Kansas City’s first snowfall is here! Get out to the garage and clean up your sleds - then check out one of Kansas City’s best sledding hills. We’ve compiled a partial list but feel free to add your favorites in the Comments section below.

• “Suicide Hill” (KCMO) –56th and Brookside, Brookside Park
• Gillham Park (Kansas City, MO)
• Avila University (KCMO) - 119th and Wornall
• Water Works Park (Northland) - North Oak, just north of Burlington in North Kansas City - multiple hills here!
• William Jewell College (Liberty, MO)
• William Landahl Park Reserve (north side of park) (Blue Springs, MO)
• Ward Park (Blue Springs, MO) - SW 22nd St. off of 40 Highway
• High Grove Elementary School (Grandview, MO)
• Belvidere Park (Grandview, MO) - 6509 E. 147th
• Meadowmere Park (Grandview, MO) - 13610 Byars
• Glendale Elementary School, Lee’s Summit Road (Independence) - a good slope for smaller kids
• McCoy Park (Independence) - 24 Highway
• Hill across from Lea McKeighan Park (Lee’s Summit, MO) - 120 NE Chipman
• 119th & Kansas City Road (Olathe, KS)
• 137th and BlackBob (Olathe, KS) - just south of Lowe’s
• I-435 between Antioch and Metcalf (Overland Park, KS) by Cleveland Chiropractic College (formerly the Farmer’s Insurance building) - get there via College Blvd.
• Grace Church (Overland Park, KS) - 159th & Antioch
• Wyandotte County Lake Park (Kansas City, KS)
• Shawnee Mission Park (Lenexa/Shawnee, KS)
• Stump Park (Shawnee, KS) - 47th & Woodland

NOTE: Not all of these locations - though popular - are public property. It is always a good idea to seek permission before sledding on private property. Be careful and watch out for your kids! Sledding is super fun but can certainly be a bit dangerous.

Where are YOUR favorite sledding hills, KC Kids Fun readers?

With only 23 days left until Christmas…if you don’t have your tree up yet, now is the time! December did seem to take us by surprise after the later-than-usual Thanksgiving. We thought we’d make the tree-searching easier for you if a real tree is what you’re after. I have to give thanks to my two main sources…Amber at www.kansascitymommies.com had a wonderful list going and was kind enough to share with us. Thanks, Amber! I also stumbled onto a great site belonging to The National Christmas Tree Association. Yes, there really is such a thing! The site is very useful–simply enter your ZIP code in the green “Find My Tree Now” box on the left to see a listing of tree farms/lots and how far they are from your home.

Please be sure to call ahead to check hours of operation, especially to the listings without websites. It seems like we lose a few more tree farms to development every year - we don’t want you to venture out just to find that the old Christmas tree farm is now a subdivision!

KANSAS TREE FARMS

Bishop’s Pine Crest Tree Farms - hay rides, Santa visits. FREE: Tiny-Tot train ride; hot chocolate; cookies; coffee.
13259 166th Street, Linwood, KS, 66052 (THIS IS IN WYANDOTTE COUNTY, JUST A BIT WEST OF K-7 BETWEEN K-10 AND I-70)
Phone: 913-441-8811 or 913-441-3605
Email: mrbishop@sky.net

Boresow’s Country Pines

5695 Clare Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: 913-441-1111

D & G Christmas Tree Farm - Cut your own and precut Christmas trees
Hwy 69 & 247th Street, Louisburg, KS, 66053 (just south of Johnson County)
Phone: 913-837-2387
Email: tree1@micoks.net

Long Branch Christmas Tree Ranch

25990 W. 77th Street Shawnee, KS 913-441-5990

Midland Holiday Pines -winter hay rides, winter wagon rides
18541 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS 66218 (one mile west of 435 at Midland)
Phone: 913-631-5095
Email: jwegs1@aol.com

Tomahawk Pines Christmas Tree Farm
6575 West 183rd Street, Stilwell, KS, 66085
Phone: 913-681-2312
Email: thebeilers@aol.com

Bierman’s Christmas Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch - Santa appearances, sleigh rides
2825 S 63rd Street, Kansas City, KS 66106 (just north of Merriam)
Phone: 913-375-1317

Evening Star Pines - Christmas trees
9820 Evening Star Road, Eudora, KS, 66025 (off of K-10, just west of Johnson County)
Phone: 785-542-1634
Email: criscc_esp@msn.com

Green Forest Tree Farm- Free Coffee & Hayrides, Free Gifts for Kids, Santa’s sleigh and 14′ chain saw sculptured deer sculpture by local artist
292 North 2100 Road, Lecompton, KS, 66050 (between Lawrence and Topeka)
Phone: 785-887-6645
Email: tryan@faic2.com

Strawberry Hill Christmas Tree Farm - hay rides, free hot spiced cider, cookies and hay rides.
794 US 40, Lawrence, KS, 66049
Phone: 785-841-0916 or Fax: 785-841-2266
Email: info@strawberryhillchristmas.com

Baker Christmas Tree Farm - Christmas trees- you choose and you cut
17277 Springdale Road, Leavenworth, KS, 66048
Phone: 913-651-3829
Email: acb1040@hotmail.com

Wilderson Tree Farm - We offer FREE coffee, hot chocolate and candy canes, as well as hay rides.
14820 Parallel Road, Basehor, KS, 66007 (not too far west of the Legends and the Kansas Speedway)
Phone: 913-724-1057 or 913-724-3788

MISSOURI TREE FARMS

Fort Osage Christmas -
3022 N. Twyman Road, Independence, MO 64058

Mrs. Claus appears beginning Thanksgiving weekend, she reads holiday stories to the kiddies at the top of the hour on Saturday and Sunday. Bonfire to warm your soul; Hot Chocolate and Candy Canes and Coloring books; all complimentary.
Phone: 816-650-3516
Email: kimjluke@embarqmail.com

Santa’s Tree Farm
1051 NE Todd George Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64086
Phone: 816-524-2190

Reindeer Lane -
19401 Fightmaster, Trimble, MO, 64492 (up near Smithville Lake)
Phone: 816-628-3253
Email: xmas@reindeerlane.biz

Christmas Ranch Tree Farm - U-Choose and Cut your own Christmas trees
24818 N.E. 148th, Excelsior Springs, MO, 64024
Phone: 816-630-5086
Email: roy.freeman2@GTE.net or chafeman@cmh.edu

Schmitt Tree Farms - Living rooted trees, U-Choose and Cut your own Christmas trees
1018 N. Morse, Liberty, MO, 64068
Phone: 816-781-5790

Schmitt Tree Farms/Santa’s Forest - many varieties and large trees available plus SANTA!
2806 SE 209th St, Holt, MO (north of Liberty)
Phone: 816-320-2248

Fulk Farms - U-Choose and Cut your own Christmas trees, Wagon rides and gift shop available.
26905 Hwy 92, Platte City, MO, 64079 (just north of the airport)
Phone: 816-858-2467

Pine Grove Tree Farm - choose and cut your own white pine Christmas tree
27102 East Herring Rd., Greenwood, MO 64034 (just southeast of Lee’s Summit)
Phone: 816-524-5797
Email: cbkeith57@netzero.com

Pumpkins & Pines - hayrides, choose your own Scotch or White pine to cut, Christmas store and hot chocolate!
20606 South SR 7, Pleasant Hill, MO (between Lee’s Summit and Harrisonville)
Phone: (816) 540-3887

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)

Blue Springs

Blue Springs Family YMCA Learning Center 1300 SE Adams Dairy Parkway (Blue Springs)

Jaguar Preschool at Blue Springs South High School 1200 SE Adams Dairy Parkway (Blue Springs)

Kindercare Learning Centers 821 N. Woods Chapel Rd and 1404 SW Hwy 7 (Blue Springs)

Learning Ladder 301 SW Woods Chapel Rd. (Blue Springs) 816-229-9949

Liggett Trail Education Center in Blue Springs School District 3575 SW Liggett (Blue Springs) - special ed or Title I services

Little Angels Learning Center 1405 W. Main (Blue Springs)

Little Einsteins Learning Center 2300 SW Hwy 7 (Blue Springs) 816-220-7070

Montessori Children’s House 950 SW 37th St. (Blue Springs)

Montessori Day School 1505 NW Mock Ave. (Blue Springs)

Plaza Heights Christian Academy 1505 SW Clark Rd. (Blue Springs)

Son-shine Kids 430 NE Duncan Rd. (Blue Springs)

St. John LaLande Early Childhood Center 700 NW Range (Blue Springs)

Timothy Lutheran 425 NW RD Mize Rd (Blue Springs)

Grain Valley

Building Blocks Childcare and Preschool 557 RD Mize Rd. and 1321 W. AA Hwy.

Faith United Methodist MDO 1950 Eagles Pkwy (Grain Valley)

Grain Valley School District Early Childhood Special Education at Prairie Branch Elementary 2100 Dillingham Rd. (Grain Valley)

Independence

Apple Tree Christian Child Care 11029 E. 23rd St. (Independence) 816-254-0081

Benton Early Childhood 429 S. Leslie (Independence)

Bethel Baptist Preschool 2406 S. M-291 Hwy (Independence)

Blackburn Child and Family Learning Center 17302 E. RD Mize Rd. (Independence)

Bryant Child and Family Learning Center 827 W. College (Independence)

Christ UMC 14506 E. 39th St.

Christian Ott Early Education Center 1525 N. Noland Rd. (Independence)

Creative World #20 2641 Hub Drive (Independence)

Englewood Day Care and Preschool 10628 E. Winner Rd. (Independence) 816-254-8313

First Baptist Church 500 W. Truman Rd. (Independence)

Ft. Osage School District Early Childhood Center 18109 E. 12th St. (Independence)

Great Beginnings Preschool 2020 S. M-291 Hwy (Independence)

Hand in Hand Children’s Center 2901 M291 Frontage Rd. (Independence)

Hope Christian School 2425 S. Crysler (Independence) 816-254-9785

Independence School District Head Start at Hanthorn 1511 S. Kingshighway (Independence)

Kids Kastle Preschool 1701 E. 24 Hwy. (Independence) 816-461-5275

Mill Creek Child and Family Center 2601 N. Liberty (Independence)

Nativity of Mary School 10017 E. 36th Ter (Independence)

Randall Early Childhood Center 509 Jennings Rd. (Independence)

Rockwood Baptist Church PDO & Pre-K 10035 E. Westport Rd. (Independence)

Santa Fe Child Development 1301 S. Windsor (Independence)

Spring Branch Child Development 20404 E. Truman Rd. (Independence)

St. Mark’s Small Wonder Preschool 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd. (Independence)

St. Paul Lutheran 17200 E. 39th St. (Independence)

Stone Church 1012 W. Lexington Ave. (Independence)

Sunshine Center 18400 E. Salisbury Rd. (Independence)

Sycamore Hills Baptist 15200 E. 39th St. (Independence)

Sycamore Hills Child & Family Learning Center 15208 E. 39th (Independence)

Tri-City Christian Schools 4500 Little Blue Parkway

William Southern Early Childhood Education Center 4300 Phelps Rd. (Independence)

Lee’s Summit

Aldersgate UMC 350 SW St. Rte 150 (Lee’s Summit)

Appletree Academy 800 SW 150 Highway (Lee’s Summit) - inside Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Boone Preschool 407 SE Douglas (Lee’s Summit)

Community Christian 1450 SW Jefferson St. (Lee’s Summit)

Diversity Language Preschool 2425 NE Scruggs Rd. (Lee’s Summit) 916-525-3737

Evelyn Bliss Lewis Children’s Center 1613 SE 5th Terrace (Lee’s Summit)

Genesis Montessori Preschool 114 SE Douglas (Lee’s Summit)

Grace UMC 2400 E US Hwy 50 (Lee’s Summit)

Great Beginnings Lee’s Summit R-7 School District Early Childhood Center 905 NE Bluestem Dr. (Lee’s Summit)

International Children’s Academy 905 SE Douglas (Lee’s Summit)

Ivy League Preschool 1905 E. Langsford (Lee’s Summit)

Kiddie Korral 650 SE Bayberry Lane (Lee’s Summit)

Lakewood Montessori 951 NE Wildwood Dr. (Lee’s Summit)

Lavonna Peterson Early Childhood Schools 812 SW Forest Park Lane (Lee’s Summit)

Lee’s Summit Baptist Temple 2616 NW Chipman (Lee’s Summit)

Lee’s Summit United Methodist Children’s Day Out Preschool 114 SE Douglas (Lee’s Summit)

Little Lambs Preschool at Summit Woods Baptist Church 2501 SE Shenandoah Dr. (Lee’s Summit)

Longview Baptist 1300 SW Longview Rd. (Lee’s Summit)

Longview Chapel Parents Day Out/Preschool 850 SW Longview Rd. (Lee’s Summit)

Morgan’s Academy of Learning 244 NE Chipman Rd (Lee’s Summit) 816-246-2686

My Friend’s Preschool 1405 SE 7th Ct. (Lee’s Summit) 816-516-9324

Our Lady of Presentation ECC 130 NW Murray Rd (Lee’s Summit)

Primrose School of Lakewood 5021 NE Lakewood Way (Lee’s Summit)

Russell C. Flake Child Development Center - the Children’s Village at John Knox Village (Lee’s Summit)

St. Matthew Preschool 700 NE Chipman Rd (Lee’s Summit)

Stepping Stones Preschool and Parents Day Out at Lee’s Summit Christian Church 800 NE Tudor Rd. (Lee’s Summit)

Oak Grove

Country Links Learning Center 3014 S. Outer Belt Rd. (Oak Grove) 816-625-0132

Little Lambs Learning Center at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 600 SE 12th St. (Oak Grove) 816-690-4020

Magic Kingdom 704 Salem St. (Oak Grove) 816-690-3933

Oak Grove School District Early Childhood Program 500 SE 17th St. (Oak Grove)

Oak Grove UMC 1501 Harding St. (Oak Grove)

Sunny Days Day Care and Preschool 508 E. 12th St. (Oak Grove) 816-690-3540

***Please let us know if there is a great preschool in Eastern Jackson County that we need to add to our listing! Submit it via our CONTACT FORM and we’ll get right on it! Thanks! ***

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…)

Hey KC Kids Fun readers! Just wanted to let you all know that we’ve put together a super list of drop-in open gyms around the Kansas City metro - there are offerings for toddlers, preschoolers and older kids! We’ve organized our list by days of the week so that you can find one of these great energy-burners at any time (even at the last minute…). The list will now be a permanent fixture in our Links Directory along the right side of the page (listed under Indoor Activities).

So, take a peek at our OPEN GYMS list - and pass it along to your friends who might need a sanity break once a week (or even twice)!

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And I also just wanted to tell you guys about this darling new Halloween book that I found this weekend - Vunce Upon a Time. It’s by J.otto Seibold, the illustrator of the contemporary Christmas favorite Olive, the Other Reindeer (Olive). We LOVE the Olive book at our house so I was immediately drawn to Vunce Upon a Time. Dagmar the Vampire is shy vegetarian who is afraid of humans. And he loves candy. He braves the human world only when he hears about Halloween! This book just came out in September and there’s still time to get it before October 31st!

Labor Day Weekend is upon us! The unofficial end of summer…but there are still LOTS of great kids’ activities in Kansas City over the next few days. Family-friendly entertainment, great, GREAT weather and a three day weekend - can’t beat that!

Here are a few things to think about checking out:

Friday, August 29, 2008

• Kansas City T-Bones vs. Fargo, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, KCKS - this is the last T-Bones homestand of the summer! Don’t miss it! - tonight is Star Wars Night!
• American Idols Live at Sprint Center, 7pm - umm, David Cook and the other David too!
• Friday Night Family Fun, Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch - 7pm
• Kansas City Irish Fest, 5 pm - 11pm, Crown Center Square and Washington Square Park at Grand and Pershing - Three days of music, dancing, food and exhibits - great kids’ area and children’s stage - FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 12!!
• Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence, MO - entertainment, food, crafts, rides and more! - thru Sept. 1

Saturday, August 30, 2008

• Kansas City T-Bones vs. Fargo, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, KCKS - Fireworks Show tonight!
• Sprint Family Fun Days - Power and Light District, downtown Kansas City, MO - 10am to 2pm - Radio Disney and lots of Kids’ activities!
• American Idols Live at Sprint Center, 7pm - another chance to see David Cook!
• Kansas City Irish Fest, 11am - 11pm, Crown Center Square and Washington Square Park at Grand and Pershing - Three days of music, dancing, food and exhibits - great kids’ area and children’s stage - FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 12!!
• Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence, MO - entertainment, food, crafts, rides and more! - thru Sept. 1
• See a Movie, See Kansas City - Fantasia 2000 - Budd Park, St. John Ave. & Budd Park Esplanade, Kansas City, MO @ dusk
• Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS - opening this weekend! HOT TIP: Donate 5 cans of food for Harvesters at the box office and BUY ONE ADMISSION, GET ONE FREE

Sunday, August 31, 2008

• Kansas City T-Bones vs. Fargo, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, KCKS
• Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence, MO - entertainment, food, crafts, rides and more! - thru Sept. 1
• Pops in the Park, Kansas City Symphony at Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park, 7pm - “Instrument Petting Zoo” starts at 5:30pm - bring your picnic dinner along with chairs and blankets!
• Kansas City Irish Fest, 11am - 11pm, Crown Center Square and Washington Square Park at Grand and Pershing - Three days of music, dancing, food and exhibits - great kids’ area and children’s stage - FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 12!!
• Jordan Pruitt (she’s one of those Disney teens, we think…) live at Worlds of Fun tonight!
• Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS - HOT TIP: Donate 5 cans of food for Harvesters at the box office and BUY ONE ADMISSION, GET ONE FREE - open weekends from August 30 thru October 13

Monday, September 1, 2008

• Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence, MO - entertainment, food, crafts, rides and more!
• Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS - HOT TIP: Donate 5 cans of food for Harvesters at the box office and BUY ONE ADMISSION, GET ONE FREE

In other news, this is the last weekend for the Moneyville Children’s Exhibit at Crown Center, the Dangerous and Daring Exhibit for Kids exhibit at the Toy and Miniature Museum and the Bodies exhibit at Union Station.

And don’t forget that September has a host of great Kansas City area fairs and festivals. Old Settlers Days, Jesse James Festival, the Kansas State Fair and more! Check out the whole list in our Fairs and Festivals article.

Have a fabulous and safe Labor Day Weekend in Kansas City!

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!

Late summer in the Kansas City metro brings a wide variety of fairs and festivals - awesome activities to share with your kids! And guess what?! Believe it or not, late summer is approaching…

So, where and when can your kids get their fill of Tilt-A-Whirls, funnel cakes, ferris wheels, crafts, cotton candy and live music? Where can you find the BEST people watching all year?

Here’s where:

Miami County Fair, Paola, KS - July 19 thru July 26

Platte County Fair, Platte City, MO - July 23 thru July 26

Douglas County Fair, Lawrence, KS - July 30 thru August 2

Wyandotte County Fair, Kansas City, KS - July 31 thru August 4 - check out Bongo Barry, pig races, magic shows and stunt dog shows in addition to the carnival rides and games!

Johnson County Fair, Gardner, KS - August 4 thru August 9 - don’t miss the rodeo, Family Fun Night or the parade!

Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO - August 7 thru August 17 - 12 & under FREE every day; lot of free kids’ entertainment

Festival of Butterflies, Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO - August 8 thru August 10 and August 15 thru August 17 - okay, so no ferris wheels or funnel cakes here…but really cool for you and the kids nonetheless!

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

Ethnic Enrichment Festival, Kansas City, MO - August 15 thru August 17

Lewis & Clark Trail Days, Buckner, MO - August 22nd and 23rd

Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence, MO - August 29 thru September 1 - TONS of fun for kids and adults alike. If you’ve never been, you should definitely try this one!

Kansas City Irish Fest, Kansas City, MO - August 29 thru August 31- awesome children’s area at this Crown Center event

Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs, KS - August 30 thru October 13

The 47th Annual Annunciation Greek Food Festival, Kansas City, MO - September 5 thru September 7

Old Settlers Days, Olathe, KS - September 4 thru September 6

Valley Fair Daze, Grain Valley, MO - September 5th and 6th

Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, KS - September 5 thru September 14 - will you drive to Hutchinson to see Corbin Bleu (Chad from High School Musical) in concert?!

Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, Blue Springs, MO - September 12 thru September 14

JUST ADDED:  FESTIVAL ON THE TRAILS, GARDNER, KS - September 12 thru September 14 (Wow!  Don’t miss Lee Ann Womack performing LIVE as well as pony rides, the Buckaroo Corral and kids’ entertainers!!)

Zona Rosa Art Festival, Kansas City north, MO - September 12 thru September 14 - check out Mr. Stinky Feet in concert on Saturday the 13th!

Jesse James Festival, Kearney, MO - September 12 thru September 21

Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City, MO - September 19 thru September 21 - spend some time at the Kids’ Art Workshop!

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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