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Winter in KC from A to Z

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Winter doesn't have to be boring! Have fun with the kids in KC with our ideas from A to Z:

A) Art Paint your own ceramic creations at Ceramic Cafe (913.383.0222). They supply the ceramics, the paints and the brushes … you just supply the creative budding artists! 

B) Build an “earthquake proof” Lego tower at Legoland Discovery Center LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/kansas-city), where you can play with the world’s biggest box of Legos, watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D cinema, enjoy rides and explore a miniature Kansas City in Lego Miniland.

C) Collect money The Money Museum (816.881.2683) is a free museum where you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve Bank works and its role in the U.S. economy. Peek into one of the nation's largest cash vaults, create your own monetary artwork and view coins from each U.S. presidential administration.

D) Deduce clues at the ultimate family-friendly escape room at Tick Tock Escapes. Their Pyramid Paradox room is a favorite with incredible special effects reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film. Teams of six to 10 people are "locked" in a room for an hour, and they solve puzzles trying to figure out how to escape. Each room features a different theme and a different set of puzzles. 

E) Eat out KC boasts several super fun restaurants for families, but the ultimate top pick for KC kids is consistently Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant. Model trains deliver burgers and shakes to your table.

F) Find treasure In 1856, the Arabia steamboat was traversing the Missouri River when her paddle wheel caught a tree snag and she sank. The treasure is now on display at the Arabia Steamboat Museum (816.471.1856).

G) Get outside Kansas City is home to many wonderful nature centers. Two favorites: Burr Oak Woods (MDC.mo.gov) offers a large aquarium of Missouri's freshwater fish, snakes, turtles, toads and more. Lakeside Nature Center (LakesideNatureCenter.org) is home to some of the best animal exhibits in the area.

H) Hit the hills Weather permitting, take the family sledding! Visit KCParent.com for a list of the best sledding hills in Kansas City! 

I) Imagine and play at the Johnson County Museum. Their interactive KidScape exhibit is a child-size village that fosters creative play.

J) Jump to new heights through the Warrior Obstacle Course or Slam Dunk Zone at Urban Air, the ultimate indoor trampoline park with locations in Overland Park and Lenexa (UrbanAirOP.com).

K) Kansas City Zoo visits are especially fun in the winter, as the animals are especially playful, and the zoo isn't crowded. The indoor exhibits at the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tropics and Discovery Barn are great on chilly days. Bonus: Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the carousel or train for more fun.

L) Listen to music Kansas City is known for jazz, and the American Jazz Museum is the perfect place to introduce young music lovers to the local genre. With wonderful hands-on exhibits and listening centers to explore, the museum invites children to enjoy listening to classic jazz, compose their own pieces and learn about the history of 18th and Vine.

M) Marvel at miniatures The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is home to dollhouses, miniatures and toys from yesteryear. One of the most fascinating exhibits requires visitors to look at artwork on a grain of rice through a magnifying glass. The miniature detail in so many pieces throughout the museum is intriguing and delightful. 

N) Nose-to-nose views of historical U.S. aircraft include the first Lockheed Constellation ever restored, a Martin 404, a DC-3 and a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar at the Airline History Museum.

O) Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails The trails played an integral part in shaping Kansas City. At the National Frontier Trails Museum (816.325.7575), you can participate in interactive exhibits as you learn about Western expansion. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop features tours of the farm home and Santa Fe Trail stagecoach stop, as well as actual stagecoach rides.

P) Planetarium shows The Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station offers spectacular presentations featuring starry skies. Programs specialize in interactive astronomy education, public shows and telescope viewing opportunities.

Q) Quell your curiosity spending a day among the shelves at the local library looking for new books and exploring sections of the library you’ve never explored before. Increase your chances of making a new discovery with a visit to a new branch. 

TriggerPhoto Getty Images/iStockphoto

R) Ride the streetcar Explore downtown aboard the free Kansas City Streetcar and participate in our free KC Streetcar scavenger hunt.

S) Spread some joy by purchasing a plant to give to a loved one for Valentine’s Day, or just because. Check out Family Tree Nursery for a great selection of plants, trees, greenery, shrubs and more!

Nicole Bissey

T) Take a spin on the ice Our two favorite outdoor rinks are open for the season. Crown Center Ice Terrace (816.274.8411) is open through March 13. The Rink at Zona Rosa (816.208.3690) is open daily through February for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. For more local rinks, search Winter Sports on KCParent.com.

U) Underwater exploration Walk through an underwater tunnel at Sea Life Kansas City. Enjoy up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures.

V) Volunteer Help with Harvester’s Food Pantry, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Great Plains SPCA or another local organization through your house of worship or school. Giving back to the community is an important part of growing up.

W) Walk around Legends Outlets. Shop, take in a movie, eat dinner and learn about local legends with their outdoor sculptures celebrating famous local heroes. Be sure to head to their website (LegendsShopping.com) to download a fun family scavenger hunt!

X) eXplore Try something new from the Kansas City calendar on KCParent.com. 

Y) Yum Check out our Kids Eat Free Guide and take the family out to eat.

Z) Zero The number of days you’ll be bored with all these ideas!

Kansas City mom Kristina Light hopes for some snowy February days.

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