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Win FREE tickets to Seussical, Jr.!

 

 

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday soon?  We've listed a ton of fun crafts, snacks and other activities over on our Dr. Seuss Pinterest board.  And, we've got the ultimate giveaway that will add to that fun! 

We're giving away FIVE (yes, 5!) family 4-packs to this weekend's Seussical, Jr. CYT performance at YouthFront Auditorium in Shawnee Mission.

Winners will be able to choose from the following showtimes:

Friday, February 24th - 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 25th - 2:00 pm
Saturday, February 25th - 7:00 pm
Sunday, February 26th - 2:00 pm

Monster Jam + Phineas & Ferb in Kansas City + a Ticket Giveaway

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UPDATE:  Congratulations to our winners - Beth R. & Liz Wise!

This upcoming weekend is jam-packed with TONS of family fun making its way into the metro!  First off, Disney's Phineas & Ferb:  The Best LIVE Tour EVER! has added a 7 p.m. showtime on Saturday February 11, 2012 at the Independence Events Center, in Independence, Missouri.

The live performance is an interactive show that brings the ever-popular Disney characters to life using humor, song, dance and fun! 

Independence Events Center is located at 19100 E. Valley View Parkway and they offer free parking and easy access off of I-70, HWY 40 and MO 291.  Tickets for this show can be reserved online by clicking here.  There are also discount tickets available still.  SAVE $5 on regularly priced tickets when you click here to buy then type "FERB" into the box marked "Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection".

And, as if that weren't enough, Advance Auto Parts is bringing Monster Jam to the metro area over at the Sprint Center in the Power & Light District of Kansas City, Missouri.  There are 4 shows this weekend spanning from February 10 - 12, 2012. 

If you're a monster truck fan, you won't want to miss these special appearances by: 

• Grave Digger
• Monster Mutt
• El Toro Loco
• Grinder
• Ramminator
• Ramunition
• Bad Habit Incinerator

Plus, it's the 30th Anniversary of Grave Digger this year! Tickets to either show on Saturday or Sunday can be bought via the Sprint Center Box Office, through Ticketmaster, or by calling 1-800-745-3000

What's even better than bringing you the info about these to fun family-friendly events this weekend?  How about GIVING YOU TICKETS to both of these events??!  That's right - we've got a family 4 pack of tickets for each show to give away.  We'll pick TWO winners to receive either the Phineas & Ferb tickets OR the Monster Jam tickets--both will be good for this weekend's events and shows.  Here's what we've got:

• 4 tickets to the Saturday February 11th show at 7 p.m. for Phineas & Ferb (@ Independence Center)
• 4 tickets to the Friday February 10th show at 7:30 p.m. (@ Sprint Center)
  

To be entered to win:

1) You MUST be a subscriber to our Weekly e-News (click here to subscribe);

AND

2) You MUST leave a comment here on this blog post telling us what ticket package you'd rather win and why.

BONUS ENTRIES:  For bonus entries, "Like"this post on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button below AND leave us a comment on our Facebook page!  If you're on Pinterest, follow us and "Repin" our giveaway for an EXTRA entry!  After you've completed these bonus entry steps, leave us a separate comment here letting us know you did so that we can give you the additional entries!

We will randomly draw two winners on Friday February 10, 2012 from all eligible entries received.  Winner will be notified and will need to respond via email in order to claim tickets for either prize.

Good luck!

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Animal Tales & Trails exhibit at Crown Center

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Beginning February 4, 2012 there's a wildly fun exhibit making its way to Crown Center.  Animal Tales & Trails is an interactive habitat that will give children the opportunity to learn about some of the most fascinating creatures.  The exhibit will be open from February 4 through April 29, 2012 in the Crown Center Shops showplace.  It will be a FREE attraction open during regular shop hours and will feature several interactive stations and a reading area. Kids will delight in swinging like monkeys, climbing into an "eagle's nest", sliding down a penguin slide and more.

What's even more exciting is that Crown Center is giving one lucky person the chance to win a private safari adventure party at the exhibit for up to 20 kids!  To register for the giveaway simply visit www.CrownCenter.com/Animal by March 1, 2012 to register. 

Photo credit: Crown Center

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Single day admission tickets + season passes to LEGOLAND Discovery Center & SEALIFE Aquarium on sale now

Just this week LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City (LDC) announced their pre-grand opening online special for single day admission tickets.  Prices are at an amazing discount of $12.50 per ticket!  That's $6.50 off the original ticket price!  They also announced the availability of season passes which are now for sale to the general public.  Buying a LDC Unlimited Pass and not only get 10% off the regular price, but other benefits include: unlimited admission for an entire year, 20% discounts in the cafe, and 10% off all LEGO products in the LEGO shop!  A family pass will run you about $195 for a family of four (2 adults + 2 kids), which is normally $216.

LEGOLAND is a $15 million, 30,000-square-foot interactive attraction will feature a MINILAND® exhibit which recreates landmark buildings in Kansas City out of LEGO® bricks, hands-on play areas, a 4D Cinema, master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder, LEGO rides, and special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations. This highly interactive and educational 2-3 hour indoor experience is ideal for families with children between the ages of 3-10.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center will open in May 2012.

Tickets for the highly anticipated SEALIFE Kansas City Aquarium are also now available.  Family season passes for SEALIFE will run you $220 for a family of four and will give you similar benefits as the annual pass for LDC, mentioned above.

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium will take visitors on an enthralling 2-3 hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River then out into the warm blue coral strewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. In addition, a stunning centerpiece will be a huge tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel. To get any closer you’d have to get wet! SEA LIFE Aquarium will open in April 2012.

Photo credit: LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Santa Claus is Coming to Kansas City in 2011!

No doubt that your kids (and you) will soon be researching where you can visit good 'ol Santa this holiday season here in Kansas City. Well, search no further, as we've compiled the most comprehensive and up-to-date listing of where you and your kids can find Santa hanging out in the metro. So grab your cup of hot cocoa, put on your best duds, and head for one of these KC hot-spots to see the jolly old fella' and share your list with him! No shortage of Santas here!

• Great Mall of the Great Plains
  20700 West 151st Street
  Olathe, KS 66061
  913.829.6277
  
  November 10 - December 24, 2010
  Santa will be at his "home away from home" at The Great Mall. Photo packages available.
  
  Santa's hours will follow the mall hours of Monday thru Saturday, 10 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
  
  
• Oak Park Mall
  11149 West 95th Street
  Overland Park, KS 66214
  913.888.4400
  
  Visit Santa Claus at Oak Park Mall at Dillard's Court!
  November 10 -December 24, 2010
  Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (breaks at 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
  Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (breaks at 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
  
  Santa is waiting to hear your wishes! Lower Level near Dillards Court.
  
  
• Town Center Plaza
  5000 W. 119th Street
  Leawood, KS 66209
  913.498.1111
  
  Santa is located on the Roe Avenue side of the center (in the former Beauty Express location) next door to Omaha Steaks.
  
  Santa photo hours are as follows:
  
  Black Friday Nov 25th: 10am-5pm
  Monday - Friday: 3pm-8pm (11/28 - 12/09)
  Monday - Friday: 12pm-8pm (12/12 - 12/16)
  Monday - Friday: 10am-8pm (12/19 - 12/23)
  Saturday: 10am-8pm
  Sunday: 10am-6pm
  
  
• Independence Center Mall
  2035 Independence Center Drive
  Independence, MO 64057
  816.795.8600
  
  Here comes Santa Claus! Santa Claus is now taking holiday wishes and photos at his location is in front of the Children's Play Area, Lower Level, Burlington Court. If you choose to capture a special holiday moment with a photo, various photo packages are available. Santa Photos hours for the holiday season follow regular mall hours.
  
  Santa Hours:
  
  November 11th - 12th, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  November 13th, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  November 14th -November 17th, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  November 18th - 19th, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  November 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  November 21st - November 23rd, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  Mall Closed for Thanksgiving
  November 25th - November 26th, 10:00 a.m. -8:30 p.m.
  November 27th, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. *** Pet Photos from 6:30-8:00***
  November 28th - December 1st, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  December 2nd - December 3rd 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  December 4th, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  December 5th - December 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  December 9th - December 10th, 10:00 - 8:30 p.m.
  December 11th 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  December 12th - December 15th, 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  December 16th - December 17th, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  December 18th, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  December 19th - December 21st, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  December 22nd - December 23rd 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  December 24th, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  December 25th, Closed for Santa to make deliveries.
  
  
  
• The Legends at Village West
  Santa Claus flies into the shopping center near Mema's Bakery (on the north side of the center) at 6:00 p.m. and will be available for photo opportunities in front of the helicopter until 6:45 p.m. After the lighting ceremony, Santa will invite children to share their wish lists with him in the Legends Outlets BAM Books-A-Million (new location next to Yard House) until 9:00 p.m. where photos are welcome. All photo opportunities are free and parents are encouraged to bring their own camera.
• Zona Rosa
  Zona Rosa is located on the northwest corner of Interstate 29 and Barry Road
  816.587.8180
  
  Sitting in his traditional storybook scene at Zona Rosa, Santa Claus will listen to children’s Christmas wishes every day starting Dec. 3 at The Grove in the Marshalls building. A variety of photo packages are available for purchase.
  
  Santa Hours: Monday – Saturday, Noon – 8:00 pm; Sunday, Noon – 6:00 pm
  Santa will take breaks Monday – Saturday 3:00 – 3:45 pm and Sunday 3:00 – 3:30 pm.
  
  
• Crown Center
  2450 Grand Blvd.
  Kansas City, MO
  816.274.8444
  
  Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season on November 25, 2011. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola® and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24.
  Admission: FREE
  Time: 10 a.m.
  Location: Crown Center Shops, Grand Blvd. entrance
  
  
• Briarcliff Village
  Bring your little elves to the Cafe at Briarcliff for keepsake photos with Santa Claus, free of charge. Jolly old St. Nick has scheduled three special trips from the North Pole to find out just what your little ones want for Christmas. Come see him for three consecutive Saturday afternoons at the Cafe: December 3, 10 and 17, from 1-4 p.m.
   
  In addition to the all-important visit with Santa, kids will receive candy canes and professional photos to capture the moment. Add an important keepsake of this holiday season to your child’s scrapbook for free thanks to our sponsor M&I Bank.
  
  
• Bass Pro Shops
  12051 Bass Pro Dr.
  Olathe, KS 66061
  913. 254.5200
  
  Take a trip to the Olathe Bass Pro Shop for a FREE photo with Santa. Also enjoy the FREE Santa's Wonderland area with games, crafts, fun and more! Hours and other info can be found here.

Have you spotted Santa anywhere else in the metro? Click here to contact us and send us the info and we'll add it to our listing!

Park Place Ice Rink in Johnson County Opens for 2011-2012 Season

{image courtesy Park Place}

Although Kansas City has been enjoying some fabulous fall weather, it will soon be a winter wonderland!  We first shared with you the details on Crown Center's ice skating rink opening day festivities, but did you know that Johnson County's very own outdoor ice skating rink at Park Place in Leawood will soon be kicking off its opening day fun as well?

The rink officially opens November 18th for a special "teen night".  Then, on Saturday November 19, from noon to 2 p.m., general admission begins for the rink's fourth season.  Patrons will enjoy family friendly fun and activities all afternoon long with the Radio Disney Rockin' Crew, games, giveaways, hamster ball fun, and more!  Free face painting will also be provided by Sister Act Face Painting and balloon art fun will be hosted by DJ the Balloon Man.  Kids will also enjoy getting their photo taken with Santa as he stops in for the fun!

Radio Disney will be on hand with goody bags for the first 100 families, and they'll also be giving away four family prize packs with movie tickets, gift cards, and more.

The Ice at Park Place is located at 117th & Nall in Leawood, Kansas.  Admission prices for the grand opening event is $6 for kids 10 and under and $7 for those over age 10.  Skate rental is $3, or you may bring your own.  A portion of the proceeds from the grand opening event will be donated to Children's Place of Kansas City, which is a local organization providing services and resources to children suffering from abuse, neglect and other trauma. 

SEA LIFE Aquarium + LEGOLAND Discovery Center coming to Kansas City Spring 2012!

 

We were recently invited to the groundbreaking events for both the upcoming SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center which will be opening this Spring 2012 at Crown Center.

The new LEGOLAND® Discovery Center will be the fourth of its kind here in the USA once it opens this May 2012.  The groundbreaking event took place in September on a gorgeous day down at Crown Center.  This was commemorated with 20,000 LEGO bricks being dumped to the ground of the construction site.  Of course, we captured it all on video for you too!  Check it out:

 

And going in right alongside the new LEGOLAND® Discovery Center will be the SEA LIFE Aquarium - Kansas City which is set to open ahead of schedule in April 2012.  This will be the 5th aquarium of its kind in the USA and will be a full-on interactive educational experience for kids of all ages.  Recently during its groundbreaking, Kansas City Mayor, Sly James, declared October 19, 2011 "K-Sea Day" in celebration of this fantastic new attraction in the metro.  And of course we were there to capture it all!  Even the ceremonial sand dig to officially kickoff the construction efforts.

 

These two great attractions are going to give family fun in Kansas City whole a new meaning!  Both attractions are scheduled to be open just in time for the 5th annual KC Jiggle Jam, so you'll want to make sure to plan and be around Memorial Day weekend 2012 to enjoy ALL of the festivities! 

And now, you can help determine the top 10 finalists for which Kansas City landmarks will be immortalized in LEGO® bricks and featured in the MINILAND® portion of LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City.  Included in the current list are :  Arrowhead Stadium, Bartle Hall, JC Nichols Fountain, Kansas Speedway, Kauffman Stadium, Kauffman Center, City Market, Country Club Plaza, Liberty Memorial, Scout Statue, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, One KC Place, Kansas City Power and Light Building, Crown Center, Truman Home, Union Station, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, Sprint Center, Starlight Theatre and Western Auto Building.  To determine the top 10, you can vote by visiting here.  This will take you to the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City Facebook page, where you'll vote and be entered to win a family pass to visit the attraction when it opens!  The voting will run through November 4, 2011 and the top 10 landmarks will be announced November 7, 2011.  The MINILAND is the most unique part of every LEGOLAND® Discovery Center because it is designed exclusively for the area where the attraction is located.

So how excited are YOU for Spring 2012??!!

Ice Terrace at Crown Center for 2011 Season + FREE skating!

Whether you're ready for the chilly fall + winter season or not, it's coming!  The Crown Center Ice Terrace makes it just a little more bearable with its tradition of family fun it provides to all of Kansas City!  And, this just in -- the Ice Terrace at Crown Center will open for the 2011 season (its 39th season!) on Friday November 4, 2011.

Admission prices are $6 per person + FREE for adults over age 60 AND kids 4 and under.  Skate rental will run you $3 or you have the option of bringing your own.  Also, Two-for-One Tuesdays will be back!  Each and every Tuesday after 5 p.m., enjoy one FREE admission when one full-priced admission is purchased!  Skate rental is of course extra, but is just the $3.

The Ice Terrace also has group rates Monday through Thursday for groups of 20 or more.  Reservations for this rate are required and may be made by calling 816-274-8411.

And, to get an early start on your outdoor ice skating season, be sure and head over on opening day Friday November 4, 2011 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for FREE skating admission and complimentary Einstein Bros. bagles + coffee!

Regular operating hours for the 2011 season will be as follows:

November 4, 2011 - January 31, 2012:
Sunday - Thursday:  10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday:   10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

February / March 2012:
Monday - Thursday:  12 noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday:  10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday:  10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy skating, Kansas City!

Texas on Tour at the Kansas State Fair

Yes, you read that right! If you're one of the thousands of visitors to the upcoming Kansas State Fair starting this weekend, you'll not only be able to experience all that the great state of Kansas has to offer, but also get to travel (virtually) through the state of Texas!

For the fourth consecutive year, Texas Tourism is taking the state on the road with Texas on Tour. The 5,400-square-foot interactive experience will be making a stop at the Kansas State Fair from September 9 - 18, 2011. This Texas-on-wheels show will feature interactive activities and entertainment that allow fair-goers to discover and learn about all that Texas has to offer for its guests.

Texas on Tour’s multi-sensory activities will feature a variety of activites that cover all the unique regions of Texas. Take part in a virtual kayaking adventure, where you'll get to virtually explore four of Texas’ waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico and Rio Grande. Grab the kids and enjoy taking pictures in front of backdrops of famous attractions in Texas and sharing them on Facebook. And, there'll be several opportunities for Fair attendees to have a chance to win prizes in the Discover Texas theater, and a sweepstakes giving entrants the chance to win a trip to Texas! You don't even have to visit the Fair to enter this sweepstakes -- simply enter online by clicking here! For an authentic Texas experience, enjoy daily performances by unique Texas musicians during the tour stop - which will be open to everyone!

Make plans to attend the Kansas State Fair with your family this year and get the best that both Kansas AND Texas have to offer!

{This post sponsored by Texas on Tour}

2011 Kansas City Metro Area Pumpkin Patch Guide

 

Featured Pumpkin Patch Guide Sponsor

Kansas City's best value "haycation" with over 50 Activities! We grow memories! Leave your electronics behind and have some old fashioned fun! KC's Best Value "HAYCATION" with over 50 activities to choose. You've never seen a pumpkin patch like this before!

2011 FALL SEASON September 24th - October 31st

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Monday - Thursday:  9am to 3pm
Friday:  9am to 6pm
Saturdays:  10am to 6pm
Sundays:  Noon to 6pm

*NEW: Save $2 when you show your MomPerks™ rewards card!

General Admission: $10 Weekend
Military: Half-price
under 1 Free ALWAYS
Weekdays: $10 per person, not all areas open

New this year:  Schedule of events will feature character appearances, concerts and more!  Connect with KC Pumpkin Patch on Facebook for special giveaways, discounts and more!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Check out Kansas City's most comprehensive guide to ALL the local pumpkin patch locations!  Happy Fall!

Want to have YOUR business listed as a Featured Sponsor? Contact us here for more info!

Kansas

KC Pumpkin Patch
Opens September 24 - October 31
*NEW: Save $2 when you show your MomPerks™ rewards card!

29755 W. 191st St., Gardner, Kansas
(exit #207 off I-35 South)
(913) 484-6251

Monday - Thursday: 9am to 3pm
Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturdays: 10am to 6pm
Sundays: Noon to 6pm

KC Corn Maze
Opens September 24 - October 30

29755 W. 191st St., Gardner, Kansas
(exit #207 off I-35 South)
(913) 484-6251

Monday – Thursday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM

$8 admission per person
Under 4 - FREE
Military Half-price

*NEW: Save $2 when you show your MomPerks™ rewards card!

Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch

Louisburg Cider Mill & Country Store
Opens September 16 - October 31
Twenty miles south of metro Kansas City via US Hwy. 69 to the Louisburg exit (Hwy. 68), then three miles west.
Open Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays --10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
(913) 837-5202 

Pendelton's Country Market

Powell Pumpkin Patch 

Opens September 25
Louisburg, Kansas
(913) 837-2212
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pumpkin Hollow at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
September 23 - October 27

Schaake's Pumpkin Patch
Opens last weekend in September - October 31
1791 N. 1500 Road, Lawrence, KS
(785) 843-2459
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Sibley Orchards

Missouri

Alldredge Orchards

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Patch
Opens September 17 - October 31
17607 N.E. 52nd Stree, Liberty, Missouri 64068
(816) 781-9196
Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Faulkner's Ranch & Pumpkin Farm

Opens September 30 - October 31
1/4 mile South of I-470 on West side of Raytown Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri
(816) 763-4644
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Johnson Farms
Opens September 23
177th & Holmes Rd.
Belton, MO
(816) 331-1067
Open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m (M-F) & 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sat./Sun.)

Looper Farms - (in Holt, Missouri)

Pumpkins Etc.
FREE admission!
Open Mid September through Oct. 31 st.
10 am to 6 pm DAILY
Located East of Platte City, MO on Farmers Lane
Only 10 minutes from KCI aiport
(816) 858-5758

Pumpkins & Pines

Red Barn Farm in Weston

Schweizer’s Orchard

Shucks Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Opens September 23 - November 5
At the corner of 291 Hwy and 203rd (P Hwy.) in Pleasant Hill, Missouri
(816) 478-0249
M- F - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Reserved for Field Trips
Wed. Fri. Sat. Nights 6 - 10 (last admission) Flash Light Night
Sat . 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 - 6 p.m.