Johnson County Parks and Recreation has plenty of holiday fun for the young and young at heart from holiday crafts, a candy cane hunt, white elephant gift exchanges, live music and more.
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Many of these holiday activities from JCPRD are FREE or cheap (just the way we like them), but most require some sort of sign up or advanced notice.
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Animal Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Park naturalists at the Ernie Miller Park Nature Center tell listen-and-learn stories geared for preschool-aged kids. Attendees also get to meet the animals.
Admission: $2 per person, including any adults accompanying children. Animal Tales with Santa required advance registration.
- Mrs. Claus is visiting December 1 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
- Santa Claus is visiting December 15 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
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Jingle Mingle
Seasonal revelers ages 50+ can join for Jingle Mingle at the Matt Ross Community Center on December 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The event is FREE and includes games, music and festive treats.
Attendees can also bring an item from home to regift for the white elephant exchange.
Sign up for Jingle Mingle here.
Candy Cane Hunts
The thrill is in the hunt! Kids can create festive crafts and then hunt for candy canes hidden around Mill Creek Activity Center.
The program is for kids 5 and under. Pre-registration is required for either date.
- JCPRD Candy Cane Hunt: December 10 – 10:30 a.m. to noon
- JCPRD Candy Cane Hunt: December 17 – 10:30 a.m. to noon
Lanesfield Country Christmas
Have yourself a traditional 1904 old-fashioned Lanesfield Field Country Christmas with crafts, FREE refreshments and a chance to write letters to Santa with pen and ink. The event is December 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lanesfield Historic Site.
The schedule of activities includes:
- 1:30 p.m.: Caroling by ghe Edgerton Rainbow Connection Children’s Choir perform.
- 1:45 to 3:30 p.m.: Santa arrives!
Holiday Printmaking
Unleash your holiday spirit with this art session on the basics of printmaking and creating holiday-themed prints and cards.
The session is designed for ages 16 and older. It takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on December 14 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center at 8788 Metcalf in Overland Park.
The Holiday Printmaking event is FREE but you’ll need to sign up in advance.
PreSchool Snow Fun
Kids ages 2-5 stay warm and cozy with crafts, cocoa and s’mores.
Pre-registration is necessary for this FREE event happening from 10 to 11 a.m. on December 17 at the Meadowbrook Park and Clubhouse in Prairie Village.
All Electric House Holiday Display
The Johnson County Museum has the All-Electric House display dressed up for the holidays. The exhibit is on display through January 8 and features 1950s-era women’s holiday attire. This display is a combined effort with the Fashion Merchandising & Design program at Johnson County Community College. The exhibit is included in museum admission.
If you’re feeling merry and bright, you may be interested in some of our other holiday posts:
Day-by-Day Guide to Holiday & Christmas Events in Kansas City
Classic Holiday Movies at Theaters in Kansas City
Holiday Shopping Gift Card Bonus Offers
