Your round-up of family-friendly things to do in Johnson County this August
Whether you want to try a farm-to-table cooking experience in Lenexa, catch a jazz performance outside in Overland Park, or build a cardboard boat in Olathe, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do coming up in Johnson County soon.
Each week, as part of our Johnson County News coverage and weekly newsletter, we share news, tips, events and community resources for several cities across Johnson County.
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Gardner
Fishing for kids
Registration is open for the Kids’ Fishing Derby for those ages 12 and under from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 23, at Gardner Lake Public Boat Dock, 29492 W. 152nd St. It costs $3 to participate. Additional food tickets for adults and siblings are $1 each, and space is limited.
Johnson County
Vaccination clinic for students
A walk-in summer vaccination clinic for students entering preschool through 12th grade will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Health Services Building, 11875 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 300, Olathe. All recommended childhood vaccines and school-required vaccines will be provided. A parent must accompany the student to the clinic.
Leawood
Movie under the stars
“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” will be featured at Outdoor Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Road. The event is free, and Leawood Fire and Police Departments will be on site for kids to explore their vehicles. Blankets and chairs are encouraged.
Lenexa
Celebrate National Farmer’s Market Week
Farm to Fork will be held during National Farmer’s Market Week from Sunday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. There will be limited-time menu specials, plus a cooking demonstration featuring AdventHealth Culinary Medicine Director and Dietitian Lisa Markley at 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Make your own pet portriat
Spinach Pet Portraits will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. Craft a whimsical pet portrait using collage materials made from cutouts of spinach and other food. All supplies will be provided by Lenexa Parks & Recreation. Remember to bring a photo of your pet.
Merriam
Test a cardboard boat
A Cardboard Boat Regatta will be held across the Merriam Community Center outdoor pool from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at 6040 Slater St. All materials to build the boats will be provided. Two-person teams will build the boats, but only one person will race it across the pool. The cost is $30 per two-person team. Registration is required, and you can sign up here. The deadline to register is Saturday, Aug. 2.
Olathe
Swimming for teens
Teen Splash will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Black Bob Bay, 14570 W. 151st St. The event is for students entering 6th grade through 8th grade. Entry is free with a donation of a school supply item, but registration is required here.
Overland Park
Jazz and games in the park
Alex Abramovitz and his Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive. The Downtown Overland Park’s Party in the Park with yard games and free family fun will be going on before the concert. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.
Prairie Village
Community Spirit Awards
Three individuals have been awarded Prairie Village’s Community Spirit Awards.
Lisa Elsener was recognized with the Citizen Achievement Award. Elsener has been a competitor in Special Olympics for more than 46 years and has won 10 medals in Special Olympics World Game competitions.
Trudy and George Williams were recognized with the Lifetime Spirit Award. The Williamses were founders of Stand Up for Black Lives+ Prairie Village, founding members of the Prairie Village Diversity Committee, and they were instrumental in the creation of the annual Prairie Village Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations.
Shawnee
Tour de Shawnee
Registration is open for the 35th annual Tour de Shawnee, which will be held at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at Stump Park, 4751 Woodland Drive. There will be an 11-mile family-friendly supported ride and an advanced, unsupported 30-plus mile ride. Early registration is $35 for adults and $20 for youth 12 and under. Day of registration is $40 for adults and $25 for youth. You can register here.
Family swim
An adaptive Family Swim Party will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Splash Cover, 5800 King Ave. Pre-registration is encouraged here.