While we're all homebound, due to COVID-19 precautions, we can still connect with our community through online resources.
Kansas City Zoo
While the zoo is closed, you can still learn about and enjoy some of the zoo's animals virtually through online videos.
Penguin Cam: Helzberg Penguin Plaza is one of the most beloved exhibits at Kansas City Zoo. You can watch the king penguins enjoying their habit LIVE on the Zoo's Penguin Cam.
Underwater Penguin Cam:
Orangutan Cam: This camera showcases the zoo's Orangutans.
Otter Cam: Meet our Asian small-clawed otter family! Our otters share a habitat with our Northern white-cheeked gibbon family and you may occasionally catch a glimpse of these engendered apes! Mom Cai and Dad Ian are parents to triplets Han, Luke, and Leia as well as twins Conner and Clover!
More Educational KC Zoo Videos: The zoo offers a collection of educational clips featuring their resident animals.
Science City at Union Station
Parents! Looking for fun, creative activities you can do at home with your kids? Check out our Maker Studio's Instructables page for fun projects with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. In this project, you'll make a robot that wiggles, wobbles, and dances around thanks to a homemade cam. https://www.instructables.com/id/Wiggly-Wobbly-Robots-Simple-Cam/
You'll find MORE projects in Science City's Maker Studio lab! The Maker Studio is an educational museum makerspace in Kansas City, MO, focused on teaching new maker skills and introducing them to new tools & technologies.
Experience a VIRTUAL SKY TOUR!
April 17 at 6:00pm LIVE on Facebook; Planetarium Specialist Patrick is back with an all-new look at our night sky and "Fan Friday Q&A" - a live Q&A with your chance to ask any questions about space, astronomy, or working at the planetarium. So be sure to join us LIVE on our Facebook Page tonight at 6:00pm, and get set for an out of this world adventure from the comfort of your own home!
Mid-Continent Public Libraries
While the physical libraries are closed, we would encourage everyone who is able, to access the virtual library. Librarians are also hosting Virtual Storytime on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymcpl/. MCPL has a large digital collection that includes:
- eBooks
- eAudiobooks
- Homework Help and Online Tutoring
- Magazines and Newspapers
- Research Materials
- Music
- Video
Can’t make it to the Johnson County Museum right now? That is OK, they've got you covered with new virtual content!
Enjoy a special tour of the All-Electric House, a real 1954 ranch-style house that sits inside the museum. Explore great activities to pair with Little Golden Book stories, just like “Retro Storytime” programming! Hear about the themes and major periods of Johnson County History with exhibit overview videos, and more! Learn more here.
Johnson County Library
The library offers many online resources:
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
You can explore the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures collections virtually through their online database: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/collections/
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial: Kansas City, Mo
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers online exhibits on their site so you can learn more about the Great War. Topics covered include the Armistice, Christmas Truce, WWI A-Z, and more: https://www.theworldwar.org/explore/exhibitions/online-exhibitions
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KC Repertory Theatre
Kansas City Repertory Theatre pursues theatrical excellence and advances the art form. KC Rep builds community by connecting people through productions and programming that educate, entertain, challenge and inspire including the annual production ...
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Johnson County Museum staff, 2020
Johnson County Museum
Featuring award-winning long-term and changing exhibitions as well as public and school education programs, the Museum is a great place to spend the day learning about our county’s history and having fun in our hands-on exhibit spaces.
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Union Station
A place for great adventure. Where Kansas City Connects. All of these phrases – and more – are regularly used to describe Union Station. Visitors of all ages, from all places and for all reasons tie Union Station to special and magical moments.
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Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station
Combining interactive astronomy education with spectacular public shows and night sky viewing opportunities, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium continues to be one of Kansas City's greatest connections to the night sky.
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Science City at Union Station
Kansas City’s Science Center, Science City at Union Station Kansas City, is a dynamic, hands-on science center featuring nearly 200 individual interactive exhibits and daily programming. Kids of all ages experience the amazing world of science fir...
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Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
4400 SW 10th Ave, Topeka Township, KansasThe Discovery Center features over 15,000 square feet of indoor education exhibits, including science, careers, building, art, and a 4.5 acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.
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National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
The Museum offers a rich and immersive experience, making it an ideal destination for multigenerational families, adults, and children alike. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll be transported to different eras, each filled with unique charm.
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What if Puppets
What If Puppets is an award winning, professional puppet theater that produces plays for young audiences that appeal to all ages.
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Cupcakin Bakery
We are known for our original cupcake flavors, chocolate-covered strawberries, customized lollipops, and magically fun birthday party ideas for kids.
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Taste Buds Kitchen
Cooking events for kids, families and adults ages 2 to 99. Check out what's cooking in our kitchen! Franchises available.
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Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is a not-for-profit botanical garden located just east of Kansas City, Missouri. Our mission: to be an experience that embraces the Midwest’s spirit of place and inspires an appreciation for the importance of plants in our lives.
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Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
One of 15 presidential libraries, visitors are able to experience engaging exhibits and programs, the library aspires to reach a broad and diverse audience in a continuous effort to keep President Truman’s life and legacy alive.
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National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. Named one of the top 25 museums in the United Sta...
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is Kansas City’s favorite free attraction, as voted by readers of KC Parent Magazine! Discover masterpieces in the galleries, spend quality time together at a festival or drop in for a weekend art activity. Classes...
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Mid-Continent Public Libraries
Mid-Continent Public Library is the largest library system in the Kansas City metropolitan area serving over 780,000 residents in Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties.
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Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Explore the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, with nearly 10,000 animals on 202 acres, it's the most affordable family fun for kids of all ages! Travel all over the world without ever leaving Kansas City.
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Also, Kids and kids-at-heart, we invite you to join us tomorrow afternoon (Friday, March 20) at 3 p.m. (CST) for a special history Story Time with our Curator of Education Lora Vogt, reporting for story duty!
Worlds of Fun
Worlds of Fun had to delay their season opening this year, but you can still enjoy your favorite rides from Kansas City's #1 theme park with these great point-of-view videos! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride... from the comfort of your own home! We have your Guide to Virtual Rides at Worlds of Fun!
Kansas Children's Discovery Center
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center closed their doors one week ago, but the staff of the nonprofit children’s museum is still hard at work. Since the closure, the museum’s education team has produced daily tutorials for parents looking for educational activities they can do at home. The series, called Discovery at Home, is available free on Discovery Center social media channels and the website www.kansasdiscovery.org/home.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
We are proud to have one of the finest art galleries in America right here in Kansas City. You can explore the collections virtually and learn about the pieces and the artists who created them with the museum's database showcasing the virtual collection: https://art.nelson-atkins.org/collections
Powell Gardens
Enjoy the beauty of Powell Gardens through their amazing photo collection: https://www.instagram.com/powellgardens/
You can also enjoy new Digital Content from Powell Gardens.
Digital Learning for Kids
The education team at Powell Gardens is translating its programming to the digital world, offering video content and weekly downloadable outdoor activities that kids can do in their own backyards. https://powellgardens.org/homepage/events-programs-exhibitions/teachers-schools/
Home Garden Q&A with Horticulture Staff
The essential horticulture staff at the Gardens are focused on garden maintenance and staying ahead of Mother Nature. Many in our community are doing the same in their own gardens while spending more time at home. Each week, Powell Gardens asks its online community to submit their home gardening questions and responds with expert advice from the horticulture team.
Updates from the Gardens
Springtime in the Gardens is a crowd favorite. While visitors are unable to get to the Gardens in person, they can see what is blooming on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more from Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture who is writing biweekly updates from the Gardens.
To access this new content, follow @PowellGardens on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and subscribe for biweekly email updates.
Mesner Puppet Theater
Join Mesner Puppet Theater LIVE on Facebook at 2pm every weekday beginning March 20th to enjoy fun shows, projects, and other activities.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Follow Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead on Facebook for their live Goat Cam.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Can’t leave the house? No problem! Anything can be transformed into art! We will be uploading a step-by-step tutorial each week of an art project inspired by a work of art currently on view at Kemper Museum. Learn more at https://www.kemperart.org/art-videos.
KCPT
Use the PBS app to stream your favorite PBS shows, create the perfect watchlist, connect with your local station, and more — anywhere you watch: https://www.kcpt.org/anywhere/
KC Royals
Experience a steady dose of content every Thursday to keep you connected to your #Royals.
Subscribe👉YouTube.com/royals
KC Symphony
Live performances are currently canceled. If you’re looking for a musical interruption to your day…check out this clip from the Symphony’s 2013 Celebration at the Station Event.
Truman Presidential Library and Museum
The Truman Presidential Library and Museum is currently closed for renovation. While they are closed, you can explore tremendous online resources for research and learning. https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/online-collections
KC Rep
We were thrilled to see the response to our OriginKC: New Works Festival limited-engagement viewing event. Thousands of theatre lovers worldwide—from as close as KC, to as far away as Europe and Asia—enjoyed the world premiere productions Frankenstein: A Ghost Story and Legacy Land from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Those limited-engagement runs have ended, but we are excited to share even more virtual KCRep content with you! Visit our Youtube page for hours of behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, and clips from some of your past favorite shows—all available to watch for FREE! We recommend starting with Artistic Director Stuart Carden's recent talkback conversations with the Legacy Land and Frankenstein: A Ghost Story actors and playwrights.
This content is free to view, but if you enjoy it, we hope you'll consider making a donation to help sustain KCRep.
We look forward to the day when we can all gather together again, and enjoy in the communal art of live theatre! Until then, we hope these fun videos inspire and entertain you.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Sedgwick County Zoo is doing Virtual Visits on weekdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Facebook Live.
Memberships
Do you want to financially support our local attractions during this tough time? This is a great time to purchase memberships to local attractions. Members enjoy free admission, special members-only events, and in many cases, reciprocal relationships with other venues in other cities for discounted or free admission. Some of our favorites include:
- Kansas City Zoo FOTZ Membership: You can choose your membership level to include admission or add on unlimited rides (this is a favorite for families with young children). In addition to enjoying our fabulous zoo year-round, members enjoy special events and discounted or free admission at zoos across the nation.
- Science City Membership: Science City is a great indoor venue for families to enjoy year-round. Members enjoy special events and discounted admission for ticketed exhibits. Membership is reciprocal with other science museums across the country, meaning you can enjoy free or discounted admission when you travel.
- Paradise Park: Paradise Park offers two membership options: The Discovery Pass (ideal for families of young children) which includes unlimited access to the Discovery Play Center (Edutainment Center), Children’s Garden and Foam Factory for a family of 4. Or, the Adventure Pass (ideal for families with multiple ages) which includes a single person pass with unlimited play on our Adventure Attractions (Go Karts, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Rock Climbing, Bumper Cars, Foam Factory, Discovery Play, and Children's Garden) for a calendar year, plus exclusive discounts.
- Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun: Enjoy Unlimited Visits and Free Parking to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun every public operating day in 2019 AND 2020, including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. Best of all, your Gold Pass includes exclusive discounts, early park access and more in 2020!
- Johnson County Museum Family memberships are affordable and members enjoy FREE admission as well as discounts on museum programs and events and 10% discount at the gift store in addition to other perks like invitations to exhibit openings and special events.
- Powell Gardens Members enjoy free admission to top-notch annual festivals (including the Festival of Butterflies and Festival of Lights) and free or discounted admission to more than 200 gardens and arboretums and discounted classes and programs for families.
- The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures You decide to buy a pass for up to two, six or 12 guests per visit and bring any combination of guests each time you visit. This is a great way to share a favorite local attraction with out-of-town guests.
- The National WWI Museum and Memorial Enjoy free admission and special events. You may also purchase additional museum tickets for guests at half price.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Members enjoy FREE admission to featured exhibitions and FREE parking. Upper levels also include free admission to other art museums.
- Pool Passes: Buy a membership to your local indoor pool at the neighborhood community center or YMCA or buy next summer's outdoor pool pass.
- Sports Season Tickets: Kansas City is home to several terrific sports teams - tickets to one game or the entire season make a great gift. Buy season tickets for Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC, and KC Mavericks.
- Theater Tickets: Our local theaters offer a variety of shows for all ages. Season tickets are often less expensive than the per show ticket price. Families with children will enjoy season tickets to The Coterie (you may choose shows for older or younger children or a mix), KCRep (their shows are typically suited to teens and adults, but A Christmas Carol is fun for all ages), Carlsen Center at JCCC offers shows for all ages throughout the year, KC Ballet, or other local live theater groups. You may purchase single or season ticket packages as a great gift for theater buffs.
- Sign up for Summer Camp: Use our online camp guide to find the best local camp for your child.
Do you have an addition to our guide? Email kristina@kcparent.com.