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Best of June in Kansas City

2019 Edition

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

Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are open for the season - enjoy BOTH parks for the price of one ticket! This season, Worlds of Fun also introduces a new restaurant, Cotton Blossom BBQ, located in Americana. The theming pays homage to the park’s history and is inspired by the three iconic boats that were centerpieces of the park when it opened in 1973. The dining area accommodates up to 316 guests. Led by executive chef Wesley Boston, the menu features an array of fresh selections, including authentic Kansas City barbecue, roastery chicken, home-style sides and desserts, as well as healthier options like salads and fresh vegetables. WorldsOfFun.com

Adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog

When you spend the day exploring the Crown Center district, one of the top picks for families with young children is the free exhibits on Level I. This year, enjoy Adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog: June 8-Sept. 22.  Transport yourself to the world of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and all the residents of Birdwell Island in this exciting, interactive and FREE exhibit. Climb aboard the ferry, explore Clifford’s dog house, work together to fill Clifford’s big dog bowl and be greeted by a colossal 9-foot-high Clifford with a tail to slide down.  He won't follow you home, but the memories will!

Snow Queen - A Frozen Dance Adventure

Snow Queen - A Frozen Dance Adventure June 7 & 8 at Carlsen Center at JCCC (12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS).. Snow Queen—A Frozen Dance Adventure is based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Snow Queen. Follow Anna as she tries to find her sister, Elsa, who has isolated herself in an ice palace on a frozen mountain. Along the journey, Anna meets many fascinating characters, some of which are trying to prevent her from finding her sister. In the end, thanks to her self-sacrificial love, Anna finds Elsa and true love melts away the frozen heart. (This is the end-of-the-year dance production for The Culture House Conservatory of Dance.) Tickets: $18 Orchestra, $15 Tier and Terrace, $21.50 at the door.

Elephant & Piggie's "We Are In A Play"

Elephant and Piggie's "We Are In A Play" June 11 - August 4 at The Coterie Theatre (2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO). One of the most popular and beloved shows The Coterie has ever done returns to the stage! Gerald the Elephant is cautious and Piggie is not. Along with the three nutty Squirrelles, these “bestus” friends might get invited to a swimmy fancy costume dancey pool party or decide to spend the day playing ping-pong in silly hats.  This lively and irresistibly charming musical look at friendship has become one of the best-selling and loved young readers’ series of the past decade. Tickets: Adult $17.00 Children/Senior $13.00 Group Rates $5.00-$10.00

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.:

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop's Days Out with Frank & Ella AND Family Fun Nights

Experience living history at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. This summer, you'll love Family Fun Nights (FREE on Thursday nights in June & July), and Days Out with Frank and Ella on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Family Fun Nights:

Family Fun Nights offer historic-themed activities for a new experience every Thursday nights in June and  July. FREE admission! Some activities require an extra fee. Activities subject to change. 

Dates and Themes: 

Cost:  $1 for each ticket.

Days Out with Frank and Ella:

Frank and Ella were the youngest Mahaffie children. Days Out with Frank and Ella helps visitors of all ages experience childhood in the 1860s & 1870s. Each week on Wednesdays & Thursdays in June & July features a different history theme. 

Themes:

 Costs for Days out with Frank and Ella:

Kansas City Zoo

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: 

Blueberry Picking

Blueberry picking is a favorite summer tradition in Kansas City. Keep this in mind - blueberry picking season typically begins in June in the Kansas City region. 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. Call ahead or watch Facebook for picking announcements to enjoy the best berries of the season. Read our guide to U-Pick Farms in Kansas City for info.

Moo-vie Night at the Farmstead

Moo-vie Night at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead June 20 from 7:30-11pm at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS). Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for our first Moo-vie Night of the season at the Farmstead. In June, we celebrate National Dairy Month with dairy treats and activities. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Moo-vie begins at dusk. Tonight's movie is Tangled, an animated take on the fairy tale Rapunzel. Run time 100 minutes.

Father's Day in Kansas City

Celebrate fathers and grandfathers with special events, activities, crafts, and FREE admission at local attractions with our Father's Day in KC Guide.

Art Course at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Art Course at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: credit Amber Mills

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s lawn is a favorite place to play in Kansas City. The sprawling lawn is perfect for picnics and photo ops, and exploration of the Glass Labyrinth, and beckons visitor’s to explore the free art gallery. This summer, the museum is opening a miniature golf course nestled into the trees and terraces on the south lawn. The nine-hole course will be open from Memorial Day – Labor Day and will present a fresh interpretation of pieces from the museum’s collection. The course will inspire players as they will appreciate sights, sounds, and colors through the creative elements. Tickets for Art Course will be $14 for general adults, $11 for adults who are museum members, and $9 for children 4 to 12. The course is free for children 3 and under.  Nelson-Atkins.org

Stonehenge at Union Station

Stonehenge at Union Station (30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO).  The 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition will premiere in the expansive Bank of America Gallery at Union Station for a limited time. Described as inspiring, magical and sacred, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England and one of the most famous landmarks in the  United Kingdom. It consists of several rings of standing stones, the largest around 23 feet (7.0 m) high, nine feet (2.75 m) wide and weighing over 50,000 lbs (25 tons) each. Scientific analysis has revealed the stones that form the inner ring were transported an incredible distance from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, over 150 miles away, with no modern means of transportation. 

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 Memorial Day, 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:

Little Adventures at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Little Adventures at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures Wednesdays and Saturdays thru August 10. Explore T/m this summer though our Little Adventures program series! With a different theme each week, discover something new in the collection with a guided focus tour, and then craft a toy or miniature in the hands-on workshop. Little Adventures takes place Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tours start at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Become a member to enjoy all 10 weeks for free. Included with museum admission.

Summer Reading Programs

Books open new worlds to children. This summer encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with these incentive programs from local libraries and businesses! Read our guide to 2019 Summer Reading Programs in Kansas City. 

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.

Patriotic Celebrations in Kansas City

Celebrate the 4th of July across Kansas City with our 4th of July Guide... events begin in Late June!

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 KC!

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

With many great festivals and fairs to choose from! Read our KC Summer Festival Guide for MORE June Festivals.

Our Favorite June Festivals:

First Saturday at Shoal Creek First Saturday of June, July, August and September from 10am-3pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum (7000 Northeast Barry Road, Kansas City, MO).. The Shoal Creek re-enactors bring the village to life with Gunfighters, Outlaws, Civil War Soldiers, and Mountain Men roaming the streets. Enjoy family fun activities and historical demonstrations of life in Missouri during the 19th century. Skits and gunfights throughout the day. Shop the Mercantile and visit the news paper office located in the Crossroads Inn.

First Fridays in the Crossroads from 7-9pm Crossroads Art District, Kansas City, MO. Art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues located in the Crossroads Art District showcase art from 7-9pm. With ample parking and an abundance of indoor and outdoor entertainment, there’s no better way to spend a night than enjoying drinks or dining at an area restaurant, followed by a stroll through the galleries and shops of KC’s heart of cultural activity. Children are welcome! However, galleries and streets tend to become crowded and most galleries cannot accommodate strollers. 

Enchanted Faire: Overland Park Arboretum June 1 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. Included with admission.

Food Truck Frenzy: Lenexa June 1 at Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS. Sample what the metro’s best food trucks have to offer. Limited seating available, feel free to bring a chair.

Party on the Prairie June 1 at Jerry Smith Park, 139th & Holmes, Kansas City, MO. Celebrate National Trails and Prairie Day with KC Parks and KC Wildlands at a Party on the Prairie! Enjoy family and environmentally friendly activities amidst the flora and fauna of Jackson County’s only remnant prairie. Live music, guided trail hikes, bird walks, hay rides plein air quick paint competition, scavenger hunt, prairie touch table from Lakeside Nature Center and more!

Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival June 1 at Vaile Mansion, 1500 N Liberty St, Independence, MO. A hundred craft and antique dealers will be set up around the Mansion. The Vaile Society will be selling Strawberry Treats! Free admission to grounds. Mansion Tour: Adults $6.00 | Children $3.00.

Bloody Mary Roll-Out Party June 5 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS. Join the Friends of Shawnee Town to celebrate Shawnee Town and kick-off the 12th annual Tomato Roll Fund-raiser with an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, raffle items and surprises. Reservations required. Must RSVP by May 9th. 

Jazzoo June 7 at Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser and your attendance helps feed and care for more than 1,700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through the Zoo Learning Fund.

Downtown Days Lee's Summit June 7-9 at Downtown Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit, MO. Live entertainment, carnival rides, sports and autograph booth festival food, handcrafted goods, and two beer tents featuring craft beer are part of this year’s festivities.

Old Shawnee Days June 8-9 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS. Every year Shawnee Town 1929 participates in Old Shawnee Days on Saturday and Sunday of the event with a special series of activities for children called Ticket to Fun. Visit the farmstead to participate in leather-working, making balsa wood airplanes, playing horse shoes, sampling hand-churned ice cream (yum!), doing laundry like they did in the 20’s, visiting the livestock, creating your own family tree, and as an extra perk, taking a pony ride! Get your ticket stamped for five or more activities you perform and win a prize at the Visitor’s Center.

Dragon Boat Festival June 8 at Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza, Ward Parkway and JC Nichols Parkway, Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival honors an ancient Chinese sporting tradition. Held as a daylong event, the festival features a fleet of boating teams competing on the water as well as a variety of live cultural performances and delicious food and beverage options. With something for guests of all ages, this festival is a great event for the entire family!

Juneteenth Celebration June 8 at The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO. In honor of the traditional Juneteenth holiday, which recognizes the ending of slavery in the United States, the Nelson-Atkins collaborates with JuneteenthKC and other local organizations to showcase the museum’s collection of African-American art, celebrate the tradition of written and spoken word, and enjoy music and dance performances, food and art activities. 

Liberty Summer Festival June 8-9 at Family Tree Nursery, 830 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO. Bring the family and join us for a weekend of fun, entertainment, and great deals at our Liberty Summer Festival. Enjoy food and drinks, listen to live music, and take part in garden workshops. Most importantly, find great in-store specials with fully stocked plant selection.

TinyFest Midwest 2019 June 8-9 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS. Weekend Pass: Gate $20. Single Day: Gate $15. Kids 12 & under Free. Bring your family and friends to tour tiny houses, van conversion, skoolies, gypsy wagons and more! Enjoy a full line-up of speakers and worship. Plus, a variety of vendors who will guide you to minimize your clutter, debt and carbon footprint. There will be activities for the kids, food trucks, music and so much more! TinyFest Midwest is bringing together like-minded Midwesterners who value the ideals behind building small and living large! 

Lost Arts Day June 8 at Missouri Town 1855, 8010 E. Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO. Explore the trades and arts that have been lost to time. Observe blacksmithing, wood carving, tinsmithing, crocheting, knitting, hand sewing and much more.

Shawnee Town Tomato Roll June 8 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th Street, Shawnee, KS. It’s like a Ducky Derby but with red rubber tomatoes’ that race down Johnson Drive, just before the Old Shawnee Days parade. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place tomatoes and proceeds benefit Shawnee Town Museum. 

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival June 11 - July 7 at Southmoreland Park, 4600 Oak St, Kansas City, MO. Will Shakespeare is a known but struggling poet, playwright and actor who not only has sold his next play to two different producers but now faces a far more difficult problem: he is bereft of ideas and has yet to begin writing his next masterpiece. He is in search of a muse, but all attempts fail him until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps. She loves the theatre and would like nothing more than to take to the stage but is forbidden from doing so as only men can be actors. Viola is also a great admirer of Shakespeare’s works. Dressing as a man by the name of Thomas Kent, she auditions and is ideal for a part in his next play. Shakespeare soon sees through her disguise and they begin a love affair, one they know cannot end happily as he is already married and she has been promised to the aristocrat, Lord Wessex. As the company rehearses his new play, Will and Viola’s love is transferred to the written page leading to the masterpiece that is Romeo and Juliet.

Kansas Chocolate Festival June 15 at Downtown Topeka, 9th & Kansas, Topeka, KS. The street party features live entertainment, kids’ activities, artists and dozens of vendors. Shop, taste and learn with your favorite Kansas Chocolate Festival bakers and chocolatiers.

Crown Center Antique Festival June 15-16 at Crown Center Square, 2500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City. The Crown Center Antique Festival will celebrate its 19th year this summer. Vendors will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.

Lavender Festival June 15 at Prairie Lavender Farm, 69 Alpine Ridge Ln, Bennington, KS. $5 per person (Under 5 free)Farm Tours, Demonstrations U-pick Lavender plant sales by Morford Lavender Farm, Shaved Ice by SnoKo, Sewn lavender goods by Rustic Lavender, and Live Music featuring Mike Mattson and Teresa Weaver, Don Wagner and Sylvia Kvacik, and Matthew Mulnix! Bob DeRuisseaux of Prairie Fire Winery and Vineyard will be doing wine tasting. Artists painting plein-aire. Lavender accented food items will include lavender ice cream, lavender lemonade, and other delightful lavender treats.

Brew-B-Que Kansas City June 15 at KC Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 628 North 126th Street, Kansas City, KS. Tickets: $43.00-60.00. Treat Dad to a fun filled day of Bar-B-Que, Craft Beer tasting, Music, and Games! Local KC Barbecue Food Trucks battle it out to see who has the best BBQ in Kansas City! While you are filling your belly, sample over 100 craft beers from over 40+ local and regional craft breweries, listen to live music, and participate in fun competitions! Must be 21 or over to attend.

Future Stages Festival June 16 at Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will continue celebrating young, talented Kansas City artists at the 6th annual Future Stages Festival. This FREE community festival showcases hundreds of young performers on the Kauffman Center stages, and guests can enjoy a wide-range of diverse performance styles and engaging arts activities.

Make Music in Liberty June 21 -22 at 117 N Main St, Liberty, MO. Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Faire de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 800 cities in 120 countries.Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music is open to anyone who wants to take part. Every kind of musician  -  young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion  -  pours onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers. All of it is free and open to the public.

Maker Faire Kansas City June 22-23 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. Fun. Wildly Creative. Totally unexpected. Discover Where Making Happens at the 9th Annual Maker Faire KC. Bring the entire family for this celebration of invention, creativity and Making with presentations, special performances, demos and workshops all weekend long. Tickets give you access to Maker Faire, Science City and more!

Menorah Medical Center Community Celebration June 22 from 11am- 2pm at Menorah Medical Center (5721 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS). Celebrate with us as we break ground on the new Neurosciences and Orthopedic Center. Enjoy free food, live music, meet area mascots, family entertainment and get free safety items including kids bicycle helmets for the first 40 kids courtesy of the Brain Injury Association of Kansas.

Stems: A Garden Soiree June 22 at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is thrilled to celebrate Stems: A Garden Soiree again this summer. Stems an opportunity to network and support art and recreation programs while enjoying a lovely garden party at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle June 21-22 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. Prizes and ribbons are awarded to the top 10 contestants in seven categories (brisket, pork, ribs, sausage, chicken, steak and miscellaneous) and the top three overall winners.

Lee's Summit Airport Presents Fun & Flight June 22 at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport, 402 NE Leinweber Rd., (east side of the airport), Lee's Summit, MO. There is fun and flight for all ages with an air show, kid’s activities, food vendors, helicopter rides (for a fee) and an up-close look at unique airplanes on display. 

Flags 4 Freedom June 29 - July 6 at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS. View an astonishing patriotic display of more than 1,500 United States flags in downtown Merriam during this week long event. Enjoy a FREE concert by the Greater Kansas City American Legion Band at 1:00 pm on July 4th.

Booms & Blooms June 29 at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. Enjoy a beautiful palette of floral color on land and fantastic display in the air provided by our new fireworks partner, Premier Pyrotechnics. Plan to arrive early to check out the summer exhibition Nature Connects Art with LEGO Bricks and then stake out a lakeside seat to watch the fireworks. Guests can partake in hands-on activities and enjoy the musical stylings of the Lee’s Summit Symphony. Festival admission and parking fees apply, free for members.

Kansas City Kansas Street Blues Festival June 29 at Lavender's Circle L Ranch, 3924 N 49th Drive, Kansas City, KS. $10/ea. The festival kicked off in 2000 to celebrate the rich history of Kansas City’s blues and jazz heritage.

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.

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