Macaroni Kid
Overland Park - Olathe - Shawnee
Macaroni Kid  

Summer in Overland Park & Around KC Metro


It's Time to Get Ready

(Click here to see the entire newlsetter, images and all!)
Time for fun.
School is almost out and I love the first week to R-E-L-A-X with the kids.  Then comes the planning. We all start making a wish list of what we want to do over the summer. Of course swimming, water play and having friends over are always on the top of the kids' lists.  Day trips, weekend trips and vacation are always on my list. I love getting out and seeing new things with the kids.  We already have the Cosmosphere and Underground Salt Museum overnight trip booked (Hutchinson, KS).

Last year (over on Gail's Scoop) we helped Smart Mom University with their Field Trip Fridays and it was a blast. This year we will also have a lot of fun to share with you!

Our calendar will be jam-packed full of fun events around town and many new items are highlighted in articles. You may also want to subscribe to the other local Macaroni Kid sites in SE Kansas City and the Northland.

We thank all our sponsors who help bring this FREE weekly newsletter and calendar to you.  Hurry to take advantage of 25% off Wildtree with Penny Clay and $10 off a personalized blanket in the Myubby store this month.

If you are not a Facebook fan, join us!

Have a Great Week!

Gail


Eco+Logical Soiree Kansas City


with the Soft Landing

The Eco+Logical Soirée is a new and exciting way for modern parents to connect with top-notch, eco-conscious companies. 

You are invited to attend the FREE soirée on May 19, 2012. Drop by anytime from 6-9pm at the New Birth Company 9209 West 110th Street, Building 36 Corporate Woods, Overland Park, KS.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the mission behind some of the best products and services Kansas City has to offer while enjoying the company of other moms like you and The Soft ...

Brown Button Furniture & Vintage Warehouse Sale


Olathe

Brown Button is hosting a huge Furniture & Vintage Warehouse Sale in Olathe.  With over 26,000 sq.ft. of brand new and gently used furniture, antiques, retro pieces, and vintage finds of all kinds, there is something for everyone.  Whether you are an antique dealer, online seller, or you just want to find unique items for yourself and your home, you won't want to miss this sale! For a full sale description please visit us at www.BrownButton.com.

 

Address: 1225 E Santa Fe Olathe KS 66061

Dates:  May ...


Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Barnes and Noble


Oak Park Mall

Barnes & Noble Oak Park Mall is kicking off summer with a great FREE family party this Saturday!  The party will start right after story time.  

Saturday, May 19, 2012
11:30 am - 3:30 pm

Families are invited to drop in and pick up summer reading journals and then stay for a party! Activities will include bookmark making and jewelry making. Kids will enjoy free sugar cookies and chocolate chip frappucino samples while mom and dad sip caramel frappucino samples. There will be prizes for the kids and several chances ...

Summer Reading Programs Kansas City


Tip: Select a program and start it as soon as school ends so kids don’t lose the momentum of reading every single day.

Here are the top 10 kids summer reading programs in the Kansas City metro:

Barnes and Noble – Imagination's Destination

Kids can read any 8 books and record them in the Barnes and Noble Reading Journal.  When they turn in their journal to their local store between May 22 and September 4 they get a FREE book from the store’s list.

Bonner Springs Public Library ...


Moms Working From Home


While Maintaining a Strong Family Balance!

Hi, my name is Kara Rosner and I’m one of the co-founders of “Moms Making Profit”. Our team is all about finding balance between work and family. Every one of us wanted to be able to have the income that a good career provided, but also have the flexibility to have balance in our lives and have time to do the things that we enjoy. We wanted to be able to go to the gym in the mornings, pick up kids from school, and be able to participate in ...

This Week's Picks:


Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 19 - Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam

Pancake breakfast and 5K run followed by festival. Arts and Crafts, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, Home Depot kids project, pedal boat rides, clowns, food, live music by Funky Mama and other performers.
Where: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS
When: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: The entire family.
How: Stop by
Cost: FREE admission
For more info: Website
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Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 19 - Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Party!

A party to kick-off the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program! Families are invited to visit Barnes & Noble Oak Park Mall to pick up summer reading journals and stay for a party that will include activities such as bookmark making, jewelry making, cookie and drink samples, giveaways, and raffles!
Where: Barnes & Noble Oak Park Mall, 11322 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS, 66214 (95th/Quivira)
When: 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Who: kids and parents; 1st grade - 6th grade are eligible to participate in the Summer Reading Program
How: Stop in.
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Please call 913.492.8187 for more information
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Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 19 - Eco-Logical Soiree for Parents

We’re hosting the first social event of its kind for moms who are excited about supporting KC's local economy! The Eco+Logical Soirée provides a new and exciting way for modern parents to connect with carefully vetted, top-notch companies while attending the swanky cocktail party. Fun gathering with a purpose: *Enter to win a Grand Prize Giveaway of over $1000 in goodies from our favorite brands *Enjoy complementary wine from Red Ridge Vineyard and hor d’oeurves provided by The Local Pig and Freedom Chef (we’ll have organic tea for pregnant mama too!) *Schmooze with other amazing moms *Soak in the relaxing atmosphere of the New Birth Company
Where: The New Birth Company 9209 West 110th, Overland Park, Kansas. This is building #36 in Corporate Woods, conveniently located between I-69 and Antioch Street and College and 1-435. We recommend you find us by turning into Corporate Woods onto Grandview Street from College Blvd.
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Parents interested in supporting the local economy and choosing the safest products and services for their families. Infants welcome. No one under 21 years of age admitted.
How: Drop in.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Website
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This Week's Calendar:


May 17th through May 23rd

Thursday, May 17 through Thursday, May 17 - Preschool Indoor Playground

Inflatable bouncers, Little Tykes riding toys and MORE will entertain your little ball of energy. Parents must supervise their own children during this special play group.
Where: Irene B. French Community Center 5701 Merriam Drive Merriam, KS 66203  
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (every Tue. & Thu.)
Who: Toddlers & Preschoolers ages 5 and under with adult.
How: Drop in.
Cost: $2.00 per child/per day
Purchase a Punch Card for $10.00 good for 10 visits
at $1.00 per visit and save 50%!
For more info: Website call (913) 322-5550
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Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20 - Great Mall and American Barbeque Systems BBQ Contest & Festival

A State Championship Competition - Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society - KCBS.
FREE to the Public!
Over 100 Contestants in 5 Delicious Categories!Live Music. Evans Midland Carnival; bounce house. Food Vendors. Garozzo's Beer Garden. Raffle
Where: 20700 West 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas
When: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Fri. 4-9, Sat 10-9, Sun 1)
Who: The entire family
How: Stop by
Cost: FREE Admission
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Friday, May 18 through Friday, May 18 - Dino O'Dell's CD Release Party at the Plaza Library

Award-winning family songwriter and storyteller, Dino O’Dell, releases his latest CD, Outer Space, on May 15th and celebrates with this CD release concert on May 18 at the Plaza Library. This is the third album from O’Dell, a veteran of the Kansas City kids music scene and a rockin’ dad who has been writing and performing music for more than 20 years.
Where: The Plaza Library, 4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: The entire family.
How: Be there.
Cost: FREE and open to the public!
For more info: www.DinoODell.com
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Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 19 - Special Needs Fire Department Fun Day

10 a.m. -  Demonstrations begin and continue all day including:
  • Propane Fire Demo - Flames shooting 30' into the air;
  • See firefighters rappel off the side of the training tower;
  • See firefighters turn a hardtop into a convertible; and
  • Shriners will be on hand giving Fire Wagon rides.
Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Lunch served Plus:
  • Fire Truck Rides,
  • Kids Firefighter Obstacle Course challenge,
  • Aerial Ladder Rides,
  • Ambulance Displays,
  • Spray A Fire Hose, and
  • other surprises continuously throughout the day.
Where: Overland Park Fire Training Center, 12401 Hemlock, Overland Park
When: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Special needs kids and their families.
How: Stop by
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 913-451-3009
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Saturday, May 19 through Saturday, May 19 - TYA Show "Pinocchio Commedia" at Wonderscope

TYA performs at Wonderscope.
Where: Wonderscope, 5700 King St, Shawnee, KS
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: The entire family.
How: Purchase tickets
Cost: $9 per person for non-members and $3 per person for members.
For more info: (913)287-8888
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - Overnight Fishing at Shawnee Mission Park

Overnight fishing. Age 16+ need fishing license and permit.
Where: Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS
When: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Who: Fishing enthusiasts
How: Call with questions (913) 888-4713
Cost: Free admission.
For more info: Website
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Monday, May 21 through Monday, May 21 - Family Chess Night

5/21 Come play chess with a worthy opponent at Family Chess Night.
Where: Olathe Public Library, 201 E. Park, Olathe, KS 66061
When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All ages and playing levels welcome, but kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
How: No registration. Boards and equipment provided.
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Website
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Tuesday, May 22 through Wednesday, May 23 - Toddle Time at the Matt Ross Community Center

Open play time for your little ones.  Tons of climbing, riding, running and jumping opportunities to get out energy.  
Where: Matt Ross Community Center 8101 Marty St. Overland Park, KS
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Tue. & Wed. mornings)
Who: Kids 5 and under with their parent/guardian.
How: Drop by.
Cost: Members $1/child and non-members $2/child. Adults are free.
For more info: website
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Tuesday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 22 - Preschool Indoor Playground

Inflatable bouncers, Little Tykes riding toys and MORE will entertain your little ball of energy. Parents must supervise their own children during this special play group.
Where: Irene B. French Community Center 5701 Merriam Dr. Merriam, KS 66203
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (every Tue/Thu)
Who: Ages 5 and under
How: Drop in.
Cost: $2.00 per child/per day $10.00 punch card (10 visits)
For more info: Call Merriam Parks and Recreation (913) 322-5550 Website
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Wednesday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 23 - Pop 'n Play at JoCo Museum

Little ones can play in the various interactive stations. Next session is 5/30
Where: Johnson County Museum 6305 Lackman Road Shawnee, KS
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: 9 mos. to 3 yr olds with adult.
How: Drop in. Maximum 3 children per adult.
Cost: $1 per child (members free)
For more info: Website
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Wednesday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 23 - Gym for Me at Lenexa Community Center

It's back! Children ages 5 years and younger, along with a parent are invited to drop-in for 'Gym for Me'. This program is designed to provide children a place to run, ride, and play while exercising, making new friends and having fun! Numerous play items will be available; including push toys, riding toys, balls, and inflatables. Adult supervision is required.
Where: MPR - Community Center
13420 Oak ST

93rd and Pflumm

LENEXA

KS, 66215
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Kids age 6 mos to 5 with adult.
How: Drop in.
Cost: $1
For more info: Website
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Teen Scene:


May 17th through May 24th

Thursday, May 17 through Thursday, May 17 - Afternoon Rush at Indian Creek Branch Library

Join other teens in the large meeting room at Indian Creek Branch Library to play on our Nintendo Wii, Play Station 2, or use a laptop with internet access to play games, and check your Facebook account.  Occasionally, new releases of movies that are rated G-PG13 will be shown.  More information regarding films being shown will be posted on the Olathe Public Library Teens Facebook page.  Laptops will be available every time!  Meet up with friends and enjoy a snack.  Snacks provided. Next event 5/10
Where: Indian Creek Branch Library
12990 S. Blackbob Road
Olathe, KS
When: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Who: Program is open to teens in 6-12th grade only.
How: Drop by
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Website
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Tuesday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 22 - Leawood Anime Club

Teen Anime Club.
Where: Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS


When: 4:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Who: Ages 13-19.
How: Drop in.
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Website
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Thursday, May 24 through Thursday, May 24 - Olathe YA Anime Club

The club gives teens an opportunity to meet twice a month to share their manga drawings, watch anime together, play anime computer games, learn about Japanese culture, and talk about manga and anime.  Attend both programs in a month or just the one that will fit in your schedule. Refreshments will be served.  Occasionally, Japanese treats will be served. No Registration Required. Event is free. Next event 5/17.
Where: Indian Creek Branch
12990 S. Black Bob
Olathe, KS
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 13-19.
How: Drop in.
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Website
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Plan Ahead:


May 26th through June 2nd

Saturday, May 26 through Saturday, May 26 - Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop

Kids can build and take home a free wooden ice cream truck.
Where: At your local Lowe's store.
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Recommended for kids 5-12.
How: REGISTER in advance. Workshops fill up fast.
Cost: FREE.
For more info: Website
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Saturday, May 26 through Sunday, May 27 - Go Outdoors-Summer Kickoff Weekend!

Free Family Photo! Metal Detector Treasure hunt! Sleeping Bag Challenge! Tent set up Challenge! Craft 12-4pm! Kids Photo contest: 13 years and under, bring their best wildlife photo to customer service and be enetered in the chance to win some awesome prizes!
Where: Bass Pro Shops Olathe 12051 Bass Pro Drive Olathe Ks 66061
When: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (crafts start at Noon)
Who: Everyone!
How: Come on in!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: For more information please call 913-254-5200
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Sunday, May 27 through Saturday, June 2 - Nicky's Week at Ra Sushi in LeawoodF

Fundraiser to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Where: Ra Sushi Bar, Park Place, 11638 Ash St, Leawood, KS
When: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Who: The entire family.
How: Eat off the select menu and 100% of proceeds will be donated.
Cost: Menu items vary in price
For more info: Website
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Saturday, June 2 through Saturday, June 2 - Alpaca Festival - Alpacas for Autism

The open house style event.  Appropriate for all ages, this event will feature personal interaction with alpacas, goats and even a llama named Josh! The Adrian Elks will be offering a great menu of homemade treats so no one will go away hungry. Area fiber artists will be on hand to demonstrate their skills including, spinning, felting, weaving and knitting. Attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at fiber processing and even create an alpaca craft to take home. Alpaca fiber, roving, yarn and finished goods will be available for purchase as well. A family friendly, fun time in the country for all!
Where: RR1 Box 469a, Adrian, MO,  64720
Directions to the ranch:
Hwy 71 south to the Adrian/Route 18 exit; Left (east) on Route 18 approx. 2.5 miles; Right (south) on NE 3003 (gravel road) 1 mile; Right (west) on NE 11004 (gravel road);1/10th of a mile on the right
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: The entire family
How: Take a ride and visit
Cost: Free Will donation requested
For more info: Website
Alpacas for Autism is a nonprofit organization with a heart for animals, entrepreneurship and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This unique combination has given rise to programs which support young adults beginning at age 12 through adulthood.
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Kansas City Plays, Puppet Shows and Concerts


Family-friendly shows for May in the Kansas City metro:

4/10-5/18 James and the Giant Peach at the Coterie Theatre, Kansas City, MO

4/24-5/19 TYA Presents Pinocchio Commedia at City Stage, Kansas City, MO

5/19 "Ventroliquism from A to Z" at the Puppetry Arts Institute, Independence, MO

5/26-5/27 Jiggle Jam Family Fest, Kansas City, MO

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Macaroni Cares


Wildlife Weekend

Join the movement! Macaroni Kid is helping Dawn educate more than 2 million kids this spring about the issues affecting wildlife, from oil spills to backyard ecosystems. Check out the FREE, downloadable
 lesson plans and 
experiments for teachers and parents. The fun doesn't end in the classroom – you'll also find FREE "Wildlife Weekend" family activities that you can do in your own backyard.

To continue Dawn's 30+ year commitment to preserving wildlife, Dawn worked with their partners at The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue to ...

About Macaroni Kid


All the fun in Johnson County, KS

Macaroni Kid is your source for all the kid activities and family fun in Johnson County, KS.  Read further to learn how to get the most out of Macaroni Kid.

Every Thursday we send our email subscribers a FREE newsletter jam packed with activities, local happenings, articles, giveaways and occasional surprises. We would love for you to forward our FREE newsletter on to your parent, grandparent, teacher, and nanny friends in Johnson County, KS.  Just click the "Forward to a Friend" button in the top right corner.

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