Thanksgiving Fun All Month Long!
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Kansas City with family fun all month long! From Thanksgiving themed puppet shows, to story telling, to special programs and festive lighting displays... there are many terrific choices to bring in the Holiday Season in Kansas City this year!
Thanksgiving Themes
- Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts
- Thanksgiving Food Fun
- Thanksgiving Music and Dance
- Outdoor Fun for Thanksgiving
- Stories for Thanksgiving
Arts and Crafts
Kaleidoscope
When: Monday-Saturday. Visit their Website for specifics.
Where: Kaleidoscope (2500 Grand Blvd, KCMO).
Admission: Free
Ages: All ages may attend Family Art Sessions
Details: Children explore exciting environments creating one of a kind art masterpieces using unique materials and recycled supplies. Kaleidoscope is open year-round, but they offer special projects with Thanksgiving in mind during the month of November.
Contact Information: 816.274.8300, www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com
American Indian Galleries Celebration Weekend
When: November 14-15, 2009
Where: Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, KCMO).
Admission: FREE, some events require registration.
Details: The Museum celebrates the opening of the new American Indian Galleries with a series of performances featuring nationally known groups representing Native peoples from different regions of North America.
Schedule:
Haskell Performance Group Saturday, Nov. 14, 12:00-12:45 PM, Bloch Lobby
Copper Maker Dancers Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-1:30 PM, Atkins Auditorium, Free; tickets required.
Midnite Express Saturday, Nov. 14, 1:45-2:30 PM, Bloch Lobby
Copper Maker Dancers Saturday, Nov. 14, 3-3:30 PM, Atkins Auditorium, Free; tickets required.
Midnite Express Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-1:45 PM, Kirkwood Hall
Copper Maker Dancers Sunday, Nov. 15, 2-2:30 PM, Atkins Auditorium, Free; tickets required.
Haskell Performance Group Sunday, Nov. 15, 3-3:45 PM, Kirkwood Hall
Celebration Finale Sunday, Nov. 15, 4-4:45 PM, Kirkwood Hall
Contact Information: 816.751.1ART, www.nelson-atkins.org
Children's Workshop: Corn Husk Doll Making
When: November 14, 10:00 AM
Where: National Frontier Trails Museum (318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO).
Admission: $10/each.
Details: Make a corn husk doll just like the American Indians and pioneer children used to make.
Contact Information: 816.325.7575, www.ci.independence.mo.us/nftm
Beginner Sewing: Mom & Me Thanksgiving Placemats
When: November 14, 10:30 AM
Where: Blue Valley Rec. Activity Center (6545 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS).
Admission: $25/Resident, $35/Non-Resident
Ages: Ages 7-18 with mom.
Details: Create special memories together while making five Thanksgiving placemats for your holiday meal. No experience necessary.
Contact Information: 913.685.6000, www.bluevalleyrec.org/currentguide.pdf
Beginner Sewing: Thanksgiving Placemats
When: November 14, 11:00 AM
Where: Blue Valley Rec. Activity Center (6545 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS).
Admission: $25/Resident, $31/Non-Resident
Ages: Ages 6 and up.
Details: Create special memories together while making five Thanksgiving placemats for your holiday meal. No experience necessary.
Contact Information: 913.685.6000, www.bluevalleyrec.org/currentguide.pdf
Gobble, Gobble
When: November 17, 12:30 PM
Where: Paint, Glaze and Fire (12683 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS).
Admission: $20/Resident of Johnson County, $25/Non-Resident
Details: Create a special turkey plate using your hand as the mold.
Contact Information: 913.685.6000, www.bluevalleyrec.org/currentguide.pdf
Food Fun
Preschool: Fall Fun 3 – Native American Celebration
When: November 14, 9:30AM
Where: Ernie Miller Nature Center (909 N K-7 Hwy, Olathe, KS).
Admission: $14/residents, $15/non-residents
Ages: Ages 4-5
Details: Learn about the history of Native Americans. Find out what food they brought to the first Thanksgiving and how they helped the pilgrims survive. Hear stories and taste a snack from the Native Americans.
Contact Information: 913.831.3355, www.jcprd.com
Traditional Turkey? No Thanks!
When: November 21, 10:00 AM
Where: Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (4750 Troost, KCMO).
Admission: FREE
Ages: All ages
Details: Walk in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. No reservations required. Are you prepared for the big Thanksgiving meal? Do you want to mix things up a bit? Join us as we blow the top off of traditional Thanksgiving cooking. You will be introduced to outdoor cooking techniques, new recipes, and Dutch Oven basics. Sampling will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Contact Information: 816.759.7300, www.mdc.mo.gov
Go Wild at the Dinner Table
When: November 24, 6:00 PM
Where: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO).
Admission: FREE
Details: Learning about wild edible plants is more than a survival option. It can be a lot of fun to learn how to identify these gifts of nature together. We will even provide a few tasty treats to sample.
Contact Information: 816.228.3766, www.mdc.mo.gov
Music & Dance
Movement & Art: Turkey Trot Ages: Ages 3-6 When & Where: Two choices:
- November 9, 10:00 AM at Tomahawk Creek Recreation Complex (17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee, KS).
- November 16, 10:00 AM at Roeland Park Community Center (4850 Rosewood Dr., Mission, KS).
- Admission: Resident Cost: $12.00, Non-Resident Cost: $13.00.
Details: Gobble-gobble! Watch out - here come the turkeys! Come and learn how to do your very own “Turkey Trot” for that special day. We have songs to sing, we’ll make a turkey decoration for your table, and also a treat to gobble-gobble up at the end of class. All supplies are provided. Ages 3-6,
Contact Information: 913.831.3355, www.jcprd.com
Kachina Drums Puppet Show
When: November 28, 3:00PM
Where: Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, KCMO).
Admission: FREE, registration required.
Details: Kachina Drums is three stories in one, all sharing the theme of living together in harmony.
Contact Information: 816.751.1ART, www.stonelionpuppets.org
Outdoor Fun
Turkey Watching When: All Month Long
Where: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO).
Admission: FREE
Details: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center is home to wild turkeys and the Bird Watching Center is a wonderful observation room for families to watch the birds strut and gobble!
Contact Information: 816-228-3766, www.mdc.mo.gov
Babes in the Woods: Crunching Leaves
When: November 17, 10:00AM
Where: Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO).
Admission: FREE
Details: We will go crunching, kicking, and playing through the leaves with your little ones. The heat of the day is gone and winter is about here. Let’s get outside.
Contact Information: 816-228-3766, www.mdc.mo.gov
Gobble Greatness
When: November 21, 1:00PM Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO).
Admission: FREE
Details: Join a naturalist as you discover the natural history of the wild turkey and its amazing recovery in Missouri. We will learn clues about their survival, and a little trivia for the Thanksgiving table. Dress to be outside for a short hike.
Contact Information: 816.228.3766, www.mdc.mo.gov
Turkey Bowling at Line Creek Ice Arena
When: November 21, 2:00PM Line Creek Ice Arena (5940 NW Waukomis, KCMO).
Admission: $5/person (includes FREE skate rental)
Details: It’s time to Turkey Bowl! Grab your friend and head to Line Creek Ice Arena for ice skating, turkey bowling, and a snowball fight. Skating runs from 2:00-4:00pm, bowling will take place from 2:15-3:00pm, and the event ends with a snowball fight from 3:05-3:10pm.
Contact Information: 816.513.0760
Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Family Stroll
When: November 26, 9:00 AM Sprint Campus
Admission: Registration varies
Details: 20th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Family Stroll. Join other families as they participate in the Thanksgiving Day 5K & Family Stroll presented by Sprint. Start time: 9:00 A.M. Long-sleeve t-shirts (guaranteed to pre-registered), embroidered stocking caps for the first 500 registrants, Kid's Fun Run, Walkers and baby strollers welcome.
Contact Information: www.sportkc.com
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Luminary Walk
When: November 27, 5:00PM
Where: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., KCMO).
Admission: FREE
Details: Enjoy a Holiday Luminary Walk in the Sculpture Park. Museum Docents are available to answer questions.
Contact Information: 816.751.1ART, www.nelson-atkins.org
Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk
When: November 27-28, December 4-5, 5:00PM
Where: Overland Park Arboretum (8909 W. 179th St., Bucyrus, KS).
Admission: $6/adults and $5/children ages 5-11. Those 4 and under are free.
Details: Stroll down one mile of candlelit trails through the woods and around the ponds at the Holiday Luminary Walk.
Contact Information: 913.685.3604, www.opkansas.org
Thanksgiving Storytelling
Farm Tales: Harvest is Here
When: November 14, 10:00AM
Where: National Agricultural Hall of Fame (630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS).
Admission: Children are FREE with full price adult admission (limit of two free children per adult, additional children are $3/ea). Recommended for children 10 and under.
Details: Storytelling about the American Harvest.
Contact Information: 913.721.1075, www.aghalloffame.com
Little Red's Autumn Adventure Storytime
When: November 15, 3:00 PM
Where: Oak Park Mall Barnes & Noble (11323 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, KS).
Admission: FREE
Details: It's a splendid autumn afternoon at Buttercup Cottage. Little Red and her friends are on their way to the Great Harvest Festival in Bluebell Wood. Find out what happens when Little Red enters the woods.
Contact Information: 913.492.8187, www.barnesandnoble.com
Animal Tales: Pumpkins
When: November 18, 10:00 AM
Where: Ernie Miller Nature Center (909 N K-7 Hwy, Olathe, KS).
Admission: $2 per person (including adults). Paid at site. $2/each, including parents (ages 2-6).
Details: Visit the Nature Center for stories, songs, and surprises geared to preschool children. Come to listen and learn. Meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact Information: 913.764.7759, www.erniemiller.com
Give Thanks Storytime With Jo Ho
When: November 18, 10:00 AM
Where: Johnson County Museum (6305 Lackman, Shawnee, KS).
Admission: FREE
Details: Jo Ho brings her Thank You Community Helpers! program to the Museum. Our 'services with a smile' folks are given a big thank you in these factual and fun stories of neighborhood helpers. Tales and catchy tunes of firefighters, police, doctors, nurses, teachers, and mail carriers take listeners through a day full of people helping people. Then enjoy KidScape! Story time is a Free event sponsored by Target. Doors open at 9:45.
Contact Information: Groups of 10 or more must pre-register by calling Erin at 913.715.2552, www.jocomuseum.org
Priscilla Mullins: A Pilgrim
When and Where: Four Choices:
- November 16, 7:00 PM, Edgerton Mid-Continent Public Library (404 Frank St., Edgerton, MO).
- November 19, 11:00 AM, Excelsior Springs Mid-Continent Public Library (1460 Kearney Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO).
- November 19, 7:00 PM, Colbern Road Mid-Continent Public Library (1000 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO).
- November 21, 11:00 AM, Blue Springs South Library (2220 S. 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO).
Admission: FREE
Details: Dressed in costume Barbara Hughes as Priscilla Mullins shares her story of traveling on the Mayflower in Plymouth colony, and celebrating Thanksgiving. Several props will make the story come alive. Also a powerpoint presentation visually illustrates events and helps show "life" in the New England colonies. Registration is required. ages 8 and up.
Contact Information: www.mcpl.lib.mo.us
Family Huddle Storytime
When: November 21, 11:00 AM
Where: Town Center Plaza Barnes & Noble (4751 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS).
Admission: FREE
Details: Family Huddle by Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning Storytime. Huddle up with the most famous family in football -- the Mannings! They are NFL superstars now, but they are still kids in Family Huddle. Come hear about all their adventures. We'll read other football stories too.
Contact Information: 913.491.4399, www.barnesandnoble.com
Thanks for Thanksgiving Story Time
When: November 21, 11:00 AM
Where: Oak Park Mall Barnes & Noble (11323 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, KS).
Details: Thanks for Thanksgiving Storytime Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks¿the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!
Contact Information: 913.492.8187, www.barnesandnoble.com
Thanksgiving for Kids!
When: November 21, 11:00 AM
Where: Independence Commons Barnes & Noble (19120 E. 39th St., Independence, MO).
Details: Thanksgiving for Kids! Gather up your family and get into the spirit of Thanksgiving! We'll read Albuquerque Turkey by B.G. Ford, Gracias the Thanksgiving Turkey by Joy Cowley and Joe Cepeda, plus other holiday stories. Contact Information: 816.795.8154, www.barnesandnoble.com
I'm A Turkey
When: November 24, 10:00 AM
Where: Southeast Branch Kansas City Public Library (6242 Swope Parkway, KCMO).
Details: In spoken-word song with rhyming text, a turkey describes his life in a large flock, always looking out for other creatures that might find him tasty.
Contact Information: www.kclibrary.org
Thanksgiving Program
When: November 24, 10:00 AM
Where: Grandview Mid-Continent Public Library (12930 Booth Lane, Grandview, MO).
Admission: FREE, Registration required.
Details: "I Like My Turkey Fried, Thank You!" and other tasty tales presented by storyteller, Jo Ho in celebration of Thanksgiving. Some silly stories and some heartfelt ones too. There's lots of participation for listeners and Jo looks forward to teaching you the "turkey bop."
Contact Information: 816.763.0550 www.mcpl.lib.mo.us
Thanksgiving Stories
When: November 25, 10:00 AM
Where: Town Center Plaza Barnes & Noble (4751 W. 117th St., Leawood, KS).
Admission: FREE
Details: Come join us for our favorite Thanksgiving stories.
Contact Information: 913.491.4399 www.barnesandnoble.com
Arthur's Thanksgiving
When: November 25, 10:00 AM
Where: Independence Commons Barnes & Noble (19120 E. 39th St., Independence, MO).
Details: Thanksgiving Storytime Celebrate the holiday with In November by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur's Thanksgiving by Marc Brown. Then you can color your own Thanksgiving picture.
Contact Information: 816.795.8154, www.barnesandnoble.com
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