KCKidsFun

It’s that time of year…preschool enrollment time!  It’s hard to believe that it’s time to register your little ones for Fall 2012 preschool classes.  Many area preschools have already started the enrollment process for current families and will open up to the public within the next week.  Typically, priority enrollment is given to current families, church members, alumni and then the general public.

KC Kids Fun has compiled an extensive and very useful directory of preschools around the Kansas City metro area. We’ve got a separate list for each of the following areas:

• Kansas City, MO -south of the river (including Grandview & Raytown)

• Northland – Clay and Platte Counties, MO

• Johnson County, KS

• Eastern Jackson County, MO (Lee’s Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, Oak Grove, Grain Valley)

• Cass County, MO (Belton, Harrisonville, Raymore, Peculiar)

• Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties, KS

If we’ve missed a good one (or if you find a broken link or closed facility amongst our list), please let us know in the comments section. Thanks for your help.  It takes a village to keep this updated and current!!

Good luck! We hope everyone finds a great preschool/parents day out program for their child!

KC Kids Fun provides its readers with contact information for the listed preschools. We make every effort to supply you with up-to-date information, but we cannot guarantee each school’s capabilities. All information listed on preschools is subject to change without notice.Because selecting a preschool for your child is a personal decision, you should visit the schools to determine which you and your family feel is best for your child and your circumstances.

Getting a little stir-crazy? It’s been a weird winter for weather here in Kansas City (three points for alliteration!)  One day it’s so freezing cold you don’t even want to get out of bed, and the next it’s nice enough to kick the kids outside to play in just a lightweight jacket. It’s hard to plan. This is why we all drive big cars with lots of storage – we need room for extra jackets, gloves, hats, water bottles and a soccer ball or two. Just in case.

Here’s some options for getting out of the house this weekend regardless of the temperature.

• Friday, January 27, 2012

  • Chinese New Year Celebration – Nelson-Atkins Museum(KCMO). 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with performances and family-friendly activities throughout the Museum! Come ready to record your memories! Dress in authentic Chinese robes, “ride” our traditional rickshaw and pose with the Empress and Emperor or next to a dragon balloon sculpture, built by San Francisco performer Kat the Acrobat.
  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre
  • The Wrestling Season, January 24 – February 19 at The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1 (for 7th grade and up)
  • Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards hockey, Independence Events Center
  • Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music at Sprint Center (KCMO)
  • Strega Nona, presented by Paul Mesner Puppets, 1006 E. Linwood, KCMO

• Saturday, January 28, 2012

  • Puppetry Arts Institute (Independence, MO) presents The Further Adventures of Jack’s Cow by puppeteer Anitra Steele (Two Frogs and a Turtle Puppet Co.) – Hand puppets continue the story of Jack & the Beanstalk’s cow. 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
  • Play with Clay! Saturday morning and afternoon children’s classes (ages 7-12) at Red Star Studios (January 14, 21, and 28). $75 for 3 classes. For more information, call us at 816-474-7316 or visit our website, www.redstarstudios.org
  • Kidsafe Awareness, noon-1:00pm (presented by Blue Valley Recreation) For ages 6-13. Kids develop safety awareness in a fun, friendly environment. Learn basic safety concepts and how to recognize and react to high-risk situations. Taught by a 25-year veteran of the Overland Park Police Department. Held at Blue Valley Karate.
  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre
  • The Wrestling Season, January 24 – February 19 at The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1 (for 7th grade and up)
  • Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music at Sprint Center (KCMO)
  • Strega Nona, presented by Paul Mesner Puppets, 1006 E. Linwood, KCMO

• Sunday, January 29, 2012

  • Kansas Day Celebration at Ernie Miller Nature Park (Olathe) – 2pm to 4pm. Celebrate all things Kansas on our statehood day! Can you name the Kansas Symbols? See some of the natural symbols live and in person. Have a piece of cake for the state’s birthday and be delighted by the stories from a pioneer. Participate in fun activities for all ages during this two-hour event and even join in a rousing chorus of Home on the Range! The cost of the program to be paid at the site is $5 per person including adults. For reservations and more information call (913) 764-7759. Reservations are required.
  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre
  • The Wrestling Season, January 24 – February 19 at The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1 (for 7th grade and up)
  • Kansas City Symphony presents Tchaikovsky Discovers America, part of the Family Series, Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, Kansas City, MO
  • Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards hockey, Independence Events Center
  • Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music at Sprint Center (KCMO)
  • Strega Nona, presented by Paul Mesner Puppets, 1006 E. Linwood, KCMO

We’ve had the good fortune of welcoming some new advertisers to the KC Kids Fun advertising community these past few months!  All are family-friendly and all would appreciate your business.  Especially as the holidays draw near, we like to encourage readers to shop and buy local first.  There are so many terrific locally-owned businesses right here in KC, and you can feel good knowing that your hard-earned money is staying here in the metro!

Thanks to all of our advertisers throughout the years.  We’ve been very lucky to have worked with a tremendous group of business people and business owners from the community who recognize the importance of family and kid-friendly activities!

Our first welcome is to Kansas City Repertory Theatre– where you will want to catch the annual production that is quintessential Kansas City Christmas– A Christmas Carol. Tickets are available now and the production runs November 19- December 26, 2011.W

We also want to welcome The Ice at Park Place in Leawood, KS.  The Ice is Johnson County’s ONLY outdoor ice rink!  It’s size makes it perfect for a beginner’s first spin on the rink, and Park Place is home to some wonderful shops and restaurants for pre- or post-skate.  You can satisfy your sweet tooth at Paciugo Gelato or Cupcake A La Mode, or enjoy a freshly-prepared meal at Ingredient Restaurant or Carmen’s Cafe.

Thanks also to our long-time advertisers:  Sprint Center, Kansas City Allergy & Asthma (KCAA), Paradise Park, Coterie Theatre, Burleson Orthodontics, Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), The Language Workshop for Children,College Nannies & Tutors, Revisin, Midland/AEG and Faulkner’s Ranch.

We also have many businesses advertising in our various directories as Sponsored Listings.  These include: Yogi Bear’s™ Kansas City Jellystone RV Park and Resort, Zonkers, Little Masters…big art, Pinnacle Gymnastics, Successful Sounds, Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) and Camp Kidz Rock!