KC Parent Magazine October 2019

FREE | October 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

fall fun guide PUMPKIN PATCHES MUMMY CRAFT SPOOKY SNACKS

birthday

party issue

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OCTOBER 2019

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 Mojo for Moms 14 Five Things We Love 15 Word from Dad

FALL FUN GUIDE, PGS. 40-51

41 Craft Corner 44 Tasty Treats

SPECIAL SECTIONS

FEATURES

20 Party Guide 40 Fall Fun Guide 52 Calendar of Events

24

38

41

Best Birthdays

Testing Tips

Cute Craft

Lots of ideas for planning a great birthday party

How to help kids prepare and do their best on tests

Celebrate the season by making a mummy wrap

Our cover features Hadley from Lenexa.

Photo by BondurantStudios.com.

FREE | October 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER

fall fun guide PUMPKIN PATCHES MUMMY CRAFT

Birthday Party Guide Craft Corner Spooky Snacks Pumpkin Patches

20 41 44 49

SPOOKY SNACKS

birthday

party issue

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kcparent.com october 2019

EDITOR’SLETTER OCTOBER 2019

Great Pumpkin Patch Ticket Giveaway Enter to Win

50 FAMILY 4-PACKS

to Your Favorite Local Patches and Attractions!

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

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Jamie A. Bosse (Manhattan), Emily Cline (Lenexa), Megan Coffey (Overland Park), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | October 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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fall fun guide

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2019 | KCPARENT.COM

PTSD from the NICU unexpected aftereffect

PUMPKIN PATCHES

FALL FUN

for tiny tykes in kansas city

MUMMY CRAFT SPOOKY SNACKS

ONE DAY IN KC CUSTOM ITINERARIES

birthday

party issue

LEARN HOW TO DECODE

BABY’S CRIES

GET YOUR ART ON LOCAL ART DISTRICTS

TIPS

TO SOOTHE SEPARATION ANXIETY

AS SEEN ON TV DELICIOUS DINING

.com

M

y older was born mid-July. I knew from day one that with a summer birthday we would not send her to kindergarten until she was 6. Why? At the time, my reasoning was simple. After 10 years of teaching elementary school (many of those spent teaching first grade) I never once had a parent come up to me and say, “I regret having waited to start my child in school.”

Every year I did have parents come to me and say, “I wish I would have waited.” Once I saw how quickly the years sped by, I was doubly glad we decided to wait, as five years just weren’t enough with her before I had to share her with the world. So my “red-shirted” kindergartener was always one of the oldest kids in her class and, to this day, it’s never been an issue. My younger was born in October, so she started kindergarten at 5 but is on the older end of her grade, for which, again, I’m thankful. If you have a summer child, you may be tossing around the idea of when to start him or her. Check out Lauren Greenlee’s article on pg. 32 for some thoughtprovoking ideas on the benefits of waiting.

As always, you are your child’s parent and you know best whether waiting is the right choice for your family.

Aforementioned delayed kindergartener is now a senior in high school! Having worked with elementary-aged kids in my professional life before having children, I felt comfortable with and fairly well equipped to parent that age. Teens? They are an entirely different ball of wax. As with a lot of parenting, you learn on the fly and as you go. Gina Klein, who, like I, is in the midst of parenting two teen girls, offers some helpful tips on pg. 30.

Fall is in full swing, and there’s so much to do! Use our Pumpkin Patch Guide here in print and online to help make the most of your family’s fall fun!

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

Member of:

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Happy fall, KC!

Details at KCParent.com

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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

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

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

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kcparent.com october 2019

KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCParent.com

Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Giveaways

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Trick or Treat Guide 2. Kids Eat Free Guide

3. Leaf Peeping in KC 4. Best of October

SPOTLIGHT

5. Popcorn Goodies

FALL BUCKET LIST Enjoy the best of autumn in KC with 50 fun-filled free and cheap ideas at KCParent.com.

KCPARENT.COM IS THE PLACE FOR FREE STUFF!

KC Parent’s

Great Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

During the month of October, KC Parent is giving away

50 FAMILY 4-PACKS

to your favorite pumpkin patches!

Follow us on Facebook for details and to enter Facebook.com/KansasCityParent

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9

DATES WITH LETTER A

DATENIGHT

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kcparent.com october 2019

This month’s roundup of dates is brought to you by ... the letter A! AIRLINE HISTORY MUSEUM On a recent Saturday, we made our way to the Airline History Museum, which is located at the downtown airport. We paid $10 each and then watched an 8-minute video on the history of aircraft. Next, we moved on to a room with exhibits, including historical newspaper articles, old airline menus and other memorabilia, flight attendant and pilot uniforms through the years, and old airplane seats. We were then escorted out to the hangar that houses flight simulators, aircraft, cockpits, airplane engines and other machinery. We learned all about the DC-3 that the museum reclaimed in 1993. They have been working on refurbishing it for 25+ years! According to the tour guide, money goes out faster than it comes in, and all refurbishing is done through donations.

Honestly, I don’t have much of an interest in planes, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this tour.

ANTON’S In keeping with this month’s theme, we chose to have dinner at Anton’s on Main Street. This was our first time there, and we noticed that it’s part restaurant, part butcher shop and part art showcase. Thanks to the nice weather and the fact that it was a First Friday, we picked a table on the front sidewalk and enjoyed some great people watching. We were there in time to enjoy their happy hour, which features half-price apps and salads, as well as drink specials. A few things we really enjoyed were the potato latkes with fruit butter, steak kebabs, sliders and the bread service with whipped honey butter. We also enjoyed the nice ambience with the big band music playing out front. Next time, we would like to check out one of their dessert items or an entree.

ANT MAN My husband and I are big fans of the Marvel movies, but one we had not seen was Ant Man, starring Paul Rudd, who grew up in KC. So we snuggled up with a blanket and some pizza on a recent Tuesday evening to see whether it lived up to our expectations.

We were not disappointed. Ant Man is the story of Scott Lang, who is released from prison after burglary. His skills as a thief are admired

by Hank Pym, one of the founding members of the Avengers and a discoverer of shrinking technology that would enable anyone wearing his shrinking suit to become a man the size of an ant.

What follows is a great heist that saves the world and makes Ant Man a superhero. Of course. This is Marvel after all. The movie was witty and light-hearted with a good balance between action and heartfelt moments. And Rudd was very likeable as Ant Man.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City. They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.

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INTERRUPTING FEAR Fear can be thrilling in this season of Halloween tricks and haunts, but this common “negative emotion” can also catch us and our kids in its grip and become hard to shake. Fear serves an important evolutionary function, activating our body’s alertand-response system to keep us safe from perceived threats. It narrows our thoughts and focuses our actions, pumping extra adrenaline-enriched blood to our extremities for a fight or flight response. However, fear and all its cousins—anxiety, panic, worry, dread—create problems when we overreact to false dangers. They take a toll on our bodies through sustained levels of stress, which are linked to high rates of disease and illness. And for some of us, these emotions can linger and ratchet up to generalized anxiety, keeping us on high alert and making it hard for our bodies to return to equilibrium.

As a person who’s struggled with an anxiety disorder, I have great compassion for others struggling with this dis-ease. Beyond seeking professional help and its powerful, research-backed strategies for dealing with anxiety, what can we do when we’re caught in a sudden spiral of fear and panic? What coping skills can we teach to our children when they, too, struggle with anxiety? The three following exercises are easy-to-remember tools to tuck into your anxiety toolbelt and put to use when fear overwhelms you.

1 SENSORY MINDFULNESS

Anxiety can make us feel dizzy and untethered from our bodies. A quick solution is to become instantly mindful of our surroundings, tapping into our five senses with this exercise. Name five things you see, four sounds you hear, three sensations you feel, two scents you smell and one flavor you taste (pop a mint into your mouth if you have one and focus your attention on its sharp taste). This exercise will instantly ground you, increasing your sense of calm and rootedness.

2

3

S-T-O-P

MOVE FAST OR SLOW

A common acronym for dealing with stress, S-T-O-P stands for: Stop what you’re doing. Take a deep breath. Observe your thoughts and emotions (sensations in your body).

Proceed with a healthy response. The third step, observing your emotions— describing where you feel fear inside your body, and allowing this sensation without resistance—is an especially potent antidote to the alert-and-response flare-up. Why? Because emotions we resist persist. And emotions that we simply allow and feel begin to heal.

The previous exercises are effective ways of slowing our bodies and calming down through mindfulness. The opposite of slowing down—moving fast—is another way of dealing with in-the-moment anxiety. We move fast by exercising our bodies and increasing our heartrate, which counteracts the effects of stress. Our bloodstream—once flooded with stress hormones like norepinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol—begins to exchange this noxious chemical cocktail for a feel-better blast of endorphins, relieving stress and fear and boosting inner peace.

Wendy Connelly, M.Div., is a podcaster (MoJo For Moms podcast), life coach and mother of two from Overland Park.

You can find Wendy’s latest podcasts, TV appearances, retreats and more at MoJoForMoms.com.

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kcparent.com october 2019

great benefits

F R O M A FA M I LY G A M E N I G H T

I

n the age of smartphones, Netflix and busy lives in general, family time often gets neglected for other things.

However, spending quality time together is important for the strength of your family. One great way to incorporate family time into your busy life is to plan and schedule a family game night. Get the kids involved and pick some games that are fun for all ages, set down the electronics, set out some snacks and enjoy some time together. Here are some great benefits you will enjoy by making time for family game night.

Affordable family fun Not only is game night a great way to bond as a family, but it is much more affordable than other family outings, such as going to the movies or visiting local attractions like the zoo. These activities often cost $10 or more per person, not including food and drinks. Game night is a frugal and fun way to enjoy family time because a one-time purchase of a new game costing between $20 and $50 can be enjoyed repeatedly for years to come.

Conversation starter Many parents struggle with getting conversation started with their kids, especially teens. Conversation flows more easily as you play games together. Games can create healthy competition, teamwork, and bring up topics you might not normally discuss. It also helps build a bond and trust between family members.

Screen-free time If your family is anything like mine, screen time limitations are a challenge, not just for the kids but for the adults in the family as well.

Intentionally setting our phones aside while we play a game together gives all of us a break from the constant barrage of social media and other digital distractions and frees us to take the time to focus on each other.

Reading skills boost Games are a great way for kids to build their reading and comprehension skills.

If you really want to work on these skills, choose games that will help challenge your child’s reading level. For example, when playing trivia, the kids each take turns reading

questions that may be about subjects that are new to them. They practice their read-aloud skills and might learn new information too.

Great family memories Perhaps the best reason to add a family game night to your schedule is enjoying quality time together. While doing so you will create wonderful family memories as you laugh together and enjoy some healthy competition. Kids are sure to look back on this family tradition and appreciate that you made time to set aside the distractions of life and enjoy playing together. .

When planning a game night, make sure to be realistic. Playing games for several hours every Saturday night will probably not work for most families because of busy schedules.

Plan a night where everyone is free and choose a game that can be played in a reasonable amount of time and keep everyone’s interest, as well as be fun for all involved. Put game night on your calendar and adjust plans to protect that time from other engagements.

The time you put into family game night will be worth the bond your family members will build and the memories you will share.

Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and a full-time mom of six living in Olathe. kcparent.com october 2019

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FIVETHINGS Ticonderoga Pencils I love office supplies, specifically writing instruments. I like the feel of certain brands, the way they write and how the lead or ink shows up on paper. Yes, I am a nerd. Years ago I received the absolutely best pencils as a gift.

Although I haven’t found those exact pencils since, I have found the Ticonderoga black pencils (not yellow) are pretty awesome. In fact, I hide them in my office so that they don’t mysteriously walk away. If you like to write with a pencil, give them a whirl!

The Haunt I don’t like roller coasters and I don’t like to be scared, so you’d think that the Haunt at Worlds of Fun would be the last place I’d be. However, my younger happens to love both roller coasters and being scared. She’s 14 but has been attending the Haunt for several years. The event is really well done, and, for those (like me) who don’t love to be scared, purchase a “no boo” necklace. When the ghosts and ghouls spot it, they won’t frighten you. It’s certainly scary, so know your child and everyone’s fear factor before attending. WorldsOfFun.com

5

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Pretzel Snack On a regular basis we stop by Sonic during happy hour for a lime-aid or slush. My girls know pretty much all they have to do is ask and I’m down to stop for a treat. To go along with the drink, I often order the soft pretzel. (I LOVE soft pretzels and have had my fair share.) These are the perfect size for a snack, come with cheese and are yum-o! If you find yourself craving a mid-afternoon snack, check out the Sonic pretzels!

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kcparent.com october 2019

Revocup Coffee On my way to take my younger to a sleepover recently I noticed a new coffee shop, close to our house! Whoa, how had I not heard about this?

Naturally, as soon as I saw it I knew we needed to check it out. So I went the next day and enjoyed a lovely Red Bone latte (chocolate and raspberry) and have been back several times. I need to branch out and order other drinks sometime, but my girls give two thumbs up to the iced vanilla and iced Milky Way lattes. In addition, check out the baked goods. Revocup.com

Heart on Your Wrist Shortly after my Dad passed away, I was looking for a way to get a special remembrance. I did some research and found the Heart on Your Wrist website. I scanned a copy of my Dad’s signature from a birthday card and it was made into a bracelet. I’ve worn it almost daily for the past four years and it has held up nicely! The signature hasn’t faded and the bracelet itself is sturdy and of good quality.

Perfect for having a child’s, parent’s or another special someone’s writing made into a lasting memory. HeartOnYourWrist.com

WORDFROMDAD

Let our family take care of your family!

desperate to trickor-treat

“Dad, what should I wear this year for Halloween?”

“You’re too old to go trick-or-treating.

I told you that last year.”

“Aw … No fair.” Ian threw himself onto the couch.

I studied him while the memory of nights carrying a heavy bag full of goodies sent a familiar thrill down my spine. “Okay, I’ll tell you what. We’ll go to our neighbors and you can ask their parents if we can take their kids.

If the parents say yes, you can go out but only on this block.”

Ian jumped up with a whoop.

I rose from my chair. “Wait for me!” But he was already out the door.

A half-hour later, we trudged back in and Ian hurled himself on the sofa.

Sandi raised her eyebrows. “Bad news?”

I nodded. “Everybody who was going wanted to take their kids.”

Sandi sat beside him on the sofa and rubbed his back. “Don’t worry. We’ll have our own Halloween party. How does candy and a scary movie sound?”

“All right, I guess. I just wish I could go again.”

I sat on the other side of him. “What’s so special about Halloween? You can get candy, go out at night or play dress-up almost any time. What’s the big deal?”

Ian stared at the floor. “Yeah, but it’s not the same if it isn’t Halloween.”

“Do you remember other Halloweens when you had so much fun?”

He nodded.

I pulled him to me in a big hug. “I went trick-or-treating when I was little. Over 50 years past, and I still remember those nights.”

“You went more than 50 years ago? And you still remember?”

“Yup. Can you hold on to your memories for half a century?”

Ian was silent for a moment, then nodded his head. “Yeah, I think so.”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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15

better bedtimes Simple tricks to get more Zs!

f

rom the first night you bring your newborn home, both you and your little one begin the struggle to get enough sleep. Let’s face it, feedings interrupt every hour of the day for at least a year or two, and experts point out that many children who are used to being rocked or nursed to sleep, or allowed to fall asleep in their parents’ beds since birth, have simply never learned to fall asleep on their own.

The good news is that you can help your child learn how to get a solid night’s sleep.

And most experts agree that the earlier you start, the easier it is to establish healthy sleep habits for your children. Studies have shown that 25 to 30 percent of all kiddos experience some kind of sleep problem, either resisting it or having trouble falling asleep, and at least 60 percent of kids ages 1 to 18 complain they are tired during the day.

A simple tip is to establish a solid routine for bedtime and stick to it. Begin with your infant at about 6 to 8 weeks to start a regular sleep cycle, so your baby sleeps more at night and stays awake more during the day. Make sure he or she is exposed to sunlight throughout the day and put to bed in a darkened room at night. By 3 or 4, little ones’ sleep cycles start to resemble those of adults, passing through cycles of active sleep or REM (rapid eye movement) and then deep sleep. Both stages are critical to development, and it is a fact that human growth hormone is released during deep sleep, so children require this stage of sleep to grow. REM is needed for learning and memory, sort of like a computer backing up its hard drive.

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Anticipate your baby’s natural sleepiness, soothing him and putting him down to sleep before he gets overtired. Also, put your child to bed while she is still awake so she learns to soothe herself and not cry out for you—but don’t try letting your baby cry it out until you are ready to commit to it. Doing this one night and not the next may make the problem worse. If you worry you will lose your child’s trust, realize that will balance out when you attend to your child’s needs throughout the day whenever she cries.

When little ones get older and can climb out of bed on their own, you may be startled

to discover a tiny body in your bed with you or on your bedroom floor. A good tip is to put your child back in his bed, then stand outside the door. When he walks out, take his hand and walk him back to bed. If you do this often enough, he will soon realize it is not a game, it is bedtime.

Nightmares and night terrors can affect preschoolers and be the causes of night disturbance and resistance to go to bed.

Night terrors, when your child sits up and screams, happen within the first couple of hours of falling asleep. These occur when your child is overtired, and perhaps a nap in the afternoon will help.

A child’s nightmares often are a way to play out unresolved feelings. One trick is to hang a dream catcher, which looks like a spider web with a feather dangling down.

Tell your child it will catch the bad dreams before they can reach her. Other favorite tricks to soothe fears are keeping a bottle of “monster spray” (actually a water spritzer) handy or designating a stuffed animal as your child’s protector.

Try using a system of rewards and sleep rules to develop good habits. Give clear expectations about closing eyes, staying quiet, remaining in bed and trying to sleep.

Every night he follows the sleep rules, give your child a star. When he accumulates a certain number of them, he receives a reward. When he doesn’t follow the rules, he loses a privilege the next day.

Older children need to learn to put away their phones, computers and turn off the TV. These practices allow their minds to rest and be less stimulated. Avoid sweets and caffeine in the evening, and do try treats like a handful of almonds or walnuts, which contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Foods high in protein, like cottage cheese, increase levels of the brain chemical serotonin. Low levels of it can contribute to insomnia. Sweeten it with raspberries, which are also rich sources of melatonin.

Other fruits with melatonin include tart cherry juice or cherries, bananas, pineapple and oranges.

And let’s face it, a powerful psychological link exists between warm milk and bedtime, so go for it. Just like hot decaf tea, a warm drink of milk can make for a relaxing bedtime routine.

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.

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

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17

10 TIPS for a

tear-free checkup

A

s informative and caring as your pediatrician may be, it is no surprise if your little one often dreads regular well child checkups. Parents reluctantly schedule the appointment, knowing that a battle may ensue when appointment day arrives. After her daughter had to endure extensive lead poisoning tests, Kansas City mom Madison Shelley found that her toddler associated a visit to the doctor with one singular thing: pain. You can imagine her daughter’s response when it was time for even a simple well child checkup!

Shelley is not alone in what is often a trying experience for children and parents alike. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your next well child appointment.

1

Preparation goes a long way. Well before your next visit, discuss with your child what the visit will be like. This is especially helpful if your child likes to know what to expect before going somewhere different.

2

Talk to your child about why he goes to the doctor. Try statements like, “We love Doctor ____ because she keeps us safe and healthy!” and “We are so blessed to get to go to our doctor because he keeps us feeling good and happy!” Just as you point out the importance of eating a healthy lunch and safely buckling in the car, talking about the role of doctors in your daily life can help children create a positive outlook and respect for their doctor.

3

Avoid negative talk. Chris Kemmling, a Shawnee mother of five, finds that when talking about the doctor with her children, she needs to avoid using negative phrases, such as, “It won’t hurt much.” Kemmling says, “The child is more likely to hone in only on the word ‘hurt.’ And promising that an appointment won’t hurt is never a good

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idea.” Rather, she teaches her children that sometimes things that are good for us may be uncomfortable for a short time.

4

Make it fun with music. Shelley’s daughter Eloise loves to sing, so she uses Doc McStuffins songs to ease anxiety prior to a doctor visit. “We would sing the day before, on the way in the car and while she was getting shots and blood draws. It was so calming for her,” Shelley says.

5

Get a doctor kit and practice at home: Allowing your children to role play can make them feel more at ease when the nurse checks vitals and performs other routine procedures.

6

Read a picture book. Build literacy skills and prepare for the doctor’s office at the same time! Splat the Cat Goes to the Doctor and Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor are both high quality options that can be found at your local library.

7

Use rewards. Your doctor may have a sticker or prize box to choose from after the visit, and talking about it can provide

some motivation. Or, bring a lollipop to pass the time and ward off tears.

8

Grab books, colors or a small toy.

Although the waiting room usually has something entertaining for children, the exam room generally has little to offer.

9

Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to speed the visit. Discuss the upcoming appointment with your partner and write down questions so you are ready to go over them with the doctor. Jot down the answers while in the room so you don’t forget!

10

At the end of your visit, be sure to have your child say, “Thank you, Dr. _____!” The goal is to build appreciation for your doctor and end the visit on a positive note.

Emily Cline lives in Lenexa with her husband and 3-year-old son, who has rarely cried in a pediatrician’s office.

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

Having the right health care provider for your family makes a big difference in how your child feels about going to the doctor. If you are looking for a new pediatrician or think your child is uncomfortable at your current office, consider these questions:

• Does your doctor’s office have childfriendly colors, furniture and toys or books?

• Does your doctor address your child personally, making him or her feel more comfortable?

• Does your doctor begin asking for

permission (from parent and child) to do physical examinations? This should occur by the age of 3 and helps your child feel safe and learn healthy boundaries.

• Do you feel comfortable asking your

doctor anything related to your child’s health? You should have open communication and feel supported in your journey to care for your child. Your child will also respond to your attitude and relationship with the doctor.

kcparent.com october 2019

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Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Cafe. All parties are scheduled for one-anda-half hours, giving you plenty of time to

party

KC Parent’s

guide

open presents and serve cake and ice cream.

Choose from painting pottery, creating with clay or a glass fusion project. Ceramic Cafe birthday parties are creative and fun for any age. Call 913.383.0222 or visit www.CeramicCafeKC.com for more details.

See display ad on pg. 21.

Fun Services

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Look like a party planning superstar to your guests! Let Fun Services help you put together a once-in-a-lifetime event that everyone will remember for years to come. From inflatables to carnival games to concessions to entertainers, we’ve got everything you need to have a successful party. Call us today to help plan your party.

913.441.9200. See display ad on pg. 26 for a coupon. www.FunServicesMidwest.com

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Parties Include: Story Games Facepaint Music Prizes & More

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Gymboree Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way to 5th birthday parties.

Gymboree Play & Music parties are available to members and non-members.

Call to find out more details. 913.262.3339 (Leawood). See display ad on pg. 20. www.GymboreeClasses.com

iFLY Kansas City From birthday parties to corporate events and everything in between, iFLY is the perfect venue for groups of all sizes.

We offer plenty of ways to make your

event memorable, from exciting flight enhancements to food and beverage options.

We’ll help your customize your event to fit your needs to throw the party of the year, while your guests experience the thrill of a lifetime. See display ad on pg. 22. www.iFLYWorld.com/Kansas-City

Johnson County Parks and Recreation Have your next party with JCPRD! We offer room rentals and organized party activities such as: geocaching in a JCPRD park; gymnastics at Mill Creek Activity Center; KidScape at the Johnson County Museum; the Escape Room at the Lanesfield Historic Site; animal presentations at Ernie Miller Nature Center; and outdoor activities at

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TimberRidge Adventure Center. See all of our party options at www.JCPRD.com/ birthdayparties and our display ad on page 23.

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

See display ad on pg. 23.

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With these stats, it’s easy to see how KC Parent has parties covered!

Birthday Parties for All Ages Come to us or we can bring the party to you!

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LET’S PARTY! We have everything you already love about our site plus a bunch of new features, including an ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE where parents can search by location with venues displayed on Google Maps plus search for party type AND see photos and video.

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MUCH MORE! VISIT KCPARENT.COM TODAY!

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21

PARTYGUIDE Mirror Me KC

Mirror Me KC offers a whole NEW Photo Booth Experience!

Full-length touchscreen mirror Interactive animations & on-screen games Fun props + friendly attendant

The Mirror Me Booth is a unique photogenerating product posing the latest technology in interactive picture taking.

The full-length mirror offers a sleek design and a user-friendly interface, communicating with guests through a touch screen of colorful animations and entertaining voice guidance. See display ad on pg. 22 www.MirrorMeKC.com

Movies2U Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger than life inflatable screens.

Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 27. www.Movies2U.com.

816-716-4955 www.mirrormeKC.com

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House

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Fully customizable packages & catering for groups of all sizes.

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We put the ART in PARTY & are KC’s only paint-your-own pottery studio with a coffee bar, offering smoothies, chai tea & more. Painting pottery is fun & easy for everyone. Visit us for birthday parties, Scout outings, team building, girls’ night out or “just because.” Masterpiece parties include a dedicated host and custom painted keepsake birthday plate. Find us at 127th and Metcalf. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

See display ad on pg. 26. Book online at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net.

Paradise Park

iFLYworld.com

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kcparent.com october 2019

iFLY Kansas City 10975 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 913-305-4359

Paradise Park is hands down Kansas City’s favorite place to have a birthday party because our seven award-winning party packages create a one-of-a-kind experience for kids and a stress-free party for mom and dad. We take care of everything for you, from activities and hosting to cakes and

pizza. Visit www.Paradise-Park.com to view details and book online or call 816.246.5224.

See display ad on pg. 20.

Princess at My Party Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our new Super Girl, Wonder Woman, Batman and Spider-Man parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 20.

816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Sky Zone Give your child the best birthday party ever at Sky Zone! Your kids and their friends will experience the fun of jumping, flying and flipping on our wall-to-wall trampoline courts.

Throwing a great party can get complicated, but Sky Zone offers all-inclusive packages that make it easy and hassle-free to have a jump-tastic party. NEW Ninja Warrior, Rock Climbing, Warped Wall, Aerial Silks, Wipe Out, and more ways to play coming soon!

Attractions vary by location. Two Locations: Sky Zone Kansas City and Sky Zone Lee’s Summit. See display ad on pg. 25 for $50 coupon. www.SkyZone.com

Urban Air Trampoline Park At Urban Air, in Overland Park (143rd & Metcalf) and Lenexa (coming soon to 87th & I-435), no age limits means fun for all! Face off against friends in the Warrior Obstacle Course, Tubes Playground, or Slam Dunk Zone. Fly sky high and bounce off the walls of our APEX trampolines, then join an epic battle of dodgeball. New attractions, SkyRider and climbing walls, coming soon! Urban Air is the ultimate birthday party, team party and “just because” party destination! See display ad on pg. 27. www.UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

HAVE YOUR NEXT PARTY WITH JCPRD! Arts & Culture  Gymnastics  Nature & Outdoors  Sports

ized From organ om ro activities to r party, ou rentals for y vered. co we have you Select from organized party activities including:  Geocaching in a JCPRD park  Gymnastics at Mill Creek Activity Center  KidScape at the Johnson County Museum  Animals at Ernie Miller Nature Center - three options  Outdoor activities at TimberRidge Adventure Center - six options

Additional room rentals available at these locations:  JoCo Arts & Heritage Center  New Century Fieldhouse - court rentals also  Roeland Park Community Center  Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse

For details visit jcprd.com/birthdayparties

Have a WILD Birthday Party at the Zoo! oo.org for details Go to kansascityz rty today! pa and to book your

OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234 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. kcparent.com october 2019

23

PARTYGUIDE

g

a modern mom’s guide to

rowing up, birthday parties were pretty simple yet still memorable and fun! It was exciting to have a few friends over for your special day and to receive a couple of gifts. As with most things, parenting today has taken birthday parties to a whole new level. It’s important to think about what expectations you are setting for your family birthdays early on so you can reign in the craziness before it gets out of control. You can literally rent a “unicorn” but you actually don’t have to.

My typical birthday planning process begins with determining the theme and then beginning the initial search for ideas on Pinterest.

Next, we decide how big a party we are having. Our family typically does big parties every other year and more simple ones on the off years. Some families only do big parties for the milestone birthdays like 5, 10, 13, 16 and 18, while others like to party each year.

Do what works for your family.

The next decision is the venue. Then come all the fun details, like decorations, favors, food, cake and gifts. Rachel Driver, mother of two, gives a tip she uses when planning her daughter’s birthday: “All. The. Pinterest.

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kcparent.com october 2019

birthday parties

Sometimes I need theme inspiration and start with that. Other times, I have the theme chosen and am looking for inspiration for the other details. That includes invitations, food, decor, games and favor bags. For my daughter’s fifth birthday, she requested a Legend of Zelda theme. I know next to nothing about it, so I really had to rely on Pinterest (and my husband) for ideas on that one!”

Birthday parties have gotten to be a bit extreme thanks to the vast array of directions they can go. Some birthday kids still celebrate with sweet and simple parties at home, but more often than not, parties are at all these amazing venues where the entire class is invited.

Venues. House or park parties are simple and fun but require the extra effort of cleaning up before and afterward, as well as personally entertaining many children.

Birthday parties are certainly a very lucrative part of many kid-centered businesses, but paying for those specialized services can be worth it. Imagine just showing up and simply enjoying the party and your child’s birthday.

Popular venues include rec center pools, bowling alleys, Wonderscope Children’s

Museum, Sky Zone, gymnastics centers and more. Depending on your budget, let your child choose to have either a bigger party or a bigger gift and go from there.

Invitations. First, determine how many guests you’d like to host. Do you want family and friends? Would you like to invite a couple of close friends or the entire class? You will need to obtain contact info for classmates’ parents to send an invitation via mail, email or text. Remember, if you want to send the invitations to school you must invite the entire class so no one is excluded. One of our elementary schools offered optional class directories which was very helpful for playdates and parties. Waiting for the RSVPs to come in can be a bit tedious, but requesting an RSVP by a certain date can help. We’re all in the weeds of parenting and papers get piled and forgotten, so a simple text asking whether someone’s child is planning on coming is an easy way to check in with the other families.

Cakes. I have enjoyed trying my hand at making fun, Pinterest-inspired birthday cakes for my kids, but they really aren’t that into actually eating the cake. The last couple of years I have given them some other options

instead of cake, so we’ve had Lego brownies, a soccer field ice cream cake and root beer floats. There are so many fun options, like cake pops, donuts, pizza, cookie cake (or my husband’s favorite, a pazookie, which is a warm skillet or sheet pan cookie with ice cream on top), watermelon frosted with whipped cream, lasagna, etc. Any of your kid’s favorite foods can be made into the shape of a cake. Simply put a candle on top and voila! It will be a birthday to remember!

Know your limits. Speaking of Pinterest, remember to use it as a tool for ideas but not that you have to do all of the ideas. My daughter’s last birthday was Harry Potterthemed, and she saw an amazing cake on Pinterest and asked if I would make it. I decided it was above my skill set and it would be over our budget to have a bakery make it, so we found a grocery store that made a Harry Potter cake that she was just as excited about for a fraction of the cost. As my kids have gotten older, they are able to help out more with the planning and prepping, which is helpful for me and fun for them. Amazon was a great and affordable option for party favors for this party as well.

Gifts. Kids today tend to have more than they appreciate, so we’ve opted to go the minimalist route for gift requests.

Controversies abound over the social etiquette of requesting specific gifts, but my mind can’t contemplate the additional clutter in our house. So if we’re going to host a party, I think we can make requests, and if people don’t agree, then they can opt out or do as they please. For all parties, we say that guests’ presence is present enough, but we have requested specific book series to contribute to our kids’ home libraries, a gift of $5 (Fiver Party) towards a larger Lego set my son had his eye on. We also have requested donations toward a specific charity our child had chosen if guests felt inclined to give.

As a parent who sends my kids to most parties, I appreciate and applaud simply putting a $5 bill in a nice (or homemade) card and calling it a day. Among my three kids, I couldn’t even count how many classmates’ birthday parties we have attended and given gifts for. It’s a separate line item in our budget! Amanda Wetterson, mother of two, says, “My friend noted on her invitation that if you’d like to bring a gift, her little guy

was collecting $5 bills to purchase a specific toy. I appreciated it so much! It’s hard to choose a gift for someone else’s child, and I love my friend too much to give her more crap for her house. It took out the stressing and the guessing!” As a mom, I generally think of the parents and give a gift card to somewhere fun instead of buying a $15 toy I don’t know whether their child will like or already has.

As a parent in today’s culture of high expectations, remember that you get to set your own values and expectations for your family’s birthdays. Birthdays are special regardless of elaborate parties, and even simple and affordable traditions can be all that matter to make your child happily anticipate his special day. Donuts for breakfast, a birthday balloon, eating from a special birthday plate, a couple of gifts or having one friend over for the day can be more than enough.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 9, Mason, 7, and Slade, 4, and enjoys the process of planning a fun birthday for her kiddos.

kcparent.com october 2019

25

PARTYGUIDE

L

double up

on the birthday fun

et’s face it: Birthday parties are fun, but the stress and cost of planning and throwing them can be overwhelming for parents. One solution is to have a joint birthday party for children who have close birthdays.

Here are a few things to consider when planning a joint party:

Ages

Kids who are several years apart might not fare well with a combined party; separate interests and friends might hinder planning a party that pleases everyone. Keep in mind that the older the children, the more guests they can handle. Young kids tend to get overwhelmed easily, so having a joint party for 4-year-olds and inviting 30 guests will probably result in overstimulation for the kids (and parents, too!)

Budget

If you are collaborating with another parent, make sure you have a similar budget in mind. Planning a simple party with a couple of games and cake, while the other parent wants to bring in ponies and clowns, will invite trouble. Make a budget and stick with it, regardless of whether you are the sole party planner for your own kids or teaming up with another family.

Location

A neutral location, such as a bowling alley, petting zoo or park will ensure that one family is not doing all the prep work and cleanup. Throwing a bash somewhere besides your own home also eliminates the stress of feeling that everything must be spotless before guests arrive. Of course, if the birthday kids are siblings and you have

the space and patience to host a party in your home, go for it!

Cake

Most parents who have planned double birthday celebrations recommend separate smaller cakes. That way, each child can have a hand in choosing the design and flavor and can have his or her own candles to blow out. Singing “Happy Birthday” to each birthday kid will also make everyone feel special.

Gifts

Some parents are hesitant to throw joint birthday parties because they don’t want guests to feel obligated to buy gifts for both kids, particularly if the kids have separate friends who may know only the child who invited them. Giving a gift only to the child who invited you is appropriate.

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kcparent.com october 2019

27

the worry wheel

how to dismount and stay off

t

he old saying is wrong. Three things are guaranteed in this world: death, taxes and parent worry. In fact, the third of these is absolutely, unequivocally unavoidable as a parent.

Having an overwhelming concern for your children doesn’t discriminate, either. Parents of all genders, ages and social statuses are susceptible. And people who say they don’t worry are absolute liars.

Worry seems to show up on day one of parenthood and it takes all different forms and shapes. Fear of illness. Bullying. College tuition. Fitting in. As parents, we want only the best for our children. And we tend to take on their potential difficulties as our own, in

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kcparent.com october 2019

the hopes that if we worry enough for them, they won’t have to experience hardships that we’ve encountered first hand. Of course, that mentality is exactly the opposite of what is healthy for a child. Struggle, pain, drama and, yes, even a little heartbreak (or an arm break) are necessary for a young child to grow into an adaptive, graceful, mentally and physically healthy adult.

But let’s get real; a little worry is okay. It comes with the territory when you truly love someone more than you love yourself. The good news? There are four types of worry you can let go of today … and your child will never know the difference. Here’s how— as Elsa would say—to let it go.

Worry to Release: Labels I once went to a soccer game for my 3-year-old son. He was terrible. I mean, awful. He had no idea what he was doing and, truthfully, he didn’t care. He was quite satisfied to run in circles with his best friend for the entire hour. As he played, an acquaintance leaned over and reassured me, “Don’t worry, he’ll get better at sports.”

Naturally, it was said in jest because my son was, at that moment, playing in a mud puddle. Even though no harm was meant, I started to worry almost immediately. What if he never gets good at sports? Will he turn into the lazy kid? What if he discovers video games and is a recluse in my basement when he’s 35? Wasn’t I raising my son to be better than that by having him in this sport to begin with? In hindsight, I want to shake myself in that moment. My kid is a kid. He can be anything; the sky is the limit. Whether he excels at sports or piano or Fortnite is not important (but I’m really hoping it itsn’t Fortnite). His father and I are raising him to be a good human and have fun, end of story. The rest is up to him. I trust him to evolve into who he wants to be.

The world is his to explore.

simply means you can get back up. Teach your child to get back up. Oh, and do your absolute best to not begin sobbing when that first bone breaks. All it will do is scare your already terrified child even further.

Take a deep breath and be her rock. She will immediately calm down and thank you later in life. Maybe.

Worry to Release: Friend Count Everyone wants to be popular or famous these days (and we can have a whole discussion about that another time.) Social media, TV, music and every other source of information in your children’s lives is focused on their making as many friends as possible, regardless of authenticity. It’s simply impossible to ignore. Your child is going to crave “likes” and worry about his friend count before he even hits grade school. It’s your job to break that cycle, or at the very least disrupt it. Instead of worrying about the quantity of friends your child has, switch your concern to quality. Make sure he understands that just because someone is his friend on social media doesn’t mean he is a true friend. Teach kids to find the differences and choose their true friends wisely.

Worry to Release: Injury

Worry to Release: the Future

Let me hit you with some tough knowledge right here and now. Your child will break/sprain/injure/cut something on her body between today and when she turns 95. Accept that getting hurt is part of life, and it’s a tolerable part of life, because lessons are learned. Getting brought down

Every parent has this worry on her checklist. What will happen when my kid grows up? Will he get married? Will she get a good job? Will he struggle with a learning disability? Will she start smoking even though I tell her constantly how awful it is?

These are all valid concerns—but they aren’t

doing anyone any good. Erma Bombeck once said, “Worrying is like a rocking chair.

It gives you something to do, but never gets you anywhere.” Oh, Erma, you wise soul!

Worrying about potential potholes won’t keep them from showing up. All it can do is completely ruin the present. If you go to your child’s first play and worry constantly about his forgetting his lines, you’re missing the joy of when he remembers them! If you worry that your child’s first B in class will turn into C’s and D’s later, you’re missing the opportunity to help correct the issue now, in this moment. There’s nothing wrong with having concern that your child grow up to be well-adjusted; it’s only natural. But turn off the constant worry. Be present. The future will work itself out.

Having children is to navigate a life of complete contradiction. On one hand, you want nothing bad to ever, ever, happen. On the other hand, you know that a life lived without a little pain and sadness is a very boring life indeed.

The good news is that if you raise your children to embrace change and the downtrodden times, you can know they will be okay. They will dust themselves off and try again. And with any luck, you’ll get to see it. You will get the joy of watching as they take those tools you’ve armed them with and use them for good. It will be your greatest achievement.

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

WORRY LESS ABOUT THIS

SPEND TIME THINKING ABOUT THIS

Number of activities your child is in

How many activities he really loves

If your child has too many weaknesses

If you’re cultivating her strengths

If your child is popular

If your child has solid, secure, healthy relationships

If your child is “pretty”

If your child has self-confidence

If your child will succeed

If your child is happy

If your child will get hurt

If your child is learning to be courageous

If your child excels at sports

If your child is having fun in his activities

If your child is encountering bullying

If you are teaching your child to handle confrontation and ask for help

Making your child the center of the world

Teaching your child to care for others first

If your child has enough toys/clothes/things

If your child is grateful for what she already has kcparent.com october 2019

29

helpful

W

tips on parenting teens

When they were little, you had moments where you couldn’t wait for them to grow up. Fast-forward to now, and you’ve got teenagers!

Exciting? Yes and no. As you’ve probably discovered, parenting has become a little more challenging, and you may have even asked yourself, “Who is this stranger in my home?”

You may not feel as though you have much influence on your

teen’s behavior, but you’re wrong. You do. A teen’s behavior directly correlates to the strength of his bonds with his parents. Even still, your teen’s moods will change; he will test your limits and your patience. The trick as a parent is knowing which efforts are worth the struggle and which ones will backfire. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you navigate the world of raising teens:

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kcparent.com october 2019

Be a parent AND a friend.

Monitor what your teens see and read.

Your teens need to know that you understand them, appreciate them and love them no matter what. That said, they do want the relationship to be in the form of a friend, but they also want independence and privacy. It can be tricky to navigate your closeness with your teen and, at the same time, your role as the parent and one who sets rules. However, if you can steer your relationship in an accepting way, a teen is more likely to open up and share with you. If you offer your teen respect, consideration and authenticity, that’s what you’ll receive in return. Do remember that no matter how close you want to be to your teen, sometimes you will have to say no.

Teens should not have unlimited access to TV or the internet in private. These should be public activities. Their access to technology should also be limited after certain hours (10:00 or so), to encourage adequate sleep. Apps are available that you can use to control the hours their phones and computers allow them to log in. It’s not at all unreasonable to have devices off limits after a certain time.

Don’t lecture your teen.

Lecturing will backfire every time. First of all, it’s one-way communication. Teens today don’t respond to lecturing because, in large part, they feel unheard and disrespected. Lecturing consists of too much talking and not nearly enough listening, which can lead to assumptions and misconceptions. Instead, have two-sided, discussion-based relationships and get to know each other. This leads to genuine respect and love.

Set rules and consequences.

Discipline is about teaching, not punishing or controlling your teen. Encourage your teen to behave well by discussing what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable at home, school and elsewhere. Create fair and appropriate consequences. For example, avoid ultimatums.

Your teen may see an ultimatum as a challenge. Be clear and concise by setting curfews, and make consequences immediate. It’s a good idea to explain your decisions so your teen understands the reasons for a new rule or curfew time. Finally, be reasonable and flexible.

Avoid setting rules that your teen can’t possibly follow, and if she demonstrates more responsibility, grant her more freedom. If she shows poor judgment, set more restrictions.

Don’t rely on parenting books.

Don’t tie yourself into knots trying to follow the advice you read in these books. Parenting books can be a good thing, but they can also become a problem when parents use them to replace their own innate skills. When a book’s recommendations don’t coincide with a parent’s style, parents end up more anxious and less confident with their own children. Simply use books to get perspective on confusing behavior, and then put the book down. Trust that you’ve learned what you needed to learn.

Establish one-on-one time.

Make sure you check in every single day with your teen. Just a few minutes of conversation while eating dinner or right before bedtime can keep you tuned in and keep the communication lines open.

Believe it or not, teens often respond well to a goodnight hug and check-in chat once they’re lounging in bed.

Make mealtimes together a high priority.

Meals are a great time to unwind, talk about the day’s events and bond. They’re also your best opportunity to keep in touch with what’s going on in your teen’s life and any challenges he may have run into.

An important factor in kids’ happiness and overall success is whether they feel they get time to “just hang out and talk” with parents each day.

Set reasonable expectations.

Teens tend to live up or down to parental expectations, so it’s okay to set your expectations high. However, instead of focusing on achievements, such as getting straight A’s, expect your teen to be kind, considerate, honest, respectful and generous. Remember that teens gain confidence through success, which then sets them up for the next challenge. As your teen takes on more difficult tasks, allow her to set the bar herself. She knows what she can and cannot handle, and if not, she’ll learn through her experiences. No matter what, always praise your teen’s efforts.

Gina Klein is a Kansas City mom and author who resides with her husband, two teen daughters and a houseful of animals. She loves her one-on-one “talk times” with her daughters each day and treasures the fun they have together.

Communication Strategies That Work with Teens: • Be brief. Say 25 percent of the words you intend to say, otherwise your teen stops listening. By being thoughtful, you increase your chances of being heard.

• Ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “How was school today?” say, “Tell me about school today.”

Or, “Show me how Instagram works. What do you and your friends use it for?”

• Cut down on critical talks. Telling your teen what he is doing wrong or needs to change only makes him more insecure. Instead, tell him positive things about himself—and be authentic.

• Get to know your teen. Grab an earbud and listen to what she’s listening to and why. Watch her favorite show with her. Whatever you do, don’t judge your teen. Instead, focus and learn about who she truly is and what she enjoys.

• Talk to your teen like you don’t know him. Treat him like someone you don’t know much about. Pretend it’s your friend’s child or your niece or nephew and notice the difference. This can help you get out of a poor communication rut.

• Play. Don’t be afraid to act silly with your teen! Laugh, sing, dance around, etc. Have fun together each day, if even for just a little while. It’s a great way to connect. kcparent.com october 2019

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better late than early

the surprising benefits of delaying kindergarten

m

y firstborn is a June baby who was reading at 3 and multiplying at 5. Some parents agonize over whether to have their summer-born child begin kindergarten at 5 or delay a year, but the choice seemed rather obvious to my husband and me.

At fresh-turned-5, my firstborn began kindergarten. Academically, he thrived.

But I began to regret our decision a few years later when he was on the cusp of fourth grade. Always a good student, I realized there was much more that should have been factored into the decision beyond academic readiness, such as emotional maturity, social skills and the ability to focus for set amounts of time.

For some kids, sooner might be better.

But for my son, I could say without reservation that I would have waited an extra year if I knew then what I know now.

One reason many parents don’t even consider delaying kindergarten for their child is because of the stigma attached. Starting early seems to imply that a child is ahead; in contrast, delaying kindergarten for a year appears to imply that a child might be behind. But behind what exactly?

In generations past, kindergarten was the introduction into formal learning and it began on the pretense that students didn’t know their alphabet, yet alone how

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to read. As early education has morphed through the years, kindergarten has become the new first grade (or beyond).

Whereas students once dressed up and acted out fairy tales, kindergartners now are expected to be able to read them and take a comprehension test.

Expectations of kindergarten curriculum have changed greatly over the years, but children haven’t. As parents, we note that our children are every bit as smart, whether they begin walking at 10 months or 13. We don’t rush motor development when things play out within the healthy range of normal. Brain development also needs to be treated with the same respect. Just as no two children learn to ride a bike at the same time, we need to allow grace for children to blossom in their own time as they tackle the task of learning to read. Expecting children to become emergent readers or count to 100 at 5, for many, is just not developmentally appropriate. In her Wall Street Journal article, “Is Kindergarten the New First Grade? It’s Actually Worse,” educational writer Valerie Strauss says this:

As for kindergarten, it could be argued that in some ways, it is the new third grade. How? It used to be that kids were given time to academically grow at their own speed without being declared failures by first and certainly

second grade if they couldn’t read. Kids intellectually develop at different rates, and one of the most damaging aspects of the “earlier is not only better but necessary” philosophy is that this natural process is no longer respected.

Meanwhile, research studies, such as the National Bureau of Economic Research’s The Gift of Time? Starting School Age and Mental Health, tout that delaying kindergarten not only provides academic benefits that persist up until the age of 11, but in many ways it even provides mental health benefits. The study, spearheaded

by Stanford Department of Education professor Thomas Dee, compared Danish census data to information gathered from a mental health screening survey taken by tens of thousands of Danish children. The results concluded that the better the child’s self-regulation and attention, the higher the assessment scores were. Dee expounded on this in his Stanford release, saying:

“We found that delaying kindergarten for one year reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11 and it virtually eliminated the probability that an average child at that age would have an ‘abnormal,’ or higher-than-normal rating for the inattentive-hyperactive behavioral measure.”

Delaying kindergarten might help children get the jumpstart they need.

After all, an extra year of creative play and growing in divergent thinking can be just the ticket for well-rounded kindergarten readiness. But one of the greatest benefits for delaying kindergarten may have less to do with early education and more to do with long-term outcomes. Consider this:

• A delayed kindergartner is a child who will have an extra year before having to navigate the crazy world of social media as a middle schooler, something none of us parents even had to think about when we were in sixth grade.

• A delayed kindergartner will be a high schooler with an extra year to grow and mature before tackling the big questions in life.

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• A delayed kindergartner will be a 19-year-old freshman in college that has had a bit more time to process a future career path than a rushed 18-year-old.

My youngest child, like my firstborn, has a summer birthday. He’s now 6, and I have a whole new approach toward his school experience. Namely, I have come to learn that childhood is a gift, and there’s no prize offered to the one who completes it the soonest. You could say we held him back (or as many now say, we “red-shirted” him). But I like to think that by delaying kindergarten until now, we actually gave him a running start.

When your summer birthday child will begin kindergarten is a weighty decision and one only you can make. Just as no two children are alike, there is not a one-sizefits-all way to determine when your child should begin formal education. If you need an outside voice, consider consulting with your child’s pediatrician or preschool teacher. And most important of all, rely on that parental gut instinct. It’s there for a reason!

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appreciation

t

aking care of the kids and the daily responsibilities of running a house can strain your connection with your spouse. The busier you get, the easier it is to drift apart. One way to show love and maintain a great relationship is to show your spouse genuine appreciation for all he or she does to keep the family running smoothly. Here are some simple things that go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping your relationship strong.

Photo by Kara Holdman, Love It Photography

the art of

give a break I feel very appreciated when my husband comes home from work, notices I am feeling overwhelmed, and tells me to take a break and go somewhere alone for a while. He also has encouraged me to join a monthly book club so I have a scheduled night out at least once a month. Pay attention to when your spouse needs a break and send him or her off to the spa, out with friends or even alone on an errand. On returning home, your partner will feel rested and recharged.

tell others how great your spouse is say it The simplest way to show your spouse you appreciate him is to say thank you. It may seem obvious, but as we get busy in our daily routines, it is easy to take for granted what your spouse does to contribute to the household. Thank him for working hard to provide financially, for cooking and cleaning, for mowing the lawn, for packing the kids’ lunches or giving them baths, or for running errands. A simple word of thanks goes a long way to show your spouse that you notice him and all that he does.

write a note In this day and age of email and text, who doesn’t love to receive a handwritten note with a thoughtful thank you included?

Consider writing your spouse a thank you card or love letter and leaving it where it will be a surprise. It is sure leave your spouse feeling appreciated and loved.

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“I tell him, especially in front of the children, how much I appreciate him,” says Lenexa mom Darcy King. “I explain to the kids why I am thankful for him.” Your spouse will feel appreciated if you tell others how much you appreciate him or her. “One of the ways I show my husband I appreciate him is how I speak about him to others,” Holly Searls, Olathe mom, says. “I brag on him and tell others how amazing he is—because he is! I am proud to be married to him and it shows in the stories I tell others.”

show it You can show your spouse great appreciation by acting grateful.

Try to reduce criticism and speak words that build up your spouse.

Encourage, thank and acknowledge all your partner does for you and the family. When your children hear how much you appreciate your spouse, it will help build family bonds. Sometimes, the kids also need reminders from you to express their appreciation for your spouse.

give a gift

do the other’s “job”

Giving your spouse a gift—big or small—demonstrates how much you appreciate that person and think of him or her when you are apart. Have flowers or cookies delivered to work or, while you are out and about, pick up a treat to give. Spring Hill mom Kristin Haugsness says, “I pick up occasional treats for my husband, such as his favorite candy or drink.” Seeing how he or she is in your thoughts renews your spouse to keep working hard for your family.

If your house is anything like mine, we typically have specific jobs we each take care of on a regular basis. To show your appreciation for your spouse, consider doing one of his or her “jobs” for the week.

Throw in a load of laundry, do the kitchen cleanup after dinner or offer to put the kids to bed while your spouse relaxes. All of these things show that you notice how hard your spouse works and that you appreciate the effort.

don’t keep score When it seems like there is a never-ending list of things that need done to keep the house clean and organized, the kids fed and to various activities, the budget balanced, the yard maintained, and the children raised to be happy and healthy, don’t let yourself get caught up in who is doing which task and who is not. Try to avoid keeping score or comparing duties with your spouse. Instead, keep an attitude of everyone’s working as a team. Even consider taking on a little extra of the burden once in a while if it lightens your partner’s load. Jane Hammond, a Linwood, KS, mom, says, “When I start to get frustrated with him and his annoying habits, I try to flip it around and look at my annoying habits and how patient he is with me.”

If you are looking to reconnect with your spouse and show your appreciation, there are plenty of ways to do it. Write a note, have her favorite snacks on hand, schedule a date night or a quiet night in, tell others why he is great, encourage the kids to tell her, give him a hug, be excited to greet her when she comes home from work, cook things he loves to eat, give her a break, or simply say why you love and appreciate all your spouse does. It may feel awkward at first, but once you see the effects of that encouragement, you will most likely want to do it more often.

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

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Three Money Concepts your kids should know before age10

H

andling money wisely is difficult for people of any age, but it seems an especially tricky concept for kids as money has become less tangible. When I was growing up, I saw cash and checks being used as the normal form of payment. Kids today see Mom and Dad swiping a card at Target, placing an order via Alexa or pushing a button on their phone to make Amazon boxes full of stuff just magically appear on the doorstep.

Combine that perspective with a lack of financial education being taught in school, and we have a real problem on our hands! What kids do learn they observe from their parents or friends, and the rest they learn purely by trial and error. It is so important that we be mindful of what children are seeing and what we are teaching them.

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Kids as young as age 3 are interested in money and capable of understanding very basic concepts. A study in the Journal of Financial Therapy says many of our attitudes and biases concerning money are shaped by age 10. We all know that changing behavior is extremely difficult once it’s ingrained. This is why it is crucial to instill good money behaviors, habits and practices as early as possible. Here are three concepts that your kids should understand before their 10th birthdays:

1

Money Is Finite—When It’s Gone, It’s Gone.

Research shows that 60 percent of Americans are spending all or more of their income, which means they are in debt (or about to be) and do not have an emergency fund. Kids need to know that LEAVE once a dollar is spent, you can’t get it back.

In the book Smart Money, Smart Kids, Dave Ramsey and his daughter, Rachel Cruze, share a great example of learning this concept. Cruze was a child and had a certain amount of money that she could spend on whatever games she wanted on their trip to a theme park that day. She eagerly started playing the first game she saw and ran out of money within 10 minutes of entering the park.

Ramsey and his wife stuck to their guns and did not give her any more game money for the day, using the situation as a teachable moment. Cruze says that lesson has stuck with her for life.

It is important that our kids learn these lessons while they are young and the stakes are lower. If she had never learned that lesson and continued to blow through funds as fast as she received them, Cruze would have found managing paychecks as an adult far more difficult and would have faced much more serious consequences than not being able to play a game.

We have to let our kids “fail” sometimes to learn these lessons early in life while they are in a safe setting. Another important concept for kids to understand is that of opportunity cost.

If you buy X, you will not able to buy Y or be able to pay that upcoming bill.

2

Money Is Earned Through Working.

Work is a good thing and it’s necessary for making a living.

Our kids need to know that we work to earn money to buy the things we need and to live the lifestyle we want. Learning to be a good worker is probably one of the most important skills kids can acquire as it will set them up for a better future. In your younger years, your ability to earn money is your largest financial asset. We refer to this as human capital instead of financial capital. We all

want to do meaningful work and feel proud of ourselves for a job well done. You can help encourage this mindset by helping kids take pride in the chores they do around the house or jobs they do for others. Show them the value of what they’ve done and how having that task done well helps the whole household function. Just telling them that you are proud of them for doing a good job will go a long way.

3

Delayed Gratification/Patience.

Having a “buy now, figure out how to pay for it later” sort of attitude can get you into big trouble. You simply can’t have everything you want right when you want it. The sooner kids BLANK understand that, the better. If there is something they want, help them identify the cost, set a goal and determine a plan of earning money to save up and buy it.

Saving up for something special teaches patience and ensures you actually do want the item/experience. In the process of saving for something, many people find the item isn’t actually that important to them and they’d rather use their funds for something else. Have you heard of the 24-hour test? If you find something you really want to buy, just wait 24 hours and see whether you still really want it. Once that item is out of sight and out of mind, most people discover they didn’t actually want it that badly. Alternatively, the 24 hours gives you a chance to do some comparison shopping, take stock of what you already have that may be similar or find a coupon for it if you do decide it’s a worthy purchase.

The sooner you start having these conversations with your kids and instilling these concepts, the better. Look for teachable moments and fun ways to talk about money, work and saving. In my book, Milton the Money Savvy Pup: Brings Home the Bacon, Milton learns a few very basic money management concepts. He learns how to identify coins and their value, understands that you earn money by working and that sometimes you have to wait and save to get what you really want. Check it out here: Amazon.com/dp/1790751462 Jamie A. Bosse, CFP® RFC, lives in Manhattan, KS with her family.

In addition to being a mom, she’s a financial planner and author of Milton the Money Savvy Pup: Brings Home the Bacon.

References: Smart Money, Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees by Neale Godfrey AmericaSavesWeek.org

kcparent.com october 2019

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b

3helping kids test their best

y third grade, most kids have experienced testing on some level, ranging from spelling and math tests in class to standardized state exams. For some students, testing is a breeze. For others, performance anxiety hijacks their ability to concentrate and do well.

How can we best set our kids up for test success?

Cover the basics. Before a big test day, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and a well-balanced breakfast.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students who skip breakfast are less alert, less focused and have more difficulty problem-solving.

Avoid foods high in refined sugars. Instead choose unprocessed foods like whole grains, eggs, nuts, yogurt, and fresh fruits and veggies.

According to Harvard Medical School, antioxidant-rich foods like berries and apples could even help reduce anxiety.

Check in with your student. “Just acknowledging that a test is coming up and asking how our kids feel about it is a good opening conversation to have,” says Alicia Jackson, coordinator of counselors for the Olathe Public School District and president of the Kansas School Counselor Association.

If your child expresses worry, ask him what his biggest worry is and why. By pinning down the source of his anxiety, you can help him begin to problem solve. For example, if he is worried about the math portion of the test, contact the teacher or school counselor for ideas that can help your student feel more confident and prepared.

Reduce uncertainty. “Test anxiety is such a real issue for students. In order for students to do their best, we want them to remain calm and feel confident about the test,” says Jermaine Wilson, director of counseling and support services, Kansas City

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Public Schools. “Confidence in taking the test is about 50 percent of the battle.”

Familiarity with the test structure can make a big difference in a student’s level of confidence. Review test sample questions with her. Often, students will realize how much they already know. Also, take advantage of any free resources your school offers, like ACT, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) practice tests.

Tap a tutor. A good tutor can help strengthen your student’s skills in areas where she struggles. Wilson, who is a former ACT prep teacher, recommends taking the ACT or SAT cold, prior to tutoring, to identify which portions of the test students should focus their study on.

Tutoring can also help students learn tips to narrow down answers on multiple choice tests, practice writing prompts and manage their time well by answering easy questions before tackling harder ones.

Avoid unnecessary pressure. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 51 percent of universities rate college entrance exams as considerably important when considering incoming freshmen. Although that may be so, pressuring our kids to reach specific test results inadvertently drives up their anxiety and can actually hurt their scores in the long run.

“It affects their self-concept,” Wilson says. “Sometimes students will say ‘okay, my parent doesn’t think I’m up to standard or doesn’t love me as much if I don’t get a certain score.’ With that level of anxiety and the diminishing of self-concept, research shows over time that their test scores will go down.”

Positive self-talk. Nothing spooks success like telling yourself that you’re stupid or that you can’t do something. Help your kids transform negative thought patterns like “I can’t do this” to thoughts like “I don’t know how to do this yet.” This helps kids understand that learning is a trial and error process.

Encourage your child to write a note to himself and stick it in his binder to read before a test, Jackson suggests. He might write, “I’ve studied. I can do this. I’m going to try my best.”

You can help reinforce self-confidence, too, by writing a note to your child and tucking it into her lunch box or backpack the morning of a test.

Share your stories. Did you struggle with anxiety-provoking or stressful test situations as a student? What happened? Don’t just tell your kids about the times you succeeded. Tell them about those times when things didn’t go so well—and what you learned from those experiences. They’ll realize that no one is immune to setbacks.

“You can learn a lot from failure or not making a team or not scoring as high on a test as you want to. Hopefully, you reflect. The power of reflection after a test is important,” Jackson says.

Focus on what matters. By eighth grade, start talking with your kids about what they hope to do after high school, weighing their strengths and interests. Not every student needs to take the ACT or SAT.

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Students who plan to enter the military will need to prep for the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). Vocational or technical schools may not require an entrance exam at all.

Your teen should contact her high school guidance counselor to find out what steps she should take to prepare for her future and what school programs and resources are available to support her in her endeavors.

Celebrate success. No matter what the outcome of the test, zero in on what went well. Even a passing grade on an exam in a subject your child struggles with is cause for celebration.

“You can still learn from the negative or the uncomfortable, but trying to find something positive is important because then that encourages kids to want to grow and learn,” Jackson says.

Even if your student isn’t sure how he did or thinks he bombed the test, ask him what he does feel good about. Maybe he completed the entire test, which has traditionally been his biggest hurdle.

Perhaps he’s proud of how much he studied. Or maybe he got to the test location on time.

“One test does not define who you are as a person,” Jackson says.

“I think celebrating any kind of success is going help our kids want to feel that again.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She resides in Olathe with her family, which includes her husband and their two adolescent sons.

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f u l l n a guid e f

table of contents 41 mummy wrap craft

45 october festivals

42 pumpkin fun

46 fall trips

44 candy corn twist cups

49 pumpkin patch guide

CRAFTCORNER

Materials Needed: • White yarn • Cardboard/thick paper • Scissors • Marker • Glue • Googly eyes (also can be drawn on)

mummy wrap

boo!

Happy Halloween! This is a simple, fun craft for a variety of ages and is also a great fine motor activity.

Step one: Draw your mummy’s outline using marker on the cardboard.

Step two: Cut out your mummy.

Step three: Glue on or draw the eyes.

Step four: Glue the end of the yarn to the back of the mummy and begin to wrap!

Step five: Keep wrapping, avoiding the eyes, until your mummy is complete! Glue or tie the end piece to the back to prevent unraveling.

Step six: Find the perfect spooky spot for your mummy for Halloween!

Megan Coffey is a former kindergarten teacher and lives in Overland Park with her husband and two kids. She loves encouraging creativity with her children through art and play.

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41

carving up some

pumpkin fun your guide for enjoying an icon of the fall season

n

othing says fall like going to a pumpkin patch, carving jack-o’-lanterns, sipping a pumpkin spice latte and eating a slice of pumpkin pie. The pumpkin is quite the versatile fruit (yes, fruit), and we believe it should be fully celebrated this fall. Even so, have you ever considered the many subjects you can teach your kids while exploring fall pumpkin fun?

This month, take our tips for providing a complete pumpkin education with a slice of fun on the side.

Pumpkins of origin The pumpkin has been around for a long time and is believed to be native to South and Central America and Mexico. Pumpkins were also a prevalent crop for the colonists in the early days of our nation. Get out some maps and show the kids where the pumpkin grew natively and then where the original colonies were in our country. Go on to explain the story of the first Thanksgiving and the original colonists to America.

Although we are all familiar with round, orange pumpkins, a great variety of shapes and colors were prevalent historically. Many of these heirloom varieties are still around today. As you are out and about this month, see how many different varieties and colors of pumpkins you can spot. Take pictures of each different variety you find and make a collage of all your images.

Going to pumpkin farms is a very popular activity during the harvest season, so take this opportunity to teach kids about the agricultural and rural history of our nation and the importance of farms in our society today. We all enjoy going to pumpkin farms, and farms all

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fall fun guid e PUMPKIN FAST FACTS • Pumpkins are members of the genus Cucurbita, which includes squash or gourds.

• A pumpkin is specifically a winter squash, and other winter squash include the acorn, Hubbard and banana squash.

• It takes about 100 days for a pumpkin to grow to maturity.

• Pumpkins are a fruit. One way to help kids remember the difference between a fruit and vegetable is that if a plant carries its seeds like a suitcase, then it is considered a fruit and not a vegetable.

Source: MissouriBotanicalGarden.org

across the countryside have always played a role in bringing food to our tables.

Ready, set, grow!

Use fall as an opportunity to explain to your kids the science behind growing pumpkins and how something grows from a seed into a plant.

Pumpkins are best planted in April or May, so consider planting some in the spring so you can have them ready for the fall next year. Tammy Palmier, adult education supervisor with the Missouri Botanical Garden, says she likes planting hers around May 10 each year. “Pumpkins need warm soil to grow in,” Palmier says.

She also says many people like planting pumpkins on hilly terrain and that it’s also essential to plant them about 5 to 6 feet away from each other as they need significant space to grow.

Reading, writing and pumpkin arithmetic Pumpkins are great hands-on tools to teach math.

For young children learning to count, cut open a pumpkin and use the seeds as counters. See how high the kids can count and notice how many seeds are typically found in a pumpkin. Spreading the seeds out on the table will help a child visualize what a given number of pumpkin seeds actually looks like, which will help numbers become a more concrete concept for them.

For kids who are beginning to learn multiplication and division, divide the seeds into large groups and then have the

child practice arranging them into smaller groups and solving math problems with the seeds.

For teaching fractions, cut a pumpkin into fourths or thirds and have the kids put it back together again like a puzzle.

All sorts of other math word problems could follow. For example, if an average pumpkin vine produces three pumpkins, how many vines are needed to produce 30 pumpkins? If a pumpkin takes about 100 days to grow, how many weeks is that?

Creating with pumpkins The bright orange color of pumpkins can be found everywhere this time of year, and it’s a great opportunity to get creative with art.

For the little ones just learning about art and colors, use this as a chance to teach color identification. Using paint and paper, show them how red and yellow mix to make orange, and then have them practice mixing the colors. Have slightly older kids paint a pumpkin instead of carving it for decoration. You might also tell them to try their hand at drawing all kinds of creations on pumpkins, from faces to spiders or even their favorite TV character. Encourage young artists to develop unique ways to transform their pumpkins into something else entirely.

Of course, carving jack-o’-lanterns is always on the agenda in October. Try having your kids design their own face or patterns to carve instead of using a kit.

Get creative and come up with other ways to use the pumpkin. What

about using a pumpkin as a head on the scarecrow that you use as an outdoor Halloween decoration? Or what about making a centerpiece or living arrangement using a pumpkin?

The delicious pumpkin Pumpkins can be used to make so many foods. They are nutritious as well, and Palmier says they are rich in vitamin A. Create your own pumpkin-themed meal and have your kids help you prepare it. On the menu could be pumpkin soup with pumpkin bread, all topped off with pumpkin pie for dessert and a pumpkin spice latte to drink.

Fall offers all kinds of possibilities of learning and fun with pumpkins, so enjoy taking advantage of all this staple of the season has to offer.

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who once requested a pumpkin pie for her birthday instead of a cake. Her birthday is in April.

kcparent.com october 2019

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TASTYTREATS

Festive Halloween Eats

“Ding dong,” it’s your doorbell ringing, calling you to open up and welcome in all the delightful festivities October has to bring. But before you get overwhelmed by searching for scary costumes or decorating a house full of pumpkins, do yourself and your kiddo a favor and make a spooky, delicious, nutritious treat.

Not only are these kid-friendly fall treats healthy and creative, they are ideal to serve at a Halloween party or as an afternoon snack all month long.

Remove pops from the freezer and use a knife to trim away any yogurt that has accumulated along the sides of the banana.

Serve and enjoy straight out of the freezer.

DELICIOUS HEALTH BENEFIT

Candy Corn Twist Cups INGREDIENTS Pineapple tidbits Mandarin oranges Whipped topping

DIRECTIONS With clear cups, simply layer pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges and whipped topping.

Serve Immediately.

DELICIOUS HEALTH BENEFIT Both the pineapple and oranges are loaded with vitamin C, important for keeping a strong immune system. Say sayonara to the frightening flu bug.

Banana Ghost Sticks INGREDIENTS 3 bananas 3/4 c. vanilla yogurt 12 mini chocolate chips 6 wooden Popsicle sticks

DIRECTIONS Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment or waxed paper.

Peel the bananas and cut them in half crosswise.

Insert a Popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana Put the yogurt into a small bowl. Hold onto the pops by the stick and roll the exterior of the banana in the yogurt, making a nice coating. Let excess drip back into the bowl. Lay the pops in the baking pan. (You will have leftover yogurt.)

Place two chocolate chips into the banana sticks to create the eyes of the ghosts.

Place into the freezer to firm for approximately 3 hours.

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Bananas deliver a punch of potassium, keeping your kiddo’s heartbeat strong, while the calcium builds strong bones needed for trick-or-treating. “My son and I made these for his class Halloween party, and the kids gobbled them right up,” says Mallory, a mom from Lee’s Summit.

Eye Candy Nut Butter Apples INGREDIENTS 1 red or green apple 1 c. nut butter (peanut, sunflower, cashew, etc.)

3/4 c. nuts (walnuts, cashews, pieces) 1/4 c. dried cherries (optional)

DIRECTIONS Wash and dry apple.

Insert Popsicle stick into apple.

Melt nut butter in microwave.

Chop nuts finely.

Simply dip the apple into the melted nut butter then sprinkle with nuts and top with dried cherries.

DELICIOUS HEALTH BENEFIT The dynamic combination of the apple, nut butter and nuts is chock-full of fiber, keeping tummies full during this creep-crawling season.

With these nutritious sweet eats, you and your kiddo can enjoy all the spooky goodness fall has to offer.

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.

OCTOBER

festivals

fall fun guid e

ACROSS KANSAS CITY

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 14-Oct. 27, Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, MO. Halloween-themed activities for kids, plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy!

Ciderfest Sept. 28-29 & Oct. 5-6, Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS. Live music, cider- and donutmaking, pony rides, craft booths, gift and collectible vendors, and multiple barbecue and food vendors.

KC Games for Good Oct. 5, front lawn of the National WWI kin Fest at Pump The Gre

Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO. Familyfriendly event includes kids scavenger hunt, first responder displays, music, giant bounce house and more.

Apple Fest Topeka Oct. 5-6, Old Prairie Town, 124 NW Fillmore, Topeka. The family event features pioneer living demonstrations, including blacksmiths and a wood smith, heritage foods, railroad handcar rides, a petting zoo and more.

Harvest Festival Oct. 5, Shoal Creek Living History Museum, 7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO. Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair with historical games, 19th-century reenactors, music, face painting, kettle corn, pony rides, and much more!

Summit Art Fe

stival 2019

Summit Art Festival 2019 Oct. 11-13, Downtown Lee’s Summit, Third Street & SW Main Street, Lee’s Summit. Featuring more than 90 local, regional and national artists, the festival offers visitors a unique blend of art and music.

Topeka Science & Tech Fest Oct. 12, 700-block of South Kansas Avenue, Topeka. Hands-on activities and demonstrations aimed at toddlers to eighth-graders will line the street, plus food trucks and other fun.

Cornucopia Oct. 12, Power & Light District. The first annual Cornucopia is taking the Kansas City Power & Light District by storm this fall season. Enjoy a fall-filled district bursting with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food/drink tastings and more.

Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct. 11-12, Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa. About 200 teams compete in the chili, salsa and hot wings contests in hopes of taking home the grand champion prize.

ge

Lenexa Chili Challen

Visit KCParent.com for the complete Fall Festival Guide! kcparent.com october 2019

45

Three Fun Fall Trips for Families Go west this autumn and explore the beauty of America…

so much fun in

South Dakota T ake the family on an adventure through South Dakota starting at Sioux Falls and ending with a tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

Exploring Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is a fantastic family getaway at just 5-and-a-half-hours from Kansas City.

Falls Park

FREE. 1–2 hours The city’s namesake falls are the centerpiece of this beautiful, free 123-acre park. On a visit to the park you’ll explore historic buildings, a visitors center and 50-foot observation tower, museum and café. The park is also a perfect place to board the Sioux Falls trolley for a tour of the city.

The Black Hills of South Dakota

Follow I-90 from Sioux Falls to Rapid City on a getaway to Mount Rushmore and other great family attractions, Bear Country USA and Custer State Park among others.

Bear Country USA

Admission charged. 2–4 hours Take a 3-mile drive-through exploration of the animal park that is home to black bears, mountain lions, reindeer, bighorn sheep, elk, buffalo and more. After the drivethrough portion, guests visit Babyland. This space is home to young animals, including beavers, skunks, badgers, foxes and arctic

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wolves ... but most of all, bear cubs who love to play and interact.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Parking fee. 3–5 hours The iconic landmark, carved into stone, features 60-foot faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors will enjoy meeting reenactors portraying the presidents, walking the Presidential Trail winding up near the face of the mountain, learning the history of the four presidents and visiting the sculptor’s studio where rangers tell the history of the sculpture.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Admission charged. 2–4 hours The project, started in 1948, is incomplete and faces many more decades of work ... it is a “living sculpture” to honor the Sioux. When it is completed, the memorial will stand at 563 feet and be 641 feet long. Exhibits honor the history of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota (we know them as the Sioux), their culture and art, and the history of the project. On weekends you may see presentations from members of the Lakota tribe. The site also features a children’s area where staff members teach children to make art projects they may take home.

Custer State Park

Pass required per vehicle. 3–5 hours The 71,000-acre park offers lodging, campgrounds, a restaurant, Sylvan Lake biking and hiking trails, and scenic drives. The several hour drive along Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop is well worth it. The road runs between Mount Rushmore and the junction of US 16A and SD 36.

Rush Mountain Adventure Park

Admission varies by age and attraction.

3–6 hours This amusement park is built around the stalactite-filled Rushmore Cave, which you may tour on a visit. Rush Mountain Adventure Park just recently unveiled a brand new mountain roller coaster. The park also features a soaring eagle zip ride, sky course and Gunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride.

Badlands National Park

Admission is charged. 2–4 hours The Badlands is a 244,000-acre park showcasing beautiful geology and fossil beds. There are many stops as you drive through the park that offer majestic views and history. You may hike, picnic or even camp at the park. We opted to drive through on the way home, spending more than an hour cruising through the park.

fall fun guid e

O

ur Colorado itinerary starts in Colorado Springs and ends in Durango with a step back in time aboard a steam train!

most beautiful places to dine in Colorado.

This is the only Colorado waterfall included on National Geographic’s list of international wonders.

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

Pikes Peak

FREE Admission. 2–5 hours Garden of the Gods is a must-see on a Colorado Springs vacation. The visitors center boasts two new exhibit halls telling the story of the complex geology, ecology and cultural history of the park through new hands-on interactive exhibits. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can enjoy several hours walking trails, hiking, climbing and taking photos through the fascinating red rocks of the geological “garden.”

The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Admission charged. 2–3 hours Wear comfy shoes for this spectacular attraction. Tour the famous series of waterfalls located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon.

The 224-step staircase overlooking the falls leads to hiking trails that let you enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The restaurant at the base of the falls is considered one of the

(5089 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade, CO, 719.684.9138) Entrance fee charged. 3–5 hours On our trip we drove the 19-mile paved toll road with more than 100 switchbacks (and no guard rails) all the way to the summit.

This drive is not for the faint of heart. You’ll experience beautiful scenic views of lakes, mountains and wildlife as you climb up above the tree line and survey a snow-topped mountain. We found many places to stop along the way and take photos.

Make sure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water to drink, charged cameras and reliable brakes before starting the 2- to 3-hour journey.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Admission charged. 3–5 hours The Royal Gorge is a spectacular geological attraction south of Colorado Springs. Home to the highest suspension bridge in the United

States, the site offers amazing views. Our favorite attraction, however, was the gondola ride across the gorge (unlimited rides offered with admission). Visitors may also purchase tickets for the zip line or train ride. In addition to the bridge and gondola rides, we toured the museum that tells the history of the gorge, and watched a bird show. Children will enjoy the playground and carousel, and the whole family can eat at the café. This is a great halfday attraction to enjoy the beauty of Colorado.

Durango Silverton Railroad

(479 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 877.872.4607) Ticket prices vary based on package. Half- and full-day options This restored steam engine takes passengers on a breathtaking journey through the Rocky Mountains. You may choose the type of car (closed or open air), length of trip (round-trip or partway with option to raft, bike or hike) and time of day (a few options are offered). We took a round-trip ride from Durango to Silverton in an enclosed car.

Ours was an all-day excursion with a stop for lunch. This was a highlight of our trip that we highly recommend.

colorful

Colorado with kids

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I

f you’re looking for something a little closer to home, there is fun to be had on a weekend getaway to the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Oz Museum

Admission charged. 2–3 hours The museum is a veritable treasure trove of all things Oz, from costumes and props from the film, to collectible items straight from the books. The magic of the museum is enthralling for every Oz fan, young and old. Kids love taking photos with the giant Tin Man, in rooms resembling Dorothy’s and with artifacts including costumes and memorabilia.

For even more fun, visit during Oztoberfest (Oct. 5). Downtown Wamego features a variety of activities that include an Oz costume contest, Toto look-alike contest, an indoor/outdoor Oz Market, classic car show, Professor Marvel’s Backyard BBQ Cook-Off, Wizard’s Beer & Wine Garden, Munchkinland, Auntie Em’s Boutique and many more Oz-some activities.

Lindsborg

This small town was first settled by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s and it pays homage to its heritage with Dala horses throughout the village, Swedish décor and

restaurants. The Valkommen Trail with a bridge crossing the Smoky Hill River welcomes visitors in Swedish (valkommen) and offers a fun photo op and scenic trail to explore the area. The McPherson Old Mill Museum is a local historic site telling the history of the village and the flour mill. An odd-numbered-year fall favorite is the Svensk Hyllningsfest (Oct. 18-19, 2019). This celebration honors the town’s Swedish heritage with costumes, music, dancing, authentic food and entertainment.

Musicians play the fiddle, accordion and nyckelharpa (a Swedish keyed harp).

Coronado Heights Park

(off Highway 4, 3 miles northwest of Lindsborg) Discover the remnants of a castle at this scenic overlook. The structure, originally built in the 1930s for the Works Progress Administration, resembles a castle made of limestone. The view from atop the hill offers beautiful panoramic shots of the prairie.

This is a perfect stop for a picnic and a view of the sunrise or sunset.

interactive Discovery Center, a museum for the entire family. Interactive exhibits tell of the history and geography of the region.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

This is the nation’s only national park preserving tallgrass prairie. The 11,000acre prairie land is home to bison herds, wildflowers and scenic views. The autumn months are when the land most earns its “tallgrass” name with some grasses growing many feet high—even as tall as an average adult. The bronze color of the grasses makes for amazing views and fabulous fall photography. Begin at the visitors center, then explore the hiking and biking trails and historic buildings, including a ranch house, barn, carriage house, ice house and more on the ranch.

TIP: You will find more details and tips for each of these attractions, as well as additional sites, roadside attractions, lodging and dining recommendations on KCParent.com.

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Admission charged.

Learn the history of the tallgrass prairie and the signature Flint Hills of Kansas at the

Kristina Light loves exploring new places (and familiar ones) with her family.

the flint hills of

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fall fun guid e

pumpkin patch guide

map 4

I-435 I-435

K-10

1

I-470 I-35

2 69 Hwy

169

3 2

1 Carolyn’s Country Cousins 17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196 CarolynsCountryCousins.com

3 Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 LouisburgCiderMill.com

2 Johnson Farms & Pumpkin Patch 17701 Holmes, Belton, MO 816.331.1067 JohnsonFarms.net

4 Weston Orchard & Vineyard 18545 Co. Rd. H, Weston, MO 402.209.4117 WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

71 Hwy

Check out KC Parent’s virtual Pumpkin Patch Guide and Giveaway at KCParent.com

Open Sept. 21-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

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 $2 off single admission.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

kcparent.com october 2019

49

KC Parent’s

Great Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

During the month of October, KC Parent is giving away

50 FAMILY 4-PACKS

to your favorite pumpkin patches!

Follow us on Facebook for details and to enter Facebook.com/KansasCityParent

®

CIDER MILL SINCE 1977

#KCParentContest

VOTED TOP 10 ORCHARDS IN THE NATION BY USA TODAY

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. 13 - 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 816.253.8240 | WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

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kcparent.com october 2019

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF A PUMPKIN PATCH VISIT What to Wear:

• Pumpkin patches offer tons of fun photo

ops! Consider fall-themed clothes for little ones.

• Pumpkin patches are basically working farms. While they are clean, well maintained, and some paths are paved for visitors, there will be a lot of walking and that includes hay, gravel, fields, petting zoos and more. Closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes) are best.

• Wear comfy clothes, keeping in mind the activities you’ll be enjoying like climbing on hay bales, enjoying a hayride, exploring a patch for the perfect pumpkin, riding ponies and petting animals.

• 30,000 Garden Mums in 31 Varieties • U Pick Apples and Pumpkins • Friendly Farm Animals • Jumping Pillows and Corn Pit • Pumpkin Donuts and Cider Slushies FAMILY SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE 177th and Holmes • 816.331.1067 www.johnsonfarms.net

When to Visit:

• Each patch offers special events

throughout the season. Check out KCParent.com for tips and visit each patch’s website to see the schedule for entertainers.

• Plan to spend two or more hours at a patch. Most patches sell food. A few permit you to bring your own picnic, but most do not, so plan ahead.

• Weekdays are great if you lead a Scout, school or play group.

• Weekends offer more extras: entertainers, more attractions open, special events, etc.

Family Farm OPEn Sept 13th - Oct 31st

CIDER FEST Sept 28-29 Oct 5-6

What to Bring:

• Pumpkin patch coupons from KCParent.com.

• Hand Sanitizer is available throughout

most of the patches, but you may want to have some on hand.

• Money for pumpkins (this is an additional charge), food, extra attractions and any souvenirs or items purchased in gift shops.

• Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, the whole gang! This is a great outing for the entire family!

AMENITIES Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch* Hay wagon Rides Corn Crib TEEPEE JUMP PILLOW TricyCLe Track Sunflower Slide Spider Web Climber Tire Tower Learning BarN Bee Hive Exhibit Giant Swing Set Low Challenge elementS Childrens Play Area *All Pumpkins sold separately *Jump Pillow $2

louisburgcidermill.com

1 4 7 3 0 k 6 8 h i g h way l o u i s b u r g k s 6 6 0 5 3 I 9 1 3 . 8 3 7 . 5 2 0 2 c o u n t r y s t o r e o p e n y e a r r o u n d m o n d ay - s a t u r d ay 8 - 6 & s u n d ay 9 - 6 KC_Parent_Mag_Ad_4.85x4.85_Printer.indd 1

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kcparent.com 8/14/19 12:33 PM october 2019

october

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

CALENDAR

Spookfest at Science City

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

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kcparent.com october 2019

walk

meet

visit

enjoy

celebrate

Oct. 2 is Walk to School Day. If you’ve ever considered walking to school with your kids, today is a great day to start! Walk for fitness and fun.

WalkToSchoolKC.com

Visit Burr Oak Woods Nature Center on Oct. 5 for Superheroes and the Curse of the Al. Meet superheroes as they battle against the alien invaders.

816.228.3766.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Olathe Indian Creek Library on Oct. 19! The new library features specialized areas and unique spaces.

OlatheLibrary.org

Wear a costume and trick-or-treat at a 65-ton rotator, howitzer, dump truck and more at Truck or Treat on Oct. 19 at Independence Center.

816.795.8602

Head to Science City Oct. 26 for Spookfest. Celebrate Halloween with Science City at this fun, kid-friendly evening event.

ScienceCity.com

1 Tuesday Expanding Oz Thru Nov 2, Johnson County Museum. See one-of-a-kind Oz memorabilia, from original books to stage productions and pop culture. JoCoMuseum.org Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air. A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and 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 Toddler Open Gym 11:00, Excelsior Springs Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including tube tunnels, jump ropes and more. 816.656.2500

2 Wednesday Walk to School Day If you’ve ever considered walking to school with your kids, today is a great day to start! Walk for fitness and fun.

WalkToSchoolKC.com

Rise Up: The Struggle of the Freedom Riders 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie. Told from a modern day perspective of students making a class project. Ages 11+. TheCoterie.org

Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org

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

4 Friday

Critter Feeding 3:00, Burr Oak Woods. Discover what’s for dinner as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766 Gathering for Single Moms 5:45, BreakPointe Community Church. Dinner and time to connect with other single moms. Childcare provided. TheSingleMomKC.org

3 Thursday

Octoberfest Today & tomorrow, Downtown Smithville. Pancake breakfast, parade, live music, kids area, beer garden, food, fun and more! SmithvilleChamber.org KC Oktoberfest Today & tomorrow, Crown Center Square. Features music and entertainment, delicious food and familyfriendly games and activities. CrownCenter.com Oktoberfest 5:30, Shawnee Civic Centre. Enjoy traditional German fare, food, bier, music and more! VisitShawneeKS.com

Trail Tales Exhibition Thru Oct 31, Powell Gardens. Follow the children’s story Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move through interactive activities. PowellGardens.org

Gladfest Thru Sunday, Gladstone. Carnival, parade, marketplace tents, arts and crafts booths, food, beverages and more!

VisitClayMO.com

Kenya’s Kids Thru Jan 4, Kansas Discovery Center (Topeka). Discover what life is like for children in Kenya through immersive exhibit.

KansasDiscovery.org

The Log Cabin Festival Today & tomorrow, Harrisonville Square. Parade, carnival and more! Join us for family-friendly fun!

HarrisonvilleChamber.com

C O N N E C T I N G N AT U R E A N D Y O U Burr Oak Woods presents an on-the-trail performance of National Award Winning

Superheroes and the curse of the Alien Invaders Saturday, October 5

·

4 - 9 pm

Meet the Incredible Hulk, Batman, Aqua Girl, Spiderman, Captain Marvel and even Superman along the trail as they battle against the Alien Invaders of Burr Oak Woods! Activities, crafts, prizes and refreshments included! Experts will also be available to discuss some of these troublesome exotic species.

Walk-In This Event Welcomes All Ages Trail tours scheduled every 15 minutes . The last trail tour departs at 7 pm.

Final performance at 8 pm in the auditorium.

Registration is not necessary, but you may pick up tickets for your selected time at the nature center prior to or on the day of the performance.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center · 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs For Information: 816-228-3766 · mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods

M I S S O U R I D E PA R T M E N T O F C O N S E R VAT I O N kcparent.com october 2019

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Pumpkin Patch Giveaway KCParent.com is giving away 50 FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite local patches and attractions. Details at KCParent.com.

Night at the Arboretum 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Look at the stars, make s’mores and enjoy nocturnal sights and sounds.

913.685.3604

5 Saturday Harvest Fest 7:00, Lee’s Summit Farmers Market. Enjoy live music while shopping for fresh produce. First 100 children receive free pumpkin decorating. DowntownLS.org Fire Plane 9:00, Home Depot. Save the day during Fire and Safety Month and let your imagination soar as you build a fire plane.

HomeDepot.com Scarecrow Festival 9:30, Shawnee City Hall.

Downtown merchants create and display scarecrows for viewing. Children’s activities and more. 913.742.6226 Kaw Valley Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, Kaw Valley Farms. Self-driving tour with fun and interactive farm experiences.

KawValleyFarmTour.org

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Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org The Great Pumpkin Fest Thru Oct 28, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanuts-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com Weston Applefest Today & tomorrow, Downtown Weston. Demonstrations, pony rides, carnival games, cider making and more.

WestonMo.com Harvest Festival 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Old-fashioned county fair with entertainment for all ages.

ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com Old West OctoberFest Today & tomorrow, Historic Lexington. Crafts, antiques, food vendors and lots of fun! HistoricLexington.com

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

LouisburgCiderMill.com KC Japan Festival 10:00, Johnson County Community College. Traditional music performances, food, candy artist, martial arts and more! $5-$15. JCCC.edu/theseries Apple Fest 10:00, Old Prairie Town (Topeka).

Pioneer living demonstrations, arts and crafts, heritage foods, railroad handcar rides and more. $5-$7. VisitTopeka.com

Touch a Truck 11:00, Indian Heights United Methodist Church. Come climb in police cars, fire truck, a UPS truck, construction equipment and more! 913.649.9040 Oktoberfest 11:00, Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy seasonal crafts, games, vendors, artists and more. VisitExcelsior.com Merriam Drive Live 11:00, Downtown Merriam.

Street and lawn party full of music, food trucks, beverages, select crafters and more. Merriam.org Fall on the Farm Noon, Watkins Woolen Mill.

Join costumed interpreters as they demonstrate rural life of the 1870s. 816.580.3387

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

Superheroes and the Curse of the Al 4:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Meet superheroes along the trail as they battle against the alien invaders. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Greenwood Fall Fest 4:00, Hitt Park. Enjoy new attractions, classic games and festival activities, inflatables and rides and more!

GreenwoodMOParks.com

7 Monday

Taco Topia 5:00, Downtown Topeka. Enjoy delicious drinks while chowing down on tasty tacos from favorite restaurants.

TacoTopiaEvent.com/Topeka

Free Adult Admission 9:30, Paradise Park. Free adult admission in Discovery Play with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 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

Vintage Tree Painting Party 6:30, Ceramic Café.

Gather friends to create your very own spooky ceramic light-up tree! CeramicCafeKC.com

KC Grilled Cheese Festival Noon, Ilus Davis Park. Enjoy live music, cold drinks, games, bars and all of the grilled cheese you can eat!

KCParks.org

Jazz on the Square 5:30, Corbin Theatre.

The Corbin Theatre presents Jazz on the Square once a month on a Monday. Free.

CorbinTheatre.org

Waterfire 7:00, Country Club Plaza. A unique, multisensory experience of music, fire and water. Pop-up food and drink stands.

WaterFireKC.com

KC Games for Good 1:00, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Competitive games, kids scavenger hunt and more.

KCGamesForGood.org

8 Tuesday

6 Sunday

Whimsical Woods 1:00, Ernie Miller Nature Park. Costumed storybook characters will delight and entertain along the trail. $5-$8. Prereg at 913.826.2800.

Through the Looking Glass 10:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy an artistic display of nearly 800 pumpkins and other fall botanical favorites.

PowellGardens.org

Walktober Noon, Cliff Drive Scenic Byway.

Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color. 816.513.7500

Truck OR Treat -

SATURDAY

OCTOBER 19

-

} 12-3 PM

AT INDEPENDENCE CENTER

FREE

Trunk-or-Treat + Touch-a-Truck = Trick-or-Treat with trucks in tow! @IndependenceCenter @ShopIndependenceCenter IndependenceCenter shopindependencecenter.com

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Boo at the Zoo Oct. 26 & 27, Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick-or-treat the zoo, enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Kids Eat Free Main Event (various locations).

Receive a free kids meal with the purchase of any entrée ($8.99). MainEvent.com Live Music 6:00, Grinter Place State Historical Site. Enjoy food, beverages and great live music on the second Tuesday of the month.

913.481.3527

9 Wednesday 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 Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy a story from long ago read by a special guest, plus a craft activity is included!

Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

STEAM: Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins 6:00 MCPL (Liberty). Come for an evening of all things pumpkin and build a pumpkin catapult!

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

10 Thursday Open House 8:30, Pembroke Hill (Wornall Campus). Come see the facilities, classes in action and observe daily life at Pembroke Hill. Pre-reg at PembrokeHill.org.

Rise Up: The Struggle of the Freedom Riders 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie. Told from a modern day perspective of students making a class project. Ages 11+. TheCoterie.org Major League Improv 7:00, Comedy City. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9$13. 816.842.2744

11 Friday Scribble Workshop 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. A child/parent art event with a different theme each month. Dress for mess! 816.513.7741

psst... we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for

november

HARVEST FEST

OCTOBER 5, 2019 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Foster Care • Thanksgiving • Hacks • Best Family Pet

$5 per person (Age 5 & under FREE)

KID SAFE HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2019 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM 7000 Northeast Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64156

816.792.2655

shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com

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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.

Summit Art Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A festival of fine arts that features more than 90 local, regional and national artists. SummitArtFest.org Lenexa Chili Challenge Today & tomorrow, Old Town Lenexa. A two-day event filled with food, fireworks and fun for the whole family.

Lenexa.com

Fall Festival Thru Sunday, Shawnee Indian Mission. Fall festival featuring familyfriendly fun, crafts, entertainment and food.

913.262.0867

Connecting nature and you

Movie Night 6:30, Summit Fair. Enjoy a double feature under the stars.

SummitFairShopping.com

12 Saturday Mission Sunflower Festival 9:00, Mission Farmers Market. Morning parade, carnivalstyle games, contests, bingo and more.

MissionSunflowerFestival.com

A free wA l k - i n e v e nt for A l l Ag e s !

Wild West Days Today & tomorrow, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Entertainment, delicious food, 1860s games and fun for the entire family.

Mahaffie.org Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment.

KansasCityZoo.org Science & Tech Fest 10:00, Downtown Topeka.

Hands-on activities and demonstrations will line the street. VisitTopeka.com

A howling fun, free and unforgettable event for the entire family.

Location: Anita B. Gorman HOWLoween is back – join the fun!

Discovery Center Discovering nature’s creepy creatures.

October 18 ∙ Friday ∙ 6 – 9 pm Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring Track or Treat, Bone Yard, Bat Cave and more.

4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City

For more information:

816-759-7300 discoverycenter@mdc.mo.gov mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter

M I S S O U R I D E PAR TM E N T OF CO N S E RVATION

Summit Fair Movie Night Double Feature

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown + Toy Story of Terror

Friday, October 11th 6:30PM-8:30PM

Summit Fair Safe Trick-or-Treat

Thursday, October 31st 4:00PM-6:00PM Visit www.summitfairshopping.com or @summitfair on Facebook for complete event details!

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Cornucopia: KC’s Ultimate Festival 10:00, Power & Light District. Fall-filled fun with familyfriendly activities, live entertainment and more!

PowerAndLightDistrict.com Be My Neighbor Day 10:00 PNC Plaza (Power & Light District). Join Daniel Tiger for activities, entertainment and more! KCPT.org

45th & Oak

Howl-O-Ween 10:00, Tails & Trails Dog Park (Grandview). A costume contest and best trick contest for a chance to win PAWSOME prizes!

816.316.4888

nelson-atkins.org Trail of Treats 10:00, Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Evening of food, face painting, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, candy and more. 816.795.8848 Sugar Mound Arts & Crafts Festival Today & tomorrow, Linn County Fairgrounds. More than 400 booths of arts and crafts handmade by the exhibitors. 913.795.3003 Porchfest Noon, Roanoke, Union Hill & Longfellow Neighborhoods. Music celebration with bands on the front porches of beautiful homes. PorchfestKC.com KC Parent oct ad.pdf 1 9/12/2019 3:10:05 PM

Howl-O-Ween 1:00, Waggin’ Trail Dog Park.

Vendors, treats, door prizes and a costume contest. $5/pooch. 816.513.7500 A Night with Janis Joplin 2:00 & 8:00, Carlsen Center. Enjoy a musical journey celebrating Joplin and her biggest musical influences.

JCCC.edu/theseries Movie Matinee 2:00, Shawnee Town 1929 (Town Hall). Watch Mickey and Minnie and then see Charlie Chaplin in City Lights.

ShawneeTown.org

C

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

M

Y

CM

Magic Woods 4:00, Lakeside Nature Center.

Watch skits, munch on popcorn and hot chocolate, make crafts, enjoy face painting and more $5. 816.513.8960

MY

CY

CMY

Bounce-toberfest 5:00, City Market. Inflatable fun for tweens, teens, adults and kids of all ages with special area for tiny tots.TheCityMarket.org

K

Car Cruise 5:00, Blue Springs. Head to downtown Blue Springs to view the latest innovations in car restoration from more than 100 exhibitors. BlueSpringsGov.com

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Heritage Craft Festival Today & tomorrow, historic Arrow Rock. Handcrafted items, historic reenactments, living history presenters and more. ArrowRock.org

13 Sunday Jeep and Military Vehicle Expo 9:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial.

See beginnings of the Jeep and its postwar transition. TheWorldWar.org/events KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

Save 50-90% + Amazing Selection!

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

14 Monday Through the Looking Glass 10:00, Powell Gardens. Enjoy an artistic display of nearly 800 pumpkins and other fall botanical favorites.

PowellGardens.org Spooky Seas Thru Oct 31, Sea Life Kansas City.

Follow the Spooky Seas trail to discover some of the spookiest creatures around. VisitSeaLife.com Tricks and Treats 6:30, MCPL (Excelsior Springs). Magician Eric Vaughn opens his bagful of not-so-super-scary-but-definitely-spooky magic. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

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

NEW WINTER SALE!

Wyandotte County Fairgrounds 13700 Polfer Rd, Kansas City 66109

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

*Thurs + Fri 9a-8p | Sat 9a-5p Sun 9a-4p | 50% Off Sale!

*Thur 9a-8p | Fri 9a-5p Sat 9a-4p | 50% Off Sale!

OCT 17-20

Meet the Experts 2:00, the National Museum of Toys/Miniatures. Dr Jane Greer, professor at UMKC, discusses Dolls for Democracy.

816.235.8000 Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Shawnee/Kansas City

NOV 7-9

@JBFOverlandPark | stephaniehyder@jbfsale.com | 816.825.2295

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

jbfsale.com De’gage’ Dancewear

The Largest Selection in Dancewear

Shoppers - we accept cash and these cards:

Dance

We Cater to the

Enthusiast!

Celebrating 30Years ONE-STOP SHOPPING!

not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

*Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

Full Lines of Dancewear for Adults & Kids • Dance Apparel • Ballroom • Gymnastics • Costumes • Skating • And More!

ONE DAY SALE

OCT. 30TH

Buy any 3 items and receive a 30% discount!

Not valid with other offer or sale item.

15% OFF

ANY PURCHASE Not valid with other offer or sale item.

Expires 12/31/19 KCP 2019

Expanding Oz Thru Nov 2, Johnson County Museum. See one-of-a-kind Oz memorabilia, from original books to stage productions and pop culture. JoCoMuseum.org Toddler Open Gym 11:00, Excelsior Springs Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including tube tunnels, jump ropes and more. 816.656.2500

OVERLAND PARK 10350 Metcalf Avenue | 913-381-8492 kcparent.com october 2019

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Celebrate October KC Style

Oct. 1: National Homemade Cookies Day McLain’s Bakery (locations in Kansas City, Overland Park and Lawrence, KS, McLainsKC.com) The original bakery opened in Waldo in 1945. Famously baking cookies and pastries from scratch, the bakery is now owned by another local family carrying on the tradition. The shop is famous for their chocolate cup cookies and other freshly baked desserts.

Oct. 4: National Golf Day TopGolf (10611 Nall Ave., Overland Park) is the place to play in the fall and winter! With 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bar, and entertainment, this is a favorite attraction for couples and families.

Oct. 11: World Egg Day A cherished part of Czech culture is to decorate batik eggs. Wilson, KS, celebrates this history as home to the World’s Largest Czech Egg (2520 Avenue D, Wilson, KS).

This is a fun roadside attraction off I-70.

Oct. 24: Bologna Day A Kansas City tradition for 70 years, Bichelmeyer Meats (704 Cheyenne Ave., Kansas City, KS, BichelmeyerMeatsKC.com) offers fresh meat from local producers, including homemade sausages and bologna.

Oct. 31: Pumpkin Carving Day This year, have a bit of fun with the kids and introduce some chemistry into your pumpkin carving tradition. This idea from the Thought Company (ThoughtCo.com/selfcarving-exploding-pumpkin-607681) produces the coolest “self-carving pumpkin” that is sure to wow your kids!

Remembering Our Babies 7:00, Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza. Luminaries around the fountain with each baby’s name. Details at SamsPond.org/october-15th.

Fairy Tale Forest 5:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Walk through a trail lit by more than 100 jack-o’-lanterns.

NatureSanctuary.com

Haunted Kansas 6:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Walk through the trails of Ernie Miller.

Characters share legends around a campfire.

913.826.2800

16 Wednesday

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

Illusionist Rick Thomas 8:00, Carlsen Center.

See the most intriguing, innovative and mindblowing grand illusions on the Yardley Hall stage. JCCC.edu/theseries

Night at the Museum-Scout Edition 6:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Scouts find clues to solve the mystery of the missing artifacts! Pre-reg at 913.715.2552.

20 Sunday

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 Little Leapers 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 Kenya’s Kids Thru Jan 4, Kansas Discovery Center (Topeka). Discover what life is like for children in Kenya through immersive exhibit.

KansasDiscovery.org

HOWLoween 6:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Discover nature’s creepy creatures and get up close with nocturnal wildlife.

816.759.7300

19 Saturday

Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org

Miami County Fall Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, Miami County Farms. Visit farms and ranches for fun and games.

ADayOnTheFarmInKansas.com

17 Thursday

Cars in the Park 10:00, Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Come see cars, trucks, motorcycles and specialty vehicles. Food concessions available.

JCPRD.com

Just Between Friends Sale Thru Sunday, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Shop for namebrand items at 50 to 90 percent off retail. Save money and time! KC.JBFSale.com Playdate Thursdays 11:00, Independence Center. Each playdate includes a craft and reading from Mid-Continent Public Library.

Free. 816.795.8602 Free Flu Shots 4:30, Family Medicine (Blackfoot). Walk in to the clinic for a free flu shot while supplies last. OlatheHealth.org/flu

18 Friday Day Camp 8:30, Code Ninjas (various locations).

Spend the day coding, game-building, working with robotics and more! Pre-reg at CodeNinjas.com.

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 Grand Opening of Updated Inclusive Playground 3:30, Children’s Mercy Downtown.

Fun surprises for all kids and families.

816.234.3000 Trick or Cache 4:30, 5:30 or 6:30. Antioch Park.

GPS units will be provided for this modern-day scavenger hunt for Halloween treats. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Dogtober Fest 10:00, Kemper Outdoor Education Center. This is the perfect afternoon for dogs and their humans. 816.229.8980 Open House Noon, Pembroke Hill (Middle/ Upper School). Come see the facilities, classes in action and observe daily life at Pembroke Hill.

Pre-reg at PembrokeHill.org.

Dia de los Muertos 1:00, Kansas City Museum.

Annual celebration explores the history and cultural traditions of Day of the Dead.

KansasCityMuseum.org Hollywood Casino 400 1:30, Kansas Speedway.

See the best in racing compete to keep championship hopes alive. KansasSpeedway.com

21 Monday

Grand Opening 10:00, Olathe Indian Creek Library. Celebrate the grand opening of the new Olathe Indian Creek Library! OlatheLibrary.org

Free Adult Admission 9:30, Paradise Park. Free adult admission in Discovery Play with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Food on the Missouri Frontier 10:00, Fort Osage. A new event that highlights preparing and preserving food for the winter months.

FortOsageNHS.com

Expanding Oz Thru Nov 2, Johnson County Museum. See one-of-a-kind Oz memorabilia, from original books to stage productions and pop culture. JoCoMuseum.org

Mother Earth News Fair Today & tomorrow, Kansas Expocentre. Demonstrations and lectures to educate. MotherEarthNewsFair.com

Pumpkin Yoga 4:30, MCPL (Lee’s Summit).

Kids learn autumn poses while they move, play games, listen to stories and more. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Fall Festival 10:00, Fort Osage High School.

Visit more than 90 craft and direct sale vendors.

Indoor event, free to shop. 816.655.9668

22 Tuesday

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

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

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

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Safety Fair and Trunk or Treat 11:00, Watkins Woolen Mill. Safety fair, activities and a trunk or treat at the swimming beach parking lot.

816.580.3387

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

913.322.5550

Truck or Treat Noon, Independence Center.

Wear a Halloween costume and trick-or-treat at a 65-ton rotator, howitzer, dump truck and more! 816.795.8602

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

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Jake Shimabukuro Jake Shimabukuro Oct. 27, Carlsen Center. Master of the ukulele, Jake Shimabukuro’s performances are one of the hottest tickets around. JCCC.edu/theseries

Free Flu Shots 4:30, Family Medicine (Ridgeview). Walk in to the clinic for a free flu shot while supplies last. OlatheHealth.org/flu

23 Wednesday 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 Little Leapers 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 Critter Feeding 3:00, Burr Oak Woods. Discover what’s for dinner as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

Genghis Khan: Bringing the Legend to Life Thru April 24, Union Station. Worldclass exhibition that explores the world’s greatest conqueror. UnionStation.org Maddi’s Fridge 10:00 & 1:00, Carlsen Center. Based on the book by Lois Brandt, this play is a thoughtful exploration of friendship. JCCC.edu/theseries Enchanted Forest 5:30, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). For one night the park is transformed into the Enchanted Forest.

Lenexa.com/Enchanted Major League Improv 7:00, Comedy City. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9$13. 816.842.2744

Illusionist Rick Thomas

Back by demand an all-new 24 Thursday 25with Friday

Trunk ‘N Treat 5:00, Platte County Community Center North. Local businesses fill up the parking lot to hand out candy and treats.

816.858.0114

Jake Shimabukuro, Monster Mash 6:00, YMCA (various locations).

Carnival games, bounce houses, haunted Ukulele house, zombie Zumba, treats and more!

913.393.9622 show!

Rick Thomas brings the This masterful rock and pop Moms Group 9:30, Indian Heights United Trunk or Treat at the Creek 4:00, Mill Creek Methodist Church. While kids play, moms Trunkperformance or Treat 6:00, Southeastis Community Center. Enjoy open most intriguing,Activity innovative andplay along with face ukulele one of enjoy coffee, support and friendship. Free.

Center. Bring the kids to visit decorated trunks painting, crafts, candy and more. Pre-reg at mind-blowing grand illusions ever the hottest tickets around. Jake 913.649.9040 for candy treats.

816.513.0632 913.826.2950.

seen on the Yardley Hall stage.

Shimabukuro captures colors and moods never associated KC Parent’s with the ukulele before.

Great Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

During the month of October, is H giving E N D L E S S V A R I E T YKC , Parent M AT C L E Saway S TA L E N T !

50 FAMILY 4-PACKS

Tickets start at $25! Build a season package of 5 SHOW to your favorite pumpkin patches!

Follow us on Facebook for details and to enter Facebook.com/KansasCityParent

®

CIDER MILL SINCE 1977

#KCParentContest 62

kcparent.com october 2019

jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469

Kids Night Out 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Drop the kids off for popcorn, a movie and an instructed canvas painting. PaintGlazeAndFire.net/events

Boo at the Zoo Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick or treat the zoo, enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Spookfest 5:00, Science City. Celebrate Halloween with Science City at this fun, kidfriendly evening event. ScienceCity.com

26 Saturday

Kid Safe Halloween 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Trick-or-treat door to door throughout Shoal Creek village. 816.792.2655

Family Fun Night 5:00, CW Parker Carousel Museum. Get a hot dog combo meal and unlimited rides on the carousel.

FirstCityMuseums.org

Annual Fall Muster Today & tomorrow, Fort Osage. Annual event is recognized as one of the most authentic interpretations of the period.

FortOsageNHS.com

Wonka-Ween 11:00, Macken Park. Carnival games, inflatables, a hayride, and food for purchase. Wear your costume! 816.300.0545

Graveyard 5K Run & Walk 9:00, Elmwood Cemetery. Are you ready for some more mysterious physical activity? Join the Graveyard 5K. KCParks.org

Halloween Happening 2:00, Merriam Marketplace. Pre-Halloween party with costume contest, mini golf, inflatable and more.

913.322.5550

Mildale Farm Fest 9:00, Mildale Farm. Explore the farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities at this free public event. 913.826.2957

Trick or Treat Parkville 2:00, Downtown Parkville. Safe and fun Halloween trick-ortreating at participating shops and businesses.

ParkvilleMO.org

Holiday Treasures Craft Festival 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Beat the crowds and buy some unique, hand-crafted holiday gifts.

CityOfShawnee.org

Trick or Treat off the Street 3:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Dress in costume and enjoy 1860s fall living history experiences. Mahaffie.org

Healthy Halloween Spooktacular 9:00, Roeland Park Community Center. Visit the freaky photo booth, play games, make creepy crafts and more. 913.831.3359

Cruise Night 4:00, Olde Towne Belton Main Street. Historic Main Street comes alive with a wide selection of muscle cars, antique cars and more. OldTownBelton.com

Historical Hauntings 6:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Tractor-drawn hayrides, trick-ortreating, costume contest, snacks at the Ghoul Café and more! 913.248.2360 Spooky Springs Halloween Bash 6:00, Adams Pointe Golf Club. Hayride, s’mores, bonfire, games, face painting and trick-ortreating! Pre-reg at BlueSpringsGov.com.

Haunted Swamp 6:30, Olathe Community Center. Pumpkin decorating and lifeguard trick-or-treating, pumpkin dive and more.

Pre-reg at 913.971.8863.

Enchanted Forest 7:00, George Owens Nature Park. A non-scary, family-oriented event. Storybook, fairy tale and popular characters come to life. 816.325.7115

Celebrate National Family History Month at Your Library!

October is Family History Month and no better time to begin preserving your family’s story. Whether you need a “Tell Me a Story” kit to record a loved one’s anecdotes, are looking for free genealogy research classes, or need family tree forms to print at home, we can help get you started.

For more ideas, visit the in person today or mymcpl.org/FamilyHistory.

3440 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence, MO Mon. – Sat. 10-8 and Sun. 1 – 8. kcparent.com october 2019

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27 Sunday

29 Tuesday

Little Leapers 9:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

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

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Jake Shimabukuro 7:00, Carlsen Center.

Master of the ukulele, Jake Shimabukuro’s performances are one of the hottest tickets around. JCCC.edu/theseries

Spooky Seas Thru Oct 31, Sea Life Kansas City. Follow the Spooky Seas trail to discover some of the spookiest creatures around.

VisitSeaLife.com

28 Monday

Boneyard Jamboree 10:30, MCPL (Grain Valley). Marionette show featuring the pumpkin man, spooky skeletons and more. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Free Adult Admission 9:30, Paradise Park. Free adult admission in Discovery Play with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Kenya’s Kids Thru Jan 4, Kansas Discovery Center (Topeka). Discover what life is like for children in Kenya through immersive exhibit.

KansasDiscovery.org Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org

30 Wednesday Expanding Oz Thru Nov 2, Johnson County Museum. See one-of-a-kind Oz memorabilia, from original books to stage productions and pop culture. JoCoMuseum.org One Day Sale 10:00, Degage Dancewear.

Purchase three items and receive 30 percent off! Restrictions apply. 913.381.8492

Trail Tales Exhibition Thru Oct 31, Powell Gardens. Follow the children’s story Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move through interactive activities. PowellGardens.org

31 Thursday Preschool Pumpkin Party 10:00, Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse. Play games, enjoy spooky snacks, costume contest and trick-or-treating. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Spookfest 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Arts and crafts, ghost floats, bounce house and lots of fall-themed fun. Ages 2-5. 913.631.5200 Safe Trick or Treat 4:00, Summit Fair Shops. Walk the shops and collect treats from participating merchants. SummitFairShopping.com Trick or Treat Historic Downtown Liberty.

Wear your costume and trick-or-treat through downtown Liberty’s shops. VisitClayMO.com Trick or Treat Street 4:00, Brookside District.

Trick-or-treat in Brookside as local businesses hand out goodies. BrooksideKC.org Matilda the Musical Thru Nov 3, Bell Theater.

CYT presents the story of this young girl with courage and cleverness in equal amounts.

CYTKC.org

be a part of MORE THAN just another school.

• Christ-Centered Education • Academic Excellence • Dual Credit Classes • League-Leading Sports • Featured Fine Arts • Leadership Development • Lifelong Friendships Pre-K through High School

Find your new school family.

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mca-eagles.org

15000 W 63rd St. • Shawnee, KS 66217 • 913-631-0637

Wednesday, November 6

Tuesday, January 28

Tuesday, February 11

Tuesday, March 31

Wednesday, April 15

follytheater.org | 816.474.4444

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ns e Op t. 24 Oc

Invading Union Station

• Enter the Tents, Battle Grounds and Market Places of a Vanished World • Over 300 Spectacular Objects • Daily Live Performances Supported By

Tickets as low as $12.95*

UnionStation.org *Excludes $1.25 Preservation Fee

Spookfest Shadows, Spiders, & Science ONE DAY ONLY

October 26

5 - 8pm

• Spooky Science Demos & Activities • Creepy Critters & Eerie Edibles • Spooktacular Science Stage Show • Costume Contest • And SO MUCH MORE! Avoid the Line – Preorder Tickets Today!

Science City.com

Explore

Kansas City Zoo October 5 & 6 Hoots & Howls

Meet our

October 12 & 13 Hoots & Howls

in the Discovery Barn!

Sloth

Featuring: Princesses

Featuring: Characters from the Land of OZ

October 19 Brew at the Zoo (21+ event, ticket required)

October 19 & 20 Hoots & Howls

Featuring: Characters from a galaxy far, far away

October 26 & 27 Boo at the Zoo November 2 & 3 Great Pumpkin Smash

Always a New Adventure!

Hoots & Howls and Boo at the Zoo Sponsored by Ford

Open Year Round

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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