October in Kansas City... celebrate the best of autumn with apples, pumpkins, festivals, and day trips and round out the family fun celebrating Americana with ballet, enjoying live musical theater, a symphonic wonder and zany science!
10 Top Picks for October in Kansas City!
A Symphonic World of Water
- When, Where, What: October 3, 4 & 6, 2011 at 10:00am and 11:30am each day at the Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. $2. 816.218.2639 www.kcsymphony.org.
- Why We LOVE It: Discover the fascinating world of water through the eyes and ears of your favorite composers. From the early morning dew to torrential downpours, water has inspired composers for centuries. Hear the Kansas City Symphony with Associate Conductor Steven Jarvi on the stage at Helzberg Hall and take a scientific and symphonic journey through water cycle!
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
- When, Where, What: Oct. 4- Nov. 12 on the H&R Block City Stage on level B at Union Station produced by Theatre for Young America. Call 816.460.2083 or visit www.tya.org for ticket prices and show times.
- Why We LOVE It: Laura Joffe Numeroff's delightful children's series is a beloved bedtime classic for many families. This fall, Theatre for Young America brings the tales to life with a hilarious play full of mishaps and mayhem when Mouse comes to visit. Discover what happens when you give a mouse a cookie, while mom is away! The play is full of humor as the well-meaning but self-centered rodent simply asks for a treat, then the turmoil begins. One of our favorite features at Theatre for Young America performances is the opportunity for the audience to ask questions about the show after the cast takes their bow. Bring a camera for photos with the cast and after the heart-warming play.
- BONUS: Read our Review of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."
LAST Sprint Family Fun Day for the year!
- When, Where, What: The final monthly Sprint Family Fun Day is Oct. 15 and KC Parent Magazine is proud to be a sponsor! The entire event is FREE and open to the public! It begins at 11 AM in the KC Live Block of the Power & Light District and ends at 3 PM - Rain or Shine!
- Why We LOVE It: The Sprint Family Fun Series is one of the BEST Family-Friendly events in the metro and it's FREE! The October 15 Sprint Family Fun Day features Fall Festival-Hayrides, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, pumpkin patch, trick-or-treat (at Power and Light restaurants and shops.
Tom Sawyer: A Ballet in 3 Acts
- When, Where, What: Oct. 14-23 at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. Call 816.931.2232 or visit www.kcballet.org for ticket prices and show times.
- Why We LOVE It: Tom Sawyer, by Missouri's own Mark Twain, has captivated the imaginations of generations and this year, the Kansas City Ballet celebrates their new home at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center with this spectacular production of the American classic the entire family can enjoy! This World Premiere ballet is based on an American literary masterpiece featuring the choreography of William Whitener and an original score by Tony Award©-winning composer Maury Yeston, "You will be touched by this timeless coming of age story of young Tom’s struggles between ‘being growed up’ and the pull of wild, untamed childhood. Children and adults alike will be transported, revisiting Tom and Becky’s budding romance, Huck and Tom’s exploits on a raft on the Mississippi, their ‘funeral,’ and the many other adventures that have become part of our central American myth and treasured heritage."
Beakman on the Brain
- When, Where, What: Oct. 17 at 10am & 11:30am at the Folly Theater. $6.00/ea. 816.842.5500 www.follytheater.com
- Why We LOVE It: For years, the Emmy Award winning, children's science TV show, Beakman's World, the entertaining and lively scientist Beakman (Paul Zaloom), have been teaching children that science is fun! Beakman is now on tour a brand new production, Beakman on the Brain!: Everything you every wanted to know about the Brain but were thinking too much to ask! The show is packed with audience participation, humor and large scale, fun, and very visual demonstrations to illustrate how the brain works. "Beakman will address the neuroscience of the brain in a fun, wacky and exploratory way for kids and adults alike. Be ready to be brain teased"
National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China
- When, Where, What: Oct. 21 at 7:30pm, Lied Center (1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS ). 785.864.2787 www.lied.ku.edu/events/acrobats-china.shtml
- Why We LOVE It: An astounding and mesmerizing experience for the young and the young at heart begins the Lied Center’s China Festival. This dramatic 35-member company performs feats of strength, skill and ability in a balancing act of exhilaration and risk. Taking the audience on an extraordinary journey of spectacle and wonder, the National Acrobats perform high-flying acrobatics, martial arts, gripping illusions and enchanting traditional Chinese dance and music.
CYT's Aida
- When, Where, What: Oct. 27-30 at the Bell Cultural Events Center: MidAmerica Nazarene. Tickets range $8-12. Call 913.681.3318 or visit www.cytkc.org for show times and tickets.
- Why We LOVE It: CYT is known for live theatre to be enjoyed by the whole family, and this fall they are performing Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. The show is a contemporary musical take on a grand classic tale of the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. "As forbidden love blossoms between them, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing, staging and singing."
Intergalactic Nemesis
- When, Where, What: Oct. 29 at 7:30pm, Lied Center (1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, KS ). 785.864.2787 www.lied.ku.edu/events/intergalactic.shtml
- Why We LOVE It: The year is 1933. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon. This period-sci-fi-horror-suspense-comedy-romance for the whole family is performed in an innovative, multimedia presentation. While three actors, one Foley artist and one keyboardist provide all the voices, sound effects and music, more than 1,250 hand-drawn, full-color, blow-your-mind comic book images are projected on a screen, telling the larger-than-life story.
Fall Festivals
- When, Where, What: Autumn is also the season for Fall Festivals where the flavors of apples and pumpkins abound. Read our complete guide to Fall Festivals in Kansas City to learn even more.
- These are a FEW of our Favorite Festivals:
- 2011 Ciderfest & Craft Fair Sept. 24 & 25 and Oct. 1 & 2, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy Handmade Crafts, Barbeque, Live Music, Old Fashioned Good Eats, Pumpkins and a lot of other Fun Activities! From the Pumpkin Patch to Kettle Corn, there is something for everyone in the family. Craft Fair, Fresh Cider Making, Cider Donuts, Live Music, Kids Activities, Hay Castle, Hayrides, and Farm Animal Viewing Area. 913.837.5202 www.louisburgcidermill.com/index.html
- Weston Applefest October 1 & 2, Main Street Weston. Step back in history and enjoy the time-honored techniques of a Missouri family demonstrating the “lost arts” of Candle and Soap Making, Wood Turning and Carving, Leather Tanning, and Basket Weaving. Weston’s famous apple dumplings, apple pies, and cookies will also be available through our local churches. http://westonmo.com
- Arts for Kids Oct. 1 & 2, Overland Park Arboretum, from 11am-4pm: Round up your kids and come out to the Arboretum for a full day of fun. Featured events include arts and crafts using garden and woodlands items...hedge apple games, sidewalk art, face painting, story tellers, puppets, hay wagon rides, hot dogs, drinks... and much much more! 913.685.3604 www.opkansas.org
- Missouri Town 1855 Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music Oct. 1 & 2, Missouri Town 1855. Skilled interpreters will be demonstrating how a small mid 19th century community would be spending an autumn’s day. The smell of wood fires fills the village as musicians and dancers perform. A special children’s game and craft area offers fun for all the kids. A large food court offers all of the favorite festival foods. New this year is a special demonstration of how sorghum is made, from cutting and pressing the cane to boiling of the sap. www.jacksongov.org
- Menorah's Neighborhood Block Party Oct. 1 from 1-3pm, Menorah Medical Center (5721 W. 119th St, Overland Park, KS ). Free fun for the whole family at Menorah's Block Party!Tour an ambulance, fire truck and helicopter! Enjoy a kid's concert with Dino O'Dell! Bounce houses, petting zoo provided by Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Face painting, balloon artist, ice cream and cupcakes and more! Learn about the resources offered on the modern Johnson County campus ensure that you can trust Menorah for your family’s healthcare needs for generations to come. 913.498.6000 www.menorahmedicalcenter.com
- Family Fall Festival at Johnson Farms October 2, 2011, 10 am to 5 pm. Painting Pumpkins Pink, raffle with prizes, magician, clown, face painting and more! A benefit for Midwest Cancer Care. 816.331.1067 http://www.johnsonfarms.net/
- Heritage Craft Festival: Arrow Rock Oct. 8 & 9, from 10am-5pm, Arrow Rock, MO. Historical, lost-arts crafts demonstrated by artisans in period attire. Note: This is a fun Day Trip for Kansas City Families. www.arrowrock.org/events.php
- WaterFire Oct. 22 from dusk-midnight, Brush Creek. They make their way with torches a flame in an enchanting display to ignite the braziers and bring all 55 pieces to life. Throughout the evening, boats return to the braziers, constantly feeding them with new wood and keeping the sculpture in its original form for the duration of the evening. www.countryclubplaza.com/Events/WaterFire
Halloween Fun all month long
- When, Where, What: Celebrate Halloween all month long with trick-or-treating, pumpkin fun, and special events! These are just a FEW of our top picks, read our complete guide to Halloween in Kansas City 2011 for more.
- These are a FEW of our Favorite Halloween Events:
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- Howl-O-Fest at Worlds of Fun: thru October 30 at Worlds of Fun. BONUS: Save with this exclusive Worlds of Fun Halloween coupon from KCParent! You can save $10 on All-Day Regular Admission on Saturdays OR $15 on All-Day Regular Admission on Sundays. www.worldsoffun.com The new Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun, and it will be transformed into the all new Planet Spooky for this event. Plus, kids love the Magical House on Boo Hill, live shows, and a costume parade. Then come back at night for grown-up Halloween scares.
- Hoots and Howls at the Zoo: First four weekends in October at the Kansas City Zoo. Regular Zoo Admission Applies. FOTZ Members are Free. 816.513.5800 www.kansascityzoo.org From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, ride the pedal tractors, enjoy hay rides, participate in Kid Zoo Art, navigate through the rope maze, explore the Haunted Woods of the Valley and much more! Also, enjoy live entertainment from Debby Z & Company. Then, return for Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 29 & 30 from 9:30am-6pm. Be seen not scared at the annual trick or treating event. Enjoy the Boneville Graveyard, get your photo taken by the KCZoo Photo Club (for a small fee), Costume Parades, Scarecrow Train Express, Spooky animal shows and much more!
- Magic Woods: Oct. 7, 6-9pm, Oct. 8 5-9pm at Lakeside Nature Center. $5 per person, children under 3 are FREE. 816.513.8960 www.lakesidenaturecenter.org Walk the Nature Trail and listen to animals characters tell their stories. Enjoy this enchanted evening. See actors from Coterie Theater. Katie the Mule will be there along with Eco-Elvis.
- Pumpkin Express Train Rides: Weekends of Oct. 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00, and 3:30. Kids under three FREE every day! Call for more information: 816.331.0630 http://www.beltonrailroad.org/
- Spooktacular: Oct. 14-15 at Powell Gardens. This traditional event fills up fast and reservations are mandatory, so call 816-697-2600 x209 or see http://shop.powellgardens.org well in advance for pricing and times. Grab your costume and some comfortable walking shoes for a guided tour through a land of fairytale fun with plenty of opportunities to collect treats.
- Halloween Train Rides: Oct. 21,22 & 28,29 at the Midland Railway. 913.721.1211 midland-ry.org Enjoy a Train Excursion for Halloween on the Midland Railway!
- Big Bad Pumpkin Derby: Oct. 22, Shawnee Mission Park. Free Hayrides: FREE for spectators, FEES for Competitors (must register in advance to compete). 913.831.3359 http://jcprd.com/special_events Calling all spirited and fun loving pumpkin racer enthusiasts to grab a pumpkin or any other fall gourd, add some paint, decals, wheels and axles, and get your pumpkin tuned up and ready for the race of its life on our very fast course!
- Spooky Fun Halloween Puppet Shows: Oct. 22 & 29 with shows at noon and 2pm at Crown Center. FREE Halloween Puppet Shows for children. 816.274.8444 www.crowncenter.com/Event/Event.asp
- Enchanted Forest: Oct. 26 & 27, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Entrance fee is $1 per person. Wear your costume! 913.541.8592 www.ci.lenexa.ks.us/parks/festivals_enchanted.html The jogging trail in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at 87th and Greenway will transform into a forest full of friendly mascot characters, marionette puppets, singers, magicians, seasonal displays, a bonfire and lots of fun stuff for kids.
- Night of the Living Farm: Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29 from 6-9pm at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $7at the Farmstead or online. Tickets at the gate are $8. 913.895.6390 www.opkansas.org/Events/Night-of-the-Living-Farm-Week-1 Old-fashioned lanterns and carved pumpkins will lead costumed trick-or-treaters through pathways of graves and ghouls. - FREE Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP: Oct. 28 from 7am-10pm at IHOP Locations across the metro. IHOP’s Scary Face Pancake Giveaway will return to participating restaurants nationwide, offering kids 12 and under a chance to design and dine on their own Free Scary Face Pancake creations. The Scary Face Pancake will also be available for purchase throughout October. www.ihop.com
- Boo Bash: Mystical Forest Oct. 29 from 4-6pm at Macken Park Festival Shelter in North Kansas City, MO at Cross streets of Clark Ferguson Drive and Howell Street. Hayrides, costume party, balloon artists, face painting, food and drinks, bounce house, giant hamster ball, goodie bags, pumpkin patch and more. For more information contact North Kansas City Parks and Recreation at 816.300.0545 or North Kansas City Community Center at 816.300.0531.
- Zona Rosa KidZone: Oct. 29 at Zona Rosa. Kids are invited to dress in their Halloween costume for a holiday-themed KidZone. As always, Zona Rosa’s KidZone V.I.K. (Very Important Kid) membership is $10 per child and includes a special membership card, KidZone T-shirt and discounts at participating Zona Rosa stores and restaurants. Membership is not required to attend events. 816.587.8180 www.zonarosa.com
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Bonus: Guide to Autumn Day Trips!
- When, Where, What: Fall is our favorite season for Day Trips! Many of our favorite destinations are under 2 hours away and feature apple picking, pumpkin patches, historic sites, and hiking trails!
- These are a FEW of our Favorite Day Trips:
Still looking for more great family fun ideas in Kansas City? Check out our Kansas City Calendar of Events and Going Places in Kansas City on KCParent.com.
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Bonus: The Little House Project: MoKan Day Trips for Little House on the Prairie Fans
- Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
- 20-30 Min. East: Downtown Lee's Summit: The Great American Main Street
- 45 Min. Northeast: Sibley: Lewis & Clark Country
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Parkville: Tea Parties & Shopping
- 45-60 Min. North: Liberty: Jesse James & the Historic Square
- 45-60 Min. North: Weston: Autumn Splendor
- 1 Hour North: St. Joseph: Wild West in our Backyard
- 1 Hour Northeast: Lexington: Civil War in Missouri
- 1-2 Hours North: Jamesport: Amish Country
- 2- 3 Hours South: Carthage: Classic Rt. 66 Road Trip
- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West
- Kansas
- 10-20 Min. West: Overland Park: Historic Downtown Overland Park
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-60 Min. South: Louisburg: Apple Cider, Star Gazing, and Pumpkins
- 30-45 Min. West: Lawrence: Eclectic College Town & Family Fun
- 30-45 Min. Northwest: Leavenworth: First City of Kansas.... Carousels, Trolleys, and History!
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space
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