At-Home Learning and Fun from KC Businesses

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This is your guide to local online educational resources for at-home learning and enrichment activities.

Science City at Union Station

Parents! Looking for fun, creative activities you can do at home with your kids? Check out our Maker Studio's Instructables page for fun projects with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. In this project, you'll make a robot that wiggles, wobbles, and dances around thanks to a homemade cam. https://www.instructables.com/id/Wiggly-Wobbly-Robots-Simple-Cam/

You'll find MORE projects in Science City's Maker Studio lab! The Maker Studio is an educational museum makerspace in Kansas City, MO, focused on teaching new maker skills and introducing them to new tools & technologies. 

Experience a VIRTUAL SKY TOUR!

TONIGHT, April 16 at 6:00pm LIVE on Facebook; Planetarium Specialist Patrick is back with a special broadcast of Sky Station LIVE looking at stellar evolution - including a special feature all about black holes!

Then on Friday at 6pm, it's "Fan Friday Q&A" with your chance to ask any questions about space, astronomy, or working at the planetarium.

Be sure to join us LIVE on our Facebook Page tonight and Friday night at 6pm, and get set for an out of this world adventure from the comfort of your own home!

LIVE on Facebook! Planetarium Specialist Patrick is back with another virtual tour of Kansas City’s evening skies!

Be sure to log in from the comfort of your own home to explore stars, constellations, mythology, deep space objects, and more!

You can help!

Help Union Station stand strong by making a gift today. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of our mission, operations, volunteers and staff at unionstation.org/donate.

Kansas City Young Audiences

KCYA will have a small series of online classes that start the week of April 20th!!! 🎸🎨💃 🎭

Check out the options and enroll here: https://bit.ly/KCYAonlineclasses!

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

To help you stay healthy in spirit, mind and body during this time, the Y is offering wellness programs online, free of charge. It's called Y360 and it's ready when you are! Stay healthy from the comfort of your own home with these Y Group Exercise classes made for your living room. They're free and you can have access 24 hours a day, so they fit your schedule. With equipment optional workouts, all you have to do is hit "PLAY."  https://kansascityymca.org/online-exercise 

Family Tree Nursery

It all started in the garden! How to plant your raised garden bed? Follow along as we share how to get your raised garden bed started. Shop now online at www.familytreenursery.com or give us a call to place an order for curbside pick up.

Visit our SHOP section at familytreenursery.com. If you’re not yet finding what you need online, give us a call at any of our 3 locations for ordering over the phone. We would love to help you out.💚 You'll also find gardening tips at: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyTreeNursery/

Online Ordering is available for pickup at our Overland Park store. Over the phone ordering is available for pickup at our Shawnee, Liberty, and Overland Park locations.

  • Overland Park: 913.642.6503
  • Shawnee: 913.631.6121
  • Liberty: 816.781.0001

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop

Historians say the original socially distant activity was probably letter writing. (Ok, we just made that one up.) During the Mahaffies' era, writing letters was about the best way to stay in touch over a long distance, but also over short distances. At that time, the United States Post Office had not yet been established and mail was run on private routes on - you guessed it - stagecoaches!

If you would like to send a letter to one of the animals on the farm, they will find a staff member who can take dictation and write back to you. Our animals interested in having penpals are:

  • Levi and Samson, the oxen
  • Burt, Lady, Goliath, Chip, and Ace, the horses
  • Tom and Huck, the goats
  • Smoothie, Daisy, and Petunia, the sheep
  • Ashley, the rooster
  • They also appreciate pretty pictures, and will display them with pride.

Our mailing address is: Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm 1200 E. Kansas City Rd. Olathe, KS 66061

The Coterie Theatre School’s Spring Acting Classes

The Coterie Theatre School is offering its Spring session of drama classes as live, interactive online instruction. Now available to youth nationwide, The Coterie’s classes are led by our staff of trained teaching artists and are focused on a process-based curriculum. Classes for age three through grade 12 begin on Saturday, April 4, with additional classes starting on a staggered schedule throughout April 2020. Online Registration

PRICE:

  • For Ages 3-5:  $75.00 for six 1-hour sessions held over six weeks
  • For Grades K-12:  $85.00 for six 90-minute sessions held over six weeks

Online Registration

Urban Air Trampoline Park

Are your kids missing their favorite attractions while the park is closed? We got you! Brighten ANY day with downloadable Urban Air coloring pages.  https://bit.ly/3bkCtTp

Looking for something fun to do from home? TWO WORDS: photo hunt! Can you help us spot the 5 differences between the photos?  https://bit.ly/2UubI8h

Theatre of the Imagination

Theatre of the Imagination has Interactive Online Drama Classes.  Kids get to engage with a trained acting teacher in a fun and supportive environment. No prerecorded videos, all classes are live, (and lively!).  Drama games, improv, scripted plays and movie making classes. Many different time slots available to work around any schedule.  Small class sizes to ensure every student gets a chance to shine. Visit dramakc.com for class schedules and to register. Questions call us at 816.561.2787.

Kansas Children's Discovery Center

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center closed their doors one week ago, but the staff of the nonprofit children’s museum is still hard at work. Since the closure, the museum’s education team has produced daily tutorials for parents looking for educational activities they can do at home. The series, called Discovery at Home, is available free on Discovery Center social media channels and the website www.kansasdiscovery.org/home. 

Code Ninjas

Free Coding Opportunities: As we transition to our kids being home for a while, Code Ninjas wants to help you by offering some fun and free resources.  DAILY Coding on YouTube LIVE! We will be covering the Fundamentals of Coding. Each day will be a different topic with an activity to do with our Sensei's. Monday - Thursday: 3:30-4:00  Code Ninjas MW YouTube Channel. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified when we are live or check back any time to watch the videos after they are posted.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCws51FkeqzhYLWaUNXrkXsA?sub_confirmation=1

And, they are also offering brand new virtual learning now available! Click here for more info https://www.codeninjas.com/?program=at-home

The Culture House

It's time for Culture House Storytime!

Don't miss out at 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays! All are welcome, so invite your friends and meet up at Storytime.

All links to online gatherings can be found near the bottom of the page at: https://www.culturehouse.com/special-resources

Today, Tuesday at 1:00pm join NOELLE to share some stories you know and some you don't!

Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/887502037

National Museum of Toys & Miniatures

Do you have a young bookworm in your family? We've got you covered for the weekend and beyond with this extensive reading list put together by T/m volunteer and dollhouse collector Gina Harvey: https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Youth-Reading-List.pdf

Sign Language Lessons Virtually Taught by a KC Mom: Melissa Scott

Sign language. A language that anyone from age 3 to 93 can learn. It’s used to give a voice to those in need, to demonstrate its beauty and bring music to closed ears. I have taught ASL for 30yrs and teach it for foreign language credit, (quizzes and test will be used) signing songs or just for general knowledge.  My classes are available via Skype or Facetime. Payment thru Messenger would be preferable. 

Prices are as follows, 

  • Individual is $15 an hour each week
  • 2 students are $10 each per week
  • 3 or more students are $5 each per week max of 5 students per class. 

Classes will begin when they are filled or individuals preference. Please text me if interested with your availability and I will start forming the classes. Melissa Scott 816.914.1577

Note: Melissa teaches sign language to the children of KC Parent staffer Kristina Light. The girls have learned a lot and love Mrs. Scott's lessons! We highly recommend this program!

Fat Brain Toys: Keep the Brain Fat Ideas

There is no denying it, it is strange times. While we personally share the same uncertainty and anxiety about COVID-19, we also recognize that we could be a valuable resource to parents and kids the world over. Yes, Fat Brain Toys sells educational toys and games, but more than that, our company is made up of dozens of fun and creative individuals who love to LEARN and PLAY. So during these challenging times where millions of kids are either out of school or practicing social distance, twice a week we'll be supplying you with creative ideas to keep kids productive... active... learning... mindful... challenged... or just equipped with activities for families to enjoy together.

So over the next several weeks, you'll be hearing from and seeing many of the people that make Fat Brain tick. We hope it will be beneficial, even in a small way, to help parents and kids make the most of their extended time together: https://www.fatbraintoys.com/play/keepthebrainfat.cfm

Ceramic Cafe

Ceramic Cafe is offering Pottery-to-go Kits! Keep your family healthy and safe by painting in the comfort of your own home! All pottery purchased for take-home kits will now only be available for home delivery and pick-up. We will either ship or hand-deliver directly to your door. Your pottery purchase includes all delivery and pickup fees.

All orders placed each week by Tuesdays @10am will be scheduled for shipment/delivery Wednesday-Friday the same week. Your delivery day will depend on your area of town. Check out the packages Ceramic Cafe Offers!

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Color your favorite Nelson-Atkins Masterpieces with their downloadable coloring pages! Post your completed creations using #NelsonAtkinsatHome so we can see your masterpieces! http://nelson-atkins.org/nelson-atkins-at-home

Hammer & Stain Hammer @ HOME Kits

Starting at $15!! Everything you need in a box to create your own DIY project at home! Curbside pickup, Grab N’ GO or shipping also available. Order now! https://hammerandstainkc.com/collections/hammer-home

  • $15 boys or girls projects (recommended ages 5-8)
  • Kids Kits (assorted)
  • Large Kits for teens & parents (personalizing available)
  • Birdhouses preassembled or unassembled and customizable 
  • Birthday parties in a box 

Questions? Email: Hammerandstainkc@gmail.com

Mid-Continent Public Libraries

Spring has arrived! The weather is warmer, flowers are blooming, and many of us (including your Library staff!) are enjoying the new season from home while we practice good social distancing. It’s the perfect time to crack open a window and start a new book (or five!). Put those extra hours of reading to good use by participating in MCPL’s Spring into Reading Challenge, which kicks off Monday, March 30, and runs through Friday, May 22, 2020.

Just like the Library’s annual Summer Library Program, this new challenge is open to all ages, and participants can track their achievements through the online software Beanstack. There are two ways to earn points during the Spring into Reading Challenge, which accumulate to earn online badges (and bragging rights!):

  • Read or listen to books.
  • Read what you have at home or download digital books from the Library!
  • Earn badges based on the number of books that you read (Get a badge every time you read 5 books!) or the amount of time you read (Get a badge for every 30 minutes spent reading, up to 6 hours.  Beyond 6 hours, get a badge for every 60 minutes spent reading).
  • Do fun activities at home.
  • Activity tracks with fun suggestions for all ages will be added to Beanstack throughout the challenge! (Look for reading, writing, drawing, outdoor activities, and more!)

Click on the “Register/Log in” button to access Beanstack, the easy-to-use online tracking system. Adults can register themselves or their children any time during the challenge. You can also register multiple children under one username and password. Download the Beanstack Tracker app to your mobile device for convenient registration and logging.

Please note: Like the Library’s Summer Library Program, all books logged for kids during this program will automatically apply to existing 1000 Books Before Kindergarten accounts. 

More info: https://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/read/spring-into-reading

Also, while the physical libraries are closed, we would encourage everyone who is able, to access the virtual library. Librarians are also hosting Virtual Storytime on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymcpl/.  

To accommodate the growing demand for digital books during the Library’s closure, MCPL is adding more eBooks and eAudiobooks to its collection, including 5,000 new children’s eBook titles! There are currently more than 300,000 digital copies of materials that are available to be checked out with no wait. In addition, the Library has acquired packages of “simultaneous use,” meaning digital books that can be checked out by an unlimited number of customers. So far, 102 classics from Plympton Publishing have been made available for simultaneous use in eBook format, as well as 4,171 free eBook titles from Duke Classics, and 100 eAudiobook titles from Tantor Audio and Blackstone. Visit mymcpl.org/GoDigital to explore MCPL’s digital collection! MCPL has a large digital collection that includes:

eBooks

Johnson County Museum

Can’t make it to the Johnson County Museum right now? That is OK, they've got you covered with new virtual content! 

Enjoy a special tour of the All-Electric House, a real 1954 ranch-style house that sits inside the museum. Explore great activities to pair with Little Golden Book stories, just like “Retro Storytime” programming! Hear about the themes and major periods of Johnson County History with exhibit overview videos, and more! Learn more here.

Johnson County Library

The library offers many online resources:

Storybook Theatre

Storybook Theatre is offering virtual classes for the spring semester! New details are posted for our virtual production class for ages 7-14 and more info will be added soon for our 4-7 year old class. We may not be able to meet in person for a little while, but we DON'T want to stop giving your students the opportunity to receive theatrical arts education and interact with their friends. We miss seeing everyone in person SO MUCH!

Most of you know that Storybook is a small business (owned by a single mom) and we rely solely on income from our classes and performances to keep our doors open. COVID-19 may keep us from meeting in person for a bit, but it won't stop our passion and determination to give your kids the magical experience of performing live theatre. We plan to be back in full force as soon as possible, and appreciate your help and support in the meantime.

Find details and register for our brand-new virtual class HERE.

Powell Gardens

The education team at Powell Gardens is translating its programming to the digital world, offering video content and weekly downloadable outdoor activities that kids can do in their own backyards. https://powellgardens.org/homepage/events-programs-exhibitions/teachers-schools/

Home Garden Q&A with Horticulture Staff

The essential horticulture staff at the Gardens are focused on garden maintenance and staying ahead of Mother Nature. Many in our community are doing the same in their own gardens while spending more time at home. Each week, Powell Gardens asks its online community to submit their home gardening questions and responds with expert advice from the horticulture team.

Updates from the Gardens

Springtime in the Gardens is a crowd favorite. While visitors are unable to get to the Gardens in person, they can see what is blooming on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more from Susan Mertz, Director of Horticulture who is writing biweekly updates from the Gardens.

To access this new content, follow @PowellGardens on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and subscribe for biweekly email updates.

Exercise at Home with Grandview Parks and Rec

Grandview Parks and Rec is offering LIVE with Flo classes! Tuesday 3/17 at 9am: Zumba – Latin Rhythms combined with cardiovascular exercise creates a beloved aerobic routine that is high energy, and a lot of fun!Wednesday 3/18 at 9am: Armcore Madness – devoted to strengthening and toning the whole body. Dumbbells and exercise balls will be used. Thursday 3/19 at 9am: Zumba – Latin Rhythms combined with cardiovascular exercise creates a beloved aerobic routine that is high energy, and a lot of fun! Friday 3/20 at 9am: Silversneakers Classic – variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living.

The classes offered so far can be found at:

Andreis Online Tutoring Services, K-12

Husband and wife team Patrick and Kathryn Andries are both local teachers. Kathryn holds teaching licenses in CA and MO. She is certified as a bilingual K-12 teacher, Spanish and French. She has taught elementary Spanish, French, ESL and general K-12 classes for 12 years. Offering tutoring for K-12 in Spanish, French, and writing.  Patrick is a licensed science teacher for grades 6-12 and holds licenses in MO, TX and KS. He has taught science at Indian Woods Middle School and this past year has been a substitute in Olathe, Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission. Offering tutoring  for grades 6-12 in physics and biology. Contact us at 847-287-7593, or email us at:  kathrynandries@aol.com

Orange Easel School of Art Online Classes

Orange Easel is offering online classes on topics including Hand Lettering, Landscape Painting, and more. They also have a free art storytime for littles! Go check it all out here: https://www.hisawyer.com/orange-easel/schedules… More IS coming! It's just slow going getting it all designed and uploaded!

North Kansas City Parks and Recreation

North Kansas City Parks and Recreation’s program: Recreation Round-Up goes live at 11am, on Facebook Monday through Friday. Create, learn, fun is the motto of Recreation Round-Up as we offer links to indoor and outdoor activities focusing on nature, live learning, crafts, and storytime.

Gladstone Community Center

The Gladstone Community Center is excited to announce the launch of their Virtual Fitness classes on Facebook. Facebook users can join the group, under the “groups” tab on the Gladstone Community Center Facebook page. You can access the videos during the LIVE performance or you can go back a view later and everyone is welcome to join! For more information about this service or questions on how to join, visit our website at www.gladstonecommunitycenter.com or give us a call at 816-423-4200.

Jewish Community Center

In an effort to keep the community active and engaged during the Coronavirus-COVID19 crisis, the Jewish Community Center has launched the Virtual J—providing a robust line up of programs and activities for individuals and families to enjoy. It includes workouts to keep you fit and activities to keep you entertained in the safety of your home.The website is: thejkc.org/virtualj

Paint, Glaze & Fire

We are excited to share as of today Monday April 13th the studio will be Open for Pickup and Curbside To Go order! Adjusted Hours: We will be open Mon/Wed/Fri 10:00am-3:00pm  Art Therapy To Go Kits: Call us the bored gurus! We all know to well the struggles of trying to keep little ones, well anyone, busy when there is home school and a mandatory stay in place. We have created options so you can plan a moment of creativity for you or the family, in the comfort of your own home.  We will help provide the art therapy we all need! Get your ceramic projects to go. Paint at home! Book online. Questions contact us 913-661-2529 or email info@paintglazeandfire.net.

The Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are excited to offer the Summer Slugger program for young fans! Summer Slugger is an engaging, online learning experience that uses the game of baseball to prepare students ages 8 to 11 to enter the next school year on track. Join the Summer Slugger program for young fans, download coloring pages, connect the dots and more! Check back often as more fun and games will be added! https://www.mlb.com/royals/fans/activities

Cupcakin Bakery Country Club Plaza 

Due to the Covid-19 we are unable to host Princess parties at this time. However we have decided to Give free facetime birthday calls to children from our mascot Cupcake Carlie. If your child has an upcoming birthday message us on facebook @ cupcakin bakery. we would like to continue Spreading smiles!

Made: Decor & Classes Studio

Looking for something fun to do to pass the time? Grab one or a few of our Take & Make Kits!! To order: www.madedecor.com/shop

AR Workshop Kansas City North

Turn your "bored" into "boards!" Easy and fun DIY kits for all ages to enjoy at home from AR Workshop Kansas City North! Kits include all materials including stencils, wood, a stain color, paint choices, brushes and instructions. https://www.arworkshop.com/diytogo/

Purpose Play LLC

We are offering free video daily that includes 3 low prep and material activities for kids.  We are also selling take home sensory products and kid activities.  https://www.purposeplayllc.com/tickets.html#/

Tastebuds Kitchen

Tastebuds Kitchen is offering a fun outlet for our families to enjoy during difficult times! Tune in to see weekly demo videos, download recipes and other fun culinary games for you and your budding chefs to enjoy at home. Join our club today. #tbkcookingclub. tastebudskitchen.com/cooking-club

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is known for curated resort programming and year-round activities, from Yoga Tails to Paws-On-Projects craft time, it’s fun for the whole Pack! As families are in search of things to do, they can bring a piece of the resort experience right to their own home – family fun expert Great Wolf Lodge has launched a new online guide that provides ideas and templates for a variety of at-home activities. Families can visit www.greatwolf.com/athome to access the “road map to family fun” where they’ll find at-home games, recipes, crafts and more.

More Great Ways to Help Small businesses:

  • Buy a gift card online or by phone
  • Leave a review
  • Share or like a post on social media
  • Tell a friend about a business
  • Plan ahead, book future classes, events, camps and anything that can provide income to your favorite small businesses!

Do you have an addition to our guide? Email kristina@kcparent.com.

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