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Summer, Summertime!

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    As I type the words I can hear Will Smith singing his ode to summer and although the calendar says it is officially spring, I am in summer mode! After today, my oldest, Tori only has 5 more days of 1st grade! Now I know and value the importance of an education, but I LOVE summer! Days at the pool, ice cream, grilling and eating outdoors, ice cream, longer days, ice cream and the time to do whatever we want! Did I mention the ice cream? (BTW, click here for the KCParent Ice Cream Guide for some really great ice cream spots in town). 

    Last summer we kicked off our summer by attending the Jiggle Jam Family Festival at Crown Center. What a fun time we had! We went on Saturday afternoon. While there we were able to see Jim Cosgrove aka Mr. Stinky Feet perform and also saw They Might Be Giants. In addition to the concerts, the girls jumped in the moon bounce houses, got their faces painted, played in the bubble tent and created masterpieces at the Wonderscope tent. 

    Both Tori and Ally having been asking for weeks if we are going back to Jiggle Jam this year-they are excited! I am also so excited because this year KC Parent is sponsoring a princess and pirate photo opportunity at Jiggle Jam. In addition to the being able to take your child’s picture with a princess or pirate, we are giving away some great gift bags full of fun treats to the first 5000 kiddos who visit us dressed up as either a princess or pirate. 

    I hope you’ll stop by and say “Hi”. I love to meet and interact with our readers. I’ll be at the photo attraction from 10:00 until 2:00 on Saturday and look forward to meeting you as we all kick off our SUMMER! (Fingers crossed for good weather!)

STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS: THE SHAWNEE INDIAN MISSION

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Shawnee Indian Mission

3403 W. 53 St.

913.262.0867

www.kshs.org/places/shawnee

The nineteenth century boiled with action and intrigue. It’s a time period that saw a country ravaged by Civil War, Indian nations uprooted, a frontier built and the modern age emerge. You and your family can stand at the crossroads of all these events at the Shawnee Indian Mission.

The History

Methodist minister Thomas Johnson served as missionary for the Shawnee Indian tribe from 1830 to 1865. Intent on helping relocated Native Americans assimilate into the white man’s culture, Johnson opened the Shawnee Indian Mission in its present location in 1839. He built a mini-community—complete with its own stables, sawmill and blacksmith—on two thousand acres with the school as its hub. Serving children and young adults from more than 15 Native American tribes, the mission taught academics, agriculture, manual arts and the Christian way. Today three of the original structures remain.

What to See There

Of the three remaining buildings, only the east building is open to the public. It served as the mission’s chapel as well as the boys’ schoolroom and dormitory. Here an 18-minute video presents the site’s colorful history as a hotbed of free-state activism, campgrounds for Union soldiers and above all, a place to educate and assimilate Native Americans. Interactive exhibits, as well as photographs and artifacts, are organized around the themes of the mission’s work, the Civil War and western expansion. Kids can get a look at schoolbooks and primers Native students used, as well as spinning wheels and period crafts. The east building also houses a small gift shop with historical books, toys and candy.

Head upstairs to explore life in the mission and on the frontier. One exhibit gives kids the chance to choose what items to take on their journey west—and see whether their choices make sense. Several listening stations let visitors hear accounts of life on the trail. In other rooms, tour a Union soldiers’ campground and a typical frontier home. Learn how log cabins were built and see artifacts from Thomas Johnson’s life at the mission.

While the other buildings are not open to the public, you’re free to tour the beautiful grounds and take a close look at the buildings and garden. Be sure to stop by the log house on the property, which was built using nineteenth-century materials to showcase what a real log house of the times would look like.

Special events are planned throughout the year at the Shawnee Indian Mission, including a fall festival as well as the Christmas Open House, featuring hands-on crafts for kids in December.

The Essentials

March-November, the mission is open Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; closed on state holidays. Winter months, it’s open Thursday-Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Free for active military and kids under six.

Shawnee resident Claire M. Caterer enjoys sightseeing around her hometown and beyond with daughter Melanie.

The College Basketball Experience

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If there’s a basketball player or fan at your house we’ve found a must see venue to put on your summer to-do list when it’s time to beat the heat! at the Sprint Center

1401 Grand Blvd

Kansas City, MO

816.949.7500

www.CollegeBasketballExperience.com

If there’s a basketball player or fan at your house we’ve found a must see venue to put on your summer to-do list when it’s time to beat the heat! If you think you need high dollar concert tickets to have a reason to visit the new Sprint Center you are mistaken. The College Basketball Experience was designed to attract and entertain basketball fans of all ages. Whether your favorite team has recently won it all in a nail biting overtime, or has sadly never made it to the big dance, you’re sure to enjoy the hands-on games, challenges and inspirational displays that make up the College Basketball Experience and Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

            Get physical and challenge your skills with the following exhibits:

Beat the Clock Attempt a game winning shot in a high-pressure situation, mirroring some of college basketballs greatest moments.

Clean the Glass By playing against padded obstacles, experience the difficulty involved in getting through the defense to play under the rim.

Get in the Zone Try to make as many baskets as possible in this challenging “pop-a-shot” activity.

Kid’s Court Younger fans can play basketball with scaled down equipment geared just for them.

Make the Pass Visitors try to make different kinds of passes to score as many points as possible in a set amount of time.

Shoot from Downtown Hustle to make 3-point shots from different positions, realizing how difficult it is to make 3-pointers, especially under pressure.

Step up to the Line Face the pressure of a hostile arena while attempting to make free-throws. A large screen displays video of rabid fans challenging the shot.

Throw it Down Visitors slam-dunk a basketball with their coolest moves and see how many dunks they can make in a set amount of time.

            Once you’re worn out from these challenges, take time to stand in awe of the history and spirit of the game at these display areas:

Epochs of the Game A corridor of history, presenting history of the game’s creation and the progression of men’s collegiate basketball.

Tip Off Tunnel Experience the walk through an arena tunnel from the locker room to the court and feel the excitement players feel as they listen to the Coach’s pre-game instructions.

Mentor‘s Circle A kiosk with a large screen allows visitors to view videos of prominent coaches paying homage to their mentors.

Honor Theatre A larger than life film immerses visitors in the intensity and passion of college basketball.

Gallery of Honor Pay homage to legendary coaches and players in a setting reflective of the reverence and respect they have earned. Greatness lives here.

            Groups are welcome to schedule private visits which are ideal for Scout groups, homeschool field trips, corporate outings or birthday parties. Call for details or visit their website. Gift certificates available and make a great Father’s Day gift!

CoCo Key Water Resort

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Would you like to whisk your family away for an in-town adventure with an out-of-town feel? Step out of life-as-usual and into a tropical retreat at the brand-new CoCo Key Water Resort, located at the Sheraton KC Sports Complex Hotel in Kansas City, MO.

CoCo Key Water Resort

Sheraton Kansas City

Sports Complex Hotel

1.877.425.2746

Would you like to whisk your family away for an in-town adventure with an out-of-town feel? Step out of life-as-usual and into a tropical retreat at the brand-new CoCo Key Water Resort, located at the Sheraton KC Sports Complex Hotel in Kansas City, MO.

CoCo Key combines the low-key relaxation of the Florida Keys with the rollicking excitement of a premier indoor water park. As you explore this 55,000 square-foot leisure facility, you’ll discover there’s something for everyone. The Parrot’s Perch was a favorite of ours, with its interactive play island and slides for younger children, a zero-depth entry area, water cannons (don’t spray the lifeguards!) and a huge bucket that dumps a dramatic cascade of water every few minutes. My son and I grabbed a couple of tubes and floated around the Coconut Grove River, twirling, splashing and racing one another though its circular course. At the Dip-in Theatre Children’s Pool, with its zero-depth entry, your crew can wade in and float in shallow water while enjoying movies and animation on a movie-size projection screen. And the Coral Reef Cavern includes an activity pool with lily pads, water basketball and a coral reef backdrop. We all enjoyed intermittent dips into the Palm Grotto Spa, with its giant indoor/outdoor whirlpools. To top off the excitement, CoCo Key boasts three thrilling body and raft slides. My son and daughter must have made 25 trips up the giant stair structure to ride the slides!

All of this activity can make a family hungry! When you’re ready to refuel, you need never even put on your flip-flops. The Callaloo Grill is close at hand and features family-friendly treats including favorites from Pizza Hut and A & W. Or you can hang out at the Wet Rooster Bar, an open-setting bar overlooking the entire resort. There are four thatched cabanas that can be rented for the day. Each of the cabanas features a television, refrigerator, a lockable safe and comfortable furniture for relaxing. After your meal and before you head back into the water, you might check out the arcade which features with state-of-the-art animated video games for and entertainment for all ages.

After our first day at CoCo Key, our family enjoyed an overnight stay at the adjoining Sheraton Hotel, with its 372 newly renovated hotel rooms, each with a flat-screen television and new tile and granite in the bathrooms. The bustling hotel lobby has been beautifully redone, and our lovely room on the 8th floor overlooked the stadiums. We enjoyed the view as well as the cool and quiet of our room after a rowdy day at the water park. Speaking of stadiums, they offers a Triple Play Package, which combines a two-night stay, passes to CoCo Key and tickets to a Royals game!

There are so many ways to enjoy this facility. CoCo Key offers day passes as an alternative to an overnight stay. Birthday party packages are also available, which include swimming in the resort, use of a celebration room, a birthday meal, goody bags, an arcade card for each child and passes for two free chaperones.

We departed CoCo Key and the Sheraton having made many memories together during our summer stay-cation. Our next trip may be a winter get-away where we can enjoy a Chiefs game as well as CoCo Key, with its year-round, 84-degree climate. Summer and winter, there’s a close-to-home family vacation waiting for you. Start planning your trip today at CocoKeyWaterResort.com.

The Beanstalk Children’s Garden

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The BEANSTALK Children’s Garden



6917 KensingtonKansas City, MOwww.KCCG.org

816.931.3877

 


Hot Tips


  • The garden is open from June 13 until October 3 or the first hard freeze.

  • Admission is $2/person. Children 2 and under are free.

  • Check the website for hours of operation.

  • All paths are paved and stroller friendly.




Perhaps your children think food grows at the grocery store, or maybe they have budding green thumbs. Either way, they’re sure to have fun and learn something at the Children’s Beanstalk Garden.

Before You Go


The garden is open at the height of summer, so plan accordingly. Visit early in the day to beat the heat. Let your children know that they’ll only be able to sample the food clearly marked that it’s ready to pick. Be sure to talk to them about what they expect to find at the garden. Mary Roduner, the children’s gardening coordinator, says the goal of the garden is to “reconnect kids with their food.” You can help them do this by assisting them in finding their favorite fruit or veggie in the garden. Maybe they’ll even be lucky enough to try a fresh sample.

While You’re There


After paying your admission, you might want to borrow a guidebook. The book will fill you in on all the garden details, including some plant history and mythology. Of course, feel free to just explore and delight your senses. You’ll find cotton, corn, pineapples, a gourd house and even a plant that “falls asleep” when touched! Be sure to show your children the root viewing boxes to catch a glimpse of what happens underground. Let your children lead the way around the garden and use the signs to answer their questions. Don’t forget to find something to taste.

After You Leave


Before going home, why not head across the street to Lakeside Nature Center? Search for Lakeside Nature Center at www.KCParent.com and you’ll find all you need to make your visit a success. If your trip to the garden was a hit, plan on going back for the free Fall Family Festival on Sept. 10. Check the garden’s website for more information. Finally, if you don’t already have a garden, visit your local garden center and let your children pick a plant or seeds to take home. You might even plant a beanstalk!

Elizabeth Welter lives and gardens with her family in Olathe.

Adventure Oasis Water Park

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Adventure Oasis Water Park

2100 Hub Drive

Independence, MO

816.325.SWIM

www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/oasispark.stm

I spent most of the summers of my youth as a swimmer or lifeguard at our local Parks & Recreation pool. Meadowhill Pool, my home away from home, consisted of a T-shaped pool ideal for local swim meets and free swim as well as a diving area that featured three diving boards. Off to the side was a rectangular baby pool that was two feet deep at the shallow end and three feet deep at the opposite end. Entertainment at this pool meant challenging yourself on the diving boards or playing yet another game of Marco Polo.

Most suburban children today would be quite bored at the pool I’ve just described since they are fortunate to have new and improved water parks and aquatic centers that have replace the simple pools of my youth.

One such complex is the Adventure Oasis Water Park in Independence. Operated by the Parks & Recreation department, this new facility is definitely worth the drive!

Whether you want to relax with a float down a 900-foot lazy river that circles most of the park, take a dip in the 25-yard lap pool and diving area, ride the three separate water slides, or relax on the spacious sun deck. With so much to do, it really is the perfect water park experience.

I am impressed by the variety of all that I see. Three waterslides are available for swimmers: a 300 foot raft slide, a 210 foot open flume slide and a 195 foot tube slide. My boys will love racing down all three until the seats of their swimsuits are warn thin! Like most of these slides, riders need to be a certain height so call ahead so your little swimmer won’t be disappointed.

Another favorite for my boys will be the floating water pads where they can test their balance. They have enjoyed this water feature when we’ve visited the Great Wolf Lodge. For the youngest splashers there’s Buckaroo Beach which features a zero-depth entry and over 6,000 square feet of family-oriented fun. And because you need to refuel after hours of splishing and splashing, the Oasis Grill will meet your snack time needs.

The children of Independence are quite fortunate to be able to call this amazing facility their summer home away from home. Had this been the pool of my youth, I may have become a professional lifeguard!

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