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: Johnson County Museum and Fall Public Hayrides

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Sept. 25-Oct. 1

Sept. 17 - FREE Day at the Museum (All Ages)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to 4:30, FREE

Explore the Johnson County Museum’s signature exhibition as well as the current special exhibition REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs and Segregation to gain a deeper understanding of the county’s history and growth during this free day. No pregistration required for museum entry. For more information call 913-826-2787.

Sept. 26 - Reading: Wanderlust Book Club – “The Darkest Jungle” (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 2-3 p.m., $5 per person, $6 nonresidents

Intertwine your love of travel and a good book with a travel-themed book club. Each month, enjoy the selected book from the list and conclude the month at the clubhouse with a group discussion on how it relates to your travel and how it may inspire your Wanderlust. This month’s book is “The Darkest Jungle” by Todd Balf. In 1854, Lieutenant Isaac G Strain, an ambitious American explorer and U S Naval officer, was given command of Cyane, the first ship to voyage to the Darien Gap. Strain was a natural born leader, a wild-haired, wiry-strong frontiersman who had travelled extensively throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Greatly admired, Strain was expected to successfully cross the isthmus of Central America through the Darien Gap. However, the expedition would prove to be perilous. Armed with fraudulent information about the areas rugged terrain, phony maps, and only a small supply of food, Strain and his team of 29 men ventured far from their ship and became lost in this mountainous, steep-banked jungle. Activity number 23081. To see upcoming Wanderlust Book Club sessions this season, click here.

Sept. 27 - Day Trip: Milk & Tea (Ages 50 & Older)

Departs from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m., $98 per person

Visit the Shatto Milk Company and experience the process of bringing milk from farm to table. Sample their various flavors and have time to shop the store. For a light lunch, enjoy a full tea party, tea sampling, and learn about the various tea blends. Before heading back, enjoy time shopping and exploring in the booming downtown of Liberty, Mo. Activity number 23195.

Sept. 27 - Art: Petite Picassos (Ages 3-7 with Adult)

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

Let’s paint like Picasso! During this pint-sized art class we’ll learn about painting with watercolors, tempera, chalk, and more. Students will need an adult to attend class with them. Activity number 22905.

Sept. 27 - Art: Art & Identity (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 8 p.m., FREE

NEW! This special lecture series at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center will be presented by Emily Alley assistant professor of strategic communication at Avila University. This lecture series explores identity in media, ranging from paleolithic cave art to video games. Each lecture is premised in the philosophy of Structuralism, the idea of culture as modern mythology, which we both influence and adopt. Attend one lecture or all three; the lectures all relate to the overall theme of Art Identity and can be registered for individually. The Sept. 27 lecture is called Identity in Portraiture, and will examine symbolism in art, portraiture as a proxy for conversation among an artist/patron/viewer, and the larger concept of recognition. Case studies include Picasso's portrait of Gertrude Stein - and the idea that she's painted wearing a Gertrude Stein mask. Activity number 23535. To see other lectures in this series, click here.

Sept. 28 - Gardening: Spring Garden Planning (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park  Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 1 to 2 p.m., $7 per person, $8 nonresidents

Fall is here and it is time to start thinking about your garden adventures next spring. Join us for a discussion on how to prepare your flower beds for a beautiful spring. Activity number 23078.

Sept. 28 - Cooking: Apple Orchard Delight Demo and Tasting (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., $25 per person, $28 nonresidents

Impress all your family and friends with these elevated apple creations! You will learn to make a savory roasted sweet potato and apple sausage casserole with creamy apple slaw. Then you can satisfy your sweet tooth with an apple, almond, and coconut tart. Your personal chef, Misty Town, might even serenade you with a few tunes while cooking! Activity number 23060.

Sept. 28 - Dance: Adult Hip Hop (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 6 sessions, $88 per person, $96 nonresidents

NEW! Learn the fundamentals of hip hop in this fun, interactive, and cardio-filled hip hop class. Activity number 22646.

Sept. 28 - Flag Football: Clinic with Challenger Sports (Grades K-8)

Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, Wednesdays, 4 sessions, $60 per person, $66 nonresidents

Join Challenger Sports at Mid-America West to learn the game or enhance already honed skills. New and experienced players are welcome. Beginners will be introduced to the sport by learning mechanics and game play. More experienced players will be able to fine tune skills in preparation for upcoming seasons. Players will be divided into teams for drills and scrimmages. Clinic for Grades K & 1, activity number 23438. Clinic for Grades 2 & 3, activity number 23437.  Clinic for Grades 4 & 5, activity number 23439. Clinic for Grades 6-8, activity number 23440.

Sept. 30 - Adventure Walk: Twilight Hike (Ages 3-6 with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 7 to 8:30 p.m., $7 per person - including adults, $8 nonresidents

Explore the trails at Ernie Miller Park as the sun sets. Listen for the nocturnal sounds of a cricket’s chorus and a barred owl’s call. Gather around a cheery fire ring for stories, activities, and a tasty treat. Participants should bring a flashlight. Advanced registration required. Activity number 23448.

Sept. 30 - Art: Coffee & Creativity (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Grand Pavilion, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10 a.m. to Noon, $30 per person, $33 nonresidents 

NEW! Spend the morning outside sipping coffee and being creative while learning new skills. Our teaching artist will guide you through painting a scene from our park using acrylic paints, with our park shelter as the classroom. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 23483.

Sept. 30 - Movies in the Park: “Zootopia” (Rated PG)

Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, movie starts between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m., depending on sunset, FREE thanks to the support of The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, Arvest Bank, and JE Dunn

10th of 11 through Oct. 28 - In a city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, an uptight rabbit police officer is forced to work with a charismatic fox con artist in order to get to the bottom of a major case involving the disappearance of carnivorous citizens.

Sept 30 - Performing Group Vocal: The Side By Side Experience (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Fridays, 12:30 to 2:30 pm, 12 sessions, $14 per person, $15 nonresidents

Looking for a way to sing and enjoy music with other performance lovers? This group of easy-going singers and piano players welcomes you to have fun with music regardless of your skill level. We offer weekly rehearsals with performances throughout the community during the month. Activity number 23086. For questions, call 913-826-2975.

Oct. 1 - Art: Ceramic Haunted House (Ages 8-15)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to Noon, 2 sessions, $45 per person, $50 nonresidents

NEW! Get creative and learn about clay while making your own ceramic Haunted House during this two-part class. Participants will learn hand-built ceramics and glazing techniques. Our teaching artist will be there to guide you through the process, so no experience is needed. Activity number 22910.

Oct. 1 - Theatre: It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Ages 3-5)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 10 to 10:45 a.m., 6 sessions, $89 per person, $99 nonresidents

NEW! Through the use of creative drama, storytelling, music, and movement we will explore the themes and dynamic characters that are present in the PBS hit show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood©. Activity number 23223.

Oct. 1 - Music: Songwriting Circle (Ages 10-15)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m., 6 sessions, $88 per person, $96 nonresidents

Bring your favorite stringed instrument, whether a guitar or ukulele, and learn the fundamentals of putting together a song. Course will culminate in a sharing for family and friends. Activity number 22653.

Oct. 1 - Dance: Superhero Hip Hop (Ages 4-7)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 11 a.m. to Noon, 6 sessions, $88 per person, $96 nonresidents

NEW! This creative and fun pre-K class fuses together your child’s favorite superheroes and super powers alongside some fun new hip hop dance moves! Class will culminate in a dance party with parents! Activity number 22661.

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Fall Public Hayrides (All Ages)

Oak Ridge Parklands in Shawnee Mission Park, 7460 Ogg Road, Shawnee, offered Saturdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; $10 per person, $11

Enjoy the outdoors with a hayride through Oak Ridge Parklands at Shawnee Mission Park. Your hayride concludes with a warm campfire where marshmallows and apple cider await. Advanced registration required. Children 2 and under are free. Full refunds will be granted provided notification of cancellation is received five full business days prior to the start of class. No refunds will be issued after that time. Oct. 1 session, activity number 23030; Oct. 8 session, activity number 23031; Oct. 15 session, activity number 23032; Oct. 22 session, activity number 23033; and Oct. 29 session, activity number 23034.