Local Activities and Events

** Please call ahead and confirm the details of the events. Event details are always subject to change. **

If you know of any events you would like to see on the BMA activities list, please email them to Sara Keenan at sara.keenan@gmail.com

July 2008 Kansas City Events and Activities

July 1: Wiggly Wonderful Art with the KC Art Institute at the Plaza Library. 10:00 a.m. The art spot is buzzing with fun for kids 3-5 with this special art class taught by students at the Kansas City Art Institute. Registration is required. 816-701-3481

July 2: Jump, Jog, & Jingle at the WALDO Library. 6:30 p.m. Parents as Teachers offers an active learning program focusing on motor skills, balance, social development, and fun for ages three months to five years.

July 3: Jump, Jog, & Jingle at the WALDO Library. 10:00 a.m. Parents as Teachers offers an active learning program focusing on motor skills, balance, social development, and fun for ages three months to five years.

July 3-4: Kansas City Riverfest 2008. Celebrate July 3rd and 4th on the riverfront at Berkley Park with a fireworks display and a two-day celebration featuring a BrewFest, food, live music and a variety of family activities including rides for kids, performances by The Zeros, Outlaw Junkies, Retro Rangers, the Air Force Band and entertainers from Radio Disney. Admission: $5 adults, children under 12 are free. www.kcriverfest.com

July 4: Red, White, & Zoo at the Kansas City Zoo. All day. Free admission for first responders (paramedics, police and fire) and military with a valid ID. Admission good only for the first responder or military member; family members pay regular admission or may use a Friends of the Zoo Membership. Enjoy all the fun the Zoo has to offer, including the new North American river otters and trumpeter swans, just inside the Zoo entry.

July 4: Village Fest 2008 in Prarie Village. Come celebrate the Fourth of July in Prairie Village on the Municipal Campus, 7700 Mission Road from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Pancake breakfast, inflatables, clowns and face painting, petting zoo, Dino O'Dell and Mr. Stinkyfeet, and more! Visit http://www.pvkansas.com/aboutpv/annual_events/villagefest2008.shtml for a schedule and more info.

July 5: Sprint Family Fun Days at the Kansas City Power & Light District. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. FREE! The Sprint Family Fun Series celebrates Kansas City's public safety officers in downtown's Kansas City Power & Light District. The theme incorporates the best of Kansas City's public safety offices, including the KCMO Fire Dept, Police Dept and others. Come check out Radio Disney as they bring together some of the most talented kids in Kansas City to sing and dance and entertain your kids! Wonderscope provides hands on activities to get your kids' creative juices flowing! Various jugglers, balloon artists and variety entertainers provide hours of excitement for the whole family. Pets allowed. Sprint Family Fun Days events are located under the clock tower on Walnut and 14th Street (next to Chefburger and Chipotle)

July 5: Saturday Puppet Shows at Crown Center. Noon and 2:00 p.m. FREE!

July 5-6: Booms and Blooms at Powell Garden. On both days, take in a dazzling daylily display, a daylily sale, face painting, kids' crafts and more. Weekend events include a rousing symphony performance on July 5, followed by a dramatic fireworks display under a dark country sky. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $3 children 5-12. www.powellgardens.org

July 5: Saturday Family Workshops at Union Station. Bodies: Seeing the World Inside the Human Body How can we tell what is going on inside our bodies? What machines do doctors use to see what is going on beneath our skin? Fun activities using models of our systems, seeing what there is to be seen in X-ray images, and the advancements that can be seen in MRIs. Then we will put together a model of a human with its systems. Every other Saturday, Science City's Educators will guide your family through a one-of-a-kind experience. Each of these workshops are sure to succeed as you and your kids have fun together -- so much fun, in fact, that the kids will never suspect it's an educational activity. Each workshop will be held twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each workshop lasts about 1 hour & 45 minutes. Admission to the workshops is $15.95 for members (one adult and one child), plus $5 for each additional person. $29.95 for non-members (one adult and one child), plus $10 for each additional person. http://www.unionstation.org/eventDetail.cfm?listingID=281

July 7: Bongo Barry-Buggies with a Beat. At the Plaza Library. 10:30 a.m. From whacky bug songs to the science and symmetry of insects, Bongo Barry is back with his bee hive full of drums for another interactive program exploring the Summer Reading Program theme, Catch The Reading Bug.

July 8: Wiggly Wonderful Art with the KC Art Institute at the Plaza Library. 10:00 a.m. The art spot is buzzing with fun for kids 3-5 with this special art class taught by students at the Kansas City Art Institute. Registration is required. 816-701-3481

July 10: Bongo Barry-Buggies with a Beat. At the WALDO Library. 2:00 p.m. From whacky bug songs to the science and symmetry of insects, Bongo Barry is back with his bee hive full of drums for another interactive program exploring the Summer Reading Program theme, Catch The Reading Bug.

July 11: The Music In You at Wonderscope. 9:30-10:15 a.m. An interactive music session that builds communication skills and fosters music appreciation. Sandy Jackson, music therapist, will be on hand to guide the kid in all of us! Additional $2/child.

July 11: Family Fun Night at the Plaza Library. 7:00 p.m. Throughout the month of July, enjoy a diverse set of Friday night programs for the entire family. On
July 11, join author Derrick Barnes at the library to celebrate the release of his new series Ruby and the Booker Boys.

July 12: Sprint Family Fun Days at the Kansas City Power & Light District. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. FREE! Radio Disney will celebrate and entertain entertain your kids through music, games and dance! Wonderscope will provide hands on art activities to get your kids' creative juices flowing! Various jugglers, balloon artists and variety entertainers will provide hours of excitement for your whole family. Pets allowed. Sprint Family Fun Days events are located under the clock tower on Walnut and 14th Street (next to Chefburger and Chipotle)

July 12: Saturday Puppet Shows at Crown Center. Noon and 2:00 p.m. FREE!

July 12: Second Saturday Kids Fun Fest at the Kansas City Zoo. 10:00-3:00. Join the Second Saturday Kid's Fun Fest to create enrichment for the animals and dance away with Radio Disney, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Enrichment for the animals keeps them active and encourages natural behaviors.

July 15: Wiggly Wonderful Art with the KC Art Institute at the Plaza Library. 10:00 a.m. The art spot is buzzing with fun for kids 3-5 with this special art class taught by students at the Kansas City Art Institute. Registration is required. 816-701-3481

July 15: Funky Mama at Wonderscope. 10:00-10:45 a.m. Krista Eyler (aka Funky Mama) is an energetic, guitar-playing and sweet-singing mom. Funky Mama blends rock n' roll, bluegrass, country and funk! Don't miss the fun!+$2/child

July 16: Paul Messner Puppets presents: The Bug Show at the Plaza Library. 2:00 p.m. Paul Mesner Puppets presents The Bug Show, a close up look at the world of beetles, bugs, and other creepy crawlies. Join famed entomologist Dr. Antzinpantz (puppeteer Mike Horner) as he introduces silly songs and comical tales all about our six-legged friends. A cast of colorful puppet bugs presents Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee, The Grasshopper and the Ant, Five Little Bed Bugs Jumping on the Bed, and other songs and stories.

July 17: Paul Messner Puppets presents: The Bug Show at the WALDO Library. 2:00 p.m. Paul Mesner Puppets presents The Bug Show, a close up look at the world of beetles, bugs, and other creepy crawlies. Join famed entomologist Dr. Antzinpantz (puppeteer Mike Horner) as he introduces silly songs and comical tales all about our six-legged friends. A cast of colorful puppet bugs presents Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee, The Grasshopper and the Ant, Five Little Bed Bugs Jumping on the Bed, and other songs and stories.

July 18: Family Fun Night at the Plaza Library. 7:00 p.m. On July 18, join us to celebrate all things Disney!

July 18: Gymboree at Wonderscope. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Bubbles, parachute play, and songs for you and your young child! Admission plus additional $2/child.

July 19: Sprint Family Fun Days at the Kansas City Power & Light District. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. FREE! Radio Disney will celebrate and entertain entertain your kids through music, games and dance! Wonderscope will provide hands on art activities to get your kids' creative juices flowing! Various jugglers, balloon artists and variety entertainers will provide hours of excitement for your whole family. Pets allowed. Sprint Family Fun Days events are located under the clock tower on Walnut and 14th Street (next to Chefburger and Chipotle)

July19: Saturday Puppet Shows at Crown Center. Noon and 2:00 p.m. FREE!

July 19: Saturday Family Workshops at Union Station. Feel the Force: Electricity
Join us for a hands-on class, where you get to experience the nature and force of electricity. If you like the KCP&L Great Electricity Show, you'll love this family discovery. Each workshop will be held twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each workshop lasts about 1 hour & 45 minutes. Admission to the workshops is $15.95 for members (one adult and one child), plus $5 for each additional person. $29.95 for non-members (one adult and one child), plus $10 for each additional person. http://www.unionstation.org/eventDetail.cfm?listingID=281

July 22: Wiggly Wonderful Art with the KC Art Institute at the Plaza Library. 10:00 a.m. The art spot is buzzing with fun for kids 3-5 with this special art class taught by students at the Kansas City Art Institute. Registration is required. 816-701-3481

July 24: Stone Lion Puppets presents Bubba and Trixie at the Waldo Library. 2:00 p.m. The show, based on the book by local Missouri author Lisa Campbell Ernst, involves Bubba, a nervous Nelly caterpillar afraid to leave his leaf. When he meets Trixie, a crimped winged ladybug who knows no fear, they join together in pure adventure. Trixie helps Bubba learn to enjoy life and be happy with what he is and what he becomes. Children also learn the three stages of a butterlies life cycle in this touching story of true friendship.

July 25: Funky Mama at Pottery Barn Kids Town Center. 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Free!

July 25: Family Fun Night at the Plaza Library. 7:00 p.m. On July 25, Grammy Award-winning musician and storyteller Bill Harley will keep patrons on the edge of their seats.

July 26: Sprint Family Fun Days at the Kansas City Power & Light District. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. FREE! Radio Disney will celebrate and entertain entertain your kids through music, games and dance! Wonderscope will provide hands on art activities to get your kids' creative juices flowing! Various jugglers, balloon artists and variety entertainers will provide hours of excitement for your whole family. Pets allowed. Sprint Family Fun Days events are located under the clock tower on Walnut and 14th Street (next to Chefburger and Chipotle)

July 26: Saturday Puppet Shows at Crown Center. Noon and 2:00 p.m. FREE!

July 26: 4th Annual Dragon Boat Races and Festival. Country Club Plaza. 11:00 a.m. Come celebrate the traditions of the East at the Dragon Boat Festival along Brush Creek and Ward Parkway on the Plaza. The festival will feature hand-on art activities for the kids, live music, traditional Chinese dance, and conclude with dragon boat races along Brush Creek. This traditional Chinese holiday is a celebration for the whole family.

Ongoing events in June

Until July 7: The Tortoise and the Hare presented by the Theater for Young America at Union Station. A joyous musical play based on the Aesop fable with a touch of Midsummer Night's Dream and a dash of the Fourth of July. "…very clever musical numbers in a ragtime/Stephen Foster style…a winner guaranteed to please both large and small fry." (Kansas City Star) Visit www.unionstation.org for times and prices.

Until July 13: Theatre in the Park presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast. 8:30 p.m. Shawnee Mission Park. Step into the enchanted world of a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father, a dotty inventor. When her father doesn't return from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the "tale as old as time" begins. Admission: $6 adults, $4 children 4-10, children 3 and under are free. www.theatreinthepark.org

Until August 31: The Daring and Dangerous Exhibit for Kids at the Toy and Miniature Museum. Based on "The Dangerous Book for Boys" and soon to be released "The Daring Book for Girls," this exhibit is sure to provide thrills and adventures for its visitors. www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org

Until September 1: MONEYVILLE Children's Exhibit at Crown Center. This interactive exhibit teaches kids about dollars and cents in a fun, simulated urban environment. See how money is made in the "Money Factory" and put your face on a one million dollar bill. Compete with play money, cash registers and much more! FREE! Visit www.crowncenter.com for more information and times.

Until December 30: Larry the Cat in Space at Gottlieb Planetarium in Union Station. Follow Larry the cat as he stows away on a trip to the Moon, in this kid-friendly cartoon planetarium show about the not-too-distant future of space travel, and our closest astronomical neighbor. Admission: $5.95 per person. Included with a Union Station Round Trip or Express Ticket on the days shows are available. Show times Vary.

Ongoing

Science City's Half-Pint Science Every Thursday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Included with admission
Special activities for little scientists ages 3 through 7 years old. Examples of Half-Pint Science activities include: exploring your senses (putting your nose, hearing, sight and sense of touch to the test); playing dress-up (proven way to help young brains explore their roles and the roles of other people in the world); and art projects (designed to develop motor skills while reinforcing basic science concepts).

Kaleidoscope at Crown Center - All ages are welcome to attend our 40-minute special Family Sessions. Free tickets available as early as 9:30am (unless otherwise noted). A minimum of 1 adult for every 4 children is required. http://www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com

The Children's Museum of Kansas City Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. and Sunday from 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. The average visit lasts approximately 2 hours, but guests may stay as long as they wish. The Museum is located in the lower level, southeast corner of Indian Springs Marketplace- 4601 State Avenue in Kansas City, KS. 66102 If you have any questions about the Museum, please call 913-287-8888. General Admission: Everyone 2 years & older:$5.00 Children under age 2: FREE
Special Sunday Admission:$4.00 per person

Kids Workshops at Home Depot Free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9:00 a.m. and noon at all The Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical.

Friday Night Movie Night at Reading Reptile 7:00 p.m. Family friendly movies! 816-753-0441

Wonderscope: 5705 Flint Shawnee, KS 913-268-4176 Admission Ages 3+ $6, Ages 1-2 $3, Infants Free www.wonderscope.org

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District First Friday of Every Month 7-9pm
Location: Near Crown Center, Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816.472.5701 Admission: Free. URL: www.kccrossroads.org
Please come to explore. Many of the galleries are closely located, so you're certain to find something you'll appreciate. Or feel free to call a specific gallery to find out their particular hours. First Friday’s exhibits do not necessarily coincide with a gallery's opening of a new exhibit. Check the ArtsLinks.org calendar for specific openings. Crossroads Arts District is part of the Crossroads Community. The area is known for its art galleries, studios, restaurants and unique shops. Maps also are available in most galleries or at the Web site.

Gottlieb Planetarium Shows
Dates: Wed.-Sun.
Union Station, Gottlieb Planetarium, 30 W Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816.460.2020 Admission: $4.95 or included with Science City museum. www.unionstation.org
Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda Learn about the Greek myth of Perseus and Andromeda in this kid-friendly animated laser show.
The Planets: Test your knowledge of the nine planets in our solar system as they're presented in a game-show format. You'll be transported from planet to planet and immersed in each one's unique environment.
S.E.T.I. - The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Are we alone in the universe? For years, writers, movie directors and many scientists have looked to the stars with wonder and pondered the possibility that life might exist beyond Planet Earth. S.E.T.I. explores all sides of the topic, from the planets sharing our solar system to the feasibility of traveling to far-off stars. Could contact be made in our lifetimes?
Stargaze Kansas City: Exploring our Summertime Skies: Saturdays Only Ever wondered what the night sky would look like with no street lights or clouds in the way? Through the magic of the Gottlieb Planetarium, you can see the sky as it would appear without interference. Stargaze Kansas City pulls back the city haze to reveal constellations, planets and other fascinating astronomical phenomena visible from Kansas City. This production, developed by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, uses the Spitz Starball, laser projection system, video and original orchestral score in surround sound.

Theater and Puppet Shows

Puppetry Arts Institute 11025 E. Winner Rd Independence www.hazelle.org. 11am & 2pm. $5/person includes seeing the museum and each child gets a free finger puppet 816-833-9777

Paul Messner www.paulmesnerpuppets.org 816-235-6222 $7.50. Appropriate for 3yrs and up.

Piccadilly www.piccadilly-puppets.com, $6 (kids under 2 are free) Call Piccadilly for tickets at 816-942-5552.

Coterie, Lower Level of Crown Center Shops, 816-474-6552, www.thecoterie.com Multiple times Tues-Sun, check website. $8/youth $12/adults

Theatre for Young America, H&R Block City Stage in Union Station, $8, Tues-Fri: 10am & 12pm, Sat: 11am. www.unionstation.org 816-460-2020 or 816-460-2083

Stone Lion Puppet, www.stonelionpuppets.org

Folly Kids Series, 300 W. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. $6/person. Tickets: 816-474-4444

Kansas City Young Audiences 4601 Madison Avenue Kansas City, MO 64112 816-531-4022 www.kcya.org

Lyric Opera 1029 Central Kansas City, MO 64105 816-471-4933 www.kcopera.org

Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co. 9601 Metcalf Ave. OP KS 66212 913-642-7576 www.martincitymelodrama.org

Christian Youth Theater, $8, $7, $5, 10 am,1 pm, 2 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, School House Rock Live!, Feb. 15-17; Wonderland, Feb. 22-25 – YouthFront Auditorium, 4715 Rainbow Blvd.; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, March 1-4 – The Rose Theater, Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line, 913-681-3318, www.cytkc.org

Indoor Play Areas

Emerald City Gym consists of in-ground trampolines, rope swings (one is over a foam filled pit), a 12-foot zip line, a maze, tunnels & slides. M-F 11-11:50 a.m. for kids walking-4 years. $5/child. Parent required to attend - no additional charge. 9063 Bond Overland Park 913.438.4444 www.emeraldcitygym.com

Debbie Howard's Gym offers an open play time with moonwalk, foam pit, trampoline, toddler ride on toys, rope swing, and gymnastics equipment on Fridays from 9:00-11:30. $5/child per hour 655 N Somerset, Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-3006

Edge Gymnastics consists of trampolines, rope swings, a dragon tunnel, and a huge slide. Preschool gym time for kids under 6 of age. Mon & Fri 9:30 – 11:30 $7/child. Parent required to attend - no additional charge. Liberty MO www.edgegymnastics.com

Gym for Me has ride-on and push toys, balls, and mats for kids 5 and under. Mon & Wed 9-11. $1/child. Lenexa Comm. Center 13420 Oak, Lenexa; 913-541-0209

Indoor Playground at Sylvester Powell Community Center with children’s toys, balls and equipment Jan – Apr -Wed & Thurs 9:30-11:30 - $2/child and $1/ addt’l child. There is a pass of 10 visits for $15. 6200 Martway in Mission – 913-722-8200.

Midtown Play Place at Westport Roanoke Community Center – indoor play area for kids 0-5. The gym sectioned off with riding cars/bouncy balls on one side and floor toys, slide, play dough, legos, etc. on the other side. MWF 10am-noon $1/child. 3601 Roanoke Rd. 816-784-5200

A.B. Bananas- Formerly Tunnel Town, 346 S.W. Blue Parkway, Lee's Summit, MO; 816.347.0677. Hours: M-F 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 9-9, Sun. 11-7. Cost is $5/kids 1-3 years old; $6/kids 4-14 years old; adults are free.

Pump It Up 7230 W. Frontage Road Olathe location also, see web for details. www.pumpitupparties.com Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM for ages (2-6) and (7-10). 1 ½ hours of fun filled, inflatable play time $6 per child Parents play for free No party room time. No birthday parties. One parent is required to stay with their children. Socks are required to play. Space is limited. Reservations are suggested though not required.

Indoor Preschool Park Playground has climbers, roller coasters, riding toys. Ages 0-5. Tues, Wed, Thurs 9-11:30. $2/child. Irene French Community Center gym 5701 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS (913) 322-5550. http://www.merriam.org/park/ComCenter/index.htm

Story Times

Ceramic Café Mommy Paint with Me - a story is read and all the kids paint a ceramic piece related to the story. Snack included in the $6.50 fee ($5 for sibling). Friday 10:30am and Tuesdays at 11am 3830 W 95th 913-383-0222.

Jazz Storytelling - Join Brother John and Kansas City jazz musicians as they weave the elements of jazz into interactive and fun stories and songs. A different topic will be explored each month as children ages 2-7 are introduced to the sights and sounds of jazz, America's classical music. 10-10:45am. Free. RSVP requested - 816-474-8463 x241 American Jazz Museum – 18th & Vine. www.americanjazzmuseum.com

Mother Nature Reads - Hear a story, make a craft, and see an animal up-close. Saturday: 10-11am Free. Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park 816-513-8960. http://www.lakesidenaturecenter.org/

Powell Gardens Storytelling 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday Free with regular Garden Admission

Toy and Miniature Museum – has a story teller from the RAPS (River and Prairie Story Weavers) every Saturday at 11am. Free with paid museum admission of $6/adults $4/children ages 5-12. 5235 Oak St KCMO. 333-2055. 333-9328. www.umkc.edu/tmm (web site has buy 1 get 1 coupon)

Barnes and Noble Story Time - (on the plaza) Thursdays 11:00 a.m. and Saturdays 2:00 p.m. 816-753-1313.

Borders Story Time - Thursday 10am. 9108 Metcalf Overland Park, KS 913-642-3642.

Reading Reptile Story Time - for ages 3-6. Thurs: 11am. $3/child. Includes story time and activity lasting approximately 35 minutes. Pre-registration required - 816-753-0441. 328 W 63 St www.readingreptile.com.

The Learning Tree 83rd and Mission Road in Prairie Village Mondays at 10:30a.m.

Library Story Times
Corinth Library: 8100 Mission Road Prairie Village, KS 913-967-8650
• Mother Goose Rhyme Time: Mondays 11:30am (under 2)
• Toddler Story Time: Mondays 9:30 and 10:30am (ages 2-3)
• Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays 10:30am (ages 4-6)

Dial-a-Story– A service of the KC Public Library, children may call to hear a 3-5 minute story read by librarians, professionals and neighbors. Stories are available 24 hours a day and change weekly. Age: 3 & up. Call 816-701-3456

Plaza Library: 4801 Main St. KCMO 816-701-3481
• Family Storytime Every Tuesday Night at 6:30
• Baby Bounce Wednesdays at 10:30 Stories and fun for those just one (or almost). Start them reading early with this great program.
• Tales for Tiny Tykes Thursdays at 10:30 If you have a little one (18-36 months), join us for a story time geared just for them (20-25 minutes) followed by a fun craft activity in the Art Spot.
• Friday Fun Preschool Storytime Fridays at 10:30 Stories, songs and crafts for the preschool set.
• Family Fun Night Fridays at 7:00 Come back to the Kid Corner for movies, crafts, music and more!

Waldo Library: 201 E 75th St KCMO 816-701-3486
• Preschool Story Time: Wednesday 10:30am. Enjoy stories, songs and crafts, ages 2-5.

Music and Concerts

Dino O'Dell: www.dinoodell.com

Doo-Dads: www.thedoodads.com

Funky Mama: www.funkymamamusic.com

Jim Cosgrove’s “Mr. Stinky Feet”: www.jimcosgrove.com