Online Learning Opportunities for Kids in Kansas City
Kansas City is well-known as a Midwestern hub for the arts, history and education. While the stay-at-home order is now part of daily life, youngsters can still learn and explore their interests through engaging resources provided by some of the metro’s most revered museums and institutions.
The Coterie Theatre
Kids ranging in grade from kindergarten to senior year are encouraged to tap into their inner actor thanks to live, interactive drama courses offered by Crown Center’s The Coterie Theatre.
Designed to engage students intellectually, physically and emotionally, these classes contain no more than 10 pupils each, meaning kids get expert instruction and proper attention to hone their skills—and have fun while doing it.
Kansas City Royals
Baseball fans can stay in touch with their favorite franchise courtesy of Summer Slugger, an online learning experience offered by the Kansas City Royals.
Students ages 8 to 11 take part in engaging math and literacy challenges each week and earn prizes along the way—the perfect way to keep sharp through the season. Plus, membership in the Blue Crew is open and features exclusive Royals gear and ticket vouchers once the Boys in Blue retake the diamond.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is more than just a stunning architectural achievement—it’s also home to an incredible array of digital resources.
Among the hundreds of free presentations and interactive galleries, children are also free to participate in a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a virtual community knitting program and a digital story time program on Facebook.
Kansas City Public Library
From eBooks, video streaming and other online resources to a dial-a-story offering, the Kansas City Public Library has made it easier than ever for families to access memorable media.
Better yet, the library recently expanded its digital services to better meet stay-at-home needs, including streamable programming and events available on YouTube and Facebook. What more could you ask for?
Worlds of Fun
Kiddos can enjoy Worlds of Fun from their comfort of their couch with several interactive activities that build creativity and strengthen imagination.
Notable playtime ideas include designing theme parks, coloring sheets, a word search and downloadable, Snoopy-themed STEM lesson plans provided by the Space Foundation and PEANUTS. When it’s time for a break, fire up Worlds of Fun’s YouTube channel for high-def, first-person views of iconic rides like Timber Wolf and Spinning Dragons.
Kansas City Zoo
While humans are encouraged to stay home, the animals at the Kansas City Zoo are as active as ever. Thankfully, the Zoo team has you covered.
With live and prerecorded tours throughout the grounds available on Facebook, kids can learn from zookeepers as they demonstrate daily life for so many of the animals who live in the park. Not to mention that youngsters (and the young at heart) can watch 24/7 animal cams for penguins, otters and more.
Powell Gardens
Staying connected to our community is key. That's why Powell Gardens launched a new series of digital content to keep kids engaged with the world outside their doorsteps.
Programming includes Q&As with horticulture experts, entertaining and informative video content and outdoor activities for kids, as well as biweekly updates about the Gardens during springtime—one of the most beautiful seasons to be among nature.
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey know kids get restless from time to time.
As a result, the dance studio based in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District is offering online dance classes and training with the program's Chief Artistic Officer, Tyrone Aiken. "Take 5 with Ty" is interactive, playful and, above all, fun—in other words, it's an ideal way for children to stay active.
Union Station
Keep kids' creativity flowing with Union Station's Maker Studio, which provides hands-on instructional activities for crafty kiddos.
All it takes is a few simple supplies to get started and soon enough children are creating origami, paper puppets and more—all available for free.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Get acquainted with U.S. government and take a closer look at the life of the 33rd commander-in-chief through resources provided by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum and the Truman Library Institute.
Interactive teaching programs, imaginative decision-making exercises and even historical videos of the President himself round out a robust collection of materials available for students to explore Truman's life and legacy.
Mid-Continent Public Library
With a virtually endless collection of online resources, the Mid-Continent Public Library promises to meet learning and entertainment needs for kids of all ages.
Tune in for one of the library's digital events, from poetry readings to book discussions, or access a vast selection of online materials at your convenience. With 5,000 new children's eBooks available now, there's always a new world to explore from the comfort of your own home.
Camp Shakespeare
Celebrating its 24th year of operation, Camp Shakespeare invites kids ages 5 through 18 to connect, collaborate, act and more using new digital resources that celebrate the Bard of Avon's enduring legacy.
The program, put on by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and led by professional instructors, includes live sessions with campers, individualized coaching and other interactive projects.
SEA LIFE Kansas City
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium regularly shares its underwater adventures on Facebook, from feedings and fun facts to story times that give readers a closer look at the creatures living in the ocean.