All About KC is the newest feature on KCParent.com. You ask and we answer your questions about Kansas City! From Family Fun in KC, to Date Night ideas, to the Best Places to take out-of-town guests, to inside tips on local attractions and restaurants, we have the answers! Submit a question for All About KC here. Each week, a new column is featured in our eNewsletter!
This Week's Questions:
- Q: I’m thinking about taking my family to the Ethnic Enrichment Festival at Swope Park. Will my kids like it? What should I expect?
- Q. How many fountains are in Kansas City?
- Q. My son LOVES trains! He would like to have a train themed birthday. I don’t know where to host it. Ideas?
Q: I’m thinking about taking my family to the Ethnic Enrichment Festival at Swope Park. Will my kids like it? What should I expect? ~ Cindy
A: I’ve been attending the Ethnic Festival since I was a child and I go every year now as an adult... so yes, I definitely think kids will have a great time. The Ethnic Festival is one of the best festivals in Kansas City. The festival consists of booths from over 40 countries and a center stage with folk dance, music and demonstrations like Tae Kwon Do. The best way to experience the Ethnic Festival is to sample as many foods from as many countries as possible! We always enjoy our favorites (Ableskivers a.ka. Pancake Balls from Denmark and Pao de Queijo a.k.a. Brazilian Cheese Bread) and make a point to try new delicacies as well. Many booths sell appetizers, desserts, and imported sodas. Prices range from $2-10 depending on your purchases. Watch as many programs and dances as possible and remember to bring the camera!
Q: How many fountains are in Kansas City? ~ Jody
A. Well Jody, the number of fountains is a bit of a “mystery.” KC hasn’t been able to determine whether to count ALL fountains (those on private property for instance), but the City of Fountains Foundation has documented over 200. They claim that only Rome exceeds KC in the number of fountains! Kansas City’s first fountains were put in place by the local Humane Society to provide water for horses and dogs. This is a list of our Favorite Fountains in Kansas City.
Q:My son LOVES trains! He would like to have a train themed birthday. I don’t know where to host it. Ideas? ~ Hilary
A: I’m not sure where you live in KC, and I’d assume you want to choose something convenient for most of your friends. The best answers are: 1) You can throw a party at the KC Northern Railroad on a Friday night for around $20 plus cake and balloons. They provide rides for all the guests on the model train. The kids love it! 2) The Belton, Grandview Railroad also provides Birthday train rides. You bring the cake! 3) Host a party at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant at Crown Center or in KCKS. 4) The Kansas City Zoo! The Zoo train is great fun for the kids and the Zoo offers several terrific party packages. Click here for our complete guide to Kansas City Train sites!