Fall is almost here!

Pumpkin spice everything. Leaves are changing colors. Festivals are lining up all over the place. This only means one thing … fall is right around the corner.

Fall is my favorite season. Early sunsets. Blankets out all over the place. Fireplace ready to go for that first cool evening. Don’t forget the cozy sweaters! Oh and the warm, hearty meals that have been put on the back burner because it’s 105 degrees outside and who wants to think about soups! So many things to look forward to.

Here is a list of my favorite fall festivals around the KC area.

Louisburg Cider Mill Ciderfest and Craft Fair

9/24-9/25 and 10/1-10/2
Check out more information here

Wild West Days

9/24-9/25
Click here for more information.

Weston Applefest

10/1-10/2
More information on the Weston Applefest can be found here.

The Renaissance Festival (aka the KC Ren Fest)

Every weekend (Sat. & Sun.) from 9/16-10/15
Details here.

What is your favorite Fall Festival in Kansas City?

What to do in KC today (6/24/2017)

Looking for something to do today with the family in Kansas City?  Here are some ideas!

1.  Did you see the weather forecast for this weekend?  I would suggest you pack up your family and head to a park, the zoo, Worlds of Fun, Deanna Rose.  Something outside because it’s only supposed to be in the 70’s today!  This stuff doesn’t happen in KC very often!  PS:   I would skip the pool.  We went yesterday and it was a little breezy for me.  But it didn’t seem to bother the kids.  Of course!
2. Big Slick is everywhere!  Has anyone had a Paul Rudd sighting?  Rob Riggle?  Jason Sudeikis? Eric Stonestreet?  It is so awesome that these celebrities come home and bring a few of their friends with them to raise money for Children’s Mercy.  Today is the Big Slick Block Party and bowling tournament at Pinstripes.  The Block Party is free but everything is not.  It’s a fundraiser! Want more info?  Check out their website:  Big Slick KC
3. Maker Faire KC @ Union Station.  Want to see where creativity + invention + resourcefulness collide?  Then you have to go check out the Maker Faire.  This is the place where passion comes to life for all ages!  Be inspired!  Maker Faire KC

Have a great day! 🙂

Trip to Destin, FL

One week.  But who’s counting?  ME!  That’s who.  But why am I counting?  There is still so much to do.  Or is there?!?  The over-analyzer in me is trying to make sure that we EVERYTHING that we could possibly need for our little road trip to Destin next week.    But part of me just wants to pack our clothes and go.  They have stores in Florida, right?!?

So more importantly (yeah, right!) – what in the world are we going to do once we get down there.  I have been trying to figure it out for the last couple of weeks, then I put it in the hands of the hubs and the kids, and this is what we got:

1.  BEACH.  That is a no brainer.  We are unloading the car and heading to the beach.  Kids, throw on your swim trunks.  It’s beach time!
2. Parasailing.  I didn’t think anyone in my family would want to do this.  But when the subject was brought up, everyone said YES!  Even the ones that have an extreme fear of heights.  So parasailing it is!
3. Snorkeling & Dolphin cruise.  We must see some dolphins.   That’s what you do when you go visit a beach, right?  Look for dolphins!  And snorkeling – who wouldn’t want to try this out?
4. Paddle boarding.  More fun in the water!  Can’t wait to try it out!

Any other suggestions we must try out?  Just let me know now!  I love off the beaten path adventures too.  What is there to do that “google” won’t tell me?

Swope Park Rangers

OK, so if you haven’t gone to a Swope Park Rangers game with your family yet – you need to!  The Swope Park Rangers are the USL (D2) soccer team in KC.  They play all of their home games at Swope Park Soccer Village.  Tickets are relatively inexpensive and the atmosphere is pretty family oriented – as long as you don’t mind a few hecklers!  And if you are going with small children, you might want to stay away from the Zoo.  These supporters are fun and keep the energy going,  but a little rowdy at times!

Here is what you need to know if you are planning to attend a game:

• The schedule
• All home games are at Swope Park Soccer Village
• Parking is free and close to the field.
• The price of tickets range from $7 – $15 per person.
• Their mascot is Hat Trick Harry.  This video explains where he came from!
• The seats are bleacher seats.  You might want to bring a cushion to sit on!
• The bathroom.  Let me tell you about the bathroom.  It’s a porta potty.  BUT it’s not just any porta potty.  It’s a luxury porta potty.  You walk into a trailer and it’s a fully decorated “bathroom”.  (At least for the ladies.   Sorry guys – not sure what your side looks like!)
• Keep your eye out for current SKC players wondering the stadium.  We went to a game last year and Peter Vermes was there with a handful of players.  My son was ultra excited when his favorite, Nuno Coelho, was there and gave him a high five!
• After game autographs!  Enjoy watching the kids line up against the rope as the players walk off the field and sign autographs.  Even after running for the last 90 minutes, they are all very personable and awesome to the kids (and parents too if you want to step in there!)

So there you have it.  Now, go get your tickets!

Father’s Day in KC

Looking for something fun to do with Dad this weekend?  Here are some of my favorite ideas:

1.  Top Golf.  Everyone knows that dads love to golf.  OK, well maybe that’s just me stereotyping!  But Top Golf is a lot of fun.  And not just for dad.  It’s like whole family fun!  Check out http://www.topgolf.com for Father’s Day festivities.
2. Swope Park Rangers game.  Have you heard of them yet?  Well, if you are one of the 30,000 families in the KC area that has a soccer player in your house, you need to know who they are.  They are the USL extension of Sporting KC (they play Division 2 to the MLS).  Their games are fast, energetic, and very family oriented.  You get to be thisclose to all of the soccer action.  Game starts at 4pm!
3. Dads get in free to the KC Zoo.  Introduce Papa Bear to Papa Bear!  And don’t forget the free hotdogs for dads (<— cheap date).
4. And when all else fails, there is always food!  What dad wouldn’t just love to get a hold of some good ol’ BBQ on his special day!  My fave?  Q39.  Visit their website, http://www.q39kc.com – you can just taste it through your computer!

Whatever you do, just know – spending TIME with dad is what is really important!

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

If you grew up in Johnson County, you probably recognize this building…

King Louie Bowling Alley and Ice Chateau was an iconic staple in Johnson County from 1959 until it closed and locked their doors for the final time in 2009.

Fast forward to 2017, and the building is getting a face lift and a new tenant …

The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, formerly known as the Johnson County Museum, or as my kids called it, the “Fun Museum” will open their doors on Saturday, June 10th, 2017.

Of course, no grand opening is complete without a day jam-packed with family fun!   And, even better, it’s FREE!

• Tour the new museum exhibit “Becoming Johnson County”
• Play in the new Kidscape.
• Enjoy some drop-in art classes.
• Take in the transformation of the building!

The fun doesn’t end with opening day!  Here is what you can expect to see from the new center:

• the Johnson County Museum
• Kidscape
• JCPRD will host classes
• Theater in the Park
• Lots of entertainment for children.  Already on the calendar for June:
  • JoHo Storyteller (6/16)
  • Dino O’Dell (6/20)
  • Jim Cosgrove and the Hiccups (6/28)

For more details, check out the Johnson County, KS website:  http://www.jocogov.org/dept/museum/home.

 

Fun @ Shawnee Mission Park

The Fun List for Shawnee Mission Park located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS  66219.

{I’m sure I have missed something.  If I have, feel free to leave it in the comment section!}

Let’s start with the Lake.  Fishing, boating, sail boarding, canoeing, pedal boating, kayaking, paddle boarding.  Check out the marina for rentals of just about everything listed above – if you don’t have your own!  The marina opens May 30th and stays open daily until August 7th.   From August 7th – September 4th, the marina is open just on the weekends.  Last day is Labor Day – September 5th.  Plenty of time to get summer fun in!

Archery range.  Permit required for anyone over the age of 12.  If you are under 12, you must be accompanied by an adult who has been issued a District Archery Range Permit.

Acres of off leash dog area.  Bring your pup along for the day to roam freely in a 53-acrea play area!   Open daily during regular park hours.  The off leash area is closed on Tuesday and Thursday from 5am – 9am for regular maintenance.

Disc golf course:  18 hole, 54 par course open to the public.  Fun times for beginners and experts!

Trails for mountain biking and hiking.  This probably goes without saying!  But lots of trails in the park!  You could spend the day just exploring the great outdoors.  Pack a backpack and bring lots of water.

Picnic and playground areas.  Before you head to the park, make sure to pack a picnic lunch.    Plenty of areas to eat and let the little ones burn off some of that energy!

Permits required:  fishing, boating, archery, metal detecting, model rocket, remote controlled vehicles and boats.  Most can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center, located right inside the park entrance.

And just in case you thought I forgot a couple of park destinations ….   The beach and observation deck will be closed for 2017 for repairs & construction.  Also, too much to cover about Theater in the Park here – stay tuned! 🙂

Are there any hidden treasures inside Shawnee Mission Park that you like to do with your family?  Please share!

Earth Day

What:  Earth Day
When:  Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Where:  Every step you make!

What can you do to celebrate Earth Day?  Well, here is a list to get you started …

1.  Plant a tree

2.  Plant flowers

3.  Build a birdhouse

4.  Read a book about Mother Earth.  Educate yourself and your kids.

5.  Recycle and reuse.   Play Jack Johnson’s song “Reduce, reuse, and recycle” over and over again!

6.  Clean up trash in the neighborhood and/ or neighborhood park.

7.  Use environment friendly cleaning products when you put your kids to work!

8.  Wear green to show your support.

9.  Conserve water

10.  Ride a bike

I’m sure there is a lot more.  If you would like, feel free to share your thoughts!

Fall Fest at Prairiefire

Saturday, October 11

11:00am – 10:00pm

Activities:

• Live Music

• Carnival Games

• Face Painting & Balloon Artist

• “Day of the Dead” Mask Decorating

• Taco Stand

• Beer Gardens (Brought to you by Cinetopia and Rock & Brews)

• Free Petting Zoo

• Pumpkin Carving Contest (register online)

• Pie Eating Contest (register online)

• Prizes & More!

For more information, click on this link!

Verruckt to open Thursday, July 10th

The tallest water slide in the world …

is finally opening Thursday, July 10th, 2014!

Because of this …

 

Thank you brave guys for  risking your lives testing the waters for everyone else!

Who’s in?!?