Featured Events

PLAY FOR KCUA Pickleball Tournament


 Benefiting KC Urban Advantage
 Saturday, September 20, 2025
 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 Chicken N Pickle – Overland Park

Join us for the Fourth Annual PLAY FOR KCUA Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy morning of fun, excitement, food, drinks, and community impact — all to benefit KC Urban Advantage (KCUA)!

KCUA is dedicated to providing equitable access to high-quality STEAM education for Kansas City’s most underserved students. This event celebrates collaboration, partnership, and access for all as we work together to build bridges across Kansas City and break the cycle of poverty through education.

Grab your paddle, rally your team, and be part of something amazing!

Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play

Get Ready to Play, Learn & SLIME!

Join us for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play on September 27th, 10am-12n— a jam-packed celebration of movement, fun, and fitness!

Learn pro tips from an AdventHealth Sports Medicine Specialist on the best snacks to fuel your body and simple daily moves to keep you in peak performance shape. Whether you’re into Baseball, Cheer, Football, Gymnastics, Soccer, Basketball, Dance — or ANY sport — staying strong and ready is the secret to success!

After that, hit the Patio Free Play Stations on the Terrace for hands-on fun and active games.

Then get ready, because it’s… TIME. TO. SLIME!

This is a FREE event — but space is limited and registration is required. Don’t miss out on the ultimate day of play!

Science Happy Hour: Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis...Oh My!

The Earth Shook. The Ocean Answered.

On July 29, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake ripped through the seafloor off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, unleashing tsunami warnings across the Pacific — reaching as far south as Santiago, Chile. It stands as the largest earthquake ever recorded in human history. What forces unleashed such unimaginable power beneath our feet? And more importantly — could it happen again?

Join us for an eye-opening presentation with renowned geologist Dr. Allen Macfarlane as he takes us deep inside the science, the mystery, and the future of our restless planet.

Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into the Earth’s most powerful forces.

Wednesday, October 8th
Doors open at 5:30 PM for Happy Hour drinks
Talk begins at 6PM
Tickets are FREE for membership and $10 for non-members

Filtering by: “Homeschool”
Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools
Sep
13

Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools

Step back in time with us! In this hands-on session, preschool-age children will discover how early humans created tools and expressed themselves through art. Little explorers will learn about Stone Age life and then create their own ancient-style artwork using sticks and paper bags—just like early artists did with natural materials. It’s a creative journey through history that’s perfect for curious young minds!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids
Sep
23

Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids

Join us on an ancient adventure as we explore the incredible world of pyramids! Designed for preschool-age children, this hands-on session will introduce young learners to the wonders of ancient Egypt. Kids will discover how pyramids were built, learn about their importance, and use simple, ancient-inspired techniques to build their very own mini pyramids. Come ready to dig into history and build like the Egyptians!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids
Sep
25

Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids

Join us on an ancient adventure as we explore the incredible world of pyramids! Designed for preschool-age children, this hands-on session will introduce young learners to the wonders of ancient Egypt. Kids will discover how pyramids were built, learn about their importance, and use simple, ancient-inspired techniques to build their very own mini pyramids. Come ready to dig into history and build like the Egyptians!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play
Sep
27

JAM Sessions: Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play

Get Ready to Play, Learn & SLIME!

Join us for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play onSeptember 27th, 10am-12n— a jam-packed celebration of movement, fun, and fitness!

Learn pro tips from an AdventHealth Sports Medicine Specialist on the best snacks to fuel your body and simple daily moves to keep you in peak performance shape. Whether you’re into Baseball, Cheer, Football, Gymnastics, Soccer, Basketball, Dance — or ANY sport — staying strong and ready is the secret to success!

After that, hit the Patio Free Play Stations on the Terrace for hands-on fun and active games.

Then get ready, because it’s… TIME. TO. SLIME!

This is a FREE event — but space is limited and registration is required. Don’t miss out on the ultimate day of play!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids
Sep
27

Little Explorer’s Club: Pyramids

Join us on an ancient adventure as we explore the incredible world of pyramids! Designed for preschool-age children, this hands-on session will introduce young learners to the wonders of ancient Egypt. Kids will discover how pyramids were built, learn about their importance, and use simple, ancient-inspired techniques to build their very own mini pyramids. Come ready to dig into history and build like the Egyptians!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Natural Sun Prints
Oct
4

JAM Sessions: Natural Sun Prints

Dome building are loved for their unique looks, but why would one build using a dome over a standard design? What kinds of building are generally built using domes, and what are their benefits? In this hands-on activity, JAMmers build a geodesic dome out of gumdrops or candy corn and toothpicks.

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Natural Sun Prints
Oct
9

JAM Sessions: Natural Sun Prints

Dome building are loved for their unique looks, but why would one build using a dome over a standard design? What kinds of building are generally built using domes, and what are their benefits? In this hands-on activity, JAMmers build a geodesic dome out of gumdrops or candy corn and toothpicks.

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Trick or STEAM
Oct
18

JAM Sessions: Trick or STEAM

Parents often joke that Halloween candy will rot your teeth, but how true is this claim? Can we test to see how acidic some of our favorite candies are? In this hands-on activity, JAMmers will learn aspects of science by conducting experiments on candies.  The session will end with making glow-in-the-dark slime.

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs
Oct
21

Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs

Join us for a creepy-crawly adventure as we learn all about spider webs! Preschoolers will discover how spiders spin their sticky traps, explore the different kinds of webs they make, and work together to create a giant class spider web. We'll even “catch” some pretend insects to see how webs really work! Perfect for curious little ones who love nature and hands-on fun!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs
Oct
23

Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs

Join us for a creepy-crawly adventure as we learn all about spider webs! Preschoolers will discover how spiders spin their sticky traps, explore the different kinds of webs they make, and work together to create a giant class spider web. We'll even “catch” some pretend insects to see how webs really work! Perfect for curious little ones who love nature and hands-on fun!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Trick or STEAM
Oct
23

JAM Sessions: Trick or STEAM

Parents often joke that Halloween candy will rot your teeth, but how true is this claim? Can we test to see how acidic some of our favorite candies are? In this hands-on activity, JAMmers will learn aspects of science by conducting experiments on candies.  The session will end with making glow-in-the-dark slime.

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs
Oct
25

Little Explorer’s Club: Spider Webs

Join us for a creepy-crawly adventure as we learn all about spider webs! Preschoolers will discover how spiders spin their sticky traps, explore the different kinds of webs they make, and work together to create a giant class spider web. We'll even “catch” some pretend insects to see how webs really work! Perfect for curious little ones who love nature and hands-on fun!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Fruit Batteries
Nov
1

JAM Sessions: Fruit Batteries

What would happen if there was a power outage and you had no electricity in your house?  Maybe you could rely on the fruits you have in your refrigerator for electricity. In this experiment, JAMmers will see just how much electricity can be generated from a fruit battery, and what you could actually power in your home if you needed to.

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification
Nov
4

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification

Join us for a bug-tastic adventure! In this Little Explorers Club session, preschoolers will discover the world of insects through hands-on fun. We'll explore how scientists classify insects and what makes them special—like having six legs and three body parts! Little ones will also get creative and make their own colorful ladybug paintings to take home. Perfect for curious minds who love to learn, play, and explore!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification
Nov
6

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification

Join us for a bug-tastic adventure! In this Little Explorers Club session, preschoolers will discover the world of insects through hands-on fun. We'll explore how scientists classify insects and what makes them special—like having six legs and three body parts! Little ones will also get creative and make their own colorful ladybug paintings to take home. Perfect for curious minds who love to learn, play, and explore!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Fruit Batteries
Nov
6

JAM Sessions: Fruit Batteries

What would happen if there was a power outage and you had no electricity in your house?  Maybe you could rely on the fruits you have in your refrigerator for electricity. In this experiment, JAMmers will see just how much electricity can be generated from a fruit battery, and what you could actually power in your home if you needed to.

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification
Nov
8

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Classification

Join us for a bug-tastic adventure! In this Little Explorers Club session, preschoolers will discover the world of insects through hands-on fun. We'll explore how scientists classify insects and what makes them special—like having six legs and three body parts! Little ones will also get creative and make their own colorful ladybug paintings to take home. Perfect for curious minds who love to learn, play, and explore!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Turkey Balloon Races
Nov
15

JAM Sessions: Turkey Balloon Races

We usually think of turkeys waddling and gobbling on the ground, but those who see turkeys in the wild know they can run fast, and fly, when they feel like it. In this hilarious and exciting hands-on activity, students construct their own turkey balloon racers and then conduct races with each other. Who will come out on top?

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons
Nov
18

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons

Join us for a buggy good time as we explore the fascinating world of insects and their exoskeletons! Designed for preschool-aged children, this hands-on program will introduce little learners to what makes insects unique—from their hard outer shells to how they grow and move. Kids will get crafty making their very own egg carton ants to take home while learning fun facts about our six-legged friends. Perfect for curious minds who love to crawl, climb, and create!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Turkey Balloon Races
Nov
20

JAM Sessions: Turkey Balloon Races

We usually think of turkeys waddling and gobbling on the ground, but those who see turkeys in the wild know they can run fast, and fly, when they feel like it. In this hilarious and exciting hands-on activity, students construct their own turkey balloon racers and then conduct races with each other. Who will come out on top?

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons
Nov
20

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons

Join us for a buggy good time as we explore the fascinating world of insects and their exoskeletons! Designed for preschool-aged children, this hands-on program will introduce little learners to what makes insects unique—from their hard outer shells to how they grow and move. Kids will get crafty making their very own egg carton ants to take home while learning fun facts about our six-legged friends. Perfect for curious minds who love to crawl, climb, and create!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons (Copy)
Nov
22

Little Explorer’s Club: Insect Exoskeletons (Copy)

Join us for a buggy good time as we explore the fascinating world of insects and their exoskeletons! Designed for preschool-aged children, this hands-on program will introduce little learners to what makes insects unique—from their hard outer shells to how they grow and move. Kids will get crafty making their very own egg carton ants to take home while learning fun facts about our six-legged friends. Perfect for curious minds who love to crawl, climb, and create!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber
Dec
9

Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber

Join us for a chilly adventure as we learn how animals like polar bears stay warm in icy places! Preschool-aged children will explore the science behind fur and blubber, then get creative by making their very own polar bear paintings to take home. Perfect for curious little minds and busy hands!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber
Dec
11

Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber

Join us for a chilly adventure as we learn how animals like polar bears stay warm in icy places! Preschool-aged children will explore the science behind fur and blubber, then get creative by making their very own polar bear paintings to take home. Perfect for curious little minds and busy hands!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber
Dec
13

Little Explorer’s Club: Fur and Blubber

Join us for a chilly adventure as we learn how animals like polar bears stay warm in icy places! Preschool-aged children will explore the science behind fur and blubber, then get creative by making their very own polar bear paintings to take home. Perfect for curious little minds and busy hands!

View Event →

JAM Sessions: Designer Ears
Sep
11

JAM Sessions: Designer Ears

We don't think about the shape of our ears often, but human ears look very different compared to other creatures. JAMmers will experience what it’s like to have differently shaped ears and how it affects hearing and perhaps be able to answer the questions: Why do animals’ ears look different from yours? What would life be like if your ears were shaped differently? 

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools
Sep
11

Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools

Step back in time with us! In this hands-on session, preschool-age children will discover how early humans created tools and expressed themselves through art. Little explorers will learn about Stone Age life and then create their own ancient-style artwork using sticks and paper bags—just like early artists did with natural materials. It’s a creative journey through history that’s perfect for curious young minds!

View Event →
Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools
Sep
9

Little Explorer’s Club: Stone Age Tools

Step back in time with us! In this hands-on session, preschool-age children will discover how early humans created tools and expressed themselves through art. Little explorers will learn about Stone Age life and then create their own ancient-style artwork using sticks and paper bags—just like early artists did with natural materials. It’s a creative journey through history that’s perfect for curious young minds!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Designer Ears
Sep
6

JAM Sessions: Designer Ears

We don't think about the shape of our ears often, but human ears look very different compared to other creatures. JAMmers will experience what it’s like to have differently shaped ears and how it affects hearing and perhaps be able to answer the questions: Why do animals’ ears look different from yours? What would life be like if your ears were shaped differently? 

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Science of the Cicada Symphony
Aug
28

JAM Sessions: Science of the Cicada Symphony

We are now in the dog days of summer, the hottest part of the year.  It is no surprise, then, that the noisy cicadas you’re hearing are called dog day cicadas!  These are fascinating insects, and their calls seem to instantly bring warm summer evenings to mind.  There are several species that fall into this group - and did you know that you and actually identify the different species by their song?

In this JAM, you will learn how and why cicadas make their calls and how they can be so loud!  We’ll test our knowledge of cicada calls and walk along the wetlands trail for observation…possibly even handling.  (They are harmless!)

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Science of the Cicada Symphony
Aug
23

JAM Sessions: Science of the Cicada Symphony

We are now in the dog days of summer, the hottest part of the year.  It is no surprise, then, that the noisy cicadas you’re hearing are called dog day cicadas!  These are fascinating insects, and their calls seem to instantly bring warm summer evenings to mind.  There are several species that fall into this group - and did you know that you and actually identify the different species by their song?

In this JAM, you will learn how and why cicadas make their calls and how they can be so loud!  We’ll test our knowledge of cicada calls and walk along the wetlands trail for observation…possibly even handling.  (They are harmless!)

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Sketching From Nature
Aug
14

JAM Sessions: Sketching From Nature

Think of the last picture of a plant or an animal you saw in a book - was it a photograph or a drawing?  We are all used to seeing images of nature through photographs in our books, magazines, and videos.  Photography is a pretty young field, and early scientists couldn’t simply pull out a phone and snap a picture!  So, how did they record the tiny details of natural objects?  In this natural history JAM, we’ll take a look at some of the earliest drawings, even from ancient Roman and Greek times, of plants and animals these early scientists made.  We will also go on our own exploration along the wetlands trail to find objects to sketch.

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Sketching From Nature
Aug
9

JAM Sessions: Sketching From Nature

Think of the last picture of a plant or an animal you saw in a book - was it a photograph or a drawing?  We are all used to seeing images of nature through photographs in our books, magazines, and videos.  Photography is a pretty young field, and early scientists couldn’t simply pull out a phone and snap a picture!  So, how did they record the tiny details of natural objects?  In this natural history JAM, we’ll take a look at some of the earliest drawings, even from ancient Roman and Greek times, of plants and animals these early scientists made.  We will also go on our own exploration along the wetlands trail to find objects to sketch.

View Event →
JAM Sessions: What’s Swimming in your Creek?
Jul
31

JAM Sessions: What’s Swimming in your Creek?

When you think of a wetland (maybe a marsh, swamp, or small creek flowing from a pond), what living things come to mind?  Most of you can probably name a few large animals and at least one or two plants.  Did you know, though, that these large living organisms actually depend on tiny, even microscopic, plants and animals to survive.  Without them, a wetland would not function the way it does.

In this natural science JAM, you will each be given some sampling tools for collecting specimens in our creek water behind the museum.  You’ll observe your “catch” through microscopes and learn about the amazing tiny things swimming in the creek!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: What’s Swimming in your Creek?
Jul
26

JAM Sessions: What’s Swimming in your Creek?

When you think of a wetland (maybe a marsh, swamp, or small creek flowing from a pond), what living things come to mind?  Most of you can probably name a few large animals and at least one or two plants.  Did you know, though, that these large living organisms actually depend on tiny, even microscopic, plants and animals to survive.  Without them, a wetland would not function the way it does.

In this natural science JAM, you will each be given some sampling tools for collecting specimens in our creek water behind the museum.  You’ll observe your “catch” through microscopes and learn about the amazing tiny things swimming in the creek!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Ice Cream in a Bag
Jul
17

JAM Sessions: Ice Cream in a Bag

Anybody up for some ice cream? Following the steps in this activity, you can make your own. July is a great time to enjoy some cold, refreshing ice cream. As with any kind of cooking and food making, there is science involved. There are chemical changes that happen when making ice cream, such as changes of state and the effect of adding substances that lower the freezing temperature of water. And in the end, you get to eat your science!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Ice Cream in a Bag
Jul
12

JAM Sessions: Ice Cream in a Bag

Anybody up for some ice cream? Following the steps in this activity, you can make your own. July is a great time to enjoy some cold, refreshing ice cream. As with any kind of cooking and food making, there is science involved. There are chemical changes that happen when making ice cream, such as changes of state and the effect of adding substances that lower the freezing temperature of water. And in the end, you get to eat your science!

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Misunderstood Animals - Bats
Jun
26

JAM Sessions: Misunderstood Animals - Bats

Did you know that bats live in Kansas?  What do you think bats do in our native habitats, and where is the best place to find them?  There are a few different species native to Kansas, and part of what makes these animals mysterious is the fact that they are nocturnal.  Being nocturnal creatures, though, makes them a unique piece of the ecological puzzle.

There are also myths and misconceptions about bats - think vampire bats! - that leads to misunderstandings about these animals.  In this JAM, we will learn what makes these animals unique and beneficial to their habitats and to humans.

View Event →
JAM Sessions: Misunderstood Animals - Bats
Jun
21

JAM Sessions: Misunderstood Animals - Bats

Did you know that bats live in Kansas?  What do you think bats do in our native habitats, and where is the best place to find them?  There are a few different species native to Kansas, and part of what makes these animals mysterious is the fact that they are nocturnal.  Being nocturnal creatures, though, makes them a unique piece of the ecological puzzle.

There are also myths and misconceptions about bats - think vampire bats! - that leads to misunderstandings about these animals.  In this JAM, we will learn what makes these animals unique and beneficial to their habitats and to humans.

View Event →