Congrats Jeff Hill & Tricia Kauffman, winners of 2020 Luminary Walk tickets!
We have more great giveaways at: https://kcparent.com/giveaways/kcparentgiveaways/
5 Things We Love Right Now
For Christmas, we asked the women of KC Parent what they love right now for the holidays!
For our family, one Christmastime tradition is making Christmas cookies, and more specifically, Swedish spritz. I love this cookie press from Oxo! High quality press and metal forms mean it holds up great and cleans up easily! We can crank out batch after batch when we get in the groove. Maria Dean, wife of associate the publisher
I love popcorn! It is my all-time favorite snack! For me, growing up in KC, Christmastime always meant Topsy’s popcorn. I especially love the cinnamon, buttered, and cheese, but my kids love the caramel too. The Topsy’s Popcorn refillable Plaza tin is a favorite gift to give and receive in our family. Kristina Light, digital media manager
Our family loves the Advent season, and when the kids were really little, we bought a wooden Advent calendar with magnetic pieces. Each day, one of our kids would open a box and decorate the Nativity scene. Even now, our teenagers join in on the fun. Susan Gimotty, owner
We have an artificial tree because I’ve found it to be easier and less messy. Growing up I had a real tree, and the one thing I miss about a live Christmas tree is the smell. To get that Christmas smell in our home, I get the Glade Enchanted Evergreen candles and burn them to get the house smelling like the holidays. In addition to the evergreen, the apple cinnamon gives off a nice holiday scent! Margaret Sarver, editor
These gorgeous wood chargers will steal the show at any holiday table! Handmade to order in Griffin, GA, these three-quarter-inch-thick rustic slices are cut level with professional equipment, then dried in a special process guaranteed to prevent splitting. Each round measures between12 and 13 inches including bark. Available in sets of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 15 in a natural finish or sealed with a food-safe polyurethane to protect the wood from food, water, humidity and sunlight for years. On Etsy at RusticWoodSlices.com. Kim Tappan, art director
Kansas City Summer Reading Programs 2010
Summer Reading in Kansas City: 2010
Every summer, our local libraries host Summer Reading Programs to encourage a love for books and maintenance of reading skills. In conjunction with the reading programs, our local libraries offer several special programs including puppet shows, musical performances, live animals, cooking demonstrations, magicians, special storytellers and more.
Parents who encourage reading and library exploration help their children develop a love for learning, and an active imagination.
Dates: June 5-July 31
Details: The theme is “Make a Splash!” for ages 2-11, “Make Waves at Your Library” for ages 12-18 and “Water Your Mind” for adults. On June 5 at 10:30, we’ll have a Sign-up Open House. Make a craft and enjoy a musical performance by Alan Cunningham of Ottawa. Join us for weekly programs and special events throughout June and July. Our special events include David Nieves of Reptiles Up Close, Mr. Stinky Feet, Storyteller Priscilla Howe and Meteorologist Bryan Busby.
Dates: June 10-July 31
Details: Each young reader will receive the “Make a Splash” book bag, reading log,
and bookmark at registration and teen readers will receive a “Make Waves at Your Library” book bag, bookmark and reading log. Each reader completing the reading requirements by the branch due date will receive an SRP Award Book and a Pizza Hut coupon for a personal pan pizza and a coupon for a candy bar at Russell Stover’s plus other surprise incentive items.
Details: “Make a Splash!” at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library this summer!
Explore the world of water and water fun through stories, songs, games and other activities about oceans, rivers, lakes and pools and the creatures that live there. The 2010 Summer Reading Programs are open to families with children from preschoolers to young adults. Count the pages you read this summer to earn books and other special prizes and join us at any of our locations for fun and free activities throughout June and July.
Kansas City Public Library (Missouri)
Dates: June 1-Aug. 7.
Details: The theme for children is “Make a Splash: Read.” Teens can get involved in the “Make Waves: At Your Library” program. Readers can sign up at any Kansas City Public Library location (as well as online at www.KCLibrary.org) and will receive a reading log to track reading progress: every three hours spent reading earns a prize, and a total of 12 hours completes the program, earning every reader a Certificate of Completion as well as a book and additional prizes.
Explore the wonderful world of water and great books this summer at the Olathe Public Libraries. We will be offering a variety of fun and educational programs for kids going into 5th grade and younger. Students going into 6th-12th grade are invited to take part in the “Make Waves @ Your Library” tween & teen summer reading program. Read during the summer and earn cool prizes. Join in free special events and contests just for tweens
and teens throughout the summer.
Dates: May 1-July 31
Details: All participants (readers and listeners, ages Birth-12th Grade) earn incentives for time spent reading. Incentives are awarded each time the participant logs 360 minutes of reading time. Children will earn a certificate and a paperback book. Up to three paperbacks may be earned, and a special non-book incentive may be selected instead of a third book. Children can continue to log their reading time after attaining all three levels. Only MCPL books checked out after May 1 are eligible. To receive reading incentives, visit any MCPL Branch (except Genealogy).
Dates: May 24-August 7
Details: This year, readers and listeners of all ages are encouraged to dive into the exciting world of books by keeping a log of books. Summer reading program participants set their own goals for summer reading, record their books on their reading logs and return the logs to the library June 21- Aug. 7. Submit your reading log by Aug. 7 to receive a free paperback book. Weekly prize drawings and a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer round out the fun.
Mother’s Day in Kansas City 2010
Treat mom like a queen this Mother’s Day with our list of great ideas to celebrate mothers in Kansas City this May!
Mother’s Day Gift Wrap Offer Spend just $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during April 23-May 9 and get one FREE gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 9, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816.274.8444 www.CrownCenter.com
FREE Attraction for Moms May 9-16, Paradise Park. Paradise Park will send a FREE Attraction coupon to every Mom who subscribes to their eNewsletter by May 9th! Details here.
Mommy & Me Mother’s Day Tea May 7, 10:00 AM, Blue Valley Activity Center. Delicious treats served in a creative setting to make a special event. Each child creates a special craft for mommy. Games, stories and etiquette instruction included. Sharon Hammer and Barb Dalbey instruct. Ages 3-6 with mom or grandma 10:00-11:30am or 12:30-2:00pm ages 3-6 $26 resident /$33 Non-Resident. 913.685.6000 www.BlueValleyRec.org
FREE Lowe’s Workshop: Trellis Planter May 8, 10:00 AM, Lowe’s Hardware Stores across the Metro! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this awesome Trellis Planter. It makes a perfect Mother’s Day gift! www.LowesBuildAndGrow.com
Mother Daughter Doll Party May 8, 10:00 AM, The Doll Cradle (10910 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS). Moms, Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunts, Nieces, & Friends, are all invited! Dress in your best and bring your favorite doll! Mother-Daughter Photo will be our gift to you! Come and Go Saturday, May 8th from 10am-4pm. RSVP at 913.631.1900.
Mother’s Day at Park Place May 8, 11:00 AM, Park Place in Leawood. Park Place is hosting a Mother’s Day event on Saturday, May 8, 2010! Join Menorah Medical Center at Barkley Square in Park Place from 11AM to 1PM for awesome demonstrations, giveaways, prizes, exhibitions, and health screenings! In addition, check out all the great demos and booths from Park Place merchants! We’ll have a healthy cooking demonstration by Trezo Vino, a children’s fashion show by Bella Bambino, cupcake decorating lessons from Cupcake A La Mode, and more from Aloft Hotel, California Pizza Kitchen, Envy Boutique, Flowers by Emily, J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique, and RA Sushi! Bring the kids for caricature artists, ambulance tours, face painting, and more! Park Place is located in Leawood at 117th Street and Nall Avenue, next to Town Center. 913.381.2229
Happy Mother’s Day May 8, 2:00 PM, Red Bridge Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. Show your mother and/or grandmother you care. Have fun creating gifts and cards for your loved ones. Supplies will be furnished. (All ages) Registration is required. 816.942.1780 www.mcpl.lib.mo.us
Mother’s Day Brunch at Worlds of Fun May 9, Worlds of Fun. This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a delicious brunch and day of fun with the family! Mother’s Day Admission + Brunch packages are now available! Package Includes: Single-Day Admission ticket to Worlds of Fun, All-you-can-eat brunch served from 11am – 2pm in All Star’s Grill featuring fresh carved ham & turkey, brisket, fruit ,crepe station, a variety of desserts, Mimosas, Bloody Marys, juice & soda plus a mini-buffet just for kids. A complimentary flower for mom and An appearance from Snoopy & the PEANUTS Gang! www.WorldsOfFun.com
Mother’s Day Ice Cream Sunday at the Zoo May 9, 10:00 AM, Kansas City Zoo. FREE admission and FREE ice cream for moms on their special day. Explore the Zoo and see what animals are moms, too. FREE admission and FREE ice cream for moms on their special day. Free to Friends of the Zoo members. Reg Admission charged for children and additional adults. 816.513.5800 www.KansasCityZoo.org
Moms Get in FREE at Wonderscope Every Sunday in May, moms get in for FREE at Wonderscope Children’s Museum! Mothers get in FREE! Reg. admission applies to family. 913.268.4176 www.Wonderscope.org
Mother’s Day Brunch & Music at Powell Gardens May 9, 11:00 AM, Powell Gardens. Powell Gardens celebrates Mother’s Day with a scrumptious, reservation-only brunch by Café Thyme and a live outdoor concert on the lawn from 1 to 3 p.m. Make brunch reservations early or bring your own food—picnics are allowed in the performance area on this special day. Brunch includes Garden admission; for prices and reservations, call 816-697-2600 x209. www.PowellGardens.org
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art May 9, 11:00AM, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Rozzelle Court Restaurant. Celebrate the special woman in your life with an extravagant buffet and strolling violin music. Selections include smoked seafood, roasted meats, omelets, pastas, artisan breads and Kansas City’s favorite Museum desserts. Make reservations early. Cost is $27 for members, $32 for nonmembers and $16 for children 12 & under. Call 816.751.1ART (1278) for Reservations. www.Nelson-Atkins.org
Mother’s Day at the Truman Library May 9, 12:00 PM, Truman Presidential Library. Take your mother for a visit of the Truman Library on Mother’s Day and receive free admission for her. Mr. Truman, Niel Johnson, will greet visitors from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Museum admission charged. Moms are free!. 816.268.8200 www.TrumanLibrary.org
Mother’s Day Concert & Puppets! May 9, 1:30 PM, Brush Creek Amphitheater. Happy Mother’s Day! Join us for StoneLion’s latest giant puppet play….featuring floating water puppets on the banks Brush Creek! Bring your blankets and a picnic! Preshow entertainment by Mr. Stinky Feet!
816.221.5351 www.JimCosgrove.com
KC Parent Family Faves 2017
After tabulating hundreds of votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses which have been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2017! There are multiple winners in each category.
Medical Categories:
Favorite OB/GYN practice:
Heartland Women's HealthcareWomen's Clinic of Johnson CountyWomen's Center at Lee's Summit MedicalFavorite Pediatrician Practice: Leawood Pediatrics Lee's Summit Physicians Group Favorite Dental Practice: Fales Pediatric Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc Favorite Orthodontist: Fry Orthodontics Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Favorite Place to Have a Baby: Olathe Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Kansas City Area Attractions:
Favorite Animal Attractions:
Deanna Rose FarmsteadKansas City ZooFavorite Garden and/or Nature Center: Kauffman Gardens Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens Favorite Museum: National Museum of Toys and Miniatures National World War I Museum and Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Favorite Live Show: The Coterie JCCC Performing Arts Series Mesner Puppet Theater Favorite Sports Family Experience: Kansas City Royals T-Bones Favorite Festivals & Fairs: Old Settlers Days Oktoberfest (Downtown Lee's Summit) Old Shawnee Days Favorite FREE Attraction: Crown Center Seasonal Exhibits Money Museum Mahaffie Summer Family Nights Best Kept Secret: Warko Observatory at UMKC Rooftop Park above Cosentino's Union Station KC Rail Experience Favorite NEW Place in KC: KC Streetcar Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center Favorite Outdoor Family Destination: Kansas City Zoo Legends Outlets Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun Favorite Indoor Family Destination: Legoland Discovery Center/Sea Life Aquarium Paradise Park Science City Favorite Place to have a Birthday Party: Paradise Park Urban Air
Programs & Classes:
Favorite Dance:
The Culture HouseKC Ballet SchoolMiller MarleyFavorite Gymnastics: 360 Gymnastics Elite Gymnastics Integrity Gymnastics Favorite Drama/Theater: Christian Youth Theatre The Coterie The Culture House
Family Dining:
Favorite Pizza Place:
Fun House PizzaPizza ShoppePizza RanchFavorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Fritz's SPIN! Pizza T-Rex Cafe Best Ice Cream Freezing Moo Sylas and Maddy's Westport Ice Cream Bakery