Best of April in Kansas City

April means Spring in Kansas City! It's time to enjoy Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, the Kansas City Zoo and other outdoor attractions. Also, treat the kids to wonderful family friendly productions, amazing exhibits, and family fun! 

Read our Kansas City Easter Fun Guide here!

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead opening for the Season!

• When, Where, What: The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 1 to Oct. 31. Admission - $2/person (under age 2 free) Fri.-Sun. & holidays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mon.-Thu.: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors enjoy Free Admission Mon.-Thu.: 2 p.m. to close. 913.897.2360
• Why We LOVE It: The first sign of spring in Kansas City: the opening day at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. This is one of our family's FAVORITE outings in Kansas City! The children love feeding goats, watching horses, turkeys, prairie dogs, bison, and chickens. My girls LOVE taking pony rides, but they also offer wagon rides, mining, and fishing. Explore the Dairy Barn, pond, petting zoo, one-room country schoolhouse and the Indian Encampment. The children's butterfly garden is a great place to play or take a photo. Nothing says spring quite like a day at the farm!

Disney on Ice: Follow the Heart

• Details: Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart Mar. 29-April 2 at Sprint Center.
• Why We LOVE It:  Follow your heart straight to adventure at Disney On Ice! Just keep swimming with Dory and new pal Hank from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory as they set out to find her parents and discover the devotion of family. Cheer with Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Emotions from Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out as they work together to boost Riley’s spirit and win the big hockey game. Venture to wintery Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. See Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel and the Disney Princesses make their dreams possible through virtues of bravery, kindness and perseverance.

Sleeping Beauty

• Details: thru Mar. 31-April 9 at Kansas City Ballet.
• Why We LOVE It:  This spring's production is a beautiful ballet perfect for introducing the youngest audience members to ballet for the first time.This romantic and tender tale is told with glittering dances, vibrant storybook characters and one of the most beloved grand pas de deux in all of ballet. This family-friendly ballet is a Kansas City premiere and sure to sell out.

Culture House presents Importance of Being Ernest

• Details: IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST  Performance Dates: March 31st @ 7pm, April 1st @ 2pm & 7pm, April 2nd @ 7pm at The Culture House
• ​Why We LOVE It: John Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, is the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford John an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he stays with his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon has a cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax, with whom John is deeply in love. During his London sojourns, John, under the name Ernest, has won Gwendolen’s love, for she strongly desires to marry someone with the confidence-inspiring name of Ernest. But when he asks for Gwendolen’s hand from the formidable Lady Bracknell, John finds he must reveal he is a foundling who was left in a handbag at Victoria Station. This is very disturbing to Lady Bracknell, who insists that he produce at least one parent before she consents to the marriage. ​​

Healthy Yards Expo

• Details: The Eighth Annual Johnson County Healthy Yards Expo on Saturday, April 1, aims to help you make greener choices for your yards and homes. This free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shawnee Civic Center, located at 13817 Johnson Drive in Shawnee.
• Why We Love It: The expo highlights many simple and easy practices that can be done to achieve a nice yard. Talk with city representatives to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood. Listen to informative speakers. Participate in free, fun and educational activities for children.

Elephant and Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"

• Details: Apr. 4 - May 21 at The Coterie.
• Why We LOVE It:  When “bestus” friends Elephant and Piggie get together, anything is possible! They might get invited to a fancy costume party, learn a crazy new dance, or decide to spend the day playing ping-pong in silly hats. Adapted by Mo Willems from his wildly popular book series, this lively musical features Elephant Gerald and Piggie and their delightfully nutty back-up singers, the Squirrelles, discovering the fun of being in a play – all the while encouraging the audience to join in for some interactive fun.  Bring your bestie and share in the laughter and how good it feels to put friends first.

Passport to India

• Details: April 9 from 10am-4pm at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, KC, MO). Parking in the museum garage is $8. Museum members park free. Additional free parking and accessible shuttle service available at Kauffman Foundation & Kauffman Gardens, 4800-01 Rockhill Road. All activities and performances are FREE and open to the public. 
• Why We LOVE It:  The Nelson's FREE Festivals are simply amazing and this is no exception. Discover the dance, music, fashions, art and culture of South Asia at a very special Passport to India! Journey to India at this event and get your passport stamped along the way! Activities include hands-on learning in the South and Southeast Asian Art Galleries, henna design demonstrations and temporary tattoos and art activities. Enjoy dance and music performances and a fashion show. In honor of 70 years of India’s independence, and 20 years of community collaborations, the 2017 Passport to India is bigger than ever!

JCCC Performing Arts Center April Performances

• Why We Love It: JCCC Performing Arts Series brings a variety of shows to the stage year-round. This month, take in one of these great productions: 
• April's Shows: ALLEGRO SPRING CONCERT 2017  on April 2, TRIO VIRADO on April 7, TODRICK HALL PRESENTS STRAIGHT OUTTA OZ on April 8, 'IT GETS BETTER' on April 22, IBEX PUPPETRY 'SING ALONG WITH THE MUPPET MOVIE' on April 30 .

Access Art

• Details: Access Art FREE program presented by Mid-Continent Public Libraries. Choose from two dates: April 8 at 9am at Woodneath Library Center (8900 NE Flintlock Rd. , KC, MO). AND April 22 at 9am at North Independence Branch (317 E. 24 Highway, Independence, MO).

• Why We Love It: Presented in partnership with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Art Institute, this event will feature free workshops in drawing, painting, poetry writing, illustration, paper craft, digital graphic arts, and family art activities. In addition, attendees will be able to meet and interact with local artists and artisans throughout the day.

Fountain Day

• Details: Apr. 12 Fountain Day at 5pm at Concourse Fountain (Benton Boulevard & St. John Ave, KC, MO).
• Why We LOVE It: This marks the day when Kansas City, Missouri’s public fountains spring back to life! Please join the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners for the official start of the 2017 fountain season in the City of Fountains. This year, it is a joint celebration as we also observe Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation’s 125th Anniversary!

Worlds of Fun open for the Season with TWO NEW Family Rides!

• When, Where, What: Worlds of Fun is open for the Season Apr. 14!
• Why We LOVE It: Worlds of Fun is kicking off the 2017 season with two new unique and thrilling rides, as well as a completely redesigned front gate to enhance the guest experience next season. Mustang Runner – Three arms with seven gondolas per arm turn one way while the base of the ride spins the other way. Falcon’s Flight – A hair-raising thrill at nearly 100 feet above the ground. This ride spins and rises at the same time with more than 50 riders at a time. While rides and water slides are the focus during summer, Worlds of Fun loves creating long-lasting memories for families, no matter the season. With the addition of WinterFest, a holiday festival, families can experience even more by starting a new holiday family tradition in Kansas City.​

Flights of Fancy

• Details:  MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy Kite Festival April 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at MCC-Longview 500 SW Longview Rd. Lee's Summit, Mo.
• Why We LOVE It:  Every year, we pack a picnic, our favorite kites, and the camera for a day of fun on the lawn of Metropolitan Community College - Longview for the Flights of Fancy Festival. This free festival is open to the public and it is absolutely wonderful. Kite enthusiasts gather every year to fly their favorite kites. You'll see gigantic kites, stunt kites, Chinese kites, and fun kites... last year we loved Snoopy and his dog house. They even have a giant kite kids can climb through and the kites do a candy drop over the field. The festival is a wonderful way to enjoy Spring and it's such a relaxed, beautiful nice family tradition... we never miss it! 
• Bonus: Read our Tips for Flights of Fancy before you go!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

• Details: Miller Marley Youth Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland. Shows at 2 & 7pm on Apr 22& 23.

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• Why We Love It: See the favorite tale with beautiful dancers, sets and costumes. Miller Marley Youth ballet brings this classic fairytale to life. A beautiful princess named Snow White experiences adventures with seven little men she meets in the forest.  This tale is complete with an Evil Queen and her magic mirror, a poisoned apple, and of course, a handsome prince!  

Earth Day at Lakeside Nature Center

• Details: April 22 from 10am-4pm at Lakeside Nature Center (4701 East Gregory Blvd., KC, MO). Call (816) 513-8960 or e-mail folnc@crn.org for more information.
• Why We Love It: Lakeside Nature Center is an incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish, and invertebrates. Every year, this local nature center hosts a family-friendly Earth Day event. This year's theme for 2017 is "Wildlife in Swope Park."  Come to the center to learn, watch a puppet show from StoneLion Puppets, make something to take home, get a tattoo and see our wildlife stars.  

Chalk Walk

• Details: Chalk Walk in North KC Apr. 29 & 30 from 9am-5pm each day at The Fountain at Concourse Park at St. John Ave. & Benton Blvd. in KC, MO.
• Why We Love It: This FREE, family-friendly event in the tradition of European 16th Century street painting transforms the dull, grey concrete of the sidewalks and surface of the Concourse Park Fountain into colorful, pastel canvases.

Family Fun Fest at Olathe Medical Center

• Details: April 30 from 11:30am-3pm at Olathe Medical Center
• Why We Love It: Come out for a day of fun for the whole family - and celebrate the grand opening of our new Birth Place/NICU! The kids can get their faces painted and a free bike helmet, while parents can receive free wellness screenings. Don't miss out on: A Bicycle Safety Rodeo with free bike helmets, presented by the Olathe Fire Department, Lunch provided, Tours of the new Birth Place/NICU, Free health screenings, and Helpful information from our hospital departments and clinics.

Special Events at the Kansas City Zoo

• When, Where, What: The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round. (6800 Zoo Dr., KCMO. 816.513.5800 www.KansasCityZoo.org).
• Why We LOVE It: The popularity of penguins in Kansas City has exploded with the opening of the state-of-the-art Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo! The Kansas City Zoo is one of our favorite year-round attractions, and with the Penguin Exhibit, Polar Bear Passage, Tropics and Discovery Barn all near the entrance and all with indoor exhibits, a cool weather outing to the zoo is more fun than ever! Then, on warmer days check out the kangaroos in Australia and the elephants, zebra, and giraffes in Africa.
• Tip: Mark your calendar for these fun events at the Zoo: April 1 - Royals Day at the Zoo, April 2 - Autism Awareness Day, April 8 & 9  -  Party for the Planet, April 15 & 16 -  Scout Weekend, April 22 -  Seafood Soiree  (ticketed event, parents only), April 22 & 23 - Species Spotlight—Hogs, April 29 & 30 -  Teacher Appreciation Weekend. And more on the Zoo Calendar!

Claws at Sea Life Kansas City

• Details: NEW Exhibit at Sea Life Kansas City. Tip: Kids Go Free with paid adult if you use the promo code: PARENT.
• Why We LOVE It:  Meet the armored division of the marine world at this all new exhibit. Learn about the amazing anatomy of crabs and find out what makes them one of the most powerful predators of the sea bed! The Claws exhibit showcases incredible crustaceans from around the world, featuring the giant Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) with legs reaching up to 12 feet in length when fully grown! Other species will include the Florida spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spider crab (Mithrax spinosissimus), the unique fiddler crab and even lobsters!

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​FREE Under the Sea Adventure at Crown Center 

• Details: Under the Sea Adventure thru May 7, Crown Center. Open during Crown Center shopping hours. FREE. 816.274.8444
• Why We Love It: This FREE hands-on exhibit is a great place for indoor play on a cold winter's day! Plunge into a fun, creative environment in this free exhibit that will delight kids who love to explore the deep blue sea. Discover buried treasure in a sunken pirate ship, ride a dolphin and seahorses, paddle your way to the mermaid's house, climb inside the mouth of a whale, explore in the submarine, and many more aquatic adventures. It's fathoms of fun, and it's totally free!

Pompeii:The Exhibition at Union Station

• When, Where, What: Pompeii: The Exhibition at Union Station
• Why We LOVE It: We can't wait for this educational, interactive, and inspiring exhibit at Union Station. Featuring nearly 200 artifacts — some never before seen in the United States—including vibrant frescoes, detailed mosaics, lifelike statues and precious personal objects,Pompeii: The Exhibition tells the story of a city hidden from view and forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery over 250 years ago.

Over the Rainbow: Toys from the Land of Oz

• When, Where, What: thru Aug. 20 at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
• Why We LOVE It: Published in 1900, L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz is considered America’s first fairy tale and it holds a special place in the hearts of Kansans and Kansas Citians alike. The story of Dorothy’s fantastical journey through the land of Oz has enticed generations. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of our favorite whimsical attractions with toys bringing back memories for generations. The newest exhibit explores the original literary story of The Wizard of Oz and its many retellings, including the 1939 Technicolor film, Return to Oz, and The Wiz, through playthings, first edition books, and original costumes at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.
• Special Events in April: MEET THE EXPERTS: MESNER PUPPET THEATER SNEAK PREVIEW OF WIZARD OF OZ SUNDAY, APRIL 09, 2017 | 2-3PM: Get to know the experts at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures through this monthly exploration of special topics. On April 9, Mesner Puppet Theater will give an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the theater’s upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. The program includes a lecture and gallery visit. Included with museum admission.

Sign up for Summer Camp

• When, Where, What: It is time to sign up for Summer Camp! The KC Parent Camp Guide is your resource for camps.
• Why We LOVE It: The best Summer Camps fill fast, so now is the time to enroll your child. We have you guide to the best camps in the area. Whatever the age, interest, or skill your child hopes to explore, the KC Parent Camp Guide has something for everyone!

Shop at Kansas City's Farmers' Markets!

• When, Where, What: Kansas City's Farmers' Markets start opening ALL Month long! With over 30 markets to choose from, ranging from small to large all across the metro, there is something for the locavore in all of us. Check out our Guide to Kansas City Farmers' Markets and read great tips for buying local farm fresh produce and discover a Farmers' Market near you.
• Why We LOVE It: We're fortunate to have so many terrific Farmers' Markets in Kansas City to choose from. If you want to eat organic, fresh, locally grown produce, or you are looking for plants for your own garden, or local honey, Amish baked goods, or even live animals... Kansas City's Farmers' Markets have it all! Several even boast live music and entertainment. This is an excellent family outing on a Spring Saturday... you have fun and finish a chore all at once!

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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.