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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

Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove Video Contest

Calling all creative Kansas Citians! Our very own pal, Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove, is hosting his very own music video contest and he needs your help!  If you've ever thought to yourself "hey, I should be in videos!", now's your chance!  What's in it for you?  Cash and fame, of course!  Here's the scoop on entering the contest:

Choose from one of four songs from Jim's latest release “Swimming in Noodles” and interpret it in a video format however you want.  Feel free to use animation, live actors, paper cut-outs, claymation, stick figure drawings – the possibilities are endless!  The contest is open to all ages and skill levels. Involve the kids -- it's sure to be great fun!

You can download the songs for free from Jim's website here.  Select the item "Music Video Tunes" and place it in your shopping cart.  At checkout use the coupon code "VIDEO" to get the download for free.

Your song choices will be:

Hang on Mama (Mama   Disappeared in a Pile of Laundry)
Just Like You
Cookie Time
Chips &   Salsa

For more details on how to enter, check out the "Mr. Stinky Feet's Video Contest" page on Facebook. Deadline to submit your video is November 14, 2011.

Jim and his band The Hiccups will review the videos and pick the three they like best. Then they will issue awards:

First   Place:   $300
Second   Place:   $200
Third   Place:   $100

Everyone who submits a video will get a cool certificate of participation and a free “Rockin’ the Library” CD.

The winning videos will be featured on Jim's website, on his YouTube channel, and will be shown at live concerts during the fall and winter tours.  Of course, we here at KCMetroMoms.com will be sharing it with all of you, our loyal readers and fans!

Jim wanted us to also share the fine print with you all:

Submit all finished videos by Monday, November 14, 2011, by mailing a hard copy version of the video on DVD in an Mp4 format to:

Video Contest, PO Box 8156, Prairie Village, KS 66208

You may also submit a video by emailing a version via a secure file delivery service like YouSendIt or SEND6 or sharefile to: joan@jimcosgrove.com

By submitting a video to this contest you agree to assume legal liability for any issues arising from the video and you consent to having the video broadcast online, on television, and at live concerts without compensation. 

All submissions become the property of Hiccup Productions, Inc., and will be treated with respect, dignity, and honor!  Thank you!!

So what are you waiting for??  Submit your entry today! Good luck and happy rockin' out!

Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE at KC Music Hall in November

Time to plan for some Fall family entertainment!  Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! is going on the road again! The It's Time To Dance! Tour Presented by Kia Motors is traveling to more than 50 cities! But this time, it's an all new show. Come see all your favorites like DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Toodee, with special guests Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie and Razzle Dazzle Superstar Leslie Hall. You won't want to miss it!

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster for the 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. shows on November 6, 2011.  And, for your chance to win FREE tickets stay tuned because we'll be announcing the giveaway soon!

9th Annual KC Irish Fest + FREE Tickets!

It's almost September and you know what THAT means?  Time for the Kansas City Irish Fest!  This festival is in its 9th year of celebrating with great family fun!  If your family likes KC Jiggle Jam, then you're all going to LOOOOVE KC Irish Fest! It happens every year over Labor Day weekend (September 2 - 4, 2011 this year) down at the one and only Crown Center in Kansas City!

Seven stages of live entertainment, food, and a Children's play area to get super giddy over are just some of the things you and your family will experience at KC Irish Fest.  Lots of kiddie fun to keep your little boys and girls busy - KC Pumpkin Patch will host a costume contest and all kinds of fun and games!  Plus, be sure and check out the Oddball Kids Tent for some outrageous creative fun!  Click here for all the info on family fun happening at KC Irish Fest.

Ticket prices for the festival are:

Adults tickets are ONLY $5 ON FRIDAY! Tickets are $10 in advance at Hy-Vee or at www.kcirishfest.com for Saturday or Sunday, and $15 at the gate. Weekend passes are $25 in advance. Snug tickets are $100 per day on Saturday/Sunday, $50 on Friday, and include a lot of perks, including drink tickets, private restrooms and food. Children under 12 are admitted free.

And speaking of tickets -- our friends at KC Pumpkin Patch have YOUR big chance to win FREE tickets to Irish Fest in their Shamrock "Sweepstakes" to enter.  7 winners---4 tickets each to IRISH FEST at Crown Center!!  Contest entries accepted until 2pm Thursday.  Just visit their Facebook page for full details on entering!  May the luck o' the Irish be with you!

 

"Rock Your Rec" with Blue Valley Recreation

Blue Valley Recreation Activity Center will be rockin' all July with ways to celebrate National Parks and Recreation month!

They'll have activities and events all month long that will be great opportunities for you to come in and have a great time with family, friends, and neighbors. The following activities listed are all FREE! You can also find all of these great events listed on our always-online and LIVE community event calendar. These FREE events listed are open to the general public, regardless of residency, so take advantage!

Blue Valley Recreation Activity Center is located at 6545 W. 151st St. in Overland Park, Kansas. Contact them at 913-685-6000 or visit them on Facebook.

Mystery Mondays (FREE):: Mondays - July 11, 18, & 25

Surprises all month long. If you happen to be at the Activity Center for a Monday class there's a chance that some time throughout the month you'll be surprised! You never know when we'll announce giveaways, prizes, or free activities!

Popsicles (FREE):: Tuesdays - July 12 @ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. & July 14 @ 1 - 3 p.m.

Perfect for a hot summer day, we'll pass out popsicles on two different days and times. You won't want to miss these icy treats!

Sock Hop (FREE):: Wednesdays - July 6 & 20 @ 12 - 1 p.m.

It's a rock 'n roll revival! Kick off your shoes and dance in your bobby socks! No dance experience needed - just come ready to have fun. We'll get the hula hoops out and turn up the music in the dance studio and "Rock the Rec"! Ages 3 & up.

Storytime with Jo (FREE):: Wednesday July 6 @ 1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Sizzling summer stories, songs, and dances of Hawaii will be presented by our very own storyteller, Jo Ho. Join along in this interactive storytelling adventure. All ages.

Crafty Tuesday (FREE):: Tuesday July 19 @ 10 - 11:30 a.m. & 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Explore your creative side! Using colorful materials and your own ideas you'll make a cool summer craft. All ages.

Open Swim (FREE):: Five FREE Fridays - July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 @ 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy the lap pool, zero-depth entry pool, and the lazy river channel. Cerified lifeguards on duty at all times. All pool guidelines and rules apply. Check-in at the Activity Center front desk is required. Children under 5 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by a swimming adult at all times.

Open Gym (FREE):: Five FREE Saturdays - July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 2:30 - 4 p.m. & Wednesday July 13 @ 12 - 1 p.m., & Thursday July 21 @ 3 - 4 p.m.

Get your game on in the gym! Our gymnastic coaches supervise organized games and free play. Open Gym rules apply Children under 5 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Check-in at the Activity Center front desk is required. Space is limited.

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Crown Center Summer 2011 Events

Are you craving Crown Center?  If so, you'll be excited to hear about all the fun that's in store for this much-loved Kansas City destination.  Crown Center is full of family entertainment options. From children's exhibits to the Coterie Theatre to the historical walls of the Hallmark Visitors Center, there’s something for everyone.

From festivals to exhibits to highly anticipated performances, check out what's in store this summer!

1.  Rainforest Adventure Exhibit - A multisensory expedition that introduces children to tropical rainforests around the world will run from Saturday May 28, 2011 to Monday September 5, 2011.  The exhibit features 40 interactive components, including computer games, a 9-foot kapok tree, gorilla blind and a station to color your own unique insects. Children role-play as research assistants as they explore and learn about the rainforest and its ecological wonders.  The exhibit is on loan from Stepping Stones Museum for Children of Norwalk, Connecticut and will be open during regular shopping hours on the Level 1 Showplace of Crown Center Shops.  Admission is FREE!

 
2.  Kansas City Jiggle Jam Family Music Fest - Returning for a fourth fantastic year, featuring national and local children's entertainers.  Activities and entertainment for the whole family!  Festival dates are Saturday May 28, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday May 29, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For ticket prices and other festival info, visit Jiggle Jam online.

 
3.  Hospital Hill Run - This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner’s World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square.   The 2011 race date is Saturday June 4 beginning at 7 a.m.  For more information, visit them online. 

4.  Crown Center Antique Festival  - The festival's eleventh year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 dealers will take part in this one-of-a-kind event on Saturday June 11, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday June 12, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5.  Girls Empowerment Workshop -  Join The Domestic Violence Education Center on Saturday June 11, 2011 as they use a visionary curriculum to train students (age 12-19) on the needed tools to keep themselves safe from the victimization of domestic violence, which statistics show 1 in 5 high school girls will experience. Students learn to understand the dynamics of healthy relationships.  Master-level facilitators lead all workshop sessions. Space is limited to 35 girls.  Workshop is from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  at the Gifted Hands Gift Shop located on Level 3 of the Crown Center Shops.  Call 816-471-5515 to sign up.  Admission is FREE!

 
6.  Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival -  Bring the whole family out for this not-to-be-missed festival on Saturday June 18, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday June 19, 2011, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and by the end of the weekend, these squares will be transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork.  For more information, visit the official website.  Admission is FREE!

7.  The Wiz at Coterie Theatre -  Celebrate the power of believing in yourself with this Tony award-winning musical based on the tale we all know by heart, with soaring songs: "Ease on Down the Road," "Brand New Day," "No Bad News," "Be a Lion!" Part of the Coterie’s Elementary/Family Series.   Shows frun from Tuesday June 21, 2011 through Sunday August 7, 2011 at Coterie Theatre, Level 1, Crown Center Shops.  For ticket prices and related info, visit their website.

8.  Ice Cream Dreamery -  The Second annual Ice Cream Dreamery – a deliciously dreamy ice cream festival – at Crown Center Square on Saturday June 25, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The fundraiser benefits The Children’s Place, a nonprofit that helps heal the youngest survivors of abuse, neglect and trauma.  Local and/or national dairy/ice cream manufacturers will provide samples of their products.  Tickets are $10 for a family of four with $1 for each additional child, or single ticket of $5 that will allows access to the tasting tent, featuring samples of ice cream and other frozen dairy treats. Purchase tickets online at www.childrensplacekc.org or at the event.  Guests can visit the tasting tent as often as they like during the day.  The festival includes entertainment on the main stage, children’s activities and ice cream competitions.

{Photos courtesy of Crown Center}

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Tickets to 2011 KC Jiggle Jam {giveaway}

Click here for the all-new Jiggle Jam jingle courtesy of the Verve Pipe!

America's BEST & BIGGEST family music festival is back for a 4th year of fun!  This year promises to be the biggest and best yet, with the stellar lineup, kid-friendly activities, and of course, yummy food & drink!   

If you're new to Kansas City or just have never had the chance to check out the festivities over Memorial Day weekend, now's your chance!  Enjoy stages packed with local and national bands & musicians; a fun bouncyland; all kinds of food & drinks; vendors sharing their family-friendly wares, the Crown Center fountains, fun & interactive workshops, and much, much more!  New this year is the Hamster Ball, Jiggle Jam Bingo, and Video Game Trailer.  Back for another year is the ever-popular Garage Band!

Tickets and hotel packages are on sale now!  You'll save a few bucks by pre-ordering your tickets online but they'll also be available at the gate on the day of the fest.

And guess what??  To get the party started, we're giving away Family 4-packs of tickets in our Facebook photo contest!  Here's how to enter:

1.  Visit our Facebook page and upload a pic of your kid(s) in their most awesome, rockin' out pose!  (One photo entry per household & entries will be accepted through Tuesday May 17, 2011).

2.  We'll compile all the photos and then add them to our Facebook album so visitors can vote by "liking" the photo of their choice.

3.  Invite your family, friends, and everyone else to "like" KCMetroMoms.com on Facebook so they can "like" YOUR photo!  The photo with the most "Likes" will WIN 4 passes to the festival to attend on the day of their choice!  Voting will begin Wednesday May 18th and go through Friday May 20th!

Legoland Discovery Center Set to Open at Crown Center Kansas City in 2012

Exciting news!  Merlin Entertainments announced their plans to bring a $15 million LEGOLAND Discovery Center to Crown Center in 2012.  This comes on the heels of their recent announcement of the Sealife Aquarium, which we shared with you. 

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center will be the fourth location in the U.S.  In addition to the entertainment and attractions, it will feature a shop and a cafe and will be be adjacent to Sealife Aquarium.
 
According to the press release that was shared, the company's concept "will offer a fun, highly interactive and educational two to three‐hour indoor experience ideal for families with children 3‐10 years old. Based on the ever popular LEGO brick, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers provide a range of interactive play areas including a 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; an exciting LEGO ride; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings and skyline of each individual attraction’s location."

Although pricing information has not yet been released, you can stay up-to-date with any announcements by signing up for their Fun Zone newsletter here.

 

This new addition to the already bustling Crown Center is certainly exciting news for all KC metro families, regardless of where you reside.  Bill Lucas, President of Crown Center adds, “The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is completely unique and there is certainly nothing like it in the Midwest. I know both it, and the fascinating underwater world which is SEA LIFE, will be welcomed by Kansas City parents.  Crown Center will be the place for Mom and Dad to have fun with the kids – whatever the weather.”

Who's so excited you can hardly stand it?!