I’m proud to say I was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade right here in the Kansas City area. Some of my favorite childhood memories came from the homeschool programs, field trips and enrichment activities I participated in as a student.
As an adult, I’m delighted to see that many of those opportunities are still thriving, while countless new programs have joined the Kansas City homeschool community. Whether your child loves science, sports, the arts or hands-on learning, there are plenty of ways to supplement your homeschool curriculum with engaging experiences.
Here are some of the best homeschool enrichment programs, classes and activities for Kansas City families.
Hands-On Homeschool Learning in Kansas City
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site | Olathe
Three times a year, this historic museum hosts Homeschool Days, where students can experience life on the frontier. Kids can visit farm animals, ride the stagecoach, play 19th-century games and learn about Kansas history through hands-on activities.
The next Homeschool Days are Sept. 3 and 4. Registration is available at Mahaffie.org.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | Kansas City, Mo.
Homeschool students of all ages enjoy the zoo’s educational program, “When Science Attacks.” Students can meet animals, learn about conservation and improve reading, writing and classroom presentation skills through engaging lessons.
The Zoo’s next homeschool day is Monday, Oct. 5. Learn more at KansasCityZoo.org.
IDEA Space | Leawood
Homeschool students can explore hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning through classes, field trips and homeschool programs for students from preschool through grade 12.
From engineering and technology to design, science and creative problem-solving, IDEA Space helps students build future-ready skills through active, collaborative learning.
Visit IDEAspaceKC.org for more information.
Homeschool PE and Sports Programs
Roger T. Sermon Community Center | Independence, Mo.
Make the Roger T. Sermon Community Center your Thursday afternoon destination! Every other Thursday from 2-3:30 p.m., homeschool students ages 6-18 can enjoy PE-style games, rotating physical activities, crafts, museum experiences and outdoor fun.
Admission is $4 per child or $15 for families of four or more. Learn more at IndependenceMO.gov.
Xtreme Gymnastics | Lee’s Summit
Xtreme Gymnastics offers multiple homeschool-friendly classes, including preschool gymnastics, competitive gymnastics and tumbling lessons.
Families can register for a free trial through XGTKids.com.
Kansas City Southeast Community Center | Kansas City, Mo.
This community center offers weekday afternoon enrichment opportunities for homeschool students throughout the school year. Programs include garden club and art classes on Wednesdays, plus fitness classes on Thursdays.
Programs are best suited for ages 6-13. Learn more at KCParks.org.
Motus Ninjas | Lee’s Summit and Overland Park
Both Motus Ninjas locations offer homeschool gym classes for ages 4-15. Each week, instructors create a new obstacle course featuring challenges like climbing rings, warped walls and balancing steps.
Visit MotusNinjas.com to sign up for a free trial.
KC East Lions | Multiple Kansas City Locations
Throughout the year, KC East Lions offers athletic programs for homeschool students ages 10-18. Kids can participate in soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, football, basketball, baseball, track and cross-country.
Many former members have gone on to receive sports scholarships. Learn more at KCEastLions.com.
Arts, Music and Performing Arts Programs for Homeschoolers
Orange Easel School of Art | Liberty and Platte Woods
This children’s art studio is focused on helping kids grow as artists, not simply completing a craft to take home. Homeschoolers can choose from drawing and multimedia classes, with the multimedia program introducing students to a different medium each month, including clay, watercolor, printmaking and fiber arts.
Learn more at OrangeEaselArt.com
Ceramic Cafe | Overland Park
Add some hands-on art to your homeschool day with a trip to Ceramic Cafe. Kids can choose and paint their own pottery pieces while experimenting with colors, techniques and plenty of creativity. Walk-ins are welcome, making this an easy option to work into your homeschool schedule.
Learn more at CeramicCafeKC.com
Imagine Studios KC | Parkville
Imagine Studios offers plenty of ways for creative kids to get hands-on with art, including paint-your-own pottery, pottery wheel experiences, fused glass, classes and special events.
Learn more at ImagineStudiosKC.com
First Act Theatre Arts | Overland Park
First Act’s Daytime Academy gives homeschool students ages 5-14 the opportunity to build acting, singing and dancing skills while making new friends.
This fall, students will rehearse and perform Frozen KIDS, developing confidence, creativity, teamwork and stage presence along the way.
Learn more at FirstActKC.org.
Storybook Theatre | Kansas City, Mo.
Let the show begin! Homeschool students ages 4-18 can participate in productions and performance classes at Storybook Theatre.
Visit StorybookTheatreKC.com for upcoming opportunities.
REW Music | Lenexa
Whether your child is a beginner or an advanced musician, REW Music offers opportunities to grow through music education. Homeschool students ages 10-18 can choose from seven different band and orchestra ensembles.
The next semester begins this fall and leads to winter and spring recitals.
Learn more at REWMusic.net.
The Culture House | Olathe
The Culture House offers a variety of homeschool enrichment programs, including art, choir, acting and music courses during school hours.
The goal is to cultivate creativity through professional, faith-driven arts programs for students of all ages.
Visit CultureHouse.com.
Fun Homeschool Activities and Field Trips in Kansas City
Crown Center District | Kansas City, Mo.
Each year, usually during February, Crown Center hosts a special Homeschool Event. Homeschool families can enjoy discounts at many district attractions and businesses, including Legoland, Sea Life, the Coterie Theatre and the Money Museum.
Learn more at CrownCenter.com.
Independence Community Ice | Independence
On the third Friday of each school month, Independence Community Ice hosts an open skate day specifically for homeschool students.
New to skating? No problem! Homeschool students can also sign up for skate lessons.
Visit IndependenceCommunityIce.com.
Skate City | Overland Park, Shawnee Mission and Wyandotte
Roller skating is a favorite homeschool activity at Skate City. Public skates cost $5-$7 depending on location, with skate rentals available for $2-$3.
Skate City offers daytime public skates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, along with weekend evening skates and special themed events. Check the online calendar for the latest schedule.
Visit SkateCityKansas.com.
Homeschooling families have access to countless resources beyond traditional classes and activities. Whether you’re looking for support choosing a homeschool-friendly program through our Education Guide, planning a fun day at one of Kansas City’s indoor play places, or finding affordable family outings with Kids Eat Free deals, KC Parent has resources to help make homeschooling adventures easier. From hands-on experiences like Touch-A-Truck events to simple ideas like easy back-to-school snacks, families can find plenty of ways to learn, explore and connect throughout the year.