Article Matt Smithmier
No excuses. It’s time to get out of the house. Locked into our daily routine, it’s easy to forget the natural world is still out there. Lots of trees, actual grass, wildlife, a chance to reconnect with the environment—all are as close as one of our many local and state parks.
So before your kids channel their summer boredom into more video games or reruns, before you devote another Saturday to mindless yard work, add one of these events to your calendar. The whole family will get a welcome breath of fresh air, an educational experience, and a chance to try something new – all without packing a bag.
Gladstone Theatre in the Park
July 6-8, Aug. 3-5 | All performances begin at 8:30 p.m.
Oak Grove Park, 76th Street and North Troost, Gladstone | Price: Free
About the event: Celebrating its 25th year and more than 100 performances, the theatre presents “Hello Dolly” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
About the park: Filled with mighty oaks, this 17-acre park also features a playground, sand vol- leyball court, picnic areas, and a 1⁄2-mile walking trail.
More information: GladstoneTheatreInThePark.com
Patriotic Day and Picnic
July 7 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, 1101 Delaware, Lexington Price: Free
About the event: Celebrate American troops and heroes with a patriotic picnic set in the 1860s. The event will feature games, entertainment, a picnic lunch and a basket auction.
About the park: Made famous by a bloody three-day battle of the Civil War, the site still shows its war wounds amidst the gardens and orchards. The park includes a visitor center and reveals a comprehensive perspective of the battle that cast doubt on the Union’s hold on the state.
More information: 660.259.4654 or MoStateParks.com
Capturing Nature in Water Colors
July 8 | 1 to 5 p.m. | Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, 407 N. La Frenz Road, Liberty Price: $20/person; $27.50 with supplies provided
About the event: From beginners to advanced artists, everyone is welcome to paint with watercol- ors, led by board member and artist in residence Holly Ann Schenk. Call to register. About the park: A private nonprofit nature sanctuary on 100 acres of land, the sanctuary includes four miles of trails and an entrance into an untouched natural world just outside of Liberty.
More information: 816.781.8598, NatureSanctuary.com
Public Animal Feeding
July 9, 16, Aug. 11, 25 | 3 p.m.
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, 407 N. La Frenz Road, Liberty Price: Free (donations welcome)
About the event: Come observe the snakes, turtles and other critters do what comes natural—eating!
More information: 816.781.8598, NatureSanctuary.com
Summer Stargazing
July 20, Aug. 11, Aug. 31 | 9:30 to 11 p.m. (9 to 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 31) Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, 407 N. La Frenz Road, Liberty Price: $5/adult, $3/child; MLTNS Members: $3/family
(prices higher on Aug. 31)
About the event: Escape the city’s light pollution and reconnect with planets, constellations, and other deep-sky objects through high- powered telescopes.
More information: 816.781.8598, NatureSanctuary.com
Creekin’ Kids
Aug. 7, 8 | 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, 407 N. La Frenz Road, Liberty Price: $45/child; MLTNS Members: $30/child
About the event: Kids (first through sixth grade) can take a hike through water and explore Rush Creek while they look for fossils and native animals. Children must bring a sack lunch, towel, and a change of clothes and shoes. Register online.
More information: 816.781.8598, NatureSanctuary.com
44th Annual Parkville Days Riverfest
Aug. 16-19
Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
English Landing Park, downtown Parkville | Price: Free
About the event: A classic town fair, the 44th annual festival features music, carnival rides, craft booths, a parade, and plenty of food and fun for the whole family.
About the park: The city’s largest park comprises 68 acres, complete with three miles of walking trails on the banks of the Missouri River, a large play- ground area, a boat ramp, sand volleyball court, and a disc golf course.
More information: Parkvillemo.org/riverfest.html
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