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: Lifeguard Training, Play in a Day, and Lanesfield School Open Hours

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Oct. 8-14:

Sept 28 - JCPRD Lifeguard Training - September (Ages 15 & Older)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87^th Street, Lenexa, 4 to 6 p.m. session via Zoom on Sept. 28, on-site from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 29, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily on Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, FREE to potential JCPRD employees

This blended learning American Red Cross Lifeguarding class is intended for potential JCPRD employees only. If you do not wish to lifeguard for JCPRD, then this is not the class for you. Please also fill the form out at JCPRD.com/FormCenter/Aquatics-16/Aquatics-Job-Interest-Form-523.

Oct. 6 registration deadline, play begins Oct. 29 - Volleyball NCF Fall 2 for individuals and teams (Grades 3- 8)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, Sunday evenings, 6 doubleheaders sessions, $113 per person, or $680 per team

In addition to games on Sunday evening, fee includes one 60-minute practice per week and game day shirt. If you volunteer to coach and are chosen to be a head coach, your child will receive 50% off their registration fee. Players who have friends that sign up can be placed on the same team. For individual registrations, click here. For team registrations, click here. Please go to JCPRD.com/sports for further info or call 913-826-2850 with any questions.

Oct. 9 - Cards: Bridge Mistakes (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, $25 per person, $28 nonresidents

NEW! Learn about these five commonly made mistakes in bridge and discover how to correct them. Handouts included. Join the class afterwards for optional lunch at Mi Ranchito. Activity number 31994.

Oct. 10 - Early Learning: Creepy Critters (Age 1-4 with Adult)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents

“Who! Who, goes there?” You don’t have to be afraid of anything when you understand the importance of all animals, including the creepy ones. Join Ernie Miller Nature Center to see a live tarantula, toad, and owl. Activity number 32104.

Oct. 10 - Special Event: Murder Mystery Masquerade (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 5 to 9 p.m., $79 per person, $82 nonresidents

NEW! In the spirit of Halloween, you’re invited to attend the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball, but tragically, there will be a murder! Mingle with guests, find clues, and help solve this murder mystery. Enjoy a catered buffet dinner and plenty of glamorous fun. Don’t forget to dress the part! Pre-paid ticket costs and a $5 processing fee will be deducted from cancellation refunds. Within seven days of event, cancellations are non-refundable. Activity number 31821.

Oct. 10 - Concert: New Horizons Band Concert Series (All Ages)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 7 to 8 p.m., Free

Clear your calendars & don’t miss these performances by members of the New Horizons Band as they make beautiful music together. This top-notch entertainment is FREE of charge. No registration required! Activity number 32078.

Oct. 11 - Kansas City Symphony Concert in the Park (All Ages)

Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park with a separate entrance at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, 6 to 7 p.m., Free

Musicians from the Kansas City Symphony will be performing neighborhood concerts in JCPRD parks, most with the symphony’s Mobile Music Box stage.  All events are weather permitting. 

Oct. 11 - Museum: Retro Storytime - Animal Orchestra (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. This classic rhyming story from 1958 about an animal orchestra and its hippo conductor is perfect for reading aloud. Children will have front-row seats as they imagine the rousing experience of a night at the orchestra! Activity number 31729. See all upcoming Retro Storytime sessions for the current season. This program is also available as a field trip for groups - call 913-715-2570 more information.

Oct. 11 - Early Learning: Silly Sensory Walk (Ages 1-4 with an Adult)

Meadowbrook Park - Shelter #1, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., $4 per person, $5 nonresidents

Explore the park with a group and find fun and tactile ways to interact along the way! Limit of two children per adult. Activity number 31985.

Oct. 12 - Games: Outburst® (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 1 to 2 p.m., Free

"Cars that start with 'C'!...GO!" Come play this virtual game of verbal explosions. You'll yell, you'll laugh, you'll rack your brain! Most importantly, you'll have a good OUTBURST! Activity number 31830.

Oct. 12 - Museum: TRAINS - "National Academy of Railroad Sciences" (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

Terry Harrison, director of the National Academy of Railroad Sciences at Johnson County Community College, will speak about the history of the NARS program. NARS offers accelerated, hands-on training to those seeking a job in the railroad industry through a partnership with BNSF Railway. This program ties into the museum’s special interactive exhibit, “TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County” which opened in mid-May and examines how everything changed after the railroad came through Johnson County for the first time in 1867. Activity number 31462.

Oct. 12, 13 (2 separate classes) - Theatre: Play in a Day (Ages 8-12)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $75 per person, $83 nonresidents

In just one day, your child will unleash their creativity, work as a team, and perform in a magical play they create themselves. From storytelling, character development, group rehearsals, and fun theatre games, they'll experience the joy of theatre and boost their confidence. Don't miss this enchanting adventure! In the Oct. 12 session (activity number 31275), participants will create their own superheroes and villains, complete with unique powers and thrilling backstories. Kids will devise a thrilling plot where their heroes and villains clash in an epic battle for justice. In the Oct. 13 session (activity number 31276), participants will embark on an exciting journey through time, exploring different eras an encountering historical figures. They will brainstorm a captivating storyline where they must solve puzzles and overcome challenges to restore the timeline. Through imaginative storytelling, collaborative teamwork, and action-packed scenes, participants in both programs will bring their stories to life. Both programs conclude with a sharing at 3 p.m. 

Oct. 12, 13 (2 separate classes) - Theatre: Play in a Day (Ages 8-12)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., $75 per person, $83 museum members

In just one day, your child will unleash their creativity, work as a team, and perform in a magical play they create themselves. From storytelling, character development, group rehearsals, and fun theatre games, they'll experience the joy of theatre and boost their confidence. Don't miss this enchanting adventure! Participants will create their own superheroes and villains, complete with unique powers and thrilling backstories. Kids will devise a thrilling plot where their heroes and villains clash in an epic battle for justice. Through imaginative storytelling, collaborative teamwork, and action-packed scenes, they will bring their heroic tale to life. This program concludes with a sharing at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, session, activity number 31275. Friday, Oct. 13, session, activity number 31276.

Oct. 12, 13 (2 separate classes) - 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. Thursday, Oct. 12, session, activity number 31656. Friday, Oct. 13, session, activity number 31657. For program questions, call the museum at 913-715-2570.

Oct. 13 (3 separate sessions) - Geocaching: Trick-or-Cache (All Ages)

Antioch Park Shelter #2, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, three one-hour sessions in one-hour increments., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents

A Halloween event the entire family will enjoy! Search for hidden caches around the park with the provided GPS device. Receive Halloween candy for each cache found. Costumes encouraged! Meet at Shelter #2 of Antioch Park. One GPS device loaned per group. Please choose one of three time slots to begin your adventure. Please register each person collecting candy. Should the event need to be rescheduled due to weather, it will take place on 10/20. 3 p.m. session, activity number 32098; 4 p.m. session, 32099; and 5 p.m. session, 32100.

Oct. 13 - Gymnastics: Ninja Training (Ages 6-12)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 4:30 to 6 p.m., $27 per person, $30 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 31289.

Oct. 14 - Halloween: Whimsical Woods (Ages 11 & Under)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 1 to 2:45 p.m. with eight start times at 15 minute intervals, $8 per person - including adults, $9 nonresidents, $10 on-site on day of event if space if available

There’s nothing scary about this enchanted forest. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages with live animals, stories, and surprises along the trail. We will highlight favorite childhood tales. Group sessions begin every 15 minutes to rotate together through the program stations. Event lasts approximately 1.5 hours. In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors. Advance registration required. Minimum one paid adult per five paid children. Program fee is nonrefundable. For more information call 913-826-2800. Start times: 1 p.m., activity number 31516; 1:15 p.m., 31517; 1:30 p.m., 31518; 1:45 p.m., 31519; 2 p.m., 31520; 2:15 p.m., 31521; 2:30 p.m., 31522; and 2:45 p.m., 31523.

Oct. 14 - Games: The Regal Chess School Win A Chess Trophy Symposium (Ages 5-10)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 10 a.m. to noon, $35 per person, $39 nonresidents

Participants will enjoy beginner and advanced chess lessons. Class will be divided by skill level and two separate lessons will be given. During fun play time, students will play warm-up fun games against equally skilled opponents. Participants will also learn tournament rules and how to use a chess clock. During the Nationally Rated Trophy Tournament portion of the class, quads of four players grouped by grade and skill to play will play in an official Chess Express-Rated Tournament. Each student will have an official CXR rating after the class has concluded. Each participant will receive a FREE Chess Set and a Chess Tactics Workbook. First place in each quad will receive a chess trophy, while second- through fourth-place will receive medals. Activity number 32228.

Oct. 14 - Lanesfield Historic Site - Open Hours (All Ages)

18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, Free

The limestone schoolhouse, the last remaining structure in the former town of Lanesfield, is the oldest operating schoolhouse in Johnson County. Students attended from 1869 - 1963 when the school closed. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The site today includes the original schoolhouse, four outbuildings, and a modern visitors center that houses the exhibit One-Room Schools in Kansas, a museum store, and restrooms. For questions, call 913-715-2570.