Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers year-round program, activities, and special events for all ages!

For more information or to register online for the programs listed here, visit JCPRD.com/Register and complete a search for any of the activity numbers listed below. To register by phone, call 913-831-3359.

A reminder that while JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at 913-826-2975 for space availability.

I’ve attached photos that go with: Ceramic, Monarch Migration, and Aging Mastery

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Sept. 10-16:

Sept. 11 - Museum: Sensory Friendly Monday (All Ages)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, $4 per person for ages up to 18, $6 per person for ages 18 to 59, and $5 per person for ages 60 and older

1st of a new season! Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment. This limited-occupancy session is designed specifically for children with sensory processing differences and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their families. We welcome visitors of all abilities and museum experience. We also welcome hand fidgets, comfort items, weighted blankets and vests, and mobility devices. Activity number 31649. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Sept. 11 & 12 - Dance: 50 Plus Tap - Beginning, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, days, times vary (see below), 6 sessions, $48 per person, $53 nonresidents

Four separate classes. Learn basic tap fundamentals such as the Waltz, Clog, and Rhythm Time Steps in Beginner Tap. Stomp, shuffle, and stamp your way to the next level with Intermediate. Test out of Intermediate for Advanced. Hard-soled or tap dance shoes required. No previous tap dance necessary for Beginner.

Meeting on Mondays beginning Sept. 11 are: a Beginner class from 1:15 p.m. to 2:05 p.m., activity number 32052 and an Intermediate class is offered from 2 to 2:50 p.m., activity number 32058. Meeting on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 12 are: an Advanced Beginner class from 1:15 to 2:05 p.m., activity number 32060 and an Advanced class from 2 to 2:50 p.m., activity number 32063.

Sept. 11 - Art: Ceramics (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Mondays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $126 per person, $139 nonresidents

Clay provides an opportunity for problem-solving and creative thinking while making art. Teaching artists will design the class based on your interests and needs including hand building and thrown ceramics. No experience needed, all supplies included. Activity number 30999.

Sept. 11 Registration deadline - event takes place Sept. 16 - Nature & Outdoors: Monarch Migration (Ages 8 & Older - children must be accompanied by Parent/Guardian or one adult chaperone per group of 5)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 10 to 11:30 a.m., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents, $10 per person onsite day of event, if space available)

Celebrate the Monarch butterfly’s amazing annual migration. Join us in capturing, tagging, and releasing them to continue their journey to Mexico. Learn about these amazing insects and other native butterflies. Wear long pants to protect your legs as you run through the prairie and remember closed toed shoes to protect your feet. Due to a limited amount of insect nets, you are welcome to bring your own. Registration for this event closes on Sept. 11. Activity number 31861. Note that an early learning program by this same name for ages 1-4 takes place at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse on Sept. 21, activity number 31986. 

Sept. 12 - Special Interest: Aging Mastery Program (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m., 10 sessions, $32 per person, $35 nonresidents)

The 10- session program combines goal setting, daily practices, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes in their lives. Central to the AMP philosophy is the belief that modest lifestyle changes can produce big results and that people can be empowered to cultivate health and longevity. Each session is led by a trained facilitator who guides participants through activities and discussions. The National Council on Aging provides researched content presented by subject matter experts. Time for questions and answers in every session provides further opportunity for participants to gain new insights. Activity number 32005. 

Sept. 12 - Cards: Bridge Workshops - Opening Leads (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 6 p.m., $12 per person, $13 nonresidents

Opening Leads and Defensive Signals are a defender's best friends. Put those opponents down before they even get going on their contract. Become an in-demand partner. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Activity number 31913. See other upcoming Bridge Workshops. 

Sept. 13 - Multi-Sport: Amazing Athletes (Ages 3-5)

Meadowbrook Park Shelter #1, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Wednesdays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., 5 sessions, $102 per person, $112 nonresidents

Amazing Athletes uses a multi-sport program to introduces the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a non-competitive environment. Children in Amazing Athletes routinely gain greater confidence, learn to combine fitness with fun, and develop six key motor skills. Equipment provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Activity number 32027. 

Sept. 13 - Museum: Retro Storytime - We Like Kindergarten (All Ages)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $2 per person, $1.60 museum members

1^st of a new season! Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! A craft activity is included after the story ends. In this story from 1965, a little girl, Carol, tells the audience all about her day in kindergarten. She goes through each activity in her day. At the end of the book, she comes home and plays kindergarten with her little sister and pets. Activity number 31728. See all upcoming Retro Storytime sessions for the current season. This program is also available as a field trip for groups - call for more information at 913-715-2570. 

Sept. 13 - Art: Plein Air (Ages 50 & Older)

Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, Wednesdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m., 6 sessions, $67 per person, $74 nonresidents

Explore the beauty of the outdoors at Shawnee Mission Park and learn how to translate it to paper or canvas by painting outdoors. Learn color mixing, light representation, and more. Contact 913-826-2830 for full supply list. Additional dates may be added at the end due to inclement weather. Activity number 32050. 

Sept. 13 - Games: Bingo - Apple Pickin’ (Ages 50 & Older)

Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $6 per person, $7 nonresidents

BINGO! Delight in food, prizes, fun and 12 games of bingo. Variety of prizes awarded including gift certificates. Please pre-register at least one week in advance. Payment is required at time of registration. For the enjoyment of all participants, children are not permitted to attend 50 Plus Bingos. Cost of admission covers snacks and staff time to administer the bingo program. No additional charge for bingo. Activity number 31945. 

Sept. 14 - Museum: TRAINS - "Traqueros in Kansas" (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 7 p.m., $8 per person, $6.40 for museum members

Valerie Mendoza will speak about traqueros - Mexican and Mexican American track workers who were integral to the development of the railroad in Johnson County and beyond. Dr. Mendoza is a historian and grant director at Washburn University and a fourth-generation Mexican American Kansan. Activity number 31461. This program ties into the museum’s special interactive exhibit, “TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County” which opened at the museum in mid-May and examines how everything changed after the railroad came through Johnson County for the first time in 1867. 

Sept. 14 - Make: Sewn Circuits (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $95 per person / $104 nonresidents

NEW! Learn about electronics while making a piece of glowing, wearable art. Students will sew wearable electronic components onto fabric to make glowing DIY patches that can be worn on any fabric item. Prior hand sewing experience is recommended but not required. Activity number 30972. 

Sept. 14 - Pickleball: Pickleball 101 (Ages 18 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Pickleball Courts, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Thursdays, 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $52 per person, $55 nonresidents 

Learn all things pickleball! This four-week course is great for new and beginning players. Each week will focus on a new topic covering all the basics like terminology, scoring, rules, serving, strategy and more. Equipment not provided, bring your own paddle. 9 a.m. to 10:30 session, activity number 31952. 7 to 8:30 p.m. session, activity number 31955. 

Sept. 15 - Dance: Drop in and Dance! Tap (Ages 14 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 7 to 9 p.m., $15 per person / $16.50 nonresidents

2nd of 13 separate Friday night classes - Each class in this Drop in and Dance series running through mid-December will focus on a different genre, including swing, tap, belly dancing, and musical theatre. In this Musical Tap Class, you will explore the rich history of tap dancing, with a focus on rhythm, timing technique, and of course, fun! This drop-in series is perfect for dancers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. Each class will be taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about their respective dance styles, and who will guide you through the movements step-by-step. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique, learn a new style, or just have fun and meet new people, our drop-in dance class series has something for everyone! Activity number 32125. See all classes in this series.  

Sept. 15 - Museum: Kids' Day Out (Ages 6-10)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $38 per person, $30.40 for museum members

Come have fun when school is out! Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration of KidScape and museum exhibits, play games, and enjoy down time. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water bottle and dress for the weather - we will go outside if we can. We are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you may drop off and pick up at any time. Five-year-old children can be enrolled if currently attending kindergarten. Activity number 31655. For program questions, call the museum, 913-715-2570. 

Sept. 15 Registration deadline – games begin week of Sept. 24 - Fall Adult Softball (Ages 18 & Older)

Mid-America Sports Complex, 20000 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, dates and starting times vary, Doubleheader leagues $600 per team after Sept. 1, early bird pricing available now

Doubleheader leagues are guaranteed 10 games over five weeks. Game times range from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Leagues will be sorted into Advanced, Intermediate, and Recreational skill levels. Doubleheader leagues include: Monday Men’s starting Sept. 25, activity number 32217; Tuesday Men’s starting Sept. 26, activity number 32218; Wednesday Coed starting Sept. 27, activity number 32224; Wednesday Men’s starting Sept. 27, activity number 32219; Thursday Coed starting Sept. 28, activity number 32225; Thursday Men’s starting Sept. 28, activity number 32221; Sunday Coed starting Oct. 1, activity number 32223; and Sunday Men’s starting Oct. 1, activity number 32222. 

Sept. 15 through Nov. 19 -  Fall Group Hayrides (All Ages)

Oak Ridge Parklands in Shawnee Mission Park, 7460 Ogg Road, Shawnee, offered Fridays at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.; $140 for first wagon, $120 per additional wagon

Hayride wagons are pulled by a tractor and are loaded with hay bales.  Each reservation includes a 45-minute to one-hour hayride which concludes with a one-hour campfire, where apple cider and marshmallows await. Due to other scheduled hayrides, total time including campsite time cannot extend past two hours. A maximum of 20 people will be allowed per haywagon, multiple wagons can be booked for groups larger than 20 people. For reservations, call 913-831-3359, Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm, or come in person to the Registration Office (Building D) at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Hayride reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the actual hayride date and fees are nonrefundable if cancelled with less than two weeks notice. In addition to these group hayrides, JCPRD is also offering seven public hayrides at scheduled times between Oct. 7 and Nov. 18 for families and small groups.  

Sept. 16 - Free Day at the Johnson County Museum (All Ages)

8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., FREE

During this free day, visitors can explore the Johnson County Museum’s signature exhibition, experience the museum’s KidScape area, and see the current special interactive exhibit, “TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County” which examines how everything changed after the railroad came through Johnson County for the first time in 1867. No pregistration required for museum entry. For more information call 913-826-2787. 

Sept. 16 - TimberRidge Adventure Race (All Ages)

Kill Creek Park, 11670 S. Homestead Lane, Olathe, and will include activities in Kill Creek Streamway Park, and TimberRidge Adventure Center, 9 a.m., fees vary

This event offers both two- and six-hour options, both for singles and teams of up to four, which may involve navigation, trekking (running or hiking), mountain biking, and paddling. There may also be surprise challenges for all courses. Athletes will have access only to the gear, food, and drink that they carry on their bike or in their pack. Topographic maps will be issued at check-in. The team that completes all the checkpoints (or more than other teams) with the fastest time will win the race. Register for this event at https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Olathe/TimberRidgeAdventureRace. Registration for this event ends Sept. 16.