I’m proud to say I was homeschooled all the way from kindergarten to 12th grade right here in the Kansas City area. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the programs I got to attend as a homeschooler. As an adult, I was delighted to learn that many of these events are still running — and countless new opportunities have emerged as well.
Here are some of my favorite places that offer special programs and discounts for Kansas City homeschoolers:
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, Olathe — Three times a year, this museum hosts Homeschool Days. Your kids can visit the farm animals, ride the stagecoach, play 19th-century games and learn about frontier life. This year’s fall Homeschool Days took place on Aug. 28 and 29, and you were able to register for the event on the museum’s website. Mahaffie.org
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Kansas City, Mo. — Homeschoolers of all ages love attending the zoo’s educational program, “When Science Attacks.” Students can meet some of the animals; learn about conservation; and improve their reading, writing and classroom presentation skills. Dates for the fall semester will be listed on the zoo’s website soon. KansasCityZoo.org
Metro Homeschool Robotics, Kansas City, Mo. — High schoolers with an interest in engineering will thrive on this robotics team. The program runs year- round and allows students to compete in the esteemed FIRST Robotics competition. MetroHomeschoolRobotics.org
P.E. AND SPORTS
RoKC, Olathe and North Kansas City, Mo. — These RoKC locations offer rock climbing clubs for homeschoolers ages 9-13. As an added bonus, club members can show up to climb whenever they like, free of additional charge. ClimbKC.com
Xtreme Gymnastics, Lee’s Summit — Xtreme Gymnastics has multiple classes for homeschoolers, including preschool gymnastics, competitive gymnastics and tumbling lessons. You can register for a free trial on their website. XGTKids.com
Kansas City Southeast Community Center, Kansas City, Mo. — This community center is the place to be on weekday afternoons! Homeschoolers can participate in swim time on Mondays, P.E. classes on Tuesdays and art lessons on Wednesdays. These programs occur throughout the school year and are best for ages 6-13. KCParks.org
Motus Ninjas, Lee’s Summit and Overland Park — Both Motus Ninjas locations hold homeschool gym classes for 4- to 15-year-olds. Instructors arrange a new obstacle course each week for your aspiring ninjas, featuring elements such as climbing rings, warped walls and balancing steps. Visit the gym’s website to sign up for a free trial. MotusNinjas.com
KC East Lions, Multiple Locations in Kansas City — Throughout the year, KC East Lions coaches various athletic programs for homeschoolers ages 10-18. Kids can participate in soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, football, basketball, baseball, track or cross-country. Many former members have gone on to receive sports scholarships! KCEastLions.com
THE ARTS
Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, Overland Park — Are your homeschoolers interested in musical theater? Art? Dance? STEAM? Whatever their passion is, the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center has a class for them. Many of the programs have separate levels for different age groups, so your children will fit in whether they are 6 or 17. JCPRD.com
Storybook Theatre, Kansas City, Mo. — Let the show begin! Homeschoolers ages 4-18 can participate in productions and performance classes at Storybook Theatre. StorybookTheatreKC.com
REW Music, Lenexa — Whether your children are beginners or advanced musicians, they can find a place to shine at REW Music. Homeschoolers ages 10-18 can choose from seven different band and orchestra ensembles to join. The next semester starts this fall and leads to a winter and spring recital. REWMusic.net
The Culture House, Olathe —This premier arts center offers a myriad of homeschool enrichment programs including art, choir, acting and music courses during school-time hours, with a goal of cultivating creativity through professional, faith- driven arts programs for all ages. CultureHouse.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Crown Center District, Kansas City, Mo. — Each year (usually during February), Crown Center hosts a Homeschool Event. Homeschool families can get discounts at many businesses around the district, such as Legoland, Sea Life, the Coterie Theatre and the Money Museum. CrownCenter.com
Independence Community Ice, Independence — On the third Friday of each school month, this ice rink holds an open skate day for homeschoolers. Don’t know how to skate? No problem! Homeschool students can also sign up for skate lessons. IndependenceCommunityIce.com
Rink Ratz, Blue Springs — Roller skaters love Rink Ratz’s homeschool skates, which cost just $6. Admission includes a skate rental and a 12-oz. drink. Children under 4 are free! Rink Ratz usually hosts two or three homeschool skate days per month, so check their online calendar to stay up-to-date. Rink-Ratz.com
Fun Fact: When Anna Hiestand was 13 years old, her homeschool writing assignments included writing “teen blogs” for KC Parent Magazine. Now, at 26, she still loves creating content for this magazine.