Kansas City's Toy Story
Before your kids head back to school, squeeze a little more play into the summer calendar. And what better way to play than with a celebration of toys! These are our favorite local attractions telling the story of toys and childhood.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (formerly known as the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City) has been undergoing one tremendous makeover, and Aug. 1 is the big reveal! The museum was one of my favorite Kansas City attractions when I was growing up. I loved exploring room upon room of dollhouses and toys—discovering new treasures on each visit. This was on the top of my list to share with my girls as soon as they were old enough to enjoy it. You can imagine my surprise when I learned the museum would be closing for many months to undergo a transformation and improvement—how could this already incredible attraction be improved?
Recently, I had the pleasure of a sneak peek at the surprise that lies in store. Wow, this is one amazing makeover! A streamlined entry and revised floorplan simplify things for visitors but retains the magic and whimsy we’ve loved for years. The first impression is incredible: a giant rotating spiral of toys backlit and greeting visitors who delight in finding their own favorites and discovering new ones on the animated real-life collage. The dollhouse displays are beautifully lit and presented, and the Coleman dollhouse, in a new home, will still open every December, maintaining a special holiday tradition. New and improved exhibits throughout include a Grandma’s Attic display showcasing toys and presenting their individual stories as treasures to be discovered. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits, learning more about the process of creating and making both miniatures and toys. And the joy of discovering favorites from each family generation’s childhood remains intact—I was excited to see many of my favorite childhood toys and those of my family among the collection. The reopening of this Kansas City treasure was well worth the wait!
LEGO®, one of the most popular children’s toys for generations, is visiting Kansas City this summer at Powell Gardens’ Nature Connects 2 Exhibit on display through September 7. Children are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt (see the Visitor’s Center for information before you begin) discovering 27 LEGO® sculptures throughout the gardens. The sculptures depict amazing creatures at home in nature. Ranging in size from 6 inches to 6 feet, LEGO® animals include a hummingbird, woodpecker, bald eagle, monarch butterfly, squirrels, rabbits, a snake, a mouse, a family of ducks, and more. In addition to the exhibit, visitors may enjoy educational activities and special performances, such as a hands-on LEGO® brick building station, LEGO® brick design competitions, storytelling, discovery stations, and more. Tip: Plan your visit in time to also enjoy the Festival of Butterflies: July 31-August 2 & August 7-9, 2015. Each August Powell Gardens transforms the 2,500-square-foot conservatory into a temporary butterfly house, filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms and hundreds of tropical butterflies. Highlights of the event include a native butterfly breezeway by Master Gardeners, Monarch Watch and the Idalia Society, kids' crafts, storytelling, a costume parade, a butterfly catch-and-release area and much more.
Science City at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2020). Over the years, Science City just keeps getting better. Their newest exhibits on water, the science of energy and DNA are well designed and educational. Many of the exhibits are not just educational, but entertaining as well. As kids dance at a musical playground, play with water, launch a rocket, dig for fossils and discover, they are actually learning. In addition to the fun in the museum, the gift shop sells a variety of great science themed toys, experiments and books you won’t find at your local big box store. On your next trip to Science City be sure to visit the Model Rail Experience at the far end of the Grand Hall. Step into a, 8,000 square foot world of toy trains. From the tiniest N-scale model train to big G-scale trains, model train enthusiasts, the young, and the young-at-heart enjoy this display. The trains meander through countryside and urban areas, old and new. The scenes change for the holidays with special exhibits for Christmas. And, there is an interactive section with Thomas the Tank trains just for children. This is truly one of the best model train displays we have ever seen.
3 More Toy Adventures in KC
The merry-go-round is one of childhood’s fondest memories, and you can take a trip to see where it all began with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. You’ll njoy seeing a variety of merry-go-rounds, including the oldest operating primitive wooden carousel and even miniature carousel music boxes. Best of all, every visit includes a nostalgic merry-go-round ride for fun memories and the perfect photo op!
The UFDC Doll Museum (10900 N. Ponoma Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.891.7040) is beloved by doll collectors and doll lovers of all ages. The museum features special exhibits that change throughout the year, showcasing dolls from every culture and era. The collections feature dolls from around the world in all sizes and shapes, made from everything from papier mache to porcelain.
A unique new museum hit the scene in May this year. The Roller Coaster Model Museum (11415 E. 23rd St. S., Independence, MO, 816.656.5106) is home to working and static model roller coasters in various scales, including models of retired Worlds of Fun roller coasters.
Kristina Light loves the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, her husband is partial to the Model Rail Experience and her girls love any adventure that leads to fun!