KCKidsFun

If you’re kids are like mine, it’s not December unless we have at least two trips planned to Crown Center.  There’s so much to see, do, eat, watch and listen to…and it’s all perfectly “Kansas City”.  So what exactly is going on at Crown Center?  Here’s a rundown of all things Coterie, Santa, ice skating, singing, dancing and more!  Enjoy.

November 1 – December 31
Seussical
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. The plots of “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg” are tunefully interwoven in this widely celebrated and critically acclaimed production. The Coterie was credited in The New York Times for originating this version “for all ages”… a true family classic!” Part of the Coterie’s Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org .

November 4 – March 18, 2012
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Crown Center Square. Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink is open for its 39th season of great skating fun. Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for those over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Hours during February and March: noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 18, 2012.)

November 4 – December 24
The Marvelous Wonderettes
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Everyone wants the perfect prom night. But when the entertainment fails to show up for the 1958 Springfield High Prom, it’s up to The Wonderettes to come through, with such hits as “It’s My Party,” “Alleghany Moon,” “Dream Lover” and more. An unforgettable musical trip down memory lane for the whole family! 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

November 25 – December 31
Santa’s Crayola®Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Showplace. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 25 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 25 – December 31
Santa’s Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Three locomotives travel through a Santa’s gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center hotel. See the reindeer stable, Santa’s sleigh garage, the elves’ dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Claus’ home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 25 – January 5/ Family Fun Holiday Movies

Screenland Crown Center, Level 3. Screenland Crown Center offers a great family movie every Thursday through Sunday. The lineup: “The Smurfs” (November 25-27, December 1), “Zookeeper” (December 2-4 and 8), “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” (December 9-11 and 15), “Spy Kids 2″ (December 16-18 and 22), “The Polar Express” (December 23-25 and 29), “Dolphin Tale” (December 30-January 1 and January 8). Showtime is 2 p.m. $3 per person. Add a small popcorn and juicebox or small soft drink for just $2 more. 816-545-8034 orScreenland.com.

November 28 – December 16
Weekday Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444 orCrownCenter.com/choirs .

December 1-18
“A Spectacular Christmas Concert”
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3.  Presented by Musical Theater Heritage, their holiday offering will feature holiday songs from movies and musicals. Bring your family for a special holiday memory! Call 816-842-9999 or visit MTHKC.com for tickets.

December 3, 10, 17
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December with The Doo Dads (December 3), Jim Cosgrove, aka Mr. Stinky Feet & The Hiccups (December 10) and Dino O’Dell and the Veloci Rappers (December 17).  Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

CONGRATULATIONS TO VERONICA!  She is our lucky ticket winner!!

Today we have a fantastic giveaway courtesy of our advertising partners at Coterie Theatre! One lucky winner will receive a pair of tickets to an upcoming performance of Seussical, plus a hardcover copy of Horton Hears a Who!

What is Seussical?  The plots of Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg are tunefully interwoven in this widely celebrated and critically acclaimed celebration of Dr. Seuss. The Coterie was credited in the New York Times for originating this version “for all ages”… a true family classic!

The show runs through December 31, 2011, and the winner will be able to attend a mutually-agreed upon showtime.  Coterie Theatre is located on Level 1 of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, MO.  This would be a super fun way to spend a day at Crown Center during winter vacation!!

So, how to enter? Simply leave us a comment after this post and let us know what you are thankful for.  Thanksgiving is upon us…and it often gets lost in the retail shuffle between Halloween and Christmas.  I’m thankful for my healthy, happy family- and for my new nephew in St. Louis.  I’ve even got another nephew on the way!  Entries will be accepted through Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 9:00pm CDT.  GOOD LUCK!

Must be 18 years of age to enter and win. Only one entry per household will be considered. No substitutions or transfers. Giveaway prize is not redeemable for cash. By entering, winner consents to allow the use of his/her name for promotional purposes without further compensation. Winner releases all sponsors of liability regarding use and enjoyment of the prize. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

ONE (1) winner will be randomly selected, and will receive 2 tickets to an upcoming performance of Seussical (mutually agreed-upon date) and one hardcover copy of Horton Hears a Who.

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This has become an annual post for us; and each year, there seems to be yet another agency we learn about that exists solely to help others.  The holiday season is especially stressful when considered against the backdrop of the current economic situation.  Teaching our kids the importance of giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate should be an ongoing process–not just one reserved for November and December.

That being said, we thought we’d offer some suggestions for kid-friendly volunteering opportunities. Remember–it doesn’t have to be about money–it’s giving your TIME and ENERGY that matters! These are life lessons that your children will never forget, and volunteering can become something the whole family looks forward to doing together–all through the year!

• Johnson County Christmas Bureau- As a non-profit 501(C)(3), non-denominational organization and a United Way ’safety net’ agency, the Johnson County Christmas Bureau (JCCB) serves the needs of low-income families of Johnson County, KS. Groceries, personal care items, children’s clothing, adult and teen gifts, toys, hats, gloves, scarves, books and coats are made available for client selection at our annual Holiday Shop held in December. All items are new with the exception of gently worn coats and books. JCCB provides the opportunity for over 12,500 qualified clients (3,350 families) to shop by appointment and select food and gifts for the holiday season.  Families can volunteer to work at the holiday shop, or you can help by donating items.

• The Salvation Army Bell Ringing is what many associate with the holidays. The best part about this is that the money collected in the kettles stays right HERE in the KC metro. I just signed up for my 6th annual stint as a bell ringer at my neighborhood grocery store. Bundle up the whole family and enjoy a great time together.  The 2 hours fly by and it’s such a great experience.

• Check out the Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater KC. YVC organizes youth and family helpers at Harvesters, the city’s largest food bank. Your help is needed sorting and boxing donated food! It’s no news that food banks are running dangerously low now…some are even forced to close their doors. You might consider a small neighborhood or classroom food drive…and then deliver the food to Harvesters on the day you choose to volunteer. Location: 3801 Topping Ave., KCMO 816.929.3000

• Adopt a family through Don Bosco Centers’ Holiday Friends! This is such a great project for a family or neighborhood to take on. Holiday Friends is a fundraising program which benefits the clients of the Don Bosco Centers.  You can get specific names, ages and sizes for a family in need and can even personally deliver your gifts. This really shows us the true meaning of the holiday season! Your kids will never forget it. For more information, call the Holiday Friends Hotline at 816-691-2906 or visit www.donbosco.org.

• Check out www.VolunteerMatch.org. The site features loads of volunteer opportunities, and you can organize your results by Distance, Event Date and even Date Posted. While not all are kid-specific opportunities, you might find something suitable for the whole family or just for you!

• Operation Breakthrough. Operation Breakthrough- St. Vincent’s Family Service Center is located at 30th and Troost in KCMO. According to their website, volunteers range from ages 8-80 and do everything from “rocking babies to tutoring parents for the GED exam.” They also have an adopt-a-family Christmas program, similar to Don Bosco Center’s. The children who receive Christmas aid all come from low-income families. Some are homeless, many reside in foster care and most attend Operation Breakthrough’s day care program or are alumni.  Please help!

• Brighten someone’s day with a little artistic cheer… you can do something as simple as having your child(ren) draw some holiday-themed pictures; use glue, markers, construction paper, glitter, etc. Take your creations to a nearby nursing home or to Children’s Mercy Hospital near Crown Center or Children’s Mercy South at I-435 and Nall. You’ll be glad you did!

• City Union Mission– You can go in with family, friends or coworkers to adopt a family for the holidays through City Union Mission, too. Please remember that families need our help year-round…not just at the holidays. Click here for a list of inexpensive, everyday items which you could collect and deliver to the Mission any day of the year.

• Is there an agency that is near and dear to your heart?  Why not carve out a few extra hours from your weekly schedule and help out? Schools, nursing homes, not-for-profits, food banks, thrift stores, community centers…all are feeling the effects of the economy and would gladly accept your gift of time!

Please feel free to submit any additional kid and family-friendly volunteer opportunities. We would be happy to post them!

*image courtesy of Johnson County Christmas Bureau