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: 50 Plus Bridge, Retro Storytime, and Veterans Breakfast

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Nov. 6-12

Beginning Nov. 1 - New Hours for Ernie Miller Nature Center (All Ages)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe,

New nature center hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Once they begin, these new hours will be kept with no seasonal changes. Ernie Mille Park will continue to be open from dusk until dawn year-around.

Nov. 2 - Pickleball: Beginning Lessons (Ages 50 & Older)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, 1 to 3 p.m., $15 per person, $16 nonresidents

Learn the basic rules of pickleball and get in on the game all your friends are talking about! Equipment provided; space is limited. Activity number 23318.

Nov. 7 deadline - event takes place Nov. 10 - Special Event: Veterans Breakfast (All Ages)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., veterans eat free, $8 per person for others

Celebrate Veterans Day early with a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast from Chris Cakes. For more information, call 913-826-2830. Activity number 23282.

Nov. 7 - 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 23494. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Nov. 8 - 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 this session is yarn art. Activity number 22850.

Nov. 8 - Cards: Bridge Workshops - Overcalls (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 5:30 p.m., $10 per person, $11 nonresidents

Become an in-demand partner with these bridge workshops. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Workshops include hands-on instruction and handouts to take home. Activity number 23253. To see other upcoming Bridge Workshops, click here.

Nov. 8 - Gardening: Coffee and a Gardner (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE 

What is that? How do I grow this? What should I put in my garden? What type of garden do I like? So many questions and no one to ask until now. Join the K-State Extension Office and be free to discuss your gardening questions with a master gardener. Activity number 23478.

Nov. 8 - Early Learning: Let’s Talk Turkey (Ages 2-5)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., $8 per child, $9 nonresidents

Join Ernie Miller Nature Center staff at Meadowbrook Park to celebrate Thanksgiving by hearing stories about wild turkeys. Meet Jake O’Turkey. Touch a turkey egg and feel real turkey feathers. We will go on a food scavenger hunt and practice turkey calls. Activity number 23167.

Nov. 9 - Museum: Retro Storytime - “The Poky Little Puppy” (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

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. Originally published in 1942, this book tells the story of five little puppies that dig a hole under the fence and go for a walk in the wide, wide world. What will their mother say? Activity number 23489. 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.

Nov. 9 - Alzheimer's - Navigating the Holidays (Ages 18 & Older)

Virtual Program, 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 the Alzheimer's Association. Activity number 23267.

Nov. 10 - Little Critter’s Day Out: Twinkle Little Star (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! Activity number 23468. To see all upcoming Little Critter’s Day Out sessions for the current season, click here.

Nov. 12 - Art: Ceramic Holiday Tree (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 a.m. to Noon, $66 per person, $73 nonresidents

NEW! Get ready to go back in time and custom glaze a 13” ceramic pine tree lamp. During this one-time session participants will paint a pre-made pine tree lamp with ceramic glazes any way you choose! Our teaching artist will be there to guide you through the glazing process, so no experience needed. Plastic bulbs, topper, and electrical light included. Trees will be fired in the kiln and ready for pickup around two weeks after the class date. Activity number 22996.