10 Terrific Ideas for Doll Lovers in KC
That beloved doll... her material is worn, her hair is knotted, and her hands show dirt from countless trips to the playground. If she could talk, she’d tell the stories of childhood. For girls who love dolls, Kansas City offers several wonderful outings.
- Explore Dollhouses Galore! The Toy and Miniature Museum, near the Plaza, is home to an amazing collection of dollhouses, dolls and antique toys. Children are fascinated by the miniature homes, working model trains, marbles, and classic toys. My girls loved the dollhouses with working lights and the fact that the museum exhibits are easy for young ones to see thanks to accessible stools and exhibits at their eye level. This museum is a fun family outing for all ages. Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City (5235 Oak St.) is open Wed.-Sat from 10am-4pm and Sun. 1-4pm. Admission: $6/adults, $4/ages 5-12, Free/Under 5. 816.333.9328
- Make Doll Clothes! Girls, ages 8-12, can learn to make their own one-of-a-kind Doll Clothes. This hands-on workshop is taught in three 1-hr sessions from 11am-12pm on July 7, 8, and 10 at Reading Reptile (328 W 63rd St, KCMO). Call 816.753.0441 to register. Cost: $10/child.
- Celebrate with an American Girl Tea Princess Party! Enjoy delicate tea cakes, cookies and tea. Bring your favorite doll for a lovely tea with family and friends. The "American Girl Tea Princess" from "The Wishing Well Castle" will arrive just in time. Special memory photos will be available. Entertainment, silent auction baskets, and a surprise to take home. July 26, 2-4pm at the Johnson County Community College - Regnier Center, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS. Event is a fundraiser for a well in Africa. Cost: $15/ea or $20/ea after July 12th.
- Make Ugly-ish Dolls! Girls, ages 8-12, can learn to make an Ugly-ish Doll of their very own. This hands-on workshop is taught in three 1-hr sessions from 11am-12pm on August 11, 12, and 14 at Reading Reptile (328 W 63rd St, KCMO). Call 816.753.0441 to register. Cost: $10/child.
- Watch Doll Stories on the Big Screen! This summer, Dickinson Theaters are showing Kit Kittredge: An American Girl for only $2.50/ticket (children under 3 are free). This heart-warming film is about the American Girl Doll, Kit Kittredge. The story, set during the Great Depression, tells of Kit’s determination and hard work to achieve her dream of becoming a reporter. Showing at Dickinson Theatres at 10am or 12:30pm. Available at the following locations: EastGlen 16 (June 29-July 2), Great Mall 16 (July 20-23), NorthGlen 14 (July 6-9), Palazzo 16 (June 22-25), WestGlen 18 (July 13-16).
- Visit Kansas City’s Doll Museum. The UFDC Doll Museum, near Tiffany Springs, features special exhibits that change throughout the year. My daughters were captivated by the baby dolls, familiar characters like Pinocchio, Snoopy, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland. The collections feature dolls from around the world in all sizes, shapes, and made from everything from papier mache to porcelain. The current display features the 50th Anniversary of the Barbie Doll. UFDC Doll Museum (10900 N. Ponoma Ave. KCMO) is open Mon-Fri from 10am-4pm. Admission: $4/ages 13 and up, $2/ages 6-12, Free/5 and under. 816.891.7040
- Take Your Doll to the Doll Hospital or Find a New Beloved Doll. The Doll Cradle is a wonderful doll store that will capture every doll lover’s heart! Their collection ranges from American Girl to Madame Alexander to classic paper dolls, Raggedy Ann, and much more. Doll clothes, furniture, and accessories are also available. Our family loves Huggums dolls and the store includes a collection of Huggums dolls and clothes. It is also home to the Doll Hospital where “extra loved” dolls can come visit the Doll Doctor for special repairs. The Doll Cradle hosts special events throughout the year. The Doll Cradle (10910 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS) 913.631.1900
- Enjoy an American Girl Tea Party at the Library! You are invited to dress up and bring your favorite doll and friend for our annual American Girl Tea Party. Enjoy a fun-filled hour of peering into Josefina's life and making timely crafts. Refreshments will be served. Register in advance.
- • June 16 or 18, 1:30pm: North Oak Library (8700 N. Oak Street Trafficway, KCMO). 816.436.4385
- • July 25, 2pm: Parkville Library (8815 Tom Watson Parkway, Parkville, MO). 816.741.4721
- Learn about Japanese Dolls. Every year in March, Japan celebrates the Doll Festival (Japanese, Hina Matsuri, dedicated to girls). This year, the Kansas City Japanese Festival is hosting an elaborate hina doll display. Japanese Festival of Kansas City, September 19, 10am-9pm. (kcjapanfestival.com)
- Read about Hollyhock Dolls. Mary Martin, of Parkville, wrote and illustrated an enchanting children’s book about Hollyhock Dolls complete with instructions to make your own doll. The book, Miss Lilly and the Hollyhock Garden, is available at local libraries.
Kristina Light is mother to two doll-loving daughters. They enjoy visits to the Doll Cradle, Toy and Miniature Museum, Doll Museum, and library where they discover new dolls and doll stories.