Guide to June in Kansas City

 

It’s officially summer in Kansas City and there is so much to do! You can always consult our Ultimate Guide to a Kansas City Summer for a full list but here are some of our favorites for June in Kansas City. Thanks to Legoland Discovery Center and Crown Center for sponsoring this month’s guide.

Master Your Ninja Skills at Legoland (May 19-June 30)

Ninjago at Legoland

Spin’jitzu your way into LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City to help Master Wu protect his village. You must master the six ninja virtues – courage, balance, honesty, generosity, curiosity, and wisdom to receive your ninja reward. Don’t miss NINJAGO® beginning May 19- June 30. Tickets available now.

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious at Crown Center (May 28-Sept. 5)

Children will have more fun than a barrel of monkeys as they explore the world of Curious George in Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious! This interactive exhibit presents key STEAM concepts and invites visitors to learn like George – through curiosity, experience, and mischievous fun! Hours:  Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Learn more.


Cool Off at the Best KC Splash Padssplash pad

Summer is here! As the temperature rises, we’re all looking for ways to cool off. If you are new to splash pads (also called spray grounds or spray parks), they are typically free public parks with water features that are open in the summer (generally Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).

All of these metro splash pads have been given the stamp of approval by the Kansas City Mom Collective team and their kids. Each one has a bathroom on site, and in most cases, there is even an adjacent playground. Find a splash bad near you here. 

Old Shawnee Days (June 2-5)

The bands will be rockin’, kids will be smilin’, and the turkey legs will be smokin’ as Old Shawnee Days returns! Old Shawnee Days is FREE and open to the public. All performances are FREE! Any food/drink/vendor/ride purchases can vary in price. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m. Get the full schedule.

Festa Italiana (June 3-5)three kids in front of Festa Italian sign

One of Kansas City’s favorite festivals, Festa Italiana, the unique celebration of Italian traditions and Italian-American culture, will be June 3 – 5, 2022. This longtime local ethnic festival draws visitors from across metropolitan Kansas City and beyond to Zona Rosa. Enjoy an amazing assortment of Italian food favorites, great entertainment on the main stage all weekend, an Italian Motorsports Show and much more.

Chuggington Arrives at Silver Dollar City (June 11-July 24)Chuggington Adventure Depot logo

Summer of 2022 brings an exciting new kids adventure to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. Preschoolers will journey into the exciting world of the popular animated series “Chuggington” in the traintastic Chuggington Adventure Depot. This all-new immersive experience allows Silver Dollar City’s youngest guests to become their favorite Chugger characters, like Wilson, Brewster and Koko, as they explore the unique, wall-to-wall recreation of the world of Chuggington from June 11 – July 24.

Great American Campout at Shawnee Mission Park (June 18-19)

Step away from the stresses of daily life and camp with us under the stars in Shawnee Mission Park. Fee includes campsite, evening smores, bagel, juice and / or coffee the following morning. One low price allows you to camp with your entire family, hassle free! Campers will need to bring their own camping gear and all other food and beverages (kid friendly, please). Register here.

Participants will receive 50% off their admission to the beach and Theatre in the Park’s Production of Disney’s “Descendants”. For those wishing to rent a boat at the marina you may make reservations 7 days in advance. Need tips for camping with kids? We’ve got you covered.
Juneteenth Celebrations
JunteenthKC encourages people of all backgrounds from Kansas City to learn about African American history and grow. Check out the cultural parade on June 4 and the Heritage Festival on June 18. Learn about all the events here.

Junebug Ball at Deanna Rose Farmstead (June 23)

Dress up as your favorite bug and help celebrate the benefits of insects, spiders, and other garden friends at this annual favorite. There will be assorted crafts, activities, and games to keep you buzzing while learning about the wonderful world of bugs. Don’t miss these Hidden Gems at Deanna Rose, secrets you might not know, even as a regular.

Locked Zoo (June 25)

Love puzzles? Enjoy solving mysteries? You won’t want to miss out on this adult-only (age 18+) event on June 25. You and your team will explore select areas of the Kansas City Zoo in searching for clues, solving puzzles, and ultimately saving the day! There will be plenty of animals to see along the way, dinner options for pre-purchase and a great selection of beverages available. The event is 5-9 p.m. and is $40/player. Learn more.

Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to 10-year-old, Henry, 7-year-old Clark and 5-year-old Lucy. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!