Discovering Buried Treasure in the Midwest

By Kristina Light | May 25, 2019

The intrigue of discovering a hidden treasure beckons the imagination. If only¦

Arabia Steamboat Museum: In Kansas City

400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4030

www.1856.com

Buried treasure! The prospect holds an allure for the adventurous nature in all of us, and it was just that prospect that inspired the Hawley family, of Kansas City, to unearth buried treasure in 1987. David Hawley knew of the Steamboat Arabia. The boat carried passengers and freight to the Western frontier along the Missouri River, until one fateful day in 1856 when the ship’s paddlewheel caught a tree snag and sank along the nearly impassable Mighty Mo. The Hawleys, inspired by the opportunity to unearth buried treasure, set to work locating and recovering the boat from the river. Now, the remains and treasures of the Arabia are on display at a 25,000-square-foot museum. The cargo of the ship is overwhelming. Visitors are amazed by the number of everyday items, ranging from pickles and ketchup to rubber shoes, sewing supplies, precious jewelry and porcelain dolls. Tools, clothing and personal items are also on display. After viewing the cargo, visitors stand on a full-sized reproduction of the boat’s main deck with its original boilers and steam engine, where murals depict life in Kansas City in the 1850s. The museum’s story is one of a great adventure.

Museum of World Treasures: 2-3 Hours from Kansas City

835 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS, 316.263.1311.

www.WorldTreasures.org

Right in the heart of Kansas, more than 3,000 treasures await! Fossils, Egyptian mummies, secret treasures from ancient civilizations, rare coins and more are on exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures. Children love Ivan, one of the most complete T-Rex discoveries ever made, and Logan the Tylosaurus, a 40-foot-long sea reptile discovered in Logan County, KS. What makes this museum special is the creative way interactive exhibits are incorporated into the education and fun. Visitors explore maps, fossils and ancient relics and learn more about their wonder through the hands-on exhibits the museum offers.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park: 2-3 Hours from Kansas City

1491 State Rd. D, Camdenton, MO, 573.346.2986

mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park

In 1903, Robert Snyder, a wealthy businessman from Kansas City, visited what is now Ha Ha Tonka on a hunting trip. He was captivated by the beauty of the property. A honeycomb of tunnels, caverns, springs, Ozark mountains and beautiful foliage, the land is heralded as one of Missouri’s “seven beauty spots.” Snyder dreamt of building a European-style castle on the property with a beautiful view of the river and bluffs below. In 1905, he started work on the castle. Then, in 1906, tragedy struck and Snyder was killed in an automobile accident bringing the project to a halt. Eventually, his sons completed the castle, using it over the years as a home, summer home and hotel. In 1942, the home caught fire and the interior of the castle was gutted. What remains are the external walls overlooking one of Missouri’s grandest state parks. The park offers beautiful hiking trails, fishing, boating and special events throughout the year, and the remains of the castle are one of the state’s treasures.

Titanic Museum: 3-4 Hours from Kansas City

3235 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 800.381.7670

www.TitanicBranson.com

The story is etched in memory as one of the greatest tragedies in history. One hundred years ago, the majestic Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic. In 1987, treasures from the sunken ship were rescued from the depths of the sea. Now, the Titanic Museum in Branson houses one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Guests are awarded a boarding pass and then welcomed into the museum where exhibits change every year. One of the most impressive sights is an exact replica of Titanic’s hand-crafted grand staircase. Compare travel for those in third class and those traveling in the luxury of first class. Children will be able to step into the captain’s bridge and take the wheel. And guests young and old are moved by the stories of the survivors of the Titanic.

Crater of Diamonds State Park: 7-8 Hours from Kansas City

209 State Park Rd., Murfreesboro, AR, 870.285.3113

www.CraterOfDiamondStatePark.com

Imagine the adventure of hunting for real diamonds and getting to keep them as your very own! Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Visitors explore the 37-acre state park and the remains of its diamond mining history, including the mine shaft building, guard house, equipment and artifacts. Three varieties of diamonds, white, brown and yellow, and more than 40 rocks and minerals (staff will identify them for you) are found at the park. The real fun, however, lies in the quest for treasure! Visitors hunt for diamonds, rocks and minerals, and with the park’s “finders keepers” policy, you may keep every treasure you find!

Tour the Town: 8 Itineraries for Fun

By Kristina Light | October 21, 2015

Kansas City Classics

City of Fountains, Barbecue Capital of America, jazz and blues¦ a visit to Kansas City would be incomplete without enjoying some of Kansas City’s sensational signatures and the landmarks that celebrate them.

Start at 18th & Vine with a visit to the American Jazz Museum and enjoy live jazz at the Gem or the Blue Room. Then, take a tour of fountains and barbecue. Kansas City knows barbecue, and that means sweet, tangy sauce dripping from ribs and burnt ends with a slide of slaw and pit beans. Every local has a favorite, from Fiorella’s Jack Stack, to Oklahoma Joe’s to Arthur Bryant’s and Gate’s.

Old meets new in the Kansas City Power & Light District, where the greatest in live theater, concerts and shows come to the Sprint Center, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Municipal Auditorium, the Folly and the Midland. From family shows to ballet, live theater to sports and contemporary music stars from rock to country to classical¦you’ll find it all downtown.

Kansas City’s most beloved landmarks are celebrated at MINILAND®, a model city created entirely with LEGO® blocks, inside the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Based on the ever-popular LEGO® brick, the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center provides a range of interactive play areas, including a 4D cinema, workshops, two LEGO®-themed rides and exhibits.

A Royal Experience

What princess hasn’t dreamt of riding in Cinderella’s carriage? Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza offers carriage rides with Kansas City Carriages and Surrey’s Carriage Company. In the evening, the Cinderella carriages are lit to create an extra touch of magic. This is an especially enchanting experience during the holiday season when the Plaza is decorated with 80 miles of lights!

Right in the heart of the Midwest, you will find a beautifully restored 1907 castle. Renee Kelly’s at Caenen Castle (12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100) is now an event venue and restaurant. The castle boasts a grand staircase, hand-carved European fireplaces, manicured grounds and old world charm. Sunday brunch is offered with children’s meals ranging from $3.50 to $5, and adult fare ranging from $9 to $15. Dinner is offered Wed.-Sat.

At Christmastime, visit Kansas City’s own Fairy Princess! In 1935, Klein’s Department Store celebrated the opening of its new toy department with a Fairy Princess who greeted customers at Christmas. Children would tell the princess what they wanted, and she’d wave her magic wand as a surprise would slide down a chute. She was a Kansas City tradition at Klein’s until the store closed the 1970s. In 1987, the Kansas City Museum brought back the tradition, and now young girls visit her every December!

Kaleidoscope is one of the best FREE family trips in town. Children may create wands, tiaras and royal treasures. One highlight of the trip is making your own jigsaw puzzle and watching it run through the press where the center piece is shaped like a royal crown.

Mystery, Suspense and Intrigue

If you love to play the game Clue, you’ll love exploring these attractions full of suspense and intrigue.

Enjoy an evening of live interactive mystery at one of Kansas City’s murder mystery theaters. The Mystery Train of Kansas City (816.813.9654) serves a delicious dinner between the acts of a fun-filled comic mystery. Each mystery is set aboard an imaginary train with Kansas City as its historical backdrop. Adding to the fun, guests use “bribe bucks” to extract clues from passengers. The Murder Mystery Players have been “killing guests with laughter” for more than 20 years. They offer private parties and public events throughout the year. The Holyfield Winery in Basehor, KS (913.724.WINE) hosts mysteries throughout the fall and winter. Actors, along with randomly selected audience members, play parts as the mystery unravels. Keep an eye out for clues, because the winning sleuth takes home a sparkling prize, courtesy of Holyfield. The Upstairs Tea Room in Weston, MO (816.640.2825) hosts comedy mysteries throughout the year based on actual dining catastrophes encountered by the cast.

The Raven Bookstore (6 E. 7th St., Lawrence, KS, 785.749.3300) is a mystery-lover’s dream. The unique and eclectic shop specializes in mysteries-from Sherlock Holmes to modern cozy mysteries and the newest thrillers. The shop frequently hosts author signings, book readings and discussion groups.

For local mystery fans, Atchison Kansas is an intriguing day trip, with trolley tours through “the most haunted town in Kansas” in the fall, walking tours, cemetery tours and special mystery events throughout the year.

Majestic, Wild and Amazing Animals

Meet exotic animals at the Kansas City Zoo, where Nikita, Kansas City’s resident polar bear, especially loves winter weather. This year, the zoo’s newest attraction is the brand new Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, where the big cats enjoy wide open spaces to roam and play. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and the animals are more alert and active in the autumn and winter months when the weather is cool. And an added bonus is that the zoo is less crowded!

Sea Life Aquarium, one of Kansas City’s newest must-see attractions, features a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel and an enthralling 2-3 hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean.

Children are captivated by dinosaurs, and T-Rex Café (1847 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS) brings them to life in an unforgettable dining experience! The restaurant is home to giant robotic dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures dwelling among waterfalls, live aquariums and ice caves.

Cedar Cove in Louisburg, KS, is an animal refuge for a variety of endangered or rescued big cats. Tour Cedar Cove where you will see leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. On Saturdays through October, Cedar Cove hosts public feedings of the cats and remains open until 5:00, weather permitting.

Art Exploration

Explore art from around the world at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of Kansas City’s FREE treasures. For added fun, check KCParent.com for a Nelson-Atkins scavenger hunt the kids will love!

For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit permanent and temporary galleries with special events and workshops for families.

Missouri was home to many famous artists, and you can tour their homes today. The Thomas Hart Benton Home and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, former home of artist George Caleb Bingham, are two museums sharing the personal histories of two of Missouri’s most influential artists.

The Kansas City Crossroads District is an eclectic and artistic neighborhood with unique art, boutiques and locally-owned restaurants. On the first Friday of each month year-round, local galleries, retailers and artists feature free exhibits to peruse. Enjoy entertainment and art as you stroll through the galleries and shops in the heart of the city.

Snow and Ice

Sledding, skiing, skating, sleighs¦ let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Kansas City boasts many terrific sledding hills all across the Metro! Over the years, our loyal readers have shared their favorites, and you can learn about them on www.KCParent.com!

Take a spin on the ice at one of the local outdoor rinks, The Ice at Park Place and the Crown Center Ice Terrace. You will also find many terrific indoor rinks open year-round. Or head to the Independence Events Center, where you can watch the Missouri Mavericks Central Hockey League ice hockey team compete in one of winter’s most exciting sports.

Sleigh bells ring at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop, where you can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides on snowy Saturdays throughout the winter. The historic site offers tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides and a working blacksmith shop.

If you’re craving snow, but can’t find any locally, you don’t have to drive to Colorado to enjoy snow skiing. Weston’s Snow Creek is a short 45-minute to one-hour drive from downtown KC, appealing to skiers and snow boarders alike.

Vroom, Vroom, Vroom!

Adrenaline junkies love to cheer for their favorite drivers as the Kansas Speedway hosts NASCAR races. The Speedway offers many experiences adding to the entertainment for families, whether you purchase a pit pass or scanners to track cars throughout the race.

Kansas City is also home to the Harley Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations Plant, one of only a few in the nation. Behind-the-scenes tours are offered to visitors 12 and up to watch the assembly of a V-Rod from start to finish.

If old-fashioned rail travel is more your speed, visit the Midland Railway in Baldwin City, KS for the annual autumn Maple Leaf Festival rides or Christmas rides with Santa. Or, embark on a trip aboard the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad, where families delight in ice cream social rides, the Pumpkin Express and Santa’s Express.

Treat the kids to fun at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where model trains deliver lunch to your table! Or, spend a day at Union Station, where you can ride the rails with Amtrak or enjoy the history of trains at the KC Rail Experience.

Plane lovers enjoy the Airline History Museum, featuring many historic airplanes including the famous Lockheed Constellation 1049 Super G. Year-Round Amusement

Race go-karts outdoors at Cool Crest or Paradise Park, where you can also enjoy miniature golf, arcades and more. Or go indoors to put the pedal to the metal and race your loved ones at Sadlers. This track is home to go-karts imported from Germany that allow racers to reach speeds of 45 mph. Couple dinner with games at Dave & Buster’s arcade restaurant, where you’ll find everything from classic to interactive to video.

CoCo Key Water Resort offers a wonderful 55,000-square-foot indoor water park with a wading pool, slides, fast tube rides, activity pools and more! Play for a day or stay overnight at the Holiday Inn (where CoCo Key is located).

Zonkers is a fun-filled indoor amusement park for young children. Kids love the snake roller coaster, carousel, train, kiddie rides, arcades and inflatables. Speaking of inflatables, you’ll find many more great indoor play places in our online guide.

Museums for the Modern Family

By KC Parent | January 9, 2013

Kansas City is a great place to live. In addition to non-stop festivals and activities, our region boasts a wide array of fun and engaging opportunities for families in the many museums KC offers.

Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City

Laura Taylor, museum educator for the Toy & Miniature Museum of KC, bubbles with enthusiasm while discussing opportunities available to families. “The miniature gallery is brimming with miniature replicas of some of the most celebrated works of art in the world. You can visit Louis XV’s glittering study in the Palace of Versailles, experience the quiet solace of Federico da Montefeltro’s Liberal Arts Studio in Italy and peruse the nooks and crannies of a colonial mansion-all in an afternoon at the Toy and Miniature Museum.” A unique place for informal learning and fun, the museum also hosts hands-on sessions for “toy makers” of all ages.

Children will spend time enraptured by the Rube-Goldberg-like machine in the marble room and the full range of dolls in the Barbie exhibit, while adults laugh as they pore through the antique toys and board games, reminiscing with one another, “I remember when¦”

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is an exciting place for families to visit the 1800s. Standing inside the grounds of Hodge Park near Liberty, the village consists of more than 20 authentic 19th century buildings that take visitors back in time. While the grounds are open daily for self- guided walking tours, families really get a sense of the past during one of the museum’s many events. Summer programs help children see what school was like for our ancestors, while the October Harvest Festival is a real, old-fashioned county fair, complete with baked goods contests and sack races. With reenactments and activities scheduled throughout the year, Shoal Creek Living History Museum provides an opportunity to see living history at its finest.

Nerman Contemporary Art Gallery

Johnson County Community College’s campus boasts a family-centered art museum buzzing with activity. Guided tours for children and family groups, available via the museum’s website, include a variety of hands-on elements to enhance children’s learning experiences with the diverse collection of artworks.

Karen Gerety Folk, the museum’s curator of education, points out the Early Explorations and Contemporary Creations classes, where, on Saturdays from October through April, students explore and discuss identified pieces of art, then return to the classroom to create “unique finished projects inspired by the art in the museum.” JCCC is hailed as one of the top 10 college campuses for public art in America, with “outdoor sculpture and paintings, ceramics, photography and works on paper installed throughout the campus.”

Shawnee Indian Mission

In Fairway, KS, history still stands in a 12-acre National Historical Landmark dating to the early 1800s. There, visitors learn where “Shawnee Mission” got its name: in a time of American expansion when many Native Americans faced a changing way of life, the children of Shawnee, Delaware and other Indian nations attended manual training at the Shawnee Mission in three of the now-oldest buildings in the state.

This fall, the mission will celebrate its 26th Fall Festival on Oct. 13-14 and the Holiday Open House on Dec. 1. Visit the Kansas Historical Society’s website for schedules and a calendar of events.

Special Trips You Don’t Want to Miss!

The Toy & Miniature Museum of KC’s Adventures in Learning Series features hands-on take-and-make sessions for all ages! Check out the museum’s online calendar for upcoming sessions.

Nerman Art Gallery’s Early Explorations and Contemporary Creations classes operate on Saturdays October-April. Visit the museum’s website for contact information .

Shoal Creek Living History Museum’s Harvest Festival: Saturday, Oct. 13, 10:00 to 4:30, $5/person, 6 and under free. Bring your baked goods or crafts for the judging!

Shawnee Mission’s Fall Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14, 10:00-5:00. Food, crafts, reenactments and melodrama will take visitors back in time.

Kimberly Brownlee loves visiting local festivals with her family to learn about culture, gain insights into history and eat amazing food!

Learning New Things Outside of School

By KC Parent | January 9, 2013

Backpacks, alarm clocks and schedules, oh my! School is in session, and kids are traipsing through school hallways and bringing home homework. Sometimes, however, kids’ minds need to stretch in unique and exciting ways. Consider some other “classrooms” around the Kansas City metro area that provide opportunities for your kids to learn and grow in ways beyond regular school offerings.

Snap This!

How does your child see the world? Give him a chance to show you through the eye of a lens. The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI.edu) offers digital photography classes to the 9-11 and 12-14 age groups, as well as drawing and cartooning for the younger ones. They have two campuses: Main Campus located at 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111 and a North Campus located at 1801 NW Platte Rd., Riverside, MO 64116.

Kids also can take an online photography class, such as Discovering Digital Photography or Secrets of Better Photography, at Metropolitan Community College-Longview. Most classes are $99 and last for six weeks.

In Prairie Village, Artrageous offers photography classes (as well as drawing, architecture, collaging, sculpture, even fashion illustration). Local artist and teacher Julie Flanagan provides a fun and creative atmosphere while covering all aspects of a child’s creativity. Contact Julie via email at missjulie@artrageouskc.com or call 913.642.8122 for more class information.

Earn Their Keep

If your child is hitting the tween years and thinking about starting a babysitting career, a great way to prepare is with a first aid/babysitting class.

Located in Johnson County, Blue Valley Recreation holds a Babysitting 101 class for kids ages 11-14. Students will learn skills in first aid, emergencies, personal safety and baby care. Register online at BlueValleyRec.org.

Another venue for babysitting training is through the American Red Cross. Registration for their one-day training can be done through RedCross.org. First aid, CPR and AED training are also offered.

Love a New Language

Signing is a great way to communicate with your little ones, and it gives them a useful skill for life. Register for classes with Come Sign with Me, an Overland Park-based business, through Blue Valley Recreation or visit ComeSignWithMe.com. Perhaps learning to speak Mandarin is more your youngster’s interest. The Language Workshop for Children (LanguageWorkshopforChildren.com) is a language immersion program based on the Thibaut technique, taught entirely in the second language by native speakers in order for the students to absorb the language naturally instead of through translation.

The Great Outdoors

One of the very best classrooms is the nature that surrounds us. Give your kids a new appreciation for the world around them at the Ernie Miller Nature Center (ErnieMiller.com). The center hosts a variety of workshops and classes, such as Go Green Worm Bin Workshop, archery, map and compass and survival hike. They also have Little Cedar Theater, which gives kids a new way to learn about nature through storytelling.

At only $5/student, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers seasonal and year-round classes. Kids participate in short hikes, stories and hands-on activities in their outdoor classroom. You can find their calendar of events this fall at www.artsandrec-op.org; click on the Friends of the Arboretum tab for more details. Each season, Powell Gardens (PowellGardens.org), located off Hwy. 50 near Kingsville, MO, offers youth, as well as the young-at-heart, a chance to learn the wonders of nature in an uplifting setting.

Something Different

If your kids are interested in something unique, check out these courses! The North Kansas City Community Center offers child yoga for ages 4-8. It provides breathing techniques for self-calming, as well as helping with brain balance. They also offer beginner and advanced yoga classes that are open to children 11+ and 13+, respectively.

Blue Valley Recreation, located just east of 151st & Metcalf, offers enrichment courses such as Financially Alert Kids and Creative Cooks, as well as a manners workshop. Yes, please!

Does your child need to take her dramatic tendencies to the stage? Then the Coterie Theatre is the perfect place for you! With an abundance of locations-Midtown, the Plaza, Lee’s Summit, South Kansas City, Overland Park, Liberty and Parkville-there are classes for all age groups and interests. Find out more at CoterieTheatre.org.

Tip: Don’t forget Kansas City’s local community colleges-they offer a plethora of unique classes like writing with art and music, debate and even advanced castle building! Who knew!

Overland Park writer Hallie Sawyer is a mother of three and blogger at www.halliesawyer.com/blog

Destination Far: Ski Trip

By Susan Gimotty | January 9, 2013

After talking about it for a few years, we finally did it: We took our large family snow skiing. At one time, my husband and I were very good skiers, but that was 25 years ago. With our four kids now ranging in age from 6 to 12 (and our own bodies adding years all too rapidly), we thought now was a perfect time to give this great winter sport a family try.

Lots of research came first-we wanted to find just the right location for our big ski trip. We knew we wanted a family-oriented place where all the ski runs drop down into one basin and where a roomy ski-in condo doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. After much investigation, we settled on Ski Granby Ranch, CO (www.GranbyRanch.com). Bonus: Download our Ski Granby Ranch coupon here!

Because our kids hadn’t learned to ski yet, on our first day we drove down to the base where ski school was, instead of skiing straight from the condo to the lift. But we had hopes that by midweek we’d be able to swoosh out in the morning and back in later in the day.

The instant we pulled up, we were immediately greeted by a worker at Ski Granby Ranch who made us feel quite at home. Ski Granby Ranch’s ski school is known for its “direct to parallel” way of teaching, and we were eager to see its success. In our research, we learned that most other ski areas teach a wedge approach because of the equipment that the resorts have invested in. Ski Granby Ranch has invested in new Erise skis, allowing new skiers access to the most advanced equipment and this progressive teaching approach. Direct to parallel maintains a natural balance with feet under the body. The wedge posture, which puts a skier out of natural balance, doesn’t naturally occur in any other activity that people do.

After dropping off the kids, my husband and I were off to see just how well our mid-40-year-old bodies would remember how to ski. We were so pleased that it really was just like riding a bike! By midday, we were back to skiing on blues and blacks with no problems.

One feature we really appreciated about Ski Granby Rancha is that onlookers can see the ski school participants right at the bottom of the basin. My husband and I would snatch glimpses of the kids throughout the day, and all four seemed to be finding success. The ski school class size was small, and we were impressed with how the instructors took a personal interest in our kids. Plus, we enjoyed an incredibly fun day just skiing with each other. At 3:00, we picked up the kids, who were all chattering about how much fun they had and how great the lunch was at ski school.

Before the lifts closed at 4:00, we skied briefly with our children. I was amazed how even my 6-year-old could get on and off the lift by herself after just one day in ski school. After skiing, we hit the hot tub, had dinner and, happy but exhausted, climbed into bed by 8:00.

Because Ski Granby Ranch’s ski school is so affordable ($99 includes the lift ticket, ski rentals, lunch and excellent instruction), we decided it would be good for all the children to do ski school one more day. This turned out to be a great decision, because by Tuesday afternoon, all four were skiing quite well. They could easily go on all the green slopes and some blues and were able to ski right to our condo!

On Wednesday, we decided to mix up the fun a bit and go tubing at Colorado Adventure Park in Fraser (www.ColoradoAdventurePark.com). On our last day, we decided to walk down memory lane and head over to Winter Park (www.WinterParkResort.com) for a day of skiing where I had skied several times in high school. It was pretty much just as I remembered it: big, beautiful and boasting numerous beginner/intermediate slopes for our family to ski together. The day was a bit blustery with 13 inches of fresh snow falling the night before, but the fresh powder was breathtaking. We also visited Winter Park Village and enjoyed all of the kid- and budget-friendly activities like free s’mores, playing in the ice sculpture and free ice skating lessons (as long as we rented our own skates).

We made so many amazing memories on our trip-and didn't break any limbs!

Bonus: Download our Ski Granby Ranch coupon here!

Susan Gimotty lives in Overland Park with her family and enjoys being out and about with her husband and their four children.

Where Kids Can Make Gifts in KC

By Kristina Light | January 9, 2013

Tis better to give than receive. Homemade gifts from the heart are always the most loved by grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers. This year, celebrate friends and family at a local venue where children create one-of-a-kind gifts for family, friends and teachers. Best of all, your children will enjoy giving their own creations to those they love!

Make a Masterpiece!

Create family keepsakes at Ceramics Coffeehouse @ Paint, Glaze and Fire (located at the south end of the Metcalf 127 Shopping Center, 913.661.CLAY, PaintGlazeAndFire.net). This is a paint-your-own pottery shop where children can paint their own ceramic masterpieces. They’ll be able to choose anything from piggy banks to plates, mugs to picture frames and many holiday pieces, as well. Find many more paint-your-own pottery studios in KC on pg. ##.

Creativity and originality abound at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which offers a series of classes for children to make handmade original gifts this holiday season. Register online for children’s classes at Nelson-Atkins.org.

HodgePodge Art Workshop (HodgePodgeWorkshop.com) offers workshops in batik, candle-making, soap-making, mosaic and ceramics. Best of all, many of their classes are offered for all ages, so parents and children can participate together. They also offer Santa’s Lil’ Craft Workshops with holiday gift-making in mind!

Budding artists will enjoy honing their skills at ARTichokes (artichokeskc.com), where painting classes are offered for all ages, including classes to make gifts.

Scrapbooking is all the rage with moms, but teens can get in on the act too! Grandparents would love a scrapbook of favorite memories, a cute ornament or card. Archiver’s (ArchiversOnline.com) offers classes in scrapbooking, stamping and card making, and they occasionally offer free projects too!

For fun cards, bows and wrapping accessories, take your children to Kaleidoscope (HallmarkKaleidoscope.com), Kansas City’s own FREE art center for children. Operated by Hallmark, Kaleidoscope overflows with materials to make cards, crafts and fun holiday projects. Best of all, they offer FREE walk-in sessions for all ages. Simply check Kaleidoscope’s calendar for details.

Crafty Creations!

From sewing to painting, homemade ornaments to crochet, local arts and craft stores offer classes for all ages and all skill levels! Michael’s Arts & Crafts Stores (Michaels.com) offer special events in November and December to make a variety of holiday projects perfect for teacher gifts, grandparents and friends. Simply visit www.michaels.com for a current schedule. JoAnn offers simple classes and more complex sewing, quilting, knitting and crochet. Visit JoAnn.com for info. In addition, both stores offer free demos on weekends for projects you can make at home.

You can also sign up for free classes through the Mid-Continent Public Libraries (MyMCPL.org), where several local branches offer workshops throughout the year for children to make cards and gifts for friends and family.

Culinary Delights!

Does your child dream of becoming the next Emeril or Rachael Ray? Are you a bit hesitant to turn kids loose in your kitchen? Have no fear! Dream Dinners (119th & Metcalf, 913.491.6733, DreamDinners.com) comes to the rescue. This holiday season, plan a parent-child date night to make freezer meals for your friends and family.

Are you the mom who prefers store-bought cookies to baking your own at home? Your child can master the art of baking and decorating gingerbread cookies at Lee’s Summit’s A Thyme for Everything. Register in advance at 816.554.3755 or AThymeForEverything.com.

Or consider a class at the Culinary Center of Kansas City (KCCulinary.com), where children (and adults) can learn kitchen skills ranging from the most basic baking to gourmet cuisine. Then, let your children create tasty delights for their loved ones at home.

Beginning Builders!

Twice a month, kids can participate in the Lowe’s Build and Grow (LowesBuildAndGrow.com) projects on Saturdays 10:00-Noon. Kids complete a wooden project (kits provided) and earn a red apron and patch. Or, on the first Saturday of each month, 9:00-Noon, try the Home Depot Kids’ Workshops (HomeDepot.com) for children ages 5-12, where children build a take-home project and receive an orange apron and an achievement pin. Both FREE programs provide the children with a kit to create their own project. Many of the projects make great gifts for grandparents, siblings and teachers. Children learn basic carpentry skills and leave with a sense of achievement and a completed project.

Bonus Tip: Looking for the perfect gift for your child? Consider a gift certificate for a class at one of the venues in this guide! They’ll love learning something new.