KCKidsFun

You’ve probably heard of JAZZOO, the annual Kansas City Zoo benefit party that happens each June.  Just as JAZZOO marks summer’s beginning, Kids’ JAZZOO is sure to become an annual tradition that marks summer’s end.

This year at Kids’ Jazzoo, the focus is on polar bears in the Arctic and the gibbons in the rainforest.  The purpose of Kids’ JAZZOO is to raise money for the Kansas City Zoo’s Zoo Learning Fund and to increase community awareness for the Zoo.  The Zoo Learning Fund provides educational programming to more than 50,000 children annually.  Recently, the Zoo Learning Fund helped fund the new Zoo entry and the educational pavilion at the Zoo.

The event is geared to the 3-10 year old crew.  So, what exactly does one do at Kids’ JAZZOO?  It’s a unique opportunity to get up close with the animals through zookeeper chats, feedings and animal demonstrations.  Kids can even learn about reptiles from the renowned David Nieves.  They’ll make polar bear claws and monkey tails and even get their faces painted!  There will be dancing to Radio Disney, Jim Cosgrove (Mr. Stinky Feet) and Dino O’Dell.  Area restaurants will provide the food and drink, and the evening will conclude with a parade led by the Stone Lion puppets.

Kids’ Jazzoo  will be held at the Kansas City Zoo on Sat., Sept. 10, 2011, from 4:30 – 7:30* p.m.  (*Early Admission/ 4:30, General Admission/5:30.) General Admission is $35.00/ticket , while Early Admission is $50.00.  You can purchase Patron Tickets, which go for $250 for 4 tickets. Includes VIP event.   Have fun while supporting this great cause!

If you’ve been a regular reader of KC Kids Fun, you are well aware that Kate and I are history buffs.  (And British Monarchy enthusiasts, but that’s for another post!)  It’s a great time to introduce your kids to Missouri’s President Truman!

Did you know that Harry Truman was our nation’s 33rd President?  And that there is a treasure trove of history right here in Eastern Jackson County? Plan ahead and try to incorporate some of these neat activities into your spring…Saturday, May 7, 2011 is when the official birthday festivities take place on the historic Square in Independence, MO.  But it’s fun to explore Independence and Truman history ANY day of the year!  Have fun!  (And thanks to our friend, Janeen, from the Independence Dept. of Tourism, for providing the great ideas!)

• One of Truman’s first careers was as a farmer on the family farm in Grandview. Start the day early at the annual Farm and Flower Show, with herbs, flowers, gift baskets and more surrounding the historic courthouse on the Square, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main and Maple.

• Keep your eyes peeled for our Truman re-enactor so you can shake his hand and congratulate him in person. He’ll be around the Square from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• After you’ve snagged the best blooms, walk across the street to the parking lot at Liberty and Maple for the Tails on the Trails Event.  Feast on hot pancakes from 8 to 10 in an all-you-can-eat-for-$5 blowout breakfast. A silent auction, contests, demonstrations, pet walk, micro chipping and rabies shots, pet photos and more are planned.

• Hop aboard the “Truman Trolley” running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with pickups and drop offs at Clinton’s Soda Fountain, corner of Main and Maple. In honor of Truman’s famous quote, “The Buck Stops Here”, ride all day for a dollar as you stop at the city’s tourism sites.

• Various sites will also offer dollar admission all day. Participating attractions include the Puppetry Arts Institute, Vaile Mansion, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, Leila’s Hair Museum, National Frontier Trails Museum, 1859 Jail & Marshal’s Home, Bingham-Waggoner Estate and Chicago & Alton Depot. The Chicago and Alton Depot is also celebrating National Train Day from 10 to 4, with model trains running inside and an outdoor reception, slated from 2 to 4 p.m. The Bingham Waggoner is holding a garage sale from 10 to 4 on the rolling grounds of the estate. The Trinity Episcopal Church, where the Trumans were married, will give free tours.

• Gather your kids around the courthouse for some incredible family friendly entertainers. Check out the catchy music of children’s entertainer Dino O’ Dell at 10 a.m. and wacky experiments with fire, ice and explosions by “Mad Science” performers at 1 p.m.

• The Truman Library continues the celebration on Sunday, May 8, 2011 (Truman’s actual birthday) with a wreath laying ceremony at the Truman gravesites in the Library’s courtyard and birthday cake with a Truman re-enactor. All mothers are admitted free for Mother’s Day.

For complete details, an interactive brochure, lodging, dining, shopping and discounts, go to www.visitindependence.com or call 816-325-7111 or toll free 800-748-7323.

If you’ll be in Kansas City over Memorial Weekend–you might want to check out the 3rd annual Jiggle Jam Family Fest at Crown Center!  Jiggle Jam takes place Saturday, May 29 from 9am-8pm, and on Sunday, May 30 from 11am-6pm.

Here’s what you can expect:

• 2 dozen bands and dance activities!  This is a musical extravaganza–all geared toward kids and families!
• 3 stages featuring national, regional and local entertainers.
• A massive children’s area and Wonderscope Live! tent.
• Inflatables, train rides, shopping, food and drinks…and much more!

According to organizers, approximately 27,000 people attended last year’s Jiggle Jam! Admission prices are as follows:

• $10 at the gate, ages 2+
• $8 in advance online
• $15 Weekend Pass in advance online
• under 2 is free
• $8 inflatable all-you-can-jump pass, one day of jumping, advance online
• $10 inflatable all-you-can-jump pass, one day of jumping, at the gate
• Parking at Crown Center is FREE, both covered and non-covered.  Handicapped-accessible parking available in the parking garages.

THE ENTERTAINERS: (click for schedules)

Dino O’Dell & the Veloci-Rappers, Funky Mama, The Doo-Dads, The Jimmies, Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove & The Hiccups, Ralph’s World, The Zeros, Stone Lion Puppets, The La-La’s, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, The Jazz Storytellers, Sugar Free Allstars, Falcon Punch, Choo Choo Soul, Terrence Simien and The Zydeco Experience, Drum Safari featuring Brandon Draper, and even a Break Dancing Workshop!!  Whew!!

Sounds like a terrific lineup and a great way to spend the holiday weekend with your friends and family–there’s something for everyone!  There are even discount hotel packages ($99/room w/ 2 free Jiggle Jam tickets) being offered at nearby Hyatt Regency and Westin Crown Center hotels.  Just in case there’s no more room at the inn (aka Your House!!!).