Family events in Jackson County, MO

Designed for ages 10 to 16, these youth-focused Dungeons & Dragons sessions at Mindgames And Magic welcome both beginners and seasoned players in a safe, accepting setting to game with peers. Participants learn core mechanics while building teamwork, communication, problem solving, worldbuilding, and character development skills. Play unfolds in a dedicated gaming room with access to miniatures and terrain, themed music and lighting, and the option for costumes or cosplay. Adventures are crafted specifically for the group to spark creativity and collaboration. The cost is 10 dollars per participant for each session, and spots tend to fill quickly.

KC Exotics-R-Us returns to Green Street with a free educational program that includes a craft activity. The session highlights the critters that live among us, pairing informative content with a simple creative project.

Trunk or Treat at J31 brings a fun evening in the J31 parking lot with candy and treats, festive costumes, creative trunks, music, games, and prizes. Highlights include Best Trunk and Best Costume contests, plus Sweet Cups Roll Ice Cream with Keller Williams Platinum Partners Realty. The event welcomes families and participants of all ages and features plenty of fall fun with the J31 community. Please note that it is not a drop off event, and parents or guardians are asked to stay with their children and supervise throughout.

A festive evening at Westport Roanoke Community Center features costumes, treats, and spooky surprises. Kids can trick or treat along the trail in Roanoke Park, show off their outfits in a costume parade, try ghoulish games, and, if they dare, venture into the Ghoul House. Bring last year’s costume to trade for a different one at the Costume Swap, and make sure swap items are gently used and wearable. Enjoy free activities like face painting, pumpkin painting, and cookie decorating, with pumpkin painting available for the first 50 participants on a first come, first served basis. All activities are free except the Ghoul House, which costs $5 per person and can be purchased in advance or on the day. The south entrance from 38th St to Roanoke Rd will be closed, and access to Roanoke Rd will be available from Karnes Blvd. Sponsored by Gunter Construction Company.

Home cooks and chili fans can put their best recipe to the test in a friendly chili cookoff with options for every style. Choose the Hot category for a bold, spicy batch, go with Not Hot if you prefer full flavor without the burn, or try Non-Traditional for creative takes such as white chili, chicken, vegetarian, or another unique twist. In line with health department rules, entries must be chili only with no garnishes, toppings, or extras. Bring a finished pot and see how your recipe compares to the competition.

Enjoy a guided walk on the Fox Hollow Trail with a naturalist, learning about the different plants and animals you may spot along the way. The hike is weather dependent, and the ending time is approximate.

Summit Zoo & Pets presents the 3rd annual Halloweenie Races, a playful competition where dachshunds dash for Halloween bragging rights. Entry is limited to purebred dachshunds weighing under 20 pounds. Each racer must have two handlers, and dogs need to stay leashed when they are not on the track. Same day registration is available, with early arrival recommended to complete check in before racing starts. Costumes are encouraged to add to the festive spirit. Spectators can cheer on the pups as they sprint to the finish.

A family friendly gathering for all ages is on the way. Details for vendors and sponsors will be shared soon, and pre-registration will open as the event approaches. Help spread the word.

This community-focused event is dedicated to supporting Answering The Call and bringing awareness to its work. It brings people together around a shared purpose and offers a straightforward way to show encouragement.

At Woods Chapel Church, the trail becomes a playful path of candy stops with costumes encouraged and plenty of family-friendly fun. Enjoy face painting, popcorn, music, and inflatables while collecting sweets along the route. The event is free. Bring a bag or bucket to gather treats. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and small groups.

Hosted by The Museum of Kansas City in partnership with Mattie Rhodes Art Center, Stone Lion Puppet Theatre, and La Mega KC, this 13th annual celebration honors the history, traditions, and cultural significance of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Admission is pay what you wish with advance tickets required, and all proceeds support the museum’s educational programs and public programming. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The evening features live music from Mariachi Estrella KC, puppetry by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre, and traditional dance by Grupo Folklórico Izcalli. Children can enjoy complimentary face painting by artists Jessica Manco and Kathryn Messick and the Van Horn Art Department at Café 3218. Guests may participate in indoor and outdoor community altars by bringing remembrance items to place, with the understanding that items left will not be returned. Explore unique gifts at Wisteria, the museum’s boutique, and browse local vendors on the historic lawn, including Virginia’s Mexican Arts & Crafts, Café Ollama, La Hamburguesa Loca, Veronica Style, Shop Local KC, Eda’s Creations, Elixir on the Lawn, Sirena Serena Candles, DINKC, Life and Death Designs, and more. Local food trucks will be on site, and Elixir on the Lawn will offer beverages such as margaritas, Mexican beer, and sangria. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Plan to spend about an hour and a half and wear comfortable shoes. Restrooms are located on the lower level. Professional photography and videography are not permitted inside the museum or on its grounds. ADA accommodations are available with advance notice.

Disney Concerts, Disney+ and AEG Presents introduce the next Worlds Collide Concert Tour, a new arena show that unites the music and stories of Descendants, ZOMBIES, and, for the first time, Camp Rock. The lineup features Disney stars Malachi Barton (ZOMBIES 4, Camp Rock 3), Liamani Segura (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Camp Rock 3), Dara Reneé (Descendants: The Rise of Red), Mekonnen Knife (ZOMBIES 4), Hudson Stone (Camp Rock 3), Swayam Bhatia (ZOMBIES 4), Kiara Romero (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland), and Alexandro Byrd (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland). Audiences can look forward to favorite songs from all three franchises reimagined with new mashups, dynamic choreography, electrifying effects, and interactive moments that invite plenty of sing-alongs and costume fun as these worlds meet live on stage in an all-new production.

A live music gathering at the VFW in Lee's Summit welcomes families and friends to enjoy the show together.

The Show Me Reptile Show arrives at Adams Pointe Conference Center with a family friendly expo that blends education and exploration. Attendees can see reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small exotic mammals, and aquatics, plus find plants, bioactive supplies, feeders, enclosures, décor, and other care essentials from a wide range of breeders and vendors. Many guests come to browse, learn, take photos, ask questions, and connect with the community that supports the hobby. Outside animals are not permitted. General admission is available with advance purchase at $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7 to 12, with children 6 and under admitted free. At the door, adults are $15 and kids ages 7 to 12 are $5, with children 6 and under free. A VIP pass is offered for $17 in advance or $20 at the door and includes complimentary entry on day two at any two day shows.

Dogtoberfest packs a full slate of canine friendly fun with free admission when you bring a donation of dry or canned dog food to support local shelters. The day features playful competitions like a Halloween costume contest, best trick honors, and a dog and owner look alike showdown. Expect agility runs and canine demonstrations, high flying disc catching action, a lighthearted biscuit bobbing game, and plenty of learning through live training sessions and educational demonstrations. More than 100 vendors will be on site, including pet bakeries, veterinarians, rescues, and others. Made a Promise Rescue will be there with a playful find us challenge, encouraging attendees to seek them out for cuddles, puppy kisses, and adoption ready charm.

A collaborative childbirth education workshop with Quincy focuses on practical preparation for birth and the early postpartum period. Participants explore ways to stay comfortable in late pregnancy, what to do in early and active labor, and how a partner can provide meaningful support. The session also addresses expectations around induction and augmentation, comfort measures for an unmedicated birth, and tools and resources for a medicated labor. Postpartum care is included, with guidance on infant feeding techniques and troubleshooting, along with information about postpartum mood disorders. Quincy is a full spectrum doula, childbirth educator, infant feeding specialist, homebirth midwifery assistant, and student midwife with more than five years of experience and participation in over one hundred births in a variety of settings. This class is recommended for those between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. The fee is $75 and covers one pregnant attendee and a single support person. Registration details are available on the event page.

This gathering celebrates the season and community with shared dishes, games, time around the fire, and live guitar music by Alan Voss. Attendees bring a dish to share, and there will be smores.