Best of June in Kansas City: 2012

May 29, 2012

2:18 p.m.

June is here! Summer Fun awaits at Kansas City's attractions... enjoy a brand new FREE Bird Show at the Kansas City Zoo, Fairy Lands at Powell Gardens, sensational puppet shows, and much more!

Soar: A Symphony of Flight

When, Where, What: A brand new bird show at the Kansas City Zoo, the show is FREE with Zoo Admission! Show times: 10:30 am & 2:30 pm Monday – Friday; 10:30 am, NOON & 2:30 pm Saturday & Sunday. Tickets are required and they are available at Guest Relations or from the SOAR Attendant. You must be in your seats 5 minutes prior to showtime or your seats will be given to those waiting guests. Seating begins 20 minutes before showtime. Your ticket(s) will be collected upon arrival at the auditorium.
Why We LOVE It: We've long been fans of the Zoo's shows and demonstrations, whether it is the Gorilla Zoo Keeper talk, the Polar Bear Chat, Elephant painting, or our favorite, Sea Lion Feeding. All of these shows are worth watching and it's a must to grab a schedule at the entrance to plan your day with a few shows in mind. We now have a new favorite though with the recent debut of SOAR: A Symphony In Flight! This bird show is engaging, educational, entertaining, and FREE... and it also happens to be inside in the air-conditioning (using a new set built inside the old IMAX theater), making it a favorite for families on hot days! The professional and magnificently designed 20-minute bird show teaches children about birds and conservation in a fun-filled show full of action, entertainment, and humor... you never know when a parrot will tell impromptu jokes. You'll watch hawks fly overhead, barely making a sound. Birds will demonstrate eating catching food in flight. Others talk and sing. They all exhibit natural skills and the stage is set up to beautifully display the birds and offers many surprises. Make plans to see this new show on your next visit to the Kansas City Zoo. Read our Tips for the Best Day at the Kansas City Zoo before you go!
Things to Know: Birds fly around the auditorium, including flights over the audience. If you have a fear of birds, you may want to keep that in mind. You may take photographs and video, however, please stay seated through the presentation. If you need to leave during the presentation, please see an attendant at the top of the stairs. Food and drink are permitted in the auditorium; however, they zoo asks that you take your items with you when you depart.

The Stinky Cheese Man

When, Where, What: Paul Mesner Puppets presents The Stinky Cheese Man (June 6 - July 1) at Paul Mesner Puppet Studios (1006 E. Linwood Blvd Kansas City, MO). Visit the Paul Mesner Puppets website for show times and tickets.
Why We Love It: The Stinky Cheese Man is a beloved Caldecott Award winning book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. Parents and children love the zany tale overflowing with wit and humor. In the Mesner production, Jack, the narrator, takes you through the twists and turns of this wacky tale. Learn the real story of Chicken Licken or is that Chicken Little? And then there is Cinderumpelstiltskin. Will she have to spin her own dress? Will she go to the ball? The Really Ugly Duckling will make you laugh and cry and everyone will leave with a somewhat revised view of that Little Red Hen. The story is not only entertaining but also explains how a book is constructed, making this puppet show both educational and entertaining.

Day Out with Thomas

Day out with Thomas Kansas

When, Where, What: The Midland Railway (1515 W. High St., Baldwin City, KS). Day Out with Thomas is offered June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, & 10, 2012. Order Day Out with Thomas Tickets online, advance reservations required. This event always sells out!
Why We LOVE It: The Midland Railway begins operation in June and they kick off their season with their annual event, "Day Out with Thomas." Fans ride with Thomas the Train and meet Thomas the Train characters! Enjoy a 25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™. Meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy storytelling, a magician, building with Mega Bloks®, inflatables, and Much More!
Bonus: If you plan to visit Branson this summer, consider staying at Caboose Junction where your kids will delight in sleeping overnight in cabooses turned campers! Read about our experience Camping in a Caboose for more information.

Adventures in Learning: Toy & Miniature Museum

When, Where, What: Every Wednesday in June & July from 1-3:30pm at the Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City (5235 Oak Street Kansas City, MO. 816.235.8000). Visit the Toy & Miniature Museum website to learn about each week's theme. FREE with Museum Admission.
Why We LOVE It: Adventures in Learning are special programs every Wednesday. The Museum hosts tours, gallery talks, and workshops designed to explore different aspects of the collection. We especially love these programs as they simply make visits to one of our favorite places even better! The Toy and Miniature Museum housed in the former Tureman Mansion, captures the imaginations of visitors young and old with its incredible collection of dollhouses, dolls, model trains, marbles and antique toys from around the world. Families will appreciate the special touches throughout the exhibits, including “touch me” buttons with working lights so you can see inside the tiniest of dollhouses, and step stools so little ones can see at their eye level. This is one destination loved by all generations and all ages—you’ll enjoy exploring childhood memories of years gone by through one of the most fun and magical museums in Kansas City!

Strotherfest

When, Where, What: June 8-9 at Paradise Park. Free Admission, Fees for Activities. In addition to the Festival, Paradise Park will be operating with all of its attractions operating at full force. Prepurchase wristbands to receive HUGE discounts on attractions for Strotherfest: $21 Unlimited Indoor/Outdoor Attractions (reg. $28.95). $16 Unlimited Indoor Attractions (reg. $21.95).
Why We LOVE It: This year's festival will include a vast selection of activities, games, attractions, entertainment, food vendors and live music. Where else can you find the adventure of a state fair combined with the family fun and friendly atmosphere of Paradise Park?

FREE Okee Dokee Brothers Concert at Park Place

Okee Dokee Brothers at Park Place

When, Where, What: June 14 at Park Place Leawood, part of the Summer Sounds Concert Series every Thursday from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
Why We LOVE It: Free Outdoor Summer Concerts are a Kansas City summer tradition and this summer, Park Place is featuring performers just for kids every second Thursday! Local musicians will take the stage to provide entertainment as guests can relax in Barkley Square. This year, guests can look forward to mixing up their music tastes with a variety of music genres including pop, world, ensemble, and children’s music. The second Thursday of the month is especially for children and will feature bands and acts catered to children’s musical taste.

Cinderella at the Culture House

When, Where, What: June 15 at 7pm and June 16 at 2pm & 7pm (Tickets $8-14) and June 15 Tea Party at Blue Valley West High School Performing Arts Center 16200 Antioch Overland Park, KS.
Why We LOVE It: The students of the Culture House School of Dance present the timeless fairytale, "Cinderella". Complete with dancing mice, a pumpkin carriage, and a lavish Royal Ball, this production is filled with many whimsical characters and magical surprises. "Cinderella" is the story of an obedient servant girl with a generous, loving heart who never loses hope or her sweet demeanor despite the severe treatment she receives from her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. When all would seem hopeless, her Fairy Godmother appears just in time to rescue Cinderella from her life of rags, and with a wave of a magic wand, sends the beautiful girl off to meet her destiny at the Ball. Be sure to see what happens when the clock strikes midnight! Will there be a 'happily ever after'? This magnificent Culture House classic is one the family won't want to miss!
Bonus: On June 15 at Noon, enjoy a Tea Party Celebration ($25/ea)! Celebrate the fairytale with a delicious and beautiful tea party followed by the Cinderella dance presentation... an unforgettable experience!

FREE Sprint Family Fun Days

Sprint Family Fun Days

When, Where, What: June 16 from 11am-3pm at KC Power and Light District. Sprint Family Fun Days are offered on the 3rd Saturday of the Month May-Oct.
Why We LOVE It: Live music, puppets, art... what's not to love? Rock n' Roll the day away with the entire family! Enjoy free activities and fun for the kids, live shows, and attractions. Best of all... it's all FREE!

Fairy Houses & Forts

When, Where, What: Powell Gardens (816.697.2600. 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50 Kingsville, MO.) exhibit Fairy Houses & Forts: An Enchanting Garden Adventure through Oct. 7.
Why We LOVE It: Enter a magical world of childhood fantasies come true during this imaginative exhibition. Regional designers have created large-scale fairy houses and fanciful forts to inspire, amuse and ignite an interest in exploring the great outdoors.From the mysterious structure on Skeleton Island to the hide-in-plain-sight fun of "Mirror-Mirror," the exhibition is a garden kingdom waiting to be discovered and the exhibition is included with regular Garden admission.
Bonus: Read our Review of Fairy Houses & Forts and learn how you can make your own creations! And enter our Powell Gardens Enchanted Overnight Giveaway!!

Stomp with the Dinosaurs!

When, Where, What: FREE hands-on children's exhibit, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ at Crown Center, through Sept. 9. Open during Crown Center shopping hours. 816.274.8444
Why We LOVE It: Summer is great, but let's face it... it tends to get hot! What better way to cool off than with a FREE indoor air-conditioned excursion into the world of Fire and Ice at Crown Center's newest exhibit for children. Created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum, this interactive traveling exhibit transports visitors back in time to when the dinosaurs last roamed the earth. Encounter realistic, fully touchable dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. At the Big Dig, children unearth fossils and identify them in the Field Research Station. See a smoldering volcano, dinosaur puzzles, an “icy” slide and prehistoric cave. At the photo kiosk, visitors can take a photo with a dinosaur and email a digital postcard to family and friends. And, while you're there... be sure to follow our Tips for the BEST Day at Crown Center!

Children's TLC Duck Derby

When, Where, What: Children's TLC Duck Derby June 24, Schlitterbahn Waterpark hosts the 5th Annual Children's TLC Duck Derby. Learn more at http://www.kcquacks.org
Why We LOVE It: What could be better than watching hundreds of cute yellow rubber ducks race? A duck race for a Great Cause of course! Children’s TLC has a long and rich history in Kansas City. More than 5300 children and families have benefited over the years as they serve children with disabilities and developmental delays. The Duck Derby is the agency’s fun-filled summer event, and has quickly become an event the entire Kansas City community looks forward to each year. You can participate by adopting a duck for the race, decorating a duck, and enjoying and participating in the festivities of the day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark!