Cooking, art, swimming and more among things to do in Johnson County this week
There are plenty of activities being offered in Johnson County that will make for a great start to the new year, from kids’ cooking classes to working out with a friend.
Keep reading for things to do in Edgerton, Lenexa, Merriam and more.
This list is part of our coverage about the happenings across Johnson County, which you can get more of through our free weekly newsletter.
You can also submit your own events to our free community calendar.
Get help managing chronic health issues
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s Chronic Disease Self-Management education program begins Jan. 6. Offering practical tools for either someone living with an ongoing health condition, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure, or their caregivers, the free six-week virtual workshop series meets Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. through Feb. 10.
Submit art celebrating JoCo parks
Deadline for applications for Johnson County Park & Recreation District’s Celebration Flags Project is Jan. 11. The public art initiative will feature large-scale, nature-inspired flag designs. Ten selected artists will be commissioned to create flags that will debut during FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations at Theatre in the Park and later be displayed at Meadowbrook Park.
Learn to cook mac and cheese
Culinary Kids – Mac and Cheese will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Greenspace community room, 303 E. Nelson St., in Edgerton. Each month kids can learn how to cook using new kitchen skills.
Science and tech lessons for kids
Snapology S.T.E.A.M. Workshop offers hands-on programs for kids using Lego bricks, and robotics 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5, front lobby of The Wave, 10601 Lee Blvd., in Lenexa.
Celebrate the new year early
Bring in the Noon Year from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. Dress in pajamas at this family-friendly count down to the new year at noon. There will be board games, giveaways, a time capsule activity, balloon drop, a sing-along of the New Year’s anthem: Auld Lang Syne.
Join in on family night in Lenexa
Family night will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane, with kids activities.
How to get free rec center workouts
Workout Partner Wednesday will be from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Lenexa Rec Center, 17201 W 87th St. Parkway. Members ages 18 and older can bring a friend for free. Friends have access to the facility as a day pass user, which includes one Group X fitness class.
New art on display in Merriam
Tim Murphy Art Gallery Opening Reception runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Merriam Community Center, 6040 Slater St. The exhibit “Chromatic Chemical Wavelengths” by artists Christine Cronin and Dawn Holthaus will be on display through Jan. 31.
Go for a splash in the new year
Winter Waterland Pool Party and Dive In Movie is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St., in Mission. Pizza, creative crafts, and a dive-in movie featuring Zootopia. The cost is $15 per child.
Preschoolers get first sports introduction
Multi-Sport: Amazing Athletes accepts ages 3 to 5 for seven classes, the first of which is 10 a.m. Jan. 9 at the Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood Drive, in Roeland Park. Amazing Athletes uses a multi-sport program to introduces the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a non-competitive environment. The cost is $144 for residents, $158 for nonresidents.
Make pancakes from scratch
From Grain to Griddle: Fresh Flour & Pancake Workshop is 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive. Learn how to use a grain mill to turn whole grains into fresh flour and make homemade pancakes.