Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers year-round program, activities, and special events for all ages!

For more information or to register online for the programs listed here, visit JCPRD.com/Register and complete a search for any of the activity numbers listed below. To register by phone, call 913-831-3359.

A reminder that while JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at 913-826-2975 for space availability.

I’ve attached photos that go with: Watercolor Art Lab and Preschool Planetarium Program

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Jan. 28 - Feb. 3:

Jan. 22 online for viewing, registrations begin at noon on Jan. 29 - 2024 Summer Camp Guide (All Ages)

See JCPRD.com/Activities or call 913-831-3559

With more than 95 separate 2024 camps for ages ranging from 3 to 17, JCPRD summer camp offerings have something for everyone. This year’s camp topics include fine and performing arts, nature, science, heritage & history, leadership, sports, and many more! There are nine entirely new camps for 2024, as well as lots of new topics, ideas, and locations at many of our existing camps. Most full-day camps offer sessions beginning weekly from June 3 to July 29 with other camps starting throughout the summer. Take note that a change for this year is that camp registrations begin at noon on Monday, Jan. 29, rather than the usual earlier hour. After this time, registrations can also be made online at JCPRD.com/camps, or contact registration staff between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 913-831-3359. Remember, the sooner you sign up, the more choices will be available, as our camps are consistently some of JCPRD’s most popular offerings of the entire year, and some fill quickly. Financial assistance is available for some camps on a limited basis for qualifying families. For grant information and application materials, call 913-826-3014.

Jan. 22 - Museum: History Makers Workshop - Keepsake Pin Cushion (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 8 p.m., $45 per person, $36 museum members

NEW! Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of sewing, and discover the history behind one of the most charming and practical accessories - pin cushions! Join our Collections staff for an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the Johnson County Museum's collection of sewing notions. Then step into our new Makerspace and unleash your creativity! In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to craft their own personalized pin cushions. Make one for a friend, a Valentine’s date, or keep it for yourself (we won’t tell)! Don't miss this chance to unravel the stitches of time, explore the museum's sewing treasures, and leave with a handmade keepsake of your own. Whether you're a seasoned seamster or a curious beginner, this inaugural History Makers workshop promises a fun and informative time for all. Activity number 34572.

Jan. 28 - Sunday Family Series: Kansas Symbols (All Ages)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 2 to 2:45 p.m., $4 per person

Bring the family to Ernie Miller Nature Center on Sunday afternoons during January and February for entertainment and educational experiences. Each program is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length and begins at 2 p.m. Programs are presented by park naturalists, park police officers, and volunteers. For the Jan. 28 session, celebrate Kansas’ Statehood Day, Jan. 29, by learning about some of the state’s natural symbols, including live animals. Advanced registration is recommended. Activity number 33887. See all sessions through February. For more information, call 913-826-2800.

Jan. 29 - Games: Virtual Scattergories® (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 1 to 2 p.m., FREE

Think fast and write quicker in this fun and fast-paced game of alliterative words and categories!  Activity number 34011.

Jan. 29 - Art: Senior Arts Council (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., 1 to 3 p.m. monthly on the last Monday of each month through November, $25 annual fee, pay at the door

Meet fellow artists and enthusiasts by becoming a member of the Senior Arts Council. Meetings include presentations by a featured artist, workshops, or demonstrations. An invitation for membership is extended for those 55 and older; visitors welcome. Members have the opportunity to display and sell their works at various exhibits. Activity number 34051.

Jan. 30 - Preschool Planetarium Programs: Our Neighborhood (Ages 2.5-5 with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., $5 per person

Blast off with your curious little astronaut as we explore planets, stars, and the wonders of space through stories in our new immersive portable planetarium. Children must be old enough to stay seated for the entire 30-minute portion of the program while the group will be inside the planetarium dome. All participants are seated on the floor. Program held indoors. Space is limited. Activity number 33908.

Jan. 30 - Special Interest: Your Money, Your Goals (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 10 to 11 a.m., $5 per person, $6 nonresidents

Explore ways to help set goals and solve financial problems. Learn about building and maintaining credit scores, tracking income and bills, and how to make decisions on repaying or taking on new debts. Program presented by K-State Extension. Activity number 34059.

Jan. 30 - Performing Group Music: New Horizons Band (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., 14 sessions, $98 per person, $105 nonresidents

Dig out your old instrument or purchase/rent a new one and join our group of fun-loving musicians, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t played in years! Through a cooperative effort between UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, Meyer Music, and JCPRD, this band offers an opportunity to make music in a relaxed, learning atmosphere. Call 913-826-3160 for details. Activity number 34053.

Feb. 1 - Cards: Beginning Bridge (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., 8 sessions, $89 per person, $98 nonresidents

Get in on the biggest game in town! Learn the basics of bidding, scoring, and the play of the hand. Price includes Audrey Grant’s “Bidding in the 21^st Century.” Activity number 34222.

Feb. 2 - Art: Art Explorers (Ages 3-7)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $60 per person, $66 nonresidents

NEW! Bring your little one who loves to explore all things art to the Art Studio for art exploration geared toward them. We’ll explore different media and techniques of art that might be less familiar to young artists like weaving, collage, hand sewing, and printmaking. Activity number 32655.

Feb. 2 - Art: Homeschool Clay Creations (Ages 6-12)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Fridays , 10 to 11:30 a.m., 4 sessions, $100 per person, $110 nonresidents

Come get creative and explore clay. Students will get the opportunity to throw on the wheel and hand-build with clay to hone their ceramics skills over a series of four classes. Students will end class with finished pieces ready to fire and glaze in our Art Studio. Activity number 32623.

Feb. 2 - Day Travel: Calling All Crafters - Pinners Conference (Ages 50 & Older)
Departs from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $34 per person, $37 nonresidents

Crafters, get your creativity flowing at the 2024 Pinners Conference in Overland Park. Participate in the largest craft demonstration event around and shop 200+ businesses providing DIY, crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, beauty, and fashion. Before the conference, enjoy brunch with the group. Activity number 33915.

Feb. 2 registration deadline, Feb. 16 event - Winter Rally Pickleball Tournament (Ages 50 & Older)

Blue Valley Recreation Center at Hilltop, 7720 W. 143 Street, Overland Park, $31 per person

Presented by Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Blue Valley Recreation, this tournament will follow USAP (USA Pickleball) rules. Players must be 50 or older by 12/31/24 to participate. Tournament will be divided into Gender and Mixed Divisions with 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5+ ratings. The tournament format will be round robin into single elimination. To register, go to JCPRD.com/FormCenter/50-Plus-25/2024-Winter-Rally-Pickleball-Tournament--710. For questions, please contact Tournament Director Mallory Ozier at 913-826-2832.

Feb. 3 - Special Interest: AARP Smart Driver Course (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pay with check at the door made out to AARP - $20, $25 non-AARP members

Keep driving skills sharp and lower insurance rates at the same time! Completing an AARP Smart Driver Course can mean a discount with some insurance companies. No tests given, please bring your AARP membership card. Reserve your spot, space is limited!  Activity number 34021.

Feb. 3 - Art: Watercolor Painting Lab (Ages 8-15)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $46 per person, $51 nonresidents

Learn tips and techniques to paint with watercolor paints. Students will explore watercolor painting with mini technical studies and practice watercolor painting under the guidance of our teaching artists. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 32681.