Escape winter with creative indoor adventures for kids in KC

Winter has enveloped the area, but that doesn’t mean families have to let its grip hold them captive.

There are plenty of things for the kids to see and do. They just might have to be a bit more creative than during the spring and summer.

Movies are always an option, as are visits to a community center or YMCA.

These listings provide plenty of other possibilities.

They cover the entire area geographically, and they range on the activity spectrum from sedentary (theater performances) to pulsating (trampoline gyms). Some are free; most aren’t.

In fact, you could satisfy just about all your desires with one visit to the Union Station/Crown Center area.

If the H&R Block City Stage Theater, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Science City and the Model Railroad Experience aren’t in your wheelhouse, then maybe the Crown Center Ice Terrace, Coterie Theatre, Martin City Melodrama, LegoLand and Sea Life are.

Bottom line: The kids can no longer complain they have nothing to do on a cold day in January or February.

“And Justice for Some: The Freedom Trial of Anthony Burns (1858),” Jan. 26-Feb. 21.

Crown Center, 2450 Grand. thecoterie.org, 816-474-6552

Theatre for Young America, “The Toughest Kid in the World,” through Jan. 23; “Junie B Jones, The Musical,” Feb. 9-March 19.

Union Station, 30 W. Pershing. unionstation.org or tya.org, 816-460-2020 or 816-460-2083

Kansas City Young Audiences Programs and Community School of the Arts.

5601 Wyandotte. kcya.org, 816-531-4022

“The Wizard of Paws!” Feb. 20-May 7.

Crown Center, Third floor, 2450 Grand. martincitymelodrama.org, 913-642-7576

“St. George & the Dragon,” Feb. 17-28.

1006 Linwood. paulmesnerpuppets.org, 816-756-3500

Workshops, museum tours and live shows.

11025 E. Winner, Independence. hazelle.org, 816-833-9777

Part of the headquarters complex of the Community of Christ, the museum is designed to teach concepts of peace through learning activities.

1001 W. Walnut, Independence. kidpeace.org, 816-521-3033

Environmental and government activities are the focus.

8300 NE Underground. tlekc.org, 816-600-6826

Of special interest to the youngsters is KidScape, a miniature city to explore.

6305 Lackman, Shawnee. jocogov.org, 913-715-2550

More interactive and educational activities with Lego bricks than you thought possible.

Crown Center, 2475 Grand. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansascity, 816-471-4386

How long can kids watch toy trains circling miniature cities?

Union Station, 30 W. Pershing. unionstation.org, 816-460-2020

Exhibits and artifacts from the American Museum of Natural History come to the Midwest.

5801 W. 135th, Overland Park. museumatpf.org, 913-333-3500

Little stuff always intrigues little people.

5235 Oak. toyandminiaturemuseum.org, 816-235-8000

The night sky comes to life all day long.

Union Station, 30 W. Pershing. unionstation.org, 816-460-2020

Youngsters can enjoy interactive exhibits of all sorts.

Union Station, 30 W. Pershing. sciencecity.com, 816-460-2020

Dolls from around the world and throughout history are on display.

10900 N. Pomona. ufdc.org/education/museum, 816-891-7040

Interactive exhibits cover the spectrum from science and technology to art and music.

5700 King, Shawnee. wonderscope.org, 913-287-8888

Plenty to discover indoors and outdoors.

4750 Troost. mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/discovery-center, 816-759-7300

If the weather doesn’t cooperate for hiking, there’s still an aquarium and other activities and exhibits inside.

1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs. mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/burr-oak-woods-nature-center, 816-228-3766

The best place in town to enjoy and learn about birds.

7300 W. Park Road, Blue Springs. burroughs.org/its-free/nature-center-bird-sanctuary, 816-795-8177

Most highlights here, including a cave, pond and historic ruins, are outside.

William M. Klein Park, 8701 E. Gregory. cavespring.org, 816-547-9679

Learn about animals native to Kansas.

909 N. Kansas 7, Olathe. erniemiller.com, 913-764-7759

Kids can check out wildlife exhibits and participate in educational programs.

Swope Park, 4701 E. Gregory. lakesidenaturecenter.org, 816-513-8960

Don’t forget it’s open year-round.

6800 Zoo Drive. kansascityzoo.org, 816-595-1234

The Interpretive Center provides hands-on environmental and natural science education for all ages.

407 N. Lafrenz, Liberty. naturesanctuary.com, 816-781-8598

Native reptiles, amphibians and fish reside indoors, and outside are a bird-feeding area and garden pool.

Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission, Leawood. leawood.org/parks/naturecenter.aspx, 913-681-0902

The only place in town to see live sharks.

Crown Center, 2475 Grand. visitsealife.com/kansas-city, 816-471-4386

Book a painting party for the kids.

9525 Melrose, Overland Park. applepiepainting.com, 816-809-2272

Children create stuffed bears and other critters.

Oak Park Mall, Zona Rosa and Independence Center. buildabear.com

All ages are welcome at this paint-your-own-pottery and glass-fusing studio.

9425 Mission, Leawood. ceramiccafekc.com, 913-383-0222

1329 Swift, North Kansas City. daretodabble.net, 816-287-1531

Painting, decoupage and fiber art are just some of the possibilities.

Gallery offers painting classes for all ages, and Friday night is especially for kids.

18 SW Third, Lee’s Summit. gotartgallery.org, 816-600-5932

Children can create works of art and do much more.

Hallmark Cards, 2500 Grand. hallmarkkaleidoscope.com, 816-274-8300

The specialty here is painting pottery.

292 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit. pottershavenartstudio.com, 816-525-9323

Laser-tag games as well as a high-tech video arcade and a party room.

2026 E. Santa Fe, Olathe. advancedlasertag.com, 913-254-9678

Activities include gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling.

3411 NE Ralph Powell, Lee’s Summit. aflipzone.com, 816-524-2636

Kids, who must be accompanied by adults, have 60 minutes to escape a room.

114 W. Third. breakoutkc.com, 816-945-2633

Multiple water slides highlight this indoor water park.

9103 E. 39th. cocokeykc.com, 816-737-0200

Trampoline park also features dodgeball, basketball and more.

12025 S. Strang Line, Olathe. cosmicjump.com, 913-397-7700

Gymnastics classes are offered, and open gym time is available.

655 N. Somerset Terrace, Olathe. debbiehowardsgym.com, 913-829-3006

Kids can choose gymnastics or water activities.

13600 W. 108th, Lenexa. elitegymswim.com, 913-469-5554

The highlight here is an indoor rock wall with 5,000 square feet of climbing challenges.

9063 Bond, Overland Park. emeraldcitygym.com, 913-438-4444

Another escape game for children with adults.

511 W. Fourth. escaperoomkc.com, 816-656-5158

Check out the inflatable obstacle course and bounce houses.

1919 Industrial, Liberty. funrunkansascity.com, 816-781-0386

This indoor inflatable play facility is for folks on the south side of town.

17217 S. Outer Road, Belton. i49funcenter.com, 816-331-5867

Attractions include laser tag and a sky maze.

523 N. Missouri 291, Liberty. kidzplaykc.com, 816-994-2160

A coffeehouse overlooks a play space with climbing structures, mini-zip line and arts and crafts.

12219 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee. shawneemission.monkeybizness.com, 913-631-7000

Activities range from bowling and billiards to laser tag and gravity ropes.

4600 S. Cochise Court, Independence. mainevent.com/locations/independence-mo, 816-350-1000

This preschool gymnastics facility offers open play.

10551 N. Ambassador. mercurygymnastics.com, 816-880-9996

Classes, parties and open playtime are available.

8532 W. 133rd, Overland Park. mygym.com, 913-685-9005

Indoor fun includes a game room, rock-climbing wall, bumper cars and more.

1021 NE Colbern, Lee’s Summit. paradise-park.com, 816-246-5224

Rides, laser tag, whirly ball, arcade games and cosmic golf are some of the activities.

13110 W. 62nd Terrace, Shawnee, and 509 NW Barry. powerplaykc.com, 913-268-4386 and 816-268-4386

Inflatable-filled arenas are available for open play.

7230 W. Frontage Road, Shawnee. pumpitupparty.com, 913-236-7867

There are trampolines from wall to wall.

6495 Quivira, Shawnee, and 2801 NE McBaine, Lee’s Summit. skyzone.com, 913-213-5900 and 816-457-0068

Trampolines and other facilities exist for jumping, climbing and generally enjoying yourself.

14401 Metcalf, Overland Park. urbanairop.com, 800-960-4778

Open play is sometimes offered at this fitness facility.

725 NW Commerce, Lee’s Summit. xgtkids.com, 816-347-8008

Focus here is on fitness more than fun.

12 NE Skyline, Lee’s Summit. yesfitnessfranchise.com, 816-246-0058

Challenges offered here include arcade games, video games and racing games, as well as inflatables.

Oak Park Mall, 11149 W. 95th, Overland Park. zonkers.com, 913-393-3535

Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway, Independence. centerpointcommunityice.com, 816-442-6128

Through March 13.

Crown Center, 2450 Grand. crowncenter.com, 816-274-8411

11565 Ash, Leawood. parkplaceleawood.com, 913-663-2070

Through Feb. 15.

Through Feb. 28.

602 NE 70th, Gladstone. lindensquare.info, 816-437-2489

5940 NW Waukomis. kcparks.org/facility/line-creek, 816-513-0760

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 8:22 AM with the headline "Escape winter with creative indoor adventures for kids in KC."