children's peace pavilion
Local mom of 4 Janeen Aggen shares some great affordable and FUN family activities in Independence, MO. Thanks Janeen!
One of the best things to do with kids in Independence is free! The Children’s Peace Pavilion, located in the Community of Christ Auditorium, at 1001 W. Walnut is an interactive hands-on kids museum which explores various ways that children can achieve peace – with themselves, others, the planet, etc. Kids can engage in art activities, do mazes, puzzles, play with dolls, put on a puppet show and figure out ways to resolve conflicts, crawl inside of a nature “cave”, make brass rubbings and many other activities. It’s open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the phone number is 816-521-3033.
Another real favorite ( kids should ideally be 5 or older) is the Puppetry Arts Institute, at 11025 E. Winner Road. There are hundreds of puppets and marionettes on display, of all kinds and from many countries, plus an exhibit of Punch and Judy ones and a roomful of puppets from the collection and factory of Hazelle Rollins, founder and operator of what was once the largest puppet making factory in the world (in nearby Kansas City). To really get the most out of the experience,, you should upgrade your admission from the regular $1.50 (children under 16) to $5 so your kids can choose a puppet head (remaining from the inventory of the puppet factory, which is now closed), paint it with professional grade puppet paint, attach a premade cloth body and put on an impromptu puppet show on stage. Of course they get to take their puppets home! Adults are $3 and hours ar 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call for more information to 816-833-9777.
In the summertime, don’t miss the chance for free outdoor water fun at one of the public “spraygrounds”, with features that mist, spray and shoot water. They are located in Rotary Park, 24th street and Hedges and McCoy Park, 24 Highway and Delaware. Discount coupons for other attractions, incuding the National Frontier Trails Museum (good for kids who are in grade school) can be printed from the Independence Tourism web site, which is www.visitindependence.com
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family activities are very nice to have, it also strengthens the bond among family members ,*,