That beloved doll... her material is worn, her hair is knotted, and her hands show dirt from countless trips to the playground. If she could talk, she’d tell the stories of childhood. For girls who love dolls, Kansas City offers several wonderful outings.
- Explore Dollhouses Galore and Celebrate 50 Years of Barbie®! The Toy and Miniature Museum, near the Plaza, is home to an amazing collection of dollhouses, dolls and antique toys. Children are fascinated by the miniature homes, working model trains, marbles, and classic toys. My girls loved the dollhouses with working lights and the fact that the museum exhibits are easy for young ones to see thanks to accessible stools and exhibits at their eye level. This museum is a fun family outing for all ages. This fall, Celebrate Barbie's® 50th Birthday with a special exhibit honoring America's Favorite Doll from November 14, 2009 - December 2010! The exhibit celebrates everything Barbie® with hundreds of dolls spanning her 50 year reign as the premier fashion icon of our time as well as toys and accessories. Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City (5235 Oak St.) is open Wed.-Sat from 10am-4pm and Sun. 1-4pm. Admission: $6/adults, $4/ages 5-12, Free/Under 5. 816.333.9328.
- Make a Doll! On November 14th at 10am, you can learn how to make your own doll at the Corn Husk Doll Making Workshop. Advance reservations required. $10 per participant. National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO, 816. 325.7575.
- Celebrate with an American Girl Party! This fall, there are 3 wonderful American Girl Parties around town! November 5th at 7PM the Oak Park Mall Barnes & Noble is hosting an American Girl Party. Call 913.541.1505 for information. November 10th you can party with American Girl: Julie at 7PM at the Antioch Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library. Celebrate the exciting and vibrant "70's with Julie Albright! There will be new things to discover and old things to remember as we explore 1974 and meet fun-loving Julie." Call 816.454.1306 for more information. On November 14th enjoy an American Girl Tea Party with Rebecca at 2PM at the Red Bridge Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library. You are invited to dress up and bring your favorite doll and friend for our American Girls' Tea Party with Rebecca. Enjoy a fun-filled hour of peering into Rebecca's life and making timely crafts. Call 816.942.1780 for more information.
- Visit Kansas City’s Doll Museum. The UFDC Doll Museum, near Tiffany Springs, features special exhibits that change throughout the year. My daughters were captivated by the baby dolls, familiar characters like Pinocchio, Snoopy, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland. The collections feature dolls from around the world in all sizes, shapes, and made from everything from papier mache to porcelain. The current display features the 50th Anniversary of the Barbie Doll. UFDC Doll Museum (10900 N. Ponoma Ave. KCMO) is open Mon-Fri from 10am-4pm. Admission: $4/ages 13 and up, $2/ages 6-12, Free/5 and under. 816.891.7040
- Take Your Doll to the Doll Hospital or Find a New Beloved Doll. The Doll Cradle is a wonderful doll store that will capture every doll lover’s heart! Their collection ranges from American Girl to Madame Alexander to classic paper dolls, Raggedy Ann, and much more. Doll clothes, furniture, and accessories are also available. Our family loves Huggums dolls and the store includes a collection of Huggums dolls and clothes. It is also home to the Doll Hospital where “extra loved” dolls can come visit the Doll Doctor for special repairs. The Doll Cradle hosts special events throughout the year. The Doll Cradle (10910 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS) 913.631.1900
- Read about Hollyhock Dolls. Mary Martin, of Parkville, wrote and illustrated an enchanting children’s book about Hollyhock Dolls complete with instructions to make your own doll. The book, Miss Lilly and the Hollyhock Garden, is available at local libraries.
- Take Your Doll to Tea. Madame Hatter's Tea Room is a child's "fantasy tea party" waiting to happen. Girls are served Pink Lemonade in their own special tea pot with tea cups. Adults are served hot tea over a tealight candle. The menu included sandwiches, salads, soups, quiche, and wonderful made-from-scratch desserts. The dining room is decorated with tea pots, Madame Hatter's dolls, lace, and tables adorned with seasonal tablecloths and beautifully folded cloth napkins. The full "Tea Party Experience" is a treat for young girls, but the real fun comes after Tea! Madame Hatter's provides a special knook for guests decked out with vintage hats, purses, shawls, boas, gloves, wraps, and jewelry where ladies of all ages are encouraged to "play dress up." Madame Hatter's (228 Oak St., Bonner Springs, KS. 913.422.8800. Note: Madame Hatter's Tea Room announced that they are closing permanently on June 16, 2011.). Tues-Sat 11am-3pm. Prices range from $8-15/person. Click here to read about more wonderful Tea Rooms in Kansas City.
Kristina Light is mother to two doll-loving daughters. They enjoy visits to the Doll Cradle, Toy and Miniature Museum, Doll Museum, and library where they discover new dolls and doll stories.