Give thanks, give back, and create family memories this November with celebrations and events for the entire family. These are our top picks for November in Kansas City:
Orphan Sunday
- When, Where, What: Orphan Sunday November 3 at area organizations and churches. www.dcf.ks.gov
- Why We LOVE It: November is National Adoption Month. Community organizations and churches are making it their mission to help children find hope, love and permanency. Orphan Sunday is a time to focus on the need for more Foster and Adoptive Families in Kansas, especially for teens and sibling groups. 408,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States. 5,865 Kansas children are currently in foster care. 958 Kansas children in foster care are available for adoption. People worldwide are rising up for the Orphans and you can join them.
Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros
- When, Where, What: Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros Nov. 10 at 7PM at JCCC's Yardley Hall.
- Why We LOVE It: Peter Gros, wildlife expert and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, presents a memorable show with true stories from the animal kingdom. Get acquainted (and sometimes up-close and personal) with friendly live exotic animals as Peter shares inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation and environmental topics. We love the educational and entertaining approach Peter takes with children in sharing his positive message of conservation.
The Wiz at The Coterie
- When, Where, What: The Wiz Nov. 12 - Jan. 5 at The Coterie.
- Why We LOVE It: The Wizard of Oz holds a special place in the hearts of Kansas City audiences. The tale paying homage to Kansas is beloved by generations. Now, The Coterie brings the soul-filled production, The Wiz to stage. This Tony award-winning, timeless classic is a multicultural view of Oz with a twist.
Nikita's Birthday at the Kansas City Zoo
- When, Where, What: Nikita's Birthday Party is Nov. 16 from 10am-2pm at the Kansas City Zoo.
- Why We LOVE It: We love our polar bears and families love to celebrate with zookeepers in the Polar Bear Passage where fun activities are enjoyed all day long! After celebrating with Nikita, head over to the Brand New Helzberg Penguin Plaza the most-anticipated new KC Attraction of 2013. This state-of-the-art exhibit is truly outstanding and sure to be another favorite attraction at the ever-improving Kansas City Zoo. Read our full review of the Penguin Plaza.
- Bonus Tip: FOTZ Memberships are on sale NOW. If you are not already a Friends of the Zoo Member, you may purchase a 2014 membership and it is good NOW thru March of 2015! The perks of membership are tremendous (including free or discounted admission to other zoos when you travel, and free admission to the Kansas City Zoo). You can choose various levels for additional benefits (free rides, etc). Jackson and Clay County Residents receive a discount. If you are not already a member, but you're eager to see the penguins, buy a membership now and enjoy it for more than an entire year!
Operation Christmas Child
- When, Where, What: Operation Christmas Child delivers shoeboxes of goodies to children around the world. For locations and hours of collection in Kansas City, visit www.SamaritansPurse.org. There you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP code, or you can call 1.800.353.5949. Collections accepted Nov. 18 - 25.
- Why We LOVE It: Samaritan's Purse staff and partners will collect and hand-deliver some 8.5 million shoe box gifts to hurting children in more than 100 countries on six continents. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has hand-delivered more than 86 million shoe box gifts to needy children around the world.
Beauty and the Beast at The Culture House
- When, Where, What: Beauty and the Beast at The Culture House Nov. 21 - 23.
- Why We LOVE It: The Culture House presents family-friendly shows for all ages. This year's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic with showstopping music and unforgettable characters. The favorite fairytale comes to life on stage in a delightful production full of beauty, romance, humor, magic, and surprises.
A Christmas Carol at The KC Repertory Theatre
- When, Where, What: Christmas Carol at The KC Rep Nov. 22 - Dec. 26.
- Why We LOVE It: Celebrating its 33rd season, this is one family tradition you don't want to miss! For audiences, the theater truly becomes 1843 London and the cast are now the living embodiment of the characters they portray. Read our review of the 2012 production of A Christmas Carol.
KC's Holiday Lighting Ceremonies
- When, Where, What: Read our Guide to KC's Holiday Lighting Ceremonies.
- Why We LOVE It: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From mid-November to mid-December all across the Kansas City Metro, the switches are flipped, and the city is decked out in holiday splendor! Read our Guide to KC's Holiday Lighting Ceremonies for complete details.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas at Theatre for Young America
- When, Where, What: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at Theatre for Young America at Union Station Nov. 26 - Dec. 28.
- Why We LOVE It: Theatre for Young America presents delightful professional shows for the youngest audiences. This new play based on the beloved holiday poem brings to life the wild holiday adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl on their quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. This joyful tribute to the holiday season was created by renowned playwright Ken Ludwig, winner of 3 Tony Award nominations for his plays on Broadway.
- Tip: While you're there, be sure to visit Union Station and enjoy their holiday decorations, train rides, festivities, and a stop at Science City!
Optical Illusions Family Day
- When, Where, What: Optical Illusions Family Day at the Toy & Miniature Museum Nov. 29 from 10am-4pm
- Why We LOVE It: You won't believe your eyes! Skip the long lines of Black Friday and bring the family to the museum to explore the magical world of Victorian optical illusions toys. Search for these toys throughout the museum to experience the fun and simple technologies that led to modern-day animation and film. Then create your own spinning optical illusion toy and participate in the earliest form of cinema: a grand magic lantern show. Have fun and be mesmerized during this special family day! Activities included with the cost of admission.
Santa Train
- When, Where, What: Santa Train rides with the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Nov. 30 & Dec. 7
- Why We LOVE It: All Aboard! This holiday season, create family memories with a fun mixture of whimsy and nostalgia as you enjoy a magical Christmas Train ride with Santa! Join Santa for a magical train ride on a real train. Passengers enjoy Hot Chocolate and a cookies.
A Dickens Christmas
- When, Where, What: Dickens holiday events at the Mid-Continent Public Library. in November & December
- Why We LOVE It: "Bah humbug!" Almost everyone is familiar with this famous quote from Ebenezer Scrooge of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This year marks the 201st Anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. In celebration, the Mid-Continent Public Libraries to bring to you Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens, A Special Engagement is here for a limited time only. Be sure to register and bring the whole family to see Gerald bring this holiday classic to life. Do you ever wonder how Charles Dickens came up the all the characters in A Christmas Carol? Join David zum Brunnen as he portrays Charles Dickens on the night he wrote A Christmas Carol in Night Before Christmas Carol. Make it a Dickens of a Christmas and bring the whole family to both of these unique performances and start your holiday season off the right way. And in the famous words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless us, every one!"
- Tip: Read our review Mid-Continent Public Library's Dickens' Programs.