KC Parent July 2013

FREE July 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985 Where you find family, you will find us.

5 field trips FREE

summer

TAKE A VACAY FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

fire up the grill!

GREAT RECIPES TO TRY TONIGHT

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physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

trust.

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

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Urgent Care (Pediatrics Only) No appointment necessary!

8:00-11:00 am Mon-Friday 4:00-7:00 pm Mon-Thursday Sat-Sun 8-11 am (Weekend hours available at Blue Parkway office)

Ashley Campbell, DO Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm Free Prenatal Consults kcparent.com Mon pm & 1-4 pm july10-12 2013 2 - Fri

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Across the street.

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Recognized among America’s Best.

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Healthy Smiles, Healthy Child Ask us about our kids camp for ages 4-11!

DR. HEMBERGER

Why choose us?

Our Expertise...

• American Board Certified Pediatric Dentists.

• Recipient of the prestigious Kansas Dentist of the Year 2010 Award.

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We are excited and privileged to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care for children and teens including those with special needs.

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kcparent.com july 2013

• Served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Kansas Dental Association.

• Recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Kansas Fifth District Dental Society.

• Pediatric Dental Coordinator for the Kansas Mission of Mercy since 2002.

• Appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Kansas Dental Board

Smiles are always welcome here.

Your child will enjoy our La Petite Academy速 Journey速 Curriculum, which emphasizes language, literacy and math. The right activities, which positively affect the learning process.

And our open classrooms, where social interaction is encouraged and learning happens.

Tour our school, get an enrollment packet, then enroll for Fall. (866) 383-8285 or LaPetite.com

La Petite Academy速 is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 息2013 La Petite Academy, Inc.

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kcparent.com 6/6/13 10:26 AM july 2013

ARE IMAGINARY FRIENDS OKAY?, PG. 24

JULY 2013

DEPARTMENTS 18

Media Mix

22

Healthy Kids

26

Women’s Health

27

Word from Dad

35

Blog Bits

SPECIAL SECTIONS 37

Party Guide

40

Calendar of Events

FEATURES

32

14

Simple Dinners

Use theme nights to simplify your dinner

Healthy Vacation Why taking time off makes you a better mom

38 Tracking Teens Limits vs. liberties when raising older kids

Our cover features Kinsley from Overland Park, KS. Cover and select interior photos

by KiaBondurant.com FREE July 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985 Where you find family, you will find us.

5 FREE

summer

ON THE COVER

Hey! Check out our new Tour the Town feature on pg. 53 with even more to do!

5 FREE Summer Field Trips

10

Fire Up the Grill

14

Squash Sibling Squabbles

20

Take a Vacay for the Health of It

32

field trips TAKE A VACAY FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

fire up the grill!

GREAT RECIPES TO TRY TONIGHT

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kcparent.com july 2013

SQUASH SIBLING SQUABBLES kcparent.com july 2013 1

Kid Friendly. Family Values.

Excellence. Excitement.

DANCE THEATER MUSIC ART All in our 20,000+ sq.ft., arts filled, creativity packed center

“I used to drive all over town to find the best arts teachers in Kansas City. Now I make one trip to The Culture House where I’ve found the excellence I was looking for and my kids have found the friends they were looking for. Thank you Culture House ! - M.F. , TCH Family

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7

editor’s letter JULY 2013 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

I

See pg. 50 for how you can win FREE tickets to Science City and the Real Pirates exhibit AND have your artwork featured on KCParent.com!

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kcparent.com july 2013

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Jennifer Duxbury (Olathe), Lauren Goldman (Overland Park), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Brenda Hill ((Overland Park), Rebecca Ishum (Kansas City), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Jane Blumenthal Martin (Overland Park), Kathy Stump (Parkville), Regina Sirois (Olathe), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS kansas city’s #1 attraction guide

summer 2013

FREE July 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985

FREE July-Sept 2013 KCParent.com

Where you find family, you will find us.

5 FREE field trips

Since 2002

500+ IDEAS FOR FUN!

summertime in kc!

Where you find family, you will find us.

free

summer

summer fun for little ones in KC

tips on how to choose

the best:

UNIQUE URBAN ADVENTURES

MUST SEE KC

GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREETS

TAKE A VACAY FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

OB/GYN hospital for delivery childbirth class

KC MOMS ASK:

fire up the grill!

GREAT RECIPES TO TRY TONIGHT

“Is it okay to exercise while pregnant?”

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SURVIVNG THE START OF PARENTHOOD

kcparent.com july-sept 2013

1

4/8/13 3:19 PM

.com

’ve never been much of an Oprah person. That doesn’t mean I didn’t watch her show—it was something I caught only once in a while. However, I have picked up some “Oprah-isms” along the way, one of those being the “ah-ha” moment. I can totally relate to that concept, because I’ve had several of those moments throughout my life.

My most recent “ah-ha” moment came while reading an article for this issue. Writer Kathy Stump sent me her article on tips for keeping tabs on kids who want freedom. In the article she writes, “Strive for influence, not control.” It was one of those moments when I wanted to slap my head and say “Duh!” I often feel like I am working to control my girls and their behavior. Even the word control has a somewhat negative connotation when used in relation to someone’s behavior. I’ve been going about this all wrong. Instead of trying to control what they do, my words and actions need to be a positive influence on them. That way, as they grow and want more freedom and time away from home, they will be guided by the positives I am trying to impart, rather than the control I am trying to exert. Now this won’t be easy as I like the control, but I feel strongly that this is something I need to work on.

Moving onto a lighter subject…it’s still summer! Which means you’ll find more summer fun packed into this issue. In addition, our calendar is chock-full of great events to keep you busy every single day of July! We’ve even given the calendar a little face-lift for July. Take a peek and let me know what you think!

It does pain me to mention “back to school” in July, BUT you will want to pick up our August issue when it hits the stands as it will have all you need to know for a great start to your year!

Happy warm, sunny days, KC!

@KCParent Facebook.com/KansasCityParent foursquare.com/kcparent

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Circulation verified by:

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

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

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6/14/13 3:56 PM

5 free field trips in kansas city

Savvy moms seeking summer fun on a shoestring budget will love treating the kids to entertaining and educational outings at many of our favorite Kansas City attractions.

Harley-Davidson Plant

Kauffman Memorial Gardens

11401 N. Congress Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.270.8023.

FREE factory tours for visitors 12 and up. For information and schedule: Harley-Davidson.com.

4800 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO. Tip: Enjoy more nearby free fun at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art & Country Club Plaza.

It’s not every day that you get to see a factory line in action as American workers assemble a motorcycle from start to finish right before your eyes...in just 45 minutes! The tours are led by a guide who provides you with safety goggles and a radio to hear the tour. You start with a short video on the history of Harley-Davidson and the dream of American motorcycles, then your guide leads you through the actual factory. Watching the efficiency of the factory as workers build complete motorcycles in less than an hour (plus paint drying time) is fascinating. You witness the entire process from robotic welding, to laser-cutting and framebending, to polishing and assembly. In the visitor’s center, you can sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop.

Whether you are an avid motorcyclist or simply possess a passing curiosity, this is one must-see attraction in KC!

Kauffman Memorial Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Kansas City, perfect for a stroll and photography. The gardens are FREE and open to the public. Moms will appreciate that the gardens are gated, keeping children within the walls to explore the flowers and fountains without worry that they’ll wander into the street or parking lot. The indoor gardens offer a nice place to sit and relax, and they have public restrooms as well. Kauffman Memorial Gardens is a collaboration between the Kauffman Foundation and Powell Gardens. Powell Gardens manages the garden itself, with all of the annuals and many of the perennial plants grown at the Powell Gardens greenhouses.

This list is just the beginning! You’ll find many more free outings on the calendar on KCParent. com and our 100 Days of Summer blog, where free, cheap and “worth the splurge” outings are reviewed and featured—complete with family-friendly tips to make the most of your day!

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kcparent.com july 2013

your own monetary artwork and view coins from each U.S. presidential administration. Visitors also enjoy taking home a FREE souvenir bag of shredded cash. Read our review of the Money Museum at KCParent.com.

The Money Museum 1 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.881.2683. This interesting spot is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30, excluding bank holidays, for walk-in tours. There is no admission charge, and reservations are not necessary.

The Money Museum is the best place to get a firsthand lesson in the nation’s financial system. On a tour, you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve Bank works and its role in the U.S. economy.

Interactive exhibits explore banking, basic economics and the financial policies that affect your family. You’ll also be able to take a peek into one of the nation’s largest cash vaults, create

Johnson County Museum 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.715.25550, JoCoMuseum.org The Johnson County Museum features long-term and changing exhibitions about Johnson County’s history; however, the absolute favorite exhibit for children is KidScape! KidScape is a delightful educational and hands-on exhibit for kids ages 3-9 (but our younger-than-3 children love it too!). Children escape

Helping children reach their fullest potential.

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See the difference - visit us today!

Accepting applications now for Fall.

Call to schedule a visit today.

Enroll Now and Save $100!* BLUE VALLEY MONTESSORI 11100 W. 135th Street, Overland Park 913-851-7800 *Programs and hours of operation may vary by school. New families only, one offer per child, one time use. Offer is $100 tuition credit with new enrollment registration paid in full; tuition discount applied after the child’s first full month of enrollment.

Available only to accounts when full monthly tuition is paid in advance; must be paid by check or ACH payment. Family must not have used any coupon/discount/ special offer within the past 3 months. Cannot be used in conjunction with any additional offers or discounts; no cash value. Montessori UnlimitedSM is not responsible for and cannot replace or redeem lost, stolen, destroyed or expired coupons. Not valid for Learning Care Group associates or their immediate families. Offer does not guarantee enrollment; valid at participating locations only. See school for details. La Petite Academy, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Offer expires November 30, 2013. Coupon code: MU100

MU FE14 Kansas City Parent 7.4x4.85.indd 1

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kcparent.com 6/17/13 12:42 PM july 2013

Can

into a child-sized suburban streetscape, where they role-play as community figures in educational environments: WE’RE LOOKING FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS bookstore, park, City Hall, hospital, the nutrient DHA be helpful for preschoolers’ development? fashion boutique, farm and theater. Be sure to explore the rest of the Johnson County Museum on your trip. My children Who can participate? adore the pioneer home complete with a Healthy children, within 3 months kitchen, dining table and chicken coop.

Effects of AdultofSpeech on Grammar Development their 3rd birthday who drink in Preschoolers with Language Delay The historical exhibits in the Johnson cow’s milkSpecific daily.

County Museum tell the area’s story for older children and adults.

PURPOSE BENEFITS Benefits To study the effects of adult speech Caregivers receive a summary of all • Compensation for each tripchild, to whether or not on grammatical development of testing for their preschoolers with language delay. the child qualifies for the study.

KU Medical Center.

• Children will receive aCAREGIVER cow’s-milk WHO QUALIFIES?

Children 4 and 5 yearsbased old withbeverage for RESPONSIBILITIES 6 months. developmental delays that appear to Bring your child to KUMC for up to be specific to language.

4 preliminary evaluations of your child’s communication skills.

Caregiver Responsibilities Attend 10 study sessions • Attend 4 study visitsat over a or at home.

KUMC

period of 6 months.

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey

• Offer your child the provided

Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center The Effects of Feeding Different Hearing &study beverage daily.

(913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu Levels of DHA to Preschool Children or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey

Contact us to learn more: 913-588-5743 or momandbaby@kumc.edu www.healthprofessions.kumc.edu/school/research/carlson

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO, 816.228.3766, MDC.MO.gov/Areas/cnc/BurrOak/ Burr Oak Woods is one of the largest nature centers in the area. With an animatronic Smokey Bear that teaches children fire safety, a large aquarium of Missouri’s freshwater fish, snakes, turtles and toads, and wonderful hands-on educational exhibits for children, Burr Oak Woods is a great place to spend an afternoon. The children’s center offers an indoor playground, puppets and educational resources to teach children to care for the earth. The nature center also features miles of beautiful trails for walking or bicycling. Throughout the year, the center offers FREE educational programs for children of all ages, including the Go Wild! summer program where kids learn about wildlife, plants and nature and their role in conservation. Reservations are required for educational programs. Tip: Search “Exploring Nature in Kansas City” at KCParent.com for information on more local nature centers.

Kristina Light, mother of four, is always on the lookout for great opportunities to make the most of summer fun on a bud-

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I am ... … a healthcare executive. … a basketball has been. … a wine enthusiast. … a brand strategist. … a change agent. … a blood donor. … a restaurant goer. goe … a husband. … a Jayhawk. … grateful.

Mike is in demand every day. He is COO of Olathe Medical Center and is overseeing the development of multi-million dollar expansion and improvement of the Medical Center for the community. His busy schedule and visionary thinking don’t hinder his willingness to give back in the most basic of ways. Mike is also a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of his time every 56 days to help save a life in his community.

Who are you!

savealifenow.org kcparent.com july 2013

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summer dinners breakfast for dinner

This is a personal favorite of mine, so it wasn’t hard to incorporate. On breakfast night, I typically whip up pancakes or waffles and serve them with a side of my bacon, cheese and veggie scramble. By adding the bacon to the egg and veggie mixture, I can stretch one pound of bacon to last three meals. The bacon is used as a condiment, instead of a side dish. A meal built around bread and eggs is a really cheap way to feed a family.

At the same time, making sure that the family gets enough protein is really important to me. Because of that, I’ve started making pancakes and waffles with cottage cheese blended into them. Cottage cheese is almost always on sale (plus, you can’t even taste it this way!). Between the high-protein pancakes/waffles and the eggs, the family is still getting a pretty good dose of protein!

O

ne of the biggest culprits of grocery budgets’ sky-rocketing is the cost of meat. Before kids, I honestly didn’t think twice about the two of us devouring an entire pound of ground beef in one meal. Not anymore! Now, I look for ways to cut our costs as much as possible without losing the benefits of having meat in our diet. As I sit down every week and work through the sale ads, I keep in mind three types of meals, or theme nights, that I want to include in my menu plan. By including each of these types of meals, we’ve been able to reduce our grocery budget without sacrificing flavor and nutrition.

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meatless meal

I started making these last summer when we were in a Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA). I’d end up with bags of vegetables that I wasn’t sure what to do with. To use them all up, I started putting the veggies in everything, often using them in place of the meat in a dish. I couldn’t stand the thought of their going bad before we had a chance to eat them!

In the process, I discovered that meat really isn’t a necessity for a great meal!

made Some of our favorite meals have become baked eggplant parmesan, summer spaghetti and Mediterranean spaghetti squash skillet. We really don’t even miss the meat because there is so much flavor from the veggies, spices and herbs that lace each dish.

And truthfully, even in winter, veggies on sale are cheaper per pound than meat when it is on sale.

really ^

simple

July is here, and it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill. Try one of these new recipes tonight.

medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) until instantread thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160° F, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper after turning. About 1 minute before burgers are done, top with cheese stars.

Serve in buns with sauce, lettuce and tomato.

pasta dish

Pasta is insanely cheap. If you watch for sales, you can easily pick up a pound of pasta for $1.00 or less. That's the base for a whole meal! Even if you add in half a pound of ground beef or a couple of chopped chicken breasts, you are still ahead of the game. If you are worried about the nutrition (or lack thereof) in white enriched pasta, spring for the whole wheat version. There are some really good, non-cardboard-y options out there these days! Buying whole wheat pasta only adds an extra $0.50 or so to your meal total.

Also, spices and herbs are your best friends when it comes to taking an "okay" dish to a "great" dish. Don't be afraid to throw some in the skillet!

The truth of the matter is this: Our eating habits DID change when kids entered the picture. And yes, we DO miss some of the splurge items and getting to eat out, but that doesn't mean that we aren't eating well. With a little planning, your budget doesn’t have to influence the taste of your food!

Rebecca Ishum lives in South Kansas City with her husband and 2-year-old quadruplets. She spends her days chasing toddlers, trying to keep grocery costs low and blogging about her crazy, wonderful life at ABeautifulRuckus.com.

grilled steak & watermelon salad

star spangled cheeseburgers Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground beef 1/4 c. regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise 1/4 c. honey mustard 8 slices American cheese 8 hamburger buns, split Romaine lettuce, tomato slices Instructions: Combine mayonnaise and mustard.

Cut star shapes from cheese with cookie cutter.

Lightly shape ground beef into eight 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals.

Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over

Ingredients: 4 beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 4 to 5 oz. each) 1 t. ground coriander 1 t. ground cumin 2 slices seedless baby watermelon, 1 inch thick (about 1 lb. each) Salt and pepper 8 c. baby arugula or spinach leaves 1/4 c. reduced-fat balsamic or Italian dressing 1 c. halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion 1/4 c. crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese Instructions: Combine coriander and cumin; press evenly onto beef steaks.

Place steaks in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange watermelon slices around steak. Grill steaks, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 13 to 16 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill watermelon 2 to 4 minutes or until grill marks form, turning once. kcparent.com july 2013

15

Carve steaks into slices. Cut each watermelon slice into 6 wedges.

Season beef and watermelon with salt and pepper as desired. Combine arugula and dressing in large bowl; toss to coat. Divide arugula among four serving plates. Arrange beef and watermelon on salad; top evenly with tomatoes, onion and cheese.

citrus marinated beef & fruit kabobs Ingredients: 1 lb. beef top sirloin steak, 1 inch thick 1 med. orange 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro 1 T. smoked paprika 1/4 t. ground red pepper (optional)

4 c. cubed mango, watermelon, peaches and/or plums Salt Instructions: Grate peel and squeeze 2 T. juice from orange; reserve juice. Cut beef steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. Combine orange peel, cilantro, paprika and ground red pepper in small bowl.

Place beef and 2-1/2 T. cilantro mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Place remaining cilantro mixture and fruit in separate food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bags securely. Marinate beef and fruit in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.

25

Place kabobs on grid over medium coals. Grill beef, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat, 9 to 11 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill fruit 5 to 7 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown, turning once.

we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for

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kcparent.com july 2013

For tons of great recipes, including Slow Cooker • Potluck • Super Snacks • Ice Cream Treats • Cookies • Blueberry Goodies • And many more, visit KCParent.com.

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Ages 4 to Adult

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Recipes provided by the Kansas Beef Council

Soak eight 9-inch bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes; drain. Thread beef onto four skewers. Thread fruit onto remaining four skewers.

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Serve beef with salt. Drizzle reserved orange juice over fruit kabobs.

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At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes.

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17

media mix

Summer Reading Authors Set Out on Adventures in New Titles for Summer

By McGeath Freeman

Tommysaurus Rex

By Doug Tennapel Best for: Ages 8-14

It’s a tale as old as time. A dog is a boy’s best friend until the dog has an untimely death. Then the boy is distraught until he makes a new best friend—a T-Rex. In this case, the T-rex is a big slobbering, friendly Jurassic pet. It acts more like a dog than a dinosaur. Ely has a wonderful relationship with Tommy the T-rex and it shows in this wonderfully illustrated graphic novel. Tennapel pulls on the heartstrings for all they are worth as the neighborhood bully tries to spoil Ely’s good thing. When a fire breaks out, it’s

up to Ely and his T-rex to save the day.

Unfortunately, everyone does not live happily ever after.

This story has several good lessons. You never know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Just because he’s a bully doesn’t mean he isn’t hurting as much as you. Also, forgiveness is essential to happiness. Even if the lessons are lost, Tommysaurus Rex is a blast to read.

It might make you teary-eyed, but it’s sure to make your laugh – especially if you like poop jokes.

What’s good: Good lessons and plenty of humor.

What’s bad: Graphic novels can be a little thin on plot.

Hide and Seek

By Kate Messner Best for: Ages 8-12

In this follow up to Capture the Flag, the young members of the Jaguar Society are up to their super sleuthing ways again. This time most of their adventure takes place in the rain forests of Costa Rica. When the Jaguar Society discovers that a precious ancient relic is missing from an exhibit in Washington, D.C., the entire group—parents and kids—flies to Costa Rica to track down the missing object. Pretty soon parents and children are separated. Kids are at a rainforest eco-tourism inn among the trees. And the parents are searching a nearby city,

cut off by flooding and with little cell service. Of course, all the action happens where the kids are. Zip lines, venomous snakes, chases over rickety suspension bridges and dangerous international fugitives abound.

This time around, Messner keeps politics out of this fast-paced mystery/adventure. It’s a page-turner that kids will enjoy as they take a break from the summer heat. It’s a treasure hunt that is sure to find an enthusiastic audience whether they read the first book or not.

What’s good: Kids in perilous situations.

What’s bad: The conclusion is wrapped up a little too neatly.

Zoe’s Room (No sister’s Allowed)

By Bethanie Deeney Murguia Best for: Ages 3-7

Zoe is the queen of everything, and her favorite place in the world is her very own room. She builds fabulous empires and has tasty tea parties. Plus, most of it happens after bedtime. Everything is great until the day of the invader. That’s the day that mom and dad tell Zoe her baby sister, Addie, is going to share her room. Things don’t go so well the first couple of nights. The slightest noise wakes Addie. But Zoe soon discovers What’s good: Humor that will connect with young girls.

What’s bad: A little simplistic, but acceptable for the target age.

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there are some benefits to having Addie in the room after all.

The illustrations are simple yet full of personality with dark blues and pinks that are sure to enchant any young girl. This one is great for mom and daughter story time as a little one prepares to become a big sister. The situations will make you laugh and smile.

I am ... … a future Olympian (hopefully). … a soccer player. … hardworking. … competitive. … a gymnast. … an artist. … a blood recipient. … a K-State fan. … a best friend. … a hula-hooper. … a little sister. … a Christian. … brave.

Amelia is an active girl on the go! She loves soccer, gymnastics, spending time with her friends and hula-hooping. Amelia is also a blood recipient who has Diamond Blackfan Anemia; she needs monthly blood transfusions to continue her battle with this disease. She is very thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org kcparent.com july 2013

19

squash

sibling squabbles

Can siblings peacefully coexist in a shared room?

your children invaluable life lessons.

To find out the best way to handle the bickering, I looked to Dr. Gwen Landever, education department chair at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, and a Leawood mom of two who has taught every age, from preschool to graduate students. Landever, one of the calmest, most rational parents I’ve ever known, has a slew of ideas to keep sibling arguments under control.

Visit KCParent.com to find out!

an ounce of prevention...

“Give me that back!”

“It’s my turn!”

“It’s not fair!”

S

ound familiar? If so, it sounds like you, too, are in the throes of parenthood. As one of four sisters, and a mother of two, there’s one thing I know: Siblings argue. While bickering is simply part of growing up, there are ways to manage it to keep your own sanity and teach

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A little preparation can stop squabbles before they begin. “Kids like to know what to expect,” says Landever. “Our best defense for sibling squabbles is preparing the kids ahead of time for any big changes in routine. By talking it through and presenting behavior expectations— followed up by positive reinforcement if no fighting occurs—we’ve managed to ward off several arguments between the kids.”

In addition to preparing the kids, Landever and her husband, Alan, make sure each child feels special by planning one-on-one time with Mom or Dad. According to Landever, it stops the “it’s not fair!” syndrome when one child gets to go somewhere special, like a Royals game, and the other child isn’t invited.

know when to intervene and when to let be

One of the most difficult lessons I’ve learned is to take a step back from the squabbling sibs.

“For little arguments, I like to see if the kids can resolve it first without my intervening,” Landever says. “If they come to me for help, I ask them if they have tried to talk it out. If not, I ask them to go to a quiet area to discuss.”

Discussion time not working? Give each kid the opportunity to tell his or her side without interruption (by siblings or you!) to diffuse the argument. If necessary, you can even send them off to different parts of the house to write down their side of the argument. This quiet time can be good for calming heated tempers.

Of course, if an argument escalates into a physical fight, it’s time to separate.

In addition to sending the offending child to his or her room to cool off, Landever suggests discussing with your kids alternate ways to manage anger and frustration—once they are calm.

For little arguments, I like to see if the kids can resolve it first without my intervening.

Christ Lutheran Early Education Center

the calm after the storm

Whether it is a physical fight or an annoying argument, if things get out of control between your kids, Landever suggests a debrief—once again, when everyone is calm. This provides a good opportunity to discuss how they handled the situation and what they could do differently next time.

“We have done this since the kids were in preschool, and it still works,” Landever says. “Most of the time, my kids play really well together and even miss each other when they aren’t together.

During a debrief, I often remind them how much they like being together!”

get the right tools

Whatever happens between your kids, make sure to try different approaches. As my own mom reminds me, we’re all built a little differently, and there’s no one solution for all children. So arm yourself with these parenting tools and keep your eye on the wonderful payoff of discovering the solutions that work for you!

Jane Blumenthal Martin lives in Overland Park with her husband and two children. Read Jane’s blog for working parents at ArtOfEqualParenting.com.

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21

healthy kids

A

here’s looking at you, kid

ccording to multiple studies, 70 to 75 percent of Americans wear some sort of corrective lenses.

Chances are you even wear glasses or contact lenses. For parents, then, the issues become how to protect a child’s eyes, what signs indicate something could be wrong and what actions should parents take.

During infancy, pediatricians will begin assessing and asking questions about vision. At this time, indicators of less than perfect sight may include trouble focusing or poor visual tracking of an object after 6 months of age. A few other

things to watch for include constant eye rubbing, light sensitivity, chronic redness or tearing of the eyes and a white pupil instead of black (KidsHealth.org).

Dr. Diane Galbrecht, Olathe, recommends infants between 6 months and 1 year see an optometrist. If all is well, the next visit should occur at age 3.

Between ages 3 and 5, your pediatrician will conduct a vision screening along with your child’s physical exam. Depending on the results of this screening, there may be no need for further evaluation until the school years. Once your child enters school, a vision acuity check will be done one to two times per year and referrals to an optometrist will be made as needed. Dr. Galbrecht recommends all school-age children see an optometrist yearly in addition to these screenings.

Signs of difficulty seeing at this age may include inability to see objects at a distance, difficulty reading the blackboard, squinting, trouble reading books up close or sitting very close to the television.

For children at this age, being uneasy about what an eye doctor appointment entails and the fear of the unknown can be hurdles. As caregivers, we can

lessen this anxiety by explaining beforehand what to expect and being honest: those drops may sting for a minute.

If your adolescent or teen already wears glasses, there may be some discussion of contact lenses. Many doctors recommend waiting until ages 11-14 before introducing contact lenses. Allowing children to wear contact lenses depends on their ability to insert and remove the lenses properly, as well as their ability to clean them, as most problems are related to hygiene and poor habits (for more see AllAboutVision.com). Contact lenses may help the teen feel less self-conscious and can be very beneficial for sports. Plus, they are easy to place and very comfortable if fitted correctly.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s eye health, contact your family doctor or pediatrician. Also, ask about national and statewide services that are available to help financially.

Jessica Heine lives in Olathe with her beautiful 3-year-old girl and 11-month-old handsome boy. She is a labor and delivery nurse.

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kcparent.com july 2013

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23

who is sally, honey?

W

If your child has or develops an imaginary friend, it may seem logical to worry about it, but research leans the other way.

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hen children are babies and toddlers, their security objects tend to be a thumb, pacifier, blanket or a “lovey” item of some sort. As children grow older, this object of security may shift but still have the same significance.

Imaginary friends can offer this sense of security and also give growing children a feeling of control, help them express emotions and provide companionship.

I didn’t have imaginary friends as in the invisible friend type, but I did have stuffed animals that were very much my friends during my childhood. My older child, Layla, is now 3 and has been engaging in this phase more and more.

Layla has a baby doll, “Sweetheart Baby,” who must go everywhere with her and “misses” Layla when she’s away from her.

As of last night, Sweetheart even won out over her beloved blankie! Layla has been personifying her toys for some time now.

“Imaginary friends are very common companions for a preschool child,” says Dr. Ermalyn Kubart, Pediatric Care North in Kansas City. “This pretend play

can allow them to take on different roles in their play. They can be a princess or a super-hero anytime they want. This play helps them develop their creativity and independent play skills. They often switch from their imaginary world back to the real world many times in a play session.”

Children are more likely to create a friend if they are the oldest, are the only child or have limited exposure to TV. If your child has an imaginary friend, feel free to engage with your child and his/ her buddy. You may gain insight into who this little person you created is becoming.

However, it is okay to set boundaries for this friend, too.

Missy Landis, Overland Park mother of two, says her daughter, Christine, began imagining with her favorite TV characters and then developed an imaginary friend, Nathan, based on her real friend from school. “Nathan went everywhere with us and did everything we did. I think it was her way of having a friend and sibling to keep her entertained while she was an only child. He was there when I

was in the hospital before and during the time that Iain [her baby brother] came,” adds Landis.

Jen Laverentz, Overland Park mother of three, notes that her oldest son, Calvin, had an imaginary friend that was basically a duplicate of himself. “Calvin has always played well by himself, so it made sense to us that his imaginary friend would be... well, him.” As for a parent’s perspective, Laverentz comments, “It was like Seinfeld, just an everyday narrative of the activities of another 3-year-old Calvin.

Mostly about nothing—but kept us laughing anyway!”

If your child has or develops an imaginary friend, it may seem logical to worry about it, but research leans the other way. Kubart says, “Imaginary friends are only a concern if the child exhibits extreme rigidity in their play. If they are highly anxious or insist on others’ participating in their fantasy play, you may want to talk with your child’s physician. School age kids usually leave their imaginary friends behind in the search for more same-age companions.”

Stephanie Loux is active in local moms’ groups and enjoys being outside with her little monkeys. Originally from Iowa, she now resides in Olathe with her husband, Mike, and children Layla, 3, and Mason, 1.

Kansas City moms share their children’s imaginary friends: My 3 1/2-year-old son has three imaginary siblings named Pelvie, Lotion and Bobotetta. He has a real sibling on the way in October, and whenever we ask him if he thinks he’s going to have a brother or sister, he says, “I already have a sister named Pelvie!” -Jessica M. My 5-year-old daughter has had 3 imaginary friends. Kenny, who’s her best friend, sometimes lives on a ship or the moon and Mars. She and Kenny do the most adventurous activities every day. Then there’s Little Buddy—he’s an ant.

I’m told frequently that I’ve sat on Little Buddy or knocked him off her shoulder. And last is Callah. She lives in a house made of cookies. I love the adventures they go on! -Laura B. My son’s imaginary friend is a horse. He will be galloping away and I will ask him to walk and he says he is riding his horse. He goes to school with him, too. It’s cute to see his imagination working. -Sarah M. My daughter has an imaginary friend who is “actually a ghost.”

Her name is “Estralia.” Everything that my daughter does that is naughty is blamed on Estralia. Sometimes Estralia and my daughter get along but mostly they argue. I think this is the result of being an only child with no one to argue with. -Bridgette M.

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25

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CLO’s Midnight Farm Camps CLO’s Midnight Farm will host 2 different types of day camps in 2013: Horsin’ Around at Midnight Farm: A horse camp for children with or without special needs to enjoy horseback riding, horse-related crafts and activities and a Horse Show on the last day. Horsin’ Around has 3 options: Junior: (June 17-21) Half day camp for ages 6-8, no experience necessary.

Beginner: (July 8-12) Full day camp for ages 8-16, no experience necessary.

Advanced: (July 15-19) Full day camp for 8-16, prior riding experience required.

Call: 785.979.1889 Day Camp for Youth with Developmental Disabilities: A full day camp for youth with Developmental Disabilities to enjoy crafts, water play, pony parades, wagon rides and petting animals. Training offered for parents of children with Autism.

June 24-28 Ages 6-14 July 23-27 Ages 15 and up Call: 785.218.9358 To learn more visit: www.Midnight-Farm.org or call 785-979-1889

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kcparent.com july 2013

use it or lose it H

ave you ever walked into a room and wondered why? Or forgotten where you put your keys or parked your car in the parking lot? Well, you are not alone, and the good news is you can improve your brain power! Our brains are organs that grow by interacting with the world around us. Mental stimulation and physical exercise improve brain function and actually protect against cognitive decline. The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. So, along with your weekly physical exercise routine, plan a few days a week of mental exercise, too. Be sure to include stimulation of all five senses. The following list offers a few activities to help improve your brain power: • Wake to different smells each morning. Coffee may be the usual aroma you smell, but try mixing it up a bit. Place vanilla, lavender or any other scent you enjoy next to your bed to smell first thing.

• Play the memory game with your kids.

• Plan an opposite day: do activities such as hair care, dental care or eating with your non-dominant hand.

• Take a shower with your eyes closed.

• If you sit in a certain seat at church,

work or the classroom, try changing seats.

• Read out loud.

• Take a different route to work a few times per week.

• Study a picture for one minute then try to write down everything you remember from the picture without looking.

• Write an article or begin to journal.

• Draw a picture. This stimulates the right side of your brain and inspires creativity.

• Talk to a person you have never met before every day.

• Engage in a good, healthy debate.

This increases your ability to think on your feet.

• Swap lunches with a co-worker.

This surprises your taste buds and triggers new nerve pathways.

These are but a few examples of ways to give your brain a workout. For more brain games and information, please visit BrainMatrix.com or talk to your health care provider.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mom and nurse practitioner who enjoys playing the memory game!

word from dad

Clan Camping

“P

lease, Dad,” Patrick said. I put my duffle bag on the floor. I had just returned from annual training with the Air National Guard and I hadn’t had a chance to change from my uniform.

During the summer, my parents frequently took their motor home to the lake, but they never went alone. My brothers and sisters packed up their kids and went with them. Numbering almost 25 with my siblings, my mom and dad and 14 kids, we didn’t just occupy a campsite.

We invaded it, and my brood wanted to go, too.

“Patrick, I’ve been camping for the last two weeks.” I had spent the last 14 days in the desert of eastern Colorado.

I wanted sheets, air conditioning and, above all, plumbing with showers and cool running water to slake my thirst.

“Please, Dad,” Stacy said.

I thought of my refrigerator with all the treasures inside. No more military chow. I almost licked my lips.

“Please, Dad,” Laura said, wearing her swimsuit when she ran into the living room.

I cast a wistful glance toward my shower, feeling its siren song, but my resolve melted like a sand castle in the rain.

“OK, but if one person misbehaves, we’re coming home.”

That night, I tucked Stacy and Laura into their sleeping bags while Patrick went night fishing with his cousins and my brother. “What did you two do today that you liked best?”

“I liked swimming the best,” Stacy said after a big yawn that made Laura yawn too.

“How about you, Little Bit?” I asked Laura.

“I went swimming, threw rocks in the lake, played on the playground and toasted marshmallows. I like camping the best.” She threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. “Thanks, Dad.” This is what camping should be.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com july 2013

27

encouraging

moms

While I gave everything I had to this new life, there was a sense of disappointment. I wasn’t the greatest mother on the planet.

I

don’t think a caterpillar has any idea what she really is. I don’t believe she has any concept, as she scuttles from leaf to leaf, of what she will become. I believe this because in that clueless, fuzzy creature I see myself.

I remember my busy days of parading from one plant to the next, stomping from one conquest to another. In college I excelled. I learned the culture of academia: gold stars, good grades and honor rolls. Every time I triumphed over an assignment, someone was standing there with a red pen to write down my accomplishment, record my latest feat. I moved to the head of the glass and eventually to the head of the department. Hard work meant rewards and accolades and a gold cord draped around my shoulders at graduation.

Feeling undefeatable after college, I decided to tackle a whole new challenge: I wanted to be a mother. But not just any

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kcparent.com july 2013

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mother—I wanted to be the best mother on the entire planet. I wanted an A+ in motherhood. I set aside my writing, put my diploma in a frame, left the breadwinning to my husband and plunged in.

After all, I’d been climbing big flowers and tackling all kinds of leaves for years. I was queen of the jungle in my mind.

Until the anticipated baby came.

Helpless. Crying. Dependent. I couldn’t write my way out of a 4:00 a.m. fever. I couldn’t reason my way out of the horrors of colic. There was no degree that would make me less exhausted or less anxious.

And that was my chrysalis moment. The moment the world got small and dark. It contracted down to me and the tiny child in my arms and my husband.

In the difficult first year of motherhood, I feared I had disappeared. I was frightened that all I’d worked for and accomplished was lost forever. In my cocoon of worry and inadequacy, I was hanging by a silk thread of sanity, curled up in myself, thinking the world had ended. I was a shell of what I used to be.

I would have missed writing if I’d had a second to think of it. I didn’t. I forgot I even knew how.

When I survived three sleepless nights in a row without losing my temper, no one handed me a gold star. When I managed to pick up a bottle with my foot while keeping my finger on my daughter’s sore gums and stirring the sauce for dinner, no one gave me a 100 percent.

No one applauded me the first time I managed to complete a grocery trip with a screaming baby. And even while I gave everything I had to this new life, there was a sense of disappointment. I wasn’t the greatest mother on the planet. For the first time, I feared my best efforts would result in failure.

“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

As our first daughter grew, we welcomed another. It was one day when my older was at kindergarten I had a shocking, unexpected thought. Maybe while the baby naps today, I could write something.

It came from nowhere and disappeared just as quickly. But something in my soul stretched out, reached up. I decided to try. For the next year, I sat by the crib at naptime and tapped out a story. And in those hours, my brittle chrysalis finally sloughed off and revealed something I never imagined. Motherhood had not stolen my legs. It had given me wings.

In my post-children writing, I have found a richness of emotion I never possessed before rocking a distressed baby at 2:00 a.m. I found a love I never knew until my husband came home to find me crying as hard as the baby and took us both up in his arms. I found a hope that I never felt until I looked at my daughters and dreamed of how much good they will do in the world.

There was a time I believed I gave up everything to be a mother. But motherhood gave far more than it took.

Last year, that novel I wrote at my baby’s bedside won the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was purchased by one of the largest publishers in the world. This summer, I will walk into a bookstore with my daughters’ hands in mine and see it on a shelf. But it will be the girls next to me, and not the book in front of me, that I consider my greatest masterpiece.

Regina Sirois is a Kansas City native married to her high school sweetheart and living in Olathe with her husband and two daughters. Last year, her debut novel, On Little Wings, won the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and a publishing deal from Penguin.

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Motherhood is full of uncertainty. What do my children really need? Why are they doing that? Is this normal?

What can I do to help them?

How can I know for certain that I am doing this right? The logistics are easy. Anybody can do laundry and carpool.

But what makes a mother the best mom she can be?

It’s not better scheduling.

Or more activities. Or less.

It is passion—the passion to teach, protect, study and prepare her children for the future. Great, but how? In The Passionate Mom, Susan Merrill takes you on a journey into the heart of parenting.

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29

IS IT EVER OKAY TO

DISCIPLINE OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN? SOME DO’S & DON’TS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

W

hat parent hasn’t been there?

You are at the park with your children and here comes a group of rowdy kids running roughshod over the equipment, screaming and yelling, and cutting in line in front of younger kids. You look around for the kids’ parents who are nowhere in sight…what do you do? Discipline is never easy, especially when it involves children that are not your own. Should you speak out? What should you say? Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you determine whether disciplining other children is ever okay.

Speak up when there is safety involved. If at any time you are witness to beDO havior that is compromising the safety of the children, speak up. Calmly let the misbehaving children know that their behavior is not safe and that it should stop immediately. If they do not stop, seek out their parents or an employee if you are at a place of business. The same rule applies in the case of verbal bullying… always speak up!

Yell at other people’s children. There is never DON’T a reason to yell at another person’s child in anger.

If you need to correct a child use a calm friendly voice. Not only will you be more effective with the child, you’ll be less likely to offend the parents if they happen to overhear the interaction.

IF IT WERE YOUR CHILD ACTING OUT AND YOU DIDN’T NOTICE, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT OTHER PARENTS TO DO?

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kcparent.com july 2013

Discipline children if their parents are watchDON’T ing. If you are at a birthday party and the offending child’s parents are standing in the room, do not speak up unless it is a safety issue. Give the parents time to notice the behavior and address it. If the parents are distracted and haven’t seen little Bobby grabbing another piece of cake, gently speak with his parents to let them know what is going on and let them handle it. If they don’t address the problem the way that you would, resist the

WE ASKED KCPARENT.COM READERS, IS IT EVER OKAY TO DISCIPLINE OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN?

NO 14%

YES 14%

DEPENDS ON THE SITUATION 72%

urge to step in. Everyone has the right to parent their children their own way.

Enforce your house rules. When you have friends over to play, DO feel free to enforce your house rules. In this case, choosing not to discipline your guests may have unpleasant consequences for you when your own children see you ignoring the rules—they will get the message that the rules aren’t always enforced and may start testing those boundaries themselves. As local mom Laura Denman says, “My house, my rules...just because you can eat cookies upstairs at your house does not mean you can do that at mine, and I will nicely tell you to come in the kitchen.

Also, if you are repeatedly not following a rule, I will warn you that you will have to go home if the behavior doesn’t stop.”

Make assumptions.

Keep in mind that all DON’T children are different and that special needs aren’t always visible.

The child making noise in the back of library story time may have autism.

The child acting up in a restaurant booth may have Sensory Processing Disorder and may be overwhelmed by the loud noises around him. Before you say something or flash a dirty look that way, consider that the child may not be capable of controlling his or her behavior.

Consider how you would feel. If it were your child acting out and DO you didn’t notice, what would you want other parents to do? Considering what you would want to happen in these situations will guide you as you decide whether disciplining another child is the right choice.

Sara Keenan lives with her two children and husband in Brookside.

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UMKC’s degree program for working adults

The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) enables full-time working adults to earn bachelor’s degrees. Classes meet in flexible weeknight, weekend and independent study formats.

The degree programs offered through PACE will help prepare you for a number of professional career fields or graduate studies in areas such as:

Education Law Allied health and medical programs Commercial economics and business-related areas

Classes begin soon.

Call the PACE office today.

816-235-1588 www.umkc.edu/PACE Ask about UMKC financial aid and scholarships opportunities. an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TT), 1-800-735-2466 (voice)

THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI-K ANSAS CIT Y: A UNIVERSE OF KNOWLEDGE IN A CIT Y OF OPPORTUNIT Y.

w w w. u m k c . e d u kcparent.com july 2013

31

TAKE A VACATION FOR THE

HEALTH OF IT R

eturning home from a vacation can be rather daunting, and you may think that you need a vacation to recover from the one you just took. Surprisingly, even though you may feel worn down, jet lagged or even sad to return back to the daily routine, the benefits you received from your get-away make it all worth it in the end.

LIVE LONGER & HEALTHIER

Vacations are an essential tool and play a significant role in reducing stress and other daily pressures. Stresses not only affect people’s emotional well-being and quality of life but also put their health at risk, damaging the immune system and cardiovascular health. Taking time away from the daily routine allows your body to refresh and revive itself. Experts have said that

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kcparent.com july 2013

EXPERTS HAVE SAID THAT MEN AND WOMEN WHO TAKE TIME TO VACATION LIVE A LONGER, HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER LIFE.

men and women who take the time to vacation live a longer, happier and healthier life.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Vacations are a wonderful way to promote new opportunities to bond with family and loved ones. We live in a demanding, socially connected and on-call society that can be taxing on our relationships. In a personal relationship such as a marriage, you can slow down and focus on each other, discover new things about one another and do things together you wouldn’t normally do at home. This time spent together will make you appreciate each other more and feel more connected.

Traveling with your family creates a sense of camaraderie and strengthens your bond as you explore new places and try new things together. While establishing these bonds, you also make new and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. “I always feel so much closer to my kids and husband after a vacation,” Colleen Wooten, Parkville, says. “It gives us a chance to really focus on one another.”

PROMOTE DISCOVERY

We are creatures of habit that thrive on schedules and routines. We set aside specific times to eat, sleep, work and exercise. The mundane day-to-day rituals cut off creativity and smother new ways to think. Put yourself in a different environment with no social or work obligations and you might find yourself in uncharted waters. You might have to use your brain differently or look at things from a new perspective. And that’s just the point. “We always try to seek out the local spots to broaden our palates while we’re on vacation,” says Connie Bishop, Blue Springs.

REACH THE CHILD WITHIN

Finding time to “play” may seem impossible with all the emails, phone calls and meetings that exist in your daily routine. Vacations are the perfect time to do the activities/hobbies you love but

relax without packing on the pounds

A

s we enter summer, it is time for a favorite activity: the family vacation. A family vacation can be full of fun but also can be full of extra calories. It doesn’t have to be, though. There are ways families can sneak in exercise while away or eat light to avoid putting on unwanted vacation weight.

“On vacation, many families eat out frequently, often putting into their bodies more and more fattening foods than usual. So one step is to carefully plan meals,” says Kimberly Brownlee, Liberty mother of three. “Where will you splurge? Where will you eat light and healthy?”

Part of eating healthy is planning not only meals, but snacks as well.

“Pack your lunches/snacks for the day—don’t go to the food shops at the amusement parks or in the resorts. That can really add up financially and in packing on the pounds!” says Aryn Peters, Kansas City mother of two. “When you get to your destination, go shopping and pick out healthy snacks to keep with you: fruits, bottles of water, etc. Choosing a rental with a small kitchen or kitchenette is great for family vacations.”

Not only is eating healthy important to keeping off those unwanted pounds, but so is exercise on a family vacation. “Try to look at the physical activity as an adventure and way to connect as a family and not just have a workout mentality,” Maureen Anderson, Kearney mother of two, says.

Here are five quick and easy exercise ideas to prevent those unwanted calories from piling up on vacation:

1. “On a driving trip, stop every few hours at a rest stop and take a quick lap around the area. It will not only add activity to an otherwise sedentary drive, it will also help prevent the constipation that plagues many on long trips,” Brownlee says.

2. “Plan to visit a state or national park. They are literally all over the place and most, if not all, of them boast beautiful hiking trails with scenery that will take your breath (and your calories!) away,” Brownlee says.

3. “Rent bikes as a family. Go biking in the mountains or on the beach, in the desert—there are bike rental facilities in most popular vacation spots. It’s good exercise and a fun time for all,” Peters says.

4. “Make a point to get out and go on walks together wherever you are. Getting out and exploring on foot is great exercise and you are exposed to so much more,” Peters says.

5. “Plan an excursion, adventure or activity as the center of your entertainment while on vacation. Hiking, renting bicycles, exploring a trail, rafting and swimming are great ways to get exercise in while exploring,” Anderson says.

Regardless of the vacation spot you visit this summer—whether far from home or just a day’s trip—you can avoid packing on extra pounds. Take care to plan out meals and snacks, as well as incorporate some daily exercise.

Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, mother and teacher from Kearney who will be snorkeling the blue waters of Key West this summer. kcparent.com july 2013

33

don’t have the time to do anymore—or to try new activities like zip lining, kayaking or scuba diving. Regardless of how active or inactive you make your vacations, the important thing to remember is the state of the mind and body; your mind should be at rest and your body stress-free.

SUPPORT OVERALL WELL-BEING

Regularly experiencing mind blocks and pressure can drastically affect your mental health, causing depression, sleep problems and tension. One way to help promote a healthy state of mind is take time off and set time aside to

mentally do nothing. Setting time aside for your mind to unwind will not only get you back to feeling your best, but it also promotes creativity that can encourage you to reconnect with yourself.

their best ideas away from work, allowing them to revamp their innovations minus the pressure. “I always come back to work with a clear head and ready to take on any task,” Casey Collins, Olathe, says.

“Taking vacations saves my career.”

Wherever you decide to vacation this summer, make sure you focus on unwinding so you’ll be prepared to take on life until your next vacation.

HELP JOB PERFORMANCE

It’s hard to imagine that your job will benefit from your time away, but it will.

Those who take time off from their 9-to-5 to recharge their batteries are proven to be more efficient, productive and increase the quality of their work, compared to their overworked and fatigued coworkers. Many workers come up with

Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM who is looking forward to her much needed summer vacation to the beach so she can recharge and unwind.

1 10 2

Stumped on a vacation spot for this summer?

9

Try one of these great destinations less than 5 hours away for some creative exercise ideas.

For even more ideas, visit KCParent.com!

8

3 4

7 5

6

1.

Bike along the Katy Trail, the 237-mile trail stretching across much of the state of Missouri. BikeKatyTrail.com

2.

Water ski at the Lake of the Ozarks. FunLake.com

3.

Drive cattle in the Flint Hills of Kansas at Flying W Ranch.

FlintHillsFlyingW.com

4.

Ride horses along the 50 miles of equestrian trail on the eastern shores of Hillsdale Lake in Kansas with S&S Stables. SSStables.com

5.

Learn to sail at Lake Jacomo. JacomoSailingClub.org

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kcparent.com july 2013

6.

Pedal boat at Shawnee Mission Lake. JCRPD.com/parks

7.

Climb through enchanted caves to slide down a 10-story slide at City Museum in St. Louis. CityMuseum.org

8.

Hike through the Ozark Mountains and explore castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, MO. MoStateParks.com

9.

Canoe the Meramec River and explore caves at Meramec Caverns. AmericasCave.com

10. Pick blackberries and peaches at Gieringer’s Orchard in Edgerton, KS. GieringersOrchard.com

blog bits

CONSULT...SET UP...MONITOR

For TONS of 4th of July events, visit KCParent.com.

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fun 4th of July

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uly is here, and you know what that means: time for picnics, barbecue and fun! So, who is having a party? In case you are, I’ve whipped up some printables you can use for your patriotic picnic.

Water bottle labels, cupcake toppers and drink (or hot dog) flags will make your 4th of July just a bit more festive. Simply visit KCParent.com and print the pages onto card stock (or label paper) and trim on the lines. The flags and cupcake toppers can be attached to toothpicks. I bet you can even find other uses (like place cards, watermelon décor and even lapel pins or headband toppers) for the printables—be creative and enjoy!

And if you need a project for your kids this weekend, consider writing letters to our troops overseas, thanking them for their service and letting them know how much we appreciate our freedom!

You can use the printables to decorate your letters, then mail them to Operation Gratitude, 17330 Victory Blvd.,Van Nuys, CA 91406.

Or, for more information about Operation Gratitude, visit online at OperationGratitude.com.

Lauren Goldman and other moms and dads blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

• Install and configure parental controls and antivirus software on up to 3 devices • Includes a 30-minute one-on-one training on using parental controls EXTENDED IN-HOME SERVICE ($279)

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35

best apps for

birthday planning also offers full party theme lines down to the very last decorative detail and with the mobility of using a phone or tablet, you can add items to your cart at your leisure while on-the-go.

from one simple platform. The best part is that parents no longer have to bear the expense of print invites because they are all sent digitally, via text or email.

Get Organized:

Involve the Kids:

Cozi Family Organizer (free, Apple and Android devices) is particularly handy for birthday parties. Users can create a checklist of action items on a timeline that suits their schedule and set up reminders when specific items are due, such as sending your invitations or ordering cupcakes from your favorite local bakery.

There are some educational, interactive app options that get kids involved in the process and help them feel like they’re contributing to the planning of their big day. Wendy’s Birthday Party ($2.99, Apple devices) features stories and games about planning a party around the fictional story line of Wendy’s birthday. Users who like this app should also consider Wendy’s Birthday Cake ($.99, Apple devices), where users can decorate a digital cake with filling, frosting, decorations and candles.

Explore Themes and Décor:

Go Digital for Invites:

Tap into the crafting community by perusing Pinterest (free, Apple and Android devices) and Etsy (free, Apple and Android devices) for theme ideas.

Oriental Trading (free, Apple devices)

Evite (free, Apple and Android devices) allows you to build a guest list, gather contact information, design invitations, schedule distribution, track RSVPs and send thank you notes, all

36

kcparent.com july 2013

Overland Park mom Brenda Hill is the public relations manager of the Kansas/ Missouri Region for Verizon Wireless.

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37

TRACKING

TEENS erties b i l r o s t i m i l

technology and teens: recommended reading The Parent App: Understanding Families in the Digital Age

by Lynn Schofield Clark Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!

by Michael L. Bradley Get Out of My Life, but First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?

by Anthony E. Wolf On the Web: NetFamilyNews.org Pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teens-and-Tech RaisingChildrenNetwork.net.au ConnectSafely.org

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kcparent.com july 2013

T

here’s no place like home, there’s no place like home….

True, Dorothy, but home is the last place teens want to be. Freedom (in and away from home) is what they crave—and actually need. Therein lies the major challenge of parenting adolescents: deciding how much freedom to allow and when to grant it.

Today’s parents have much to keep track of: friends, activities, schoolwork, homework, physical and emotional health, peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, driving, family relationships and the countless details that make up family life. Spread across all of these issues is

too much or not enough?

• Evaluate your teen’s level of freedom.

• Does your family have age appropriate limits set for your children? Are the “house rules” set and consistently enforced?

• Are you modeling appropriate behavior for your teens, or do you regularly change plans without adequate notice or good reason?

• Take media breaks and pass that practice along to your children.

• If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. On social media—ask your teens to show you how it works. It’s another opportunity to discuss safe online behavior.

• How do you show that you love and trust your teens? Do you spend more time arguing than listening?

When kids are younger, parents can be directors, but when they are teens, you are their manager. the constantly changing world of digital technology.

Even though teenagers’ desires remain largely the same as in previous generations, technology’s widespread availability and its social nature has significantly changed the landscape in which teens operate. Lynn Schofield Clark, associate professor at the University of Denver and author of The Parent App, Understanding Families in the Digital Age, says, “Technologies both enable meaningful relationships even as they can … undermine our ability to maintain those meaningful relationships.” Whether or not we like technology, we parents must understand it to develop meaningful relationships with our children, and to help them do the same.

so what’s the big deal?

Second only to more freedom is trust. Teens want their parents to recog-

nize that they are older and deserve more privileges—the less supervised, the better—and that requires trust. Perhaps, like most teens, your child wants more than you believe he can handle.

Family counselor Kara Thompson, Lenexa, offers several useful strategies.

Lay your foundation early, before the teen years arrive. Set limits on when and where kids can go and with whom they can spend time. Hold them accountable to your guidelines. Start this when your children are young to reduce the decibel level in your house during their teen years.

Check in. Talk to their friends’ parents and know who is (and is not) going to attend an event. Make it clear that any privilege—going out or having a cell phone—is lost if your expectations are not met.

Remember what it is like to be a teenager. As psychologist Michael Bradley explains, teens’ brains are nearly exploding from new growth and a rewiring process. The areas of the brain that control things like emotions, impulsivity and rational decision-making are in a constant state of flux, accounting for the “crazy” behavior associated with teens.

Use empathy. This is critical, says Thompson. When parents empathize with their teen about an unpopular decision they have made, it makes room for an alternative. Expect the teen to argue, but maintaining a calm, supportive presence gains greater influence over your teen.

Key word: Say “and” not “but.”

Strive for influence, not control.

Be willing to give on some areas where you are comfortable with your teen’s having more freedom, but, in exchange, she must demonstrate behavior that earns her the new privilege and your trust.

Don’t: Wait to start setting boundaries, says Thompson. This happens most often over unlimited cell phone use. Waiting to set limits until a mistake is made or high risk behavior starts leads to big arguments and a loss of trust. Greater levels of empathy will be required to smooth things over.

are we watching or spying?

There are too many ways to track your teen’s digital footprints and follow his tire tread marks to review here.

However, before you launch an Internet search, stop and ask yourself why you are considering this.

Most parents are doing some level of digital monitoring; the Pew Internet Project reports that nearly 60 percent of parents whose children use social networks have discussed concerns with profiles and postings. It seems managing our children’s technology use has become part of being a “good parent.”

Media professor Lynn Schofield Clark and others such as Kuae Kelch Mattox, president of Mocha Moms Inc., caution against buying into the growing market of “parent apps.” Thompson agrees. “Monitoring technology is okay, if you set the precedent that the Internet and texting are not private. Discuss [Internet] safety with your children; then if you see unsafe behavior, you can snoop.”

Now, if we can figure out what to do about tattoos and multiple piercings!

Kathy Stump writes from her home in Parkville where two teenagers compete for their fair share of freedom. kcparent.com july 2013

39

july

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

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

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kcparent.com july 2013

CALENDAR

MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP AND FARM

enjoy

create

play

sleep

meet

Thursday nights in July, visit Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm for Family Fun Nights. Enjoy a different history theme each week with lots of handson activities! Free admission; small fee for some activities.

OlatheKS.org

Every Friday in July, bring your child to the Johnson County Museum’s Summer Arts Program. A fun, messy time for kids to create. Best for ages 4-8. $3/child.

913.715.2550

On July 13 at 11:00, head to the Power and Light District for Sprint Family Fun Days. Attend the ultimate field day featuring sports and fitness. Meet KC’s favorite mascots!

Free admission.

Spend the night at the zoo! Attend the Polar Bear PJ Party on July 20 at 7:00.

Enjoy a sleepover with friends in the brand new Polar Bear Passage!

Themed activities, night hike and more!

816.513.5800

Meet that loveable character Curious George at KCPT’s Day with Curious George on July 27 at Noon at Crown Center. Kids get to do a fun activity and have their picture taken with Curious George!

816.274.8444

PowerAndLightDistrict.com

1 monday

Flags for Freedom Thru July 7, Johnson Drive in Shawnee. More than 3,000 flags fly to honor our veterans and active military. CityOfShawnee.org Legos Brick Sculptures 9:00, Powell Gardens.

See how we are celebrating Lego bricks and nature together with our unique art exhibit.

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

2 tuesday

Real Pirates Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters! UnionStation.org Preschool Summer Fun Days 10:30, First Baptist Raytown (Atrium). Travel the world through stories, crafts, games and a special guest.

816.778.1125 Lyle the Crocodile Thru Aug 4, 11:00 & 1:30, Coterie Theatre. See how a talented crocodile becomes part of the family. 816.474.6552 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756 KC Shakespeare Festival Thru July 7, 8:00, Southmoreland Park. This story is filled with mayhem, mistaken identity and love! KCShakes.org

3 wednesday

Booms & Blooms Festival 9:00, Powell Gardens.

See hundreds of different daylilies in the garden, enjoy children’s activities and, in the evening, music and fireworks! 816.697.2600 Open Play 9:00, Stanley Presbyterian Church.

Every first Wednesday, bring your kids and their toys to play while you sip on your coffee with other moms. 913.681.8180 Toddler Town on Tour 9:30, Rotary Park. Enjoy summer fun, including crafts, while exploring various playgrounds. 816.325.7370 Funky Mama Concert 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Funky Mama brings her energetic performance for one show only! Limited seating.

913.715.25757 Vintage Optical Toys 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City. Explore the collection of toy optical illusions and create a 3D window box!

816.235.8000 4th of July Celebration Thru Sat, 6:00, Downtown Parkville. Our salute to Independence Day includes a parade, carnival rides, fireworks, food and more! ParkvilleMO.org Legacy Blast Fireworks Extravaganza 6:00, Legacy Park. Bring blankets and chairs to sit under the stars and watch our choreographed fireworks display 816.969.1500

US Air Force Band Concert 7:00, Mulberry Lake.

Enjoy a free concert from our diverse 18-piece big band! BriarcliffTrails.com FREE Concert Series 7:30, Historic Liberty Square. Neon Blue will be here to play classic R&B and rock-n-soul music, along with original songs.

Ci.Liberty.MO.us Trampoline and Tumbling National Championships Thru July 9, Municipal Auditorium. Check website for further information.

KCConvention.com

4 thursday: independence day

Stars and Stripes 5K and Lil’ Firecracker Fun Run 7:00, Summit Fair. Runners, walkers and kids alike can sign up for this event! 816.607.5420 Village Fest 7:30, Prairie Village (77th & Mission Rd). Tons of activities, including a bike rodeo, children’s parade, crafts, inflatables and more!

PVKansas.com Free Zoo Admission for Active and Retired Military 8:00, Kansas City Zoo. Thank you to all our service men and women! 816.513.5800 Independence Day at the Farmstead 9:00, Deanna Rose. No fireworks here, but we’ll have old-fashioned games, crafts and activities instead! $2. 913.897.2360

kcparent.com july 2013

41

it’s hot outside!

For a complete list of pools and spraygrounds all over KC, visit KCParent.com.

Independence Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855.

Revisit our history with a blast to the past.

Celebrate Independence Day 1850s’ style!

816.503.4860 Independence Day 9:00, Fort Osage. Celebrate Independence Day with musket and cannon demonstrations, fireworks, patriotic speeches and more! 816.503.4860 4th of July Fireworks 9:30, Great Mall of the Great Plains. Enjoy our fireworks display as a family! OlatheKS.org Weekly Reading 10:00, Grinter Place. Explore books related to pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions followed by a craft.

913.299.0373 Lenexa Community Days Parade 10:00, Old Town Lenexa. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch floats, bands, antique cars and more in our parade. Lenexa.com 4th of July Specials All weekend, Cool Crest.

Great special deals to celebrate the holiday.

CoolCrest.com Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens

Nature Park. Children are invited to attend a nature focused story time with craft. 816.325.7115 Spirit of America Celebration 4:00, Recreation Park (Raymore).

Come out for live music, a classic car show and fireworks at dusk.

Raymore.com Star Spangled Spectacular 4:00, Corporate Woods. Attend one of the biggest fireworks displays in the Metro!

StarSpangledSpectacular.org KC RiverFest 4:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. KC RiverFest brings our community together for a fun family celebration of our culture and country.

816.960.3400 July 4th in Gardner 5:00, Celebration Park. Families can enjoy our fireworks display and other activities and music. GardnerKansas.gov 4th of July Celebration 6:00, Longview Lake Beach. Watch fireworks over the lake, dance to live music, see sky divers and more! $5/car.

JacksonGov.org

Red, White & Blue Springs 7:00, Blue Springs High School. Fireworks, live music and concessions will help us celebrate our Independence!

BlueSpringsGov.com Gladstone Independence Day Celebration 7:30, Oak Grove Park. Join us for our annual celebration, including a patriotic concert and fireworks. Gladstone.MO.us

5 friday

Summer Arts Program Johnson County Muse-

Cool & Creative on hot summer days

FREE

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The only paint-your-own-pottery studio where you can cool off with a drink while painting!

paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS

913-661-CLAY

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kcparent.com july 2013

um. Every Friday, introduce kids to art processes and fun with a theme. Dress for mess! Ages 4-8.

913.715.2550 Story Time 10:30 or 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Listen to a story and then create a masterpiece! $9.50.

CeramicCafeKC.com Mix 93.3’s Red White & Boom 4:00, Starlight Theatre. Hear a great line-up of talented musicians! KCStarlight.com Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets every Friday night and enjoy free concerts! 816.246.6598 First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open late on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Wildlife Who’s Who 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Explore various animals and meet an amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal.

913.764.7759 Guys and Dolls Thru Sun, 8:30, Gladstone Amphitheatre. Talent shines on our stage! Attend a family-friendly show. GladstoneTip.com

6 saturday

Living History Museum. Period reenactors, food, crafts and more! Free admission. KCParks.org Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9:00, Home Depot stores. Bring in the kids for a free hands-on workshop and build something together.

HomeDepot.com Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00 or 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Hear nature stories and participate in hands-on activities. 816.759.7300 Make It Take It 10:00, US Toy. Join us every Saturday for this event. Give a gift from the heart!

913.642.8247 Super Saturdays 10:00-Noon, Cool Crest. Every Saturday, enjoy unlimited mini golf and 80 arcade tokens for only $10.99. 816.358.0088

7 sunday

Special Swim 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Meet and join other families with disabilities in a free, semi-private setting. 913.895.6390 First Sunday Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum.

Share a great family moment and have a little fun, too! 816.483.8300 Lake Jacomo Cruise Tours! 2:00 & 4:00, Lake Jacomo. Join us for an hour-long scenic tour of Lake Jacomo on Saturdays and Sundays! 816.795.8888 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday, enjoy free music all summer.

816.228.0137 Sunday Night Family Swim 6:00, Frontier, Millcreek and Oregon Trail pools. Just $10/family gets you an evening of fun! 913.971.8563

Vintage Optical Toys 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City. Explore the collection of toy optical illusions and create a 3D window box!

816.235.8000

Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Commons Park.

Pack a picnic or bring a chair. Hear live music for free while enjoying the outdoors. OPKansas.org

The Great American Family Campout 2:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Sleep under the stars as a family in the safety of the largest park in Johnson County. 913.831.3355

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! 913.541.0209

Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. See public feedings of our big cats every Saturday! 913.837.5515

8 monday

Visit Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of our nation’s premier examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture. 816.325.7430

1st Saturday at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek

kcparent.com july 2013

43

Me and Mini Me Swim 10:30, Black Bob Bay Pool. Attend our special swim time for children 5 years and younger in the morning. OlatheKS.org Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756

9 tuesday

Sew a Soft Toy 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum.

Learn about the German toys in the museum and sew a felt elephant to take home with you.

816.235.8000 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. See what’s for dinner as the amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

Summer Youth League Kids ages 4-19 can join a league and receive free bowling all summer long at Mission Bowl. MissionBowl.com

Wizard of Oz Today, Fri & Sat, West Platte HS Performing Arts Center. Weston Community Theater performs The Wizard of Oz! WestonMO.com

Lyle the Crocodile Thru Aug 4, 11:00, Coterie Theatre. See how a talented crocodile becomes part of the family. 816.474.6552

Free Classic Movies 7:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

Free classic movies every Wednesday through Aug 14. A great date night! 913.469.4445

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in our indoor play area at a discount. 913.631.7000

10 wednesday

Pop N Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us for special activities designed for kid’s ages 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Join us for a listen-and-learn activity for children ages 2-6. 913.764.7759 Museum Kids Summer Drop In Wed & Fri, Noon, KC Museum. Drop in for games, music, stories, arts and crafts! 816.483.8300

11 thursday

Frank & Ella’s Day Out 9:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy a different living history theme each Wednesday and Thursday with activities and crafts. 913.971.5111 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl with lighter weight balls, rent shoes and enjoy a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000 Weekly Reading 10:00, Grinter Place. Explore books related to pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions followed by a craft.

913.299.0373 Train Rides 10:30, Midland Railway. All aboard!

Purchase tickets and reserve your spot to ride our

train! MidlandRailway.org Special Summer Sessions 1:00, Dream Dinners.

Kids ages 9+ can sign up for a special meal prep session. Call for details: 913.491.6733.

4th of July on the Trails 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Tour the gallery and learn how pioneers commemorated the 4th while on the journey to Oregon. 816.325.7575 Kids and Company Afternoon Tours 3:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Stop by for an art tour for families with kids ages 6-12.

816.753.5784 Salute to America’s Veterans Thu-Sun thru Aug 25, 8:00, Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Hear patriotic favorites played in honor of America’s veterans.

913.764.2121 Peter Pan Thru Sun, 8:30, Theatre in the Park.

Grab your blanket and chairs and enjoy a night under the stars watching Peter Pan! TheatreInThePark.org Free Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theater Parking Lot. Join us for free family fun and watch a movie under the stars! FreeMoonlightMovies.com

12 friday

Lemon-Aid for Life Today & tomorrow, 10:00, area Panera Bread locations. Sample our homestyle lemonade. Proceeds benefit Operation Breakthrough. Lemon-AidForLife.com

blueberries in kc Bring bottled water and pack a picnic if the farm allows. And, don’t forget your camera… children with blueberry smiles make a great photo-op!

Blueberry Fun: Take the kids to Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com) July 7-13 for Blueberry Week in the Children’s EduTainment Center.

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

Blueberry Patches in the KC Area: • The Berry Patch, 22509 State Line Rd., Cleveland, MO, 816.618.3771 TheBerryPatchOnline.com • Duncan’s Berry Farm, 908 County Rd. F, Smithville, MO, 816.873.3053 Berry Picking Tips: Call ahead to verify picking times as they vary from farm to farm. This is a MUST! Remember comfortable shoes (you will be walking in fields) and wear sunscreen.

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Frozen Treats: For the foodie, Glace Artisan Ice Cream (GlaceIceCream.com) is a favorite destination. Known for unique gourmet ice cream made with fresh ingredients, the shop’s blueberry ice cream is a summer favorite! You might also try the lemon curd and blueberry sorbet. If you’re in the mood for old-fashioned homemade ice cream, visit Murray’s Ice Cream (WestportKC.com) and try Those Blueberry Blues—a creamy classic! Or, stop in at the Johnson County favorite, Sylas & Maddy’s (11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500), for their homemade blueberry ice cream.

Blueberry Breakfast: One of Kansas City’s most beloved bakeries for more than 60 years, McLain’s

(McLainsBakeryInWaldo.com) is famous for its chocolate cup cookies, but they also make a mean coffeecake with blueberry cheese as one of their most popular flavors. Treat the family to a blueberry pancake breakfast at The Big Biscuit (BigBiscuitRestaurant.com), Winstead’s (WinsteadsSteakburger.com) or First Watch (FirstWatch.com).

Decadent Desserts: If you’re looking for a guilt-free—or at least a “less guilt”—guilty pleasure, Cowtown Cheesecake Company (Facebook.com/Cowtown.Cheesecake) makes cheesecakes with all natural ingredients, including a to-die-for blueberry cheesecake. Or, treat your sweet tooth to something special with a blueberry lavender cupcake from GiGi’s Cupcakes (GigisCupcakesUSA.com/)!

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

Story Time 10:30 or 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428 Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Friday mornings just got more fun! Little ones can create masterpieces in our store. 913.661.2529 Heartland Open Adventures 1:00, Heartland Center. Enjoy a facilitated adventure for ages 10+ as well as family-oriented free activities.

816.891.1078 Car Cruise 6:00, Downtown Blue Springs. View the latest innovations in car restoration in a family-friendly atmosphere. BlueSpringsgov.com Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (4 guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks. 816.358.0088 Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets every Friday night and enjoy free concerts! 816.246.6598 Summer Concert Series 7:00, Swarner Park.

Listen to live music performed by the Groove Pilots. Food and beverage concessions available.

CityOfShawnee.org Birds of Prey 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Using live birds, our staff will show why rodents fear these great birds of prey in the night.

913.764.7759

summer

y uth leagues Come in from the heat and play!

Kids ages 4 to 19 years old. Join a league & receive free bowling all summer long!

Follow the Lights to Join the Party at the Mexican ZĂłcalo!

July 19, 2013

Mission 5399 Martway Mission, KS 66205

5–9 p.m.

Free

Celebrate the arts of Mexico and the exhibition Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Masterpieces of Modern Mexico from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection at the annual Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park celebration.

913-432-7000 Olathe 1020 S. Weaver Olathe, KS 66061

913-782-0279

www.missionbowl.com

816.751.1ART nelson-atkins.org The Fiesta in the Park is supported by the Hall Family Foundation and KCP&L kcparent.com july 2013

45

Nature Connects

See Lego bricks and nature together with this unique art exhibit.

Thru Sept. 29. PowellGardens.org Movies in the Park 8:30, Shalimar Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and watch Men in Black 3 under the stars. Free! 816.316.4812

airplanes, tour our museum and let kids make a craft. Free!

913.907.7902

Family Fun Nights 8:30, Summit Waves. Games, giveaways, a DJ and concessions, all at a discounted rate! 816.969.1545

Antique & Craft Fair Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Hunt for a treasure in our craft and antique show. House tours also available. 816.461.3491

13 saturday

Tractor Daze & Touch-a-Truck 9:00, National Ag Center & Hall of Fame. A full day filled with a tractor show, kiddie pedal pull, demonstrations, petting zoo and more. 913.721.1075 Gardner Bike Rodeo 10:00, Gardner-Edgerton High School. Bring bikes and helmets and learn about bike safety. GardnerKansas.gov Baby $1 Sale 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO, LS). Save BIG on infant clothing on this ONE day sale. ChildOrch.com Kids Club at Powell Gardens 10:00, Powell Gardens. Special ice cream social and berry picking event for Kids Club members. 816.697.2600 CAF Open Hangar Days 10:00, New Century AirCenter. See our fully-restored World War II

Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Attend our ultimate field day featuring sports and fitness. PowerAndLightDistrict.com A Dog’s Eye View Puppet Show 11:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Join us for a puppet show and learn about Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

816.833.9777 Garden Day 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum. Visit the farm’s organic vegetable garden.

Free crafts and activities. Gladstone.MO.us Build a Robot Contest Noon, Shawnee Books & Toys. Hear a robot book, then build an awesome robot from a cardboard box! 913.962.1428 Sew a Soft Toy 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum.

Learn about the German toys in the museum and sew a felt elephant to take home with you.

816.235.8000 Lake Jacomo Cruise Tours! 2:00 & 4:00, Lake Jacomo. Join us for an hour-long scenic tour of Lake Jacomo on Saturdays and Sundays! 816.795.8888 Second Saturdays 4:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique shops & galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com

Saturday, July 20 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join us for a day of fun!

• • •

Learn more about the Primrose Experience First 25 families will receive a special gift bag Proprietary Balanced Learning® System

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Pre-Kindergarten and After School

Primrose School of Overland Park 12100 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221 913.400.2435 | PrimroseOverlandPark.com ©2013 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

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Music at the Marketplace 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy local musicians every Sat night. 913.322.5550

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

FREE Movie: Briarcliff Trails 8:45, Mulberry Lake.

Bring the whole family out to see a free showing of The Little Rascals! BriarcliffTrails.com

Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Kids will be immersed in this permanent handson exhibit designed to look like a suburban streetscape. 913.715.2550

14 sunday

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Listen to a story and then create a masterpiece! $9.50.

CeramicCafeKC.com

17 wednesday

Toddler Town on Tour 9:30, Santa Fe Trail Park.

Enjoying summer fun, including crafts, while exploring various playgrounds. 816.325.7370

UCP Shawnee Mission Triathlon 7:00, Shawnee Mission Park. If you are interested in this event, register online at SportKC.org.

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756

Gym Tyme 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Every Wednesday, toddlers and preschoolers can play in our gym for just $2. 913.631.5200

Farmers’ Market 8:00, City Market. Find the finest produce from the surrounding region and support local farmers. TheCityMarket.org

Dive-In Movie 8:30, Summit Waves. Bring your friends to the pool for some swimming and a showing of Shark Tale! 816.969.1545

Marble Madness 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum.

Tour the marble gallery, build a marble run and use marbles to make a painting. 816.235.8000

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

16 tuesday

Café and Playland 9:00, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Kids can enjoy the playland while parents enjoy conversation and coffee. 913.764.5722

Party in the Park 1:30, Vavra Park. July is National Ice Cream and National Parks & Rec month.

Join us for water games and free ice cream!

913.322.5550

Real Pirates Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters! UnionStation.org

Sunday Night Family Swim 6:00, Frontier, Millcreek and Oregon Trail pools. Just $10/family gets you an evening of fun! 913.971.8563

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

15 monday

Legos Brick Sculptures 9:00, Powell Gardens.

See how we are celebrating Lego bricks and nature together with our unique art exhibit.

Me and Mini Me Swim 10:30, Oregon Trail Pool.

Attend our special swim time for children 5 years and younger in the morning. OlatheKS.org

Farmers’ Market 3:00, Waldo. The market features organic vegetables, meats, eggs, cheeses and much more. WaldoFarmersMarketKC.com Free Classic Movies 7:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

Free classic movies every Wednesday through Aug 14. A great date night! 913.469.4445

18 thursday

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to attend a nature focused story time with craft. 816.325.7115 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl with lighter weight balls, rent shoes and enjoy a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000

JUNE 18 to AUGUST 04

Summer Drop Ins

Wednesdays and Fridays in July and August Noon-3 p.m.

This summer, drop in with your Museum Kids for games, music, stories and arts and crafts.

Group visits available from 10-noon.

Contact Education Curator Rebecca Schroeder at 816-483-8300 x1402 for details

A New Musical Based on the popular book series by Bernard Waber Adapted by Kevin Kling

Music by Richard Gray

3218 Gladstone Blvd. kansascitymuseum.org AT CORINTHIAN HALL

kcparent.com july 2013

47

Winnie the Pooh, KIDS Thru Sat, Barn Players Theatre. See the beloved characters on our stage!

913.432.9100 Free Family Fun Nights 6:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. There’s fun on the farm tonight with hands-on activities, rides and more.

913.971.5111 Free Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theater Parking Lot. Join us for free family fun and watch a movie under the stars!

FreeMoonlightMovies.com

19 friday

Summer Arts Program Johnson County Museum. Every Friday, introduce kids to art processes and fun with a theme. Dress for mess! Ages 4-8.

913.715.2550 Les Miserables Thru Sun, 10:00 & 7:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). The Culture House puts on a monumental production of the longest-running musical in the world. 913.393.3141 Indoor Playground 11:00, Mill Creek Activity Center. Kids can enjoy a fun-filled playtime with obstacle courses and play gym equipment.

913.826.2950 Museum Kids Summer Drop In Wed & Fri, Noon, KC Museum. Drop in for games, music, stories, arts and crafts! 816.483.8300 Family Fiesta! 5:00, The Nelson-Atkins. Celebrate

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kcparent.com july 2013

the arts of Mexico with a family fiesta in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Free. 816.751.1ART 3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station. The galleries open their doors to art lovers every third Friday of the month. EnglewoodStation.com Jamaican Jam Concert 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Jam on Green Street to the sounds of Jamaica in our free summer concert series.

CityOfLS.net Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad Co. Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time. 816.331.0630 Animal Tales 7:00, Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater. Meet a live animal from each story shared and discover its unique adaptations.

913.764.7759 Movie in the Park 9:00, Oak Grove Park. Bring blankets and chairs and your favorite people to watch Despicable Me under the stars.

Gladstone.MO.us

20 saturday

Gymboree Play & Music On-Site! 7:00, Lee’s Summit Farmers’ Market. Come check out our booth and see about signing up for a class!

816.525.7529 Grandview Farmers’ Market 7:30, Grandview (8th & Goode). Delicious produce, spices, flowers and more for sale! Grandview.org

Amelia Earhart 8K/2K Fun Run 7:30, Atchison YMCA. Sign up for our 16th annual run with family and friends! KansasCityYMCA.org Olathe Farmers’ Market 8:00, Downtown Olathe.

Fresh locally-grown produce from area farmers!

OlatheKS.org Brookside Farmers’ Market 8:00, Brookside.

Purchase fresh, local produce and breads while enjoying live music.

BrooksideFarmersMarket.com Dragonfly Days 9:00, George Owens Nature Park.

Explore the lake area of the park to learn about dragonflies! Pre-reg by July 18. 816.325.7115 TAKE Foundation Self-defense Seminar 10:00, Blue Valley Rec Commission. Women ages 12+ will learn basic self-protection skills. 913.826.2950 Open House 10:00, Primrose School of Overland Park. Join us for a day of fun! First 25 families receive a special gift bag. 913.400.2435 Scavenger Saturdays at the Kemper 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Engineerium Robotic Adventure 11:00 & 2:00, Science City. Design, build and program a robot for a challenging mission! 816.460.2020 The Three Bears Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The traditional story of

a small girl’s encounter with a family of bears.

816.833.9777 Science Extravaganza Noon, Shawnee Books & Toys. We’ll experiment with solar energy, weather, electricity and more! 913.962.1428 Family Fun Night 5:00, CW Parker Carousel Museum. Free carousel rides with purchase of $6 hot dog combo. 50-cent tickets sold for carnival games. 913.682.1331 Music on the Square: Shawnee 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Listen to Victor and Penny’s sweet, sassy sounds on the ukulele and guitar for free.

913.248.2360 Polar Bear PJ Party 7:00, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy a sleepover with friends in the brand new Polar Bear Passage! Themed activities, night hike and more! 816.513.5800 FREE Movie: Briarcliff Trails 8:45, Mulberry Lake.

Bring the whole family out to see a free showing of Jaws! BriarcliffTrails.com Overnight Fishing 11:00, Heritage Park. Grab your fishing pole and lantern for another overnight fishing opportunity! 913.888.4713

21 sunday

TRiKC Longview Jr Triathlon 7:30, Longview Recreation Center. Our junior triathlon provides a fun opportunity to help kids stay active this summer! 816.969.7494

20% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

2008 W. 103rd Terr. *For in-store use at U.S. Toy Stores only with free Preferred Customer Card. Reduction taken at register.

Leawood, KS 66206 Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Cannot be combined with other offer or discount. Excludes Lego, Playmobil & Thomas the Train product. Not valid for purchase of gift cards.

913-642-8247

Other restrictions may apply. EXPIRES 07/31/13.

13DM25

June 1 - September 29 is introducing a new monthly program...

NATURE NATURE CONNECTS CONNECTS SCULPTURES

Ceramic Café is a great place for ALL AGES: • creative story time for preschoolers • summer camps for school age kids • teen nights for older kids • now “CPR for the Soul” for adults

95TH & MISSION ROAD

BUILT WITH

LEGO® BRICKS

Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical gardenTM 30 miles east of KC on Highway 50

500,000 LEGO® bricks 27 amazing sculptures 14 displays 1 unforgettable experience

913.383.0222 CERAMICCAFEKC.COM

816.697.2600 | www.powellgardens.org kcparent.com july 2013

49

open gym

Fridays 10:00-1:00 and Saturdays 2:00-4:00, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids to the gym for a fun open play session. All ages. $5. 913.707.3756 Funky Mama! Free to the public.

OPKansas.org

22 monday

Legos Brick Sculptures 9:00, Powell Gardens. See how we are celebrating Lego bricks and nature together with our unique art exhibit.

Bubble & Parachute Fun 9:30, Harris Park. Free! Gymboree Play and Music hosts a fun outdoor activity! Call for details. 816.525.7529 Train Rides 11:00, Midland Railway. All aboard! Purchase tickets and reserve your spot to ride our train! MidlandRailway.org Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday, enjoy free music all summer.

816.228.0137 Sunday Night Family Swim 6:00, Frontier, Millcreek and Oregon Trail pools. Just $10/family gets you an evening of fun! 913.971.8563 Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Commons Park.

Get the kids movin’ and groovin’ to the music of

Let’s Get Curious! Thru Sept 8, 10:00, Crown Center. Minnesota Children’s Museum has created a hands-on exhibit centered on George!

816.274.8444 Family Fun Nights 8:30, Summit Waves. Games, giveaways, a DJ and concessions, all at a discounted rate! 816.969.1545

23 tuesday

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

TRAIN RIDES

Pinocchio Time Tue-Sat thru July 31, 10:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A special exhibit celebrating this classic Italian children’s story. 816.833.9777 Preschool Summer Fun Days 10:30, First Baptist Raytown (Atrium). Travel the world through stories, crafts, games and a special guest.

816.778.1125 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Listen to a story and then create a masterpiece! $9.50.

CeramicCafeKC.com Platte County Fair Thru Sat, Platte County Fair Grounds. Demolition derby, horse and mule show, concerts, carnivals and much, much more!

PlatteCountyFair.com Winnie the Pooh, KIDS Thru Sat, Barn Players Theatre. See the beloved characters on our stage!

913.432.9100 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Thru July 28, 8:00, Starlight Theatre. See the beloved Ariel and all her friends under the sea on stage! KCStarlight.com

24 wednesday

Toddler Town on Tour 9:30, Mill Creek Park. Enjoy summer fun, including crafts, while exploring

Ahoy Matey!

Pirates are coming to Kansas City!

This summer learn about Real Pirates at Union Station! You and your family could enjoy the exhibit for FREE!

Train Rides

$9.50 Regular Trains Depart Sat & Sun, 2 pm [May - Oct] Sat., 11 am [June - Aug only]

Ice Cream Train $10.50 Every Friday, June - Aug, 7 pm

To enter, submit your own pirate inspired artwork – the best entry in age category will win the ultimate Pirate Treasure (tickets to both Science City and the Real Pirates exhibit.) Finalists will be featured on KCParent.com!

Charters • Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Kids under three FREE

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

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

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kcparent.com july 2013

For full details and to enter, visit KCParent.com.

Submissions accepted through July 31.

various playgrounds. 816.325.7370 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Children ages 2-6 can join us for a listen-and-learn activity about crawdads and other critters. 913.764.7759 Museum Kids’ Summer Drop In Wed & Fri, Noon, KC Museum. Drop in for games, music, stories, arts and crafts! 816.483.8300 Mini Journal Making 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Hear the story of local Kansas Citian Nettie Wells and make a journal like hers. 816.235.8000

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Stop by for an art tour for families with kids ages 6-12.

816.753.5784 Evening Wagon Ride and Swales Walk 6:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Enjoy a wagon tour highlighting the history of Independence.

816.325.7575 Sounds on the Square 6:30, Independence Square. Swing in after work the last Thursday in July for a free concert. Free outdoor movie follows. 816.325.7370

What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. See what’s for dinner as the amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

CPR for the Soul 6:30, Ceramic Café. Create a project, Partake in snacks, Relax with friends.

Night out for adults. BYOB. $10 plus cost of pottery piece. Pre-reg. 913.383.0222

25 thursday

26 friday

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl with lighter weight balls, rent shoes and enjoy a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000 Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to attend a nature-focused story time with craft. 816.325.7115 Weekly Reading 10:00, Grinter Place. Explore books related to pioneer life, native people and cultural traditions followed by a craft.

913.299.0373 Kids and Company Afternoon Tours 3:00,

Story Time 10:30 & 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428 Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (4 guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks. 816.358.0088

of chamber music for selected strings and piano.

HeartlandMusicAcademy.com Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad Co. Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time. 816.331.0630 Street Flicks: Peter Pan 7:15, Downtown Blue Springs. Enjoy a free summer movie with activities and popcorn for the kids! 816.228.0137

27 saturday

Georgia’s Chicken Run 7:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Lace up those tennies for our fun run/walk, along with games & activities.

913.897.2360 Show & Shine Truck & Car Show 9:00, National Ag Center & Hall of Fame. Door prizes, living history demonstrations and more. 913.721.1075 Big Brand Event 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO, LS). Shop early for the best brands at the lowest prices. ChildOrch.com Crazy Summer Celebration 10:00, Roeland Park Community Center. Today is filled with events, activities and competitive fun! 913.826.3160

Kids’ Night Out 6:00, Paint Glaze & Fire. Grab your friends and enjoy pizza, pottery, painting and much more! 913.661.2529

Art on the Edge 10:30, Spencer Museum of Art. Tour the museum, followed by an art-making activity! 785.864.4710

Heartland Chamber Music Festival Thru Aug 3, 7:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). An exciting nine days

KCPT Day with Curious George Noon, Crown Center. Kids get to do a fun activity and have their

®

130.30737 July 2013 KC Parent Mag Print Ad.indd 1

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kcparent.com 5/14/13 8:52 AM july 2013

picture taken with Curious George! 816.274.8444 art + family = FUN Today & tomorrow, 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park.

Grab your fishing pole and lantern for another overnight fishing experience! 913.888.4713

Bahama Bash Teen Night 8:30, Summit Waves.

Bring your friends out for a night of music, giveaways, games and fun! 816.969.1545

28 sunday

30 tuesday

Lake Jacomo Cruise Tours! 2:00 & 4:00, Lake Jacomo. Join us for an hour-long scenic tour of Lake Jacomo on Saturdays and Sundays! 816.795.8888

Café and Playland 9:00, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Kids can enjoy the playland while parents enjoy conversation and coffee. 913.764.5722

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Every Sunday enjoy free music all summer.

816.228.0137

Let’s Get Curious! Thru Sept 8, 10:00, Crown Center. Minnesota Children’s Museum has created a hands-on exhibit centered on George!

816.274.8444

Train Rides 11:00, Midland Railway. All aboard!

Purchase tickets and reserve your spot to ride our train! MidlandRailway.org

Mini Journal Making 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Hear the story of local Kansas Citian Nettie Wells and make a journal like hers. 816.235.8000 Princess Ball 2:00, Greg Klice Community Center.

Dads bring their special princess out for a night of food, fun, dancing and pictures! 816.784.1135 Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. See public feedings of our big cats every Saturday! 913.837.5515

29 monday

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

Weston Moonshiners Car Club 5:00, Downtown Weston. Come see the cars starting at 3:00 in downtown Main Street. WestonMO.com

Zoological District FREE Day 8:00, Kansas City Zoo. Jackson and Clay County residents receive free admission to get into the zoo. 816.513.5800

31 wednesday

Pop N Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us for special activities designed for kid’s ages 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550

Music at the Marketplace 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy listening to local musicians every Saturday night. 913.322.5550

Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Kids will be immersed in this permanent handson exhibit designed to look like a suburban streetscape. 913.715.2550

Free Concert 7:00, Paradise Park. Enjoy a backyard bash at Paradise Park! The band Revelation: A tribute to Journey performs. 816.246.5224

Drenched 5k 10:00, Tiffany Springs Park. Participants, including kids, will run or walk from dry to drenched in this 5K. RunDrenched.com

Farmers’ Market 3:00, Waldo. The market features organic vegetables, meats, eggs, cheeses and much more. WaldoFarmersMarketKC.com

FREE Movie: Briarcliff Trails 8:45, Mulberry Lake.

Bring the whole family out to see a free showing of Wreck-It Ralph! BriarcliffTrails.com

Real Pirates Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters! UnionStation.org

BBQ 4:30, 8th Street Family YMCA. Gather for an outdoor barbecue and games, inflatables, door prizes and more. 913.321.9622

Me and Mini Me Swim 10:30, Black Bob Bay Pool.

Attend our special swim time for children 5 years and younger in the morning. OlatheKS.org

WE WELCOME YOUR CHILDREN TO OUR WARM, FUN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY CHILD IS TREATED WITH PERSONALIZED CARE.

Dentistry for infants, children, teens and all those with special needs

• Comprehensive pediatric dental care including orthodontics • Low radiation digital x-rays • Individualized oral health education

Dr. John T. Fales, Jr.

13496 S. Arapaho Drive • Olathe, KS 66062 913.782.2207

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

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tour the town: fun ideas for kc families cool summer nights in kc

Pack a picnic and lunch on the lawn!

New Turtle Shelter exhibit now open!

nelson-atkins museum of art When the afternoon heat gets to be too much, take the family out for an evening (when it’s a few degrees cooler) and enjoy some of Kansas City’s best family-friendly attractions.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) is open until 9:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. This is one FREE destination where you will discover something new with each visit. Families enjoy the FUN Spot, located in Bloch Lobby, where visitors with children learn what activities are available for them that day to maximize their fun. Tips: Search for “Nelson Scavenger Hunt” on KCParent.com to add to your fun.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Mahaffie.org) offers FREE family nights every Thursday through July, 6:00-8:00. On family nights, the site comes to life with free activities (for example, butter churning, planting seeds, tours of the home) and activities with a small fee (stagecoach rides, working in the blacksmith shop and grinding corn range from $1 to 2 each), and they vary with the theme each week.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (OPKansas.org) is open until 8:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays thru Labor Day, and admission is FREE Mon.Thu. ($2/ea. on weekends)! The Farmstead features many wonderful attractions to help children learn about and appreciate animals, nature and the outdoors. Children love the dairy barn, fishing pond, petting zoo, goat feeding, chicken coop and miniature tractor rides.

Cool Crest (CoolCrest.com) is open until midnight or 1:00 every night all summer. Cool Crest features four miniature golf courses with mechanical hazards, water traps and decorations ranging from the Statue of Liberty to windmills and dragons. The family fun center is also home to go-karts, arcades, a pizza parlor and a soft play area for young children.

Tip: Enjoy great Cool Crest coupons on pg. 41. kansas city’s #1 attraction

500+ R FO IDEAS !

FUN

guide

summer 2013

summertime in kc!

ADVENTURES UNIQUE URBAN

MUST SEE KC

the deep blue sea

sea life aquarium Landlocked Midwesterners craving a summer day at the beach will find oceanic fun at local attractions.

This summer, Kansas City’s quintessential summer destination, Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre (KCStarlight.com), hosts the best Broadway entertainment with starry nights, great food and light-hearted laughter, unmatched performances and memorable music. The family-favorite Disney’s Little Mermaid (showing July 23-28 at 8:00 each evening) takes audiences to a magical kingdom beneath the sea. The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Your family will fall in love with the magic for the first time—or all over again!

Meet sea animals face to face at Sea Life Aquarium (VisitSeaLife.com), a favorite local attraction taking guests under the sea on a 2- to 3-hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River, then out into the warm, blue, coral-strewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean.

Come nose to nose with sharks and enjoy astonishingly close views of everything from starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. A favorite is the tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel.

If adventure is what you crave, Science City at Union Station (UnionStation.org) offers a summer exhibit, Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship, that is sure to captivate imaginations with real-life tales of adventure and intrigue. Using artifacts recovered from the wreck of the slave ship turned pirate ship in the 1700s, the exhibit portrays the true story of pirates on the open sea, a story “more compelling than anything dreamt up by Hollywood.”

For fun building sandcastles and swimming, search for “Swim Beaches” on KCParent.com, where you’ll find a guide to local sand beaches at area lakes and boat rental information. Or, discover area pirate parks where children enjoy playing aboard pirate ship-themed playgrounds, with a search for “Best Parks” on KCParent.com.

MAIN STREETS GREAT AMERICAN

For over 500 great places to visit in KC, pick up a copy of the NEW summer issue of KC Going Places!

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SPECIAL SUMMER SESSIONS FOR KIDS Thursday at 1pm, July 11 & Aug 8 Kids must be at least 9 years old. Prefer one child to one adult ratio.

See July Menu Here

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BUILD YOUR DAY OF PLAY TODAY!

NoW oPeN! Turtle Shelter

Touchpool experience

See over

5,000 creaTureS

• Factory Tour • 4D Cinema • LEGO® MINILAND • LEGO Rides • Soft Play • Celebration Rooms • LEGO Shop, Café and Much More!

Crown Center Square, 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

www.facebook.com/ldckansascity

816-471-4FUN (4386) www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group, ©2013 The LEGO Group.

KIDS GO FREE!

with paid adult ticket

Crown Center Square, 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Facebook.com/sealifekansascity 816-471-4FUN (4386)

www.sealifeus.com

KIDS Go Free! with paid adult ticket

This offer is valid for one free child admission with each full paying adult (paying the regular admission price) to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City. Please present this coupon when purchasing tickets. Not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers and cannot be used with online or pre-booked tickets.

This offer is valid for one free child admission with each full paying adult (paying the regular admission price) to SEA LIFE Kansas City. Please present this coupon when purchasing tickets. Not valid with other discounts, coupons or offers and cannot be used with online or pre-booked tickets.

Valid June 15 through November 24, 2013 • Promo Code – 1366 kcparent.com

Valid June 15 through November 24, 2013 • Promo Code – 1367

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