Eat, Sleep, Poop, Play?

When Judah was itty-bitty (about 0-3 or 4 months), I kept the same general schedule that I had before he was born. He slept well in his carseat, he slept well in his crib. So with those liberties, we were pretty flexible. As he's gotten older, I find my schedule molding to his naptimes, and as he gets more mobile, the desire to get out of the apartment to roam around is more tempting. But what is there to do in Kansas that is fun for our little dude and fits with our time frame? Here are the top ten things I've found to do with infants (and up!) that are FREE in Kansas City (the free part is key). They are in no particular order, other than they came to mind first:

1. Story time- Whether its at the library, Borders, or Barnes & Noble, story time is fun for baby and mom. It's true that places like Borders caters to the older crowd (3 and up) because they have craft time along with the story time. The library system on the Kansas side of Kansas City is wonderful because they have different story times for different ages (infant, toddler, preschoolers, etc.). So if you're living on the KS side of KC, check them out: Johnson County Library (you don't need to belong to the library, but its free to join!)

2. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)- okay, so not free. But the first one you go to is! Check out the different groups in your area and see which one fits you and your schedule. They're everywhere! Check 'em out at MOPS International.

3. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead- Free Monday-Thursday, and $2 per person (2 and up) on the weekends. While Judah, Joe, nor I have ever been, we hear its a staple in the KC area. They open for the year on April 1st (not fooling you!) and goes until Halloween (weather permitting I'm guessing). 9am-5pm (or 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Once April rolls around, Judah and I will see ya there! For more info: Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

4. Kaleidoscope- Free, but not for infants. I list it because it is a darn-tooting good time for the 2 and up crowd. You get 30 minutes (maybe 45... but if I remember correctly I think it was only 30) to do all the crafts you can do. They have a bunch of different craft stations, one of which is neon splatter painting in a black light room (awesomely themed like a space ship). I took a friend and her kids there before Judah was born, and it was a blast. I'll admit that it might be a little overwhelming (the place itself takes at least 10 minutes to check out- tunnels, cars, etc.) and the fact that you only have 30 minutes total before you're pretty much kicked out makes it difficult to do all that they have to offer. But the nice thing is that you can get back in line if you want and do it again. Well done Hallmark... I truly think they'd make a killing if they charged even a buck for this: Kaleidoscope

5. City Market- random, I know. Open 7am-3pm on Saturdays if you're wanting the Farmer's Market. It's an interesting place to walk around, and if you do want to spend a little, the Steamboat Arabia Museum is inside (didn't know that- Joe and I were there back in December and were like, "Why is there a huge water wheel in their food court area?" O... that's why...). For more info of what they have to offer: City Market

6. The Park- any park really. For a list of ones near you, go here: Kansas City Parks and Recreation and if you want something a little cooler, this one has a small cave you're allowed to check out: Cave Spring Park. And this one has a 26-foot kangaroo slide: Penguin Park

7. Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center- again... never been, but it looks cool for the little explorer. They have different educational programs and things to check out that teach the "urban child" about nature. For more: Discovery Center

8. Shatto Milk Company- free for 2 and under, $4 otherwise. A family owned farm, with tours daily. Older kids can help milk the cows, feed them, and learn how the milk goes from cow to the grocery store! I thought it sounded like fun... Shatto Milk Co.

That's all I got. Top 8 doesn't sounds as good as top ten. Sorry folks. Kansas City has tons of cool stuff to do, but sadly, most of them cost to get into. It's moments like these that make me miss St. Louis.