Best of May in Kansas City

May in Kansas City...Koalas are coming! Strawberries are begging to be picked. Roller coasters are ready to ride! Shows are setting the stage for a summer of fun! And Festival season is in full swing. Our Top Picks for May are here: 

Jurassic Garden

• When, Where, What: May 21 - Oct. 3 at Powell Gardens.
• Why We LOVE It: Travel back millions of years to explore the lost world of dinosaurs and prehistoric plant life! You will encounter incredibly realistic dinosaur replicas, designed by Missouri's Guy Darrough, a well known fossil collector, fossil preparation expert and illustrator. From his Lost World Studios in Arnold, Mo., Guy creates realistic models of prehistoric animals using fossilized bones and other materials. The lifelike dinosaurs, large and small, will be placed throughout the Gardens and include a 32-foot T Rex, 30-foot Hypsibema—Missouri's state dinosaur, and many more! 

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Where the Wild Things Are

• Details: thru May 7 at The Coterie.
• Why We LOVE It:  This acclaimed adaptation of Sendak’s beloved classic is an intimate guided interactive play experience. The audience helps transform Max’s bedroom into a forest, then become Max’s benevolent monster friends, and are encouraged to “let the Wild Rumpus begin!” After Max is ultimately crowned ruler, the audience also helps bring him safely home.
• Bonus: Read our Review of Where the Wild Things Are.

NASCAR Races at Kansas Speedway

• When, Where, What: Kansas Speedway (400 Speedway Blvd Kansas City , KS). MAY 6, 2016 -- TOYOTA TUNDRA 250 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES NIGHT RACE. MAY 7, 2016 -- GO BOWLING 400 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES NIGHT RACE
• Why We LOVE It: A day at the races enjoy Kansas Speedway is a great family experience for die-hard NASCAR fans and newcomers alike. Read our tips for First-timers enjoying a race with kids!

T-Bones Home Opener

• When, Where, What: May 19 is the T-Bones Home Opener at Community America Ballpark. Tip: Kids Eat Free every Monday Night at the game!
• Why We LOVE It: The Kansas City T-Bones are a member of the Central Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseballl and they play at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, KS. Free parking, great promotions, kids eat free on Mondays, and family-friendly fun make T-Bones games a highlight of summer!

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

• When, Where, What: Worlds of Fun is open for the Season
• Why We LOVE It: Worlds of Fun is a roller coaster enthusiast’s dream park! Families can glide, fly and launch into 2016 at Worlds of Fun with the addition of five new family rides coming to Planet Snoopy next season: Woodstock Gliders – Young guests control their own flight with moveable wings. Beagle Brigade Airfield – Get your aviators glasses ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy. (formerly titled Flying Ace). Snoopy Space Buggies – Defy gravity and bounce to the moon and back. Linus Launcher – Experience the sensation of weightlessness through flight with feet dangling. Snoopy Junction – All aboard! Snoopy the conductor leads kids on a railroad adventure. And, it’s home to seven world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world, the Mamba, with a first drop of 205 feet! The Patriot is a giant inverted coaster that carries the daring through four inversions at a top speed of 65 mph. The extremely daring can pay an extra fee to experience the Ripcord, a Sky Coaster attraction that sends riders in a free-fall pendulum motion from 180 feet in the air at speeds of up to 80 mph.

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 Kansas City Zoo just welcomed Koalas and we couldn't be more excited! 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: May 8 - Mother's Day/ Free Admission for Moms, May 13- Goodnight Zoo, May 14 - Zootastik Learning Fest, May 21 & 22 - Family Fun Fiesta, May 25, 28, 29 - Masika's First Birthday Party, May 28 & 29 - Species Spotlight on Marsupials And more on the Zoo Calendar!

Matilda the Musical

• When, Where, What: May 24-28 at Starlight Theatre.
• Why We LOVE It: The winner of 50 international honors, including four Tony Awards®, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, who also authored Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, Matilda has thrilled sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. The musical’s witty lyrics, powerful new music and enchanting story hold wide appeal across generations.

Music in the Park: Lee's Summit

• When, Where, What: Select Fridays in Downtown Lee's Summit starting May 27
• Why We LOVE It:  Enjoy free Friday night concerts featuring a variety of musical genres in Howard Station Park in Downtown Lee’s Summit. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for seating. Event dates are as follows: May 27 – KIDS’ NIGHT!, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, July 29, August 12, August 19, August 26, September 2

The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD®

• When, Where, What: May 28 - Sept. 5 at Crown Center. FREE Admission. Hours: Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Why We LOVE It: An exciting hands-on traveling exhibit created by the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in collaboration with Hasbro. The exhibit features MR. POTATO HEAD, the much-loved silly character, who becomes an explorer, scientist, and adventurer with a change of his "parts." In addition to building a variety of essential academic skills, the exhibit encourages children to welcome new experiences with confidence, curiosity and humor, to think about all they can be and do, and to always respect themselves and others.

Strawberry Picking

• When, Where, What: There are several strawberry patches in the Kansas City area that offer strawberry picking. Read our guide to local Strawberry Patches for info.
• Why We LOVE It: This is one of our favorite family traditions in May! Strawberries are a great way to kick off summer in Kansas City. Keep this in mind - strawberry picking season typically begins in May 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.

May Festivals

• When, Where, What: May really kicks off Festival Season in Kansas City, with many great festivals and fairs to choose from! Read our KC Festival Guide for the full scoop.
• Our Favorite May Festivals: 

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Lenexa Art Fair May 7 from 10am-8pm at Lenexa City Center, southeast corner of 87th & Renner in Lenexa, KS. Attendees enjoy meeting artists while shopping at various fine-art booths in the exciting and developing Lenexa City Center. Other activities include a wine and craft beer tasting, live jazz music and delicious food truck concessions.

Sheep Shearing Days May 7 from 9am-4:30pm at Missouri Town 1855, 8010 E Park Rd, Lee's Summit, MO. Admission charged. Artisans will demonstrate the entire process of making wool from the shearing of the flock and washing of the fleece to carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving. Handcrafted fiber pieces are available for purchase.

Mother's Day  for Mother Earth May 8 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City. Enjoy the premier performance of The Mermaid’s Tail (Tale), the 10th Annual Mother’s Day for Mother Earth by StoneLion Puppet Theatre. Stay to meet the enormous puppets on the lawn of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Plan ahead if you’d like to make a brunch reservation in Rozzelle Court Restaurant or purchase picnic options in Bloch Lobby, from noon - 4pm. Performance begins at 2:00pm, meet the puppets 2:30pm - 3:00pm.

Feast of Fountains May 12 from 5:30-7:30pm at Theis Park, 47th & Oak, Kansas City. Join Feast Magazine, KC Parks Dept. and Food Truck Mafia for a food truck event each month in one of Kansas City's beautiful parks. We'll highlight prominent fountains throughout the city, while guests enjoy food from some of the city's most popular food trucks. A portion of the proceeds from these events will go toward the City of Fountains Foundation.

LEGO KidsFest®  May 13-15 at Kansas City Convention Center Bartle Exhibit Hall (Halls D&E), 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City. LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. The LEGO KidsFest is comprised of a variety of fun activities. There is something for every member of the family. All activities are included in the price of admission. Each of the sessions offers the same interactive activities and play areas. No session is better than another to attend. 

Sprint Family Fun Days: Theme "Capes & Crowns" May 14, KC Power & Light District. Bring your kiddos downtown for the Sprint Family Fun Series the second Saturday of each month, May - October! Admission is FREE!* Be a part of all the fun on social media by connecting with us using #FamilyFunKC! Admission to the event is free. Fees apply for premium activities.

Turkey Creek Festival May 21 from 10am-4pm at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam. Free. Bring the whole gang to beautiful Antioch Park to enjoy a day of family fun! Activities include a petting zoo, delicious food and unique craft vendors, music, giant inflatables and more. Calling all crafters of hand-made goods!

Celebration at the Station May 29, lawn of National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial and Union Station. Aram Demirjian, associate conductor. Presented by the Kansas City Symphony, the largest FREE Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest returns for its 14th rousing year. Associate Conductor Aram Demirjian leads a moving and patriotic concert by the Kansas City Symphony, followed by Kansas City’s largest fireworks display. Arrive early to picnic on the north lawn of the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial while enjoying fabulous pre-concert entertainment, many food trucks and the Celebration Family Zone. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. The event site opens at 1 p.m. Additional support provided by KCPT Channel 19 and Fox 4.

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!

A Day at the Lake

• When, Where, What: You can fish year-round at one of Kansas City's great Fishing Spots, or enjoy the Kids Fishing Derbies across the metro all month long! Then, Kansas City's Swim Beaches open Memorial Day Weekend for a day of memories swimming at the lake!
• Why We LOVE It: Introduce your kids to the sport of fishing and enjoy a hobby that will last a lifetime. If you're lucky, you may even enjoy a great dinner out of the deal too!

​​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!