Articles by Halley Zitterkopf

Best of February

February in Kansas City means cozy winter days, heart-warming celebrations, and plenty of family fun to break up the chill. From festive events and outdoor...

Making the Most of Valentine’s Day in KC

Valentine’s Day in Kansas City is about more than just dinner reservations and candy hearts — it’s a chance to celebrate love, connection, and fun...

Best of January

January in Kansas City may bring chilly temps, but it also brings a whole lineup of warm memories waiting to be made! From high-energy live...

The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Baby Food 

As a first-time mom, I didn’t know what to expect when my little one started solids. It blew my my mind to see just how...

The Best New Year’s Eve Events For Families in KC

Who says you have to stay up till midnight to celebrate? From zoo adventures to balloon drops and pajama parties, these Noon Year’s Eve events...

Christmas Gift Ideas for Every Mom on Your List

As a first-time mom this year, I’ve quickly realized that motherhood means wearing all the hats—sometimes all at once. Whether she’s juggling kids, squeezing in a moment...

Best of December

December in Kansas City is filled with festive lights, holiday magic, and family traditions. From light displays to concerts and seasonal adventures, here are the...

Best of November

As the air turns crisp and Kansas City starts to sparkle with early holiday magic, there’s no shortage of family fun to enjoy this November!...

Kansas City’s Ultimate Halloween Guide: Trick (& Trunk)-or-Treats by Date

No tricks here—just treats! Kansas City families have dozens of fun, free, and frightfully festive ways to celebrate Halloween. Browse our list of the best...

Best of October

Looking for the best family fun this October in Kansas City? The KC Parent team has rounded up the top events, festivals, and activities happening...

October Festivals in KC

Celebrate fall in Kansas City! Discover top festivals this October — GloWild, Oktoberfest, Neewollah, farm tours, arts & crafts, rodeos, and more. GloWild: Legends &...

Baby’s First Fall at Louisburg Cider Mill

Explore Louisburg Cider Mill’s Country Store, enjoy live music, sip fresh cider, and savor donuts that taste like autumn itself.

Top Kansas City Gyms with Childcare Options for Busy Parents

Discover the top Kansas City gyms that make it easier for parents to squeeze in a workout—thanks to built-in childcare you’ll actually want to use.

Weekly Playdates for Toddlers in KC

Looking for exciting and enriching activities for your little one? Whether it's story times, sensory-friendly events, or toddler play, there's something fun for every child...

Best of September

Looking for the best family fun this September in Kansas City? The KC Parent team has rounded up the top events, festivals, and activities happening...

FREE Kansas City Attractions for Toddlers

Looking for fun, affordable outings with your toddler in Kansas City? You’re in luck—there are plenty of amazing attractions across the metro that welcome little...

Meet Green Street: Downtown Lee’s Summit’s Fresh New Scene

Downtown Lee’s Summit has always had that charming, small-town vibe that makes you feel right at home, and now it just got even better. Enter...

August Festivals in Kansas City

Discover August festivals in Kansas City—fairs, music, food, and family fun all month long. Your go-to guide for end-of-summer celebrations.

Best Apple Picking Farms Around Kansas City for Fall Fun

Discover the best apple picking farms in Kansas City! From cider slushes and tractor rides to pumpkins and corn mazes, explore the perfect autumn getaways for the whole family.

Where to Go Apple Picking Near Kansas City: Best Orchards for Fall Family Fun

Our favorite apple picking farms in Kansas City are full of fall fun—offering fresh fruit, tasty treats, and activities the whole family will love. CIDER...

KC Baby Summer 2025

KC Parent July 2025

Pogo Pass Giveaway

One pass, 25 venues, a whole year of fun with free admission to top KC attractions like Science City, the KC Zoo & Aquarium, Urban Air, Royals games, and more. Enter now for your chance to win!

KC’s VBS Guide

Plan your summer with KC’s 2025 VBS Guide—faith-filled fun, crafts, and games at free or low-cost VBS spots, sorted by state and date.

A Deep Dive into Wonders of Wildlife: An Aquarium Adventure Our Family Loved

Make a splash at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, MO! Explore massive aquariums, hands-on exhibits, and wild animal encounters—just a short drive from KC. A one-of-a-kind family adventure filled with discovery and wow moments!

Balloon Rocket Craft: Easy Indoor Fun for Kids

This balloon rocket craft is a fast, fun way to keep kids moving indoors—great for rainy days or a noise-free Fourth of July celebration.

MO State Fair Giveaway

Enter to win passes for the family to the 2025 Missouri State Fair taking place in Sedalia this August!

Storytime to Showtime: Summer Read-Alouds with a Twist

Add meaning to your summer with family read-alouds, themed dinners, and movie nights! These book-to-film picks make it easy to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.

Top 10 Best Playgrounds in KC That You Have to Take Your Child to

Looking for the ultimate kid-friendly parks in Kansas City? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best playgrounds across the metro, with options perfect for toddlers, older kids, and everyone in between.

9 Patriotic Children’s Books to Celebrate Courage, Freedom & American History

Inspire young readers with these patriotic picture books and novels that honor American values, history, and heroes.

Baby’s First Summer in KC

From stroller-friendly aquariums to sweet u-pick berry farms, discover the best ways to spend baby’s first summer in Kansas City.

A KC Streetcar Date: Eat, Explore, and Enjoy the Ride

Plan a perfect day in KC with this three-stop streetcar adventure—featuring delicious eats, historic sights, and a sweet frozen treat to top it all off.

6 Fun-Filled Kansas City Staycations for Families

Who says you have to leave town to make unforgettable memories? These six Kansas City staycation ideas are perfect for families craving fun, connection, and zero travel stress.

Northland Nights: The Perfect Zona Rosa Date

From street tacos and margaritas to painting sessions, olive oil tastings, and mochi doughnuts, Zona Rosa has everything for the perfect date night.

KC’s Weekly Playdates for Tots

Your go-to guide for fun toddler weekly playdates in Kansas City! From open gyms and indoor playgrounds to story times and splash sessions, find daily playdate ideas to keep little ones active and happy.

Water Fun for Little Ones

From shaded splash pads to backyard sprinkler games, explore KC’s best ways to help your baby or toddler stay cool and smile all summer long.

Light Up the Sky: KC’s Ultimate Guide to Fourth of July Fireworks & Festivals

Looking for the best place to watch fireworks in Kansas City this Fourth of July? From big city displays to charming small-town celebrations, our 2025 guide highlights all the top shows, parades, and family-friendly festivities.

Protecting Kids from Ozone Pollution in KC

Ozone pollution can make KC’s summer air unhealthy—especially for kids. Learn how to protect your family with SkyCast alerts and simple clean air tips.

2025–2026 School Calendars

Plan ahead with 2025–2026 start dates, breaks, and last days for Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, and Lee’s Summit school districts. View full district calendars here.

Step Into the Story: Kevin Henkes Exhibit at the Rabbit hOle

Discover the magic of Kevin Henkes’ beloved books at the Rabbit hOle’s newest exhibit. Designed for ages 2–6, this immersive experience brings My Garden and Kitten’s First Full Moon to life with hands-on fun and storybook charm.

7 Fun Family Art Adventures in Kansas City

From high-tech maker spaces to hands-on artistic activities, dive into the guide to find the best artsy adventures in KC.

Summer Freebies for Kansas City Kids

From free doughnuts and Frosties to books and play points, Kansas City kids can earn fun summer rewards just by reading or bringing home good grades!

Roars and Rainbows at KC Pumpkin Patch: A Dino & Unicorn Adventure

Roars and Rainbows at KC Pumpkin Patch is a dino-meets-unicorn adventure with animatronic creatures, themed rides, slides, and hands-on fun—perfect for KC families this June!

Best of June

June in Kansas City means sunshine, splash parks, and nonstop family fun. From dinosaur adventures at the Zoo to local festivals, Juneteenth celebrations, and Father’s Day outings, there’s something for everyone.

Summer Fun in a Jar: DIY I Spy Game for Kids

Keep kids entertained this summer with a simple, hands-on craft: DIY I Spy jars! Perfect for long road trips or quiet afternoons, these jars are easy to assemble using rice and random trinkets you already have at home!

KC Parent June 2025

5 Must-Try Kansas City Restaurants Every Kid Will Love

Dining out with kids can be a challenge—but these five Kansas City restaurants make it fun and easy for the whole family. Whether it’s trains that deliver your food at Fritz’s or yard games at Chicken N Pickle this guide has something for everyone!

5 Things We Love Right Now

Looking for a little summer inspiration? This list of seasonal favorites includes something for everyone—whether you’re baking cake pops with the kids, hitting the road with space-saving luggage, or stocking up on natural skincare.

Read, Cook, Create: June’s Story and a Tasty Father’s Day Recipe

Dive into summer with Calendar Kids: June by April Martin! Kids will love the story, family activities, and a fun Father’s Day recipe—Dad’s Famous Hamburgers.

KC’s Best Parks for Sports and Games

Looking to stay active this season? Whether you’re into soccer, disc golf, roller hockey, or casual games like cornhole and gaga ball, Kansas City has a park for you. Explore our list of the best parks for sports and recreation across the metro!

MEGA-DINOSAUR GIVEAWAY

MEGA-DINOSAUR GIVEAWAY The whole month of June! $1000 in GIVEAWAYS! Enter to win Passes to: Dino-Lab at Science City, Jurassic World Rebirth Movie, KC Jurassic Farm Exhibit, Powell Gardens Jurassic Gardens and more!

KC’s Summer Movie Guide

From $2 indoor matinees to free outdoor films under the stars, explore family movie nights, drive-ins, and special screenings happening all summer in KC!

Kansas City’s Top Summer Camps and Activities Guide

From learning a new sport to exploring painting, drama, canoeing, or conquering a ropes course, use KC Parent’s Summer Camp Guide to find exciting opportunities for kids of all ages and interests!

KC Going Places 2025

Inspired Play Cafe Giveaway

Inspired Play Cafe is the perfect spot for families to connect-kids can explore in the thoughtfully designed play space while parents relax in the cozy café. Enter to win and enjoy family fun!

Romantic Date Ideas in Kansas City

Need to rekindle the romance with your significant other? Check out these great ideas to help you do just that! For a romantic and adventurous...

New Attractions and Experiences Coming to Kansas City in 2025

What's New in 2025? Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is set to bring high-energy entertainment to the Aspiria campus in...

Tanganyika Wildlife Park: Hands-On Animal Experience

Get up close with lions, feed a rhino, and even swim with penguins at Tanganyika Wildlife Park-this family-owned gem offers once-in-a-lifetime encounters you won’t find anywhere else.

Best of May

May in Kansas City is packed with sunshine, celebrations, and endless family fun, from honoring moms on Mother’s Day to celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 to kicking off summer over Memorial Day weekend!

KC Parent May 2025

Your ultimate guide to May family fun-celebrating moms, Memorial Day, local festivals, camps, and can’t-miss KC adventures!

KC’s Guide to Toddler FUN

Our ultimate TODDLER FUN guide has you covered! From free activities and animal adventures to open gyms and more, enjoy a great day with your little ones-rain or shine!

Festivals Across Kansas City

Get ready for a season packed with art, music, food, festivals, and family fun across Kansas City and beyond. From colorful street fairs to moving concerts and lively cultural celebrations, there’s something unforgettable waiting for everyone.

Everything Trains in KC: 10 Must-Go Spots

New memories are full steam ahead! This year, get on board to celebrate National Train Day on May 10 by visiting one of Kansas City's...

Worlds of Fun Giveaway

Enter to win one of two family 4-packs of tickets to Worlds of Fun-an epic day of thrills, rides, and family fun!

Kansas City’s Easter Fun Guide

Discover the best Easter events in Kansas City with our roundup of egg hunts, concerts, activities and celebrations. Don’t forget your Easter basket!

Measles Cases Confirmed in Kansas

Updated By Halley Zitterkopf on March 28, 2025 as now cases in KS have risen.  There are now 23 confirmed measles cases in Kansas, and...

KC’s Weekly Playdates for Tots

Your go-to guide for fun toddler weekly playdates in Kansas City! From open gyms and indoor playgrounds to story times and splash sessions, find daily playdate ideas to keep little ones active and happy.

Best Children’s Podcasts

Discover the best kids’ podcasts by age group-perfect for car rides and bedtime routines! This guide features fun & educational podcasts with quick summaries to find your new favorites.

Top 12 Donut Shops in KC

Every member of the KC Parent staff has called Kansas City home for over 25 years-and trust us, we have strong opinions about donuts!

Celebrate Waffle Day in Kansas City!

March 25 is International Waffle Day-a perfect excuse to indulge in crispy, golden perfection! Whether you love sweet, savory, or a little of both, Kansas City has incredible waffle creations to satisfy every craving.

Stems: A Garden Soirée Giveaway

WIN 2 tickets to STEMS: A Garden Soirée! Enjoy an all-inclusive evening of fine wine, gourmet food, and live music at the Overland Park Arboretum on June 28 ($520 value)!

KC Baby Spring 2025

The best of Kids’ Resale in KC, adventures for rainy days and more!

Go Explore the Crown Center District

Crown Center and Union Station are two of Kansas City’s most beloved landmarks, with a variety of kid-friendly favorite attractions as well as world-class museums.

5 Marvelous Museums

Discover aviation at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, money at the Fed’s Money Museum, pioneer history at National Frontier Trails, 1850s life at Missouri Town, and modern art at Kemper Museum-all offering immersive experiences!

St. Patrick’s Day Fun Guide in Kansas City

St. Patrick’s Day fills Kansas City with a festive spirit, from lively parades to delicious Irish fare and special holiday events, offering countless ways to celebrate!

Go Explore Downtown

Kansas City’s 18th & Vine district mixes baseball, jazz, and history! Ride the free KC Streetcar, explore the Power & Light District, and enjoy First Fridays in the Crossroads with art, food, and live music. Don’t forget the Arabia Steamboat Museum for a dash of treasure hunting!

Six-Stop Tour: Downtown Shawnee

Discover the best of Downtown Shawnee with this Six-Stop Tour! From cozy cafés and handcrafted chocolates to local history and lively nightlife, explore must-visit spots that make Shawnee special.

Pogo Pass Giveaway

One pass, 25 venues, a whole year of fun with free admission to top KC attractions like Science City, the KC Zoo & Aquarium, Urban Air, Royals games, and more. Enter now for your chance to win!

Ultimate Kansas City Staycation Guide: Fun & Affordable Family Adventures

Enjoy a fun, affordable KC staycation! Explore museums, parks, and attractions like Crown Center, the Zoo, and Urban Air. Plan ahead, create lasting memories, and enjoy local adventures-no travel required!

Urban Air: A High-Flying Family Adventure

Experience the ultimate indoor adventure at Urban Air Lenexa, featuring trampolines, obstacle courses, a ropes course, and more. Perfect for all ages, with options for younger jumpers and sensory-friendly play. Plan your visit today!

KC Parent March 2025

Our Camp Guide!

Kansas City’s Nature Centers

Looking for budget-friendly family fun? Our ultimate Nature Center Guide is packed with free activities, animal encounters, and outdoor adventures! Explore dozens of ways to enjoy nature with your kids without breaking the bank in KC.

The Best Pizza in KC

Every member of the KC Parent staff has called Kansas City home for over 25 years-and trust us, we have strong opinions about pizza! From must-try specialties and hidden gems, we’ve rounded up our top pizza spots.

Go Explore Midtown

Kansas City’s Midtown and Country Club Plaza Districts offer many family-friendly attractions and sites to enjoy including the city’s beloved Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Zoo, and more.

Mega-Fun Guide to 90 Activities under $10 to Enjoy in KC

Every parent loves to find ways to stretch the family budget but still have a TON of FUN! We’re here to help!

Super Bowl Family Fun: Kansas City Style

Discover these fun and family-friendly ways to celebrate the Chiefs’ Super Bowl appearance! From stadium tours to themed treats and crafts, this guide is packed with activities to help you show your Chiefs pride and create unforgettable memories.

5 Marvelous Museums in KC

Explore history, science, and interactive learning at five remarkable museums in KC offering immersive exhibits from the pony express to 19th century artifacts.

The 5 Best Parks for Birdwatching in Kansas City

Explore Kansas City’s top birdwatching locations, from lakes and rivers to forests and prairies. Spot bald eagles at Wyandotte County Lake Park, waterfowl at Minor Park, and songbirds at Lakeside Nature Center!

Best of February

Whether you’re looking for cozy indoor adventures, unique winter festivals, or early signs of spring, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our top picks for the best things to do in KC this February!

KC Parent February 2025

Share the love this February with these Valentine traditions and more!

10 Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day for Families in Kansas City

Discover 10 unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Kansas City! From shopping at Made in KC to enjoying Andre’s chocolates, make this year unforgettable.

Chiefs Game Day at Home Giveaway

Don’t miss your chance to kick off the playoffs with this ultimate fan giveaway. Enter here and bring the family fun to the next level!

Some of the Best Sledding & Tubing Hills in Kansas City

From Blue Springs, to Shawnee, to Leawood, this is our list of best sledding hills in the Metro. Be active, go sledding, and make memories today!

Inspired Play Cafe Giveaway

Score a 5-Pass Punch Card and $20 Gift Card to the new Inspired Play Café-where playtime meets coffee time!

Six-Stop Tour: The Crown Center District, Fun at a Local Landmark

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy ice-skating, indoor exhibits, films and delicious dinners with the ones we love.

Best of January

From the roar of Monster Jam trucks at the T-Mobile Center to a variety of breathtaking live performances – here’s something to thrill every member of the family.

KC’s Best Holiday Lights

Discover the best Christmas light displays in Kansas City with our festive guide, complete with tips for a cozy, magical drive-through experience and a list of top local shows lighting up the metro this holiday season!

Parks Perfect for Winter Hikes

From snow-dusted hikes to historic tours and serene winter lakes, these local parks are the perfect cold-weather escape for outdoor adventurers!

KC Baby Winter 2025