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: Ceramics Series, Spring Soccer, Ernie Miller Nature Center Escape Room

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Feb. 4-10:

Feb. 2 deadline, practices begin week of March 4 - Soccer: JOCO Spring Recreational Leagues for Grades 5-8 (Ages 10-14)

Heritage Soccer Park, 17255 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, times and costs vary, $15 late fee for registering after the deadline, jerseys for players new to the league are $20

JOCO Soccer League partnered with Kansas City Surf Soccer Club (formerly Puma FC) provides the community with a recreational soccer program for children. Programs will run on Saturday or Sunday at Heritage Soccer Park or Stump Park. Games begin March 16. League details here.

Feb. 4 - Sunday Family Series: Snakes Alive (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 Feb. 4 session, see Kansas snakes as we explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world. Advanced registration is required. Activity number 33888. See all sessions through February. For more information, call 913-826-2800.

Feb. 5 - Art: Ceramics Series (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Mondays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $130 per person, $143 nonresidents

Clay provides an opportunity for problem-solving and creative thinking while making art. Teaching artists will design the class based on your interests and needs including hand building and thrown ceramics. Ceramicists of all experience levels welcome. All supplies included. Activity number 32579.

Feb. 5 - Museum: Sensory Friendly Monday (All Ages)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, $4 per person for ages up to 18, $6 per person for ages 18 to 59, and $5 per person for ages 60 and older

Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment. This limited-occupancy session is designed specifically for children with sensory processing differences and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their families. We welcome visitors of all abilities and museum experience. We also welcome hand fidgets, comfort items, weighted blankets and vests, and mobility devices. Activity number 33487. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Feb. 6 - Gardening: Pollinators Plants for Shade (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE 

Can I create a pollinator garden in the shade? Yes, you absolutely can. Gardeners with shade take on an important role in feeding the emerging pollinators from their winter hibernation. Not only that, you can actually sustain pollinators from March to October with native plants from our region. Activity number 33710.

Feb. 6 - Cards: Bridge Workshops - Jacoby Transfer (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 6 p.m., $13 per person, $14 nonresidents

Become an in-demand partner with these bridge workshops. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Workshops include hands on instruction and handouts to take home. Activity number 34025.

Feb. 6 - Art: Acrylic Painting - Beginner Level (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 6 sessions, $195 per person, $214 nonresidents

Learn tips and techniques to paint with acrylic paints. Students will explore acrylic painting with mini technical studies and one larger painting. No experience needed. Activity number 32588.

Feb. 6 - Art: Fabric Collage (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $88 per person, $97 nonresidents

NEW! Discover ways to put those fabric scraps you keep in a box (because you just can’t throw them away) to use by making a hand-stitched fabric collage. All supplies included. No experience needed. Activity number 32588.

Feb. 7 - Make: Tots & Tools (Ages 3-7)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 10 to 10:45 p.m., 4 sessions, $60 per person, $66 nonresidents

NEW! Come learn about tools with us! In this series for mini makers we’ll explore different tools and get hands on making some fun projects with them. We’ll focus on fine motor skills, art skills, learn about different tools and their uses and more. Activity number 33923.

Feb. 7 - Make: Sewn Circuits Series (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $98 per person, $108 nonresidents

NEW! Learn about electronics while making a piece of glowing, wearable art. Students will sew wearable electronic components onto fabric to make glowing DIY patches that can be worn on any fabric item. Prior hand sewing experience is recommended but not required. Activity number 32676.

Feb. 7 - Yoga: Rise and Shine Yoga (Ages 16 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Wednesdays, 6 to 7 a.m., 4 sessions, $36 per person, $40 nonresidents

Start your day with an invigorating yoga practice at Ernie Miller Nature Center. This is yoga for anybody. All are welcome, no experience necessary! This class will focus on gentle stretching, serenity, and rejuvenation, and will be tailored to individual abilities. Please bring your mat to class. Meet at the parking lot flagpole to walk into the building together at 6 a.m. Instructor is Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher Robin Olson. Activity number 34493.

Feb. 7  - Preschool Storytime: Animal Tales – Fossil Finders (Ages 1 & Older with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, select Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., $3 per person

Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children offered every two weeks through May 5. Come listen, learn, and meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Activity number 33896. See all upcoming sessions this season.

Feb. 7,8 (2 separate programs)  - Exercise: Tai Chi (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Wednesdays, 10 to 10:50 a.m., or Thursdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m. 4 sessions, $38 per person, $42 nonresidents)

LOW INTENSITY: Tai Chi offers a slow and gentle exercise with benefits in endurance, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. All experience levels welcome in this course. Wednesday class starting Feb. 7, activity number 34067. Thursday class starting Feb. 8, class activity number 3

Feb. 8 - Day Travel: Under the Sea (Ages 50 & Older)
Departs from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., $89 per person, $98 nonresidents

Visit one of Kansas City’s underwater gems - Sea Life Aquarium at Crown Center. Take in thousands of beautiful aquatic creatures in this interactive aquarium and get up close and personal at the touch pools and ocean tunnel. After exploring Sea Life, enjoy shopping and lunch on your own at Crown Center. After lunch, participate in a chocolate making demonstration at Chips Chocolate Factory. Activity number 33951.

Feb. 9 deadline, play begins week March 23 - Soccer: JOCO Spring Soccer Leagues for Grades 1-4 (Ages 8-10)

Heritage Soccer Park, 17255 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, times vary, $88 per person, $15 late fee for registering after the deadline, jerseys for players new to the league are $20

Boys and girls play on separate teams. Each team will practice a minimum of once per week beginning in early March. Approximately 9-10 players on a team Eight games played at Heritage Soccer Park. League details here.

Feb. 9 - Museum: Kids' Day Out (Ages 6-10)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $38 per person, $30.40 for museum members

Come have fun when school is out! Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration of KidScape and museum exhibits, play games, and enjoy down time. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water bottle and dress for the weather - we will go outside if we can. We are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you may drop off and pick up at any time. Five-year-old children can be enrolled if currently attending kindergarten. Activity number 33471. For program questions, call the museum, 913-715-2570.

Feb. 9 - Games: Year of the Dragon Mah Jongg Party (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $17 per person, $19 nonresidents

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar with some fun games of Mah Jongg. This will be a full day of fun, all while showing off your Mah Jongg skills! Tables will be mixed and matched, and players will rotate to help meet new friends. Lunch, desserts, and drinks will be served, and prizes will be given to the top players! Activity number 34088. Cost of admission covers food and staff time to administer the event. No additional charge for Mah Jongg.

Feb. 9 - Art: Embroidery Basics Series (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $130 per person, $143 nonresidents

NEW! Get an introduction to the world of embroidery during this series. We’ll show you different stitches while making a few sample projects and one finished project. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 32678.

Feb. 10 - Escape Rooms: Group Reservation Only - Rescue the Animals (Ages 5 & Older - children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, times vary (see below), Ages 5 & Older, 1 - 1 ½ hr. event - $130 / $144 nonresidents per room. One room includes up to 12 people (all ages). Extra person fee: $10 / $11 nonresident. Maximum 15 people per room)

Group bookings only. Owen the Outlaw has captured our kestrel and ferret! Can you help save them? Your team must beat the clock by solving puzzles and using clues to unlock both rooms to help the animals make a great escape! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Girl Scouts can fulfill a requirement for the Senses or Detective badge (badges must be provided by troops). All ages, including adults count in participant headcount. Available sessions on Room B, 1 to 2:30 p.m., activity number 33867; Room A, 3 to 4:30 p.m., activity number 33868; and Room B, 3 to 4:30 p.m., activity number 33869.

Feb. 10 - Make: Make an Automata  (Ages 8-15)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 2 sessions, $46 per person, $51 nonresidents

NEW! Make your own mechanized scene where your main character can move or jump about as you control them via hand crank. Participants will learn a bit about mechanics, tools, and engineering as they build their automata from scratch. Activity number 32685.