Best of June in Kansas City

June! School's Out! Summer is here! Kick off summer fun at Kansas City's attractions... with fabulous gardens, live concerts, great shows, living history, and more - there is something for everyone!

Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun is open with NEW attractions! This year, enjoy the new Nordic Chaser where guests of all ages will board mini ships that rotate speedily around a circuit. The ride captures the imagination as guests experience the sensation of rising and falling along ocean waves. The ride will be placed in the park’s Scandinavia themed area. Guests will also enjoy the newly renovated Timber Wolf. Since its debut in 1989, Timber Wolf has cast an imposing shadow on the surrounding woods as Worlds of Fun's first wooden roller coaster. Timber Wolf opened as the top wooden coaster in the world and then received accolades as a top wooden coaster for over 8 consecutive years.Now, fan favorite and the park's original wooden coaster gets a new finale! Worlds of Fun is replacing the helix with a high-speed over banked 70 degree turn. This thrilling final corner turns riders nearly sideways! TIP: We're giving away 28 Worlds of Fun Tickets! Enter to win today!

Johnson County Parks & Rec Summer Family Fun

Johnson County Parks & Rec (JCPRD) is offering a variety of summer fun events for the entire family!

Our Favorite June Events with JCPRD (you'll find more on their calendar). Note, fees may apply for events. Register with JCPRD in advance.:

• JCPRD Special Olympics & JOCO Feed the Need Golf Tournament June 1: All proceeds from the tournament will benefit JCPRD Special Olympics and Johnson County food pantries.
• Stories Under the Stars June 1: at 7pm at Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater, hear stories of animal encounters, mysterious legends, and tales to tickle your funny bone.
• Free Fishing, Boating & Archery Weekend June 2: Take advantage of this annual permit-free weekend for fishing, boating (Shawnee Mission, Heritage and Kill Creek Parks only), and archery (SMP only). This coincides with the State of Kansas’ “Free Fishing and Park Entrance Days” at state parks whereby state fishing permits are also waived.
• A Day in the Park June 2: Take advantage of free admission to the beaches at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks from noon to 6 pm. Enjoy free half-hour pedal boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at the marinas in Shawnee Mission Park from 10 am to 7 pm and free half-hour pedal boat, canoe, and kayak rentals at the marina in Kill Creek Park from 1 pm to 5 pm.
• Overnight Fishing at Heritage Park June 2 & 3: Grab your fishing pole and lantern for the first overnight fishing opportunity of the year at Heritage Park - and it’s a special one!
• Family Fun Time June 3: 1:30-4:30pm at TimberRidge Adventure Center. Archery, bb guns, boating, and fishing will be offered during this day of fun. Participants may come and go or stay for entire event.
• S’more Family Fun June 8: 6-8pm at Shawnee Mission Park. Each group is loaned a GPS device and given instructions on how to find the caches hidden around the Small Lakes area of Shawnee Mission Park. Receive a prize after finding the caches, then enjoy grilled hotdogs and S`mores.
• Disney’s© “The Little Mermaid” (Rated G) June 8-10, 13-16 at The Theatre in the Park: Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved story and the classic animated film, this fishy fable will capture your heart! So, grab a blanket or chair and a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening under the stars! Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for youth (ages 4-10), and children 3 and under are free, but require a ticket. The box office opens at 6 pm, gates open at 6:30 pm, and curtain is at 8:30 pm.
• Overnight Fishing at Kill Creek Park June 9 & 10: Grab your fishing pole and lantern for the first overnight fishing opportunity of the year at Kill Creek Park!
• Flag Day Fun June 14: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Roeland Park Community Center (RPCC) Celebrate Flag Day with some good ol’ family fun! Activities include: making a flag craft, playing family board games, and root beer floats.
• The Great American Family Campout June 16 & 17:  Whether you are an experienced camper or just looking for an activity to share with your family, this is your opportunity to sleep under the stars in the safety of the largest park in Johnson County.
• “South Pacific” (Rated PG) June 22-24, 27-30 at The Theatre in the Park: Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by prejudice and war. Grab a blanket or chair and a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening under the stars! Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for youth (ages 4-10), and children 3 and under are free, but require a ticket. The box office opens at 6 pm, gates open at 6:30 pm, and curtain is at 8:30 pm.
• Overnight Fishing at Shawnee Mission Park June 23: Grab your fishing pole and lantern for another overnight fishing opportunity! The park will be open for fishing only and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night.

Enchanted Forest at Overland Park Arboretum

May 26 - Sept. 3 at Overland Park Arboretum, see the fairies of the forest along the woodland trails beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Grab a map in the Visitors Center so you are sure to find all the Fairies of the forest. The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is an educational, recreational and cultural resource for the Kansas City region. At the Arboretum, visitors may experience and explore: 13 gardens with more than 1,700 species of plants; Trails that traverse rocky bluffs and bottomland paths; 180 acres of prairie home to native grasses and wildflowers; Fauna, including birds, dragonflies, deer, snakes and other wildlife; Formal and informal educational activities. Admission is FREE on Tuesdays! Admission on other days is: $3 for visitors 13 and older. $1 for visitors ages 6 to 12. Free for visitors 5 and under. Free with Friends of the Arboretum membership.

June Events at the Arboretum:

• Enchanted Faire June 2: Gnomes, Fairies, Goblins, and Sprites will be frolicking in the grove. Join them in your best-enchanted costume. Enjoy treats, entertainment, photo ops and merriment for the whole family at the Enchanted Fair. Entertainment included with admission, fees for treats and extras, cash only.
• Plein Art Fair June 3: Join us for a special Plein Air Art Fair. This event will feature more than 20 local artists. Paintings will be for sale, many depicting scenes from the Overland Park and Kansas City area. You will find all types of subject matter, from landscapes to city scenes.
• Make a Mobile June 7: Kids can create Kinetic Art, too. In conjunction with the exhibition “Whirlwind: Art in Motion” we’re delighted to offer this creative and engaging workshop. Children can create a mobile for their yard or home from materials found in nature while learning how science, math and art help you create your design. Classes are designed for those entering 1st-5th grades. We ask that parents/guardians remain nearby the class activities to help provide supervision. Classes fill up fast, check back for added dates. Registered participants should meet in the Visitors Center. Class capacity is 15 students, and fee is $15 per child, plus admission. Parents and guardians need only pay admission.
• Hot Summer Days June 8: This event features water games for the whole family, prepare to get wet and maybe a little messy. Splashing around will help keep the temperatures down, and participants will enjoy this cool down activity. We will also be making ice art and enjoy icy treats. No pre-registration necessary.
• Create a Whirligig June 14: In conjunction with the exhibition “Whirlwind: Art in Motion” we’re delighted to offer this creative and engaging workshop. Children can create a whirligig (wind-powered art piece) for their yard or home from materials found in nature while learning how science, math and art help you create your design. Classes are designed for those entering 1st-5th grades. We ask that parents/guardians remain nearby the class activities to help provide supervision. Classes fill up fast, check back for added dates. Registered participants should meet in the Visitors Center. Class capacity is 15 students, and fee is $15 per child, plus admission. Parents and guardians need only pay admission.
• Stems: A Garden Soiree June 23: The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is thrilled to celebrate with the community its signature event: Stems: A Garden Soiree at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Our blossoming gardens are a perfect setting for you to enjoy two bands, dancers, artists, over 25 featured restaurants, fine wines and beers, fireworks, and a photo booth experience to entertain everyone at this fun summer party (rain or shine).  Patron tickets are $250. This ticket provides a Patron Party on June 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Overland Park Hotel. Patron ticket packages also include a VIP parking pass and 6 p.m. early entry to the Stems event. General admission tickets are $150.
• Windmill Class June 28: In conjunction with the exhibition “Whirlwind: Art in Motion” we’re delighted to offer this creative and engaging workshop. Children will learn all about the history of windmills in the state of Kansas, and then recreate one of their own. Classes are designed for those entering 1st-5th grades. We ask that parents/guardians remain nearby the class activities to help provide supervision. Classes fill up fast, check back for added dates. Registered participants should meet in the Visitors Center. Class capacity is 15 students, and fee is $15 per child, plus admission. Parents and guardians need only pay admission.

The Little Mermaid

The Culture House Conservatory of Dance brings to life the beloved under the sea adventures of The Little Mermaid June 8 & 9. Come see the magic of The Little Mermaid come to life with a cast of hundreds, over 400 stunning costumes, inspiring music and a story full of humor and heart!  And get your tickets today for The Little Mermaid Tea Party held at Oak Park Mall with food, fun and a chance to meet your favorite characters under the sea! 

Blueberry, Fruit, and Veggie Picking

Blueberries, cherries, sweet corn, and other delicious fruits & veggies are ready to pick in June. With our famously unpredictable weather, the definite start date varies from year to year, but you’re sure to enjoy a trip to one of these local patches. Read our guide to Kansas City U-Pick Farms for info.

Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure

Crown Center brings a brand new FREE exhibit to its Level I Showplace this summer. Trivial Pursuit®: A 50-State Adventure will be on display thru Sept. 3. This pretend trek across the U.S.A. features an activity for every state and the District of Columbia. Ride a mule in the Grand Canyon, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square, hit a home run at Fenway Park, guide your sled dog team on the Iditarod Trail and more! Answer hundreds of U.S. trivia questions at interactive game stations that encourage a little friendly competition and enjoy photomurals that feature of some America’s most beautiful and iconic destinations and lots of fun facts.

Goosebumps: The Musical

Goosebumps: The Musical is showing June 19 - August 5 at The Coterie. Brooke and Zeke have been cast as the leads in the school's new production of an old play about a phantom. Mysterious things start interrupting rehearsals and they have to wonder: is this someone's idea of a joke, or is the Phantom real? An adventure ensues that will bring out your inner sleuth and keep everyone in suspense until the final curtain. Read our review here.

Johnson County Museum

The Johnson County Museum (8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS) is one of our favorite local attractions with fabulous local history exhibits and the beloved KidScape. At KidScape, kids learn through play about the past.  An 1870s farmstead introduces kids to life on the farm-- tending animals, collecting eggs, gardening and house chores inside the farmhouse.  Time travel to the 1900 the city where kids sell fruits and vegetables at the City Market, perform for an audience at the theatre, and teach at the school.  Suburban life springs up in the 1950s!  Care for sick patients at the hospital, cook up burgers and fries at the diner, and build a house for a new suburban family. Even explore a park with a secret cave! Kidscape offers hours of fun for kids to explore and play.

June's Special Events at the Johnson County Museum: 

• FREE DAY June 2: Admission is free today to the museum featuring the 1950s All-Electric House and KidScape.
• Retro Story and Art June 6: Hear stories from long ago. After, enjoy an art activity for little hands.
• Behind-the-Scenes Museum Tour June 16:  Led by museum staff, visitors will learn why we collect, how we collect, and the importance to our local community. Our collection features over 17,000 3D objects and over one million images.

Kansas City Zoo: Stingray Bay

This summer the zoo celebrates the opening of the brand new Stingray Bay, and Bam Bam, a new polar bear to join Berlin at the Kansas City Zoo. At stingray bay, visitors may touch cownose and southern stingrays and white-spotted bamboo sharks in this shallow touch pool. This indoor/outdoor facility is ideal for year-round guests, but most importantly, the state-of-the-art exhibit features a water filtration system providing a healthy habitat for the animals. Entrance to Stingray Bay is included with regular zoo admission. For an additional fee, you may participate in one of a limited number of feeding opportunities. The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round (except Jan. 1). (6800 Zoo Dr., KCMO. 816.513.5800). Pack a picnic and bring it to the zoo!

June's Special Events at the Kansas City Zoo: 

• June 1 Jazzoo*ticket required, 21+
• June 9 KSU Day at the Zoo
• June 9 & 10 Zootastik Learning Fest— World Ocean’s Day
• June 16 Mizzou Day at the Zoo
• June 17 Dad receives  FREE admission for Father’s Day
• June 23 & 24 Species Spotlight— Ungulates
• June 30–July 4 Red, White & Zoo

Ride the Rails

Ride the rails with the family aboard a real train with Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad.  Enjoy excursions running south from Belton on a 5-mile, 45-minute round trip. Season: May-December. Regular Train Rides $10/ea Sat & Sun 2pm (May-Oct) Closed Sunday in July & August Saturday at 11am (June-August only) Ice Cream Train $12/ea Every Friday June-August at 7pm Kids Under Three FREE!

Little Fun / Big Adventures at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Explore the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235 Oak Street, KC, MO.  816.235.8000) collection through gallery talks and guided tours, then visit the hands-on workshop to make your own toy or miniature. This museum offers a educational, interactive, and whimsical exhibits where the story of play comes to life! During Little Adventures on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30am - 3:30pm, visitors enjoy the opportunity to create their own toy or work of art.

June Special Programs at the Museum:

• JUNE 9 KANSAS CITY MARBLE TOURNAMENT AND FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION: Experience the thrill of marble competition! Contestants ages 9-15 will play at least two games of marbles in the tournament and take home special prizes. Each “mibster” (marble player) must submit an entry form by email, mail, or at the museum’s information desk. Space is limited to 64 mibsters. The tournament begins at 9am.If you’re too old (or young) to knuckle down in the tournament, enjoy free admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures from 9am to 4pm. Explore the museum with an exciting scavenger hunt, then enjoy marble activities in the galleries and marble races on the lawn. Bring your friends and family for this free day of marble fun.
• JUNE 13 / JUNE 16 MINIATURE MASTERPIECES Paint and frame a miniature work.
• JUNE 20 / JUNE 23 TOYS OF THE FUTURE Create a moving robot.
• JUNE 27 / JUNE 30 SPLENDID CERAMICS Mold and paint a tiny plate and pie.

Kansas City's Summer Reading Programs

Books open new worlds to children. This summer encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with incentive programs from local libraries and businesses! Check out our Kansas City Summer Reading Program Guide for information.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop's Family Fun Nights

Experience living history at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop's FREE Family Fun Nights (Thursdays 6-8pm) in June & July. Enjoy a different theme of history each week with lots of hands on activities! Admission is free, a small fee required for some activities. Stagecoach rides will be $3/person ages 3 and up. Themes: June 7 - Hit the Trails! June 14 -  Construction: 1860s Style! June 21 -  Civil War June 28 - Music & Arts July 5 -  Independence Day: 1860s Style! with FIREWORKS! July 12 - Cowboys July 19 - Food on the Farm July 26 -  Mad Scientists: 1860s Style!

Go, Dog. Go!

"Go, Dog Go!" puppet show June 26 - July 15 with Mesner Puppet Theater. Big dogs, little dogs, yellow dogs, blue dogs. Dogs at work, dogs at play, dogs in hats, dogs in cars! It’s an all out dog party in this colorful hilarious adaption of P.D. Eastman’s beloved book. Come and unleash your inner dog! Reserve your tickets today at Central Ticket Office, 816-235-6222 or online at www.mesnerpuppets.org

Big Backyard at Powell Gardens

Explore the newest exhibit at Powell Gardens - the Big Backyard thru Oct. 21. Explore an oversized world of everyday objects in this larger-than-life exhibition featuring backyard items such as Gigantic Adirondack chairs and an enormous birdhouse.

Fun at Paradise Park

Paradise Park in Lee's Summit. Paradise Park is a favorite family fun center where there truly is something for everyone. From the Children's EduTainment Center with indoor play for little ones, to the arcades, gokarts, and rock wall and more for teens and adults - this is the place for families to play. 

June Special Events at Paradise Park:

• Meet Jet Propulsion from KCPT's "Ready Jet Go!" June 9: Private VIP Breakfast 9:30-10:30 AM (reservations required). Public Meet & Greet Event 11 AM - 2 PM (free, no reservations, tickets for time slots). About the Public Meet & Greet - Come meet KCPT’s newest character, Jet Propulsion, an “alien” who is helping inspire a love of earth science, astronomy and space for Earthling kids ages 3 to 8. The new series is produced in cooperation with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.
• Kids Play With Kids June 10: A totally different experience than a petting zoo! It's an invitation to engage and interact with these playful, curious and super safe animals. Children and goats alike love to run around and play together. You'll be able to be with the goats for one of the playdate sessions in our Outdoor Pavilion, supervised by the expert handlers at Sunset Trails.
• Fathers's Day Celebration Week in Discovery Play June 10-17: Whether you’re celebrating the dad in your life – or sending hints so that your family might celebrate you, Paradise Park provides a very special day of real fun. We have a wide range of activities to do with fathers and grandpas... Outside you'll find climbing, fishing, jr. mini golf, a dinosaur dig, tents and forts!  Inside you'll enjoy block building, more climbing & jumping, creating, pretending and other fun! Your admission includes Adventure Time, which combines a story, art and cooking project with a theme, led by our friendly Play Facilitator. No reservation needed. All week in the Discovery Play Art Studio kids can make memorable handmade art projects for Dad and Grandpa,too. Make a gift, and a memory, that will last a lifetime.
• Firecracker Days June 25 - July 4: Summer is a BLAST! Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue! Paradise Park is gearing up for its annual celebration of Firecracker Days. Register all week to win FREE Paradise Park door prizes! Bonus Fun Card points, Max Pak add-ons and delicious summer food specials are features that come with the purchase of a Max Pak Unlimited wristband all week long! 

Family Events at the National World War I Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial (2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO). Within the museum walls below, however, lies one of the best historic sites in the Midwest, the National World War I Museum. With tremendous state-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of World War I and, more importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era—their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions. NOTE: On May 28, Summer Hours Begin! The Museum is open 7 days a week beginning on Memorial Day. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sunday - Friday) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturday)

June Special Events at The National WWI Museum and Memorial:

• Day in the Life June 10: Living history incorporates historical tools, activities and dress into an interactive presentation that seeks to give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. At the Museum and Memorial, the Living History Volunteer Corps members engage the public through a variety of programs and initiatives, including monthly “Day in the Life” demonstrations.
• Flag Day Concert June 14: Celebrate Flag Day with a live, patriotic wind ensemble concert! Formed shortly after the end of WWI, the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City has provided music for community events throughout the region, including Flag Day, which celebrates its 102nd birthday this year. Don’t miss this musical medley’s tribute to our nation's flag! FREE to the public | J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby
• Taps at the Tower June 17-23: Linking the beauty and simplicity of the Taps bugle call with the symbolism of the Liberty Memorial Tower, Taps at the Tower is presented each evening at sunset. People are invited to come and use the grounds each evening, have a picnic, play games and enjoy the outdoors. At sunset (8:45 p.m.) from June 17 - 23, people gather to experience Taps being played during a brief, moving ceremony. FREE to the public | Museum Memorial Courtyard
• African Americans at War June 24: Many African Americans saw the war as an opportunity to redefine their U.S. citizenship and improve social, political and economic conditions. Join U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Bernard Harris for a discussion on African American officers’ training camps at Fort Des Moines and the complex challenges many soldiers faced abroad and at home during the war. Presented in observation of Juneteenth in partnership with the National Archives at Kansas and the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group. FREE with RSVP | Edward Jones Research Center 
• Voices on the Western Front June 28: Created by Grammy and Emmy winner Bryan Pinkall, this mesmerizing concert expresses the story of English composer George Butterworth, Olympic gold medalist Frederick Kelly and French composer, Alberic Magnard in a musical immersion of the three men’s lives during WWI. Enjoy the evocative music of WWI-era composers brought to life as you’ve never seen before. Presented in partnership with the Kansas State University School of Music, Theatre and Dance. FREE with RSVP | J.C. Nichols Auditorium.

Pool & Spray Park Season

Summer is the season for watersports. Fortunately, Kansas City has something for everyone! From free spraygrounds for young children, to daring water rides for teens and adults, to classes and programs, pools and waterparks and everything in between. Our water fun season is Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend! Read our KC Water Fun Guide for details.

FREE (and Cheap) Summer Movies

This summer, enjoy a Free (or Cheap) Movie at one of several area locations! We have your Guide to Free (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Kansas City!

Our Top Picks for FREE (and Cheap) Summer Movies in June include:

• June 1: Wizard of Oz at Summit Fair: Enjoy free outdoor movies on the first Friday of the month June - October at Summit Fair, NW Blue Pkwy in Lee's Summit, MO. Bring your own chairs/blankets! *No glass containers or alcohol permitted. Activities will begin at 7:30PM, which include character visits and photos with Dorothy, Scarecrow, TinMan, Lion and the Wicked Witch! Enjoy live entertainment from local children’s entertainer and face painting! (first come, first served). Kids 12 and under will also receive one FREE (small) shaved ice from our visiting food truck, Kona Ice. You pick the flavor! SHOWTIME is scheduled for approximately 8:40PM – once its dark enough.
• Movies in the Park: Shawnee Mission Park: $1 Movies at Shawnee Mission Park (7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee Mission, KS). Gates open at 7:30pm and movies start at 8:30pm. June 12: Beauty & the Beast. June 26: Wonder Woman
• June 9: Despicable Me 3:  Linden Square: Linden Square, 602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, MO. Movies begin at dusk.
• Second Friday Movie Series: Oak Park Mall: Enjoy FREE movies on the second Friday of June, July and August at Oak Park Mall Center Court 11149 West 95th Street Overland Park, KS. Activities start at 6pm. Movies start at 7pm. ​
• June 15: The Muppet Movie: Lenexa: Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and bring your family to enjoy an evening under the stars. Lawn games, including giant Jenga, giant Ker-Plunk, ladder ball and washers, begin at 5: 30 pm. and the movie will begin at dusk at Electric Park, 9305 Loiret Blvd., Lenexa, KS. 
• June 21: Babe Moo-vie Night at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead: Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for Moo-vie Night at the Farmstead.Gates open at 7: 30 p.m. Moo-vie begins at dusk (approx. 9: 00 p.m.)

Read our Guide to Free (and Cheap) Summer Movies in Kansas City for more!

Farmers Market Season

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. 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!

June Festivals

Enjoy fabulous festivals and fairs all month long! Read our complete KC Summer Festival Guide for more!

Our Favorite June Festivals:

Old Shawnee Days May 31 – June 3 at Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, 11501 W. 57th Street, Shawnee, KS. Enjoy a carnival, parade, live music and entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts and family fun. 

Jazzoo June 1 at Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser and these adults-only event helps us feed and care for more than 1,700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through our Zoo Learning Fund. Once you purchase your ticket, all the food, drink and entertainment are free! 

Downtown Days June 1-3 at Downtown Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit, MO. Live entertainment featuring The Elders, carnival rides, sports & autograph booth, robotics demonstrations, festival food, handcrafted goods, and two beer tents featuring craft beer are part of this year’s festivities.​

Enchanted Faire June 2 at Overland Park Arboretum 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. Gnomes, Fairies, Goblins, and Sprites will be frolicking in the grove. Join them in your best-enchanted costume. Enjoy treats, entertainment, photo ops and merriment for the whole family at the Enchanted Fair. Entertainment included with admission, fees for treats and extras, cash only.​

Juneteenth Celebration June 9 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Connect with activities, music, dance, demonstrations, art, and history. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. 

14th Annual Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival June 9 at Country Club Plaza Kansas City, 200 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO. Live entertainment featuring Chinese music, dancing and martial arts. Calligraphy demonstrations, souvenirs, food trucks, and face painting add to the fun. Community and college teams race in authentic dragon boats on Brush Creek. 

Liberty Summer Festival June 9 & 10, Family Tree Nursery 830 W. Liberty, Dr. Liberty, MO. Bring the family for a weekend of fun, entertainment, and great deals at Liberty Summer Festival. Browse and shop among local vendors, choose from a selection of food trucks for drinks and a bite to eat, enjoy live music, and take part in garden workshops. Most importantly, find great in-store specials amongst fully stocked plant selection. 

2018 Future Stages Festival June 10 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Admission to the family-friendly event is FREE and will include the opportunity to see Kansas City-area youth acts perform on indoor and outdoor stages. Community partners will host arts activities throughout the day. Tickets are not required, but registrants will receive updated details regarding the performance and activity schedule in the weeks leading up to the festival. 

Shawnee Mission Health Strawberry Fesitval (Lenexa) June 10 at Shawnee Mission Health - Prairie Star, 23401 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS. Various wellness activities for the entire family. Attendees can enjoy strawberry shortcake and participate in free wellness activities such as chair massages and blood pressure screenings. Kid-friendly entertainment includes an inflatable slide, moonwalk, balloon artists and games.

Shawnee Mission Health Strawberry Festival (Overland Park) June 10 at Shawnee Mission Health - Overland Park, 7840 W. 165th Street, Overland Park, KS. Shawnee Mission Health (SMH) is hosting its tenth annual Strawberry Festival, offering various wellness activities for the entire family. Attendees can enjoy strawberry shortcake and participate in free wellness activities such as chair massages and blood pressure screenings. Kid-friendly entertainment includes an inflatable slide, moonwalk, balloon artists and games.​

Much Ado About Nothing June 12 - July 1 at Southmoreland Park, 4600 Oak St, Kansas City, MO. The action of Much Ado About Nothing occurs during several days of a visit by Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, and his followers at the large estate of Leonato, Governor of Messina. Don Pedro has been victorious in a small war against his own half-brother, Don John, who has now (reluctantly) joined him.

Summit Fair Family FunFest June 16 from 1-3pm at Summit Fair, Lee's Summit, MO. Live street entertainment includes: Performances by Dino O’Dell, balloon artists, face-painting, glitter tattoos, a caricature artist, free shaved ice and more!  *

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle June 22 & 23 at Sar-Ko-Par Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS. The two-day event, which includes children’s activities and live music, attracts cooks from all over the country, who compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - The Kansas State Championship. 

Maker Faire Kansas City June 23 & 24 at Union Station Kansas City, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. Maker Faire is part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new! As a celebration of the Maker Movement, it’s a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Maker Faire gathers together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, food artisans, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. Makers come to show their creations and share their learnings. Attendees flock to Maker Faire to glimpse the future and find the inspiration to become Makers themselves. Read the Maker Faire blog post for more information.

Stems: A Garden Soiree June 23 at Overland Park Arboretum 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. Come savor an evening of art, music, food and wine.  SIP wine. TASTE delicious food from 25 top restaurants and caterers. ENJOY art, music, fireworks, beautiful surroundings and more. MEET friends at the networking event of the summer – the place to see and be seen. SUPPORT a vision of recreational and cultural enrichment and inspiration for present and future generations.

Booms & Blooms June 30 at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.SHighway 50, Kingsville, MO. Celebrate our nation’s independence with explosions of color and texture on land and in the air at this annual event. Arrive early to stake out a seat with your picnic blanket, enjoy hands-on activities and admire our ground-level blooms in the daylight. After sunset, music will accompany the choreographed blooms in the sky. Food and beverage vendors are featured throughout the entirety of the festival. Members receive free admission and free parking!

Read our complete KC Summer Festival Guide for more!

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!

Brought to you by KCParent.com! Follow KC Parent Magazine on Facebook for more family fun inspiration all month long! 

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.