{candy dish} the official blog of KCMetroMoms.com

Winter Fun in Kansas City

2009-11-11T10:53:24-06:00

Looking for some winter family fun this season? Here are a handful of places and events for you and the family to check out as the winter months come upon us. Feel free to comment below and tell us what your faves are!

Ice Skating

What kid (or parent) doesn't enjoy the magic of ice skating in the Winter? Kansas City is home to some perfect places for just this.

The Ice Park at Park Place - Open November 1st - February 1st
Crown Center Ice Terrace- Open November 6th - March 14

Holiday Lights

No holiday would be complete without gazing at all of the lovely winter holiday lights in this town! Here are a few that are sure to get you smiling and caroling.

City Lights: Downtown Shines for the Holidays- Displayed November 19th - January 1
The Northern Lights at Zona Rosa- Displayed November 21st - mid-January
A Legendary Holiday at The Legends at Village West- Displayed November 21st - mid-January
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake- Displayed November 25th - December 31st
Country Club Plaza Season of Lights- Displayed November 26th - January 10th
Mayor's Christmas Tree- Displayed November 27th - January 1st
Christmas Card Lane in Olathe- Displayed November 27th - January 1st
Holiday Park in St. Joseph- Displayed November 27th - January 1st

Events & Festivals

Holiday Market in Downtown Overland Park - November 6th - 8th and 13th - 15th
Midnight Shopping at Zona Rosa- November 26th
Whoville Holidays- November 28th - December 19th
First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District- December 4th
Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade- December 5th
Christmas at the White House- December 12th
Missouri Town 1855 Christmas Celebration- December 12th
Gem Theater Kwanza Celebration- December 30th

Sights & Sounds

Marillac's Enchanted Forest- November 18th - December 5th
Weston Christmas Homes Tour- November 20 - 21st
Holiday Fairy Princess - November 21st - December 3rd
"Spirit of Christmas Past" Heritage Homes Tour- November 27th - December 30th
Santa's Crayola Christmas Land & Gingerbread Village- November 27th - December 31st
G-scale Holiday Train Village- November 27th - January 3rd
Homes for Holidays Tour- December 4th & 5th
Holiday Express at Union Station-December 19th & 20th
Nutcracker Tea Party - December 6th

Bongo Barry Children's Benefit Concert in KC!

2009-10-23T09:22:38-05:00

Here's a not-to-be-missed event for you and your family. The Kansas City Kid Rockers have joined together to honor, remember and celebrate one of the Midwest's favorite family musicians, Bongo Barry.
Bongo Barry's belief that EVERYONE can play and sing led to his passion for creating participatory musical experiences. Bongo Barry sadly passed away unexpectedly in August. He his deeply missed by his family, friends, and music loving communities.

This concert is a way for families and children to celebrate Bongo Barry's contribution to the unique children's music scene in Kansas City.

The event is FREE and Open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will go to Barry's family and his music education consulting company, Healthy Sounds.

The concert includes performances by:

Other fun activities will include an instrument-making workshop provided by Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City and face painting. For more info visit here. Hope to see you all there in support of this great life and cause.

Move to the 'Imagination Movers' LIVE in Kansas City & Giveaway!

2009-10-16T17:48:44-05:00

You won't want to miss this opportunity to see the Imagination Movers LIVE in concert this October 22nd at the Midland in Kansas City! Their non-stop, jam-packed, high energy singing and dancing will have you and your kids smiling and boppin' your heads!

The Imagination Movers are one of my boys' favorite shows and no doubt your kids will enjoy them as well! This show is nearly sold out so get your tickets while they're available by clicking {here}.

We've also got your hookup thanks to the Midland KC! How would you like to win FREE tickets to see the Imagination Movers? Just head on over to our Facebook page and become a fan and leave your comment on our fan page telling us what your kids' favorite television show is and we'll randomly draw the winners (via Random.org) on October 20th! Good luck & see you at the show!

Solar Powered Stinky Feet!

2009-10-05T21:09:48-05:00

Here's a one-of-a-kind event you will NOT want to miss!! Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove goes “unplugged” and off-the-grid with his first solar powered show in Kansas City on Sunday, October 11, at 3 p.m. at Suburban Lawn & Garden, 4 W. 135th St, Kansas City, MO (135th & Wornall Rd.). The performance is free and open to the public. Call 816-942-2921 for details.

There will be free baby pumpkins for every child, free hayrides, and free popcorn.

Cosgrove will harness the energy from the sun to amplify his kid-cool music by utilizing a custom-made portable solar generator. The generator is a key element of “Unplugged and Off the Grid,” an educational and environmentally-themed initiative based on the value and potential of alternative energy and the importance of respecting oneself, others, and the environment.

As part of “Unplugged and Off the Grid,” Cosgrove has launched a new solar powered school assembly program for grades K-5 that features educational and musical demonstrations of the technology involved.

Trust me, this event will be something very new and exciting for Kansas City! Check out Mr. Stinky Feet and his music at www.mrstinkyfeet.com.

Crown Center Pumpkin Patch

2009-09-25T20:31:55-05:00

Make plans to attend the fantastic FREE Crown Center Pumpkin Patch event this October 10th at Crown Center Square in Kansas City!

This feel-good family event benefits Children's TLC. Check out this lineup of events

• FREE stage entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funky Mama, Champions Martial Arts Center, Miller Marley Entertainers, and the Kansas City Wizards Mascot Dynamo are scheduled to perform, courtesy of Kansas City Life Insurance Company.

• Children’s costume contest at 12:30 p.m.

• Shop at the Boo-Bazaar for unique children’s items.

• Pick from a huge supply of pumpkins. Each pumpkin costs just six tickets ($3.00).

• Take a pony ride.

• Jump or bounce on inflatable rides.

• Win prizes at a variety of child-friendly carnival booths.

• Put your special touch on a pumpkin at the Decorating Center.

• Enjoy the Spooktacular Children’s Health & Safety Exhibits.

Admission is FREE while tickets to games and for pumpkins are sold separately. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kansas City Consignment Resale Events

2009-09-04T17:01:53-05:00

If you're anything like me and have a consigning mind, you'll be glad to know we've got the scoop on all of the upcoming Kansas City consignment and resale sale events!

Check 'em out for yourself!

Here We Grow Again
- September 23-26, 2009 at the Holiday Inn across from Great Mall in Olathe.
- September 30 – October 3, 2009 at Cedar Ridge Christian Church in Shawnee.
- October 22-24, 2009 at Apple Tree Center in Independence, MO.
  www.herewegrowagain.biz

Johnson County Mothers of Multiples Club
- September 26, 2009
  http://www.jcmoms.com

Just Between Friends Sale
- September 11-13, 2009 in Overland Park at the Overland Park International Trade Center
  www.kc.jbfsale.com
- September 19-20, 2009 at KCI Expo Center in KCMO
  www.nkc.jbfsale.com
- October 16-17, 2009 at the Kansas Speedway, Garage D
  www.shawnee.jbfsale.com
Kids’ Closet Connection
- September 9-13, 2009, in Gardner, KS
- September 9-11 in Topeka, KS
- September 10-12, 2009 in Lee’s Summit, MO
- September 14-18, 2009, St. Joseph, MO
- October 7-10, 2009 in Leavenworth, KS
- October 3-5, 2009 in Blue Springs, MO
- October 22-24, 2009 in the Northland
  www.kidscloset.biz
Times Two KC
- October 22-24, 2009 at First Church of the Nazarene located at 119th St. & Stateline in Kansas City, MO.
  www.timestwokc.com

Benefit Concert of Autism Speaks

2009-08-09T19:10:16-05:00

Hey Kansas City moms, dads, kids and families - I hope all of you will join me and my very dear friend, Jim Cosgrove for a fantastic event in KC on Friday August 14th which will benefit Autism Speaks.

Many of you already know but Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

This fabulous local Kansas City event will feature a jam-packed concert performance by our very own Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, face painting, silent auction, and lots of family fun! Here are the details of the event:

Date: Friday, August 14, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Dr. in Shawnee, KS

Schedule of Events:

5:30-6:30 Food, Face Painting, Silent Auction
6:30 - 7:30 - Jim Cosgrove Concert
7:30 - 8:00 Silent Auction Announcements

Weekly Planner:: KC's FUN and FREE - July 17 - 27, 2009

2009-07-18T23:26:45-05:00

Looking for some fun and FREE activities to do this weekend and coming week with your kids and family? Well, look no further! We've got your weekly roundup of all things FREE in Kansas City!

Friday July 17, 2009

FREE Friday Night Flick at Reading Reptile. Come enjoy a FREE Friday night film. This week it's Burt Dow, Deep-Water Man and Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens.
FREE Hyde Park Children's Film Fest. FREE Live music at 7:30pm. Movie starts at 8:30pm. This week's feature: music by Bob Walkenhorst and Jeff Porter, movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
FREE Concert at KC Museum. Enjoy a FREE Outdoor Concert. "Mostly understated but eclectic and memorable, Mike Miller and Trio JuJu is an artistic and unique mix of Brazilian bossa novas, Cuban rumbas, swinging KC jazz standards, Parisian love songs and more. The sound is always improvised and musical, you may hear Spanish flamenco guitar mixed with tabla drums from India one moment, and roaring Cuban congas and soaring saxophone the next. It's pulsating jazz from around the world".
FREE Crown Center Movie. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a FREE showing of Karate Kid at Crown Center.
FREE Brigadoon Movie. Live Outdoor performance of the classic Scottish story, "Brigadoon."

Saturday July 18, 2009

FREE Hike with a Naturalist. Join a Lakeside Nature Center Naturalist to explore the trails around the center. Dress appropriately for the weather of the day and bring along a water bottle. The trailhead for the hike will be determined based on weather forecasts and the condition of trail options. Each hike starts at 10:30 in the morning.
No fee.
FREE Puppet Show. Once a month, Mother Nature Reads will include a puppet show. Join us in the library to see what the puppet mistress has in store for you.
FREE ~ he Reptile Show. Providing educational and recreational activities focusing on environmental awareness and conservation of native plants, animals, and habitats, Lakeside offers a variety of programs and activities for families. Susan Bray of the Center will bring turtles and snakes to the Library and discuss each animal’s characteristics and adaptation for survival.
FREE ~ Dino O'Dell LIVE! Be ready to sing and dance with Dino O'Dell at this FREE performance.
FREE ~ Puppet Shows at Crown Center.
FREE Sprint Family Fun Days.
FREE Movie Day at North KC Library.
FREE See a Movie, See Kansas City.
FREE Live at the Legends.
FREE Saturday Dive-in Movie.
FREE Recycle, Repurpose, Recreate.
FREE Family Fun Day at JoCo Museum.
FREE Barnes & Noble Story Time.

Sunday July 19, 2009

FREE Shuttlecocks Celebration. At The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 1-4pm in the sculpture park. Includes puppet-making, art, and musical performances.
FREE Party in the Park.
FREE Concert in the Park.

Monday July 20, 2009

Tuesday July 21, 2009

Wednesday July 22, 2009

Thursday July 23, 2009

Friday July 24, 2009

Saturday July 25, 2009

Sunday July 26, 2009

Monday July 27, 2009

The Wiggles at the Sprint Center in KC!

2009-07-16T16:31:25-05:00

The Wiggles, a Kansas City favorite, are coming to the Sprint Center on August 1st! We've got your exclusive discount for tickets! Just visit the online ticketing site here and use promo code kcmetromoms to save $5 on tickets!

So, what are you waiting for? We'll see YOU at The Wiggles!

New EcoKids Summer Club

2009-07-09T09:31:50-05:00

Oak Park Mall has just added a very cool summer club for your kids this summer! EcoKids at Oak Park Mall is a FREE series of educational activities that teach ways to reduce, reuse and recycle! Reservations are requested. To register you can visit the Barnes & Noble Customer Service counter or call 913.888.7597 for more information. The series calendar is as follows:

July 9 - Water Conservation
Sponsored by: WaterOne

Learn about water conservation in the community and at home. Receive a free water audit kit, plus, bring a clean metal can for a fun activity. <br>

July 16 - Bottle Recycling
Sponsored by: Coca-Cola Midwest Bottling Company

Learn about the recycling process plus make a fun piggy bank. Please bring a clean water, juice or soda bottle.

July 23 - Eco-Friendly Flooring
Sponsored by: Classic Floors and Design Center/Shaw Industries, Inc

Wear your play clothes for a fun painting activity and learn how new carpets featuring your favorite Disney characters can be recycled.

July 30 - Green Buildings
Sponsored by: Zipco Contracting

Learn how the new Johnson County office building is more energy efficient and helps to conserve our natural resources. Make a birdhouse feeder from a milk or juice carton. Bring a paper milk or juice carton with you!

August 6 - Bucks Bus Eco-Trivia & Game
Sponsored by: The JO

Wrap up the summer with a special Bucks Bus kids event featuring eco-trivia, games and prizes!