KC Parent Magazine September 2016

WIN THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD – $3,000 IN GIVEAWAYS FREE | September 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

nurture

your child’s TAlent

+ tips

to encourage your budding

artist

politics & kids

what elections can teach kids

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO

Urgent Care Blue Parkway office Mon-Thur 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat-Sun 8:00 -11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri 8:00 am -11:00 am

Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm

trust.

healthcare you can 2

kcparent.com september 2016

Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

(CARNIVAL REMAINS OPEN SEPT. 25)

German Meals & Dancing - Home Brew Competition - Carnival Arts & Crafts Showcase - Kids Street - Biergarten - contests Live Entertainment - Stein Hoisting Competition - sportzelt

Bank of Lee’s Summit • Central Bank of the Midwest • Central States Beverage Co. • Discover Vision Centers Door Systems, Inc. • First Federal Bank • Hawthorn Bank • John Knox Village • Kansas City Star • KCP&L Longview Funeral Home & cemetery • Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping • Tingle Flooring • us bank

Here For Your Family’s Health, On and Off the Field.

Overland Park (135th & Grandview) Lenexa (91st & Quivera) Olathe (119th & Blackbob) OPENING SEPT. 2016 Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

CentraCareKC.com There’s never a good time to be sick or injured. That’s why when it comes to the health of your family, it’s important to have quick access to health care you can trust. Introducing Centra Care Shawnee Mission Urgent Care. Just walk in or make an online reservation at CentraCareKC.com to see a Board-certified, Centra Care doctor.

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Primrose School of North Olathe – Now Open!

913.764.0018 | PrimroseNorthOlathe.com Primrose School of Overland Park 913.400.2435 | PrimroseOverlandPark.com

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2016 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Š2016 The LEGO Group.

This offer is valid for one free child admission with each full-price paying adult admission ticket to LEGOLANDÂŽ Discovery Center Kansas City. To redeem this offer online, visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity under the buy tickets tab and select promotional code (promo code: PARENT). To redeem this offer in person, cut out coupon and present to our staff at the admissions counter. Coupon must be surrendered upon arrival. To use this coupon, you will be required to reserve a time slot. Please note, during peak times, we may sell out of walk-up tickets and you will need to reserve a time slot for the next day. We strongly encourage booking online in advance to guarantee entry. This discount is not valid with online saver tickets or any other offer or discount. Cannot be used towards birthday/group reservations or annual passes. Valid up to four (4) free child tickets with the purchase of four (4) full-price adult tickets per coupon. The right of final interpretation resides with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City. Not for resale. Offer expires 09/05/2017 (promo code: PARENT)

kcparent.com september 2016

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SEPT

2016

DEPARTMENTS

BEST BIRTHDAYS IN KANSAS CITY, PGS. 26-33

10

Craft Corner

12

Media Mix

15

Word from Dad

18

Faith & Family

38

Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

16

20

46

Grandparents

Child’s Talents

Day Trips

Ideas on spending quality time with special people

Tips to discover and nurture in your child

Apple-themed day trips in and around KC

26

Party Guide

50

Calendar of Events

Our cover features Ellisyn from Louisburg.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

WIN THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD – $3,000 IN GIVEAWAYS FREE | September 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

nurture

your child’s TAlenT

ON THE COVER Birthday Party Giveaway

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Nurture Talents

20

Encourage Your Artist

22

What Politics Can Teach Kids

40

+ tips

to encourage your budding

ArTisT

politics & kids

what elections can teach kids

ceL

20 raTi

Years

Since 1996

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

nG

Dance Music TheaTre arT

eB

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

Enrolling Now: Dance, Music, Theatre & Art Classes!

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

EDITOR’SLETTER

Y

MORE Giveaways! t

Celebrate your child’s birthday for FREE

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

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Alyssa Klimek (Overland Park), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Katie Newell (Shawnee), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

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

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WIN THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR CHILD – $3,000 IN GIVEAWAYS

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spring/summer 2016

FREE | September 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

+ tips

to encourage your budding

DISCOVER OUR

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CITY BEAUTIFUL

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500 WAYS TO EXPLORE KC

ArTisT

your doctor issue

for little ones

politics & kids

STOP A

what elections can teach kids

Enjoy the start of fall with your family, KC!

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Giveaways and

ears ago, my younger and her “twin cousin” (he’s five days younger than she, so she dubbed him this years ago) were left in the care of my dad. You know, a well-respected, responsible grown man who had raised six children of his own. I walked in the door to find both kids holding a pouch of hot chocolate mix, eating the mix right out of the packet. While my dad stood there and watched. When I questioned why both kids were eating (and covered in) hot chocolate mix, my dad replied, “Well, they asked if they could eat it, and I told them yes.”

Each September we celebrate National Grandparents Day, and Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee has put together some great ideas for connecting with grandparents not only on one Sunday in September but throughout the year on pg. 16. Luckily, none of her ideas involve letting the grandkids eat hot cocoa mix!

Two questions for you moms and dads out there: Do you have to plan a birthday party in the next year? Do you like to get things for free? If you answered yes, then are you in luck! September is our birthday party issue, and we are giving away not one, not two, not even three but EIGHT birthday parties at venues all over Kansas City. Check out the details on pg. 9 and hurry over to KCParent.com to enter!

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Win tickets to the races at Kansas Speedway t

Enjoy FREE Ringling Bros. Circus Tickets

at KCParent.com #KCParentContest

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

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Member of:

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

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

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Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

Search KCParent.com for OUR TOP 10 LISTS OF fun ideas: 1. Apple Picking 2. Fall Festivals 3. Pumpkin Patch Guide 4. Best of September 5. Caramel Apples in KC 6. Day Trips 7. Kids Eat Free

Spotlight

8. Coupons

APPLE PICKING

9. Party Guide

It’s apple picking time in Kansas City! For a list of great orchards, as well as many apple-themed activities and recipes, log onto KCParent.com!

10. 50 Ideas Under $5 for Fall

KCPARENT.COM IS THE PLACE FOR FREE STUFF!

KC Parent’s

Birthday Party Bonanza! during the month of September, KC Parent is giving away over

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CRAFTCORNER Get your kids excited about organizing their things by dressing up some inexpensive organizing baskets with fabric.

Step One: Use the bottom of the basket as a guide to follow and trace around it on the back side of your fabric. Cut the fabric rectangle or square out.

fabric covered organizers

k

ids are back in school, and with that come papers, school supplies and other odds and ends that need to be organized. Get your kids excited about organizing their things by dressing up some inexpensive organizing baskets with fabric. They can use these to keep everything neat and tidy in their desks at home!

Step Two: Brush on a thin layer of Mod Podge to the bottom of the plastic basket. Carefully lay the fabric on top and smooth out any bubbles.

Materials Needed:

• Organizing baskets (you can find them at the dollar store)

• Fabric scraps • Fabric Mod Podge • Scissors • Foam brush

Step Three: Brush on another Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

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kcparent.com september 2016

layer of Mod Podge on top of the fabric and let it dry fully.

Add another layer if necessary.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

ENROLLING NOW FOR FALL 2016 Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

THE REGION’S MOST RESPECTED PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING DANCERS ENHANCE POISE, FOCUS AND RHYTHM IN YOUR CHILD WITH EXCELLENT STARTER CLASSES IN: • Creative Movement ages 3-5 • Fundamentals of Dance ages 5-6 • Pre-Ballet ages 6-7

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11

MEDIAMIX

back-to-school reading friends and heroes come in all shapes and sizes

By McGeath Freeman

Douglas, You Need Glasses!

The Perfect Dog

Click Here to Start

By Kevin O’Malley

By Denis Markel

By Ged Adamson

Best for: Ages 4-8

Best for: Ages 10-12

Best for: Ages 4-8

Lots of kids wear glasses. Yet even with famous characters like Harry Potter out there, some children don’t want glasses, even if they need them. Douglas, You Need Glasses! is a fun and subtle attempt to relieve the anxieties children have about getting glasses. Douglas’ misadventures in nearsightedness offer a loving humor that welcomes children in and embraces them with understanding.

Adamson uses lively illustrations and exciting colors to engage children in the eyeglass action. After Douglas finds the perfect pair of glasses, he is amazed by how clear and wonderful everything looks.

Although the text and illustrations are fun, it is the last pages that show photos of real children wearing glasses connected to a social media component that makes this book an excellent pick for children contemplating glasses.

What’s good: Real photos of real children and a social media component too.

What’s bad: Weak on information about the eye exam, but a strong offering of empowerment.

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kcparent.com september 2016

Obviously there is no such thing as one perfect dog for everyone, but this book makes a go of illustrating many different breeds. After her father says her family can get a dog, one girl proceeds to describe what the perfect dog should be. Size—she’s unsure about Great Danes. Speed— greyhounds may be too fast. Hair, slobber and barks are also considered.

When she finally gets the chance to search for a dog in real life, she decides that it has to be happy. In the end her perfect dog finds her.

This tome won’t necessarily help children pick a new pet, but dog lovers will love this book anyway. Dog breeds and doggie faces cover each and every page, just waiting to be explored and examined.

What’s good: Quick text and strong visuals make for a good read-aloud story.

What’s bad: Will appeal mostly to dog lovers and not the general reader.

Have you ever played an “escape the room” type of game? They are essentially brain teasers and scavenger hunts rolled into one mysterious game. This is the engine that propels the narrative development of Click Here to Start.

Ted Gerson is a half Jewish, half Japanese-American boy living in La Purisma, CA. He loves “escape the room” games and holds all the records for solving them. When his great uncle dies, this 12-year-old is joined by two friends in a real life “escape the room” mystery that could lead to a treasure lost since the end of WWII—if they can make it through the dangers along the way. Driven by puzzles, character development and WWII historical intrigue, Click Here to Start is a page turner for gamers and puzzlers and readers who like a good read.

What’s good: Fast-paced adventure, mixed with mysteries that keep you guessing until the end.

What’s bad: Some questions are left unanswered. I guess they’re planning for a sequel.

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There’s a reason why Burleson Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is one of the fastest-growing specialty practices in North America. Twice named the “Best of the Northland” and a four-time back-to-back award winner in America’s Top Dentists as voted on by their dental peers in 435 South Magazine, the specialists at Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry understand how to make you and your family smile.

The area’s only pediatric dental and orthodontic specialty practice that has worked with the prestigious Disney Institute and The Ritz Carlton Center for Leadership, the Smile Specialists at Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry understand what it means to serve and precisely how to maintain a 98.3% satisfaction rating, placing it among the ranks of Google, Apple, Costco and Harley Davidson in customer-service satisfaction rankings.

With over 15,000 satisfied patients in the Kansas City area alone, isn’t it time you experienced the Burleson Difference?

Reserve your new patient consultation, where you will meet with a friendly smile support specialist, so that you will know exactly what’s recommended and when to start a brand new smile for you or your child, before you ever spend a penny. Now accepting new patients for a limited time, please call (816) 533-7566 today to see if you qualify for a Simply Spectacular Smile® at Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry.

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kcparent.com september 2016

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an afternoon-long Scrabble death match. Just choose something you won’t take too seriously.

Need something to strive for? Let the winner choose a lunch venue. Whether barbecue or bistro, it’ll taste like a blue ribbon meal.

Cook up your creativity. Novel food can be an adventure unto itself. Try an unfamiliar cuisine. Gather ingredients together and cook in, tasting each other’s delectable creations as you go along. You may find some powerful aphrodisiacs.

k

date night afternoon: couples reconnect

ids are back in school, and for some parents that means long hours away from little ones. It also means…long hours away from little ones! While they make new friends and learn fascinating new things about their world, take advantage of the free time to reconnect with your partner and try out new and fascinating things in your world, too. Playing hooky for an afternoon date just makes it all the more exciting—and saves bucks on the babysitter while keeping kids’ evening schedules intact.

Experts say strong relationships depend on partners’ finding time regularly to connect, share dreams, be intimate and have fun as a twosome. Yet the eagerly anticipated dates of a new romance become fewer and farther between as a relationship endures. A recent survey by Glamour magazine found that only 12 percent of women in long-term relationships have regular dates with their significant other.

It turns out that doing new things together can spark the attraction you felt in the early stages of the relationship. In “The Date Night Opportunity,” a publication of the National Marriage Project, sociologist Brad Wilcox says, “Couples who engage in novel activities that are fun, active or otherwise arousing—from hiking to dancing to travel to card games—enjoy higher levels of relationship quality.”

So do your relationship a solid. Use some of that flex time and schedule a date—and get out of the dinner-and-a-movie rut! Here are some ideas to rev up your couple time.

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Get into the race. Whether you’re a spectator or a racer, there’s a course to suit your fancy. The thunder of hooves will get your heart pounding during an afternoon at the horse races. Place a couple of $2 bets to increase the excitement. Most tracks provide info on how to wager.

Have a meeting of the minds.

Attend a talk by a favorite writer or visit a natural history exhibit. Science museums often sponsor adult-oriented events, and many pubs hold regular trivia contests.

Taking a class in art or literature as a couple can provide new fodder for discussion.

Or develop a new skill you can practice together, such as ballroom dancing or archery. Community colleges and recreation centers have low-cost offerings for adults— everything from basketry to rock climbing to woodworking.

Hunt for treasure. Whose heart doesn’t quicken at the prospect of unearthing a hidden prize? Geocaching is a way to let your inner explorer shine, and some caches are specifically designated “romantic.” Get started with a GPS-enabled phone (or other personal GPS device). Online geocaching sites provide info for beginners, as well as descriptions and GPS coordinates for “treasure” caches. Try Opencaching.com or Geocaching.com.

Focus on friendly competition.

Some all-in-good-fun rivalry can be a great diversion from the daily grind. Sweat it out on the racquetball court. Shoot a mean game of pool at the local pub. Or pick your tiles for

Be a good sport. Catch an afternoon game and cheer your favorite pro team to victory. A sunny afternoon, cold beer and hot dog might add up to a great deal more fun and memories than a stuffy (and pricy) dinner out on the town.

Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer and mother of two boys. She enjoys writing about the many facets of parenthood, and her articles have appeared in dozens of parenting publications across the United States and Canada.

20 Afternoon Dates with Pizazz • Races (horses, cars, powerboats…)

• Workout followed by whirlpool • Playground (swing, teeter-totter…)

• Classes (Thai cooking, tango, tai chi…)

• Paddleboarding • Zoo or science museum • Tandem book reading • Tubing (water or snow) • Pillow fight • Photograph each other • Play a board game • Geocaching • Symbolic thrift shop gifts (one for each) • Cemetery tour • Dress up for a fast food date • Helicopter ride • His & hers scavenger hunt • Test drive a dream car • Use your stash of gift cards • Tour a brewery or sample some bourbon

WORDFROMDAD

15

a bad case of

“S

A B O U T D R I N KI N G

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Pub: KC Parent

hut up!” Ian yelled at James again. Ian has never been a morning person, but this wasn’t just being tired and grumpy. He’d launched himself at his brother earlier and, when I’d separated them, he turned on me. “Leave me alone! You’re nothing but a stupid, old man.”

My youngest child had always smiled, had a quick laugh and was a joy to be around. Sure of himself and always ready to try a risky adventure, he loved every bit of life. As he got older, his easy demeanor changed. He tossed childhood favorites aside with scorn, grew tall and sulky and preferred a grunt or a growl over speech. His favorite expression became a glower.

Getting Ian ready and off to school was more than the usual morning chaos, but we wouldn’t let him stay in bed. We’d cajole and bluster, with a fair amount of success.

Church was no different and, sometimes, I’d make a tactical withdrawal and allow him to miss a service, but it was always noticed. “Where’s Ian?” people would ask.

“He has a case of 15.” Knowing looks and expressions of sympathy came my way. It’s similar to the terrible twos. He has temper tantrums, refuses to listen and will not talk out his problems, but he’s nearly man-sized and quick to seek a physical solution. He knows so little and thinks he’s the master of his world.

FAMILY TALK

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Still, we try. We hold him accountable for his behavior and don’t let him avoid family activities. I held out a platter. “Ian, would you like the last cookie?”

He looked thoughtful for a moment. “No, Mom can have it.”

They do it all the time. Just when you think you’ve failed as a parent, the little sprouts will do something that makes it all worthwhile.

“STAY CONNECTED.

TALK WITH YOUR TEEN ABOUT

UNDERAGE DRINKING.

-MJ CORCORAN CORC PARENT COACH COA O CH OA

Parents are the number one influence on teens’ decisions about drinking alcohol.* Learn how to be a positive influence in your child’s life.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. © 2015 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, ST. LOUIS, MO *SOURCE: 2015 GFK ROPER YOUTH POLL, CONDUCTED USING GFK’S WEEKLY OMNIWEB STUDY.

kcparent.com september 2016

15

M C elebrating

grandparents

Genealogy

Grandparents have a unique vantage point when approaching family history. Personal stories help children better understand where they come from while establishing points of connection they have with older relatives. If you don’t know your family tree well, do research together, hand in hand. And don’t forget to build a scrapbook with your findings.

Read

Read to your grandchild and encourage him to read to you, too. Young readers revel in the opportunity to show off their new-found skills. If geographical distance is between you, take heart! Hallmark offers a line of recordable books, perfect for any grandparent to pre-record before sending to a grandchild. And never underestimate the beauty of Skype or Facetime reading dates.

Arts & crafts

Make sock puppets, noodle necklaces, origami or papermâché. Draw portraits of one another or partake in

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kcparent.com september 2016

needlecrafts like crocheting, knitting or embroidery. The fruits of your labor make excellent mementos of your time together or make great gifts to give away. If you’re not creatively inclined, build a collection instead, with items such as coins, stamps or baseball cards.

Nature walk

Hit a local trail and be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife. A nature guidebook and journal make good companions for any trek as you aim to identify local wildflowers, trees, birds and other animals. Check out KCParent.com for a comprehensive listing of Kansas City nature centers and trails.

Day trip

Hit the road but keep it local by scouting out local history museums and famous landmarks while pit-stopping at a family favorite restaurant. If you have the itch to head out of town, check out nearby hotspots like Jamesport (Missouri’s thriving Amish community), St. Joseph (home of the Pony Express) or Lawrence (where basketball was invented).

Play games

Not all games require a screen, mouse or controller. Have some unplugged fun as you partake in familiar favorites like chess, checkers, parcheesi, kings in the corner or jacks. Go outside and throw a ball around, go bowling or cheer on the home team at a Royals or T-Bones game.

Attend activities

The biggest impact a grandparent can have on his grandchildren will be found in his presence. Make it a priority to attend as many dance recitals, soccer games and scouting ceremonies as possible. This can be particularly challenging if you have grandchildren involved in multiple activities or if you do not live close by. But then again, it makes your presence that much more valuable when you are able to attend.

Recipe testing & tasting

Whip up some tasty treats alongside your aspiring sous chefs.

Recreate familiar family favorites while trying your hand at some new ones as well. Build your own recipe book that records what you’ve made together and how the family rated it based on taste and presentation, along with any photos of the food and the chefs making it!

Establish a family newspaper

Utilizing a simple word processing program, children can boost their typing skills while chronicling family life.

Encourage your aspiring journalists to cover such topics

as current events (including the price of common household items—always fun to compare in days to come), recent vacations and interviews of immediate or extended family. Alternate months of publishing the paper between you and the grandkids.

Nurture talents (and teach new skills, too!)

Your grandson has the best arm on his little league team.

Your granddaughter can sing like nobody’s business.

Encourage your grandchildren’s gifts and consider giving in ways that support those endeavors. For example, instead of just buying toys on Christmas and birthdays, offer to provide new sports gear or voice lessons.

Time capsule

Compile items that are good representations of your grandchildren—pictures of them with their pets, movie stubs from flicks seen together, a poster of a favorite actor or musician, etc.—and place them in a bottle with the current date on it. Bury the bottle on your property with instructions to open the time capsule several years from now.

Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee spent her childhood volunteering at a nursing home alongside her paternal grandmother. She now enjoys watching her own children create special memories with their own grandparents and great-grandparents.

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Four musical adventures for you and your favorite young person!

BUCKETS N BOARDS September 18 at 2 p.m.

Christmas Festival December 18 at 2 p.m.

Presto, Mambo!

January 8, 2017 at 8 p.m.

JASON SEBER, David T. Beals III Assistant Conductor

AROUND the WORLD in 80 DAYS March 5, 2017 at 2 p.m.

SECURE YOUR SEASON TICKETS TODAY! All performances Sundays at 2 p.m. in Helzberg Hall at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

(816) 471-0400 kcsymphony.org kcparent.com september 2016

17

FAITH&FAMILY

i

let her take the lead as we walked through the terminal. She’s barely 4 feet tall, but she pulled her neon pink and black roller suitcase like she’d been there before. I called to her to read the signs so she knew where our gate 45 was located, and I watched her decode the adult world around her using her manners to squeeze through tight spaces, only looking back to ensure we were still following. Strangers complimented her on her independence, and she flashed an unaware dimpled smile, walking assuredly to our destination. She’s 7 (and a half, she would add) and she’s learning to define her space one experience at a time.

Defining our space is something we all do whether we’re aware of it or not.

We bring our emotions, expectations, body language and communication with us into every waking moment. We are difference makers in our environments and relationships. Our space is everywhere we are, so our homes, cars, work desks, an elevator, line at the grocery store or yoga mat at the gym all count as opportunities

defining your space to practice our boundary setting skills.

Our space ends where another person’s begins, so it’s important to understand how boundaries work and model it for our kids from young ages. We control what we bring into our spaces, and the sooner we learn the significance of that, the better.

Paul’s words in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably

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with all,” are talking about defining our spaces. We cannot control the actions of others, but we can control how we approach and respond in our own space. Defining our space begins in our hearts and minds.

When our identities are well defined, then how we move into the world becomes clearer too.

There’s nothing magical about learning to navigate an airport; it just takes practice.

However, there is something significant about knowing who you are and where you’re going in a crowd, in a new job, at school or in the cul-de-sac. We see it in the life of Jesus. His peace came with His presence whether He was in a crowd of people or talking to a couple of His closest friends. It’s not just what He said, but it was who He was. The very presence of Jesus in our lives means we have access to that same peace (John 16:33). We too can be people of peace, “as far as it depends on us”.

Catch up with Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter at UnravelGrace.com.

We Cater to the Dance Enthusiast

kcparent.com september 2016

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&

discovering nurturing your child’s talents

d

o you remember the day you first discovered that one thing you love doing most? Whether it’s swimming, gymnastics, public speaking, writing, computer programming or helping animals, it’s that one thing that drew you in so deeply that it’s a huge part of who you are. Call it a passion, a talent or a “calling,” everyone has one.

However, not everyone has had the ability to nurture it, and some are still trying to discover theirs. It’s not uncommon for some people to reach adulthood before finding their true calling, and that’s okay.

But what about your child? Have you discovered his or her talent?

Is he passionate about science? Cars? Caring for animals? Or maybe she loves to write, play the drums or spend her time in the kitchen cooking. Then again, maybe your child loves a little bit of everything.

As a parent, simply watch for clues on your children’s abilities and interests and be sure to nurture the things they show the most interest in. Here’s how:

Watch him play. Does he gravitate toward group activities or playing solo? Which would he go to first: a bicycle, a board game or a computer? Knowing what your child chooses for himself will allow you to see where his talents lie.

Observe your child around her peers. Don’t just drop your child off at an activity and leave. You’re missing out on the ability to watch and evaluate your child’s behavior and abilities. Is she a leader? Is she truly gifted at this particular sport or activity and does she show enthusiasm?

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Let her choose. Maybe you want your child to play piano or soccer, but is that really where her interest and ability lie? She may be more engaged—and happier—taking dance lessons or singing. Remember that children are going to be who they are despite who you want to make them. As a parent, you will find it best to allow your child to explore and discover what really grabs her attention.

Encourage creativity and expression. Allow your child to create. If he enjoys drawing cartoons or creating crossword puzzles, encourage him! If he loves to write stories or riddles, sit down and listen to or read what he wrote. Encourage his creative expression! If you choose to limit your child in any way, he might stop expressing himself creatively.

Prepare to invest time and money. Does your child truly want to follow her dream of riding horses? First, make sure you can commit to riding lessons as a family. You may want to start her on a trial period of classes to see whether she truly wants to do it before promising to continue.

Learn from your child. To nurture your child’s interest, be intrigued by what she is doing. Whether it’s a new song she’s learning to sing, a new move in dance class or something she created on the computer, this is your child’s time to shine.

To discover your child’s natural abilities, pay close attention to her smallest actions, words and emotions. Then ask yourself how she can use that ability more fully in her life and how you can help her develop that talent.

Observe your child’s coach or teacher. Watch how that person interacts with your child. Does he or she have the integrity and social skills you expect? Does the coach yell at the kids or punish them? If you spot something you or your child is not comfortable with, try talking with the instructor or find a new one who is more compatible with your child.

Stay on board. Participate in what your child is doing.

Attend practices, games and performances and express interest. By doing so, you’ll help your child stay motivated. If you don’t, you’ll be sending a huge message that you don’t care, so why should he?

Allow your child to quit. However, before you do, try to find out why. Has the activity become too difficult? Is there something else he’s wanting to try instead? Remember: Childhood is a time of experimentation. Never force your child to remain in an activity if he’s not happy and never force him to do something to fulfill your own dreams. Allow your children to follow their own passions, even if they’re completely opposite of your own.

EAS INTRODUCTOR

is a huge misconception. Every talent, even the smallest, is big in context for each child and how he or she uses it. A talent for recognizing different emotions in someone’s voice is no less important than being a fast runner. A talent for recognizing emotions has led many people to become successful therapists, managers and educators. In addition, a child who loves to play with dolls and make them carry on conversations with each other is no less important than one who plays violin in an orchestra. The talent of imaginary play has led many people to become successful writers, actors and salespeople.

Pay attention to your child’s smallest actions, words and emotions and ask yourself how she can use that ability more fully in her life. Even if your child loves to do a little bit of everything, be at peace and nurture all of his interests.

Remember, it may just take until his teen or adult years to find his one true passion…and that’s perfectly normal. In the meantime, cheer him on through the interests that pop up along the way. You never know which one may stick for life!

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21

your artist

Find the right space.

encouraging

Turn off the TV and clear a space—a space you won’t mind getting a little messy every now and then. Some moms prefer the kitchen table, but if your kitchen table is made of beautiful granite or marble, the kitchen’s probably not ideal. However, if you don’t mind a little glitter or glue in the kitchen, by all means, let the creative juices fly.

Finding a space really isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to be huge. If you remember that, you’ll be just fine.

Have the supplies ready!

That’s right. Get out the glitter, glue, paper and pencils. You definitely will need them. Getting your kids to care about crafts won’t be as easy if you don’t have the supplies. It’s even okay to get excited with them. Everyone has a favorite color— some even have multiple favorites. Start with yours, help the kids play and figure out theirs or even try creating new ones. Children love a good mystery, so get creative with the crafts.

They’ll love it.

Get creative at the

Nerman Museum!

Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) and Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) combine engaging, interactive tours with hands-on studio projects, and students explore different topics each week.

Pre-registration is required.

Saturdays, Oct. 1-Dec. 10 10 a.m. – noon or 2 p.m.-4 p.m. $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register through JCCC Continuing Education.

913-469-2323 • www.jccc.edu/youth

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kcparent.com september 2016

panatone yellow 123 Gray 425

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College

Crazy is okay! Own it.

Getting fancy with glitter then covering it all up with stickers, beads and stars is not unusual for a child who is embracing her creative side. Parents, don’t get lost in the sauce. Be supportive! Everything that’s meant to be pretty isn’t always just that.

These are children, after all. Discovering the next Picasso may be a few years away; just remember to be supportive, giving lots of encouragement. Steer clear of pressure and don’t be abrasive. Too much pressure can turn your children off completely, making them lose interest and turn their attention back to the television. Believe me—once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Dance Shoppe Celebrating 30 Years in KC Whether you’re a beginner dancer looking for your first leotard or a seasoned performer in need of a pointe shoe fitting, Dance Shoppe is your go-to dance store for the best selection of leotards, tights, shoes and accessories.

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Venture away from home.

Don’t get me wrong—focus is great, but when exploring your creative side, visiting a museum can really help. Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh didn’t get their post in some of the world’s most astonishing museums by staying home. Help your children find their favorite artists. It may even be fun! Ask them which artists they like the most. Follow up your visit with an activity or a challenge. See whether your children can recreate what they saw at the museum.

TesTimonial: I brought my daughter in for a professional pointe shoe fitting. After trying on over twenty pairs of shoes, my daughter was fitted into the perfect shoes for her. I was blown away with their customer service – it was certainly worth the drive from Johnson County. — Lynne, Overland Park

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Show it off.

Displaying your child’s work of art will not only make you the world’s greatest parent, but it also will boost your child’s self-esteem: “My mom posted my picture on the refrigerator!” Put it on the fridge, on your desk at work or, if you really want to win the award for greatest parent, call your local library. The staff more than likely will be thrilled to have the next up-and-coming local 10-year-old talent showcased in their facility. Some libraries even have monthly contests where they give prizes for the best in show. Do your kids a favor and get them signed up.

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kcparent.com september 2016

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W

time to move on? hat happens when your child tells you he wants to quit an activity like piano lessons or soccer? The situation throws many an otherwise steady parent into a quandary. What is best for the child? Although these waters may be tough to navigate, three local medical professionals offer some tips to ensure that parents arrive at the right

decision for both family and child.

1. Think before signing up.

6. Quit responsibly.

“Parents know their child well and know what the family’s circumstances, availability and finances look like,” says Dr. Rochelle Harris, clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy. A parent needs to think ahead of time about what an activity is going to entail. Be informed of the benefits and the drawbacks. Before signing up, be clear and up front with the child regarding expectations and level of commitment to avoid future problems.

If the parent and child decide that quitting an activity is best, it’s important to quit responsibly. If possible, wait to quit until the season is over or after the final piano or dance recital. “Talk with the teacher or coach and have the child be a part of that discussion,” says Harms.

If continuing until the end isn’t possible, make sure your child isn’t abandoning a team. Speak with the coach and ask whether the child’s presence will be necessary at any time. Make arrangements to come when needed so that the team doesn’t have to forfeit. “Respect for others should be involved in the timing and the approach,” says Harris.

2. Try an activity before making a long-term commitment.

According to Dr. Julie Ehly, pediatrician at Pediatric Associates, children under the age of 12 should be sampling a variety of activities, trying different ones instead of zeroing in on something specific. “Quitting is not part of our vocabulary when we’re trialing and sampling,” says Ehly.

7. Be positive and open-minded.

A child can learn positive lessons from both quitting and sticking it out. The valuable lesson that comes with not quitting is the importance of following through with one’s commitments.

“It also shows that quitting is not how to deal with difficult situations,” says Harris.

However, quitting an activity also can be a lesson learned. “It shows the child that it’s okay to say that this is not for me,” says Harris.

When parents support a child’s wants and needs, it tells the child the parents are really listening to his concerns and that they care.

3. Listen to the child’s concerns.

If a child communicates discontent with an activity, facilitate a conversation about why she doesn’t want to participate anymore. Set aside a time when you and your child can be undistracted. Have the child talk about the feelings behind why she wants to quit. “The parent needs to validate those feelings, even if they don’t agree with them,” says Kathy Harms, PhD, senior director of therapy services at Crittenton Children’s Center.

4. Don’t make a heat-of-the-moment decision.

Parents should not make a decision based on a comment that may only reflect an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment response.

The context in which the comment comes up must be taken into consideration. “This will save a parent from saying or doing the wrong thing,” says Ehly.

5. Find a solution together.

Invite the child to come up with some of his own ideas. He likely will be happier with the final decision, and this also will help the child make decisions when the parent isn’t around. “I can’t emphasize enough that parents need to encourage their child to come up with solutions in order to develop the ability to problem solve in their child,” says Harms.

“The only wrong thing that a parent could do would be to not listen to the concerns of their child,” says Harms. With open ears and an open mind, each parent will be able to arrive at the best plan for the child and the whole family.

Alyssa Klimek is a local freelance writer living in Kansas City. She is very active in the community and enjoys participating on committees in organizations such as the Bacchus Foundation and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Need ideas for the best extracurricular activities for your child? Head to KCParent.com for great tips.

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kcparent.com september 2016

Quit

to quit or not to quit?

1. If someone has threatened the child or the child’s safety is an issue.

2. If the child is having a valid negative experience.

3. If the child is overscheduled.

4. If the motivation for the activity is coming from the parent and not the child.

5. If it’s developmentally not appropriate for the child to stick it out.

6. If from the beginning the plan was only to try the activity in order to sample the experience.

Do not quit 1. If the child has shown a pattern of habitually quitting activities.

Quitting is not a life pattern to which children should become accustomed.

2. If the child is typically an anxious child and the reason is anxiety-based.

When the child goes to the activity a couple more times, she will feel more secure and comfortable. Don’t feed into her

avoidance or reluctance.

3. If the child wants to quit because he’s not good at an activity.

Figure out what the child needs to be better. Being allowed to quit everything can hurt his self-esteem. He will get the

message that he’s not good at anything.

4. If the child is going through a tough period in the activity, like a new swimming stroke or difficult piano piece.

All activities have their good and bad times. Support the child and don’t let her give up.

5. If the child only wants to stay home and watch TV.

Tell children they must choose one activity to keep them active and moving. If they quit, they must replace it with something else.

6. If the experience can be improved or a problem can be fixed.

When you find out what’s driving the child’s desire to quit an activity, figure out whether the issue is fixable before abandoning

the activity.

kcparent.com september 2016

25

KC Parent’s

part y guide • fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Breakout KC Breakout KC is a top-rated escape room located right here in Kansas City. The goal of Breakout is simple: You have 60 minutes to break out from one of our real life escape rooms. Crack the codes, use your gut, solve the riddles to find out if you have what it takes to break out in time! Facilities available for groups of any size. See display ad on pg. 28. www.BreakoutKC.com

Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Café. All parties are scheduled for oneand-a-half hours, giving you time to open presents and serve cake and ice cream.

We have three different packages for kids parties, and another for mixed-age group celebrations. Call 913.383.0222 or visit www.CeramicCafeKC.com for more details. See display ad on pg. 28.

Cool Crest Celebrate an exciting birthday party at Cool Crest! We offer food and fun for guests of all ages. We take care of all the

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Battling birthday party blues? Break the routine! Invite your partygoers to bounce off the walls at Urban Air—a golden play place with over 30,000+ square feet of endless entertainment options that let you customize the perfect event.

Keep it simple with a trampoline party or take it to the next level

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with the warrior course and/or our indoor playground. Too

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young to bounce? No sweat! Turn the little ones loose in a

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details so you can have a blast without worrying about the clean-up. Cool Crest offers a number of affordable and flexible packages available for parties of just eight or more. Conveniently book online at www.CoolCrest.com. Create a memorable birthday experience that will last a lifetime!

See display ad on pg. 33.

Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics Let us help you plan a party to remember!

We have something for everyone. Choose from a tree house gym party, inflatable and zip-line or indoor pool party. Our parties will keep guests laughing, playing and wanting more. The party leaders will make sure your party is a hit. Parties start at $185 for 10 children. Bring in your own food and decoration and let us handle the rest. See display ad on pg. 30. www.EliteGymSwim.com

Gymboree Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean

up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way to 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music parties are available to members and non-members. Call to find out more details. 913.262.3339 (Mission Farms), 816.505.3344 (Zona Rosa). See display ad on pg. 33. www.GymboreeClasses.com

iFLY Kansas City Indoor Skydiving A thrilling addition to Kansas City’s familyfriendly entertainment options, iFLY Kansas City is an indoor skydiving venue dedicated to bring the joy of flight to everyone. iFLY caters to “flyers” ages 3 to 103 with a fun, safe, thrilling experience and the most talked-about birthday parties and events. iFLY offers a standard party pack for up to 12 or fully customizable party packs for groups, small and large. Visit www.iFLYworld.com or call 913.305.4359 for details. See display ad on pg. 27.

Jump City Jump City’s parties are full of bouncing, sliding, and jumping fun for kids 12 & under. With wall-to- wall inflatables, a

variety of arcade games, full concession options and private party rooms, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the party while we do all the setup and cleanup. See display ad on pg. 28. www.JumpCityKC.com

Kansas City Zoo Let the Kansas City Zoo host your child’s next birthday party. We guarantee a wild time for every guest! Our birthday party packages are for children 1-10 years of age. All packages include Zoo admission, a private space with your Education Party Host, cupcakes, and much more! Addon options include face painters, themed decorations and animal encounters. Visit our website to check out these exciting options at www.KansasCityZoo.org. See display ad on pg. 31.

Little Monkey Bizness Little Monkey Bizness takes the hassle out of party planning for parents. We provide the personalized invitations, balloons, party favors, plates, cups, forks, napkins Continued on page 30

kcparent.com september 2016

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PARTYGUIDE

birthday traditions you’ll want to try

e

very year when I was a kid, my parents let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out for my birthday. Another birthday tradition they kept going was to have a small party for me with family and friends, including a cookout since I have a June birthday. Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear! Below are four ideas for birthday traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year— and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love!

rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with “Get up!

It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed

great birthday parties and so much more...

version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story?!

Adopted and foster children can be told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.

cute captions. You even can add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it.

birthday letter. Every year I type up a

special treat. We like to hit the

birthday letter for each of my children, telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself, because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff. The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy!

cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around. A cheap—and just as special—route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home. Cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet. Depending on which fruit is in season (or go frozen!), a decadent fruit smoothie made with frozen yogurt could be nice.

birthday slideshow. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add

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MOST FUN TEEN PARTY EVER!

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PARTYGUIDE and an optional pizza and soda package.

Private play and party rooms. We do all the cleaning! All that’s left to do is show up and have fun! Little Monkey Bizness has full gourmet coffee bar and free Wi-Fi. Open 7 days a week for all your birthday and open play needs. See display ad on pg. 30 for money saving coupons. 913.631.7000. www.LittleMonkeyBizness.com

Movies2U Transform your backyard into a cinema and celebrate that special occasion with a movie under the stars! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger than life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 29. www.Movies2U.com.

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Paint, Glaze & Fire is PARTY CENTRAL & KC’s only paint-your-own pottery studio with a full service coffee bar.

Creating beautiful ceramics is fun & easy for everyone from young children to experienced adults. Visit us for birthday parties, Scout outings, corporate team building, girls’ night out, bridal showers or “just because.” Only at 127th and Metcalf, 913.661.CLAY (2529). See display ad on pg. 31. www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net

Paradise Park Kansas City’s premier party destination offers an incredible experience for the birthday child and easy, hassle-free party for mom and dad. Choose from our award-winning party packages. Visit www.Paradise-Park.com for online booking. 816.246.5224 ext121. See display ad on pg. 30.

Parties by Rose Parties by Rose is Kansas City’s children’s entertainment hot spot. Rose offers characters ranging from your favorite princesses and superheroes, to daring pirates and mermaids. The characters sing, dance, tell stories, play games, host obstacle courses, help with cake, take photos with the guests, bring gifts and more! She also provides full party planning, cakes, party favors, face painting, photography, magicians, jugglers, and much more! See display ad on pg. 33 www.PartiesByRose.com

Princess at My Party Have your child’s favorite princess come to her birthday party! Choose from Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Then watch the magic unfold as the birthday girl and guests go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. 816.830.4841. See display ad on pg. 31. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

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Sky Zone Lee’s Summit Throw your child the best party ever at Sky Zone! Your kids and their friends will experience the WOW of jumping, flying and flipping on our wall-to-wall trampoline courts. Give your child the best gift of all– pure joy! Throwing a great party can get complicated, but Sky Zone makes it easy.

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Urban Air Trampoline Park Urban Air Trampoline Park is an attractive solution to a common problem: needing one place to entertain kids of every age. Just a few blocks from Prairiefire and Corbin Park, our facility is the perfect destination for family entertainment. Our facility caters to birthday parties for kids of all ages. If your group is up for a little sweat and a lot of bounce, we are the place for you. See display ad on pg. 26. www.UrbanAirOP.com

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PARTYGUIDE

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Give Back

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ave you seen a friendly new piggy bank— big or small—around town? Piggy banks are a universal symbol for kids and savings. Over the past 120 years at Children’s Mercy, piggy banks also have been a vehicle for giving back to support our community’s children. Recently, Children’s Mercy launched the Small Change – Big Difference campaign to help encourage families to teach kids about the importance of giving back. The piggy bank shows kids how small change dropped into a bank can help make a big difference in someone’s life.

More and more, families want to forgo gifts at a birthday party and instead do something that helps others. To support the idea of giving back, families now can host a virtual birthday party to benefit Children’s Mercy. In lieu of gifts, party attendees can make donations to help purchase needed items for the Child Life Department

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at Children’s Mercy. This department has a variety of programs and tools to help make hospital experiences easier and more comfortable for patients and their families.

Party hosts can visit the gift gallery to create their gift wish list, then guests select things on the wish list, from a video game to art supplies to treats for therapy dogs, donating the value of their selected items in honor of the birthday child. Nearly 50 items starting at just $10 make for lots of great options to fit every budget.

Moms and Dads, here’s the great part: It’s so easy! Simply head to ChildrensMercy.org/ birthday to register and get your party started.

Fill out a few more details and, voila! Your party is set up and guests can donate directly online. What a great (and easy!) way to give back to the community! Families who set up a birthday party will receive a birthday kit, including a ceramic piggy bank and paint pen for birthday guests to sign. Get social with your party! Share photos of your child giving back through the party and through other ways with #smallchange and on the Children’s Mercy Facebook page—you might even get a fun surprise from Children’s Mercy.

Don’t let the giving back stop with the end of the birthday party! Continue the discussions with your children throughout the year. It’s never too early to discuss acts of generosity. For lots of great tips on how to involve your family in giving back to the community, visit ChildrensMercy.org. If you

have ideas, share them with us on social media, including #smallchange in your posts—we’d love to hear from you!

Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa with her husband and two daughters. She loves her Children’s Mercy piggy bank!

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A Step

in the Right Direction: managing your new relationship as a stepparent

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arriage is tough; marriage where children are already involved can be even tougher. After all, you are stepping—pun intended—into an established family dynamic. The good news is women and men becoming stepparents are not alone. According to SmartStepFamilies. com, approximately one third of all weddings in America today form stepfamilies. While that statistic can offer some comfort, there is no real way to prepare for the trials and tribulations (and joy!) that come with being a stepparent. As a stepmom for nearly 10 years, I want to offer my top five ways to get your stepparent cred up to par before you say “I do.”

start at the beginning Think of your stepparent role as a simple one: You are someone who cares for a child. No other labels need apply. Many stepparents try to force themselves into the parental role too soon, and it can feel disingenuous and cause immediate conflict. Think of yourself as an aunt or uncle, just being there for the child as a supportive adult. The more authoritative part will develop naturally later. Now is the time to be fun, be happy and be present.

Example: When your future stepchild asks whether it’s okay to have ice cream right after breakfast, refer to the parent by saying, “Let’s ask Dad about that one in a bit, okay? How about we play hide and seek?”

consistency is key It’s inevitable: Rules at Mom’s are different than at Dad’s. Diverse parenting styles are part of the deal. But just because a child throws up a Hail Mary like “At Mom’s I stay up until midnight!”, don’t be tempted to bend your rules. Children know you’re making an effort to fit in, and they may try to exploit that fact. Like any levelheaded, caring adult would, you must maintain boundaries and rules that have been established in the household. Keep it simple and explain calmly: “I understand that at Mom’s you can stay up late, but in this house, we go to bed at 9:00.” If that point is met with resistance, refer to the biological parent to diffuse the situation or administer a consequence. When you and your spouse pose a united front, there is less room for kids to try to take advantage.

Side note: If possible, encourage Mom and Dad to have as close to the same rules at their respective houses as possible. It will make life easier and less confusing to the kids—and for you.

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kcparent.com september 2016

go straight to the source Consider asking for a face-to-face meeting with your future spouse’s ex. After all, you are going to be a part of raising his/her child for the foreseeable future. Meet at a neutral location, like a coffee shop, and explain how excited you are about your role as a stepparent and how you have the children’s best interest at heart. Remind the parent that you are there to support him or her and have no intention of trying to replace him or her. This meeting may not be a reality if your new marriage is being met with resentment or contempt, but it’s worth a try.

Many biological parents understandably feel threatened by the addition of a stepparent in the family. A calm meeting expressing your desire to approach parenting as a team, not as a contest, can help alleviate that fear. If you’re feeling anxious about a one-on-one, consider involving your future spouse in the meeting as well.

build new traditions It will never be easy to hear your stepkids talk about how Mom and Dad used to take

them Christmas tree shopping each year, or that Monopoly can’t be your favorite game because that was Mom and Dad’s favorite. Children remember traditions, even more so when they are desperately clinging to the only family unit they have ever known. Creating your own traditions is a great way to deepen your emotional bond together. Deem Saturday night as “Chocolate Shake and a Movie Night” or take the kids on a short weekend getaway that you plan together. Just make sure you aren’t recreating a tradition that competes with those they remember from before.

Tip: Try producing a fun family photo with you, your spouse and the kids. Get the kids’ input on what they wear, how they sit, etc.

They’ll feel in control and excited to see the final result up on the wall in a beautiful picture frame. Keep the tradition going year after year!

get some help This stepparenting gig is one of the toughest around. There’s nothing wrong (and everything right!) with getting some

help. If the kids are at an age when they’re having trouble expressing their feelings, involve a counselor who can help them deal. And while you may be fortunate enough to join a family where things are less contentious, consider yourself lucky while still remembering you have a long way to go.

Stepparenting is a day by day, year by year commitment. There are no breaks and no time to consider your work done.

Blended families are full of challenges, but they also can be incredibly rewarding. Keep your chin up, lean on friends and family for support, and one day, your stepkids will see you for what you are: someone who loves them, cares for them and wants the best for them. And when that day comes, it will all be worth it.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City.

She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters, son and small zoo of rescue animals.

kcparent.com september 2016

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healthy fast food All meals don’t have to be restaurant quality or even what most of us would consider a meal. Any combination of protein, healthy fats, produce and/or non-processed grains can qualify as a healthy dinner.

W

e’ve all read the research suggesting that the more often families eat together, the less likely the kids are to have behavioral issues, smoke, do drugs, get depressed and develop eating disorders. However, with the backto-school hustle and bustle in full swing, making that happen can be tricky. Between shuttling kids to sports practice, dance and church events, the evenings go by faster and faster with each passing year. Thankfully,

with a little pre-planning, you can create your own arsenal of healthy “fast food” without succumbing to the golden arches or running for the border.

meal plan: Once a week, sit down with your calendar to evaluate the week and come up with a meal plan. If Tuesday is your busiest evening, make it a point to plan a meal you can make in the slow cooker.

If Wednesday’s schedule is open and free, choose that day to try a new recipe or cook a

leisurely dinner from scratch. Then, just like a doctor’s appointment, actually schedule when you will do your grocery shopping and prepare your food. Seeing it in writing will help you stay committed to actually getting it done.

create a shopping list template: On average, 60 to 75 percent of the food items you purchase are weekly staples.

However, how often do you still forget to grab the milk or bread? Take a few minutes to sit

Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders Ingredients (Serves 6, freezes beautifully): 1½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast tenders 1 c. panko bread crumbs ½ c. unsweetened shredded coconut 1 t. sea salt 1 t. fresh ground black pepper 1 egg 1 T. Dijon mustard Instructions (30 minutes, 10 minutes active): Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

While oven heats, prepare your breading: Combine panko breadcrumbs with unsweetened coconut, sea salt and black pepper.

Prepare your “glue”: In a cereal size bowl, lightly scramble 2 eggs with the dijon mustard.

Set up an assembly line. To prevent your breading from getting super sticky and eggy, try to use one hand to dip the chicken in the egg and then drop it into your

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kcparent.com september 2016

breading. Use your clean hand to toss chicken in breading. Place on a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, slice over salads or freeze in a labeled and dated freezer bag for up to three months.

Notes: These chicken tenders can easily go glutenfree by using brown rice crispy cereal in place of the breadcrumbs. Simply pulse in a food processor until a similar consistency. Brown rice crispy cereal is available in the health and/or gluten-free section of most supermarkets. Vegetarians can use organic tofu strips in place of the chicken. Do I need to mention that kids LOVE these?!? To cook from frozen, bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Because they are fully cooked, the 165 degree mark is not crucial. You just want them hot enough to enjoy.

in front of your computer and type out your basic grocery list by category (dairy, produce, grains, freezer foods, snack foods, deli counter). Leave space below each category to add in the non-staples you’ll need just that week. Keep a printed copy by the fridge and you easily can add what you need. (You even can use Hy-Vee’s online pickup service to pre-order your food online.)

stock your freezer: This is one of the best ways to save money and ensure you always have healthy, fast food on hand.

Think about the convenience foods you already purchase in the frozen food section: burritos, enchiladas, waffles, French toast, pasta bakes, muffins, meatballs, brown rice, the list goes on! You easily can make these items at home with healthier ingredients than you would find prepackaged at the store. (See recipe below for our family’s favorite: coconut crusted chicken tenders.)

cook once, eat twice: While we’re on the subject of stocking your freezer, think ahead. When making soups, stews, baked chicken and casseroles, double the recipe and prepare two at once. Let soups

and stews cool and then freeze them in a labeled and dated freezer bag. For casseroles (or other oven items), buy some disposable foil pans and 2.5-gallon freezer bags. Cover the pan with heavy-duty foil and place in bags. On the top of the bag, use a permanent marker to write down the name of the item, date prepared and baking instructions.

Defrost in the fridge overnight and, voila, dinner is ready to be heated and served.

embrace the “snacky” dinner: All meals don’t have to be restaurant quality or even what most of us would consider a meal. Any combination of protein, healthy fats, produce and/or non-processed grains can qualify as a healthy dinner. In a rush, have your kiddos grab some string cheese, popcorn and an apple to eat in the car. Even if they need a bedtime snack when they get home, the food will easily keep them fueled through their lessons. Other great grab-and-go options to keep on hand are trail mix, granola bars, carrots with mini hummus cups, turkey and cheese rollups, deviled eggs, whole grain crackers with cheese, ants on a log (celery with peanut

butter and raisins) and yogurt tubes. Lenexa mom Wende Hughes likes to microwave deli turkey and cheese, claiming it’s less messy because the cheese acts like a glue. Having a “snacky” dinner that is well rounded is still a more nutritious option than a drivethrough.

Finally, don’t sweat the small stuff: If you are making a conscious effort to serve your family healthy meals 80 percent of the time, give yourself some wiggle room for the other 20 percent. If the day gets away from you (or the thought of getting dinner on the table is just too much), it’s okay! The world won’t come to an end if you splurge on the occasional burger and fries. After all, sometimes it’s more important to feed your soul instead.

Katie Newell lives in Shawnee and is a certified nutrition coach with a passion for helping families become better. She is also a culinary instructor, cookbook author and mama to two sweet girls, ages 7 and 8. You can order her book and check out more of her real food recipes at HealthnutFoodie.com.

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37

HEALTHYKIDS

growing pains: are they real?

h

ave you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by your child who is crying and complaining his leg is hurting, only to have him act completely normal in the morning with no pain? Is the child faking this pain or is it something to ask the doctor about? Sometimes difficult to determine, this discomfort your child is experiencing may be associated with growing pains.

There is no single test to diagnose growing pains. Rather, the diagnosis process is more one of exclusion. Growing pains usually affect children during the toddler years, as well as kids going into adolescence (8-12 years of age). While these aches are regularly referred to as growing pains, there is no evidence they are actually caused by growth spurts (WebMD.com), so it is unclear whether these aches and discomfort are caused by bone growth or from the normal activity kids do during the

day, like jumping, running and climbing (KidsHealth,org).

This pain is often described as an ache or throb in the legs, usually in the front of the thigh, the calves or behind the knee. It can affect either one or both legs and most often occurs in the evening or during the night (MayoClinic.org). This pain may occur every night or every once in a while.

Growing pain is not pain in the joints and does not occur in the morning. A doctor is able to distinguish between normal growth pain and something that is potentially more dangerous and may order blood tests or x-rays to rule out other problems or may diagnose from the child’s symptoms alone (MayoClinic.org).

As parents, we can’t take away our child’s pain, but when symptoms occur we can do some things to help. Rest breaks during sports and playtime, as well as a greater variety of activities, can help kids avoid

straining the same muscles day after day. A warm bath before bedtime or a light massage may help soothe muscles and aches. A dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen also may be helpful. Growing pains are manageable at home, but if the pain becomes severe, a fever develops, reddening or swelling over the muscle is visible or a persistent lump in a muscle is present, call a doctor (HealthyChildren.org). The silver lining is that these pains will resolve over time and are not associated with serious illness.

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

She lives in Olathe with her family.

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

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39

H H H

what politics can teach our kids

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rom yelling newsroom pundits and vigorous dinner party debates to divisive Facebook exchanges, ’tis the season of virtually no escape from politics. Your kids may come home with questions about opinions overheard at school or elsewhere.

From a parenting perspective, the democratic process—and political shenanigans— provides plenty of fodder for teaching kids lessons in independent thinking, respectful discourse, values and civics.

Nurture independent thinkers.

Take advantage of the political process to help your children learn to think for themselves.

Ask your children open-ended questions to hear their points of view.

“Find out what they’re thinking. What you want to do is stimulate their analytic, natural human curiosity,” says Dr. Fran Walfish, a child and family psychotherapist and author of The Self Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child.

Watch the speeches and debates together.

Ask your child whom he thinks is telling the truth based on body language or who seems more respectful during a debate.

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kcparent.com september 2016

Whether you agree or not, ask your child, “Why do you feel that way? How would you solve the problem?” Share your opinions with your children by prefacing your comments with “I feel” or “I think” and ask questions like “I wonder how she’ll make that happen? What do you think? How would you make it fair if you were president?”

Avoid anger. As hard as it may be, try to refrain from making judgmental comments or calling candidates with whom you disagree colorful names.

“Shouting at the TV, or at one another, presents a very negative example of responding to conflicting opinions,” says Mary Jane McKittrick, author of the Boomer and Halley children’s series (written for ages 4 to 8), including the Mom’s Choice award-winning book Boomer and Halley: Election Day. Through humor and embedded life lessons, McKittrick’s books tell stories of families and communities resolving difficult challenges by working together.

Model respectful dialogue. Not all parents agree on politics, but what matters is how they discuss the issues in front of their children without raising a child’s anxiety.

Make ground rules with your spouse before engaging in the discussion: No interrupting, take turns listening and no put-downs, insults or blaming. And if you come to an impasse, agree to disagree.

“I would love for parents to respect each other’s points of view. I would also hope that they will respect their children’s points of view,” Walfish says. “Be able to tolerate differences. We still love each other, and I can tolerate your having powerfully different feelings than mine.”

If you find yourself getting drawn into a heated argument around the table with loved ones, keep your cool and suggest you pick up the conversation at another time.

Play nice––in politics?! Political rhetoric may be difficult for your child to comprehend, but behavior in politics often can parallel real-life, relatable situations about how we should treat each other and whom we can trust.

“Here we are: two political figures. They’re going to say their beliefs right out front, but wouldn’t it be nice if that was all they were doing,” Walfish says. “Instead what they’re doing is using put-downs, criticisms, (and) willing to go forward at all costs to win.”

Perhaps the vindictive nature of politics will never change, but parents can use examples of how politicians conduct themselves to teach values about what it means to win honorably, treat others with respect and be a trustworthy friend. For example, on the playground, a child might promise your child he can have the ball next, but then passes the ball to an ally or continues to hog the ball.

Even a young child understands the other child’s actions are unfair.

“A good friend is someone who treats you right all of the time. And that’s what we’re looking for in politics,” Walfish says. “And a lot of times people will say anything to get what they want, which is to win. Our job is to try to figure out who’s telling the truth, who’s going to deliver on the goods.”

Civics 101. Talk to your kids about the democratic process. Take your child to the voting booth and follow the results on election night together to help her see the election process in action and the connection between your vote and why it matters.

Explain that politicians are public servants and they usually enter the political process in an attempt to make a difference in the lives of citizens.

“Parents can offer examples from their lives to illustrate giving to others as a positive way to explain politics,” McKittrick says. “After all, politics exist in our families, communities, schools and workplaces— not just at the ballot box.”

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides with her opinionated family, which includes her husband, two rambunctious boys and a pair of playful dogs. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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10

fundraising life lessons learned

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t first glance, helping your child rock fundraiser after fundraiser can seem like a giant pain in the…calendar, wallet and more. But repeat after me: Fundraising teaches cool life lessons—and also can be fun! Keep this list handy for the next time you pull the fundraiser packet out of your kid’s backpack.

Lesson #6: Responsibility If kids do their own fundraising (going door-to-door with a parent, making phone calls, asking family members and your co-workers in person, etc.), they learn more than if you bring them home a filled-out sheet of orders that you put in the breakroom at work.

Lesson #7: Ask!

Lesson #1: Altruism

If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Kids need to learn early that sometimes success is a numbers game, and the more you try, the more often you succeed. Kids can sell to their family doctor or dentist, call distant relatives for a monetary donation, hit up neighbors.

A fundraiser is not about prizes or recognition; it’s about helping to meet a goal to aid an organization and being a small part of something big. Donating time for a good cause now is something I hope will turn my kids into fantastic volunteers when they are adults.

Lesson #2: Basic manners and common courtesy This is a great time to work on saying please and thank you.

Demonstrating graciousness at hearing no from someone is also a learned skill that will serve kids well in the future.

Lesson #3: Rejection Explain to your child reasons people may say no, like they are low on money or may have been inundated with kids coming to their door and have already bought too much.

Lesson #4: Relationships Ask kids how they would feel if they got a million dollars suddenly and everyone they knew started asking them for money. Teach kids not to “over ask”: Don’t take advantage of wealthier relatives, family friends, neighbors, etc. Likewise, if you know a family is struggling financially, steer your kid away from them this year.

Lesson #8: Know your stuff/be prepared Kids should know what they are raising money for and should be able to answer basic questions about the organization and the fundraiser. Always have fundraising materials handy in case your child encounters someone to whom they would like to sell.

Lesson #9: Safety This is a great opportunity to reinforce safety rules you are trying to drill into your kid’s head! Call me overprotective, but I don’t care what age your kids are: Make sure you are always present when they are selling, and tell them to never go inside someone’s house.

Lesson #10: Don’t overextend yourselves Homework and extracurricular activities take up so much time these days. Some kid/parent teams are able to carve out extra time for maybe one stellar fundraiser per year, but then choose to write a check to the school or organization the rest of the time and opt out of actual fundraising activities.

Lesson #5: Good sportsmanship Kids should know not to hone in on a friend’s neighborhood who’s selling the same fundraising product. If your child does not win the big prize at the end of the fundraiser, teach him to congratulate the winner.

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) is mama to five and gets excited when fundraising time comes around, especially if chocolate is involved.

As a parent, are you fed up with fundraisers?

Visit KCParent.com for ideas on alternatives to fundraising.

42

kcparent.com september 2016

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43

is it ever okay to discipline other people’s children?

Imagine your child is playing at the park when she is knocked down by another child. You look for the child’s parents but don’t see them. What do you do? Should you discipline another person’s child? Is it ever okay to discipline a child who is not your own? Sometimes yes. Other times no. Below are a few scenarios you might find yourself in with suggestions on how to respond.

1. In the above scenario, if another kid intentionally and maliciously harms your child, then YES. You can and should intervene and discipline the aggressor. No one is allowed to hurt your child. However, if your child was accidentally pushed by a hyper child running by at the park, it might be more appropriate to suggest he move to another park area. You should know all the facts before getting involved.

2. If a child is misbehaving in your home, YES. Your house = your rules. If a child is caught coloring on my carpet or painting my television with glitter glue, you bet I’m going to speak to her about the rules in our house.

3. If your child’s safety is not impacted, but her positive experience is, NO. If a particularly tall child seems

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to be standing directly in front of yours at the zoo’s gorilla exhibit and continues to intentionally block his view, this is a good opportunity to teach your child to assert himself. He might say, “Excuse me. Do you mind moving to the side a bit? I cannot see,” and see how that goes. If the other child is determined to ruin this exhibit for your son, it’s probably time to move to a new one.

4. If you think a child is behaving poorly but your children are not affected, NO. For example, you are watching your daughter’s softball game and a couple boys are zipping around on bicycles, cutting in and out of groups of people. You cringe seeing parents with babies and toddlers, but you don’t have a baby or toddler anymore. Yours are older and safely on the field or playing elsewhere.

As much as you disagree with this unsafe

behavior, this is probably not the time for you to speak up.

5. If a child or group of children is harming another child, YES—even if that child is not your own. You are a parent. If you see something, say something.

Do something. That might mean simply standing between the aggressors and the child. The same goes if children are harming an innocent animal. It is appropriate to speak up and discipline them to protect those who need help.

6. If a child is being unkind to your child, but not physically harming her, NO. But again, this is a good opportunity to teach her to stand up for herself. My kids and I were once at an indoor play place and when we entered the playground area, another little girl yelled at my daughter that

she was not allowed to play there. She also ripped toys out of my daughter’s hands. I took a breath, walked over to my child and very audibly stated that NO ONE is the boss of her. I stated very clearly that she could play where she chose to and deserves a turn with the toys. So while I did not directly discipline another child, I taught my own how to be assertive and showed her an example of it.

In your lifetime of parenting, you certainly may encounter a situation where disciplining another person’s child is appropriate. Remember, though, touching another person’s child is almost never appropriate. Only when the other child is hurting your son or daughter, needs to be physically separated from your child or you need to protect your child should you use physical contact—and then as little as possible. Unless contact is crucially necessary, parents should strictly use their words and presence as authority figures to convey discipline.

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

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45

it’s apple season... and that means day trips!

Louisburg, KS Louisburg is located just about 20 miles south of Kansas City, just far enough from the city for a perfect fall day trip!

Louisburg Cider Mill: 14730 Hwy. 68, 913.837.5202, LouisburgCiderMill.com The Louisburg Cider Mill is an autumn must-see. Watch as apples are freshly pressed into 100 percent pure apple cider— from initial washing to the actual pressing.

And savor a delicious made-from-scratchright-before-your-eyes cider donut! On the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October, enjoy Ciderfest, an annual fall festival with live music, kettle corn, arts and crafts, hay wagon rides, farm animals and children’s activities.

Weston, MO Weston was at one time the westernmost town in the United States. It was the second largest port on the mighty Missouri River, second only to St. Louis, with more than 300 steamboats a year docking there in the 1850s.

Weston Historical Museum: 601 Main St., 816.386.2977 WestonHistoricalMuseum.org The Weston Historical Museum tells the story of Weston through exhibits, including Native American artifacts, local citizens’ memorabilia from the Civil War period all the way through World War II and more. End with a stop at the Nostalgia Store for souvenirs, games, books and old-fashioned candy.

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Powell Observatory: In Lewis-Young Park, 913.438.3825, ASKC.org Louisburg is just far enough from the bright lights of the city to facilitate a fantastic stargazing opportunity. The Powell Observatory is home to a 30-inch telescope, one of the largest available for public viewing in the United States.

The observatory’s volunteers present public programs every Saturday evening through the end of October, and visitors get a glimpse of the night sky. Requested donation: $6/12 & over, $4/5-12, Free/Under 5.

Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W.

179th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.685.3604, OPKansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/ arboretum-and-botanical-gardens The arboretum is “almost in Louisburg,” and this beautiful outing is a must-see! Hike through the woods on paved, chipped or wooded trails. Enjoy bird-watching, rose sniffing and fish feeding. Best of all, something is always in bloom! Admission: $3/13 & over, $1/6-12, Free/5 and under. Each Tuesday, admission to the arboretum is free.

Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory: 3783 K-68 Hwy., 913.837.5515, SaveOurSiberians.org Cedar Cove is an animal refuge for a variety of big cats.

At the conservatory, you will see leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. The shelter is open Saturday, 10:00-5:00 with big cat feedings at 4:00, and Sunday, 10:00-3:00. Admission is charged.

Weston Red Barn Farm: 16300 Wilkerson Dr.,

816.386.5437, WestonRedBarnFarm.com The barn sits atop a picturesque hill overlooking farmland and forest. In September, you can pick apples in their orchards (call ahead for details). The Red Barn Farm is also home to many farm animals: ponies, goats, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, geese and sheep. On weekends, enjoy a tractor or horsedrawn hayride, the corn maze or a pony ride.

Weston Bend State Park: 16600 Hwy. 45

N., 816.640.5443, MoStateParks.com/park/ weston-bend-state-park The park features paved, chipped and woodland trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and campgrounds. You’ll also discover information on Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

The highlight, though, is the scenic overlook.

Follow the signs, park your car, grab the camera, then take a short walk on a paved

trail to the overlook for a magnificent view of autumn color over the Missouri River.

O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub: 500 Welt

St., 816.640.5235, WestonIrish.com O’Malley’s serves authentic Irish fare in an authentic Irish-American pub complete with Irish music. You can choose indoor or patio dining (where you see the world’s largest ball of string).

St. Joseph, MO Just about an hour north of Kansas City, St. Joseph is home to one of the prettiest apple orchards in the area and many historic relics.

piano

lessons

Schweizer Orchards: 5455 SE State Rte.

FF, St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.3999 Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mo, Schweizer is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in the area. After apple picking, enjoy a large playground for kids with swings, slides, monkey bars and a giant wooden train. You even can pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the farm.

Patee House Museum: 1202 Penn St.,

St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.8206 This eclectic museum features a wide range of exhibits from a real steam locomotive to old-fashioned toys, inventions and local history—and even “believe it or not” exhibits like the full-size photo of the world’s tallest man (8 ft. 11 in.) visiting St. Joe (an exhibit my girls had fun “measuring up to”).

There is so much to explore in this large museum, you can easily spend half a day.

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Kris & Kate’s: 2330 N. 36th St.,

St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.4201 This ice cream shop is known for its coneshaped façade—perfect for a treat after a day of apple picking and exploring!

Lewis & Clark State Park: 400 Lakecrest Boulevard, MoStateParks.com The Lewis and Clark Expedition headed west in 1804 and encountered a lake that William Clark described as “full of Geese & Goslings.” Today, that lake is Lewis and Clark Lake, which is bordered by Lewis and Clark State Park. The park’s broad open spaces make it a favorite for families.

Kristina Light looks forward to cider donuts at Louisburg Cider Mill with her girls every year.

For MORE great day trip ideas, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com september 2016

47

September

Festivals

SEPT.

KC Family Fest Sept. 18,

Westside Family Church, WestsideFamily.church/kcff.

Enjoy acres of rides, gigantic inflatables, games and activities for all ages.

Music and DJs, teen zone, kiddie rides and lots of family-friendly fun. Free.

18

SEPT.

22-24

American Royal ProRodeo AmericanRoyal.

com. Attend Kansas City’s only PRCA rodeo—and the most action-packed show of the American Royal season.

SEPT. American Royal ProRodeo

eptember launches fall festival season in Kansas City, and these are our top picks.

You’ll find more fall festivals in our complete guide on KCParent.com

S

SEPT.–OCT.

3-16

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Weekends

KCRenFest.com.

Entertainment acts, food items and activities that families and children can enjoy.

SEPT.

Old Settlers Days

Downtown Olathe, JohnsonCountyOldSettlers. com. Carnival, crafts, booths, parade on Saturday and family fun!

8-10

SEPT.

Family Day at the Farm

Shatto Milk Company, 10 Facebook.com/ShattoMilk/ events. Free event. Tour the farm, pet the baby calves, view the cheese making process. You also can take a hayride (weather permitting) and always sample Shatto products. Visit our retail store.

SEPT.

10-11

Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival Crown Center

Square, KCChalkAndWalk.org.

Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and, by the end of the weekend, will transform these squares into magnificent pieces of artwork.

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kcparent.com september 2016

SEPT.

Sprint Family Fun Days

KCP&L District, PowerAndLightDistrict.com.

Enjoy the Ultimate Field Day. Kids can take on fitness and fun and enjoy Brandon Draper’s drums while dancing to the beat, plus they’ll have a blast with bounce houses, sports games and more.

Admission to the event is free. Fees apply for premium activities ($5 all-access wristband per child).

10

SEPT.

Spinach Festival

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa.com. The annual Spinach Festival is a fun, family-oriented event that draws thousands of visitors from all over the area.

It’s a festivity-filled day of food, music, entertainment, arts and antique vendors.

10

SEPT.

17

Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair 9:00-4:00,

Shawnee Town 1929, ShawneeTown.org. Enjoy live music, a live raffle, and more than 120 vendor booths, all featuring handmade goods. $1/person donation.

23-24

Oktoberfest Lee’s Summit Downtown Lee’s

Summit, LSChamber.com/ oktoberfest. Enjoy German meals, two stages of entertainment, German dancers, carnival, biergarten, free children’s activities, contests and arts and crafts booths! The only German word you’ll need to know is SPAB…which is FUN in German!

SEPT.

Overland Park Fall Festival

Sept. 24, Downtown 24 Overland Park, OPKansas. org/events/overland-parkfall-festival. A true community celebration, the hometown parade features high school bands, local scout groups, dance schools, displays of older automobiles and much more as it passes through Downtown Overland Park at 10:00. Children’s entertainment, inflatables, arts and crafts fair, food trucks and more.

SEPT.

24-25

Ciderfest & Craft Fair Sept. 24-25 and Oct.

1-2, Louisburg Cider Mill, LouisburgCiderMill.com.

Enjoy handmade crafts, barbecue, live music, old-fashioned good eats, pumpkins and a lot of other fun activities!

SEPT.

Wild West Days

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop, Mahaffie.org. Enjoy lots of hands-on activities and entertainment for the whole family in the spirit of the Wild West!

24-25

free!

F E ST

KC

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september CALENDAR

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

Family Series – Buckets N Boards

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

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kcparent.com september 2016

learn

read

watch

eat

win

Head to Science City on Sept. 3 for KidFest at 10:00.

A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning!

UnionStation.org

Take reading outdoors on Sept. 17 at Library in the Park at Big Eleven Lake.

Activities include face painters, crafts, mobile library, music, food and more!

LibraryInThePark.org

The Kansas City Symphony starts its Family Series on Sept. 18 with Buckets N Boards.

Affordable family packages available, become a subscriber today!

KCSymphony.org

Celebrate all things chocolate at the Kansas Chocolate Festival on Sept.

24 in Downtown Topeka. Cooking demonstrations and chocolate-themed activities.

VisitTopeka.com

Head to KCParent.com during September for TONS of Great Giveaways including birthday parties, tickets to your favorite pumpkin patches and more!

KCParent.com

1 Thursday Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575 Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org JBF Consignment Sale Thru Sun, Overland Park Convention Center. Shop for clothing, toys, gear and more. Save big! JBFSale.com DeSoto Days Thru Sun, Miller Memorial Park.

This year’s theme is Country Nights & Western Lights. Come for entertainment, carnival rides and more! DeSotoDaysKS.com

2 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child. 800.960.4778 Santa-Cali-Gon Days Thru Mon, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country Western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

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

Superhero Weekend Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Meet and have photos taken at the zoo with your favorite superheroes!

KansasCityZoo.org

Tween Night 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. A night of pizza, painting and pottery with friends!

Enjoy pizza, drink, pottery and supplies for $25.

PaintGlazeAndFire.net

KidFest 10:00, Science City at Union Station. A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning! UnionStation.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars!

Tonight features the music of Now & Then.

Gladstone.Mo.Us

Open Hangar Day 10:00, Commemorative Air Force Hangar (New Century). Tour museum of WWII aviation memorabilia, enjoy kids games, face painting and more. Free. 913.461.6777

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity.

A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13.

816.842.2744

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Thru Oct 16, Bonner Springs. Join the revelry for a one-of-akind experience and relive history the fun way! $11-$22. KCRenFest.com

Abbey Road Concert 8:30, Nerman Museum lawn. Enjoy a performance of much-loved songs by the Beatles! Kona Ice shaved treats for sale! Free. JCCC.edu/theseries

The Ants Go Marching 11:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. March along with ant friends and learn more about their terrestrial life. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

3 Saturday

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

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

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

Free ACT and SAT Practice Tests 2:30, the Tutoring Center. Take a real practice version of the ACT or SAT and receive a comprehensive test report. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

! s U n oi

A FAMILY-FUN

DAY

J

FULL of Science Play!

•Morning Kick-off with “Parent & Me” Yoga •Special Performances by Funky Mama, H3TV & More

5pm m a 0 1 – mber 3

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Don’t miss ildhood le h c y rl a e to dedicated

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And YES! Science City is also open Labor Day!

•Hands-on Sensory Activities •Spectacular Science Demos •Maker Activities •Planetarium Shows* •Face Painting, Balloon Artists, & MUCH More!

PLUS: Special pricing

for children 12 & under.

*Please note: Planetarium shows require separate ticket.

kcparent.com september 2016

51

Parkville Cruise Night 4:00, Downtown Parkville Farmers Market. Take in a little shopping and grab a bite at an eatery while listening to the tunes of yesterday. ParkvilleMo.org

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

816.751.1278

Mid-American Saddlebred Horse Show 6:30, Longview Horse Park. See some beautiful horses at this great, family-oriented event.

816.803.0036

5 Monday

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

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

Enchanted Gardens 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Discover homes of gnomes, fairies, sprites and more along a woodland trail.

913.685.3604

Public Stargazing 6:30, Powell Observatory.

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

Meet President Truman 10:30, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Mr Truman, as portrayed by reenactor Niel Johnson, will greet visitors.

TrumanLibrary.org

4 Sunday

Last Beach Day 11:00, Longview Lake Beach.

Today is the last day to enjoy the beach for the 2016 season. $3-$5. JacksonGov.org

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

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

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kcparent.com september 2016

Labor Day

Kansas City T-Bones 1:05, Community America Ballpark. Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com Pops in the Park 7:00, Theatre in the Park. The Kansas City Symphony’s free Labor Day concert celebrates the holiday with familiar classics.

913.831.3355

6 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 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Jurassic Garden Thru Oct 3, Powell Gardens.

See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more!

PowellGardens.org Pooch Paddle 6:30, Merriam Aquatic Center.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes come and make the last splash of summer at the pool. $5-$6.

Merriam.org

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

JumpCityKC.com

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. See the new Nexo Knights 4D movie, build a racer, try out the earthquake tables and more! LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Pay to Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems. Open playtime on the play sets. Only $5 for two hours of play! SwingsetsKansas.com Back-to-School Taste Special Today & tomorrow, 6:30, Dream Dinners. For only $25, receive 3 amazing entrees. New guests only.

Pre-reg at DreamDinners.com.

8 Thursday Fall Homeschool Day 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Cowboy activities such as roping, cowboy gear and more will be featured. $5/student. Mahaffie.org Quarter Horse Show Thru Sun, Hale Arena (American Royal). See the nation’s best quarter horses up close in their stalls, then watch them compete! 816.221.9800 Feast of Fountains 5:30, Kessler Park. See a prominent KC fountain while enjoying food from popular food trucks. KCParks.org

FALL SESSION 2016 MUSIC, DANCE, & THEATRE CLASSES

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Bring this ad in for $1.00 off of regular price of one single general admission to Gieringers Orchard during fall hours. Not good for school tours. Cannot be combined with other offers.

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kcparent.com september 2016

53

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

JumpCityKC.com Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12.

Free. KemperArt.org Pioneer Days Festival Thru Sun, Edgerton.

Festival features arts, crafts and food vendors, along with a parade, live entertainment and more. EdgertonCOC.com Fire & Ice BBQ Festival Today & tomorrow, Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Activities including ice skating, food vendors, live music and much more! SilversteinEyeCentersArena.com Study Skills Seminar 5:00, the Tutoring Center.

Kids in grades 6-12 will learn valuable study skills. Pizza and drinks provided. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

10-ACRE

Pumpkin Patch

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053 Kids have fun on our Jump Pillow !

CIDER MILL

®

SINCE 1977

Country Store Open Year Round Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm

Pumpkin Patch & Maze Open Sept.16 thru Oct. 31

www.louisburgcidermill.com 913-837-5202

• Jump Pillow • Play Area • Live Music & Bonfire on Selected Evenings

kcparent.com september 2016

Broadway Tribute 8:00, Memorial Park (Belton).

Enjoy a show that pays tribute to some of Broadway’s biggest hits. BeltonParks.org

Lenexa Spinach Festival 9:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Join us at the festival for entertainment, food, music, kids activities and so much more!

Lenexa.com

Monday — Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm Friday & Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

54

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars! Tonight features the country music of Ramblin’ Fever.

Gladstone.Mo.Us

The Stroke Walk 8:30, Frank Theis Park.

A fun morning of music, breakfast and a stroll! Walkers of all abilities are welcome.

AmericanStroke.org

Ghost of the Corn Maze

Friday & Saturday: 7 pm to 10 pm — Bring a flashlight & go through the maze IN THE DARK!

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

So long, summer! Kick off fall with a roundup of fall fun. $15. Paradise-Park.com

10 Saturday

Amazing 10-Acre

• NEW Tricycle Track • NEW Spider Web Climber • Farm Animals • Hill Slide • Wagon Rides

Opening Night 5:00, Liberty Corn Maze. Tonight is first night to visit the maze. An adventure filled with twists and turns! LibertyCornMaze.com

Aerial view from 400 feet.

Belton Fall Festival 9:00, Main Street Belton.

Family fun that includes entertainment, food and craft vendors, dances, magic and more.

Belton.org

Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Activities, demonstrations and crafts will take place in the main lobby. Today’s animals: butterfly bonanza. KansasCityZoo.org Build Your Family Tree 10:00, Johnson County Central Resource Library. A family-focused story time followed by a make-your-own family tree craft. Free. JoCoLibrary.com Big Shoal Country Fair 10:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Free event includes museum and garden tours, petting zoo, live music, games and more!

Gladstone.Mo.Us Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring the family out to Sprint Family Fun Days for the ultimate field day.

PowerAndLightDistrict.com Story Time at the Museum 11:00, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Learn about E. E. Cummings and enjoy a craft session.

Pre-reg at TheWorldWar.org.

Carnival for CASA 11:00, Paradise Park.

Event includes Paradise Park attractions, PLUS lunch and special carnival activities. $25-$30.

816.984.8202

AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION Sunday September 25 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | FREE

Chalk & Walk Festival Today & tomorrow, Crown Center. Empty squares of asphalt are transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork.

Free admission. 816.274.8444 Family Day at the Farm 11:00, Shatto Milk Company. Enjoy the annual customer appreciation event to help celebrate the 13th anniversary of Shatto Milk. ShattoMilk.com Kids Fishing Derby Noon, Gardner Lake. Prizes will be given, along with a barbecue lunch and goodie bags. Poles provided or bring your own. $5. GardnerKansas.gov Independence Uncorked Winefest 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Day date! Enjoy wineries from all over Missouri, along with music and food! $25-$35.BWEstate.net JazzFest 3:00, Harmon Park (Prairie Village).

Enjoy an evening of magical music, fabulous artistry, delectable food and drink and fun! $5.

PVKansas.com Music on Main 3:30, Main Street (Grandview).

Live bands, food and drink vendors and a Kidzone area. Free admission. 816.761.6505

Oct. 1–31

OPEN

12

Top 10 Reasons KC Parents Prefer Faulkner’s Ranch Pumpkin Season Many More New Reasons to Visit!

12.

11.

10. Hand-picked staff that are friendly, courteous, and well informed 9. Superior amenities like sidewalks, clean indoor restrooms, changing stations 8. Top quality pumpkins, gourds, squash, and fall decor 7. Enjoy a different fun, fall theme each weekend in October

To view the complete list visit www.faulknersranch.com

Happy Hours!

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

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

WestonMO.com

Join us Monday–Thursday from 3pm–CLOSE (6pm) Half Price Admission — $5 per person plus tax includes the hayride, petting farm, field maze and more!

(816) 761-5055 | 10600 Raytown Road

In Kansas City, just 1/4 mile south of 470 on Raytown Rd. kcparent.com september 2016

55

Library in the Park Sept. 17, 10:00, Big Eleven Lake (KCK). Activities include face painters, crafts, mobile library, music, food, drink and more! LibraryInThePark.org

Car Cruise 6:00, Blue Springs. Head to downtown Blue Springs the second Saturday of every month April-October. Concessions available. BlueSpringsGov.com

Dippin’ Dogs Swim Party Noon, the Bay Water Park. Bring your family and your dog for a special dip in the pool! $10/ pooch. 816.965.9218

Dance in the Park 6:30, Roanoke Park. The event starts with a free dance class and then showcases a variety of local dance companies.

KCParks.org

Grandparents Day 4:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring the family for an afternoon of children’s entertainment. 913.685.3604

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

816.842.1271 Grandparents Day 11:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Enjoy 1860s living history activities. One grandparent admitted free with each paid child.

913.971.5111

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kcparent.com september 2016

12 Monday Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens—no coupon required. CoolCrest.com Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5. KC360Gym.com

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000 Retro Video Game Art 6:00, MCPL (North Oak). Recreate your favorite iconic 8-bit video game characters while learning basic Adobe Photoshop. Ages 11+. Free. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

13 Tuesday Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Kids, drive your favorite vehicle, jump in the bounce house or pretend in the kitchen. $2. 913.322.5550 Story Time 10:00, Kansas City Public Library (Central Library). A fun time for all ages to talk, sing, read, write and play. Free. 816.701.3407 iFLY Kids Club 6:00, iFly. Tuesdays receive coaching and a 5-minute block. Must have previously flown. $69.95. For details and to prereg, call 913.305.4359.

Family Fun Night 6:00, Aberdeen Village. Hop in for some bubbles, instruments, puppets, dancing, finger plays, stories and so much more! $10/family. 913.393.2803

14 Wednesday Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone Lee’s Summit.

The main court, Foam Zone and Sky Slam are open just for the younger set 5 and under.

SkyZone.com/leessummit Visit Science City 10:00, Science City (Union Station). New exhibits, hands-on activities for the entire family, workshops, demonstrations and more! UnionStation.org

Family Story Time 10:00, Jo Co Library (Shawnee Branch). Enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and movement activities. Free.

JoCoLibrary.org

Circus XTREME Thru Sunday, Sprint Center.

Children of all ages can let their imaginations go wild with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals. SprintCenter.com

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

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

913.631.7000

16 Friday

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

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

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

816.325.7115 The Donner Party Goes West 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Learn more about the most infamous of all western wagon trains.

Half-hour guided tour. 816.325.7575 Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent.

Nelson-Atkins.org

Open Sept.17-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Junior Jaunts 10:15, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, tour.

Nelson-Atkins.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.

913.661.2529 Opening Day Louisburg Cider Mill. The pumpkin patch and maze are open for the season today through Oct 31. LouisburgCiderMill.com Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival Thru Sun, Downtown Blue Springs. Come for the food and stay for the fun—but whatever you do, don’t miss it! 816.229.8558 Movie in the Park 5:30, Buffalo Meadows Park (Lenexa).) Enjoy a free movie, fun lawn games and live music by Ego Satellites. ci.Lenexa.ks.us

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

• Scheduled school tours

• Old-fashioned pig races , entertainment & music on weekends • Little Bud’s Railroad: Kansas City’s only farm train • Old-fashioned tractor wagon rides • Pumpkin donuts, fudge & home cooking • Old-fashioned tractor wagon rides • Traditional farm animals

• Rocks and mining • 60 acres u-pick pump kin field

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

kcparent.com september 2016

57

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

Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). Live music, food, face painting, petting zoo, straw maze, photo booth and more! 913.631.6121

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

Library in the Park 10:00, Big Eleven Lake (KCK). Activities include face painters, crafts, mobile library, music, food, drink and more!

LibraryInThePark.org

Family Fun Night 6:30, Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch). Free weekly program with fun activities for the entire family.

KCLibrary.org

Opening Day Carolyn’s Country Cousins. Bring the family out to the pumpkin patch! First day of fun for the season. CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Full Moon Walk 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy moon-gazing, nighttime sights and sounds and activities for the entire family. $1-$3. OBABG.org

17 Saturday Craft Fair 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Browse through nearly 100 craft booths and satisfy your cravings with our variety of food vendors.

913.248.2360 Paws in the Park Dog Walk Festival 9:00, English Landing Park. Fun for the whole family with the dog walk, vendors, raffles, KC Disc Dogs and more! 816.587.0918 x0

Birthday Party 10:00, Lakeside Nature Sanctuary. Wilma, the ornate box turtle, is celebrating her birthday. Stop by to wish her a happy birthday. 816.513.8960 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Saturday Story Time 10:00, Alexander Majors Barn. Enjoy immersive stories followed by a thematic craft or game, all in a historic barn setting. WornallMajors.org Waldo Fall Festival 10:00, 75th & Wornall Road. Welcome fall with lots of food and family fun at this annual event. WaldoKC.org

TRAIN RIDES

Train Rides $10.00

Regular Trains Depart Sat & Sun, 2 pm (May – Oct)

$10.00

Rides on Select Weekends in October

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

An amazing adventure filled with twists and turns!

Open Fri., Sat. and Sun. Sept 9 – Oct 30

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

Located between Liberty and Independence, MO off Highway 210

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time

www.LibertyCornMaze.com

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kcparent.com september 2016

Cheetah Run 10:30, Kansas City Zoo. Watch the fastest animals on earth race around a track at top speed. KansasCityZoo.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630 Circus XTREME Thru Sun, Sprint Center.

Children of all ages can let their imaginations go wild with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals. SprintCenter.com Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com

September 24 & 25

Kids under three FREE

Pumpkin Express Train

Space Out Saturday 10:00, Cosmosphere.

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

september by the numbers

107

Average speed for racecar driver Tommy Milton as he wins the inaugural race at the Kansas City Speedway, also known as “the Old Board Track,” at 95th & Troost on Sept. 17, 1922.

80,000 Number of honeybees in a hive. The honeybee is Missouri’s state insect, and September is Honey Month.

36

Average number of apples in a gallon of cider.

Buy yours fresh at Louisburg Cider Mill.

13

Birthdate in 1860 of General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing, famous for leading the U.S. Army Expeditionary Forces to victory over Germany in World War I, 1917-18. Pershing Road is named in his honor, and the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial commemorates this conflict.

11:48 1899 Hours of daylight during the shortest day of September, the 30th.

The year the American Royal is founded. The American Royal Rodeo is held annually in September.

$150,000 Salary paid to the Beatles for a 31-minute concert on Sept. 17, 1964, at Municipal Stadium, playing to 24,000 fans.

170,000 Number of pencils produced by the average tree. This old-time tool is still used by school children daily.

23

The date in 1923 that KC-style jazz and blues is born, as the Bennie Moten Orchestra makes the first ever recording of the musical style that will dominate in the 1930s and 1940s.

Oktoberfest Sept. 23 & 24, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy live entertainment, a biergarten, German meals, carnival, free kids activities and more. LSOktoberfest.com

18 Sunday Strutt with Your Mutt 7:00, 63rd & Brookside Plaza. 5K race & 3K walk for homeless pets in beautiful Brookside. WaysideWaifs.org/strutt KC Family Fest Noon, Westside Family Church.

Bring your whole crew for acres of rides, gigantic inflatables, games and activities for all ages. 913.422.8257 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Buckets N Boards 2:00, Kauffman Center.

The Kansas Symphony kicks off its Family Series with a hilarious, high-energy show.

KCSymphony.org Fall Festival 4:00, Lee’s Summit Community of Christ. Join us for games, prizes, food and fun!

816.524.1874

19 Monday Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. See the new Nexo Knights 4D movie, build a racer, try out the earthquake tables and more! LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com 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 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child, free/parents.

JumpCityKC.com Pay to Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems. Open playtime on the play sets. Only $5 for two hours of play! SwingsetsKansas.com Jurassic Garden Thru Oct 3, Powell Gardens.

See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more!

PowellGardens.org

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

800.960.4778

American Royal Youth Rodeo Thru Friday, Hale Arena. These top-notch rodeo contestants are selected from all over the Midwest. 816.569.4013 Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784

21 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Overland Park. Shop for fresh produce, flowers and more.

Free. 913.642.2222 The Nine Who Dared 9:45, the Coterie.

Interactive drama in which the audience participates in defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement. TheCoterie.org Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone Lee’s Summit.

The main court, Foam Zone and Sky Slam are open just for the younger set 5 and under.

SkyZone.com/leessummit What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

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

Festival in the Park Thru Saturday, Memorial Park (Raymore). Baking contest, parade, kids activities, car show, barbecue contest and more.

RaymoreFestival.com

23 Friday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Oktoberfest Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy live entertainment, a biergarten, German meals, carnival, free kids activities and more. LSOktoberfest.com American Royal Pro Rodeo Today & tomorrow, Hale Arena. It’s KC’s only PRCA rodeo—and the most action-packed show of the American Royal season. Ticketmaster.com Richard Petty Driving Experience Thru Sunday, Kansas Speedway. Get behind the wheel of a 600 hp NASCAR race car or take a ride at 155 mph. 1.800.237.3889

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. The sounds of KC Ukesters will echo through the air. Sit back and relax under the stars. Free. ShawneeTown.org

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

22 Thursday

The 85th Annual Plaza Art Fair Thru Sun, 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Stroll the streets of the Plaza as artists display their work.

CountryClubPlaza.com

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Open House 1:00, Merriam Historic Plaza.

The fun celebration includes snacks, prizes, games and birthday shenanigans for everyone!

ExploreMerriam.com The Donner Party Goes West 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Learn more about the most infamous of all western wagon trains.

Half-hour guided tour. 816.325.7575

Cry Out 6:00, Providence Community Church.

Join thousands of women across the United States via simulcast to cry out to God. Free.

SovGraceKC.com Fall Fest Thru Sun, Downtown Liberty.

Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing and more in this three-day festival.

LibertyFallFest.com kcparent.com september 2016

61

Hayrides Fall is here and that means it’s time for hayrides! For a list of hayrides in Kansas City, visit KCParent.com!

Juggling Festival Thru Sunday, Rockhurst High School. Kansas City’s biggest juggling and performance extravaganza is back! $5.

816.520.8870

Wild West Days Today & tomorrow, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm.

Hands-on activities and fun for the entire family. 913.971.5111

24 Saturday

Kansas Chocolate Festival 10:00, Downtown Topeka. Chocolate cooking demonstrations, food trucks and many other chocolate-themed activities.

Ciderfest Today & tomorrow and Oct 1 & 2, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy some good oldfashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities. LouisburgCiderMill.com Kids in the Kitchen 9:30, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Learn how to make hearty, hot soups while covering food safety and basic cooking skills. Pre-reg at 913.715.7000.

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

KansasCityZoo.org Hallmarket 10:00, Crown Center Square. Browse watercolor paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, photography and more. CrownCenter.com

Opening Day Johnson Farms. Today is the first day of pumpkin season! Fun for the whole family! 816.331.1067 Grand Festival of Chez les Canses 10:00, Fort Osage. Reenactors help visitors explore how French settlers lived. Artisans display custommade wares. $3-$7. 816.503.4860 Apples, Arts & Antiques Festival Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lexington. Premier fall festival! Quality antiques, apple treats, regional art show. VisitLexingtonMo.com

Overland Park Fall Festival 10:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. A hometown parade, arts and crafts fair, classic car show, merchant sales and more! OPKansas.org Puppetry Arts Institute 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The three billie goats meet the mysterious creature. $6. Hazelle.org Kansas City Boo! 1:00, John Wornall House.

Traci Angel, author of Kansas City Boo! will talk about and sign her book. WornallMajors.org

2016-2017 SEASON

NATIVITY A spiritual journey with life-size puppets

NOV. 9-20

A shy, friendly ghost has a big surprise during his vacation

HOLA!Oct.

DEC. 12-23

GEORGIE AND THE NOISY GHOST

SONGS Nativity OF THE SEASON

feb. 22 mar. 12

DEC. 2-4

OCT. 19-30

MESNER PUPPET THEATER 19-30

A comic, cultural adventure through Georgie and the Noisy Latin America

Ghost

Nov. 9-20 Hola!

Dec. 2-4

Raise your voice to holiday favorites Dec. 12-23

Songs of the Seasons Feb. 22-March 12, 2017 The Cat Came Back

THE CAT CAME BACK

Even outer space30-April won’t deter8,this clever March 2017 creature A Funny Thing Happened

on the Way to the Death Star

mar. 30 April 8

(suggested for adults and kids 12+)

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY

MesnerPuppets.org | 816.235.6222 | Season Tickets Available TO THE DEATH STAR Performances partially funded from our generous supporters

62

kcparent.com september 2016

(Suggested for adults and kids 12 and older)

Performances partially funded from our generous supporters

Enter winKC KCParent’s Parent’s Enter to win

ay!! eaWwAY NNAasSCcaARr GIGivVEA OneOne lucky KC Parent reader will win lucky KC Parent reader willa family 4-pack to the NASCAR Race win a family 4-pack of tickets Weekend on April 20 & 21 at Kansas to the race receives on October 16, Speedway (winner tickets to BOTH along with track passes and RACES), FanWalk passes, a parkingapass preferredfor parking and vouchers scannerpass. rentals.

A A$1$,0500+ VvAaLlUuEe!

Visit “Giveaways” Visit KCParent.com KCParent.com and and click click on on “Giveaways” Hurry, contest ends April 5! 30!

Hurry, contest ends September

Tea & Etiquette Workshop 1:30, Harris Kearney House. Victorian Tea Party to learn etiquette together. Enjoy tea and cakes and parlor games.

WestportHistorical.com Public Stargazing 6:30, Powell Observatory.

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

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

816.842.1271 Kansas City Renaissance Festival Thru Oct 16, Bonner Springs. Join the revelry for a one-of-akind experience and relive history the fun way! $11-$22. KCRenFest.com Does God Really Love Me? Vineyard Community Church. A small group event starting Sept 25 and lasting for eight Sundays, for the entire family. VCC.church Hedge Apple Day Noon, Overland Park Arboretum. Come and make crafts with nature items collected right here at the arboretum.

OPABG.org

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

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

Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & Kansas City RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturdays and Sundays through October.

816.331.0630

Health & Wellness Fair 10:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. A community-wide health and wellness fair for staff and visitors.

TrumanLibrary.org

Hayrides 2:30, Oak Ridge at Shawnee Mission Park. Enjoy the crisp autumn air from a tractordrawn hay wagon. Pre-reg at 913.831.3355. $7/person.

Teen Games 6:00, MCPL (North Oak). Have you ever wanted to learn how to play Magic the Gathering or Pokémon? Come learn in a fun environment. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

27 Tuesday

26 Monday Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Baby Story Time 9:30, Jo Co Library (Blue Valley Branch). A lap-sit program of songs, rhymes and movement for the very young. Free.

JoCoLibrary.org

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 Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. See the new Nexo Knights 4D movie, build a racer, try out the earthquake tables and more! LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org

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

Come run or come watch!

fourth annual

KC Pumpkin Run 5K

20 Acre Cor

n Maze Incl

16,000 Garden

17701 Holmes Road, Belton MO Mon.- Fri. 12 to 6 PM • Sat.-Sun. 9am to 6pm www.johnsonfarms.net • 816.331.1067

Admission:

All participants will receive a race shirt, custom bib, pumpkin and will compete for age group and overall prizes.

After the 5K will be the Kids Fun Run for ages 8 and under!

uded in Adm

ing Openy!

Da ay d Satur 24 t p e S

2 and under FREE

Mon-Fri Sat-Sun

$11

$13

Adults 13-59 $9 Seniors 60+ $7

$11 $9

Kids 3-12

(includes jumping pillow)

ission

Mums in 70 Varie

ties

Small & Large Gr oup

Discounts

Birthday Party Pack

ages

U-Pick Pumpkin

s, Flowers and Ve

Lots of NEW ATTR ACTIONS Every Year

ALL PRICING INCLUDES TAx

ggies

Our farm is “stroller friendly” having pavement throughout to every amenity.

Sunday Oct. 2nd at 8:00am Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins 17701 Holmes Rd., Belton, MO 64012

Details at kcpumpkinrun.com

$10 Off family SEaSON PaSS fOR UP TO 6 PEOPlE* $5 Off family 4 PaCK SEaSON PaSS* OR (REGUlaR PRiCE $100) (REGUlaR PRiCE $65) *maX 2 aDUlTS PER PaSS

* See website for details about our Special Discounts. No other discounts may be applied. Pass and offer expires 10/31/16

kcparent.com september 2016

63

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 iFLY Kids Club 6:00, iFly. Tuesdays receive coaching and a 5-minute block. Must have previously flown. $69.95. For details and to pre-reg, call 913.305.4359.

28 Wednesday The Nine Who Dared 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie.

Interactive drama in which the audience participates in defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement. TheCoterie.org Dino O’Dell 10:00, Mill Creek Activity Center.

Enjoy Dino’s unique blend of folk-rock and reggae! Sponsored by Johnson County Museum. Pre-reg at 913.715.2575.

Pay to Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems. Open playtime on the play sets. Only $5 for two hours of play! SwingsetsKansas.com Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

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

913.631.7000

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

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

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

Enjoy temporary art, performance art and food trucks! September performance by Lauren Thompson. KCParks.org

29 Thursday

Final Fridays 5:00, Lawrence. Event features hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations. Free.

FinalFridaysLawrence.wordpress.com

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

JumpCityKC.com Gladfest Thru Sun, Downtown Gladstone.

Live entertainment, a carnival, a marketplace, arts and crafts, food and more!

GladstoneChamber.com Evening Wagon Tour 6:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail in this hour-long program that includes a wagon tour.

Pre-reg at 816.325.7575.

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

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

913.661.2529

Family Fishing 5:30, TimberRidge Adventure Center. A family fun night with dinner and fishing at Catfish Pond. $10-$11. 913.831.3359 Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity.

A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13.

816.842.2744

Look for KC Parent’s BIG pumpkin patch guide in the October issue.

FAMILY TREE NURSERY FALL FESTIVAL Family Tree Nursery - Nieman • 7036 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS September 17 & 18, 2016

Live Music • Food • Face Painting • Straw Maze • Corn Bin Petting Zoo • Pot-A-Pansy • Photo Booth

KID’S CLUB ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR LONG: Spring Open House A Fun Day in the Greenhouse for the Family!

Display Gardens · Petting Zoo · Hands-On Activities

Horticulture Camp

Photo With Santa

3 Days · Educational Activities · Hands-On Workshops

Santa & Mrs. Claus · Beautiful Backdrop

Unlock the Horticulturist in your Kiddos!

A Magical Time of Year in the Greenhouse!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.familytreenursery.com

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Overland Park 8424 Farley St. 913.642.6503

Shawnee 7036 Nieman 913.631.6121

Liberty 830 W Liberty Dr. 816.781.0001

Oct. 7 • Sprint Center

Tickets on sale now sprintcenter.com

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

Sept 3 & 4 Superhero Weekend Sept 10 Chiefs Day at the Zoo Sept 10 & 11 Zootastik Learning Fest — Butterfly Bonanza Sept 24 Zoo Run for the Gorillas

Register at kansascityzoorun.org

Sept 24 & 25 Species Spotlight — Pachyderms Sept 24 & 25 Penguin March

Always a New Adventure!

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences! kansascityzoo.org

Koala Flats OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER!

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

Y R R O S

S Y A S R E V E T Y R D A O T B S , NO S ER S”

V N I A R “D R M I N IV U O Y

N O S I E ctober 16 S A H TH E C Sunday, O nd under a for 12 way.com s t e k ic d outh t ansasspee y 9 2 $ k ble at a va i l a