Fairy Lands & Fairy Tales

Visit a magical world of childhood fantasies-come-true during the imaginative exhibition, May 19-Oct. 6, of Fairy Houses & Forts: An Enchanting Garden Adventure, at Powell Gardens. The beautiful display showcases large-scale fairy houses and fanciful forts to amuse and delight guests of all ages.

Fantasy comes to life this summer at Kansas City’s theaters. Starlight Theatre, Kansas City’s original outdoor theater, presents the tale of the boy who “won’t grow up” when Cathy Rigby stars in Peter Pan, July 24-29. Your children will be swept away by the magic of Tinker Bell, flying pirate ships and Neverland. Pack a picnic for Shawnee’s Theatre in the Park’s presentation of a Disney Double Feature with Jungle Book and Sleeping Beauty, showing July 6-15. And enjoy the classic tale of the princess and the pea at Coterie’s showing of Once Upon a Mattress, June 19-Aug. 5.

Kansas City is rich with terrific parks and green spaces, many of them featuring creative playgrounds with larger-than-life animals, castles, pirate ships, fire trucks and more. Read “Best Parks in Kansas City” to discover our top picks. The newest addition to our list of favorites is Meadowmere Park’s Brumble’s Forest (13610 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO). The park, opening spring 2012, features an incredible playground depicting a magical forest kingdom.