Enchanted places, heroes and villains, beautiful princesses, whimsical animals, magical forests, magnificent castles, long hair, glass slippers, green trolls, big bad wolves... for centuries children have delighted in Fairytales and Nursery Rhymes and this year, the magic of our favorite stories comes to life all across Kansas City. From the wonderful hands-on world of Fairytale Village a Free Exhibit at Crown Center, to the magic of musicals as Peter Pan and Cinderella enchant us with their tales, to the artistry of local puppeteers, to tea parties and classes... there is a bit of Fairytale Magic awaiting us all this year in KC!
- Visit the Land of Fairytales
- Shows, Puppets, Stories & Meet and Greets!
- Fairytale Parties
- Fairytale Classes
- Bonus Fairytale Outings!
Visit the Land of Fairytales:
Fairytale Village 
- Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium, 2500 Grand Blvd. KANSAS CITY, MO. 816.274.8444 www.CrownCenter.com
- February 26 – April 25 (open during Crown Center Shopping Hours Monday - Wednesday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.)
- FREE
- Enter the world of make-believe at Fairytale Village where your favorite fairytales come to life through interactive exhibits. Cook with The Little Red Hen, walk across the Troll’s Bridge with the Billy Goats Gruff, discover the Big Bad Wolf and the home of the Three Little Pigs, ride in Cinderella’s Carriage, and meet many other beloved characters in the forest, castles, and homes of Fairytale village. Enjoy reading your favorite books with your children and playing with your favorite characters in their magical settings.
Harris Park in Lee's Summit: Castle Playground
- 110 SW Blue Parkway, Lee's Summit, MO.
- Harris Park features a picnic shelter with tables and charcoal grill, benches, a .5 mile walking trail, and a wonderful large Castle playground! Your children will enjoy the swings, rock wall, slides, monkey bars, and equipment at one of the coolest parks in the Kansas City area.
Fairytales Come to Life through Shows, Stories, and “Meet and Greets”:
“Puss in Boots” Puppet Show
- Paul Mesner Puppets Studio. 1006 E. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO. 816.235.6222 www.PaulMesnerPuppets.org
- Feb. 24 - 26, Mar. 3- 5: 10am & 1pm, Feb 27 & 28, Mar 6 & 7: 2pm
- Tickets: $8/child, $10/adult.
- The Paul Mesner Puppets present the classic tale of a miller who divides his property amongst his sons. The youngest inherits nothing but an old cat. The cat tells the boy he will grant to him great riches if only the boy will give him one pair of fine boots. Puss in Boots then takes his master on an adventure to meet a princess, and rescue the kingdom as they conquer an evil ogre.
Peter Pan: The Musical
- Bell Cultural Events Center at MidAmerica Nazarene. 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS. www.cytkc.org
- February 25th-March 5th. Visit www.cytkc.org for showtimes.
- Pre-purchased Tickets: Adults - $9.00, Students 12 & under - $8.00, Groups (10 or more) - $7.00, and Family Day (Feb. 25 at 7pm) - All ages $5.00 each.
- Sales at the Door: Adults - $10.00, Students 12 & under - $10.00, Groups (10 or more) - $10.00, Family Day (Feb. 25 at 7pm) - All ages $5.00 each
- Enjoy one of the most beloved musicals of all time as you fly away with Peter Pan to Neverland. Discover pirates, mermaids, villagers, and fun with Wendy, John and Michael as they embark on adventures with the boy who, “Won’t grow up” and his pixie pal, Tinkerbell.
"Little Red Riding Hood" Puppet Show
- Lenexa Community Center. 13420 Oak St. Lenexa, KS. www.piccadilly-puppets.com/tickets.asp
- Show Dates: March 15, 16, 17 & 19th, 2010, at 10 a.m. daily.
- Cost is $6 for individuals, groups of 15 or more pay only $3.50!
- The Big Bad Wolf is on the prowl for a delicious basket of goodies when he discovers a Red Hooded girl on her way to grandma’s house. Enjoy this retelling of the classic fairytale, brought to you by Piccadilly Puppets.
Walt Disney Tells the Classic Fairy Tales
- Raytown Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 6131 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO. 816.353.2052
- April 5, 7:00 PM
- FREE: Registration is required. ages 3 and up.
- Dr. Bill Worley portrays Walt Disney as he recreates some of the classic fairy tales retold in Disney’s famous storytelling style. Hear the stories of Pinocchio and Bambi and learn Disney animation history.
Meet Princesses at Crown Center
- Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium, 2500 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO. 816.274.8444
- FREE Event from Noon -4pm. Meet Cinderella on April 10, Snow White on April 17, or Sleeping Beauty on April 24.
- Visit the enchanted castle and have your photo taken with Cinderella (April 10), Snow White (April 17) or Sleeping Beauty (April 24). Professional photos available for a fee, or you may bring your own camera. Then, enjoy the Fairy Tale Village!
Rhymes, Rap,Miss Mary Mack Puppet Show
- Truman Forum, Plaza Library. 4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO. 816.235.6222
- Show Times: April 12 - 16, 10am and 1pm, April 17, 2pm
- Tickets: $10/adult, $8/child. For children 3 and up.
- Clap along with Miss Mary Mack as she dances through the wonderful world of Rhymes and nursery Raps all through the artistry of Paul Mesner Puppets.
" Wynken, Blynken and Nod” Puppet Show
- Puppetry Arts Institute. 11025 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO. 816.833.9777 www.hazelle.org
- April 17, Show times: 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
- Tickets: $5/person (all ages).
- Enjoy the Puppetry Arts Institute’s telling of Eugene Field’s classic poem with rod puppets.
Cinderella: The Musical
- YouthFront Auditorium. 4715 Rainbow Blvd., Mission, KS.
- April 29th-May 1st Visit www.cytkc.org for showtimes.
- Pre-purchased Tickets: Adults - $9.00, Students 12 & under - $8.00, Groups (10 or more) - $7.00, and Family Day (Feb. 25 at 7pm) - All ages $5.00 each .
- Sales at the Door: Adults - $10.00, Students 12 & under - $10.00, Groups (10 or more) - $10.00, Family Day (Feb. 25 at 7pm) - All ages $5.00 each
- CYT presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic musical "Cinderella". Meet Cinderella, her wicked stepsisters, fairy godmother, and prince on this magical tale of a lost slipper and dreams coming true.
Fairytale Parties:
Princess at My Party
Princess at My Party, 913.558.3110- Princess at My Party will bring a special Fairytale Princess to your next party. Choose Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Cinderella, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), or Snow White. Visit www.APrincessAtMyParty.com for details.
- Pick your princess and watch the magic unfold as your child and guests go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover, and a treasure hunt that ends with each child receiving a gift. An hour of magic will have a lasting impression and fulfill every child's dream of being a princess! Activities will entertain girls and boys of all ages.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
- Lee's Summit Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. 150 NW Oldham, Lee’s Summit, MO. 816.524.0567
- March 4, 2:00 PM
- FREE! For children ages 4 and up.
- Exactly what did Alice find down the rabbit hole? Wear your favorite over-the-top hat for a retelling of “Alice in the Wonderland”, followed by tea and snacks.
Fairytale Tea Parties
- Blue Valley Activity Center. 6545 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS. 913.685.6000 www.bluevalleyrec.org/d/currentguide.pdf
- Fairytale Friendship Party: April 15, Ages 2-3 with adult 9:15-10:00am; Ages 3-5 without adult 10:30-11:30am. Tickets: $19 child /$24Non-Resident. All little princes and princesses are invited to this day of Fairytale fun, designing stickers, painting with stamps and stencils, decorating a frog and enjoying a magical snack.
- Petite Princess Tea Party: April 23, 10:00 AM, Ages 3-6 with mom or grandma 10:00-11:30am or 12:30-2:00pm. Ages 3-6. $26 resident /$33 Non-Resident. Come to this tea dressed as a princess. Enjoy treats, stories, crafts and etiquette instruction.
Titanic Princess Tea Party
- Titanic Museum. 3235 W. 76 Country Blvd. Branson, MO. www.titanicbranson.com/titanic_news.php
- April 24 & 25,
- Enjoy an elegant Mother Daughter Tea aboard the Titanic. Young ladies pariticpate in etiquette lessons, learn proper table settings, serving skills and polite conversation. A grand tour of the museum follows each Titanic Princess Tea Party.
Fairytale Classes:
A Fairytale Ballet
- Fairytale Ballet, 6931 Tomahawk. Prairie Village, KS. 913.671.7944
- Visit www.AFairytaleBallet.com for Complete Class Schedules for children 2-8 years old.
- From their Twinkle Toes class full of imagery and fun, all the way to Blossoming Ballerinas, Fairytale Ballet is a fun and unique ballet program your little princess will love!
Paint, Glaze & Fire: Paint Me a Story
- Paint, Glaze and Fire. 12683 Metcalf. Overland Park, KS. 913.685.6000 www.bluevalleyrec.org/d/currentguide.pdf
- Fridays (attend one or all): March 5 & 19, April 2, 16, 30. At 10:30am.
- Ages 2-5 with adult $14 resident /$17 Non-Resident.
- Fridays mornings just got more fun! Helpful, creative staff provides step-by-step pottery painting instruction and storytelling.
Making Faerie Terrariums
- Overland Park Arboretum. 8909 W. 179th St., Bucyrus, KS. www.opkansas.org/_Vis/Arboretum/Events/art_in_arb.cfm
- March 16 or 18, 10:00 AM
- Cost $25.00 per terrarium. Ages 5 to 10, parental supervision suggested. Reservations required, class size limited to 15.
- Children learn basic gardening techniques while creating a terrarium decorated with faeries and colorful butterflies.
Where is Thumbkin?: Stories and Songs for Your Baby
- Red Bridge Branch Mid-Continent Public Library.11140 Locust, KANSAS CITY, MO. 816.942.1780
- April 19, 10:30 AM
- Enjoy interactive lap songs and fingerplays for parents and their very young children.
Bonus: A Few More "Royal" Ideas for Princes and Princesses in Kansas City:
- Make a Crown. Visit Kaleidoscope one of the best FREE family trips in KC (2500 Grand Blvd. KCMO. 816.274.8301). Princesses can make 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.
- Explore a Castle. Make a Day Trip to Wichita to the Exploration Place (300 N. McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS. 316.263.3373). The Kids’ Explore Pavilion features a medieval castle. My daughter was enchanted with the hands-on exhibits as she pumped bellows, rode a “horse,” dressed as a princess, cooked in a fairytale kitchen, and explored the three-story palace.
- Visit Prince Charming. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St, KCMO. 816.751.1ART) is a FREE family excursion. You will find princesses throughout the art collection, especially in the European section of the Galleries. My daughter makes a point to visit “Prince Charming,” the knight in shining armor, every time we visit the gallery.