offer public viewing parties on Saturday evenings. There you can view the night sky through the Ruisinger telescope. Or on a Friday night, check out the free Warkoczewski “Warko” Observatory, located on the roof of Royall Hall on UMKC’s campus.

Warko is open on most clear Friday evenings through October, beginning at dusk, for viewing of the moon, planets, bright star clusters and nebulae.

BE PREPARED.

JOHNSON COUNTY, KS. Viewing sites include Antioch Park, Shawnee Mission Park and Heritage Park. Food trucks and Water One will be available at each location. First 200 guests at each location will receive viewing glasses.

CHOOSE YOUR VIEWING SPOT IN ADVANCE. This eclipse has received so much attention, local visitors bureaus are anticipating record crowds in our area. Hotels in the path of the eclipse have been booked for more than a year, and campgrounds are reserved. Fortunately, Kansas Citians live in the path, so we all have a great place to sleep at night!

However, Kansas City is not in the best place for viewing. The most ideal places are right in the center of the path, many within an hour of KC. Use the app Eclipse 2017 to help find a spot.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO. Participate in a four-day Solar Eclipse Festival with barbecue, live music, activities and science programming. Watkins Mill State Park is recommended for viewing. VisitExcelsior.com/SolarFest

BATHROOM BREAKS. The eclipse will last from one to two-and-a-half minutes, depending on where you view it.

Make sure everyone uses the bathroom beforehand and is prepared to experience the event.

LEXINGTON, MO. This historic town will celebrate

FUEL UP AND STOCK UP. The excitement surrounding the eclipse means heavy traffic. Allow plenty of time to drive to your viewing spot, keep the tank full and pack water, snacks and sunscreen.

BOONVILLE, MO. The city is hosting bike rides, block parties

PROTECT YOUR EYES. Eclipse glasses (available on Amazon. com for about $2) enable you to view the eclipse safely.

Ordinary sunglasses do not offer enough protection. Order your eclipse viewing glasses in advance. NASA offers great practical tips for safe viewing at Eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/ safety.html.

COLUMBIA, MO. Columbia is hosting events all weekend, including Foodstock, golf, movies, bike rides and science programs. Cosmo Park and Gans Creek Recreation Area are recommended for viewing. CoMoEclipse.com

CONSIDER NOT TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS. The eclipse will be over before you know it. Cameras cannot capture the magic that the naked eye will experience. Take in the experience and let the professional photographers capture it—then buy one of the souvenir magazines or newspapers with professional shots after the event. Experience the moment to the fullest.

LATHROP, MO. Their Mule Days Festival is celebrating 150 years of the city’s history with a four-day celebration perfectly timed for the eclipse. Enjoy barbecue, competitions, vendors and carnival. LathropEclipse.com “The Day of the Dark” on Aug. 21 with specials at local restaurants and sites. Viewing is recommended at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. DayOfTheDark.com and a barbecue the weekend of the event. They recommend the Jesse Viertel Memorial Airport and Kemper Park as viewing areas. BoonvilleMoChamber.com/missouri-solar-eclipse-2017

This chart shows when to expect the partial eclipse phase to begin, when totality will begin and the duration of totality in the communities in this article. Source: Eclipse2017.org/2017/in_the_path.htm.

City

Partial Phase Start

Totality Start Time (CST)

Duration of Totality

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONE OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE PATH OF THE ECLIPSE:

Atchison, KS

11:40:12 AM

1:06:11 PM

2 min. 19 sec.

Columbia, MO

11:45:40 AM

1:21:21 PM

2 min. 37 sec.

Excelsior Springs, MO

11:41:56 AM

1:08:07 PM

2 min. 30 sec.

Kansas City, MO

11:41:19 AM

1:08:52 PM

27 sec.

KANSAS CITY, MO. Science City at Union Station is hosting a Solar Eclipse Watch Party. Enjoy interactive, hands-on themed programming. Activities include eclipsedthemed Science on a Sphere shows, Maker Studio solar programming, solar telescope and projection viewings from the new Haverty Family Yards, free solar glasses giveaways to the first 1,500 guests. Entry into Science City includes admission to the planetarium and special guest, meteorologist Mike Thompson from Fox 4.

Lathrop, MO

11:41:41 AM

1:07:39 PM

2 min. 39 sec.

Lexington, MO

11:42:37 AM

1:09:00 PM

2 min. 26 sec.

St. Joseph, MO

11:40:42 AM

1:06:27 PM

2 min. 38 sec.

Warrensburg, MO/ Knob Noster State Park

11:43:21 AM

1:10:53 PM

1 min. 15 sec.

KANSAS CITY, KS. The Kansas City T-Bones are having a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party from 11:30 to 1:30 at Community America Ballpark. First 200 people receive complimentary tickets for that night’s home game. Food available for purchase. Blankets welcome.

Scientists strongly urge viewers to seek longest duration of totality if at all possible, many saying that seeing a partial eclipse is like eating a hot dog when compared to the total eclipse (eating a rib-eye steak). For this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, choose the location that best meets your family’s goals.

Kristina Light and her family are excited to be hosting friends who are coming from out of town just to watch the eclipse together! kcparent.com july 2017

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summer fun guide

table of contents 37 craft corner

45 heat stroke

38 tween bucket list

46 take indoors outside

39 kc’s arcades

48 disney cruise

40 photo safari

50 frozen pops

42 sense-ational summer

51 july festivals

44 blueberries

CRAFTCORNER

1

2

foam dough It has a soft, silky texture that is easy to mold and is addicting to play with!

i

f you are looking for a super quick activity for kids of all ages, try making some foam dough! This soft dough only requires three ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. It has a soft, silky texture that is easy to mold and is addicting to play with!

materials needed: Shaving cream

3 step one: Pour equal parts cornstarch and shaving cream into a bowl. Add any color of food coloring on top. step two: Mix the ingredients with a spoon or your fingers until it forms a dough.

Cornstarch Food coloring

step three: If the mixture is too wet, add some more cornstarch or if it’s too dry, just add a bit of shaving cream.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com. kcparent.com july 2017

37

summer “Best. Summer. Ever.” are the words we’d all like to hear from our tween fun daughters. Why not make this a summer to remember? Creating a summer bucket list is the guide perfect way to ensure your daughter’s summer days aren’t idled away in the sun or in front of a

screen. Sitting down to create a bucket list can be half the fun when you work together to come up

with realistic, varied and achievable goals. Remember that some of our best memories often come from seemingly small yet intentional activities and routines. Think of events you and your tween can do together, then truly enjoy each other’s company and make this a summer to remember. Here are 19 suggestions to get you started:

Tween Summer Photograph a sunrise and sunset on the same day.

Stargaze!

Download the Star Walk app onto your phone or iPad. Best $2.99 you’ll spend all summer.

Keep a daily gratitude journal.

Plan an authentic mom and daughter slumber party with movies, popcorn and pedicures included!

Play flashlight tag.

Tie-dye something.

Rent a paddle boat or canoe at Shawnee Mission Park.

FREE

Balloon, ribbon and fuzzy flipflops? Search DIY Flip-Flops on Pinterest and add flair to your feet!

Make homemade ice cream.

Watch Mary Poppins or Pride and Prejudice and talk in a British accent for an entire day,

Create a “Summer 2017” soundtrack. This playlist of favorite songs will be remembered for years to come.

Make a homemade lava lamp (water bottle, water, oil, food coloring and Alka-Seltzer tablets).

Attend a concert.

Take selfies at five historical sites near or far.

Learn to knit.

Go on a spontaneous road trip.

Practice a new sport for one week

Create a really cool woven-finger knitting hula hoop rug (directions at AllFreeKids Crafts.com).

Bake cupcakes to give away to neighbors.

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ka nsas city area arca des S

ummer memories often include hanging out at the local arcade with friends. These attractions include great hangouts for kids, several for the entire family and a few just for adults that make a great parents night out!

Aaron’s Family Fun Center (17070 Aaron’s Ln., Belton, MO, 816.322.0488, AaronsFamilyFunCenter.com) Known for their bowling alley and miniature golf, Aaron’s is also home to a fun arcade center as well.

Advanced Laser Tag (2026 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe, KS, 913.254.9678, AdvancedLaserTag.com) Kids love the laser tag games and their high-tech video arcade.

Chuck E. Cheese (Multiple locations, ChuckECheese.com) This is the classic favorite for children, where they can enjoy pizza, arcade games and indoor amusement rides.

Cool Crest (10735 E. US Hwy. 40, Independence, MO, 816.358.0088, CoolCrest.com). Famous for their beautiful miniature golf courses, the fun center is also home to an arcade room and go-karts.

Dave & Buster’s (Now with two locations: The Legends at Village West, 1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, 913.981.6815 and 6811 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.249.3906, DaveAndBusters.com) This family-friendly restaurant is home to arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards.

Draftcade (7260 NW 87th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.759.3474, Draftcade.com).

Full-service bar with food items and more than 70 arcade games. Geared toward adults.

Family Golf Park (1501 NE 40 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO, 816.228.1550, FamilyGolfPark.com) This outdoor miniature golf facility is also home to an arcade room and bumper boats.

Gamer’s Quest (10344 Mastin St., Overland Park, KS, 913.730.0199, GamersQuest.net) This is the ultimate virtual reality gaming arcade.

Main Event (Two locations: 4600 S. Cochise Ct., Independence, MO, 816.350.1000 and 11950 S. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.738.0311, MainEvent.com) This family fun center offers bowling, billiards, laser tag, ropes obstacle course, video games and more.

family fun center features rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade games, bowling, gokarts and more.

SoPro Gaming (9240 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.703.5183, SoProGaming.com) Kansas City’s premier social professional gaming center.

T3 Arcade (9720 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS, 913.492.3900, T3Aracade.com) Restaurant with virtual reality, new and vintage arcade games, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, Nintendo 64 and other patio games.

Tapcade (1701 McGee St., #200, Kansas City, MO, 816.492.6577, Screenland.com/ tapcade-at-crossroads) Restaurant and bar with arcade games for adults.

Up-Down KC (101 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.982.9455, UpDownKC.com) Arcade and bar with a retro vibe for adults.

Novastar Gaming Center (840 S. 55th St., Kansas City, KS, 913.703.6682, NovaStarGaming.com) Try out this PC gaming center.

Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com) Many great attractions, including arcade games, gokarts, mini golf, bumper cars and more.

Power Play (Two locations: 13110 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS, 913.268.4386 and 509 NW Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.268.4386, PowerPlayKC.com) This

SoPro Gaming kcparent.com july 2017

39

summer fun guide

summer fun: how to plan a

photo safari Research finds that kids who spend time outside are more creative in their play, more physically active and have enhanced attention spans.

a

photography safari, or photo scavenger hunt, is a creative, interactive way to usher your kids away from screens and out into nature this summer.

Getting kids outdoors is more important than ever. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that kids are spending upwards of seven hours a day with screen technology, which means less time outside playing. According to a nationwide poll conducted by the Nature Conservancy, only about 10 percent of children spend time outdoors every day. In the poll, kids said they aren’t interested in being outside, they don’t have access to parks or outdoor recreation or they’re uncomfortable outdoors.

But spending time outdoors has numerous mental and physical health benefits. Research finds that kids who spend time outside are more creative in their play, more physically active and have enhanced attention spans. And as they get older, children who’ve spent time outdoors show a greater appreciation for the environment.

I found that by taking my 9- and 11-year-old sons out on a photography safari at one of our local parks, we were able to slow down and intentionally observe nature’s quiet rhythm, including

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wildlife, insects and seasonal plants and colors. Here’s how to plan a photography safari with your family: Select a location. Parks with nature trails, botanical gardens, nature centers and zoos provide plenty of material for a safari.

Or start in your own backyard.

Consider the time commitment. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour. Or, if you’re on vacation, turn the safari into a multiday event where snapshots are collected over the duration of your trip.

Gather your supplies. If you don’t have a digital camera and you’re uncomfortable with your child’s borrowing your phone or iPad, check out inexpensive, kid-friendly digital camera options available online and at large discount stores like Walmart and Target, or purchase a disposable camera.

Also, pack sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks.

Construct your list. Do some advance research of your destination to decide what to include on your list. Maybe you plan to hike in a forest or camp at a national park this summer. Make a list of animals, plants, birds or landscapes to be on the lookout for. Decide how many and what types of items to put on your list, according to the age of your child.

Focus your field of vision. If you’re going to the zoo, you might craft a list of adjectives that describe different animals.

For example, look for animals that are striped, have tusks, swim, waddle, fly, etc.

I opted to keep my list for the park general and stuck to having my kids search for particular colors, shapes and textures. To challenge kids who are already handy with a camera, you might have them hunt for interesting angles, lighting and reflections.

Establish ground rules. For our safari, we decided we couldn’t choose the same subjects to photograph. Consider how you will structure your hunt. For example: Can we help each other? Is there a time limit to complete the list? Can we shoot only natural objects or are manmade subjects

game too? Will we head out together or split into groups? How competitive do we want the hunt to be?

Decide whether you want friendly competition. I opted not to make our safari a competition with prizes at the end. But you could, especially if you’re hosting a large group of kids that you plan to split into teams, like a Boy Scout/Girl Scout group or for a birthday party. Dollar stores offer a variety of inexpensive prize options. You might award prizes to teams who capture the funniest, most striking or creative images.

Review and discuss. Go through your photos together and share what you like about each other’s pics. Ask your kids about their favorite shots and why they like them.

Make it seasonal. Help your kids see the beauty of the changing seasons through the eye of their cameras. They may be surprised about how much nature has to offer even in the winter. Look for wintering birds, animal prints in snow, wild grasses and stick-like tendrils of ivy that will resume their climb when spring arrives. Spring, summer and fall offer their unique beauties as well.

My sons and I began to see all kinds of various shapes and interesting colors that we’d never before noticed when we’d visited the park in the past. We watched a

goose swimming gracefully across the lake, a fisherman casting his line and a kayaker paddling smoothly across the water. We peered over a bridge and marveled at the geometric design engineers used to build the lake’s dam. And best of all, while we walked side by side, cameras in hand, we simply enjoyed each other’s company.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys, ages 9 and 11. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

sample list for your photography safari snap photos of something:

• Striped • Orange • In motion • Feathered

• Green • Furry • Red

• Round • Square • Oval

post safari photo ideas

• Print out the photos and make a collage or scrapbook.

• Paste a favorite photo into a journal and write about it.

• If you went to the zoo and picked up a map, cut and paste photos onto the map to keep as a souvenir.

• Create a digital photo book.

• Write a make-believe story to go with the photos.

• Start a private family blog and have your child write a post about his outing featuring his favorite snapshots.

• Make a movie slide show of photos set to music.

bike bike trails in kc trails in kc Take a photo safari on a bike trail! These are just a few of Kansas City’s nicest bike trails. Discover more local trails at KCBike.info/KCTrails.

• T rolley Trail: This 6-mile paved trail connects the Country Club Plaza, Brookside and Waldo in southern Kansas City, MO. Why we love it: This is a great urban ride with many super lunch stops and shops along the way.

• S wope Trails: Built for mountain bike enthusiasts, the 13.5 miles of trails wind through the woods at Swope Park. Local volunteers and the KC Parks system continue to improve these trails for athletes.

Why we love it: These trails are designed with adventure in mind.

From beautiful limestone bluffs to wooded paths, the trails offer nature in the heart of the city.

• S mithville Lake Trail: This 4-mile (and growing) off-road trail is great for mountain bikers. Why we love it: Smithville Lake offers a scenic view for the rider to get out and enjoy nature. ill Creek Streamway Park: One of the nicest paved trails in •M Johnson County, this 10-plus-mile byway runs along the creek from the Kaw River, south through Shawnee Mission Park, to 119th Street in Olathe. Why we love it: This popular trail offers a variety of scenery along the way.

• S hawnee Mission Park: The park offers mountain bike trails connecting to Mill Creek Streamway Park trails. Why we love it: Lake, woods and shelters make this a great choice for nature lovers. kcparent.com july 2017

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summer fun guide

Sense-ational summer fun Observe and enjoy the world around you this summer on a sense-ational adventure celebrating all five senses:

“When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.” ~ Maria Montessori

“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.“ ~ Lewis Grizzard

“Thanks to art, instead of seeing one world, our own, we see it multiplied, and as many original artists as there are, so many worlds are at our disposal.“ ~ Marcel Proust SIGHT: NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

TASTE: POWELL GARDENS:

TOUCH: DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN’S FARMSTEAD (Open thru Oct. 31, 9:00-5:00, 138th & Switzer, Overland Park, 913.897.2360.

Admission is $2/person. Guests enjoy free admission after 2:00 Mon.-Thu.) The farmstead showcases a variety of farm animals: goats, a longhorn steer, cows, horses, chickens, mules, sheep, bison, prairie dogs, a koi pond and even some rescued animals—our favorite being the bald eagle.

Kids enjoy the petting zoo area where they pet and feed goats. They also enjoy fishing, riding ponies or taking a horse-drawn wagon ride, as well as learning about cows in the dairy barn where they can milk a model cow. Little ones really get a kick out of riding miniature John Deere tractors.

The farmstead is beautifully maintained, well shaded and full of wonderful learning opportunities for young children.

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(1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600. Admission charged.) A visit here is a treat for all five senses. Powell Gardens, one of Kansas City’s botanical gardens, features many wonderful areas to explore. One of our favorites, the 12-acre Heartland Harvest Garden, is the largest edible landscape in the United States. After a visit, children better understand where their food comes from. One of the highlights of a visit is the opportunity to sample foods at the tasting stations, which are open during growing season. Throughout the summer, children can try common foods like strawberries and unusual and exotic foods like yard-long noodle beans. The garden grows more than 2,000 types of food plants.

This summer, enjoy the Gardens of Myth exhibit. Sculptures of fantastic beasts from around the globe will make their home in the gardens this summer. Discover creatures as small as tiny fairies and as large as a fearsome 25-foot-long dragon.

TIP: For more fun, pack a beach towel and plan to let the children splash and play in the fountain—a favorite place to cool off on a summer’s day.

(4525 Oak, Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1278. Free admission; pay for parking.) The museum is one of our favorite destinations in Kansas City.

The beautifully lit Bloch Building, the outdoor sculpture Glass Labyrinth and amazing galleries featuring art from around the world make this a terrific family outing, date night or parents night out. Best of all, because admission is free, you don’t have to see it all in one day! Visit for 30 minutes or just an hour or two and come back another day.

With young children, come after they’ve enjoyed breakfast and are well rested, then visit for a bit and return another day to see more. Tours are available, including free mobile audio guided tours.

Check out an iPod Touch or connect with your own web-enabled device.

The mobile audio guide has a special Kansas City Sculpture Park tour just for kids! Guided tours are also offered for free every day. In addition, you will find family guides in the Bloch Lobby that explain various exhibits specifically with kids in mind. You may pick up free copies of the guide at the museum or read the family guides online before our trip!

TIP: Use our “Nelson-Atkins Scavenger Hunt” on KCParent.com to add to your fun.

Take time to stop and smell the flowers. ~ unknown

Music is the art of thinking with sounds. ~ Jules Combarieu

More FREE Summer Fun for the Senses in Kansas City:

TOUCH: Visit one of Kansas City’s free nature centers (complete guide on KCParent. com), where children touch interactive exhibits and learn about native plants and animals.

TASTE: Kansas City is home to more than 30 farmers markets.

You’ll find a complete guide on KCParent.com. They range from small markets selling exclusively organic produce to the City Market with more than 140 local vendors. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, homemade soaps, baked goods and even live animals. Best of all, many vendors offer samples.

SMELL: KAUFFMAN MEMORIAL GARDENS (4800 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO. Free admission.) The gardens are one of the most beautiful places in Kansas City and a delightful spot for a stroll and photography.

Moms will appreciate that the gardens are gated, keeping children within the walls to explore the flowers and fountains without worry that they’ll wander into the street or parking lot. The indoor gardens offer a nice place to sit and relax, and they have public restrooms, as well.

TIP: Walk across the street to the Anita Gorman Discovery Center, where children enjoy interactive exhibits at the nature center and a whimsical trail with wooded areas for creative play.

AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM (1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO. Admission charged.) There’s no better way to experience Kansas City jazz than with a visit to the museum at 18th & Vine and a live concert at the Gem or the Blue Room.

The Jazz Museum presents the story of jazz and Kansas City with interactive exhibits that allow visitors to create their own sound and experience the talent of the most exceptional jazz performers ever to live, past or present. Children are able to experiment with sound, listening to various jazz instruments and jazz styles.

TIP: Plan to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum next door while you’re there. Learn about the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team and baseball history.

SIGHT: Discover 12 majestic waterfalls in the Midwest in our guide on KCParent.com.

SMELL: Head to Loose Park (51st & Wornall in Kansas City, MO), where you can stroll through the most beautiful and fragrant rose garden in the metro.

HEAR: Search our KCParent. com calendar for free concerts all summer long!

Kristina Light looks forward to summer fun at Powell Gardens, where her daughters especially enjoy the annual Festival of Butterflies. kcparent.com july 2017

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our top Blueberry picks across kc

summer fun guide

County favorite, Sylas & Maddy’s (11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500), for their homemade blueberry ice cream.

• Blueberry Breakfast: One of Kansas City’s most beloved bakeries for more than 60 years, McLain’s (McLainsKC.com) is famous for its chocolate cup cookies, but they also make a mean coffeecake with blueberry cheese as one of their most popular flavors. Treat the family to a blueberry pancake breakfast at The Big Biscuit (multiple locations, BigBiscuitRestaurant.com), Winstead’s (multiple locations, WinsteadsSteakburger.com) or First Watch (multiple locations, FirstWatch.com).

• Decadent Desserts: Treat your

C

elebrate National Blueberry Month with a trip to a local berry patch to pick blueberries fresh from the bush—or enjoy delectable blueberry treats at local restaurants!

U-Pick Blueberry Patches in the Kansas City Area: • The Berry Patch, 22509 State Line Rd., Cleveland, MO, 816.618.3771, TheBerryPatchOnline.com

• Happy Valley Farm, 29080 W. 95th, De Soto, KS, 913.706.0370, HappyValleyFarm-KS.com. Call ahead to schedule an appointment to pick.

• Schweizer Orchards, S. Hwy. 169 & FF, St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.3999, SchweizerOrchards.com

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Berry Picking Tips: • Call ahead to verify picking times as they vary from farm to farm. This is a MUST! • Remember comfortable shoes (you will be walking in fields) and wear sunscreen.

• Bring bottled water and pack a picnic if the farm allows.

Delicious Blueberry Foods on KC Menus: • Frozen Treats: For the foodie, Glacé Artisan Ice Cream (GlaceIceCream.com)

near the Plaza is a favorite destination.

Known for unique gourmet ice cream made with fresh ingredients, the shop’s blueberry ice cream is a summer favorite!

You also might try the lemon curd and blueberry sorbet. Stop in at the Johnson

sweet tooth to something special with a blueberry yogurt cake from Tous Les Jours (TLJus.com) in Overland Park, made-from-scratch blueberry pie at Upper Crust Pie Bakery (UpperCrustPieBakery.com) in historic Overland Park and Pryde’s in Westport, or delicious blueberry scones from Parisi Café (multiple locations, ParisiCoffee.com).

• Adults Only: Beautifully situated on a hill in Weston, MO, is Pirtle Winery (PirtleWinery.com), a quaint little winery famous for their mead, but also many delicious wines—including blueberry wine.

HEALTHYKIDS

preventing heat stroke in kids

EAS INTRODUCTOR

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, a life-threatening medical emergency.

The warm weather brings all the kids outside! Between parks, pool, sporting events and bike rides, kids easily can become sunburned and overheated. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is important, but even more important is doing it while being safe!

A child doesn’t take long to go from sweaty to suffering from heat illnesses. Heat cramps are the first sign of overexposure to heat. Heat cramps themselves are not serious but are a serious warning sign. Heat cramps are simply muscle cramps that occur in the arms, legs or abdomen when the body is sweating and losing salt and fluids. Heat cramps usually go away with rest, shade or air-conditioning and fluids. Fluids that include sugar and salt, like sports drinks, are the fastest acting.

Heat exhaustion is a little more serious, and symptoms include increased thirst, weakness, fainting, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, cool/clammy

skin and an increase in body temperature.

If the previous treatments do not work, sometimes a visit to the doctor and some IV fluids are necessary.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. The body becomes so overheated it can no longer regulate its temperature and oftentimes stops sweating. Body temperatures can increase to as much as 106 degrees, and calling for medical help is critical if your child is showing symptoms. These symptoms can include weakness, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, loss of consciousness and seizure. While waiting for assistance, move the child into shade or air-conditioning, sponge off with a cool, wet towel (not cold) and offer fluids only if the child is awake and acting normal (KidsHealth.org).

The solution is not to avoid being outdoors during the summer months.

Instead, the opposite is important. Months of school and indoor activities can make for

a fairly sedentary lifestyle for children. Then, when the weather turns warm and outdoor sports are at their peak, kids spend much more time being physically active in the heat.

Instead, children should be as physically active as possible in a variety of temperatures.

Doing so acclimates the body and enables it to better handle the elements (WebMD.com).

Other ways to prevent heat illnesses?

Make sure everyone is drinking plenty of fluids every day to stay hydrated, avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, wear light-colored thin clothing to keep cool and take breaks in the shade as needed (SafeKids.org). Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke is possible. Focus on these basic safety tips while you and your kids enjoy summer fun.

COURS

3 Lessons

29

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TAKE STEP 1 Olathe mom Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

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

Call to set up a tour & your 1st lesso

EASY INTRODUCTORY

M A R T I A L

A R T S

COURSE

Olathe Overland Park 913-829-8818 913-851-50 to set up 3 Lessons for Call KCTigerRock.com a tour aND your 1st lessoN

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TAKE STEP 1

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KCTigerRock.com

Call to set up a tour & your 1st lesson

kcparent.com july 2017

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! t u o t e g jul y:

summer fun guide

indoor activities to take outside this summer It’s summer in KC! With kids home all day, parents are looking for ways to get kids off of devices and move them outdoors. If they claim they are bored, try bringing the inside out.

Here are some activities to help you get outside as much as possible this summer.

1. Eat outside. When lunchtime hits, make it a picnic! You can walk or bike to a park or just hang out in your own backyard. At dinnertime, grill out on your patio.

Or if you do cook indoors, you still can eat outside and enjoy the fresh air. Our family eats at least two meals a day outside.

For lunch, I usually throw some sandwiches together and put some fruit out in a big bowl. And after a dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers, we often do Popsicles or s’mores.

(And bonus: It means less cleanup for Mom! Your kitchen stays clean, and the birds can enjoy any crumbs your kids leave!)

2. Exercise. Walks, jogs or bike rides are a great way to bond as a family and work the muscles. You can do yoga, Pilates or a circuit with pushups, pull-ups, jumping jacks and the monkey bars in your backyard.

Our kids also love obstacle courses that include our play set, such as “run up the hill, do 10 jumping jacks, run around the tree, go up the ladder, down the slide and run back down the hill.” We time them and encourage them to beat their record each try!

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3. Craft outdoors. Take your crafts outside. Spread out some paints and items from nature and let the kids’ imaginations go wild. Paint rocks for a garden, do leaf prints or make something out of sticks. See EasyPeasyAndFun.com/paintedladybug-rocks for ideas on painting rocks into ladybugs or bumblebees. And see Log-Homes.TheFunTimesGuide. com/twig_birdhouses for ideas on making birdhouses out of twigs. Another great idea is tie-dyeing. Grab a huge bucket, some dye and a bunch of rubber bands. Gather up some t-shirts and go crazy! It’s still just as fun as it was in the ’80s when we did it!

4. Play games outdoors. Ever think of taking games outside? Maybe not something like Monopoly with a million tiny pieces, but a game like Twister is a great one for the yard or patio! Charades or even Pictionary both work great too on a calm summer day. If you have a large easel and some bright markers, you’re all set. Another great one kids love is a scavenger hunt. Print out a list of some easy-to-find objects like leaves, worms, bugs and birds and let kids check each off as they see it.

5. View movies outdoors. These are always a hit with the family. If you have a large white space, like a garage door, you can rent or invest in a projector and invite the neighbors over for a summer movie and some popcorn. Set up some comfy chairs or let the kids sprawl out on blankets, and the night will be a blast. Imagine Zootopia coming to life at your outdoor theater!

6. Ditch the car. Need to run an errand? Take your bike or walk!

Leave the car in the garage.

7. Shop farmers markets. Hit your local farmers market rather than the grocery store for fresh meat and produce. You can get anything from herbs to fruit and veggies to fresh flowers at most farmers markets. And you are supporting local farmers!

Extra points if you walk or bike there!

8. Jam at an outdoor dance party. Crank up the music and have an outdoor dance party! Put the Trolls soundtrack on full-blast and get grooving!

10. Sleep outside. Who doesn’t love taking a nap outdoors?

When our kids were babies, we often set up a Pack ’n Play or tent for them to take their naps outside in the fresh air. It’s peaceful and good for their lungs to sleep in the gentle breeze of a summer day. At night, you can set up a tent in the backyard or even sleep out under the stars. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful sleep out in nature.

9. Shower or bathe outside. The heat and dirt of summer mean daily washing, but it doesn’t always have to be tiresome. Why not let your kids bathe outside? Put babies or toddlers in some soapy water in a plastic kiddie pool. Let them have their bath toys and they’ll play forever. Hose your older kids down with some soap and the hose!

They’ll love it, get clean and you get another bonus: Your bathroom won’t be a mess!

11. Go digital outdoors. Whether they geocache (which is like a modern-day scavenger hunt utilizing an app on your phone), play Pokemon Go! or use an app that teaches about the stars and constellations, even kids growing up in a world of screens and technology can still get outside!

There’s not a whole lot you can’t do outside this summer, so no excuses! Get out there and enjoy the fresh air and all the gifts Mother Nature provides.

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

quiz 1. Which of the following can be done outdoors?

A. playing games

B. watching movies

C. taking baths

D. all of the above 2. What is geocaching?

A. a modern day scavenger hunt

B. an activity that works with an app on your phone

C. a class in summer school

D. both A and B 3. Which of the following do you NOT need for an outdoor movie?

A. a large professional-grade screen

B. snacks

C. a projector

D. chairs and blankets

4. W hat do you typically NOT find at farmers markets?

A. locally grown produce

B. locally raised meat

C. foods imported from other states and nations

D. local farmers 5. Which of the following are good ideas for outdoor crafts?

A. tie-dyeing

B. birdhouses

C. leaf prints

D. all of the above

kcparent.com july 2017

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summer fun guide

The Gimotty family with Goofy

is a

disney cruise

worth the money?

M

ickey Mouse has mastered theme park magic and family-friendly entertainment. But have you ever wondered whether a Disney cruise is worth the extra money? Having traveled on other cruise lines, I am here to say that it is!

Yes, other cruise lines have nice cabins, fine dining, stage shows and kids programming, but Disney’s famous attention to all the extra details puts them in a class all by themselves.

Right after school ended, we set sail on the Caribbean-bound Disney Fantasy for

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three nights, spending two of the days at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. From bon voyage, we were immersed in Disney’s signature service and magic.

As you can imagine, staterooms on Disney’s Fantasy are designed with families in mind—Disney TV shows and movies even stream on demand for free 24 hours a day. The Fantasy offers family-orientated onboard entertainment like Goofy’s Sports Deck and the largest tube-style watercoaster at sea, called the AquaDuck. The ship also just opened several new spaces, including

Sweet on You ice cream shop and Tiffany & Co. jewelry store. At the parks, Disney characters can be somewhat elusive, and greetings are brief, but our experience on the ship was the exact opposite. The countless character interactions are a mainstay on board, and all character greetings are printed in the “navigator” that is distributed each evening with the following day’s activities.

The Fantasy boasts nine themed dining areas with three main dining rooms: Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden and

Royal Court. With Disney’s innovative dining rotation plan, the same waiters follow your family each evening and get to know your family’s particular likes and dislikes. At the restaurants, you can order as many different items as you want of the appetizers, entrees and desserts. The Royal Court served an unforgettable fried brie appetizer while we were on board—it’s memorable and worth ordering two!

Unlike other ships, Disney Cruise Line offers all-you-can-drink soda, as well as places to grab food all throughout the day at no extra charge.

While at Castaway Cay, which is only a few miles long and wide, we spent two days snorkeling, bike riding and eating a mouhwatering (free) barbecue lunch right on the island. One of the favorite attractions is Pelican Plunge, an enormous floating platform with water slides, water cannons and more. Frozen fans find their favorite snowman has set up shop and offers Frozen-inspired drinks like Warm Hugs and Frozen Heart at Olaf ’s Summertime Freeze. This was a favorite of our youngest daughter, and she was eager to bring home the Sven souvenir cup to remind her of our trip.

For adults who want to relax at the beach and not chase kids, Disney offers

Hanging with Daisy Duck

kids programming on the island that’s sure to please your young ones. Castaway Cay is certainly packed with things to do, and Disney’s stamp is omnipresent.

Disney is known for transforming the ordinary into the magical. After a fun day on the island, we boarded the Fantasy, ready for a Disney tradition: an on-board theme night. We launched into pirate night, when our ship transformed into a haven for buccaneers. For dinner, waiters donned pirate outfits, and menus looked like treasure maps. After dinner, cruisers gathered on the pool deck for swashbuckling fun, and Captain Jack Sparrow saved the day. The evening culminated with impressive fireworks launched from the ship while floating in the middle of the ocean. Yes, it was amazing!

Obviously, guests can count on Disney’s kids programming to be unmatched in the cruise line industry. Even their nursery for infants includes regular character experiences. The immersive kids space on the Fantasy is Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

Two innovative spaces have just been unveiled at the Oceaneer Club: the Star Wars Command Post, as well as the Marvel Super Hero Academy. At the Command Post, children help with missions against the First Order, where they interact with holographic models of various Star Wars ships in a Disneyesque fashion. At the Marvel Super Hero Academy, youngsters learn the value of worthiness and loyalty from real-life superheroes like Dr. Strange and Thor.

Disney prides themselves on not only their kids spaces and fine dining but also on their Broadway-style shows. On other cruise lines, our family was disinterested in the nightly shows and made no priority to see them; however, seeing nightly Disney shows was literally the biggest priority of our cruise. The highlight for us was Disney’s Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular. This fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin meets the wisecracking Genie who is willing to grant him three wishes was hilarious and mesmerizing with its mechanical wizardry and state-of-the-art effects.

Boarding the Fantasy

One of the many things that surprised me on the cruise is how much fun the teens and adults have. It’s not about just the little kids! The Disney cruise experience is unparalleled and definitely worth the money. I am not one to sit around and initially was concerned I might feel cooped up on such a kid-oriented ship—but I was wrong! No one gets bored, and days can be as jam packed with Disney magic as you wish. If only I could have rubbed a magic lamp on board and had a genie pop out to grant me wishes—I certainly would be on another Disney cruise very soon!

Susan Gimotty lives in Overland Park with her husband and four kids. kcparent.com july 2017

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cool down with patriotic frozen pops

summer fun guide

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The perfect treat to celebrate and escape the heat this summer

W

Family Features

ith backyard barbecues, pool parties and patriotic celebrations in full swing leading up to the Fourth of July, kids are constantly on the go with summertime activities. For long summer days in the sun, a cool treat is the perfect way to help keep kids energized for all of their summertime activities.

These homemade red, white and blueberry frozen pops are the perfect patriotic summer snack for active kids.

Made with wholesome ingredients like fruit and milk, they’re a great way for moms to add quality nutrition to snack time with flavors their kids already love. Plus, with milk as an ingredient, this delicious recipe is a creative way to help the whole family get added nutrients they need, like calcium and protein.

Whether celebrating Independence Day or relaxing following an afternoon in the sun, the whole family can enjoy this tasty and nutritious summertime snack. For more inspiration and recipes to serve up summer fun, visit MilkLife.com.

Red, White and Blueberry Frozen Pops Servings: 10 1/2 c. granola 2 t. brown rice syrup 3/4 c. reduced fat milk 6 oz. fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt 1 c. whole strawberries, tops removed water 1 1/4 c. blueberries, divided

In small bowl, stir granola and brown rice syrup until combined. Using end of wooden spoon, press approximately 3/4 tablespoon granola into each frozen pop mold. Granola should be packed tightly into bottom of molds.

In another small bowl, stir together milk and yogurt; set aside.

Using small food processor or highpowered blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Stir water into each puree so they are pourable, about 2 tablespoons each, more if necessary.

Set aside 30 blueberries and puree remainder. Add water, as needed, to make pourable.

To layer pops, start by pouring, piping or syringing 1 tablespoon milk and yogurt mixture into each mold, covering granola layer. Put each mold in freezer until firm, at least 1 hour.

Layer 1 tablespoon strawberry puree on top of frozen yogurt layer in each mold.

Cover top of molds with foil, insert sticks and freeze again until solid. Remove foil, add another layer of yogurt and freeze again.

For final layer, add 1 tablespoon blueberry puree and 3 blueberries to each mold.

Freeze until solid. Keep frozen pops in molds until ready to eat. Run each mold under lukewarm water for approximately 10 seconds to loosen and remove frozen pops.

Pops can be made one day in advance.

TIP: For clean lines between frozen yogurt layers, use small syringe.

july festivals & fairs in kansas city These are our favorite July festivals. Visit KCParent.com for our complete Summer Festival Guide and Fourth of July Fun Guide Booms and Blooms July 1, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. Celebrate our nation’s independence with explosions of color and texture on land and in the air at this annual event. Arrive early to stake out a seat with your picnic blanket, enjoy handson activities and admire our ground-level blooms in the daylight. After sunset, the Lee’s Summit Symphony will accompany the choreographed blooms in the sky. Food and beverage vendors are featured throughout the festival’s entirety. Members receive free admission and free parking!

Flags 4 Freedom July 1-8, Merriam Marketplace, Merriam.org. Each year, Downtown Merriam and the surrounding area transform with patriotic pride. Flags 4 Freedom organizers place perfect rows of more than 1,500 U.S. flags at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center and along Merriam and Johnson drives. Everyone is invited to stop by during the week around the Fourth of July to view an astonishing display that honors our nation.

Flags 4 Freedom

Cass County Fair July 11-16, Cass County Fair, CassCountyFairMo.com. The Cass County Fair continues to grow and attract bigger crowds for such events as the motocross, concerts, demolition derby, live entertainment, tractor pull, rodeo and carnival.

Wyandotte County Fair July 1115, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds, WyCoFair.com. Old-fashioned county fair with games, rides, carnival, demolition derby, food, 4-H events, petting zoo, pony rides, music and more!

Amelia Earhart Festival July 14-15, Atchison, VisitAtchison.com. Each summer the community pulls out all the stops in honor of its favorite daughter, complete with a downtown music, food and crafts fair, star-filled outdoor concert, children’s activities, carnival, music on the riverfront, aerobatic performances and the grandest of all finales: the “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show.

Douglas County Fair

Miami County Fair July 22-29, Paola, MiamiCountyKansasFair.com. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, demolition derby, bike derby, dog show, horse show, pancake breakfast, concerts and more.

Kansas City’s Big Picnic July 23 on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org. Celebrate National Park and Recreation month and KC Parks’ 125th anniversary as we join with the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art to host the biggest picnic the region has ever seen! The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and Theis Park will be linked to become a giant space for Kansas City to come together for an evening of fun.

Pack your own picnic or grab dinner from an on-site food truck! Rain or shine; no grills, no stakes, no tenting.

Douglas County Fair July 24-30, Lawrence, DGCountyFair.com. Petting zoo, pony rides, demolition derby, tractor show, live concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more.

Amelia Earhart Festival kcparent.com july 2017

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july

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

CALENDAR

Snow Zoo at the Kansas City Zoo

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

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kcparent.com july 2017

celebrate

learn

enjoy

shop

play

Kick off the holiday with Booms & Blooms Festival July 1 at Powell Gardens. Children’s activities, music, fireworks and more.

PowellGardens.org

On Thursdays in July, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm offers Family Fun Nights. Late night fun with different themes each week. Free admission.

Mahaffie.org

July 15 & 16 is Snow Zoo at the Kansas City Zoo! Berlin enjoys an icy paradise and more animals cool off with refreshing icy treats.

KansasCityZoo.org

On July 19 celebrate Christmas in July in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Santa will be at the farmers market! Shop for fresh produce, crafts and more!

DowntownLS.org

Kansas City’s BIG Picnic is July 23 at the Nelson-Atkins.

A fun evening with food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games and more.

Nelson-Atkins.org

1 Saturday 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 Family Day 10:30, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Visit the new Jo Co center and see a performance by the Doo Dads! $4-$10.

JoCoAHC.com Booms & Blooms Festival 2:00, Powell Gardens. Visit the gardens, enjoy children’s activities and, in the evening, music and fireworks. $5-$12. PowellGardens.org High School Musical 2:00, Bell Fine Arts Performing Center. Stage Right brings the smash hit movie to life.

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

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Spirit of America Celebration 4:00, Recreation Park (Raymore). Enjoy fireworks, a car show, live music and much more! Raymore.com

God & Country Celebration Today & tomorrow, Lenexa Baptist Church. Join to pray for our nation and salute those who faithfully serve. LenexaBaptist.com

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

BlueSpringsGov.com

Legends Live 5:00, Legends Outlets.

The summer concert series features local talent performing popular music. Free.

LegendsShopping.com

3 Monday

Celebrate America Thru Tue, Worlds of Fun. Celebrate July 4th for four nights at Worlds of Fun! WorldsOfFun.com

2 Sunday Living History Farm Program 10:00, Watkins Woolen Mill. Costumed interpretive staff present real life in rural Missouri in the 1870s.

816.580.3387 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.127 The Wizard of Oz 1:00, Musical Theater Heritage (Crown Center). Mesner Puppet Theater presents this adaptation of the popular tale.

MesnerPuppets.org

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 Flags 4 Freedom Thru July 8, Merriam Marketplace. More than 3,000 flags fly to honor our veterans and active military. Free.

913.384.5340 Free Family Movie 2:00, Olathe Downtown Library. Bring the family to see Trolls. No registration but seating is limited. 913.971.6850 Liberty 4th Fest 5:30, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex (Liberty). Celebrate the United States with food, live music, fireworks and more!

Liberty4thFest.com

4 Tuesday Village Fest 7:30, 77th & Mission (Prairie Village).

Pancake breakfast, craft center, kids parade, inflatables, live music and more! PVKansas.com

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Family Fun Nights Thursdays, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Late night fun on Thursdays.

A different theme each week. Free admission. Mahaffie.org

Independence Day 9:00 Deanna Rose Farmstead. Children bring decorated bikes and ride in the parade. Enjoy old-fashioned games and activities. DRFarmstead.org

Fourth of July Swim Noon, Mission Family Aquatic Center. Celebrate the holiday in the pool! Free Icees to the first 200 at 2:00. 913.722.8228

Independence Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855.

Patriotic speeches, children’s games, period cooking, dancing, militia marches and more! $4-$5. 816.229.8980

Fourth of July Fireworks 3:00, Celebration Park (Gardner). This year’s celebration includes live music, bounce houses and food vendors. GardnerKansas.gov

Lenexa Community Days Parade 10:00, Old Town Lenexa. Gather along the parade route and watch floats, bands, antique cars and more.

Free. 913.477.7100

KC Riverfest 4:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. The premier Independence Day celebration in the region along the beautiful Missouri riverfront.

KCRiverfest.com

Fourth of July Celebration 10:00, Downtown Parkville. Carnival rides, lots of food, fun, games, shopping, music and, of course, a fabulous fireworks finale. ParkvilleMO.org

Red, White & Blue Springs 6:30, Blue Springs High School. Enjoy a live music show and then stay for a fireworks display. BlueSpringsGov.com

Fourth of July in Weston 10:30, Downtown Weston. A parade, games, music, military recognition and more! WestonMO.com

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5 Wednesday Open Jump 10:00, Urban Air. A hypedup, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, flying and dunking.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Mummies of the World 10:00, Union Station.

Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification.

UnionStation.org Story Time in the Park 10:00, Winnwood Park. A traditional story time in an outdoor setting. Enjoy books, music, activities and more.

816.513.7500 Summer Kids Series 10:00 & 12:30, B & B Theatres. Family-friendly movies for only $3/ person, Tuesdays through Thursdays. This week’s show: The Lego Movie. BBTheatres.com

Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the museum collection and visit the hands-on workshop.

816.235.8000 Kids at the Library 2:00, MCPL (North Oak).

Discover, create and play. Explore big ideas in a new way. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

6 Thursday Enchanted Forest Thru Sept 4, Overland Park Arboretum. See the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves and other garden creatures along a trail. OPABG.org Frozen in July 11:00, MCPL (Parkville). Watch the sing-a-long version of Frozen. Sing and play along to this popular movie. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie. A musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield. TheCoterie.org Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Late night fun on Thursdays.

Tonight’s theme is “Hit the Trail.” Free admission.

Mahaffie.org

Music at the Farmstead 6:30, Deanna Rose. A free concert. The July performer is Rockin’ Rob. 913.897.2360 Jazz Storytelling 7:00, Shawnee Town. Enjoy light refreshments and wander around town as the “tellers” weave their magic. ShawneeTown.org

7 Friday

WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Enjoy top local bands and favorite food trucks then watch a flick under the stars. Free admission.

CrownCenter.com Animal Exploration 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Join park police officers as they tell stories of their animal encounters.

913.764.7759

Summer Book Sale Today & tomorrow, Lawrence Public Library. All titles are priced $2 and under, so stock your shelves on the cheap!

LPLFriends.org

Willy Wonka Thru Sun, Gladstone Amphitheatre. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy a night in the park and a great show. GladstoneTIP.com

Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Learn about the inauguration of President Truman. TrumanLibrary.org

8 Saturday

The Teddy Bear Picnic 11:00, Kansas City Museum. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and grab your favorite teddy bear for an afternoon of fun. 816.513.7527 TGIFF 11:30, Merriam Marketplace. Tempt your taste buds and enjoy a lunch from some of KC’s favorite food trucks! Merriam.org/park Celebrate Olathe 5:30, Olathe Community Center. Free live music by Liverpool, activities, food, face painting and more. OlatheKS.org

Tinkergarten Summer Classes 9:00, Burr Oak Woods. Explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate and create together.

Tinkergarten.com Antique & Craft Fair 9:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. The 30th annual fair offers unique arts and crafts. BWEstate.net/events Babysitter Safety 9:30, Olathe Medical Center.

Learn helpful tips and techniques on care for infants and children, home safety, first aid and more. $50. Pre-reg at OlatheHealth.org.

LITTLE ADVENTURES / Wednesdays and Saturdays / June 7 - August 12 Explore the museum collection through gallery talks, then visit the hands-on workshop to make your own toy or miniature. From robots to miniature rugs, each week features a new theme. Included with museum admission.

Become a member today to enjoy all ten weeks for free!

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

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23 4525 Oak Street

Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Discover the five types of enrichment for animals and see examples of each kind.

KansasCityZoo.org The Wizard of Oz 10:00 & 1:00, Musical Theater Heritage (Crown Center). Mesner Puppet Theater presents this adaptation of the popular tale. MesnerPuppets.org Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org The Snow Queen 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Eulenspiegel Puppets presents a puppet show for the entire family. $6/person.

Hazelle.org Legends Live 5:00, Legends Outlets.

The summer concert series features local talent performing popular music. Free.

LegendsShopping.com

nelson-atkins.org Bring your own picnic or purchase local food truck fare and enjoy an afternoon of FREE activities and entertainment.

Summer Family Picnic 6:00, Broadmoor Park.

Hot dogs, chips, drinks, inflatables, games and activities for the whole family. 913.722.8228 Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! BeltonRailroad.org

TRAIN RIDES

Movie in the Park 8:00, Electric Park. Lawn games, live music and a movie. Pack lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the feature film.

Lenexa.com/Movie

9 Sunday Living History Farm Program 10:00, Watkins Woolen Mill. Costumed interpretive staff present real life in rural Missouri in the 1870s.

816.580.3387 T-Bones Baseball 1:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Sioux City. Kids run the bases after the game! TBonesBaseball.com

TrainDayRides Ice Cream Train Rides Ice Cream Train Family Food Pumpkin ExpressTrain Train Train Grandparents $8.50

$9.50 $10.00 $12.00 $10.00 ofSaturday the 8th, 15th 22nd September 11,Depart one grandparent Regular Trains Regular Trains Depart EveryRides Every Friday,in October weekends 2ndFriday of theand month Sat & Sun, 2 pm (May Oct) June Aug Sat & Sun, 2 pm [May Oct] 3:30 rides FREE with a paid child’s admission! June - Aug, Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00 Juneand- Aug 7 pm Sat., 11 am [June -Closed Aug Sundays only] in July and Aug 7 pm 7 pm Sat, 11 am (June - Aug only) Charters •• Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Charters

Kids under three FREE

Tickets sale one one hour hourbefore beforetrain traindeparture departuretime. time.

Tickets go go on on sale

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

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

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Hero Central VBS Thru July 12, Platte City UMC. Epic music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, heroic recreation and Bible stories.

816.390.2893 Passport to Peru VBS Thru July 13, Kaw Prairie Community Church. A week filled with Biblelearning, cultural experiences, games and more!

KawPrairie.org/peru

10 Monday Galactic Starveyors VBS Thru July 12, Fellowship Kansas City. Make crafts, play games, sing songs, learn about missions and discover God. FellowshipKC.com

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com Vacation Bible School Thru July 13, Village Presbyterian Church. All ages! Eat dinner, create music and art and enjoy age-appropriate group learning. VillagePres.org/Antioch Vacation Bible School Thru July 14, Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Enjoy a week of Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for a Purpose. 816.795.8848

11 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 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $12.

CeramicCafeKC.com Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com Wyandotte County Fair Thru July 15, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Enjoy carnival rides, food, games, entertainment and activities for all ages! WyCoFair.com Cass County Fair Thru July 16, Cass County Fairgrounds. Youth livestock shows, demolition derby, carnival, pet shows and more!

CassCountyFairMO.com

12 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more.

816.246.6598 Story Time in the Park 10:00, Happy Rock Park. A traditional story time in an outdoor setting. Enjoy books, music, activities and more.

816.513.7500 Simple Machines at Play 10:00, Science City.

New exhibit! Race a friend down a zipline, scale a massive climber and more! ScienceCity.com Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $5. IntegrityOP.com

Huge Savings + Amazing Selection!

Kids Clothing & Shoes ~ Newborn to Teen • Toys, Books & Games • Baby Gear & Essentials • and so much MORE!

Shawnee

Overland Park

Lee’s Summit

OCTOBER 5-7

AUGUST 4-6

AUGUST 25-27 John Knox Pavilion, Lee’s Summit

Overland Park Convention Center

Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-9pm Sun 9am-5pm • 50% off* Sale!

Fri-Sun 10am-7pm Sun • 50% off* Sale!

Thur & Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-9pm Sun 9am-5pm • 50% off* Sale!

Johnson County Community College

@JBFOverlandPark tmetzger@jbfsale.com | 913-302-3201

@JBFLeesSummit

@JBFOverlandPark

leessummit@jbfsale.com | 816-809-0360

tmetzger@jbfsale.com | 913-302-3201

* Many items reduced, items with a star on their tag remain full price.

Sell with us & turn kid clutter into CA$H! Details Online:

jbfsale.com

not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

Shoppers - we prefer cash but also accept these cards: DEBIT

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Little Adventures Wednesdays and Saturdays, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the museum collection and visit the hands-on workshop. 816.235.8000

Build a Better World 2:00, Indian Creek Community Church. Experience the power of building a better world through music and stories with Aaron Fowler. 913.829.0712

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

Games Galore 6:30, Indian Creek Library.

Play games on Wednesdays throughout the summer! The library provides an assortment of games. Olathelibrary.org

The Magical World of Animals 2:00, KCPL (Plaza Branch). The Zoomobile brings the world of the wild to you. Stories, artifacts and live animals. KCLibrary.org

13 Thursday

Teen Water Fun 6:30, MCPL (Claycomo Branch) Prepare to cool off with water games. You won’t go home dry! MyMCPL.org/events

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

14 Friday Amelia Earhart Festival Today & tomorrow, Atchison, KS. A downtown music, food and crafts fair, carnival and more. VisitAtchison.com

Train Station Adventure 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles inside this all-new play zone! 816.471.4386 Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCKS. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKC.com

Hot Summer Days 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Get wet and a little messy with water games. Fun for the entire family!

OPABG.org

Friday Night Concerts 6:00, Macken Park.

Listen to music by Big Time Grain Company.

Come hungry to try Kansas City’s famous food trucks. NKC.org Battle of the Bands on the Battlefield 6:30, Battle of Lexington. Two bands replace soldiers of the North and South for dominance.

MoStateParks.com Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

Mini golf is a part of the featured fun tonight.

In addition, receive a $10 fun card and personal pizza. Paradise-Park.com

kc dog parks Spend a day at the park with your favorite four-legged friend!

Great Local Dog Parks:

Dog Park Etiquette:

• 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

• 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.

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Kansas:

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

Wildlife Who’s Who 7:00, Ernie Miller. Meet an amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal. Learn about their similarities and differences. $3.

913.764.7759

Children’s Garden Day 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Children’s crafts, activities, recipes, demonstrations and each child receives seed starter kit. Free. 816.423.4107

15 Saturday

Little Adventures: Toys of the Future 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Create a moving robot out of recycled materials. 816.235.8000

Snow Zoo Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Berlin enjoys an icy paradise and more animals cool off with refreshing icy treats.

KansasCityZoo.org Sidewalk Sale 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Take advantage of great summer savings and see all that downtown merchants have to offer!

DowntownLS.org Wings of Love Presents Awesome Birds 10:00, MCPL (Blue Springs). Feathered entertainers take the stage to talk, perform tricks and sing songs. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Story Time: Why War Is Never a Good Idea 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Family-friendly craft and reading of Alice Walker’s poem. TheWorldWar.org

Ice Cream Social 2:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Churn of the Century does the churning with a 1922 Stover hit-and-miss engine. Free.

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

The summer concert series features local talent performing popular music. Free.

LegendsShopping.com Overnight Fishing 11:00, Heritage Park. Grab your fishing pole and lantern for overnight fishing. Park police officers will be on duty.

913.888.4713 Major League Improv 7:00, ComedyCity. A comedy show where everything is based on ideas from the audience. $11-$14. 816.842.2744

16 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.127 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

17 Monday Passport to Parks Thru Aug 6, various parks.

Visit parks in Northeast Johnson County and complete the passport for chances to win great prizes. 913.722.8228 Open Jump 10:00, Urban Air. A hyped up, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, flying and dunking.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

NOW OPEN!

BUY ONLINE TO SAVE!

LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity ©2017 The LEGO Group.

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july by the numbers

50

Price in cents of a hot dog at the Kansas City T-Bones game on National Hot Dog Day, July 19.

7

Date in 1906 of the birth of Satchel Paige, famous pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

13

Date of the new moon and the best night to observe faint objects in space, such as galaxies and star clusters.

1985 1.75 The year Belfonte gave Kansas City its first locallyowned ice cream and cultured dairy products production plant. July is National Ice Cream Month— celebrate with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

1933 Year Stroud’s, now famous as KC’s best fried chicken restaurant, opened. First chicken dinner at the eatery cost $0.35! July 6 is National Fried Chicken Day.

Weight in pounds of world’s largest solid Chupa Chups lollipop, sold at It’Sugar on the Country Club Plaza. It’s the perfect treat on National Lollipop Day, July 20.

25

Threading the Needle Day. Visit the 22-foot needle and thread statue in KC’s Garment District at 404 8th St.

1900 88.8°F Average daytime temperature in Kansas City in July, the warmest month of the year in our area.

Year Kansas City hosted the Democratic Convention at Convention Hall the week of July 4, nominating William Jennings Bryan.

Mighty Fortress VBS Thru July 21, Hope Lutheran. Children learn that in Jesus, the victory is won! Crafts, snacks, games and more!

HopeLutheran.org/vbs Galactic Starveyors VBS Thru July 21, Sycamore Hills Baptist Church. Kids will discover that God wants a personal relationship with them! SHBC.net Christmas in July 10:00, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. Music, games, white elephant gift exchange ($5 limit) and more! $5. Pre-reg at 913.432.3905.

18 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 Maker Fun Factory VBS Thru July 20, Holmeswood Baptist Church. Kids discover not only that God made them the way they are, but for a purpose, too. Holmeswood.org Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). See The Iron Giant for only $1! Check out the new Speedy Pack concessions. Cinemark.com

Platte County Fair Thru July 22, Platte County Fairgrounds. Annual event since 1863 includes petting zoo, live music, a carnival and more.

PlatteCountyFair.com

20 Thursday Gardens of Myth Thru Oct, Powell Gardens.

Exhibition of incredibly realistic sculptures of goblins, fairies, trolls and more. PowellGardens.org

Mummies of the World 10:00, Union Station.

Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification.

UnionStation.org

Kids, Water, Bugs, Fish 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn about bugs in streams, watch fly tying demos, see live animals and more. Free.

816.513.8960

Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Late night fun on Thursdays.

Tonight’s theme is “Wheat Harvest.” Free admission. Mahaffie.org

Miami County Fair Thru July 29, Paola. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, bike derby, horse show, pancake breakfast, concerts and more. MiamiCountyKansasFair.com

Jesus Christ Superstar Thru Sunday, Polsky Theatre. The Culture House presents this powerful rock-opera. Ages 10+. CultureHouse.com

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com

21 Friday

Movie Night at the Barn 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Start with Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie and then watch a Charlie Chaplin film.

ShawneeTown.org

Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie. A musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield. TheCoterie.org

Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery.

Come enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in a most peaceful park space. KCParks.org

19 Wednesday

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

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

JumpCityKC.com Story Time in the Park 10:00, Penguin Park.

A traditional story time in an outdoor setting.

Enjoy books, music, activities and more.

816.513.7500

22 Saturday Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal.

Today’s animals: monkeys. KansasCityZoo.org

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 at 913.661.2529.

Train Station Adventure 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles inside this all-new play zone! 816.471.4386

Warko Observatory Stargazing Sunset, University of Missouri (KC). Free Friday night public viewing on clear nights Check website for start time. NightSky.jpl.nasa.gov

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $12.

CeramicCafeKC.com

Christmas in July 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Santa will be at the farmers market for photos. Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more! DowntownLS.org

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! BeltonRailroad.org

WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square. Enjoy top local bands and favorite food trucks then watch a flick under the stars. Free admission.

CrownCenter.com 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, Quail Creek Park (Merriam). Music, games, face painting, inflatable, food and more. 913.322.5550 Kansas Symbols 7:00, Ernie Miller. With hands-on items and live animals, compare the basic needs of nature, plants and animals $3.

913.764.7759

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Grab your fishing pole and lantern for overnight fishing. Park police officers will be on duty. 913.888.4713

23 Sunday Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCKS. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKC.com Gardens of Myth Thru Oct, Powell Gardens.

Exhibition of incredibly realistic sculptures of goblins, fairies, trolls and more. PowellGardens.org KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com T-Bones Baseball 1:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Winnipeg. Kids run the bases after the game! TBonesBaseball.com Kansas City’s BIG Picnic 4:00, Nelson-Atkins (South Lawn). A fun-filled evening with food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games and more. Nelson-Atkins.org kcparent.com july 2017

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Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude Thru Aug. 6, the Coterie. A musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic cat.

TheCoterie.org

24 Monday Maker Fun Factory VBS 9:00, Bethany Lutheran. Imagine a world where kids become hands-on inventors who discover they’re crafted by God. Bethany-JoCo.org Douglas County Fair Thru July 30, Lawrence.

Petting zoo, concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more! DGCountyFair.com Junior Olympics Thru July 30, Rock Chalk Park. America’s next generation of track and field stars take center stage at the national championships. 785.856.2389 Beauty and the Beast 2:00, MCPL (Raytown).

Join Hampstead Stage for this classic French fairy tale of family, sacrifice, trust, and love. Free.

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Thru Oct 2, KVC Sims Family Center. Course that helps you decide if fostering or adopting is right for your family. 913.956.5326

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Surf Shack Vacation Bible School 6:00, De Soto United Methodist Church.

Catch the wave of God’s amazing love.

DesotoUMC.org

25 Tuesday Parent Practicum 9:00, Westside Church of the Nazarene. Classical, Christian three-day conference for parents. Free.

ClassicalConversations.com Leavenworth County Fair Thru July 29, Leavenworth County Fairgrounds. Games, contests, pony rides, derbies and more.

LeavenworthCountyFair.com Juggling! Comedy! Energy! 2:00, KCPL (Plaza Branch). Brian Wendling tosses his juggling skills and audience antics into high-energy fun!

KCLibrary.org Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com

Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of the Coterie Theatre.

Twilight Swim 7:30, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. Swim under the stars on a beautiful summer night! Special snack package available. $5.913.432.3905

26 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more.

816.246.6598

Story Time in the Park 10:00, Flora Park. A traditional story time in an outdoor setting.

Enjoy books, music, activities and more.

816.513.7500

Open Jump 10:00, Urban Air. A hypedup, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, flying and dunking.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Island Friday Fest Today & tomorrow, The Pharaoh Cinema. Take a tour through the islands of the South Pacific with dances, music and food booths. 816.836.9555

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $5. IntegrityOP.com

Summer Kids Series 10:00 & 12:30, B & B Theatres. Family-friendly movies for only $3/ person, Tuesdays through Thursdays. This week’s show: The Peanuts Movie. BBTheatres.com

Fourth Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A variety of activities, including art receptions and music in Howard Station Park.

DowntownLS.org

Music Under the Arch 5:00, the City Market.

Enjoy live music by California Voodoo. Shops open until 6:00 and beverages for sale.

TheCityMarket.org

Mid-Summer’s Night Cache 6:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Each family is loaned a GPS device and hunts for caches hidden all around.

JCPRD.com

Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Late night fun on Thursdays.

Tonight’s theme is “Construction.” Free admission. Mahaffie.org

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! BeltonRailroad.org

Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the museum collection and visit the hands-on workshop.

816.235.8000 Frosty Pop with a Cop 1:00, Merriam Aquatic Center. Cool off with a frosty pop and a visit with the Merriam Police Department.

913.322.5550S

27 Thursday Enchanted Forest Thru Sept 4, Overland Park Arboretum. See the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves and other garden creatures along a trail. OPABG.org Train Station Adventure 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles inside this all-new play zone! 816.471.4386

28 Friday

Movie in Macken Park 8:00, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Come for a movie underneath the stars. Tonight’s show is Inside Out. NKC.org

Simple Machines at Play 10:00, Science City.

New exhibit! Race a friend down a zipline, scale a massive climber and more! ScienceCity.com

29 Saturday

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book and then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story. Finish with a snack. $12.

CeramicCafeKC.com

Georgia’s Chicken Run 7:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Lace up those shoes, because it’s time for Georgia’s Annual Chicken Fun Run/Walk. ArtsAndRec-op.org

7/31/17

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas 913.971.5111

Activities vary by season Wild West Days September 24 & 25 Visit www.mahaffie.org kcparent.com july 2017

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Dog Days of Summer Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Learn more about painted dogs and dingos and make a craft.

KansasCityZoo.org Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude 2:00, the Coterie. A musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield.

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

The summer concert series features local talent performing popular music. Free.

LegendsShopping.com T-Bones Baseball 7:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Texas. Enjoy special post-game fireworks! TBonesBaseball.com Major League Improv 7:00, ComedyCity. A comedy show where everything is based on ideas from the audience. $11-$14. 816.842.2744

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30 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

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

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

BlueSpringsGov.com

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

JumpCityKC.com

Passport to Parks Thru Aug 6, various parks.

Visit parks in Northeast Johnson County and complete the passport for chances to win great prizes. 913.722.8228 Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCKS. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKC.com Johnson County Fair Thru Aug 5, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking and more.

JoCoKansasFair.com Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). See The Angry Birds Movie for only $1! Check out the new Speedy Pack concessions. Cinemark.com Summer Learning Wrap-up Party 10:00, MCPL (Colbern). It’s been a great summer and it’s time to celebrate with games, prizes and fun! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

MISSOURI STATE FAIR Affordable Family Fun!

HEDRICK’S EDUCATIONAL PETTING ZOO & RACING PIGS CHILDREN’S BARNYARD BARNYARD STORY TIME KIDS ZONE

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kcparent.com 6/12/17 july 20179:38 AM

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

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

July 1 & 2 Red White & Zoo July 8 & 9 Zootastik Learning Fest— Animal Enrichment July 15 FOTZ Member Breakfast July 15 & 16 Snow Zoo July 22 & 23 Species Spotlight— Monkeys July 29 & 30 Dogs Days of Summer

Always a New Adventure!

Open Year Round Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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.