KCKidsFun

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is something that many families look forward to each summer.  Typically kids go for several hours a day for one week, where they enjoy being with their friends, playing games and even learning a thing or two–all in a safe environment.  Most VBS camps are very reasonable, at $20-$40 for the week.  Many churches even offer assistance or scholarships and the day camps are open to the public.

This is also a great opportunity for you to check out our extensive Preschool Directory! It’s not too late to get a spot in a fall preschool and we have links to many programs.  And, since we’re on the topic of Directories…now that it’s May…are you ready for summer?  There’s still time to get your kid(s) enrolled in a summer camp or class.  We have added lots of camps to the list since we published the 2012 Summer Camp Directory in March, so even if you’ve looked it over, it wouldn’t hurt to give it another go!  If your church or place of worship conducts a summer camp or bible school–let us know!  We’ll gladly include it if we’ve missed it!

KCMO VBS programs

• Calvary Lutheran Church, 12411 Wornall Rd. KCMO
• Colonial Presbyterian Church, 95th and Wornall Rd. KCMO
• Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, KCMO
• One Spirit United Methodist Church, 7900 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO
• St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway, KCMO
• St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 9420 James A Reed Rd., KCMO

Johnson County, KS programs

• Old Missions UMC, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway
• King of Kings Lutheran, 306 E Madison, Gardner
• Church of the Resurrection (COR), 13720 Roe, Leawood
• Lord of Life Lutheran, 3105 W. 135th St., Leawood
• Lenexa UMC, 9138 Caenan Lake Rd., Lenexa
• Salem Lutheran Church, 9143 Haskins, Lenexa
• St. Paul’s UMC, 7740 Lackman, Lenexa
• Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia, Lenexa
• Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal, 6630 Nall, Mission
• Advent Lutheran, 11800 W. 151st, Olathe
• Aldersgate UMC, 151st and Black Bob, Olathe
• Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 13145 S. Black Bob, Olathe
• First Baptist Church of Olathe, 22024 E. 151st St., Olathe
• Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd, Olathe
• Redeemer Lutheran, 920 Alta Lane, Olathe
• Bethany Lutheran, 9101 Lamar, Overland Park
• Colonial Presbyterian, 12501 W. 137th St. Overland Park
• First Family Church, 7700 W. 143rd., Overland Park
• Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
• Grace Covenant Presbyterian, 11100 College Blvd, Overland Park
• Heritage UMC, 12850 Quivira, Overland Park
• Knox Presbyterian, 9595 W. 95th St., Overland Park
• Legacy Christian Church, 10150 Antioch, Overland Park
• Rolling Hills Presbyterian, 9300 Nall , Overland Park
• Grace Fellowship Church, 10201 W. 127th St., Overland Park
• Presbyterian Church of Stanley, 148th and Antioch, Overland Park
• Valley View UMC, 8412 W. 95th St., Overland Park
• Overland Park Church of Christ, 119th and Pflumm, Overland Park
• Nall Avenue Baptist Church, 6701 Nall, Overland Park
• Asbury UMC, Prairie Village
• Hope Lutheran Church, 6308 Quivira, Shawnee
• Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 6837 Nieman, Shawnee
• Shawnee United Methodist Church, 10700 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
• Trinity Lutheran Church, 7740 Hedge Lane, Shawnee

Northland programs

• Barry Christian Church, 1500 NW Barry Rd., KCMO
• Highlands Community of Christ, N. Platte Purchase Drive, off Barry Road, KCMO
• Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Rd., KCMO
• St. Matthew’s Evangelical (North American Lutheran Church), 5047 NW Gateway, Riverside, MO
• St. Therese Parish, 7207 NW Hwy 9, KCMO
• Chandler Baptist Church, 11401 Hwy 33, Liberty, MO
• Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N 291 Hwy, Liberty, MO
• Platte Woods Church, 7310 NW Prairie View, Platte Woods, MO
• Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset, Liberty, MO
• Harvest Church International Outreach, 4300 N. Corrington Ave., Kansas City, MO

Cass County, MO programs

• Crossroads United Methodist Church, 700 Quik Trip Way, Belton, MO
• First Baptist Church, 810 S. Cedar, Belton, MO
• Peculiar United Methodist Church, 20521 S. School Rd.

Kansas City, KS and Leavenworth programs

• Holy Name Catholic Church, 16 South Iowa, KCK
• Living Water United Methodist Church, 3001 N. 115th St, KCK
• Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 4153 Rainbow Blvd, KCK
• Wallula Christian Church, 23785 139th Street, Leavenworth

Eastern Jackson County, MO programs

• Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 NW RD Mize Rd., Blue Springs
• St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 4746 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence
• The Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington, Independence
• Sycamore Hills Baptist Church, 15200 E. 39th Street, Independence
• Grace UMC, 2400 SE 50 Hwy, Lee’s Summit
• Lee’s Summit Baptist Temple, 2614 NW Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit
• Lee’s Summit UMC, 114 SE Douglas, Lee’s Summit
• Summit Woods Baptist Church, 2501 SE Shenandoah Dr., Lee’s Summit
• Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 130 NW Murray Rd., Lee’s Summit
• St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 NE Chipman, Lee’s Summit
• New Summit Church, 1800 NE Independence Ave, Lee’s Summit

It’s Mother’s Day Weekend, the weather is beautiful and the activities are plenty. How about taking Mom out for Sunday brunch? Open Table has a round-up of great local restaurants to treat her like a Queen. Then spend some time taking in the sights like the Brookside Art Fair, which I always try to stroll through and pick something fun to add to our family.

But alas, this weekend I will be either on the soccer field sidelines or in the baseball stands  it seems, soaking up the sun and watching my kids play the games they love.

If you have a chance to get out and enjoy the weekend with your kids, here are some fun things around town to give a try:

• Downtown Bonner Springs KS Marble Day, 10am to 2 pm. Fun family event full of free activities, games and entertainment
• Pet Pals 2012, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park. 11am to 3pm. Herding and carting demonstrations. Police Dogs. Agility demos.
• City of Independence Buck Days – The buck stops here! In honor of Harry S. Truman’s birthday, Museum admission is just $1 all day long. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Independence, MO
• Sheep Shearing at Missouri Town 1855 (Jackson County, MO) – Annual event where the flock is sheared of their winter fleece. Artisans will demonstrate the entire process of making wool including washing of the fleece, carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving. Handcrafted fiber pieces will be available for purchase. Admission: Adults, $5; Youth 5-13 and Seniors, $3; Under 5, Free
• Brookside Art Annual – In its 27th year, this art fair draws more people from the entire region and ranks in the top 25 shows according to Art Source. The show will occur at 63rd & Brookside between Main and Wornall. Admission: FREE
• Kids Craft Fair! 9:00 – 11:00AM at the Brookside Farmers Market, KCMO
• Movie Makers (for ages 10-17) – Saturdays May 5 & 12, 9:00am-2:00pm at Blue Valley Recreation – Activity Center, 6545 W. 151st St. – Overland Park, 913.685.6000. Learn concepts of digital video design and production by creating, directing and producing a music video.
• Kansas City Ballet Presents “Masters of American Dance”, May 4-13, 2012. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts at 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108. Kansas City Ballet’s 54th season closes with “Masters of American Dance,” presenting four pivotal figures in American dance who have special significance to Kansas City Ballet. Do not miss your last chance to experience Kansas City Ballet’s premiere season in the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Single tickets are on sale now and range from $35-$99.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

• Brookside Art Annual – In its 27th year, this art fair draws more people from the entire region and ranks in the top 25 shows according to Art Source. The show will occur at 63rd & Brookside between Main and Wornall. Admission: FREE

It’s that time again, where everyone’s favorite blue engine rolls into Baldwin City, KS!  If you have a 2-5 year old, then you know EXACTLY the engine that I’m talking about!  Baldwin City is only about 25 minutes southwest of Olathe- makes for a perfect trip for little ones.

This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series.  Children will take a ride along with their favorite engine friend on his latest adventure and participate in Thomas-themed activities.

WHEN:                 June 1-3, 8, 9 & 10, 2012

TIME:                    9:45am-3:45pm

WHERE:               1515 W. High St., Baldwin City, KS

Ticket prices are $18 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).  www.ticketweb.com/thomas.htm