KC Parent Magazine September 2018

FREE | September 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

BENEFITS OF

FABULOUS

FALL GETAWAYS

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

that won’t break the bank

FAVE PODCASTS

FOR PARENTS

CHECK THEM OUT!

SHOULD YOU

TRACK

YOUR TEEN?

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SEPTEMBER 2018

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner 12 Media Mix

BENEFITS OF ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES, PG. 18

25 Word from Dad

SPECIAL SECTIONS 30 Party Guide

FEATURES

14

50 Calendar of Events

40

42

Give Back

Global IQ

Momsomnia

Raise a child to learn the value of volunteering

Tips for teaching your child to be globally aware

Helping supermoms get the rest they need Our cover features Graham from Olathe. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

FREE | September 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

BENEFITS OF

ON THE COVER

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kcparent.com september 2018

Enrichment Activities

18

Podcasts

34

Tracking Teens

36

Fall Getaways

38

FABULOUS

FALL GETAWAYS

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

that won’t break the bank

FAVE PODCASTS

FOR PARENTS

CHECK THEM OUT!

SHOULD YOU

TRACK

YOUR TEEN?

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LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Sara Keenan (Brookside), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | September 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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WHAT’S NEW IN KC

BENEFITS OF

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FALL GETAWAYS

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING FEAST ON TASTY LOCAL DISHES

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NATURAL WONDERS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

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WAYS TO EXPLORE KANSAS CITY

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ach month when we receive our copy of KC Parent, the first thing my girls do is open to my editor’s letter to see whether I mention them. It’s something of which I deliberately have to be aware, making sure they receive equal press time. After reading one of my recent letters (in which, for the record, neither girl was mentioned), my husband said, “I wonder if people think you aren’t married because you never mention me.” I reminded him that the reason I don’t often talk about him is because he doesn’t like when I talk or write about him.

Naturally, he replied, “Well, maybe I just say I don’t like it.”

The September issue focuses on all things arts and enrichment. Let me say that while I was not blessed with any musical or artistic talents, my wonderful hubby not only is a gifted artist, but loves to play guitar as well. Many evenings our home is filled with music while he practices a new song he’s recently learned or works on a piece he’s written. Thankfully, our girls take after him and while neither will be the next Monet or a member of a band, they both can hold their own. The arts add so much to our lives and offer so many benefits to children. Check out some of those benefits on pgs. 18 and 20.

Do you listen to podcasts? We enjoy listening to them on car rides. Some of our faves include Small Town Murder and How Did This Get Made?

Note, neither are suitable for young ears, but my husband and I enjoy listening to these together.

There are so many great ones out there! Do you have a fave? If so, send me which one(s) you love. And if you’re new to podcasts, head to pg.

34 for highlights and reviews of a wide variety of podcasts.

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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.

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

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SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Fall Festival Guide 2. Day Trips 3. Pumpkin Patch Guide

4. Coupons for Local Attractions 5. Fall Fun Under $5 6. Great Giveaways

SPOTLIGHT

APPLE PICKING It’s apple season in Kansas City. For a list of great orchards, as well as many applethemed activities and recipes, log onto KCParent.com.

Expecting?

7. Best of September 8. Leaf Peeping in KC

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Check out the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to search hospitals by location, NICU level, classes and more.

Use KC Parent’s virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide to choose

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9. Date Night Ideas 10. Caramel Apples in KC

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9

CRAFTCORNER

These apple stamp pumpkins are a great fall craft for kids of all ages.

apple stamp pumpkins

S

ummer days are coming to an end, and fall is quickly approaching—hard to believe! These apple stamp pumpkins are a great fall craft for kids of all ages. The project is so easy to do, and chances are, you already have everything you need to make this quick craft today!

Step One: Cut an apple in half and paint the cut side with orange paint, using a paint brush.

Step Two: Place the apple, paint side down, onto a piece of white paper and firmly press.

Step Three: Lift up the apple to reveal the stamp. Add a green stem.

Step Four: Cut face shapes out of black paper and glue them onto the orange stamps to create jack-o’-lanterns.

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

Fall Frames Three Ways

Popsicle Stick Bracelets

Fall Fruit and Veggie Stamps

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!

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kcparent.com september 2018

Materials Needed: • Apples • Orange and green paint • Black paper • White paper • Scissors • Glue stick • Paint brush

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11

MEDIAMIX

fall, fears and fantasy new books feature magic, ghosts and adventures

By McGeath Freeman

The Crocodile and the Dentist

The Widow’s Broom

By Taro Gomi

By Chris Van Allsburg

Best for: Ages 3-5

Best for: Ages 5-8

The Adventurer’s Guide to Dragons

(and Why They Keep Biting Me)

By Wade Albert White Best for: Ages 8-12

New things can be scary. This is definitely the case for most children who visit the dentist for the first time.

Just imagine if you were a crocodile and had to visit the dentist! Told from two perspectives—the dentist’s and the crocodile’s—this tale helps us all understand we are not alone in our fears. Crocodile is big and strong yet he still fears getting his toothache fixed by the masked dentist. Of course, the dentist fears the crocodile (who wouldn’t fear putting his hands in a crocodile’s mouth?). In the end, being brave and overcoming one’s fears take the spotlight.

Older children will see the fun and humor in the illustrations, but younger readers may still be frightened by the smiling dentist holding sharp tools. everywhere.

This year is the 25th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Widow’s Broom. Many readers are familiar with Allsburg’s other hits, The Polar Express and Jumanji. Despite being 25 years old, The Widow’s Broom might seem brand new to many readers.

Van Allsburg brings this tale to life with his signature illustration style, mixing moody shadows with humorous expressions. The story is all about a witch’s broom. Minna Shaw loves her broom. The enchanted item has a personality all its own. It helps Minna and keeps her company. They are fine friends. But many of Minna’s neighbors fear the broom and see it only as evil.

Van Allsburg explores good and evil, friendship and much more in this page-turner of a book. Children will be captivated by each illustration and want to make this an annual fall read.

What’s bad: The humor may be over

What’s good: Chris Van Allsburg’s

What’s good: Easing of dental phobias

the heads of many young readers.

signature style offers captivating images.

What’s bad: Some concepts will be too heady for young readers.

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kcparent.com september 2018

This follow-up to The Adventurer’s Guide to Successful Escapes finds Anne, Penelope and Hiro enjoying their time at Saint Lupin’s Quest Academy for Consistently Dangerous and Absolutely Terrifying Adventures.

It doesn’t take long for a new quest to be triggered. The quest: Kill the dragon queen. Of course, killing the dragon queen will probably start a war with the dragons. But ignoring a quest can lead to very bad results as well.

Fans of the first adventure will enjoy this one too. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book; this one stands on its own. Just be ready for action and humor as Anne and her friends try to complete the quest.

What’s good: Fast action, robots and dragons.

What’s bad: A little absurd, but young readers should enjoy that aspect of the tale.

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13

a

k g n i rais

b

uy this! Take that! Seeing so many images, videos and messages of egotism and consumption spread throughout our daily world disturbs me as a parent. Now more than ever, teaching our children early and often that giving is so much better than receiving is so important—and if we can lead by example, even better. But it isn’t an easy proposition. We’re all bogged down with sports, activities, family, birthday parties, holidays and the daily grind of life. However, in the end, showing our children that we can put our community first teaches them a valuable lesson: We’re all in this together. Here’s how to start.

talented tots and teens

Volunteering is most successful when passion motivates the person doing it. Look at your family objectively and see what talents and passions could parlay into helping the community.

Is your family super musical? Reach out to local assisted living establishments and volunteer to sing to the residents. A simple onehour performance will stay with them for days and weeks to come.

Some civic-minded vocal coaches even encourage these types of performances to prepare young singers and dancers for upcoming

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kcparent.com september 2018

e k a t hey

t h n a g in re th

o p l m he give

o h w ids

: d an

auditions and to build confidence. After all, if your child can perform in front of a room full of elderly strangers, she can surely perform in front of a musical director. It’s a win-win for everyone.

exercise wise

Not only are we battling cynicism and egos currently, but obesity and dwindling self-esteem are growing problems, too. Not surprisingly, these problems go hand in hand. More and more children are spending an exorbitant amount of time sitting on the couch, staring at their phones, comparing themselves to people they’ve never met. Why not combat that lack of energy and sign up for a 5k that donates entry fees to a local charity? Decide as a family what you’d like to change in the world and find a 5k that matches it. Fight the urge to just pick a 5k because it’s available. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the world. Then pick a date a few weeks or even months down the road and mark it on the calendar. Start making short practice runs to build endurance, making it a priority never to skip a practice. When the event arrives, make a day of it. Dress in silly costumes, run your hearts out and know you made a difference.

money talks

With older kids who might have jobs or tweens who perform odd jobs for cash, consider discussing donations. Nothing is more important to kids than their hard-earned dough, but if they see how direct donations can help, they may want to contribute that way. Just be careful that donating doesn’t turn into an easy way for them to “check the box” on charity. Think about offering cash in addition to performing another service that involves in-person work.

take yourself out of it

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and toddler son.

top places to start volunteering with your child TODAY:

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In these highly volatile times, a strong voice can be so much more impactful than a donation. Talk to your kids, even the youngest ones, and discuss what injustices affect them. If they have a friend being bullied, encourage them to stand up for what’s right and act by speaking to a principal. If something is bothering them that is controlled by legislators, encourage them to write letters or email. Help them draft their notes and send them together, then follow up if necessary. More often than not, a return letter will come, and your children will know that their voice had an effect, even if it was small.

We all want to raise our kids to be generous, thoughtful and giving of their time and talents. To fully integrate this way of thinking, stay consistent day over day, year over year. In other words, a quick stop at Toys for Tots shouldn’t—and isn’t—going to cut it. As parents in the community, we have the responsibility to actively seek out new ways to make a difference. If we take the lead, they will follow.

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Let’s be honest. Kids sometimes don’t want to listen to parents.

Depending on their age, approaching kids about giving back to the community might seem to them like a lame excuse for spending more time together (a fate worse than death, I’m sure). So take yourself out of the equation. Groups like the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, 4-H and local church youth groups are all civically aware and encourage—if not require—volunteering.

Couple involvement with making new friends and having a good time, and your kids will soon be giving back to their community without even realizing it!

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Libraries: Send your bookworm to a place where words are king. At the very least, she’ll learn to alphabetize!

Animal Shelters: Shelters are often closed or short staffed, and the dogs don’t get walked as much as they should. Ask whether you and your child can help rectify that. (Hint: This also could lead to a future paid job as a dog walker for your child!)

Food Pantries: Go to the grocery store with your children and purchase their favorite nonperishables to donate to the food pantry. At the very least, this activity can start a conversation that leads to further endeavors.

Assisted Living: The elderly are frequently overlooked and would be thrilled to have a visitor, even for half an hour. Be age-sensitive on this, though. A toddler isn’t an appropriate visitor; a teen or tween is the perfect age. kcparent.com september 2018

15

Sweet and Satisfying n

Breakfast cookies made with oats and fruit

n

Whole wheat muffins

n

Whole wheat pancakes or waffles topped with nut butter, honey and berry slices

n

Elvis wrap (peanut butter, bananas and honey stuffed into a whole wheat wrap, which can be served warm or at room temperature)

beneficial breakfast tips

healthy and smart

l

it’s breakfast time

et’s be real. How many times can you recall your mom or dad quoting the old and classic statement that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Probably more than your 10 fingers can number. Well, turns out they were right! Recent research indicates that kids who eat a healthy breakfast get more of the critical nutrients their growing bodies need. Making time for breakfast is essential to providing your children with the energy and brain fuel they need to power through the jam-packed school day.

Even though letting your kiddos hit the snooze on the morning alarm clock is terribly tempting, wake up those sleepy heads up because it’s breakfast time!

Batter up to the breakfast table and create these nutritious off-to-school breakfast feasts.

classic and quick n n

A cup of high-fiber cereal with milk, paired with a side of pineapple, orange or peach slices A cup of oatmeal topped with chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) and dried fruit (cranberries or raisins) and sprinkled with warm cinnamon spice

n

Whole grain bagel with an ample spread of nut butter topped with banana wedges

n

Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs with a slice of whole grain toast covered with fruit jam

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kcparent.com september 2018

filling and worth the extra effort n

Breakfast burrito (whole grain tortilla loaded with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, ½ cup black beans and salsa)

n

Egg sandwich (two scrambled eggs on a whole grain English muffin melted with cheese and avocado slices)

n

Plain or fruity yogurt parfait mixed with granola and sweetened with berries and honey

n

Get your kiddos involved. Contributing helps boost their confidence.

n

Make it fun and spark creativity. Instead of serving a traditional square piece of toast, take Lisa’s (resident of Overland Park and mom of three) advice: Use cookie cutters to make enjoyable, eyeappealing shapes. “My kids can never turn away from their piece of whole grain butterfly toast.”

n

Focus on fiber. Found in all fruits, nuts, cereals and whole grains, fiber will help your kids stay completely full and fully focused throughout the morning.

n

Be bountiful with berries. Antioxidants increase connections between brain cells, thus enhancing learning ability and memory.

n

Think crunch. Offer crunchy foods, such as apple slices, granola and cereal, because all that munching in the morning is a sure way to wake up the brain.

n

Not hungry? Start small and offer a cup of fruit to build an appetite gradually.

Overall, make breakfast a family affair.

Children with parents who eat breakfast are more likely to eat breakfast themselves. By making breakfast a priority for your family, everyone will reap the benefits, and you may help instill a lifelong healthy habit in your kiddos.

Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She is currently practicing as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood.

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And yours.

Going to the ER is scary, even for the bravest adventurers. But it’s a little easier when you know you’re in good hands. At our ERs, your little one will be treated just the way they should — like a kid — with the right-sized equipment and treatments made just for them. Plus, our ER experts know just how to put kids — and anxious parents — at ease. And, with rocket-fast ER wait times, your child will be back to their next adventure in no time. See ya later high fevers. Howdy high fives.

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* Message and data rates may apply. For more information visit texterhelp.com. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

benefits of

enrichment activities

These enrichment programs may take place outside of the classroom, but their benefits will follow your children into their academics.

w

e parents strive to broaden our children’s horizons and enrich their lives as much as possible.

Whether it be enrolling our kids in gymnastics, art classes, martial arts or music classes, enrichment activities have many benefits that will extend into adulthood.

“Enrichment activities spur growth and development,” says a team of professionals providing services to families through the First Steps program. “Good activities will stimulate the senses, promote bonding and promote an atmosphere of learning and exploration through play.” According to these professionals, it’s never too early to begin enrichment activities.

“Enrichment activities should start prenatally. Reading, singing, participation in activities that are soaked in music can penetrate the womb to spur language and development of music and language concepts.”

A major benefit of enrichment programs is that children will gain confidence as they learn new and challenging skills.

According to “After School Programs in the 21st Century: Their Potential and What It Takes to Achieve It,” published by the Harvard Family Research Project, “Programs with a strong intentional focus on improving social and personal skills were found to improve students’ self-esteem and self-confidence.”

When they conquer new things, kids will feel a sense of accomplishment and feel better about themselves.

These enrichment programs may take place outside of the classroom, but their benefits will follow your children into their academics. According to the report by HFRP, many studies “repeatedly underscore the impact of supporting a range of positive learning outcomes, including academic achievement, by affording children and youth opportunities to learn and practice new skills through hands-on, experimental learning.”

Children also will improve their social skills by working with their peers and problem solving. In the age of too much screen time, getting children to interact with other children outside of school is extremely important.

Parent involvement in their children’s activities is also important. The First Steps professionals suggest carrying the learning home through car conversations by asking what children’s favorite or least favorite parts of an experience were, as well as trying to repeat the activities at home. You also will want to monitor how kids feel about the activity. If they are eager to attend class each week, that’s a great sign you have chosen the right activity. If they dread going every week, it might be time to reevaluate.

Enrichment activities don’t have to be hard on your budget.

Budget friendly activities include play dates, trips to the park, library visits, bike trails, museums, splash pads, art creation at Kaleidoscope and story times.

Visit KCParent.com for a full list of activities available in Kansas City for every budget.

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kcparent.com september 2018

how to pick the best enrichment activity for your child With so many different enrichment programs available, choosing the right program for your child is important.

Follow your child’s interests.

Pay attention to your child’s talents and interests, and let those lead the way. Encourage children to discover what interests them.

Try out a class.

Before you enroll your child in a new activity, ask whether you can schedule a visit so the two of you can see the activity for yourselves.

After seeing the activity, you and your child should be able to gauge whether it will be a good fit for him.

Meet the staff.

Meeting the staff and program leaders is an essential step. Ask them about their skills and background to assess the program’s quality.

Don’t schedule too many activities.

If your child has many interests, choosing just a few can be hard.

Try to choose only the activities that will fit conveniently into your schedule. You don’t want to overschedule your child and increase her stress levels. Children should still have unstructured playtime at home. To keep from overscheduling, consider enrolling your child in a different program every season of the year instead of year-long activities. This will provide your youngster with a broad range of activities without filling up your schedule.

If kids’ extracurricular activities are leaving them exhausted and yearning for some downtime, it might be a sign to cut back on an

activity. If you’re having trouble choosing which activity to cut out of your schedule, try to keep activities that will make your kids the most well rounded. If they are in two music classes and one art class, it might be time to drop that second music class.

Check your budget.

Before enrolling your child in an activity, make sure you’ve covered all of the costs involved and feel comfortable with the financial commitment. Many activities might have small fees to enroll, but extra costs like uniforms, equipment and competitive fees can add up.

Make sure you aren’t caught off guard by those extra costs.

Look at each child individually.

If you have more than one child, looking at each child as an individual is important. Even though your oldest child loved martial arts, your youngest might have no interest in that activity. The same is true for parents. Many parents want their children to follow in their footsteps, but your child might be interested in activities that hold no interest for you.

Find the fun!

Make sure all of the activities you enroll your children in have some aspect of fun added in the mix. Enjoying programs they’re involved in is important for kids. Otherwise, they won’t be motivated to continue going. Children also learn better when they are enjoying themselves.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 4-year-old daughter

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19

finding fun and

development in music

Benefits from lessons reach far beyond the ability to sing or play an instrument

W

hen Independence mom Liz Rush began taking her

oldest daughter to early childhood music classes as an infant, she was skeptical her daughter would truly benefit from the lessons at such a young age. Yet within a few lessons, her daughter began to get excited and interact with the music and anticipate what they were going to do next in the class.

“It’s quite fun to watch them develop at that age and see them flourish when music is turned on,” says Rush, who now also teaches early childhood Kindermusik classes. “It’s like a light bulb turns on in their brain.”

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kcparent.com september 2018

Rush’s daughter is now 11 and taking piano and drum lessons. Rush typically doesn’t have to tell her to practice, because she wants to learn to play harder songs and challenge herself. She also has learned if she practices and perseveres, the end result is worth her efforts. Additionally, her daughter has been able to perform in front of groups of people with confidence and has scored high in math and science.

Rush says movement, dancing and motor skills are all an important part of the early childhood music classes she instructs. The classes teach toddlers sharing, listening skills, cause and effect relationships, taking ownership of music and putting names to movements. With preschoolers in the 3-to-5 age range, they work on learning note names and relating that to math skills.

“It’s awesome when they figure out there is music everywhere—at church, in the car, restaurant and grocery store,” Rush says. And even if young children don’t do everything the class does, Rush says they are still absorbing it all and often do the motions and movements later at home.

Rita Scherer, director of the Musik Connection in Independence, also emphasizes the benefits of starting music lessons early.

“It awakens the child’s brain to listening skills, musical skills, vocal skills and the benefits of math and science,” Scherer says.

Scherer also says science shows that music activates both sides of the brain, and when children are exposed to music early when the brain is developing, they typically score higher in math and science.

She says birth to age 7 is the ideal time to expose kids to music in order to make those connections in the brain. Unfortunately, because of budget cuts, many schools do not begin offering the opportunity to learn an instrument until upper elementary school, something Scherer laments. She says children are very capable of learning instruments earlier and often find it easier to learn when they are younger.

Various locations offer Kindermusik early childhood classes throughout the metro, and other early childhood lessons can be found in town through Music Together, Music with Mar and the Music House School of Music, among others.

Music also gives children an outlet emotionally when they have had a bad day.

Scherer says sitting down and playing an

instrument can be a healthy way to soothe a child when he needs an emotional release.

“If you can master an instrument, you can master life,” she says.

Independence mom Cynthia Chinnery’s 15-year-old son began taking music classes at 18 months and is currently taking piano lessons. Her 19-year-old son began music classes in preschool and continued in music up into his teen years, learning piano and guitar.

She believes these lessons have had a tremendous impact on many aspects of their lives, especially in the academic areas of math and science. Her oldest son is now a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition to academics, she says her sons have learned to work hard to master something.

Recitals also taught them confidence in performing in front of a group of people.

If you can master an instrument, you can master life.

“The focus and discipline that was instilled from a very young age carries on,” Chinnery says.

Through whatever means parents choose, remembering to teach kids that elements of music can be found in everything is important, according to Rush. “I don’t think it’s a 30-minute-a-week thing,” she says.

“Music is ingrained in us and around us at all times.”

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit mom and writer who enjoys seeing her preschool-age son get excited about music.

Beyond the music The benefits of childhood music lessons are many, and some include:

• Higher scores in math and science • Self-confidence • Self-discipline • Perseverance • Emotional stability • Listening skills • Motor skill development • Ability to focus • Increased sense of awareness

DANCE SHOPPE Celebrating 33 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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21

a gr a

eb ov

rent’s a p l nd

U

ntil I became a grandmother, I could not possibly understand the feeling of watching my baby girl have her baby boy. She asked why I was crying as soon as he was born, and I had no words except, “You will understand when your child has a baby!”

When your parents watch their grandchildren achieve milestones and grow and learn, they have a love that is so dear, and the pride is real and unmatched. No one adores your children like a grandparent.

And your children will learn so much from them in the form of unspoken and lasting ideals.

When children have good relationships with their grandparents, the benefits honestly go way beyond warm fuzzy feelings or Christmas presents. It turns out close bonds affect how they view the elderly in general. A new study, published in the journal Child Development, finds that youngsters who spend quality time with their grandparents are less likely to hold “ageist” opinions about older people.

“When I spent time with my grandchildren, I found that alone time with them, away from their parents when I babysat when they went on trips, gave them a feeling of security. They realized that I loved them just as much as Mommy and Daddy,” says Olivene Harper, grandmother to four grown grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. “Now that my grandchildren are older, I enjoy the conversations I hold with them about their school, own children and jobs. It is the most enriching relationship I could ever wish to have. And, even though my grandson is 22 now and in college, he still asks for a batch of my homemade chocolate chip cookies for any holiday, which I gladly mail to him.”

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Truly, grandparents are always a blast! They shower your children with unconditional love and expect nothing in return. Just spending time with your kiddos gives them complete fulfillment. Life is busy, and thank goodness Skype, social media and fancy phones now send videos, photos and conversations, so no matter where you all live, you can stay close.

A big part of what your parents will do for your children is to reinforce the morals you are teaching them. The lessons of the older generation, who have wisdom and experiences you may not have had yet, can enrich your child. Those stories, morals, advice and new activities (from the old days!) can shape your children’s thoughts and reflect in their personalities later on.

Grandparents understand like no friend can. A friendly connection at home helps restore mental agility and becomes a stress reliever as well. A grandparent rarely worries about your child’s grades or other social parameters that, as a parent, you must worry about. Kindness from a grandparent helps kids with both social and cognitive behaviors.

If this is not enough, here is one more proven fact: Grandparents who spend time with their grandchildren live longer, which means your children get more time with them and you can reap the benefits of having them around. In fact, a study showed that grandparents who provided some sort of care for their grandchildren had a 37 percent lower death ratio than those who

did not. Spending time helps sharpen your parents’ cognitive skills and reduces stress, helps memory and other mental tasks. It makes them stay more active and results in lower depression.

So, while you are exposing your children to a wealth of knowledge and experience in their grandparents, you are at the same time giving your parents a treasured gift of a healthier lifestyle and fulfillment beyond measure.

An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

To help young children bond with grandparents, try these ideas:

1

Plan playdates or special activities.

For example, if your parents like movies, have them take your child to a movie in the theater. This gives them a special time to laugh and be close.

2

Involve your parents in the lessons you are teaching your child. If you have taken the special effort to teach a toddler sign language to help him communicate, show your parents so they can interact.

3

Reinforce traditions your parents impart, such as making sausage balls for Christmas morning, grilled cheese sandwiches on birthdays or helping wash the car. Activities like this are the ones that last.

Sources: CountryLiving.com, TheHealthSite.com, Parenting.com, RetireAtHome.com

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kcparent.com september 2018

23

THE COTERIE THEATRE

celebrating 40 YEARS

THE COTERIE THEATRE is

embarking on its 40th season of producing new works for young audiences and their families. Although a big anniversary seems to be a natural time for reflection, artistic director Jeff Church says the Coterie is taking a different approach. “Often theaters use anniversaries to look back at what’s been accomplished. But at the Coterie, we serve as an early introduction to live theater to many of the young people in our audience, and those experiences become touchstones that are shared with their friends and classmates, brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. It inspires us to use this anniversary as not just an opportunity to look back but as a springboard for what’s coming ahead—how we’ll connect to the next generation.”

Since its inception in 1979, the Coterie has produced live theater and educational programs that have been enjoyed by more than a million youth and family audiences alike. Founders Judith Yeckel and Vicky Lee, two graduate theater students from UMKC, began the organization with the intention of

serving children from all walks of life. “The Coterie’s reach is phenomenal,” executive director Joette Pelster says. “We serve urban, rural and suburban schools and families.”

As a multigenerational theater serving k-12 children, the Coterie aims to bring classics to life, while also tackling important social issues in the process. “We believe live theater and acting classes should not end for a child in elementary school,” Pelster says.

“A significant portion of our programming is directed at the middle and high school student, an age often underserved in the arts.” The Coterie’s influence has reached beyond the stage to include theater classes, in-school workshops and playwriting intensives throughout the metropolitan area.

The Coterie is a nationally recognized forerunner in children’s theater, and its new season boasts an exciting lineup comprising two plays and four musicals. The season kicks off with Becoming Martin, the Coterie’s 51st world premiere, commissioned by the University of Kansas’ film studies professor and Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winner Kevin Willmot. Becoming Martin,

written for audiences 11+, chronicles the early life of Martin Luther King, Jr., his early admittance into Morehouse College at 15 and the relationship that formed between him and college president Dr. Benjamin Mays. The show runs from Sept. 18 to Oct. 21 in community partnership with the Black Archives of Mid-America and Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City.

“For those families who have made it a tradition to visit the Coterie during their holiday and summer breaks, we will not disappoint,” Church says regarding the theater’s bringing back its two most requested shows, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play. “We’ve heard over and over again how much parents and grandparents love these two productions because the adults love watching their kids watch the show!

Seeing them witness the wonder and magic of live theater is as much fun as the shows themselves!”

Lauren Greenlee is a boy mom, a theater fanatic and a writer hailing from Olathe.

FOR TICKETS AND A LIST OF THE COMPLETE SEASON OF SHOWS, VISIT THECOTERIE.ORG.

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kcparent.com september 2018

WORDFROMDAD

to

n! w o d h uc

ot any big plans for tonight?”

On this warm, Friday evening in September, Sandi was headed out the door for work and I stood on the porch, bidding her farewell.

I pointed to the lights at the high school stadium. “You bet. We’re going to watch a football game.”

About a half dozen times a year, Belton High School had a home game and, before construction of the new stadium, they played at the end of our block. The floodlights illuminated the tops of our trees, and the marching band sounded like it was in our backyard, but I never complained. At the high school level, the kids play their hearts out for the glory of the game, and I loved every second.

“Ooh, wish I could come.” She cast a covetous glance toward the high school.

“Me, too. Have a great evening.” I watched her drive away and went back inside with the boys.

After dinner, I took their hands and we headed toward the stadium. The parking lot fills rapidly, and strange cars lined our curbs, but all the traffic had stopped by the time I threaded our way down the street.

Seated in the bleachers, we watched the opening kickoff sail through the air. The mixture of the autumn evening, the noise of the crowd, the excitement of the game made me smile as I remembered high school games from my youth, so many years ago.

I led James and Ian in cheering, standing at exciting plays. The colorful jerseys moving across the field kept their attention, but, when the game ended, they yawned, ready for the walk home.

Her shift over, Sandi joined me later that evening while the boys slept. “Well, how’d it go?”

I stood and raised both hands into the air.

“Touchdown.”

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com september 2018

25

five favorite pizzerias in kansas city September is busy with school in full swing and the onslaught of extracurricular activities.

Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on Sept. 5 and Pepperoni Pizza Day on Sept. 20.

We think these are perfect excuses to enjoy one of our favorite local pizzerias.

d’Bronx (DBronxKC.com)

eyes, Spin! is both fun and delish! On Sunday, enjoy one free kids meal for ages 12 and under with purchase of an adult entrée.

The Crown Center location is our favorite when we visit the Coterie, Sea Life or Legoland, but the other locations are just as tasty. If you ask, they’ll give children a free bit of dough to play with (like play-dough) while they wait for their food. In addition to delicious New York-style pizza, they also serve delicatessen quality sandwiches.

Waldo Pizza (WaldoPizza.net)

Pizza Shoppe (PizzaShoppe.com) Pizza Shoppe is your affordable local option with many locations and a family meal deal for under $20 on Tuesday nights. We love this budget-friendly, family-friendly pizzeria.

The “Pink Stuff” is their trademark salad dressing that you may enjoy on a side salad or purchase to take home.

Spin! Pizza (SpinPizza.com) Spin! Neapolitan Pizza is known for their specialty pizzas. With modern, fun decor and pizza prepared right before your

Waldo Pizza offers multiple locations in the metro. This eatery is known for delicious gourmet pizza, including Grimaldi’s Pizzeria vegan and gluten-free options. We especially love Monday nights at the 7433 Broadway St., Kansas City, MO, location, where patrons can see a live magician from 6:00 to 8:00.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (GrimaldisPizzeria.com) Located in south Overland Park, Grimaldi’s is the most award-winning pizzeria in the U.S., with fresh ingredients, handmade mozzarella, secret recipe dough and sauce.

Enjoy pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in a signature coal-burning oven. Ask for pizza dough for kids to play with while you wait for your pie—so fun!

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kcparent.com

1

7/30/18 2:02 PM

six reasons to walk or bike to school

R

emember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time or walking to school on the first day?

Give your kids that feeling of joy and independence—a sense of adventure—that doesn’t fade.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Obesity affects 18.5 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States—triple the rate from just one generation ago.” To increase the amount of exercise the average child gets, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and teens get at least one hour per day most days of the week. Riding their bikes or walking to school instead of taking the more convenient and faster carpool can make a big difference in daily activity.

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kcparent.com september 2018

Did you know?

National Walk to School Day is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Here are six reasons to walk or bike to school:

1 2 3

Exercise. Walking and bicycling to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need into each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Cleaner air. When families decide to lace up their sneakers or strap on their bike helmets to

get to school instead of riding in a car, they help reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles.

Safer streets. Communities with more people walking and bicycling tend to have lower crash rates for all types of travel. One reason may be that motorists drive more cautiously when they expect to encounter walkers and bicyclists. More walkers and bicyclists also can improve personal security by providing more “eyes on the street.”

4 5 6

More money in your pocket. Families save on gas, communities spend less on building and maintaining roads and school districts spend less on busing.

More quality time. Parents, children and friends can enjoy one another’s company without the usual distractions.

Community connection. When walking or biking, parents and children get to

appreciate things they don’t notice while driving: listening to the sounds of the neighborhood, seeing friends and neighbors and feeling connected with their community.

Find a map of participating schools and resources to help organize an event at WalkToSchoolKC.com.

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party guide birthday parties on a budget

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his year, consider giving your child the ultimate birthday party, one where he can play, have fun and just be a kid. The added bonus is that you get to keep your sanity and money.

Follow these steps (some of which go against everything you’ve ever read about birthday parties) and you’ll have a stress-free celebration everyone can enjoy.

1

Either call family and friends or visit Evite.com to save the cost of invitations and stamps. Invite them to your home or maybe even to a park shelter you reserve in advance. Set the party time for 1:00 so guests know lunch won’t be served (think of the cost plus setup and cleanup!). Make the pickup time clear; a couple of hours is usually plenty of time for a good shindig.

2

The night before the party, bake the cake or cupcakes (from a box, of course). Feel free to get fancy on the cake if you have that talent; otherwise, most kids are just thrilled to have sugar in any form. You could even bake a special small cake, maybe heartshaped, just for the birthday kid and let him decorate it himself.

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On party day, don’t worry about setting up a craft or handing out costly goodie bags for the kids. Most parents these days are into decluttering and find their kids have way too much junk. Craft and goodie bag paraphernalia will likely just get thrown away later. Parents will appreciate not having to take home anything except for their child and won’t feel guilty because you spent more on a goodie bag than they did on your child’s gift.

4

To kill some time, consider a piñata (filled with something quickly disposed of, like candy or fruit snacks instead of junky toys). Otherwise, kids don’t need every minute of their day scheduled for them—running wild is what they are best at, especially at a birthday party!

6

Make the decorations simple, especially for younger kids who probably don’t watch enough television to even have a favorite cartoon character. Colored paper plates work great, as do regular plastic forks (recycle those forks if you’re going green!). Rather than buying expensive Mylar balloons, blow up some store-bought colored balloons yourself and tape them to walls and doorways or leave them loose on the floor.

7

Speaking of gifts, are you tired of your kid’s receiving so many gifts at a birthday party that you can’t even find a place to put them all? Melissa, mom of one, says she asked guests to bring canned goods for Harvesters instead of gifts. What a way to teach the birthday boy or girl, as well as his or her guests, about gratitude and going green!

5

Assign one adult party-goer to take pictures and one to take video of all the fun, including the opening of gifts and blowing out of candles, so you can concentrate on celebrating with your child and keeping track of the other kids.

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) lives in Peculiar, MO, and enjoys throwing five birthday parties a year for her kids!

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listen &

learn podcast highlights and reviews

podcast episodes are like Netflix for your ears.

podcasts

are enjoying ever-increasing popularity, and listeners can find shows on any topics their hearts desire.

As a mother, I’ve found podcasts to be a saving grace in offering some conversation and community during the mundane and menial tasks of life at home. They can be entertaining, informative, challenging, encouraging and so fun!

Last summer I was introduced to my first podcast and, since then, have become a huge fan! Before I began listening, I had no idea what a podcast even was. It sounded too techie to me for some reason, which made me feel old. But ironically, podcasts are like a new way to listen to a radio show, just as folks would gather around the family radio back in the day. In our instant gratification culture these days, podcast episodes are like Netflix for your ears.

After our third move and transition to our new life in our fourth state, podcasts are saving my life right now. I have a lot of time alone with my kids—which can make me feel lonely without ever being alone.

With a traveling husband and a child that

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kcparent.com september 2018

still naps (thankfully!), I find podcasts are a way for me to feel like a part of some quality conversation with some friends while I get housework and meal prep done. I find myself more productive when washing dishes and doing laundry—tasks I look forward to as long as I can listen to a podcast as well!

To start listening, either head to the podcast website on your computer or simply use an app on your smart phone. Various podcast platforms and apps are available, such as the Podcast App and Overcast, but I primarily use the purple Apple Podcast app already installed on my iPhone. Android users recently had the Google Podcast app made available to them. Next, search for a specific podcast show or a topic you’re interested in; your app of choice will then list all podcasts relating to that topic. I’m seriously amazed how many topics are being covered, from marriage, parenthood and minimalism to crocheting, gardening and pets. Then click on the show and click play! If you find one or a few you love, you even can subscribe to them, which will have all-new episodes on your phone ready to go

when they are available. Either listen with your device’s speaker or plug in your headphones.

Due to the overabundance of podcasts from which to choose, I am just going to mention a few under a few categories and review the ones I’m most familiar with.

We will start with some local podcasts, including The Kansas City Podcast, Kansas City Royals Podcast and Speak Easy: A Visit KC Podcast.

You’ll find plenty of parenthood/ motherhood podcasts to choose from, including Parenting on Purpose, Parenting Beyond Discipline, Love and Logic, Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled, Have a New Kid by Friday Podcast with Dr. Kevin Leman, Mom Struggling Well with Emily Thomas, Coffee and Crumbs and the Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie.

Parenthood tends to run into many of the faith centered podcasts I’ve come across too. I have friends that rave about the God Centered Mom Podcast, and I have been a longtime fan of For the Love with Jen Hatmaker and The Happy Hour with

Jamie Ivey. These are two of my must-listen podcasts that I anticipate every week.

If you’re interested in health and fitness, try listening to Well-Fed Women or Another Mother Runner the Podcast, although I think I prefer their books—so maybe check those out in conjunction with the podcasts.

You also can use podcasts to obtain your daily news. All the major networks have a news podcast. NPR offers several podcasts to choose from, including Up First that gives you the news you need to start your day in 10 minutes while you’re getting ready in the morning.

Some other categories and shows to consider would be The Dave Ramsey Show, discussing real life and money; The Simple Show, The Minimalists and The Purpose Show that advise and discuss minimalism and simple living; Marriage More, Marriage Is Funny and Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast to focus on your marriage.

As for pure entertainment, check out The Popcast with Knox and Jamie, Sorta Awesome, Stuff You Missed in History Class, The History Chicks, By the Book and one of

my other top three favorites, What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel. I am a reader and aspire to read more each year. This podcast has helped me create a long list of books on my to-be-read (TBR) list. Firstly, I find Anne’s voice soothing as she chats with her guests about their reading life, their three favorite books, as well as a book they didn’t like and why. Anne then gives her guests three suggestions for books they should read next.

As we shuttle kids to and fro during this school year or head off on some holiday road trips, podcasts can be a great addition to your arsenal of tricks to make the trip go by more quickly. Laura Loeffert, Overland Park mother of three, says, “Our two favorites are NPR Wow in the World and Disney Story Central. We love these because they vary in lengths so we can choose a podcast based on how far we are driving. Wow in the World is fun because I learn something new and it creates a great discussion with the girls.” An abundance of choices are available depending on ages, length of time and type.

Here are a few noteworthy family podcasts to look into for your future hours in the car.

• Storynory • Eleanor Amplified • Stories Podcast • Stories Alive • The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd • Stuff You Should Know • Brains On • The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast • The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian • But Why? • Dream Big Podcast • The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 6, and Slade, 3, and enjoys listening to her favorite podcasts each week. You can read more at LettersFromTheLouxes.com.

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, Sept. 29 – Dec. 8 $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register through JCCC Continuing Education: 913-469-2323 www.nermanmuseum.org FREE general admission Free NMOCA KIDS family guide with NEW outdoor sculpture activity cards.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College kcparent.com september 2018

35

tracking teens: setting limits and giving freedom

t

hanks to GPS technology in smartphones, we have plenty of options when it comes to keeping up with our teenagers. But should we? As with so many other parenting decisions, it mostly depends on what works best for your family and what skills you are trying to help your adolescent develop.

“Life is a progression, and that’s how we should raise our teens as well. Make sure you start where you can build up,” says Jennifer Jackson-Rice, LSCSW, a child and adolescent therapist at Resolve, Prairie Village. “If you are allowing a curfew of midnight at 15, what are you allowing at the age of 17? Each kid masters skills differently.”

During the teen years, it’s developmentally appropriate for kids to strive for more independence. Parents help foster responsibility by slowly giving more freedom over time as trust is built and skills are learned.

curbing distracted driving. Many parents use

“ During the teen years, it’s developmentally appropriate for kids to strive for more independence.”

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tracking apps to help reinforce important safety practices when they aren’t there.

Jackson-Rice says she and her husband opted for the Cell Control app when their son got his driver’s license.

“We wanted him to develop a very healthy habit of not being on his phone while in his car from the beginning,” she says.

With any skill that you are nurturing, clarifying and implementing consequences if rules are broken are essential.

For some families, that might mean pulling back on their teen’s curfew or restricting driving privileges.

“Once that skill has been mastered, then move away from the app,” Jackson-Rice advises. “Teenagers are supposed to be explorers. They’re supposed to gain some independence, and we’re supposed to be able to trust. When we need to put a consequence in, we put a consequence in, and we start over again.”

supporting new drivers. Kelly Wornall, Lenexa, opted for Life 360 when her 16-year-old son started driving, also to reinforce safe driving.

mutual trust-building strategies • Discuss tracking/safety apps as a family.

• T alk about personal safety measures in cars and with social media.

• Model safety measures.

• B e present and available to connect with your teen, like when they arrive home at curfew.

•C arve out dedicated family time

throughout the week (include their friends if they desire).

• B e flexible; kids learn skills at different paces.

“We use the app more for peace of mind when he’s out driving,” Wornall says. “A huge benefit of the app is the feature where I can click ‘get directions to my child.’ He is horrible with directions, and we’ve had several instances where I’ve needed to meet up with him. I would have had issues finding him without the app.”

The app offers crash detection and emergency response, a map pinpointing your loved one’s location and weekly driver reports, highlighting phone usage, acceleration, braking and top speeds.

“The app is a little security blanket for us. We have a strong relationship with our kids, and we trust them. The kids know Life 360 is on their phones. It’s a decision we agreed on as a family,” Wornall says. “The boys track us too, so sometimes I feel like the tables are turned!”

tracking for control. Although she can see the wisdom of apps for vehicular safety, mom of five Cheryl McGaugh, Linn County, KS, has chosen not to use apps as a way to keep tabs on her kids.

“I feel that if I lead and guide with mutual love and respect, I have no need or reason to track them,” McGaugh says, whose kids are 22, 16, 14, 11 and 9.

Apps like mSpy and SpyBubble can be used anonymously to monitor your teen’s texts, calls and social media accounts.

Some experts believe monitoring apps can cross a line if your teens have never given you a reason not to trust them.

“If you have a difficult kiddo that has some boundary issues and following rules issues, then I see how apps could benefit when safety is a concern,” Jackson-Rice says. “Where we run into trouble is when there wasn’t a reason for us to become so hyper-involved with our teens.”

Without opportunities to practice independence and selfreliance, teens may struggle with dependency issues or poor decision-making when they eventually experience full-blown freedom after leaving home for college, trade school or a job.

“They then begin to learn independence when we’re not there as parents to monitor, protect, guide and give natural consequences,” Jackson-Rice says.

how much do you want to know? The problem Jackson-Rice ran into with Cell Control was she got more information than she wanted, like her son’s acceleration rate, since the app also tracked his driving speed.

“What we learned is that it created a lot of anxiety in parenting, which I’ve heard from many parents. They’re constantly aware of what their teenager is doing,” Jackson-Rice says.

Of course, once you have that information, you have to decide what you’re going to do with it.

Jackson-Rice says she chose to ignore the extra information, instead zeroing in on her goal of teaching her son not to use his phone while driving. If he gets pulled over by the police for speeding, he’ll have to face the natural consequences of receiving a speeding ticket.

As for Wornall, Life 360 has been a good fit for her family’s current needs.

“In using a tracking app, you as a parent are skating on a fine line between making sure your kid is safe and stalking them,” Wornall says. “We don’t want to be helicopter parents, but at the same time, we want to know he arrived safely at his destinations.”

Common Tracking & Safety Apps • Life 360 • Our Pact • Circle • Bark • Cell Control • iPhone’s “find my phone” feature • B lue tooth options that shut down texting and driving

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and their two middle school sons. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

kcparent.com september 2018

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celebrating

collect rocks day in kc

By Kristina Light

i

f you have a curious kid in your family, you may have encountered a pocket full of rocks in your laundry on more than one occasion. This month, in the spirit of Collect Rocks Day (Sept.16), encourage your junior rock hound with one of these fun ideas:

UMKC’s Richard L. Sutton, Jr. Geosciences Museum

Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

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Lenexa Infants-School Age 10216 Pflumm Rd. 913.894.0131

This free museum is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. You may explore the museum independently or call ahead and request a tour, 816.235.1334.

The exhibits include a vast collection of rocks, minerals and fossils. Children will be fascinated by the interactive display showing rocks with fluid inclusions, giant fossils, beautiful geodes and the museum’s crinoid collection. Crinoids, or “starfish on a stick,” were abundant in downtown Kansas City, once ringed by a shallow sea. To learn more about this fascinating field trip, head to KCParent.com and search “Visiting UMKC’s Geosciences Museum.”

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Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center This free nature site is home to nearly 4.5 miles of trails where visitors hike and explore, discovering ruins from early settlers’ cabins including chimneys made of stone, natural creeks and a small cave with a spring in it. The site was a key historical point for the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails. Visiting the park is free to the public and the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

KU Natural History Museum

The Kindness Rock Project

If your interests extend beyond rocks to fossils, you’ll learn a lot on a visit to the KU Natural History Museum, where visitors will see fossils—most famously the ancient mosasaurs—and the facility which is home to 1.2 million archaeological artifacts. The museum offers four floors of exhibits and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 to 5:00 and Sundays noon to 4:00. The suggested contribution is $7 per adult and $4 per child.

Begun more than a year ago on the West Coast as a fun alternative to Pokemon Go and a way to spread kindness, the Kindness Rocks Project (TheKindnessRocksProject.com) has become a trend across the nation.

Families decorate rocks (paint and seal them) and leave instructions on the bottom with a hashtag or Facebook group name telling others about your rock group.

When you find one, you can post a photo in the Facebook group and either keep the

rock or trade it for one of your own. Fans love to hide rocks at local parks, trails and attractions. Many are adorned with messages of kindness and friendship. Local painted rock groups on Facebook include:

• OverlandParkRocks • Shawnee KS Rocks!

• OlatheROCKS • Raytown Rocks!

• Kansas City Rocks • Raymore/Belton Rocks • Liberty Rocks

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raising a child with a

IQ

s technology makes our world more accessible and open, raising children who are globally aware and able to appreciate and thrive in other cultures is becoming more important. Living in the middle of the United States doesn’t make teaching your children about the world and exposing them to other ways of life impossible.

In fact, raising children with an appreciation for other cultures and curiosity about the world is quite easy. You just have to be purposeful in your choices and integrate diversity into your daily life. Here are some ways you can help your children think globally at any age!

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Encourage children to learn a language.

Watch diverse media. Choose age-appropriate TV and

Learning a language is easier than ever, and starting young is best!

If you know another language, whether fluently or even just a little, speak to your children in that language when you can. If you don’t know another language, consider learning with them. You’ll find many language-learning apps available for children both young and old. We use Duolingo, which is free and has a variety of languages available. The app is easy to use. You can decide how often you’d like to practice, and your children can earn rewards in the game.

movies for your children that feature other cultures and have discussions about what they see. Whether it’s Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer or Ni Hao Kai Lan, many options for younger children feature diverse characters and language. As children get older, you can start watching nonfiction programming set in other nations or even foreign language TV and movies with subtitles.

Buy a map. Buy a world map and hang it in your home where your children will see it or get a globe for their bedroom. Play games and ask them to find certain countries or continents. Or even just “find a country that starts with “C,” for younger children.

Talk about the places you’ve visited or point out a place you’d like to visit. Focus on the fact that there are children just like yours living all over the world.

Choose multicultural toys. When choosing toys for your young children, don’t pick just the ones that look like you.

Playing with dolls of different races and with traditional cultural dress will help your child to realize the world is full of all kinds of people. You also can choose educational toys that help your child learn another language, such as the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Kitchen or wooden blocks with Chinese characters.

Visit another nation. Travel is the very best way to expose your children to the world outside their community. If you are able to travel internationally, don’t hesitate to bring your children along. You may think they are too young or won’t appreciate it, but the more they are exposed to international travel, the more they will learn and appreciate it. While visiting, take part in local customs, eat local cuisine, try to speak the language when you can and visit important historical landmarks for that nation.

Take things up a notch for older kids and have them research the country before your trip, reading about its history, geography and language.

Take part in local cultural events. Can’t be a globetrotter? That’s okay! Kansas City offers so many cultural activities where your children can encounter diverse customs, cuisine and activities. Some of our favorites include:

• Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park • Dia De Los Muertos events at the Nelson-Atkins and

Follow international sports. The Olympics, the World Cup and international sport leagues provide a great opportunity to get your sports-loving children thinking globally. Choose a team to root for in addition to the United States and follow that nation’s athletes. Point out the different uniforms, flags, names and languages

Enjoy art from around the world. Exposing your children to art and music from other nations and cultures could not be easier in Kansas City. Whether it’s exploring the African, Asian or European galleries at the Nelson-Atkins or attending a KC Ballet performance of The Nutcracker or a show at the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College featuring many performers from other nations, you’ll find diverse art and music experiences ample here in KC. Learn about your own heritage. We all came from somewhere. Make sure your kids know where they came from.

Tell them the stories of your ancestors and learn about the different cultures they came from. Talk about customs they may have brought with them or kept alive. Talk about how things would be different for your kids if your ancestors hadn’t come to the United States.

Read. From birth, choose a variety of books that highlight diverse cultures to read to your children. When your kids are old enough to read on their own, help them select reading material that exposes them to a variety of cultures. Whether it’s a novel set in another nation or fascinating nonfiction, books are ideal for expanding comfort zones and widening perspectives. Many children’s and young adult books set in other parts of the world will help your child understand what it’s like to grow up in another culture. Ask your librarian for recommendations!

Whatever methods you choose, raising global children is a mindset. Integrate diversity and multiculturalism into your daily life, and your children will develop a natural curiosity about the world that will lead them to great places!

Guadalupe Centers

• Irish Fest at Crown Center • Chinese New Year at the Nelson-Atkins These are just a few we’ve attended and enjoyed, but the city offers many more, including the Festa Italia, Juneteenth, Greek Festival and more. Find an event near you on KCParent.com and try it out.

Sara Keenan’s home is in Brookside, but she’s spending a year living in Europe with her family, where their favorite local customs include volksmarching and weekend festivals. kcparent.com september 2018

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m

: a i n o ms o m

less p e e l s g helpin ms reclaim rest supermo

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hen Annie Krusznis gave birth seven years ago, she expected to sacrifice some sleep in the early months of parenthood.

She rejoiced the first time her son, Will slept through the night, thinking her sleep woes were over. She didn’t know she would endure three more years of insomnia while he slept peacefully in his crib.

Parenting an active toddler by day and struggling with insomnia at night “was almost a form of torture,” Krusznis recalls.

“I began to lose sight of everything. I got frustrated easily, I couldn’t focus. I developed symptoms of depression.”

Her story is far from unique. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 67 percent of women have frequent sleep problems. Nearly half of women report tiredness that interferes with daily life, leaving them too tired for exercise, healthy eating or friends.

When it comes to sleep, women have a natural disadvantage compared to men. They experience higher rates of insomnia and nighttime pain, but actually need more sleep— around 20 minutes more per night, according to sleep expert Jim Horne, author of Sleepfaring: A Journey Through The Science Of Sleep.

When women become moms, sleep deprivation becomes a way of life. Nearly three-quarters of moms experience sleep problems. And 10 percent of moms confess that they’re still not getting a full night’s sleep, even as kids approach the preschool years.

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Why Moms Need Their Sleep

Shedding the Sleep Stigma

With the dishes, laundry, bills, email, Facebook and Game of Thrones all clamoring for our attention, who has time for a full night’s sleep? Women in their prime caregiving years, ages 30 through 60, clock only six hours and 41 minutes of sleep per weeknight. Moms who work full time report spending less than six hours nightly in bed during the week.

But a busy schedule doesn’t diminish our need for sleep, says Sridar Chalaka, MD, director of the North Puget Sound Center for Sleep Disorders. When we repeatedly shortchange our sleep needs, our bodies pay the price.

Moms with sleep troubles experience higher rates of postpartum depression, along with a host of other health and mood problems, from irritability and poor concentration to insulin resistance and weight gain. “People with sleep disorders experience so many other health problems; you can almost see them aging faster,” says Chalaka.

Those who spend their days shuttling kids around town should take note: Sleep deprivation and driving can be a dangerous combination. More than onequarter of women admit to driving while drowsy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes 100,000 auto accidents each year to drowsy driving.

Moms are keenly aware of the importance of sleep. After all, we enforce kids’ bedtimes and make sure everyone else gets enough shut-eye. So why do we find it so difficult to get the rest we need?

In addition to our own biology, we’re battling powerful social forces that tell us that we need to stay up later, finish one last email or fold one more load of laundry before we turn in. People who barely sleep— recently dubbed the “sleepless elite” by the Wall Street Journal—are seen as dedicated and driven.

Ironically, says Chalaka, women who forgo sleep to wring more productivity from their days are actually preventing themselves from working at their peak. “We acclimate to sleep deprivation, so we may never realize that we’d be much more creative, calmer, more productive and less stressed if we’d only get more rest,” he says.

Reclaiming Rest The good news: The key to improving our physical and mental health, our parenting and our lives is simple, easy, enjoyable and free. We just need more sleep.

Moms who look after their kids’ sleep needs should take care to look after their own “sleep hygiene,” says Robert Aronson, MD, medical director of Cardinal Sleep Disorder Centers of America. He recommends a predictable wind-down ritual

How much sleep should your kids get? Find out at KCParent.com.

of the Florida Sleep Institute. Those like Krusznis who struggle with insomnia for months or years may be experiencing psycho-physiological insomnia. This “learned” insomnia takes hold when night waking becomes a habit, and can persist for years without treatment, he says.

Sweeter Dreams Today, Krusznis sleeps through the night and calls her insomnia ordeal a strange twist of fate. “I got frustrated with my son for not sleeping. And then I couldn’t take my own advice,” she says.

If insomnia ever returns, she’ll get help sooner, she says. “I’ll never go through that. Ever again.”

at bedtime, avoiding strong light in the evening and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Moms who experience sleep troubles that disrupt their daily lives for more than a month should seek professional help, says William Kohler, MD, medical director

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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

Sleep Help for Moms n

Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid varying your sleep schedule, even on weekends.

n

Exercise four to five hours before bedtime; avoid exercising late at night.

n

Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable room. The ideal bedroom temperature is 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit.

n

Avoid caffeine or other stimulants after 2:00 in the afternoon.

n

Enjoy a short afternoon power nap, but avoid sleeping for longer than 45 minutes or you’ll disrupt nighttime rest.

n

Check your medications: Antidepressants, thyroid hormones, beta blockers, diuretics and some decongestants can harm sleep.

n

Alcohol at bedtime can lead to poor quality sleep, so don’t overdo it.

n

Relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback and aromatherapy all have been shown to improve sleep.

n

See a doctor if insomnia disrupts your daily life for more than a month.

PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N

kcparent.com september 2018

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a

diamond hunting and tree houses: fall family adventures autumn is approaching, and that means it’s time for a family adventure with beautiful fall foliage, great photo ops and unforgettable fun. These are two trips our family enjoys, especially in the fall!

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park 2038 W. State Hwy. 86, Lampe, MO, DogwoodCanyon.org.

Admission charged; rates vary for age and chosen attraction.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri/Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks.

The park is beautiful year-round, but we’re especially partial to autumn weather when the air is crisp and the fall foliage starts to change. At Dogwood Canyon, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts or savor a delicious meal at the restaurant, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the waterfall. We were very impressed with the hospitality and helpfulness of the staff.

Next, you may explore the park. My girls were especially enchanted with the Nature & Conservation Center and Tree House. Fans of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters may have watched as the beautiful tree house was designed and built showcasing the beauty of the Ozarks and offering a whimsical playground for children.

After exploring the tree house, our family chose to enjoy a bike tour through the park’s paved trails (you may bring bikes or rent on site). They also offer Segway tours, horseback riding, fishing and walking tours. On the bike trail, we saw beautiful waterfalls, crossed bridges, explored a small cave and saw a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds.

Next, we took a tram tour. This was my personal favorite. The open-air trams take you on a two-hour guided tour where you

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will see bison, elk, whitetail deer and Texas longhorns. On our tour, we were excited to see a baby bison who was only a few weeks old.

Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife at the park and gave us many opportunities to take photos along the way.

The tram tour is one of the most popular attractions at the park, so reservations are necessary as slots fill quickly.

Dogwood Canyon is a beautiful nature reserve with acres to explore biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, eating and just relaxing. Plan to spend an entire day if you visit this attraction.

Nearby: You may visit the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium (WondersOfWildlife.org) in Springfield, MO. This museum features beautiful natural history exhibits with wildlife displays and a world-class aquarium where you’ll enjoy a huge stingray touch tank, among the many highlights.

For great day trip ideas, head to KCParent.com

An Arkansas Adventure Arkansas is especially scenic in the fall as you drive through the Ozarks and Ouchita Mountains. On a recent four-day family trip, my girls wanted to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park (a finders keepers diamond mine), so we included other great attractions along the way.

Heading south from Kansas City, we drove through Joplin, which required a stop to take photos at Grand Falls, a 163-foot-wide waterfall. This was a great pit stop to stretch our legs and enjoy some scenery.

On our way to Little Rock, we visited the Botanical Garden (4703 N. Crossover Rd., Springdale, AR, BGOzarks.org). This small botanical garden was a perfect stop en route.

We spent about an hour and saw the butterfly garden and the children’s garden with a beautiful tree house reminiscent of Tinker Bell’s. The girls loved this “child-sized” fairy garden where they could play and explore.

In Little Rock, we visited several educational attractions, including the Museum of Discovery (MuseumOfDiscovery. org), a science museum where the interactive exhibits are especially well done and the staff is on hand, ready to demonstrate and answer questions. The girls loved the Guinness World Record musical bi-polar Tesla coil show where we watched the coil choreographed to music. They also enjoyed lying on a bed of nails, experimenting with electricity, pretending to broadcast their own news report and experiencing a tornado at Tornado Alley. The museum is currently hosting a diamond exhibit, a great way to learn more about diamonds and rare gems before a trip to Crater of Diamonds. We spent about a half day at the museum.

Also in Little Rock, we visited the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (AIMMuseum.org), where we saw the tugboat Hoga and toured the inside of the submarine USS Razorback, which was in Tokyo Bay during the formal surrender of Japan, ending World War II. This attraction took about 90 minutes to explore and was one of the highlights of our trip.

Also while we were in Little Rock, we rode the trolley ($2/person for an all-day pass) and visited the Heiffer International Visitors Center (a free museum where you learn about the charity that feeds people internationally), the Old Statehouse Museum (learn Arkansas’ history) and local restaurants.

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro (CraterOfDiamondsStatePark. com) was the focal point of our trip. One of our girls had learned about the park as she was studying Arkansas, and her fascination took our family on a diamond hunt. We spent hours in the 37-acre plowed field digging for gems. You may bring your own shovels and sifters or rent equipment at the park. Workers demonstrate both dry and wet sifting—we spent the bulk of our time wet sifting. In addition to diamonds, visitors find jasper, amethyst, quartz, garnets and other rocks and minerals. Staff at the park help visitors identify their finds. Although we didn’t find a diamond, we did meet visitors who had and we did come home with treasures and many great memories.

On our way home, we visited Hot Springs National Park and toured one of the historic bathhouses. Then, we headed to Garvan Woodland Gardens (50 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, AR, GarvanGardens.org),

a beautifully wooded botanical garden. The trails are paved and shaded, and visitors enjoy exploring Japanese gardens, train garden, fairy gardens and the newly opened $1 million tree house. This is not your traditional tree house! Rather, the structure is a very modern and artistic haven in the woods. Garvan is one of the most beautiful gardens we’ve visited for its natural setting.

Tip: If you have a membership at the

Overland Park Arboretum or Powell Gardens, you’ll enjoy free admission to both botanical gardens in this story. If you have a Science City membership, you’ll enjoy free admission to the Museum of Discovery.

Visit KCParent.com and search “Diamond Shirts” for how-to instructions to make your own treasure hunt t-shirts.

Kristina Light’s girls love tree houses! One of their favorite memories is staying in a tree house at River of Life Farm. You may read about this adventure on KCParent.com.

kcparent.com september 2018

45

Light up the yard 2 Daytime isn’t the only time to get outside.

To win a play set for your backyard, head to KCParent.com

Good lighting can make nighttime the right time to enjoy your backyard. A simple strand of cafe lights mounted above a deck, patio or within a tree can dress up any space. Solar lights create an ambient and welcoming glow, guiding feet and protecting landscaping from trampling. And motion sensor lights not only ward away unwelcome visitors, but also can provide just enough light when using your yard after the sun goes down.

3

Build a fairy garden or toad abode

THE GREAT BACKYARD

S

eptember brings a wave of excitement about all things fall. Kids are back in school, and pumpkin spice flavored everything begins lining the shelves of my favorite grocery store. But September’s temps usually feel nothing like fall. In fact, here in KC the weather typically

still feels like summer because… well, it is! Take advantage of the warmth by enjoying your backyard in unexpected ways. Here are eight ways to utilize your backyard for outdoor awesomeness this September.

Create outdoor living spaces 1 One of the easiest ways to enjoy your backyard is by creating outdoor living spaces.

Designated places to eat, read or relax beckon homeowners outside. September is a great time to start investing in outdoor furniture to make those spaces comfortable. By this time of year, most retailers are trying to move summer

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inventory out to create space for cold weather products, so you can find some sweet deals on patio sets, tables, umbrellas and outdoor rugs.

Having comfortable outdoor living spaces makes your own yard inviting. But seating doesn’t have to be expensive. Hammocks, foldout chairs or even tree stumps can make for unique places to park yourself!

Kids of all ages love creating spaces for little creatures (imaginary or otherwise!).

Knots and holes in trees lend themselves to becoming perfect little pixie palaces. Or if your crew would rather engineer some little critter real estate of their own, terra cotta pots fit the bill. A simple Google search offers tons of pictures for inspiration.

Just make sure to do some research about which plants and mosses will thrive in your own yard first (a local nursery can make suggestions) and don’t forget to drill holes in the bottom of any container for proper drainage. Paths can be paved with mosaic tile or aquarium stones, and doll furniture makes perfect miniature furnishings.

Bring the indoors out 4 Imaginative play can seem so much more inspired in the great outdoors, so move that toy kitchen outside and let mud pies fill the shelves. After all, most plastic structures simply can be hosed off when the kids have had their fill of fun.

Make it jumbo sized 5 If spray paint is the medium and grass the canvas, the sky’s the limit on what games can be played in the yard! Make a largerthan-life version of Twister by painting multicolor circles on the lawn. (Simply use a paper plate as a guide for the circles. Once you paint around the outline of the plate, lift the plate and fill in the remainder of the shape.) Or spray a checker- or chessboard grid; sets of red and black disposable plates make perfect larger-than-life checkers! One or two mowings later, you’ll have a clean

slate to work with again. The yard’s not the only source of game play inspiration.

Leftover 2x4s can be cut to produce your own giant version of Jenga. If you happen to find yourself low on inspiration or time, retailers like Bass Pro Shops offer premade yard games like croquet, badminton or jumbo lawn Connect Four.

6 Maybe you’re saving up to buy a play set, but Build a play set

in the mean time, there is good news! If you have a raised deck or mature trees on your lot, you already have the frame for a great play space! Install a slide to your deck space for rounds of endless fun (running a hose on a hot day turns it into an instant slip and slide!). Trees not only provide the perfect structure for tree houses and swings but make excellent posts to anchor hammocks, slacklines, a simple zip line or homemade ninja warrior obstacle courses. My boys’ personal favorite is the Swurfer, which looks much like a surfboard suspended by rope and can be used by several children altogether or an adult as a stand-on or sit-on toy.

DID YOU KNOW? The average American spends more than 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care. It only makes sense to intentionally use those spaces to get the full benefit of that hard work!

Cruise out back to a drive-in 7 Nothing caps off a week like family movie night, and making your own outdoor movie theater has never been easier! PVC pipes and a white bed sheet make an easy DIY movie screen (provided you already have a projector). Better yet, hire a local service like Movies2U to do the legwork for you. Looking for the full movie theater experience? Lie back in the lap of luxury by giving those inflatable kids pools a second purpose: outdoor lounge stations. Simply

inflate with air and fill each pool with blankets and pillows! The walls of the pool provide back support while protecting you and your clothing from itchy grass and creepy crawlers!

Camp out 8 Why trek out into the great unknown when you can experience all the perks of camping without leaving home? Pitch a tent in the backyard or simply blow up an air mattress on the deck, then make dinner over the fire pit (who doesn’t love tin foil dinners and s’mores?). Do some research on constellations. My favorite resource is H.A. Rey’s Finding the Constellations—that’s right, the Curious George author wrote a science book!

Another option is downloading an app to navigate the skies and find the Big Dipper or the North Star.

Lauren Greenlee can be found camping and apple picking this September with her three boys. She writes and resides in Olathe.

Purchasing a playset is a big decision.

Woodplay playsets are built with superior materials and craftsmanship compared to other playsets.

The playsets are available with different deck heights, accessories and lots of configurations.

FREE

local installation on a VULY THUNDER XL or any in-stock SPRINGFREE TRAMPOLINE NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS

2227 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061

913-307-6023

Visit our outdoor showroom

www.backyard-specialists.com kcparent.com september 2018

47

SEPTEMBER’S

best festivals

IN KANSAS CITY

Spinach Festival Sept. 8 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Festival offers live music, an outdoor food court, numerous kids activities and competitions, antique and craft shopping and, of course, a spinach recipe contest. Lenexa.com

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 15-Oct. 28 at Worlds of Fun. This family-friendly event is all treats and no tricks and features special Halloween-themed activities plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com Spinach

Festival

Wild West Days Sept. 22-23, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Visit cowboy camps, buffalo soldiers and Buffalo Bill! Other activities include the Chuckwagon Cook-Off and Rose Marie’s Fiesta Mexicana Dancers on Sunday only. Mahaffie.org

Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest Sept. 28-29, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Grab your lederhosen and dirndl and join the fun. Enjoy Kids Street, arts and crafts, German meals, the Biergarten, carnival, entertainment and more. LSOktoberfest.com

Ciderfest Weekends Sept. 29-30, Oct 6-7, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, pony rides and inflatable slide. Cider and donut-making and craft booths are ongoing throughout the day.

LouisburgCiderMill.com/ciderfest

Ciderfest We

ekends

Kansas Chocolate Festival Sept. 29 at Downtown Topeka. Demonstrations, live music, food trucks and a children’s play area. Unique experiences provided

by Mars Chocolate North America and Downtown Topeka shops. VisitTopeka.com

Nieman Fall Festival at Family Tree Nursery Sept. 29-30 at Family Tree Nursery, Shawnee. Enjoy music, food and tons of activities for the kids! Prepare for fall with a huge selection of pumpkins, gourds and mums. FamilyTreeNursery.com

Shawnee Fall Festival

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ry

at Family Tree Nurse

This is just the tip of the iceberg! September is jam packed with great festivals. Find a complete festival guide at KCParent.com.

(CARNIVAL REMAINS OPEN SEPT. 30)

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

Central States Beverage Co. • cross creek at lee’s summit • Cynda Sells Realty Group • Discover Vision Centers Door Systems, Inc. • First Federal Bank • KCP&L • LeaderOne Financial • Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery Mazuma • RBC Wealth Management • Tingle Flooring

september

CALENDAR

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

Park Palooza

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

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kcparent.com september 2018

enjoy

celebrate

play

visit

eat

The Lenexa Spinach Festival is Sept. 8 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Join us at the festival for entertainment, food, music, kids activities and so much more!

Lenexa.com

Bring those special grandparents to the zoo for a day of fun Sept. 9 for Grandparents Day. Grandparents receive free admission today.

KansasCityZoo.org

On Sept. 17, head to Shawnee Mission Park for Park Palooza at 11:00. Live music, performers, activities, concessions and more! Free.

JCPRD.com

Enjoy a Fall Festival Sept. 29 & 30 at Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee).

Live music, food, activities for the kids, workshops and much more!

913.631.6121

The Kansas Chocolate Festival heads to Downtown Topeka on Sept. 29.

Chocolate cooking demos, food trucks and chocolatethemed activities.

VisitTopeka.com

1 Saturday Flight School 8:00, iFLY. Elite training for youth flyers. Learn a progression of flying skills in a group setting. Attend a single session or sign up for a month. IFlyWorld.com/kansas-city Donut & Coffee Fest 8:00, Overland Park Convention Center. Tons of fun, coffee/donut vendors and lots of entertainment. $5-$35.

CoffeeDonutFest.com/kc First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with historical demonstrations. 816.792.2655 Chiefs Day 1:00, Kansas City Zoo. Animals enjoy a sea of enrichment items donated by the Chiefs. Wear Chiefs apparel and receive $3 off admission. KansasCityZoo.org kidFEST 10:00, Science City at Union Station.

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

UnionStation.org De Soto Days Festival Thru Saturday, Miller Memorial Park. Fun with local flair! A parade, classic car cruise, carnival and more!

DeSotoDays.com

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Thru Monday, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com Chisholm Trails Days 10:00, Old Abilene Town, KS. Live music, longhorns, food trucks, kids activities and more. Fun for all ages!

OldAbileneTown.com Kite Workshop and Fun Fly 10:30, Spokes Café and Cyclery. Decorate a kite and hear flying/ safety tips. Then head to West Terrace Park to fly your kite. 816.513.7500 Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

2 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com

Open Sept.15-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

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 Free Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center.

A 30-minute program on nature topics. May include a short video, slide show and going outdoors. LawrenceKS.org

3 Monday LABOR DAY Bike for the Brain 8:00, Johnson County Mental Health Center. Community bike ride to raise awareness on mental health.

BikeForTheBrain.org Military Days 10:00, Worlds of Fun. Veterans receive complimentary admission on Labor Day, Sept. 3. WorldsOfFun.com Trivial Pursuit: A 50-State Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Take a trek across the USA and enjoy an activity for every state. Final day!

CrownCenter.com Big Backyard Thru Oct 21, Powell Gardens. A larger-than-life exhibition featuring backyard items. PowellGardens.org

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

• World Famous Pumpkin Donuts • Company Outings and Birthday Parties • The Amazing Jumping Pumpkin • Historic Country Carousel • Pig Races on Weekends • Homemade Fudge, Mouthwatering Kettle Corn and Delicious Roasted Nuts • Traditional Farm Animals • Mammoth Corn Pit • 60 Acres of Pumpkins

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

Cannot be combined with other offers.

kcparent.com september 2018

51

4 Tuesday Whirlwind: Art in Motion Overland Park Arboretum. Throughout the gardens see sculptures that change in the light and wind.

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

JumpCityKC.com Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Concordia Fall Festival Thru Saturday, Concordia, MO. Highlights include three parades, a variety of exhibits, entertaining rides and more. ConcordiaFallFestival.com

5 Wednesday

Wild West Show 6:30, MCPL (Blue Springs South). Outlaws Frank James and Cole Younger talk about their noted exploits. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

6 Thursday Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor play sets that are available for open play. $2/cash. 913.307.6023 Old Settlers Days Thru Saturday, Downtown Olathe. Crafts, carnival, live entertainment and more. JohnsonCountyOldSettlers.com

7 Friday

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

Belton Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Main Street Belton, MO. Family entertainment, food and craft vendors, dances, magic and more.

Belton.org

Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy The Little Red Hen and an art activity for little hands. JCPRD.com/museum

Art Westport Thru Sunday, Historic Westport.

Artists showcase original art, unique jewelry, fine crafts and much more. WestportKCMO.com

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Huff ‘n Puff Balloon Festival Today & tomorrow.

Mount Hope Cemetery (Topeka). Vendors, activities, hot air balloons and fun. Huff-n-Puff.org Greek Festival Thru Sunday, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Authentic Greek food, live music, gift shop and more.

GreekFoodFest.org Lost Arts Fair Thru Sunday, 1855 Harris Kearney House Museum. Festival featuring arts, crafts and skills from the 1800s. WestportHistorical.com Pioneer Days Thru Sunday, Edgerton, MO. Live entertainment, artisans and demonstrations, shootouts by reenactors, pony rides and more.

EdgertonMO.org Kansas State Fair Thru Sept 16, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Carnival games, rides, entertainment, tractor pull, demolition derby, food vendors and more! KansasStateFair.com Family Fishing Night 5:30, TimberRidge Adventure Center. Fishing, hot dog dinner and end the evening roasting marshmallows. $12-$13. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

First Friday Movie Series 7:30, Summit Fair. Enjoy activities and a movie under the stars. Tonight’s movie: Billy Madison. Free.

SummitFairShopping.com

5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN

Jan 25–27 Kauffman Center Feb 12 Lied Center of Kansas 913-701-SHOW • ShenYun.com “Absolutely the No.1 show in the world.”

—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet

“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope…

It is truly a touch of heaven.”

“This is the highest and the best of what humans can produce.”

—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

—Olevia Brown-Klahn, singer and musician

APPLE AND PUMPKIN SEASON PICK AND PLAY INCLUDES: U-pick Pumpkin Patch | U-pick Apple Orchard Hayrack Rides | Apple Cannons | Bouncing Pillow Low Ropes Course with Zip Line | Concessions Kids Corn Maze | and more!

SEPT. 15 - OCT. 31

Open 7 days a week 9:00-5:00 Admission $7/per person on weekends $5/person Monday-Thursday 18545 Co Rd H | Weston, Missouri 402.209.4117 | WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com kcparent.com september 2018

53

American Indian Cultural Celebration Sept. 16, Nelson-Atkins. Celebrate the vibrant cultural and artistic expressions of American Indians. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. For $20 get unlimited play on a variety of adventure attractions, a $5 fun card and a personal pizza. Paradise-Park.com You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 8:00, Memorial Park. Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in this family-friendly production.

BeltonParks.org

8 Saturday 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 Grinter Fest 9:00, Grinter Place. Vendors throughout grounds, food trucks, tours of the Historic Grinter Place house and more.

913.299.0373 Kansas Book Festival 9:00, State Capitol Building (Topeka). Vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, book signings and more.

KansasBookFestival.com

Apple Fest 9:00, First Baptist Church (Raymore, MO). Crafts, apple related food, entertainment and children’s area. MBCH. org/events_content.php?caID=14&ctID=6 1&cmID=378MBCH.org/events Paws in the Park 9:00, English Landing Park.

Great raffles, food and fun at this pet themed fair. A fundraiser for Parkville Animal Shelter.

ParkvilleShelter.com GeoArboretum 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Brief classroom presentation followed by hunt for two geocaches. $5-$10.

ArtsAndRec-OP.org

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

Free admission. 816.274.8444

Hummingbird Festival 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Walk through a hummingbird trail.

Enjoy crafts and other activities. 816.325.7115 Deaf Cultural Festival 10:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. American Sign Language poetry performances, film, tour and artist demonstrations. Nelson-Atkins.org

Big Shoal Country Fair 10:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum. The fair features food, music, a petting zoo, games, square dancing and more.

816.436.8519 Haskell Indian Art Market Today & tomorrow, 23rd & Massachussetts (Lawrence, KS). Jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery and food!

785.749.8467

JOIN US FOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT JOHNSON FARMS Come take a pre-season sneak at the farm SEPTEMBER 15TH & 16TH ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Movie under the stars

(showing BABE, PIG IN THE CITY – Rated G) Admission to play yard & animal corral & meet SUNFLOWER AND ZINNIA, our mama pigs-to-be Dinner items, snacks and popcorn will be available at our concession stand WHEN: September 15th & 16th TIME: Visit begins at 3 pm, movie and dinner at 5-7 pm ADMISSION: $7/person age 3 and over RECEIVE A FULL CREDIT FOR YOUR NIGHT’S ADMISSION TOWARDS YOUR PURCHASE OF A 2018 FAMILY FALL SEASON PASS BY 9/17!

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFER

VISIT JOHNSONFARMS.NET FOR MORE DETAILS

17701 HOLMES ROAD, BELTON, MISSOURI 64012

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kcparent.com september 2018

Carnival for CASA 11:00, Paradise Park.

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

816.984.8202 Circus Circus 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Mr Kraig’s caravan of global puppets returns. Enter center ring for crowd-pleasing routines. PuppetryArtsInstitute.org Mother Son Picnic 11:00, Blue Springs Park.

Enjoy lunch, whiffle ball, kickball, basketball, lawn games and music. $10/person.

816.228.0137 Winefest: Independence Uncorked 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Day a date! Enjoy wineries from all over Missouri! $25-$50.

IndependenceUncorked.com

Save 50-90% + Amazing Selection!

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

Fall/Winter Sale

SEPT 27-30

Superhero Time 2:00, MCPL (Woodneath).

Come dressed in your favorite superhero costume and enjoy heroic music, games, pictures and fun. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Civil War in Missouri 2:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Presentation by authors of The Civil War Missouri Compendium: Almost Unabridged.

MoStateParks.com

NOV 8-10

Overland Park Convention Center Overland Park Convention Center 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park 66211 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park 66211

Thurs & Fri 9a-8p | Sat 9a-5p Sun 9a-5p | 50% Off Sale!*

Thurs 9a-8p | Fri 9a-5p Sat 9a-5p | 50% Off Sale!*

@JBFOverlandPark | stephaniehyder@jbfsale.com | 816.825.2295

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

jbfsale.com

not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

Shoppers - we accept cash and these cards:

TRAIN RIDES RIDES

KANSAS CITY YOUNG AUDIENCES

SINCE 1961

Winter/Holiday Sale

SCHOLARSH IP AND PAYMEN S T PLANS AVAILABLE

CHOOSE KCYA FOR YOUR DANCE, MUSIC, ACTING, & VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Fall Session begins SMALL E CLASS SIZ

September 4 Visit KCYA.org for more details

AGE APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM

NAL PROFESSIO G IN TEACH ARTISTS

Train Rides Ice Cream Train Train Day Rides Pumpkin Express Train Train PumpkinFamily Express Food Train Grandparents $8.50 $9.50 $10.00

$10.00 the 8th, 15th 22nd September 11,Depart one grandparent Regular Trains Ridesweekends on Select EveryRides Friday,in October 2ndofWeekends Saturday of theand month Regular Trains Depart Sat &FREE Sun,with 2 pma[May - Oct] admission! June - Aug, Trains departinatOctober 12:30, 2:00 3:30 rides paid child’s Juneand- Aug & Sun, Sat., 11 amSat [June - Aug2 pm only](May – October)7 pm 7 pm

Kids under Kids threeunder FREE

three FREE

Charters• •Field FieldTrips TripsororBirthday BirthdayParties, Parties, plan by appointment.

Charters appointment.

Tickets Ticketsgogoononsale saleone onehour hourbefore beforetrain traindeparture departure time. time.

Belton, Belton,Grandview Grandview& &Kansas KansasCity CityRailroad Railroad Co. Co.

502 Walnut • Belton, Missouri www.beltonrailroad.org 502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri• •816-331-0630 816-331-0630 •• www.beltonrailroad.org kcparent.com september 2018

55

Music on Main 3:00, Main Street (Grandview).

Free, family-friendly, outdoor music event with a Kidz Zone, concessions and more.

Grandview.org

Country Fair Thru Sept 15, Higginsville, MO. Activities include ice cream social, entertainment, kids playground, car show and more. HigginsvilleCountryFair.com

JazzFest 3:00, Harmon Park (Prairie Village).

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

PVKansas.com

Meet the Experts 2:00, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the work of women who created doll-sized versions of French couture. 816.235.8000

Dance in the Park 6:00, Roanoke Park. The event starts with a free dance class and then showcases a variety of local dance companies.

CItyInMotion.org

9 Sunday GRANDPARENTS DAY Grandparents Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Spend a day at the zoo with the grandkids!

Grandparents receive free admission today.

KansasCityZoo.org Arts & Crafts Festival 10:00, South Park (Lawrence). Artisans from all over the state, plus performances, activities for kids and more.

UnmistakablyLawrence.com

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10 Monday Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids can swim, play and become more confident in the water at the kiddie pool. $2. 913.477.7100 Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95. Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com Introduction to Love and Logic 6:30, Great Beginnings Early Childhood. Class is designed to introduce parents to positive discipline strategies. LSCares.org Shooting Stars and Meteor Showers 6:30, MCPL (Excelsior Springs). Explore wonders of a meteor shower and hold a meteorite. Adults.

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

11 Tuesday Mother Goose Rhyme Time 10:00, Antioch Library. Songs, rhymes and finger plays for the very young. Ages 12-24 mos with a caregiver.

Free. JoCoLibrary.org Last Days of Summer 7:00, Spencer Theatre. A musical that tells of baseball, hero worship and the true gift of friendship. KCRep.org Live Music at Grinter Jamboree 7:00, Grinter Place. Enjoy food, beverages and great live music! $5. 913.481.3527

12 Wednesday Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods.

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

Flight School 6:30, iFLY. Elite training for youth flyers. Learn a progression of flying skills in a group setting. Attend a single session or sign up for a month. IFlyWorld.com/kansas-city

Amazing 10-acre CORN MAZE, 10-acre PUMPKIN PATCH & More Open Fri., Sept.14 thru Wed., Oct. 31

13 Thursday Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor play sets that are available for open play. $2/cash. 913.307.6023 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Food Truck Fest 5:30, Kessler Park. Enjoy prominent fountains throughout the city while dining on delicious offerings from food trucks.

KCParks.org Want to Foster or Adopt? 6:00, KVC Wichita.

Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills.

Kansas.KVC.org Kids Lab: Full STEAM Ahead 6:30, MCPL (North Oak). Explore and experiment with science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Ages 6+. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Family Farm louisburgcidermill.com 913-837-5202

$10 Admission — Children 3 & under are FREE! • Bee Hive Exhibit • Tricycle Track • Play Area • Jump Pillow • Mt. Sunflower Slide • Hay Wagon Rides • Low Challenge Elements • Orchard Trail • Huge Corn Crib • Spider Web Climber • Learning Barn • Live Music • Farm Animals • Giant Swing Set • Tire Tower Aerial view from 400 feet.

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, Kansas 66053

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

Monday —Thursday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekday discounted ticket = $ 6 with option to add-on a jump pillow bracelet for $ 2 extra Fridays & Saturdays: 8am to 10 pm Sundays: 9am to 6 pm Friday & Saturday: 7 pm to 10 pm:

BRING A FLASHLIGHT & GO THROUGH THE MAZE IN THE DARK!

Celebrate the art, dance & music of American Indians across the country.

AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION Sunday, September 16 | 10 a.m a.m. – 4 p.m. | FREE kcparent.com september 2018

57

New Dance Partners Sept. 21 & 22, Carlsen Center at JCCC. Watch four companies, four choreographers and four world premieres. JCCC.edu/theseries

14 Friday Opening Day Thru Oct 31, Louisburg Cider Mill. The corn maze and pumpkin patch open for the season. Come join the fun!

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

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Sunflower Art and Music Fest Thru Sunday, the Barn (De Soto, KS). Arts and crafts from more than 30 vendors, live music and more.

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

Free. KemperArt.org American Truck Show Circuit Thru Sunday, Arrowhead Stadium. A modern truck show and event circuit of show trucks and the heavy-duty truck. ATSC.world/kansascity

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Blue Springs Fall Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown Blue Springs. Come for the food and stay for the fun—shows, carnival, parade and more! 816.229.8558 Brush Creek Art Walk Thru Sunday, banks of Brush Creek. Come out and enjoy the walkways of Brush Creek while painters paint.

816.718.8380 Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes Thru Sunday, Sprint Center. Live, action-packed battle to defend the universe. Save $5 with code KCPARENT. MarvelUniverseLive.com Full Moon Hike 9:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hike the trails by the light of the moon. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

15 Saturday Emergency Preparedness Fair 9:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Fun fair for the entire family with valuable resources.

TrumanLibrary.org

Photo credit: Mike Strong Craft Fair 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Browse through more than 130 craft booths and satisfy your cravings with our variety of food vendors.

ShawneeTown.org First Responders Weekend Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. First responders receive free admission to the zoo. KansasCityZoo.org Opening Day Carolyn’s Country Cousins.

Bring the family out to the pumpkin patch! First day of fun for the season.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

The Great Pumpkin Fest Thru Oct 28, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com Opening Day Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard. Bring the family out for pick and play fun. WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com Hallmarket 10:00, Crown Center Square. Browse watercolor paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, photography and more. CrownCenter.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

10 Acre Cor

n Maze Incl

29,000 Garden

17701 Holmes Road, Belton MO Mon.-Thurs. Noon to 6 pm • Fri.-Sun. 9 am to 6 pm Retail store open every day 9 am to 6 pm www.johnsonfarms.net • 816.331.1067

$11

$13

$9 $7

$11 $9

(includes jumping pillow)

Adults 13-59 Seniors 60+

ties

Small & Large Gr oup

Discounts

Birthday Party Pack

2 and under FREE Mon-Fri Sat-Sun

Kids 3-12

ission

Mums in 47 Varie

ages

U-Pick Pumpkin

Admission:

ON SEAS S PAS LE AB AVAIL INE ONL

uded in Adm

s, Flowers and Ve

ggies

We are growing

DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX. MILITARY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE.

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

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 Fall Family Festival 10:00, Kansas City Community Gardens. Garden games, face painting, horse rides, herb planting and much more! 816.931.3877 Open House Today & tomorrow, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Enjoy a film in the visitor center, take a self-guided tour and more.

Free. 660.259.3082

Buy a Family Season Pass* BEFORE OCT. 1, and receive $20 credit on our FRIENDS OF THE FARM LOYALTY CARD good on any purchase from 9/22/18–10/31/18 *MAX 2 ADULTS PER PASS

* See website for details about our Pumpkin Season. No other discounts may be applied. Offer expires 9/30/18. Pass is good through 10/31/18.

September 22 & 23

kcparent.com september 2018

59

what’s your

SEPTEMBER KC IQ?

test your local smarts with this quiz 1. On Sept. 22, the Kansas City Zoo hosts its annual Zoo Run (KansasCityZooRun.org).

Which species is highlighted this year?

2. T he honeybee is Missouri’s state insect, and September is Honey Month. How many honeybees are in your average hive?

A) 15,000 B) 80,000 A) Elephant B) Orangutan C) Stingray

C) 2,000 D) 50,000

D) G iraffe

3. On what date in 2018 will you see September’s full moon, the harvest moon?

A) Sept. 24

4. S ept. 3 is Skyscraper Day. Our city’s tallest floor, on the 42nd story and standing 624 feet up, is in which structure?

B ) Sept. 10 C) Sept. 3 D) Sept. 30

5. S ept. 12 is Chocolate

A) O ne Kansas City

B) Power & Light

C) City Hall

D) N ational WWI

Place

Building

A) 21 B) 13 C) 59 D) 36

1) D : Giraffe

apple cider. How many medium-sized apples are in your average gallon of cider?

2) B: 80,000

6. L ouisburg Cider Mill is famous for fresh-squeezed

Museum and Memorial

3) A: Sept. 24

D) 1950

4) A: One Kansas City Place

C) 1957

5) C: 1957

B) 1962

6) D: 36

A) 1945

ANSWER KEY:

Milkshake Day. What year did Winstead’s add milkshakes to the menu?

Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Great Topeka Duck Race 11:00, Lake Shawnee.

Ten thousand rubber ducks will race to the finish line. Lucky winners will receive great prizes. DuckRace.com Movie at the Farm 3:00, Johnson Farms. Come for a preseason visit to the farm and see Babe: Pig in the City. $7. JohnsonFarms.net Fiesta on the Square 7:00, Linden Square. The evening will feature dancing and music by KC Latin and Jazz Allstars. LindenSquare.info

16 Sunday Strutt with Your Mutt 7:00, 63rd & Brookside Plaza. Race in the 5K or do the 3K walk for homeless pets in beautiful Brookside.

WaysideWaifs.org/strutt American Indian Cultural Celebration 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. Celebrate the vibrant cultural and artistic expressions of American Indians.

Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

18 Tuesday

21 Friday

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org

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

Becoming Martin 9:45, the Coterie. Play shows the mentorship Martin Luther King, Jr, receives when he enters Morehouse College at age 15.

Ages 11+. TheCoterie.org

Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery.

Enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in downtown’s most peaceful park space.

KCParks.org

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

Blues and Barbeque Contest Today & tomorrow, Shawnee Town 1929. Great-tasting barbecue and activities for kids and the whole community to enjoy. VisitShawneeKS.com

Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator.

KemperArt.org STEM Night for Scouts 6:00, iFLY. Interactive presentation, experiments in wind tunnel, class instruction and suit up and fly. Open to all Scouts. IFlyWorld.com/kansas-city

19 Wednesday

Park Palooza 11:00, Theatre in the Park. Live music, interactive performers, activities for all ages, concessions and more! Free. JCPRD.com

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

913.895.6350

Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. 816.331.0630

Big Backyard Thru Oct 21, Powell Gardens. A larger-than-life exhibition featuring backyard items. PowellGardens.org

Funday Sunday Food Trucks 4:00, Merriam Marketplace. Enjoy food from various local trucks. Inflatable fire truck slide and face painting. Merriam.org

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Johnny Appleseed. 913.826.2800

Outdoor Concert Series 5:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy the music of Keaton Conrad. Lenexa.com/concerts

20 Thursday

17 Monday

Bon Bon Shoots Bondurant Studios. Monthly photo shoots! This month’s theme: unicorns.

Schedule at BondurantStudios.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

Playdate Thursdays 11:00, Children’s Play Area (Independence Center). Fun, free monthly events for kids! Move, learn, create and connect.

816.795.8602

Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95. Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com

Festival in the Park Thru Saturday, Memorial Park (Raymore, MO). Carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, family fun and more.

RaymoreFestival.com

Zax Kidz Night 5:00, Zaxby’s (Olathe & Overland Park). Zax Kidz meal only 99 cents with purchase of adult meal. Zaxbys.com

Sip and Shop 4:00, Downtown Bonner Springs, KS. Grab your girlfriends for a fun night! Boutiques offer snacks, drinks and sales.

VisitKansasCityKS.com

Want to Foster or Adopt? 6:00, KVC Wichita.

Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills.

Kansas.KVC.org

Kids at the Library 6:30, MCPL (North Oak Library). Discover, create and play. Explore big ideas in a new way. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Juggling Festival Thru Sunday, Rockhurst High School. Kansas City’s biggest juggling and performance extravaganza is back! $5-$15.

816.520.8870 New Dance Partners Today & tomorrow, Carlsen Center at JCCC. Watch four companies, four choreographers and four world premieres.

JCCC.edu/theseries The 87th Annual Plaza Art Fair Thru Sunday, Country Club Plaza. Stroll the streets of the Plaza as artists display their work.

CountryClubPlaza.com AutumnFest Today & tomorrow, Edwardsville Community Center. Parade, carnival for kids, face painting and more! EDWAutumnFest.com Single Parent Conference Today & tomorrow, Indian Creek Community Church. A weekend full of valuable parenting workshops. $35.

TheSingleMomKC.org Night at the Arboretum 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring a flashlight and walk the deer trail to discover this nocturnal animal’s habitat.

913.685.3604 Olathe Live! 7:00, Community Center. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to see the Gibson Brothers perform along with Kelly Hunt.

OlatheKS.org Last Days of Summer 8:00, Spencer Theatre. A musical that tells of baseball, hero worship and the true gift of friendship. KCRep.org

22 Saturday Want to Foster or Adopt? 8:00, Fellowship West (Bonner Springs, KS). Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills. Kansas.KVC.org Pioneer Run 8:00, English Landing Park.

Northland Early Education Center’s annual 10K and 5K runs and 2-mile walk. ParkvilleMO.gov kcparent.com september 2018

61

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends thru Oct. 28, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

Free Day 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Free admission to the museum featuring the 1950s All-Electric House and KidScape. 913.826.2787 Opening Day Johnson Farms. Today is the first day of pumpkin season! Fun for the whole family! JohnsonFarms.net Grand Festival of Chez Les Canses 9:00, Fort Osage. Reenactors help visitors explore how French settlers lived. Artisans display custommade wares. $4-$7. 816.503.4860 Historic Funeral 9:30, Missouri Town 1855.

Experience how mid-19th-century settlers came together to overcome loss. 816.503.4860 Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth Saturday, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal. Today’s animals: pachyderms. KansasCityZoo.org Wild West Days Today & tomorrow, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Entertainment, delicious food, 1860s games and fun for the entire family.

913.971.5111

Flight of the Monarch 10:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Join us in capturing, tagging and releasing monarchs to continue their journey. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Walk and Read Weekend Today & tomorrow, Celebration Park. Two popular children’s books will be posted to enjoy while taking a stroll around the lake. GardnerKS.gov Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Cruise Car Show 3:00, the Ambassador Building at KCI. Hundreds of classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, rat rods, exotics and imports will be on hand. KCICarShow.com Food Truck Frenzy 4:00, Lenexa Civic Campus.

Come out to sample what the metro’s best food trucks have to offer. Lenexa.com/foodtruckfrenzy

Why not walk to school?

If you’ve ever considered walking to school with your child — now’s a great time to start. Walk for fitness or walk for fun!

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Jazz & Food Trucks Festival 4:30, Downtown Topeka. Choose tasty eats from food trucks then claim a spot in front for favorite bands.

VisitTopeka.com

to

International Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 10.

Find more information and register your school at walktoschoolkc.com.

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kcparent.com september 2018

23 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com Free Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center.

A 30-minute program on nature topics. May include a short video, slide show and going outdoors. LawrenceKS.org

FUN FESTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

FRE

E!

KC

GOOD WORKS, LET'S CELEBRATE

24 Monday

Saturday, October 6, Noon – 4:00

Indoor Play Park 9:00, New Century Fieldhouse. Hop, skip and jump through obstacles, build with blocks and have a blast with new friends. $3. 913.826.2850

Front lawn of the National World War I Museum and Memorial

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Get Going and Keep Growing 10:30, Oak Park Library. A 30-minute adventure limited only by your imagination. Get to story time island and back! JoCoLibrary.org

• Kids' Scavenger Hunt & Other Activities • Fire/Police Demonstrations

• Food & Beverages • Team Competitions

(e.g., inflatable obstacle course; pre-registration required)

And lots more!

Sponsored by:

Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club

www.kcgamesforgood.org

25 Tuesday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air. A special time when entire park is open for children 5 & under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Inflatable bouncers, Little Tikes riding toys and more. $2.

913.322.5550 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

HAVING A BABY SOON? Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com

26 Wednesday Whirlwind: Art in Motion Overland Park Arboretum. Throughout the gardens see sculptures that change in the light and wind.

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

Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has images,complete descriptions, video, social media links and much more.

SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: LOCATION | NICU LEVEL | CLASSES OFFERED kcparent.com september 2018

63

27 Thursday Just Between Friends Sale Thru Sunday, Overland Park Convention Center. Amazing deals on kids clothing, shoes, toys and more!

JBFSale.com Writing with a Feather 4:30, MCPL (Parkville). Use a feather quill to write a story or compose a letter to your grandmother. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

28 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 at 913.661.2529.

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

Oktoberfest 5:30, Shawnee Civic Center.

Festive event features authentic German-style food and beverages and fun for the entire family. ShawneeGermanClub.org

29 Saturday Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). Live music, food, activities for the kids, workshops and much more!

913.631.6121 Teacher Appreciation Day Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. We honor teachers, administrators or home school educators with free admission. KansasCityZoo.org Kansas Chocolate Festival 10:00, Downtown Topeka. Chocolate cooking demonstrations, food trucks and many other chocolate-themed activities. VisitTopeka.com

Fall Fest Thru Sun, Downtown Liberty, MO. Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing and more in this three-day festival.

LibertyFallFest.com

Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Explore how artists show people through the art collection and then make a clay person. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Smoke on the Trails BBQ Competition Today & tomorrow, Celebration Park. Live bands, kids zone and, of course, barbecue!

GardnerKansas.gov

Ciderfest Today & tomorrow, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities.

LouisburgCiderMill.com

Meet Curious George 11:00, Paradise Park. A day with fun activities! Bring your camera for a photo with Curious George. KCPT.org MOMIX Opus Cactus 8:00, Carlsen Center at JCCC. The desert world of soaring cactuses, slithering lizards, snakes and frolicking insects all come to life. JCCC.edu/theseries

30 Sunday Becoming Martin 9:45, the Coterie. Play shows the mentorship Martin Luther King, Jr, receives when he enters Morehouse College at age 15.

Ages 11+. TheCoterie.org Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. 816.331.0630 Last Days of Summer 2:00, Spencer Theatre. A musical that tells of baseball, hero worship and the true gift of friendship. KCRep.org

Look for KC Parent’s BIG pumpkin patch guide in the October issue and online at KCParent.com!

First Friday Movie Night

The Nightmare Before Christmas

October 5th, 2018

Showtime at approximately 7:15PM (Activities/Giveaways begin at 6:45) Located in the lot behind DSW www.summitfairshopping.com 50+ stores and restaurants 840 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 816.607.5420

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Endless Variety, Matchless Talent!

2018-19 Season on Sale Now!

Owen/Cox Dance Group Facade - 2017

Sept. 21-22

New Dance Partners • Four local companies • Four nationally-known choreographers • Four world premieres!

Oct. 20

OK Go: The Live Video Tour Hear their songs live with 20 of their iconic videos, plus question/ answer with the crowd.

Nov. 10

Don Felder formerly of The Eagles

GRAMMY® award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, New York Times bestselling author and captivating performer!

Over 30 performances! Build a season package of five shows (or more) and save 10%.

jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE

over 60,000 have already seen open 7 days a week

“I loved it every bit as much as my kids did!”

- Grant M.

limited engagement

Tickets as low as $12.50* – UnionStation.org *Excludes fees.

Explore

Kansas City Zoo September 1 Chiefs Day at the Zoo September 9 Grandparents Day September 8 & 9 Zootastik Learning Fest— Butterflies & Moths September 15 & 16 First Responders Appreciation Weekend September 22 Zoo Run *Registration Required

September 22 & 23 Species Spotlight— Pachyderms September 29 & 30 Teacher Appreciation Weekend

NOW OPEN!

STINGRAY BAY

–STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK– Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLAYOFFS / OCT. 21

// YOUTH TICKETS START AT $29 // FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES // BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND DRINK // FREE GENERAL PARKING

TICKETS AT KANSASSPEEDWAY.COM 866.460.RACE