Family events in Shawnee, KS

Family Game Day at the HOFF offers a relaxed, drop-in experience centered on screen-free fun and friendly competition for all ages. Settle in for a few quick rounds or spend the day playing, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy time together. Expect a mix of favorites, from classic board and card games to jumbo Jenga and giant Connect 4, along with additional options to keep the action lively. Snacks, slushies, and coffee are available so players can recharge between matches. It is a welcoming setting to play with family or friends and even meet new people, all while creating simple, laughter-filled memories at the HOFF.

Families can dive into a free, interactive scavenger hunt at Hometown Olathe Family Farm. Check in with The H.O.F.F. staff to pick up a hunt sheet, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and set out to discover hidden items around the farm. Return with the completed sheet to receive a prize. It is designed for parents and kids to explore together, and no sign-up is required. For vendors, only Hometown Olathe Family Farm and TJ Events are official contacts, and payments are processed solely through TJ Events. If anything seems uncertain, reach out directly to verify.

Make a splash at Summer Sizzler with hourly poolside games, concession specials, coordinated activities, and chances to win prizes. Admission is free with a season pass, or enjoy half off by bringing a canned food donation. There are no advance ticket sales for this event, and tickets should not be purchased from individuals online. Activities take place at the Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center, and Splash Cove is participating as well.

This free storytime brings little ones to a farm setting for lively read-alouds from favorite children’s books. Some weeks a local author leads the reading. Children can settle into cozy spots, wiggle as needed, and relax while they listen. Farm-fresh snacks, slushies, and coffee are available for purchase. There is plenty of room to explore, play, and breathe in the fresh air. It is well suited for homeschool families, daycares, playdates, and anyone seeking a simple, screen free outing filled with stories and smiles.

First Fridays return to Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District with a street market that spotlights the neighborhood’s creative spirit and culture. The Crossroads Community Association and Art Garden KC partner to present an expanded experience that flows through the Art Alleys, connecting lively galleries, restaurants, boutiques, lounges, and small businesses across the district. Explore work from more than 100 local artists and makers, including handcrafted art, jewelry, ceramics, fashion, prints, and one of a kind pieces from Kansas City creatives. Enjoy live music and mainstage entertainment hosted by DJ E of KKFI’s Energy & Jams with a rotating slate of local performers. Savor bites from food trucks and discover nearby restaurants, breweries, galleries, and creative spaces for even more to explore. This signature Kansas City tradition blends art, community, and creativity throughout the Crossroads, and street parking and public garages are available.

Stagecoach Park sets the scene for a free concert with Surfin’ Safari, a tribute to The Beach Boys, appearing alongside Vinyl Revival. Presented as a special Goal-athe edition of Olathe Live, the event features food trucks, concessions, and yard games, plus an expanded Family Zone with a face painter, a balloon artist, a bounce house, and other kid-friendly activities.

SERV hosts a brunch experience paired with board games, offering indoor and outdoor seating so guests can eat, sip, and play at their table. The menu highlights mimosas, coffee drinks, and dishes such as Chick N Waff, the Boss Burrito, Market Street Tacos, the Sunny Side Burger, and a Brunch Bliss Parfait, with a kids menu available. A dedicated game cart features favorites like Uno, Jenga, Taboo, Scattergories, Codenames, Connect 4, Apples to Apples, and Guess Who, and all games are complimentary for guests. It welcomes families, friends, brunch crews, and anyone who enjoys a friendly challenge alongside a good meal.

Back to school season is near, and this community celebration at Piper High School brings families together for a supportive and festive day. Partnering with local churches, organizers plan to provide free school supplies and snacks while creating a fun experience for students and their families. Leading up to the event, collections are underway throughout July for supplies geared toward sixth graders and boxes of individually packaged chips, and organizers are seeking volunteers to help the day run smoothly. The purpose is to care for neighbors, ensure students are prepared, and offer a positive start to the new school year.

Piper’s first back to school treasure hunt celebration brings students, families, staff, local businesses, and community organizations together at Piper High School to celebrate the start of a new school year with connection and fun. Inspired by community forum feedback and a district emphasis on strong family, community, and business partnerships, it offers a welcoming way to discover local resources and get engaged in students’ learning before classes begin. Families can pick up free school supplies, with bags organized by grade level. Community partners and vendors will be on site to greet attendees, and hot dogs, chips, and bounce houses add to the festivities. Explore ways to get involved with groups such as the Piper Educational Foundation, Piper Optimist, and the Piper PTA. Complete the treasure hunt by visiting multiple booths to earn a free swag bag. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate. More information will be shared.

Explore everyday life in a 1920s Kansas town with this installment of the History Highlights Tour Series focusing on Feeding America and 1920s truck farming. Find out what truck farming actually means, then trace how local fields supplied Kansas City’s industrial growth and moved food across the country. The tour includes a close look at the farm’s working garden along with the practical innovations farmers used across eastern Kansas. Admission is included with general museum entry. Admission is free with a Johnson County Library card, and card sign ups will be available. Designed for adults and students in fifth grade and up. No reservations are required, and space is limited on a first come, first served basis.

Celebrate the start of a new school year at this free, family-friendly Back to School Bash on the lawn, featuring games and activities for all ages.

An in-store celebration for the upcoming school year is planned. More details will be announced soon.

An elegant afternoon tea at European Market & Cafe combines vintage British ambiance with the indulgence of a contemporary brunch. Expect artful centerpieces, the soft clink of fine china, multi tiered stands filled with handcrafted bites, and a mellow musical backdrop. Designed for couples, mothers and children, friends, or anyone celebrating love and connection, it offers a setting centered on togetherness and romance. Garden party chic attire is requested. Admission is $34.99 per person. The experience includes gourmet brunch offerings, a premium assortment of teas, and a few surprises, with pastries and sandwiches varying by season and availability. Capacity is limited and advance registration is required. Event imagery shows a setup for two guests.

Taryn Gervais and Eric Griffin bring live music to the Second Saturday Concert Series at Hometown Olathe Family Farm. This family friendly evening features an outdoor setting with plenty of seating, and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The kitchen serves shareable bites, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and desserts, and the bar offers cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and slushies. Admission is free.

Scout Night with the Kansas City Monarchs offers an overnight campout on the field for packs, troops, crews, families, and friends. The program features Wizard Night fun, an autograph session with players after the game, a feature film shown on the field, camping under the stars, and breakfast in the morning. Discounts are available with code SCOUT2026, and groups of 10 or more can contact the Monarchs directly for additional savings. Advance ticket packages are available.

Thompson Park in Overland Park hosts a collaborative concert featuring the American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City together with the Iowa Street Jazz Combo from the 312th Army Band. Bring a chair and a friend for an evening of music from both ensembles. The American Legion Band shares the repertoire it is preparing for the upcoming American Legion Band Competition in Louisville, along with patriotic selections. The Iowa Street Jazz Combo performs as part of the 312th Army Band, which is headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas.

River Market Flea returns with a fresh selection of vintage pieces at City Market. Browse retro and vintage clothing from the 1960s through the early 2000s, along with accessories and rare statement items you will not spot everywhere. The collection is handpicked by local vintage pros, including the crew known for some of Kansas City’s standout Chiefs fashion moments, and the lineup rotates so there is always something new to discover. Alongside the flea, Art on Walnut features a thoughtfully curated mix of local artists and makers presented by Art Garden KC. Add in Farmers Market vendors offering locally grown and seasonal produce, cut flowers, bedding plants, vegetable starts, and more. Make a day of it by exploring City Market’s year-round shops and restaurants for unique finds and global flavors, and soak up the lively neighborhood energy.

A welcoming farmers market at Hometown Olathe Family Farm showcases local vendors with seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, tasty treats, and activities suited for families. Visitors can pick up farm-fresh ingredients and distinctive gifts while supporting area farmers, makers, and small businesses, then relax and enjoy the farm setting. Vendor applications are open, and to protect participants from scams the only official contacts for opportunities are Hometown Olathe Family Farm and TJ Events, with all vendor payments handled exclusively through TJ Events.

Babies & Bumps Kansas City 2026, presented by Saint Luke's and New Horizon Academy, returns for its fourth year at Marriott Kansas City Overland Park. This boutique, conference-style experience features local businesses and leading brands, along with expert-led classes, hands-on demonstrations, shopping, complimentary activities, and plentiful giveaways. Organized by a small, family-run team, the event centers on a simple idea… information and connections help parents feel empowered. The day opens with a panel conversation featuring founder Monica Infante and local experts that spotlights key areas of support and helps attendees make the most of the resources available. Afterward, the exhibitor floor offers opportunities to meet organizations that serve new and expecting families, explore products, sign up for classes, and participate in interactive demos. Educational topics may include creating a birth plan, the fourth trimester and postpartum recovery, and baby’s first foods. Demonstrations may cover practical skills such as infant CPR, choosing a breast pump, and comfort measures for labor. Baby gear authority and Child Passenger Safety Technician Jamie Grayson will be available on the floor to answer questions and provide hands-on gear demonstrations, then presents a keynote that walks through safety basics and products in key categories like car seats, strollers, carriers, and high chairs, with prizes along the way. Amenities focus on comfort and convenience, including a private lounge for nursing, pumping, and feeding, on-site food and beverages for purchase, nearby quick-bite options, and plenty of parking. Attendees can also take part in a raffle with prizes donated by sponsors, local businesses, and brands, with all proceeds from ticket sales supporting a local nonprofit. Gift bags filled with products, a grand prize drawing, and additional prizes during the keynote round out the experience, with giveaways varying by ticket type. Everyone with a baby in their life or one on the way is welcome, including moms, dads, parents-to-be, adoptive parents, people trying to conceive, and caregivers. The goal is a supportive, judgment-free environment that helps participants get answers, feel confident in their decisions, and ease worries.

JOCO Cars and Coffee brings car enthusiasts together to celebrate the machines and the community that surrounds them. Registration for each show opens on the event website ahead of time, with announcements shared when it becomes available. Those who want to learn more about Garage 21 and the people behind it can find additional information online. Sponsors include Tinting K.C. LLC, Nanmo Wheels, Ascend Audio Video, Renowned Detailing, Zohr Mobile Tire Shop, KC Elite Car Care, LLC, Olathe Ford Lincoln, and Redline Rallys. Sponsorship inquiries can be sent to ops@garage-21.org or directed through Facebook.

This weekly bingo gathering at Hometown Olathe Family Farm features free admission, prizes, and a comfortable, lighthearted setting. Sip a drink and enjoy farm-favorite snacks while you play. It is presented as a relaxed community tradition. A vendor scam warning advises that only Hometown Olathe Family Farm, TJ Events, and the official email are the authorized contacts for vendor opportunities.

Celebrate the last days of summer before school begins with a free community pool party at Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center. Gather with friends and family for an evening of swimming, laughter, and connection as the season winds down. Everyone is welcome to make a splash and enjoy time together in the water.

These summer ninja camps give kids the chance to tackle obstacle challenges in a gym modeled after a hit television obstacle course show. Sessions highlight climbing, jumping, balancing, traversing, and swinging across a variety of elements. These weekly camps are available for $200.

Settle in for free bingo with five rounds of play. Pick up your cards, find a good seat, and enjoy the excitement as the numbers are called. Participants will have chances to win Sweet Tee’s merchandise and gift cards.

Reconnect with classmates and meet new friends before school begins at an annual back to school gathering for Belmont families. Enjoy a relaxed evening on the playground with Kona Ice and Belmont Elementary gear available for purchase, so bring card or cash. The event is organized over two evenings, with kindergarten through second grade scheduled for the first night and third through fifth grade on the second night, and each grade having its own brief time to stop by.

Turner Early Childhood hosts a family kickoff at Turner Recreation Commission to celebrate the start of a new year of learning, growth, and fun. The event is for Turner residents with children from birth to age 5, offering engaging activities, opportunities to connect with the community, and access to early childhood resources. Families can enjoy light brunch bites and coffee, face painting, balloon art, a bubble performer, and hands-on experiences designed for young children. There will also be chances to meet local organizations, learn about early childhood programs and services, and gather ideas to support a child's development throughout the year. It offers a welcoming space to play, learn, and grow.

Presented by Shawnee Parks & Recreation and Mobile Wellness Hub partners, this monthly wellness fair offers no cost admission and welcomes the whole community. Harvesters provides a grocery pantry, wellness screenings are available, and families can enjoy engaging activities with Shawnee’s Wellness Hub. The pantry is open to anyone, each visitor receives a selection of food items, and distribution continues while supplies last.

Designed for children ages 1 to 6, this nature-themed storytime blends books, music, and lively movement led by Stepping Stones KC. Sessions take place at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, moving indoors during colder weather and heading outside when it warms up. Meet at the Environmental Education Center. The program runs on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and encourages curiosity and imagination in a playful setting. The fee is $5 per participant plus regular Arboretum admission, and registration is required. A caregiver must remain with each child. Caregivers and siblings pay standard Arboretum admission, while Friends of the Arboretum members receive free admission.

This casual Gym Leader Challenge welcomes beginners and is free to attend. Participants who sign in with a Play! Pokémon ID can receive a prize pack while supplies last.