KCKidsFun

We had a weird spring here in the Kansas City metro area and, while it affected all of us, it reeeeeealllllly affected our local growers. We had a lot of rain (usually good) and a late freeze (overwhelmingly bad). Some crops were damaged, others just delayed. But here we are – mid-June. And the berries are upon us!

Have you ever taken the kids berry picking? Did you go as a child? I can remember strawberry picking as a child and then watching my mother make and can preserves. Mason jars, lots of boiling water, paraffin wax and probably a lot of whining by me. I didn’t like strawberries. Have I mentioned that I was kind of a weird kid?!

I’m not sure about my 7-year-old but I KNOW that my 6-year-old is dying to get out to pick some beautiful, plump blueberries this summer. I think she’ll eat them just as fast as she can pick them though!

The blueberries are ripening now and will be generally available through mid-August in our area. Several farms also grow blackberries, which ripen up a bit later. Look for blackberries starting about July 1st through September/October.

I know of one local grower that has strawberries in season. Unfortunately, that season is over. The same grower though has red raspberries available to pick. Yum!

Here are the Kansas City-area berry picking spots to check out:

• The Berry Patch (just south of Leawood & Martin City) – HUGE crop of blueberries and blackberries, great activities for kids!

• Cy & Dee’s Blackberry Farm (Louisburg, KS) – 28615 Rockville Rd., 913-837-2254

• Duncan’s Berry Farm (Smithville, MO) – might not have you-pick berries this year, probably should call first

• Lawson Brothers’ Farm (Baldwin City, KS) – raspberries and blackberries here! (And strawberries in season.)

• Schreiman Orchards (Waverly, MO) – 660-493-2477 – berries and peaches, an hour east of KC

• Sibley Orchards (Sibley, Jackson County, MO) – blackberries (and peaches and apples in season)

• Wagon Wheel Orchard (Gardner, KS) – no berries here (and the cherries were freeze-damaged this year) but look for peaches and apples beginning in August

For a few more in the outlying areas, check out the Pick-Your-Own Farms and Orchards site for state-by-state lists:

• Pick-Your-Own Farms and Orchards (Kansas sites)

• Pick-Your-Own Farms and Orchards (Missouri sites)

*photo via barcoder96

(IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A 2009 SCHEDULE OF FIREWORKS AROUND THE KANSAS CITY METRO, CLICK HERE FOR OUR UPDATED 2009 KANSAS CITY FIREWORKS LIST!)

As you make your plans for the Fourth of July 2008, 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.