Summer Reading at Johnson County Library (June 5 – July 31)
Johnson County Library will dive into the Oceans of Possibilities this summer with both virtual and in-person programs! Oceans of Possibilities, the theme for this year’s Summer Reading, will kick off with a series of virtual events on Saturday, June 4. Youth-centered June programs will be offered virtually or outdoors which include: Storytimes, Youth book clubs, Special Feature Storytime with Deborah Lee Rose, 123 Andres Live!, a penguin encounter with the Kansas City Zoo, and Juneteenth programs and offerings. The fun continues with opportunities to get creative with the youth sticker design and poetry contests.
Summer Reading books will be distributed at each Library location this year during the month of June only. Branches will begin offering one free book per family member beginning June 1st and concluding June 30th. Don’t forget to stop by any Library in June and July to pick up your reading log, or download one from the website. Visit jocolibrary.org/summerreading to check out all of the exciting events this summer.
Kids not old enough for traditional camp can still experience the benefits at these summer day camps, story times, and classes in Kansas City featuring art, science, cooking and music. Be sure to check out our comprehensive summer camp guide!
Storytimes and Reading Programs
Storytime in the Park with Mid-Continent Library (June and July)
KCKPL Summer Reading Kickoff at Boulevard Drive-In (June 2)
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with a FREE movie! Join Kansas City, Kansas Public Library at Boulevard Drive-In to celebrate the start of our Summer Reading Program on the evening of June 2nd. Gates will open at 7:00 pm, and the movie will start at 9:15 pm. The movie will be Shrek. Pre-show entertainment will include bubbles, games, summer reading sign-up, and a book giveaway with local author Daniel Miyares. Each car of attendees will receive a free copy of his book Hope at Sea. Learn more about the summer reading program.
Community Matters Book Club – Johnson County Library (June 9, July 14)
Community Matters Book Club helps get the conversation started by featuring topics, characters, and situations that will introduce diverse characters and historical events, and offer opportunities for representation to those who don’t always see themselves in books. Each session we will provide a book for you to keep, along with an invitation to join us as a family for discussion, questioning, and community building. Copies of the book will be provided to participants who live in Johnson County. Best for parents or guardians, and their children ages 8-12.
KCPL Summer Reading Program Kickoff (June and July)
Find out details about the summer reading programs for both kids and adults at the Kansas City Public Library.
Tween Book Club at Johnson County Library (June 27, July 25)
If you’re age 9-13 and enjoy reading, this program is for you. Let’s get together on Zoom to read new books, discuss ideas and characters, and meet other book lovers. Each month we’ll read a different book, and staff will lead the group in a discussion about that title. Copies of the book will be provided to participants who live in Johnson County. June: The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan July: The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
Art Classes
Art Camps/Classes – Wee Create Studio
Wee Create Studio is a neighborhood art space for kids and their families in Prairie Village. Children’s art classes focus on process-based art exploration and learning. The Wee Create Studio way for kids to develop artistically encourages children to experiment and create art in their own way. Summer programs include camps (preschool and elementary ages), musically artistic classes and more.
Summer Programs – Ceramic Café
Camp themes this year include Fantasy Fun, Olympics and Zoo Animals.Camp for younger artists, ages 5-7yrs, run for three days. Camps are for our older artists ages 8+ and run 1, 2, and 3 day sessions. Choose the days and times that work for your schedule. Mix and match your days and themes. Learn more.
Kreeayt Art Studio
Kreeayt is an all ages art studio offering Summer Camps and Mini Summer Camps for ages 5-17 out of two studio locations in Blue Springs.
Summer Art Classes – Orange Easel
Summer is about exploration, creativity, mess-making, freedom and invention. Orange Easel has classes for every age and artistic ability!
Camp ARTrageous – Paint, Glaze & Fire
Camp ARTrageous is big-time fun for kids and big-time convenience for parents. Five camp sessions available with six 90-minute classes per session. Themes include Love KC, You’re An Animal, America, Sweet Tooth, Harry Potter, and Spring Into Art. Sign up for a full session or mix and match classes (morning, afternoon or full day) to fit your schedule. Ages 6-18.
Summer Day Camps
Kansas City Zoo Day Camps
Wonder Camp at Wonderscope
Wonder Campers will meet new friends and enjoy stimulating, themed learning in the museum exhibits. With indoor and outdoor activities, group games, art projects, and exploration playtime, your children are sure to have a memorable time at Wonder Camp! Make a plan soon – some camps are already sold out. See options here.
Code Ninjas Camps for Gamers
Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. Camp themes include Minecraft, Roblox, YouTubers and more. See full schedule here.
