Schoolhouse Rock Live!

The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is not only making a small-screen comeback, instructing a whole new generation to “Unpack Your Adjectives” and “Do The Circulations,” it’s lighting up stages everywhere, from school multi-purpose rooms to university and regional theatres all around the country - including our very own Columbia Entertainment Company!

Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs as “Just A Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction.”

The Columbia Entertainment Company (CEC) presents Schoolhouse Rock Live this weekend, at their theater on Nellwood (off Vandiver). Tickets are $10 Adults, $7 Students w/ ID & Seniors over 60, $5 children under 12. It is strongly recommended you reserve your tickets in advance, and you can do so by emailing
reservations@ki​dsintheact.org

Show dates and times:
Thursday, July 14 - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 15 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 16 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 17 - 2:00 PM

Museum Day 2011 - Free Tickets!

Saturday, September 24th is the Smithsonian Magazine’s 7th Annual National Museum Day and over 1,000 museums nationwide are offering two free admissions per family.

There are 23 museums in Missouri participating, so check the website and order your free tickets today!

Free Bowling for Kids - All Summer!

This summer, AMF Bowling centers are offering free bowling for kids!

Their website says:

Our Summer Unplugged promotion means free bowling for kids ages 16 and under as summer fun takes over the lanes. Parents can get weekly coupons delivered to their email inbox. Discover new, fun ways for your kids to enjoy bowling like never before with special activities and contests during this awesome summer-long promotion.

For details or to register - Free Bowling for Kids

Father's Day Ideas

Two great Father's Day options are available today online!

The first is a Daily Deal from Inside Columbia - tickets to the BBQ College of Knowledge, scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd at Joe Machens Toyota. Tickets online and at the event are $25, but through the link above, they're just $12.50!

The second deal can be found on Groupon for Columbia, MO - today's deal is for a round of golf at Hail Ridge Golf Course in Booneville for just $25 (vaule up to $50).

Calendar Updates

While I've been remiss about updating the calendar for the last few months, I've recently updated and WOW what an incredible number of things to do this summer with the kiddos!

As you'll see, I've added the city/town to each title listing since my calendar is for the Mid-Missouri region. That way you'll know where a particular activity is and open for more details if you're interested, rather than open it and see it's too far for your liking.

The calendar includes listings from all around the region - Columbia, Jeff City, Booneville, Fulton, Kingdom City, Moberly and more! If you have an event or activity that's coming up, email me and I'll add it to the calendar.

Additions to the calendar are not contingent upon sponsorship of this site or payment for placement. Listings are free - however, they are subject to review and I include only those that are appropriate for families with children.

Have a great summer everyone!

Halloween Spooktacular

The Missouri Children's Museum will host Holly O. Wene's Spooktacular Mystery Party!

You're all invited and encouraged wear your most fabulous costume, ready to have a blast with fun party games and more! There will be prizes for many categories of costume types and each child will receive a goodie bag at the end of the evening festivities. Snacks and beverages will be served.

We also hear a rumor that Polly Pumpkin will join us - she owns the most awesome pumpkin patch in the whole world - and word has it she is planning to make a special announcement - she's retiring; it's an announcement that, if true, will have our guests trying to solve five mysteries before the end of the evening to see who wins the pumpkin patch!*

Are you up to the challenge of the mysteries? They'll start around 5:30 PM, once our guests have arrived....the spooktacular activities throughout the evening include:

Creative Pumpkin Challenge
Eyeball Hunters
Who Can Make the Witches Brew
What Halloween Thing Am I
What Is It, Feel It
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
Amazing Charade Challenge

Snacks and beverages
Cupcake Decorating
Costume Awards & Prizes
Goodie Bags for all children attending

*pumpkin patch is not real, but a prize for the child/team that solves the mysteries.

When: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Ages: All
Type: Ticketed Special Event

This is a ticketed special event at the MOCM, so entry requires a ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.

The MOCM will close at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 30, in advance of the party, to allow time for prepations. Last admission will be at 1:30 PM and does not include admission to the party that evening.

Tickets will be issued by email - when you purchase your ticket, an email confirmation will be sent that you'll need to bring with you for admission the evening of the party. Email confirmations of puchase will arrive within 48-hours of your purchase (or request).

Early Bird - September 22 to October 6

Non-Members $5.00 per person, age 3+
Members: Free upon request

Advance - October 7 to October 29

Non-Members $7.00 per person, age 3+
Members $3.50 per person

At the Door - October 30

Non-Members $8.00 per person, 3+
Members $5.00 per person

Age 1 & 2 $1.00 for all advance and at door tickets; Infants FREE

For more information please see:
http://www.missourichildrensmuseum.com/spooktacular.htm

Missouri Children's Museum

A new children's museum - Missouri Children's Museum - is coming to Columbia, MO and is scheduled to open this fall.

You can become a fan and follow the progress on their Facebook page, take the survey for families with children, or check back here as more information is released.

The plans include a fully stocked arts & crafts center, hands-on science & math activities, and a variety of other dynamic, interactive exhibits to spark imaginative learning through play.

An online survey was recently created for input from families with children; comments and suggestions are welcome via email too - just drop a note to info@missourichildrensmuseum.com.

Learn Through Play - Columbia, MO

A new learn through play center is coming to Columbia, MO in the near future and you can take a survey to provide ideas and more here:

Play Through Learn Center - Columbia, MO

You can also comment here about what types of things you'd like to see in the future!

Playhouse Disney - Live on Tour: October 25, 2009

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals when Playhouse Disney Live! comes to Columbia!

In this brand new live show, you're invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends.

The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party - with the help of Rocket, of course!

Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Aand Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat.

Laugh, sing and play along 'cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage and you're invited to join the party!

All kids one & older must have a ticket.

You can purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster. The show is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Hearnes Center at the University of Missouri.

Show time is 1:00pm.

Family Fun Fest: It's a Circus

It's time again for another Family Fun Fest night at Flat Branch Park in downtown Columbia!

If you haven't heard, this new family event transforms Flat Branch Park into fun central with a new theme each month! Entertainment for the entire family features music, special performances, art activities, bounce-houses, hands-on activities, balloon-animals, face painting and guaranteed fun for all ages.

In addition, a bike valet will be available for your bicycle or stroller courtesy of the PedNet Coalition.

This month's Family Fun Fest theme tonight - It's a Circus - can be enjoyed from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Flat Branch Park, 4th and Cherry. Best of all - it's free!

There will be performing dogs, the Big Top Circus Band, magic and clowning around.

Kids Learning to Cook

Learning to cook is more than just following a recipe - there's knife skills, cooking methods, and basic chemistry at work in all good meal preparation! Learning by doing is what cooking is all about.

From September through April, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, kids and parents have the opportunity to learn to cook together at the Armory Sports Center. In this class, you learn to prepare a variety of fun foods - pizza, cookies, cakes, homemade breads. There will be many different kinds of food to try. This will help young people learn there's more to life than the microwave!

The class starts at 6:00pm and is free!

Tennis Lessons

Jefferson City YMCA - Firley Center
525 Ellis Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO
573-761-9000 website

Description: The Firley Center offers 4 indoor tennis courts and 6 outdoor courts. Youth must be at least 14 years old to play on the courts without an adult from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays. This rule may be waived if youth have completed a YMCA tennis class. Group and private instruction is available for all ages and skill levels.

Missouri State Fair

Head to Sedalia between now and August 23 and enjoy the Missouri State Fair - open daily - free parking!

Hours, Entertainment Schedule, Competitions, Maps and more on the MO State Fair website!

4th Friday Kid's Night Out: August 28

Each month, on the fourth Friday, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts the 4th Friday Kids Night Out at the Stephen's Lake Activity Center from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.

For just $15 per child, kids enjoy three-and-a-half hours of fun making crafts, playing games, having a snack and watching a movie while their parents have some time out on the town!

Pre-registration is required, so if you'd like to sign your child up for the August 4th Friday Kids Night out - call 573-874-7460, or register online!

The program is for children 4 to 10 and potty-trained 3-year olds may join older siblings. It is recommended that children wear play clothes that can dirty (arts & craft projects).

Boating & Fishing

Relax on the water...
What better way to spend a lazy day, relaxing on the water and casting your line? Here in Mid-Missouri we have lakes, streams and rivers galore - all just waiting to be navigated and fished! Here you'll find where to rent a boat, get fishing equipment and cast your line!

Mighty Mo Canoe Rental
205 Central Street
Rocheport, MO 65279
573-698-3903 website

Description: Come paddle the Missouri River through its most picturesque Mid-Missouri scenery. The towering bluffs and forested banks rekindle the aura of the days of Lewis & Clark. Join our guided canoe & kayak excursions for a first-hand exploration of our country's great river and our nation's epic history. Our small groups of canoes and kayaks offer both beginners and experienced paddlers an intimate trip setting and scenery they will never forget.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area - Paddle Boat Rentals
Pirate's Landing
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
2500 Chapel Hill Road
Columbia, MO 65203
573-445-8839 (in-season) 573-874-7460 (off-season) website

Description: Two and four seater paddle boats available for rental to take out on Twin Lakes; boaters younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Bowling

The sport is perfect for the kids!

You don't have to be a great athlete to excel nor do you have to be strong or have great coordination.

If you practice enough at it, you can be very good at it.

And it's a great family-friendly activity parents can also participate in with their children!

Hey, why not?

Town & Country Lanes
1508 N. Providence
Columbia, MO
573-442-4729 Town & Country Lanes

Ages: Pre-school and older

Description: AMF bowling with open bowling, clubs and leagues.

West Gate Lanes
2017 Christy Lane
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-636-7108

Ages: Preschool and older

Description: Twenty-four lane bowling alley, billiard tables, pinball and video games, snack bar and full service pro shop.

Fulton Bowling Center
530 Commons Drive
Fulton, MO
573-592-1000 website

Ages: Preschool and older

Description: Family fun in Fulton - full-service 16-lane bowling alley, arcade and more!

Nature Centers & Gardens

Shelter Insurance Gardens
1817 W. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65216
Website

Description: Award-winning five-acre garden with more than 300 varieties of trees and shrubs, and more than 15,000 annuals and perennials. The gardens feature a replica one-room school house, a "sensory garden" designed for the visually impaired, a memorial to Vietnam Veterans, a waterfall and reflecting pool, stream, rose garden, gazebo, giant sundial and more. Free concerts on designated Sunday evenings in June & July.

Free, open daily dawn to dusk. Closed on Christmas day.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Garden
800 S. Stadium Boulevard
Columbia MO
573-874-7460

Description: These landscaped gardens with walkways & benches provide a quiet setting for individuals or a place to hold cultural events. The writings of Dr. King are displayed as part of a sculptured amphitheater with eight triangular upright columns. Located next to the MKT Trail, the Garden is free and open to the public and has ample parking.

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
6700 North Route K
McBaine, MO
573-445-3882

Description: This 4,269-acre wetland area provides 10 miles of stream frontage on Eagle Bluffs. These marshes provide year-round habitat for migrating and wintering birds as well as a permanent home for wildlife.

Pinnacles Youth Park
U.S. Hwy 63 N, 12 Miles north of Columbia
573-445-9792

Description: This 70-acre private park is open to the public during daylight hours. Silver Fork Creek and Kelly Creek formed the Pinnacles, a thin 75-foot high and 1,000 foot long Burlington limestone ridge. Several trails exist to explore the rock formations.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
5901 South Hwy. 163
Columbia, MO 65203
573-449-7402 website
E-mail: moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Description: Open year-round, dawn to dusk, this 2273-acre day-use park features a natural rock bridge formation, tours of Devil's Icebox Cave, hiking trails, shelter & picnic areas and the Gans Creek Wild Area.

Carnahan Memorial Gardens
100 Madison St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-3330

Description: A striking complement to the Capital Complex, the Garden, located next to the Governor's Mansion, was constructed in the late 1930s. The site is filled with flowers, pools, and walkways. After the death of Gov. Mel Carnahan, the garden was renamed the Carnahan Memorial Gardens, as a memorial to his work.

Runge Conservation Nature Center
P.O. Box 180
Mo. Hwy. 179
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-526-5544 website

Description: At the Runge Conservation Nature Center, come and enjoy the wonders of Missouri's habitats and the fish, forest and wildlife resources found in the Show-Me State. Get acquainted with beauty as we travel from the rugged prairies of the north to the swamplands of the Bootheel.

Homeschool Groups

Homeschooling is a popular method of educating children in Missouri - knowing the laws, requirements and where to find resources makes it a lot easier once you're on your way!

Columbia Homeschooling Resource Group
WEBSITE

Description: CHRG is an organization for mid Missouri homeschoolers. Whether you homeschool full time, part time or are simply interested in finding supplemental learning activities for your children, CHRG welcomes you. We are an inclusive group of families which welcomes many different styles of homeschooling. We are mindful and respectful that homeschoolers come from all religions, backgrounds, and cultures - therefore our focus is strictly educational and social in nature. We embrace this diversity and are bound together by the common goal of giving our children the best homeschooling experience possible. CHRG is a cooperative organization whose success requires that each family contribute to planning and implementing our activities. If our homeschool programs interest you and you want to join our community, please contact us. New members are always warmly welcomed.

Christian Fellowship Homeschoolers
WEBSITE

Description: This group is for members of Christian Fellowship Church of Columbia MO who homeschool. We can encourage one another, share our lives, get help, and plan events, and whatever else we need to talk about!

Moberly Missouri Home School Group
WEBSITE

Description: Homeschoolers group for Moberly, MO.

Kingdom Homeschoolers
WEBSITE

Description: The Kingdom Homeschoolers are a group of homeschooling families located in Callaway County. We are comprised of families who join together to share the common desire of interacting with other homeschoolers and to share resources to promote success in our homeschooling journeys. Family members represent a wide range of approach to learning and teaching styles, and our group does not endorse any specific philosophy of education. All activities are set up and organized by The Kingdom Homeschoolers families. Family participation and involvement is crucial to the group but never mandatory.

OPEN Path Network
WEBSITE

Description: The Open Path Network (OPEN for short) is to help people enable, support or encourage other people with the common goal of children having the opportunity for a home education that might be described as: un-schooling, child-led, life learning, TCS, natural learning, sometimes attachment parenting, and many more. Anyone from any location may join for discussion although I would especially like to get some members from my local area of Fulton Missouri (Columbia, Jefferson City, Kingdom City, Ashland, New Bloomfield, Millersburg, Auxvasse, Mexico, California, Tipton, Booneville, Sedalia, etc.) would be especially welcomed so we could have field trips. This is an all inclusive group meaning that there is no religion involved.

Jefferson City Secular Homeschoolers
WEBSITE

Description: Do you homeschool? Are you looking for a group that focuses on social activities? A new group is forming in Jeff City to support parents who are interested in secular homeschooling and unschooling. The goal is to provide a social and educational network for our children. We recognize that diversity is an asset and welcome people of any or no religion, as well as people of all colors, sexual orientations, genders, political beliefs and ages.

Pick-Your-Own Farms

What a great way to play and learn - pick your own farms allow you and your children to play in the fields while learning about plants and animals! Pumpkins, apples, pears and berries are all great "pick-your-own" fruits and vegetables. Give it a try - your kids will have fun and your body will thank you!

Peachtree Farms
Near I-70, Exit 111
Directions
660-882-8009 website

Description: Peach Tree Farms begins its peach season around June 25 and sells through most of August. Monday-Saturday, 10am- Dark, Sunday, 1pm- Dark. In the fall, the Pumpkin Patch offers a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds and squash. The Pumpkin Patch is open the last week in September through October 31st. Take a hayride, visit the barnyard - pet and feed the animals, play in the straw maze. Families are invited to come by Mon - Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm & Sun 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Admission price is $ 3.00 per person. Schedule a School visit Mon - Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Charge is $2 per child and chaperone. (Teachers are FREE!) The kids will even get to pick their own pumpkin. There are picnic tables for snacks and drinks. Please call in August or September to schedule.

Walk About Acres
6800 N. Kircher Road
Columbia, MO 65201
573-474-8837 walkaboutacres@agristar.net website

Description: Walk-About Acres is a working farm featuring locally produced honey and honey products, 3 retail greenhouses with a wide variety of plants including tomato, pepper, bedding plants and Grow Native plants. Walk-About Acres has many animals to see during your visit: peacocks, rabbits, turkeys, llamas, Nubian goats and more.

Shryocks Callaway Farm
2927 County Road 253
Columbia , MO
573-592-0191 mshryock@ktis.net website

Description: Pick your own pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, and a 3 foot gumball coaster. Open: August 31st - October 28th, 2007 - call ahead for times.

Pick & Pick
5910 Rangeline Road
Columbia, MO
573-999-4036 website

Description: Treat yourself to an outing! Come to a 10-acre "plantation" located in a beautiful setting within a few minutes of the city of Columbia, where you'll find very good fruits and vegetables growing. During the spring, summer and early fall, the plantation is open for business. If you enjoy fresh air, fresh berries, and fresh vegetables, come see us. If you like picking your own food right from the garden, this is the place for you. Open April 16 - October 31.

SGB Farms
725 E. Cedar Tree Lane
Hartsburg, MO
573-657-2989

Description: Pick your own blueberries.

McCoy's Pumpkin Farm
15475 N. Rt. Z
Centralia, MO
573-682-5450 website

Description: pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, prepicked produce, and a petting zoo. Call ahead of days and times.

Home Grown Paradise
3507 CR 257
Fulton, MO 65251
573-642-5066

Description: Beans, beets, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, and other vegetables; call ahead for hours - generally open Tuesday - Sunday - June, July, August, September and October.

Pin Oak Farms
2431 Highway E
New Haven, MO 63068
573-237-4088

Description: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Corn Field. Find your way through the maze. Call for days and hours of operation.

Huffstutter Orchards
2612 State Route P
New Franklin, MO
660-848-2320 website

Description: Pick your own pumpkins and apples. Call ahead for hours.

Museums in Mid-Missouri

Missouri Capitol and State Museum
201 W. Capitol Ave.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-2854

Admission: Free

Description: The Missouri State Museum has two galleries on the main floor of the Capitol. The displays cover Missouri’s history and natural resources. New exhibits focus on the Civil War in Missouri. Free tours of the Capitol are available.

Museum of Art & Archaeology
University of Missouri
1 Pickard Hall
Columbia, MO
573-882-3591 website

Admission: Free

Description: The mission of the Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri-Columbia is to provide access to original works of art and artifacts through the development of the permanent collection and to preserve and maintain all objects in its care. The Museum uses its resources to make its collection physically available to its constituents through public display or by special arrangement. The Museum also uses its resources to make its collection intellectually accessible by studying and researching its holdings and making the results available to its audiences. The art and artifacts the Museum collects and displays must be historically and culturally significant and relevant to the audiences it serves. A "relevant" object is understood to be one that enhances teaching, is suitable and of sufficient interest for research by faculty, students, and other scholars, and is of cultural significance to the broader community.

Museum of Anthropology
University of Missouri
100 Swallow Hall
Columbia, MO
573-882-3573 website

Admission: Free

Description: What is the Museum of Anthropology? A window on Native American lifeways; Tantalizing views of Missourians from thousands of years ago; Slices of Missouri's pioneer and rural history; Collections documenting cultures from across the globe; The home of the world's most comprehensive archery collection; The state of Missouri's archaeological curation facility; and so much more....

Auto World Museum
200 Peacock Drive
Fulton, MO. 65251
573-642-2080 website

Admission: Call

Description: "An expedition through history" - the all new Auto World Museum features Mr. William E. Backer’s vintage automobile Collection and reflects his and his daughter, Vicki Backer McDaniel’s vision. Bill spent his life collecting the amazing cars he loves. He has now entrusted this remarkable collection to our foundation to insure these automotive treasures are preserved and available for all to see.

Crane's Country Store Museum
10675 Old Highway 40
Williamsburg, MO 63388
573-254-3311

Call for hours and admission price

Description: What seems like an old General Store untouched by time is a real working store. You can enjoy a sandwich, a snack and a cold bottled soda as you squeeze through the aisles of this unique store. Many antiques and memorabilia items are on display.

Winston Churchill Memorial & Library
Westminster College
501 Westminster Avenue
Fulton, Missouri 65251
573-592-5369 website

Admission: Adults $6.00 Youth (12-18) $4.00 Children (6-11) $3.00 Child 5-and-under free

Open Daily 10:00AM - 4:30PM (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)

Description: The Memorial is located on the college campus in Fulton, Missouri, the site of Churchill's famous "Iron Curtain" speech. The museum tells the story of a hero who led the free world's fight for freedom, from his privileged youth as the son of a British aristocrat to the darkest days of war. This museum provides a chronicle of the life and times of one of the world's most memorable political leaders and serves as a venue for special artistic and historical exhibits, as well as a variety of social and cultural events.

Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art
411 Central Methodist Square
Fayette, MO
1-877-CMU-1854 website

Hours: 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday

Description: The Ashby Collection of oil paintings, lithographs, drawings, and acrylics, mainly represents the work of American Regionalist artists. Although the Ashby Collection is the principal focus of the gallery, special exhibits are scheduled throughout the year.

Veterinary Museum
2500 Country Club Drive
Jefferson City, MO
573-636-8612

Admission: Free
Hours: Wed.-Fri. 12-4 pm (Call to verify)

Description: This is a small museum that showcases veterinary instruments, such as balling guns, emasculators and trocars for large animals, trunks filled with horse dental tools, bleeding instruments, horse pills and lots of huge syringes. There are three operating tables for small animals. There are specimens in glass jars, like Siamese piglets and an eight-legged piglet, hairballs from pigs and other farm animals, a colossal kidney stone found in a horse and interesting objects found in animals.