American Royal: The American Royal Parade & Rodeo in September and World Series of Barbecue in October are annual events enjoyed by the whole family.
Pumpkin Patches: Kansas City is home to creative pumpkin patches, each with its own theme and a wide variety of attractions, from jumping pillows to train rides, corn mazes to pony rides and more. Visit KCParent.com and click Guides for a complete selection of local pumpkin patches to explore this autumn.
Howl-o-Fest at Worlds of Fun: Weekends in October, fall under the spell of scare-free daytime Howl-o-Fest at Worlds of Fun. Your little ones will be charmed by Planet Spooky. Plus, they’ll love the Magical House on Boo Hill, live shows and a costume parade. Then come back at night for grown-up Halloween scares during Halloween Haunt.
Boo at the Zoo: On Oct. 25 and 26, the zoo has treats to go along with tricks. From 9:30 to 5:00, children will trick-or-treat at the zoo while enjoying Halloween-themed activities and entertainment.
Glow: A Jack-O-Lantern Festival at Powell Gardens: October 18 & 19, the region’s largest Jack-O-Lantern display, which will shine for two magical evenings and feature 700 carved pumpkins. The festival will feature a “Halloween at the Movies” theme and costumed classic movie icons will mingle with guests as they explore the festival. Along with the incredible Jack-O-Lantern display, visitors can enjoy pumpkin painting, hay rides, costumed characters, games, crafts, storytelling and more.
Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Dec. 6 -24, enjoy all the spectacular sights and sounds of Clara’s magical adventures, the Mouse King’s battling the Toy Soldiers, an enchanted Christmas tree, dozens and dozens of stunning dancers, dazzling scenery and costumes, wondrous music played by Kansas City Symphony and a snowfall inside the theater!
KC Rep’s A Christmas Carol: Nov. 21-Dec. 26 the seasonal favorite returns for its 34th year with a message of hope and redemption. This year, fall in love with the Christmas classic all over again as the Rep adds new magic and sparkle to the tale!
Fairy Princess at the Kansas City Museum: Weekends in December, visit the Fairy Princess, one of Kansas City's original holiday traditions. In 1935, Kline’s Department Store celebrated the grand opening of their Toyland by introducing the Fairy Princess. For 25 cents, children visited the princess, sharing their Christmas wishes. Then she waved her magic wand and a surprise gift would appear. Now children visit her annually at the Kansas City Museum.
Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum: On Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6, stroll down candlelit trails through the gardens and woods and around the ponds as you enjoy festive music and lighted displays.
The National Museum of Toys & Miniatures: Reopening winter 2015, the former Toy and Miniature Museum will wow with new and improved exhibits featuring the Midwest’s largest collection of antique toys and the nation’s largest collection of contemporary, fine-scale miniatures. The museum exhibits the art of imagination.
Chinese New Year at the Nelson-Atkins: Feb 13 from 5-9p.m. at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with family-friendly activities including special performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats along with gallery games, art demonstrations and delicious Asian-inspired food.
The Culture House brings Störling Dance Theatre’s production of The Underground: to stage on Feb. 6 & 7 at the Kauffman Center. See why it’s both a critical and fan pick as a top production every year.
