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2021

Protect Pets this Winter

Families are encouraged to do everything to protect their own pets by bringing them inside and giving them warm and dry shelter and unfrozen water this winter.

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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything
from pregnancy and birth to sleeping, feeding, fitness and general well-being.

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I’m Thankful for My Family

“If you’d like Thanksgiving dinner, we’ll have to make it, and I can’t do it without you. That means no fighting. Got it? Let’s make this the best Thanksgiving meal Mom ever had. What do you say?”

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Thanksgiving Hacks

“Remember that each family has their own unique hurdles to jump across regardless of how it’s presented on social media.”

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Staycation or Vacation

If you are staying close to home this summer, MCPL has the perfect staycation resources for you to create virtual cultural experiences.

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A Truly Memorable Summer Menu

(Family Features) Summer days are often spent with family and friends, soaking in the sun’s rays and enjoying outdoor living with warm weather activities. Complement...

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A Nostalgic Seasonal Treat

The kitchen is often known as the “heart of the home” and homes all over the country will smell and taste like fall festivities all season long with this recipe for Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches.

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Best of May

May in Kansas City! Strawberries are begging to be picked. Roller coasters are ready to ride! And, it’s baseball season! Our Top Picks for May are here:

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Best of June

Experience the Best of Kansas City this summer with living history, thought-provoking exhibits, and family fun.

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Best of October

Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking, Fall Festivals… these are just a few of the things we LOVE about October in KC!

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Best of November

It’s time for terrific exhibits, great shows, and holiday fun. Our top picks for November in Kansas City are here.

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Best of July

Experience the Best of Kansas City this summer with living history, thought-provoking exhibits, and family fun.

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Best of September

Pumpkin Patches, Apple Picking, Fall Festivals… these are just a few of the things we LOVE about September in KC!

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Best of April

April meansSpring in Kansas City! It’s time to enjoy the arrival of Koalas at the Kansas City Zoo, beautiful blooms at Overland Park Arboretumand other outdoor attractions.

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Best of August

Missouri State Fair, Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun, Butterfly Festivals, Apple Picking… these are just a few of the things we LOVE about August with KC kids!

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Best of December

It’s time for terrific exhibits, great shows, and holiday fun. Our top picks for December in Kansas City are here.

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5 Things We Love Right Now

Dorm Shopping Remember the easy days of grade school supplies and those awesome packs you could order that had everything you needed? Guess what—the...

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Wildlights at Sedgwick County Zoo

This fall, families can enjoy a magical outdoor event at Wildlights, a special exhibit at Sedgewick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Wildlights is a one-of-a-kind display featuring beautiful Asian Lantern sculptures that light up the zoo.

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Kansas City Adventure Guide

Have you ever wanted to experience an unforgettable adventure? This summer, thrill as you soar to new heights, plunge to new depths and travel at incredible speeds?

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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.

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Go Explore Kansas

Outstanding shopping, historic sites, agritourism… these are a few of our favorite things about exploring Kansas.

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E3 Academy Giveaway

Discover. Learn. Flourish. Three steps to unlocking your child’s unique approach to learning & doing. Each month we will give away the following: one Student Aptitude Assessment with a 30-minute interpretation with our Certified Kolbe Consultant.

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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, this is an excellent area to explore with visitors.

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Say What?

If your child has trouble listening to you, the good news is there are many ways to improve those listening skills.

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Starting Solids

Gradually switching your baby from just breast milk or formula to solids is an exciting time. Thankfully, the process can be done with ease—and your baby will welcome the new flavors.

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Advice, Advice, Baby

We’ll keep it quick. Pay close attention. You might just learn something that gets you a few hours more rest, and wouldn’t that be great for all of us?

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Playing to learn

Play is critical to a child’s development across all areas, including their communication, language, movement and motor skills.

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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything
from pregnancy and birth to sleeping, feeding, fitness and general well-being.

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Change Is Hard

What would it look like if we took initiative and taught them skills to cope with change, so they can develop that muscle early and be able to use it as they grow?

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Dealing with an Underachiever

Life is filled with opposites. Up and down, highs and lows. Sweet and salty and, last but not least, we have the haves and have nots. What exactly does this have to do with my child and the fact that she’s underachieving?

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Confidence Boosters for Kids

Kids need to know they can do hard things. As the product of the participation trophy generation, most young parents have the knowledge that endless praise and being awarded for nominal effort tends to backfire.

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10 Commandments for More Holiday Cheer

Want to experience a more joyful holiday season this year that doesn’t leave you miserable, depleted and broke? Here are 10 ways to shift your perspective and take command of this “hap-happiest” time of the year!

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A Time for Family

“Where are you going?”

I stopped zipping my coat and stared at Mom. “Down to Dave’s place.” Mom knew who they were and that Dave, a year younger than I, was my friend while his brother, Mark, a year older, was in my brother’s circle.

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Throw Birthday Parties Like a Boss!

Stress-free parties? To many busy moms, this sounds like a dream instead of reality. But the dream is attainable simply with a bit of planning and a focus on your child’s specific interests.

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Christmas at Legends Outlets

Legends Outlets will offer smaller activations throughout the season and encourage shoppers to experience the Christmas tree light and music show anytime they visit the center.

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Teacher Trouble

“I hate school. My teacher is mean!” At one time or another, nearly every parent of a school-age youngster has heard their child express displeasure with the entire educational establishment.

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The Food Court Is All Grown Up….

Next time you’re gathering with friends or family for a meal, consider heading to a local food hall where you can support small businesses, enjoy delicious dining, and ensure no compromise of choice afflicts anyone in your group.

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Nutritious Fall Meals

With a return to busy fall routines, it can be challenging for many families to find the time to sit down at the table for nutritious meals.

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Connecting with Kids

From the moment children are born, they want their parents’ love and attention, and receiving it helps form their confidence and develop their identity.

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All About the Arts!

Today we are lucky to have countless activities, programs, exhibits and performances at which to expose children to the arts!

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Climbing the Walls at ROKC: Olathe

ROKC is Kansas City’s newest, and one of its biggest, indoor rock wall climbing facilities. The spacious site with 50-foot walls, an array of equipment, on-site training, and theclean facility makes it a great place to try a new adventure!

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Habits of Happy Moms

No one can be happy in every moment, but here are some tips to keep smiling and feel contentment during the highs, lows and mundane days of motherhood.

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Does my child need a tutor?

So how on God’s green earth can I be trusted to tutor or know when my future shining star is in need of a tutor? If you struggle like I do, keep reading. You’re not alone.

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Picture Perfect!

It’s that time of year again when the seasons are changing, and the holidays are looming—which also means it’s the perfect time to get family photos taken!

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Pumpkin Family

Need a cute fall baby announcement or just had a baby and short on time? This five-minute craft will check all of the fall boxes on decorating your pumpkins this year!

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Pulled Two Ways

For many parents, the baby in the NICU is not their firstborn, creating the challenge of balancing life at home, work, recovery from childbirth and care for children at home with spending time in the hospital with the baby.

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Q&A on Newborn Care

You may find some of your questions embarrassing to ask the pediatrician, but don’t worry. When it comes to your new baby, no question is silly.

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Babyproofing 101

Now that your baby is ready to roam and explore on her hands and knees, the time has come to babyproof the house. So, let’s get into it!

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Adding to the nest

The decision to expand your family is a major one. Huge, actually. It’s a bigger decision than some parents realize. There are so many factors to consider before taking that next step.

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On the Drive

“Well, Dad,” Laura took a deep breath and exhaled. “What do you want to talk about now?”

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Kindness Counts

Parents, teachers and caregivers have daily opportunities to foster, develop and strengthen children’s kindness skills over time.

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Let Them Get Messy!

It’s a tradition in our family on our children’s first birthdays to set them in the bathtub in their diaper with paint and a canvas and let them create their own first piece of artwork.

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Tips to Support an Anxious Child

Even children have occasional feelings of anxiety when faced with something new or if they must confront their fears, and just like adults, kids experience periods of sadness, nervous feelings and hopelessness during childhood.

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Why Kids Need Grandparents

They go by many names and are important people in your child’s life. Whether it’s their Grandma, Papa, Gigi, Granny or Gramps, it’s important for your children to establish and maintain a close bond with their grandparents.

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May Fun Calendar

National Bike MonthGet fit as a family with bicycling. UseMapMyRide.comto track your routes, discover new paths and find great safety tips for biking.National Hamburger MonthMay...

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It’s Apple Picking Time

Each of the u-pick apple orchards on our list is a locally-owned family operation designed to provide the best in healthy produce and a great family outing.

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Teaching Kids to Manage Risks

As parents, our natural instinct is to keep our children safe. In fact, it’s not just our instinct, it’s part of our job. But another part of our job as parents is to not only allow but encourage our children to take risks too.

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The Talk

“Bill?” Sandi stood beside me as I worked on the computer. “You’re going to have to talk to Ian. He doesn’t want to go to school this year.”

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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything
from pregnancy and birth to sleeping, feeding, fitness and general well-being.

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What is ozone pollution?

Even though you can’t always see it, ozone pollution can still make the air in Greater Kansas City unhealthy to breathe. How can you keep your kids healthy this summer? What are some other steps to reduce ozone pollution?

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Cut the Clutter

If clutter drives you nuts like it does me, read on for a few tried and true mom tips, plus a few from a professional organizer too!

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Unconventional Pit Stops

Use these tried and true methods to make the most of your long drive time—they’re guaranteed to make the trek as enjoyable as the vacation itself!

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Iced Tea

James had just made this guttural noise of frustration while engrossed in his computer, and I turned toward him. “I haven’t heard that sound for 500 years or more.”

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Udderly Consumed

Whether you’re a new mom, a soon-to-be-mom or planning on becoming a mom, hear me. You are doing enough, and your baby loves you.

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Terms & Conditions

DMCA NoticeThe Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (the “DMCA”) provides recourse for copyright owners who believe that material appearing on the Internet infringes their...

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Dad’s Day!

No matter what the dad in your life is into, I’m sure anything you do will be well received because it is from the heart!

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Summer Fruits

Understanding how and when to buy at the peak of ripeness (or just before, in some cases) can help you avoid food waste while keeping your doctor happy.

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Volunteering with Kids

When you choose a family service project, try to pick something that excites or interests your children because they are much more likely to become invested in the project and glean more enjoyment from helping others.

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Lemonade Stand Learning

The lemonade stand seems to be a simple venture at first glance, but when looked at a little deeper, you will see all the lessons it teaches.

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Take your vitamins?

A daily multivitamin is a healthy basic for adults and kids alike, right? Maybe not. The journal Annals of Internal Medicine recently deemed multivitamin and mineral supplements massive money drains that don’t deliver promised health benefits.

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What Dads Are For

The image caught my eye, but not because it was an unusual photograph of a baby elephant as it frolicked on its mother in a rare moment of semi-recumbence on a hillside…

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Best Burgers in KC

May is National Hamburger Month. Celebrate the American classic with a trip to one of our favorite diners, drive-ins or dives.

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The Benefits of Imaginary Play

Oftentimes, adults downplay the importance of imaginative play, thinking it’s something to do if there’s enough time after “real” learning takes place. But pretend play is both educational and a critical.

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Photo Vases

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what mom doesn’t love flowers? Make her day extra special by making her a homemade vase with some of her favorite photos!

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May Editor’s Letter

I’ve always viewed my mom as a strong person. She’s dealt with a lot in her life, including the sudden loss of her mother when...

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Facing Fears

Whether your child fears being alone, hearing loud noises, going to the doctor or something else, there are ways to help.

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Magical Modeling

The best and most important thing parents can do to raise a selfless kids is to give them opportunities to help others.

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Cherry Preserves

I put the jar of cherry preserves back into the refrigerator. In my late teens, I could recognize how right my stepdad was. Mom had more than earned a little treat for herself.

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Broken Bones 101

Broken bones are scary—for kids and their parents. But broken bones, or fractures, are surprisingly common in young children. According to NationwideChildrens.org, as many as 50 percent of boys and 40 percent of girls experience broken bones.

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FREE and Cheap Fun in KC

Visiting Kansas City or planning a staycation on a budget? The city offers abundant opportunities to explore and enjoy—without breaking the bank!

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Touring KC’s Sweet Treats

Ice cream and cookies and cakes … oh my! If you’ve been in the KC metro for long, you know we are not short on places to grab a yummy sweet treat. The area is filled with fun and unique sweet spots to keep you smiling all summer long!

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Go Explore the Country

Kansas City is more than an urban core… surrounding communities including many favorites in the country including local farms, pumpkin patches, and museums.

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Go Explore Johnson County

Johnson County Kansas is home to the Overland Park Convention Center, numerous arts and crafts attractions, thrill-seekers favorites and living history sites.

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Six Creative Easter Egg Hunts

Filled with family, friends, a little bit of competition and lots of candy, Easter egg hunts are easily one of the most-anticipated yearly events among kids everywhere.

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Remake Learning Days Across America

After a most challenging year for education, Remake Learning Days Across America returns this spring in 17+ regions, with family-friendly learning events designed to engage caregivers, parents and kids around the country.

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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything
from pregnancy and birth to sleeping, feeding, fitness and general well-being.

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April Fun Calendar

Lawn and Garden Month:Family Tree Nursery is our go-to for beautiful plants and expert lawn advice. With three locations, the nursery is a fun family...

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Easter Bunny Planters

Let’s hop into spring with these cute bunny planters! They are easy to make, and you can easily make some of your other favorite springtime friends! Happy Easter!

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Special Skills

“Can your kids do anything better than normal kids can?”I’ve heard that question many times and in many ways since my sons were diagnosed with...

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Spring Cleaning!

I spoke with professional organizer Karen Swart from KC’s Organizing-Etc. about how to get our homes clutter free. Just remember, spring cleaning is a process.

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Great Families, Bad Habits

Busy schedules, growing children and even changes in lifestyle can create these habits. Although you can’t put a sudden halt on them, you can create changes with time.

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Difficult Conversations with Kids

After you’ve regained your sleep and schedule after parenting through the baby and preschool years, it’s time to prepare yourself for the fun of educating your children and having some difficult conversations with your growing youngsters.

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Healing Homesickness

Being homesick is totally natural, normal and can happen at varying ages. The good news? With a few simple steps, your child will be prepped and ready for camp in no time!

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We Love It

Lulla OwlA soother and sleep companion for babies that’s perfect at home or on the go. Soft, small and lightweight, with no plush filling, making...

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Finger Puppets

Finger puppets are a super simple and inexpensive way to help young children learn to get creative! There is no right or wrong with these little silly ones!

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Goin’ on a Gnome Hunt

Ceramic Cafe hid 750 amazing gnomes at local parks and they are asking YOU to find them.Anyone whofinds one of theirgnomes is invited to come to Ceramic Cafe and paint it free of charge.

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What to Keep and What to Toss

Baby toys come in handy, clothes, diaper pails, bottles—you simply cannot go wrong. So how do we manage when a second or third baby comes into the picture? What do you keep? What do you get rid of?

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The Home Stretch

That third trimester—it’s exciting, anxiety-inducing and exhausting all at once. But mostly exciting. While you’re counting down the days until your expected due date, try...

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25 Ways to Enjoy Spring in KC

Beautiful places on sunny days, super fun places on get-out-the-wiggle days and favorite indoor places for rainy or mega-hot days, these are 25 of our favorite ways to enjoy spring.

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A (Surprise) Pandemic Pregnancy

The storms of 2020 had rocked the boat so much we were convinced there wasn’t much left that could come as a surprise, but that candy cane striped pregnancy test result had us eating our words.

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Benefits of a Gap Year

My grandpa once said, “Don’t let your studies get in the way of your education.” He would be happy to know how much experiential learning has taken place in my gap year thus far.

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Giant Rainbow

Want a fun and easy way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day? Why not make a giant rainbow using everyday kitchen utensils such as a meat chopper or potato masher? This simple craft is a fun way to use household objects in a new way!

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Choosing a Summer Camp

Summer camp is an exciting adventure for kids, but which experience will be just right for your young explorer? Understanding the options is key. Many people don’t realize there are so many choices when it comes to summer camp.

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The Camp Next Door: Day Camp

Many parents want their kids to experience summer camps, but the idea of spending several nights away from home is a little scary for both them and their children. A great alternative, especially for younger kids, is to send them to day camp.

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How Healthy Is Your Home?

What about inside our homes, where many of us are spending more time than ever? Read on for some tips to make where you play, eat and learn safe and clean.

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Taming the Tattletale

There are necessary and unnecessary times to tattle, and it’s important for kids to be able to spot the difference. You want your child always to report the truth, but you also want to set healthy boundaries.

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Playing Favorites

Parental favoritism can be described as “when one or both parents show preferential treatment to one child over another.” Favoritism is often displayed through gifts and privileges, time spent together or greater lenience with discipline.

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Want to Move Your Family Abroad?

Whether you’ve been assigned to another nation for work or long to globetrot with your family for other reasons, you may wonder how realistic an international move is, especially with kids.

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Conversation Starters

Rather than asking, “how was your day?” or “what did you do today?” try one of the below questions to get the conversation started.

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BirthdayParty Life Lessons

Abirthdayparty may look like just abirthdayparty to you now, but what I see is a breeding ground for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind.

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The Linda Hall Library

The facility is a research library, home to a beautiful 14-acre arboretum, and a facilitator of amazing online resources for S.T.E.M. learners.

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Fuzzy Mobile

Has anyone told you how much babies cost? They are expensive! Instead of spending around $100 on a baby mobile, make your own for around $20 and an hour of your time!

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