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. For all in-person programs, physical distancing and COVID-19 safe practices will be encouraged.

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: Fall Planters, KC Symphony in the Park, and TimberRidge Adventure Race

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Sept 11-17

Sept. 12 and Mondays thereafter - Watercolor Painter’s Palette (Ages 50 & Older)

Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, 9:30 a.m., 5 Punch Art Card - $56 / $62 nonresidents or 10 Punch Art Card - $108 / $119 nonresidents

In this weekly drop-in program, you can work at your own pace and learn techniques, styles, and tips with individual instruction and peer assistance provided across four types of mediums. Call the 50 Plus office at MRCC to purchase punch cards at 913-826-2830.

Sept. 12 - 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

Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment. This limited-occupancy monthly 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 23492. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Sept. 12 - Youth Group Swim Lessons (Ages 6 months to Adult)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87th St., Lenexa, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 classes in six levels, beginning times, and class durations vary, 8 sessions, $65 per child, $72 nonresidents

Lesson levels include: Baby & Me, Preschool B, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Most levels are assigned based on skill level rather than age. Find descriptions of swim levels here, or use our Swim Level Assessment Form here. Search and register for Group Swim Lessons here.

Sept. 12 - Art: Homeschool Making & Engineering (Age 8-12)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Mondays, 10 a.m. to Noon., 10 sessions, $160 per person, $176 nonresidents

New! Make machines, electrical circuits, custom games, and more as you learn how to combine art with engineering to explore and create amazing things. Students will go through the entire design process from idea to sketch, to first draft, and end result; focusing on interactive design and process over product. This class is designed to supplement your homeschool curriculum and let you explore art, making, science, and engineering in a hands-on way. Activity number 22801.

Sept. 12 - Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts (Ages 6-12)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 sessions, 5:30 to 6:20 p.m., $66 per person, $72 nonresidents

Traditional martial arts techniques taught with an emphasis on awareness based self-defense and anti-bullying. Improve discipline, focus, and self-confidence while strengthening the body and mind. Activity number 23162.

Sept 12 - Bridge Play (Ages 50 Plus)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m., 5 sessions, $17 per person, $18 nonresidents 

Beginner Bridge players join us! This is a place for beginners to practice their play in a learning environment. Instructor will be available to answer questions or help with your next move. Activity number 23347.

Sept. 13 - Gentle Yoga (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Tuesdays, 8:30 to 9:20 a.m., 4 sessions, $40 per person, $44 nonresidents

Gentle Yoga is performed at a slower pace, with less intense positions, and includes extended time for meditation, yogic breath work, and relaxation. Activity number 23106.

Sept. 13 - Birding: Fall Bird Walk (Ages 18 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 7:30 to 9 a.m., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents

Join us for a morning walk in the woods to look for fall migrants and resident birds. Get help spotting and identifying different species. Bring binoculars if possible, as limited loaner binoculars will be available. Advanced registration is required. Activity number 23355.

Sept. 13 - Art: Art Explorers (Ages 3-7)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $12 per person

Bring your budding artists into the Art Studio for a mini art project made just for them. We’ll explore different media and techniques of art like drawing, collage, and sculpture while building on early learning skills during this mini class. Students will need an adult to attend class with them. The theme for Sept. 13 is collage art. Activity number 22847.

Sept. 14 - Kansas City Symphony Concert in the Park (All Ages)

Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 6 p.m., FREE

Musicians from the Kansas City Symphony will be performing neighborhood concerts in JCPRD parks throughout Johnson County. For more locations where KC Symphony musicians will be performing, visit their official website.

Sept. 14 - Live Well Age Well Expo 2022 (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., FREE

The 50 Plus Program is excited to bring this event back in person this year!  Join us for a fun day exploring booths, attending educational sessions, participating in the health screenings and more. 

Sept. 14 - Museum: Retro Storytime - “The Little Red Hen” (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

First 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. Published in 1953, this story is a long-time favorite about a hen, hard work, and the benefits of collaborating with friends. Activity number 23487. To see all upcoming Retro Storytime sessions for the current season, click here. This program is also available as a field trip for groups - call for more information at 913-715-2570.

Sept. 14 - Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (Ages 50 Plus)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE

Learn how to recognize common signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia; how to approach someone about memory concerns; importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis. Presentations by Alzheimer’s Association. Activity number 23265.

Sept. 15 - Multi-Sport: Amazing Athletes (Ages 3-5)

Meadowbrook Park Shelter #1, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Thursdays, 1 to 1:45 p.m., 5 sessions, $98 per person, $108 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 23209.

Sept. 15 - Little Critter’s Day Out: Magical Monarchs (Ages 3-5)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 9 a.m. to noon, $19 per person, $21 nonresidents)

Your Little Critter will enjoy three hours of fun and education once as you enjoy some personal time! Activities will vary but we will have an adventure, eat a snack, make a craft, play games, and see an animal visitor each day. Dress for the weather. Children must be potty trained. For more information call 913-826-2800. Advanced registration required. Sign up for just the Thursdays you want or for all of them! A monthly bundle is offered at a discount when registering for all four available Thursdays in September and October. You must register for all four dates in the same month at the same time to receive the discount. Activity number 23460. To see all upcoming Little Critter’s Day Out sessions for the current season, click here.

Sept. 15 - Gardening: Fall Planters (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Shelter #1, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $38 per person, $41 nonresidents

Get creative and hands on while designing a planter to spruce up your porch or deck. Pot, soil, and flowers included. Activity number 23077.

Sept. 15 - Museum: Redlining and Environmental Impacts Panel (Ages 21 & 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 museum members

Join panelists from the Blue River Conservation Collaborative, JCPRD, JoCo Storm Water, and the Heartland Conservation Alliance for a discussion of the Blue River Watershed history, conservation efforts, and future. This program is hosted by The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, and complements the museum’s special exhibit, REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation. This Redlining and Environmental Impacts Panel program complements the REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation exhibition, now on display. More information at JCPRD.com/Redlined. Activity number 23497.

Sept. 16 through Nov. 20 -  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.; $130 for first wagon, $110 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.

Sept. 16 - Gymnastics: Ninja Training (Ages 6-12)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 4:30 to 6 p.m., $25 per person, $27.50 nonresidents

No matter their skill level, everyone can have a blast learning to be ninjas! Training will emphasize improving strength and agility through obstacle challenges and conditioning. Activity number 22413.

Sept. 16 - Theatre: Adult Improv (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Fridays, 2 to 3:30 p.m., 8 sessions, $150 per person, $165 nonresidents

Learn the fundamentals of putting together a highly entertaining improv show. Participants will work together and as an ensemble to learn the fundamentals of improv techniques. Activity number 22649.

Sept. 17 - TimberRidge Adventure Race (All Ages)

Kill Creek Park, 11670 S. Homestead Lane, Olathe, and will include activities in Kill Creek Streamway Park, and in portions of the adventure course at 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, paddling, and use of some elements of the TimberRidge Adventure Center. 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.