Oh, the weather outside is frightful. So, let’s go swimming! Right?

Right! Why not mix it up a little this fall and winter around the Kansas City metro? There are a lot of great indoor pools and community centers with public swimming hours. You’ll want to double check their websites for up-to-date hours and fees - but what a great change of pace for you and for the kids as the days get shorter and much, much COLDER! (Our list is just pools open to the public - many communities, schools and fitness centers also have indoor pools but no open swim availability. If we’ve missed a local indoor pool that is open to the public for recreational swimming, let us know!)

Kansas City, MO

Gregg/Klice Community Center (Kansas City, MO)

The New Southeast Community Center (Kansas City, MO) - opening December 2008

Tony Aguirre Community Center (Kansas City, MO)

Northland

Liberty Community Center (Liberty, MO)

Gladstone Community Center (Gladstone, MO)

North Kansas City Community Center (North Kansas City, MO) - closed until first part of December for repairs

Park Hill Aquatic Center (Kansas City north, MO)

Platte County Community Center North (Platte City, MO)

Platte County Community Center South (Parkville, MO)

Eastern Jackson County, MO

Legacy Park Community Center (Lee’s Summit, MO)

Centennial Pool Plex (Blue Springs, MO)

CoCoKey Resort (eastern Jackson County, MO–KCMO) - day passes are available to the public

Henley Aquatic Center (Independence, MO)

Johnson County, KS

Matt Ross Community Center (Overland Park, KS)

Roeland Park Aquatic Center (Roeland Park, KS)

Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center (Mission, KS)

Blue Valley Recreation Aquatic Center (south Overland Park, KS)

Cass County, MO

Belton Community Center (Belton, MO) - new indoor pool opening soon!

Harrisonville Community Center (Harrisonville, MO)

Excelsior Springs

Treehouse Preschool 1650 Rainbow Blvd. (Excelsior Springs) 816-637-2138

Gladstone

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish School 6415 NE Antioch (Gladstone)

Children’s World Learning Center 7227 North Euclid (Gladstone, MO)

Creative Arts Academy 1904 NE Englewood (Gladstone, MO)

Faubion United Methodist Church Preschool 7113 N. Troost (Gladstone) 816-436-9378

North Kansas City School District Preschools (various locations)

Oak Hill Day School 7019 N. Cherry (Gladstone)

Holt

ABC Bear Child Care Center (Holt) 816-264-3681

Northern Hills Christian Academy 17211 NE 180th St. (Holt)

Kansas City North (Clay County)

Barry Christian Church Back to Basics Preschool 1500 NW Barry Rd. (KC, MO)

A Child’s Garden 300 NE 58th Terrace (KC, MO) 816-455-6450

Gashland Presbyterian Church 8029 North Oak Trfy (KC, MO)

Hillside Christian Preschool 900 NE Vivion Road (KC, MO)

Holy Cross Lutheran Early Childhood Center 2003 NE Englewood Road (KC, MO)

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I thought I’d offer up a listing of some area Trunk-Or-Treat locations around town. For the uninitiated, Trunk-Or-Treat is basically a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween; typically in a church, school or mall parking lot, and not necessarily on Halloween itself. It’s actually tons of fun, and seems to really be growing in favor judging by the increasing numbers of events being held. They will be starting tonight and can be enjoyed almost any evening between now and Halloween.

A few tips for a successful night:

• It’s way more fun when you decorate your car!! Many organizations will even award prizes for the “best decorated car” and who wouldn’t want to win that honor?!?

• Take tons of candy! Our church is anticipating over 500 kids at its event. For the biggest bang for your candy buck–head to Sam’s Club or Costco and pick up a few of the enormous bags. Always buy more than you think you’ll need. I made the unfortunate mistake of buying my candy a week ago, and now there are no more Twix bars for the kids. Shame on me.

• Get there on time! Most groups “close” the event a few minutes after the announced start time. This is for obvious safety reasons–you can’t have little ones running wildly through the parking lot if cars are backing in and out.

Here’s the list I came up with–please leave a comment if you have any additional locations to add! Parents–get ready for 9 straight days (at least) of sugar-induced mayhem! (more…)

For many families around the Kansas City metro, this is the last weekend of summer break! Yay! Boo! A mixture of both sentiments?!

Let’s make it a good one for you and the kids! Here are just a few of the great things going on this weekend for families in Kansas City:

Friday, August 15, 2008

• Check out a T-Bones game in Kansas City, Kansas! Kansas City T-Bones vs. Gary, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, KCKS. They also play Saturday and Sunday!

• Head to Brookside for Friday Night Films at Reading Reptile (Kansas City, MO) - all ages - 7pm - this week: The Little Prince

• Don’t miss the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, all weekend long at Swope Park, Kansas City, MO

• Also all weekend long is the Festival of Butterflies, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO (east of Lee’s Summit)

• Fiddler on the Roof, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO, 8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday night too - check out our Special Offers tab for a buy one, get one free deal!

• Don’t miss the Street Flicks in Blue Springs, MO - sponsored by the Blue Springs Parks & Rec, these movies are shown at 12th & Main in downtown Blue Springs; kids’ activities start at 7:15 pm, movies start at dusk - this week: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

• If you’re up for a little bit of a drive and a whole lot of FUN, check out the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO - August 7 thru August 17 - 12 & under FREE every day; lot of free kids’ entertainment

• Take the kiddos over to the KU-Edwards Campus, 127th & Quivira, Overland Park for a Family Fun Fest - 5:30pm to 8pm - Jayhawk mascot & cheerleaders, bungee run and bounce house, kids’ activities, cheap food, free admission!

• If you’re north of the river, stop by the Gladstone Amphitheatre for a Back to School Bash with Magic Show - 6pm to 8pm - Gladstone, MO

• Stop in at the Plaza Branch of the the KC Library for Friday Night Family Fun - Kansas City Public Library- 7pm

• Woo Hoo! A real county fair! Leavenworth County Fair, Tonganoxie, KS - Friday night and Saturday!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

• MORE T-BONES! Kansas City T-Bones vs. Gary, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, KCKS

• Children’s Day at the Brookside Farmers Community Market, Kansas City, MO - fun activities and Dino O’Dell LIVE!

• Ethnic Enrichment Festival continues at Swope Park, Kansas City, MO

• Venture downtown WITH the kids! Sprint Family Fun Days - Power and Light District, downtown Kansas City, MO - 10am to 2pm - Radio Disney and lots of Kids’ activities!

• Mr. Stinky Feet at Ironwoods Park, 147th & Mission, Leawood, KS - 10am

• Be sure to check out Visitor Appreciation Day, National Frontier Trail Museum, Independence, MO - FREE wagon rides with admission! C’mon what kid doesn’t like a wagon ride?!

• The Goonies movie at Toy & Miniature Museum, Kansas City, MO - part of the Dangerous & Daring Exhibit for Kids, 1:30pm

• Try something and somewhere new this weekend! Try Nature Printmaking and I’m Hungry - Help Feed Me at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City, MO - 10am to 3pm

• If you’re in KCK/Wyandotte County, take the kids to “Zoo to You”, Kansas City Kansas Public Library, Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library, 10 to 11am - animals up close with KC Zoo personnel!

• How could something like this be anything but FUN? Aquafest, Cedar Lake Park, Olathe KS - water-themed activities, canoeing, fishing, water slide & games!; 11 am to 2 pm

• Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO - August 7 thru August 17 - 12 & under FREE every day; lot of free kids’ entertainment - you’ll have to wait until next year if you don’t take the family out THIS WEEKEND!

• Festival of Butterflies continues, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO (east of Lee’s Summit)

• Fiddler on the Roof, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO, 8:30pm, thru August 17

• Wonderscope LIVE!, 5pm - 8pm, Legends at Village West, KCKS

• This one just makes me laugh thinking about it! I’d love to go just to watch all of the little girls singing along!!! Hannah Montana Tribute Act and Hilary Duff Tribute Act, Kearney Amphitheater, 7pm, Kearney, MO

• More Leavenworth County Fair, Tonganoxie, KS - August 12 thru August 16 - check out the parade on the 12!

MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM ON THE KC KIDS FUN EVENTS CALENDAR! Have a great weekend everyone!

As you make your plans for the Fourth of July, you’ll want to reference our comprehensive listing of fireworks displays and celebrations, organized by city. There are lots to choose from, in every corner of the metro! Fireworks generally begin at dusk, which is around 9:30pm this time of year. Grab a few lawn chairs, load up the cooler, go heavy on the bug spray and ENJOY!  Wishing a Happy and SAFE Fourth of July to all of our readers.

KANSAS CITIES

Overland Park

• Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods (College Blvd at 69 Hwy.) An old-fashioned celebration kicking off at 4pm featuring activities and musical entertainment provided by Q104 Country followed by live band ‘Atlantic Express’ playing from 8:15-11pm!
• July 4th Extravaganza Block Party - Christ Church, 5500 W. 91st St. - music, inflatables, face painting, fire trucks and FIREWORKS at Meadowbrook Country Club - event is free, concessions for sale - event begins at 7 pm (parking at Hillcrest Covenant Church nearby)

Olathe

• Fourth of July–Celebrating Community at Great Mall of the Great Plains (151st Street and I-35). Featuring bike parade, clowns, magicians, childrens’ games as well as local and regional performers.

Leawood

• Celebrate 4th of July with Leawood! at the Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd. from 5-10pm.  Free admission, $5 activity bands for kids.  Activities include:  face painters, stilt walkers, live music and watermelon contests.

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FREE! This summer, that’s a great thing. With gas at $4.00 a gallon, you’ve got to take advantage of FREE wherever you can find it! One FREE activity to share with your kids around Kansas City this summer is MOVIES! There have been free outdoor movies offered in Kansas City for a long time (I’m looking at you, Crown Center) but this summer has seen an explosion in the number of different locations for free outdoor family movies.

Most of the movies are in parks or parking lots - so bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Many locations have concessions - but not all of them. So, pack a few drinks and snacks for the crew before you go (my guess is that most of these spots prohibit alcohol for liability reasons).

Be sure to check out the website of each program for more information. Many of these showings have a free concert or kids’ activities going on before the show. Crown Center even has fireworks!

Be sure to check out the KC Kids Fun Events Calendar in the toolbar at the top of the page for more great kid- and family-friendly events around Kansas City this summer!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE OF MOVIES!

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Continuing our series on summer camps in Kansas City, today’s post covers performing arts camps. Theater, dance, voice, gymnastics - there are so many offerings in this genre. We’ve got a huge list here and I’m sure we’ve even missed a few. And many of the general day camps I mentioned in my first Summer Camp post offer performing arts-themed camps as well. Check those out and then take a look at these, in addition to those offered by your local parks and recreation department.

• Academy of Performing Arts (Grandview, MO) has two-week sessions of performing arts training for ages 6 and up, culminating in a musical play and talent showcase on the Academy’s outdoor stage. This year - Alice in Wonderland!
• Act Out! (Olathe, KS) is an acting camp for ages 6 and up, hosted by the First Christian Church in downtown Olathe.
• Ballet North (Northland) offers week-long dance camps for ages 4 and up.
• Camellot Academy (Blue Springs, MO) offers a camp program for kids age 5 through grade 9. Campers participate in activities related to dance, art, drama, vocal music and performance skills. They rehearse and perform a complete play the final week of camp.
• Chestnut Fine Arts Center (Olathe, KS) is offering two one-week theatre workshops this summer. Topics covered include scripts, songs, dances, costume design, set building and performance. A 30 minute production caps off the week.
• Christian Youth Theater (multiple locations) offers several day and overnight camp options for kids from age 4 through high school. Each session is a week long. The kids work on fun productions all week long and then perform!
• Coterie Theatre (multiple locations) has courses for grades 1 through 12 - try acting, playwriting or theatre exploration classes.
• Creative Arts Academy (Gladstone, MO) offers weeklong, full day camps for kids from ages 4 to 14, each week in July. Camp activities include hip hop dance, gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, arts/crafts, sports, drama and swimming.
• Culture House (Olathe, KS) has a HUGE variety of summer courses available from dance and ballet to music and theater. Take a stage saber fighting course, learn to perform Wicked and Hairspray!
• Dave’s Gymnastics Factory (Lee’s Summit, MO) offers a full day camp for ages 5 to 11, all summer long. Activities includenot only gym time but also outdoor activities, arts and crafts and swimming
• Eagles Gymnastics and Dance Centre (south Kansas City, MO) has half day camps with different themes each week. Each camp includes gymnastics and special activities related to the week’s theme. Boys and girls of all ages are welcome!
• Edge Gymnastics (Liberty, MO) offers one day “power camps”, which are single full day classes based around a fun theme - princesses, American Idol, Mad Scientist, Olympics, cheer and dancing.
• Emerald City Gymnastics (Overland Park, KS) offers four-day camps with gymnastics, games, playing in Bump City and a week-ending show for parents.
• A Fairytale Ballet (Prairie Village, KS and Overland Park, KS) has one and two day “princess” camps for little girls throughout the summer.
• A Flip Zone (Lee’s Summit, MO) offers two-day camps based around different themes. Kids from 2 1/2 to 12 participate in gymnastics, games and snacks.
• Camp Shakespeare/Heart of America Shakespeare Festival (various locations) has a wide range of offerings for kids from 5 to 18. Camps range from one day to two weeks and many camps end with a camp performance of a Shakespearean play.
• Ibsen Dance Theatre (Northland) doesn’t have their summer schedule posted on the website yet. But they traditionally have a theatre camp in addition to dance classes during the summer. Check back on their website or just give them a call!
• Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey AileyCamp (Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS) is a camp for inner-city middle-schoolers which uses dance as a vehicle to build self-esteem, self-discipline and critical thinking skills.
• KC Young Audiences (Kansas City, MO) gives kids ages 5 to 18 a chance to learn music, musical theater, Shakespeare, comedy, dance and show production.
• Legacy School of the Arts (Olathe, KS) offers regular and intensive summer dance classes as well as drama and musical theatre camps for all ages.
• Lyric Opera (Kansas City, MO) hosts an amazing two week camp for kids ages 10 to 18. Campers will study the opera La Boheme and acting techniques. They will perform a family opera at the end of camp and will have the opportunity to be chosen to sing in an actual Lyric Opera production next season.
• Martin City Melodrama (Overland Park, KS) offers fun comedy camps for grades K through 12 during the month of June.
• Miller-Marley School of Dance and Voice (Overland Park, KS) doesn’t have their summer information posted to their website yet (as of March 27, 2008 ) but check back because the folks at Miller-Marley never slow down!
• Music House School of Music (south Overland Park, KS) has some super non-traditional camp offerings - Rock Band, Garage Band and The Real Guitar Hero - for ages 10 to 17.
• Music Theatre for Young People (Olathe, KS) is putting on a day camp for ages 7 to 12, culminating in a performance of School House Rock!
• Paul Green School of Rock (North Kansas City, MO) offers rock music performance camps and theory camps. Check back at their website soon for details.
• Paul Mesner Puppets (Kansas City, MO) is having Puppet Camp for ages 6 and up! Learn to make puppets and create puppet shows from the best!
• The Pulse PAC (south Kansas City, MO) offers some fun camps this summer in addition to their regular and intensive dance classes. Sign up for High School Musical, Pop Divas, Fairytale Ballet and Beach Party camps.
• Theatre for Young America (Shawnee, KS) hosts drama classes and five-day workshops at Wonderscope Children’s Museum during the summer. As of March 27, 2008, they still had 2007 summer information on the website - but check back soon for an update!
• Theatre of the Imagination (various locations) offers theatre camps at several locations around the city. Check out their website for updates. UPDATE: Looks like Theatre of the Imagination is offering camps in Kansas City and in Leawood. All ages, several themes - acting, singing dancing!
• University of Missouri - Kansas City Community Music and Dance Academy (Kansas City, MO) has several dance and musical instrument summer programs. Some are offered at UMKC and others are offered at Notre Dame de Sion.