KCKidsFun

picture from Flickr user josiahsamoff via Creative Commons license.

This Memorial Day weekend marks the return of the Kansas City Jiggle Jam - three days of music concerts, games and activities for the family. Based at Crown Center Pavillion, its a great way to kick off your summer fun.

There are games and activities, concerts on three different stages, at various times throughout the weekend. Entertainers like our own Mr. Stinky Feet and Funky Mama perform, plus bands like Disney Channel’s Imagination Movers.  Click here for the full concert schedule.

I hesitate to say its like a Lollapalooza for kids, some people may not appreciate that, but given my experience with massive weekend concert venues, I’d say that’s pretty close. There’s a lot of music, a lot of awesome food, and a lot of hot and tired but happy (little) people. Maybe they’ll nap in the car on the way home.

Downtown Kansas City’s 6th Annual Art Festival returns Friday, May 17 at 5pm and runs through Sunday, May 19.  The Art Annual, held at the Power & Light District, features a wide variety of original handmade art and 150 leading national & local artists.   There is also live music throughout the weekend!  Power & Light District has LOTS of restaurants from which to choose.  Some family-friendly options for snacks and meals include:
Balsano’s Gelato Cafe, BRGR Kitchen + Bar, Chipotle, Dubliner, TheFlying Saucer Draught Emporium, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Johnny’s Tavern, Lattéland Espresso & Tea, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, MeMa’s Bakery, Mixx, ThePizza Bar, Whopper Bar.

Hours are as follows:  Friday, May 17, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  Saturday, May 18, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.  Sunday, May 19, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

The mission of the Downtown Art Annual is to support the arts and the local economy.  It’s FREE and open to the public!

“This event is a wonderful celebration of the arts,” says festival promoter Howard Alan.  “It is very much like an outdoor art gallery, perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors interested in new quality investments as well as shoppers looking for unique gifts.”

Additional Information:

·       Juried outdoor art showcase
·       Original Art Handmade in America
·       150 artists and crafters from 30 different states
·       Live music – Local Kansas City Jazz
·       Prices set to suit all budgets – ranging from as little as $25 to $30,000
·       Artists & Crafters are hand-selected by an independent panel of expert judges from hundreds of applicants
·       All artists & crafters are on site for duration of festival

picture from Flickr user Lynn Kelly Author via Creative Commons.

When my boys were little (sniff), they were very into trains. We had so many pieces of wooden train set we could have built a circle around the neighborhood, or so it seemed. Alas, we have passed on those cherished train tracks, connectors and Thomas the Tank Engine trains to others who can love them even more. But the train engineer still lives inside my boys, and once in a while we get a chance to let him out to play.

Well, this is that weekend. This Saturday is National Train Day across the country, and our friends at at Union Station in downtown Kansas City are ready for their own train focused event. The free event runs from 11-4pm and features train displays for both young and old. There will be real Amtrak rail cars to investigate, games and activities based on the Chuggington animated series from Disney, and miniature train displays.

There’s even a special guided tour dedicated to the trains of the Santa Fe Railroad and the American West. If you’re looking for something fun once the soccer field clears, head down to Union Station and satisfy your little engineers.