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. For all in-person programs, physical distancing and COVID-19 safe practices will be encouraged.

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:  Coffee with the Birds, Animals in the Sky, Little Critter’s Day Out, and Cartwheel Clinic

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Jan. 8-14:

Jan. 8, 15, 22, & 29 - Sunday Family Series: January (All Ages)

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

1^st of a new season! 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. Advanced registration is required. Jan. 8 session, “Snakes Alive,” 24659;  Jan. 15, “Animal Clues,” 24666; Jan. 22, “Survival,” 24667; and Jan. 29, “Kansas Symbols,” 24668. Click here to see all sessions through February. For more information, call 913-826-2800.

Jan. 9 - 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 monthly 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 24551. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Jan 9 - Exercise: Sound Meditation (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 6 to 6:50 p.m., 6 sessions, $40 per person, $44 nonresidents

NEW! LOW INTENSITY: Sound meditation originated in the ancient wisdom of India. Primordial sounds - the basic, most essential sounds of nature are used to disconnect us from the activity of life. Practicing meditation on a daily basis can help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, improve your relationships, and create inner peace. Learn how to use it on a daily basis to reawaken balance, tranquility, and compassion within. Activity number 24861.

Jan. 9 - Youth Group Swim Lessons (Ages 6 months to Adult)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87th St., Lenexa, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 classes in six levels, beginning times, and class durations vary, 8 sessions, $65 per child, $72 nonresidents

Lesson levels include: Tot & Me, Preschool A, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Most levels are assigned based on skill level rather than age. Note than an offering of the Preschool B program has already filled. Find descriptions of swim levels here, or use our Swim Level Assessment Form here. Search and register for Group Swim Lessons here.

Jan 9, 10 (four separate classes) - Dance: 50 Plus Tap - Beginning, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, days, times vary (see below), 6 sessions, $48 per person, $53 nonresidents

Learn basic tap fundamentals such as the Waltz, Clog, and Rhythm Time Steps in Beginner Tap. Stomp, shuffle, and stamp your way to the next level with Intermediate. Test out of Intermediate for Advanced. Hard-soled or tap dance shoes required. No previous tap dance necessary for Beginner.

Three of these classes meet on Mondays starting Jan. 9. They are: Beginning Tap offered from 1:15-2 p.m., activity number 24302; the Intermediate class meets 2-3 p.m., activity number 24304; and the Advanced class meets 3-4 p.m., activity number  24306.  The Advanced Beginner class is offered from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 10, activity number 24308.

Jan. 10 and Tuesdays through Feb. 28 - Birding: Coffee with the Birds (Ages 18 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Tuesdays, drop in 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., FREE

Winter is a wonderful time for bird watching. Chickadees, woodpeckers, juncos, cardinals, and more can be seen busily eating at the feeders. Enjoy the comfy Wildlife Viewing Room at Ernie Miller Nature Center every Tuesday in January and February starting Jan. 10. Sit, drink free coffee, and visit while watching our feathered friends. Come and go as you please. Activity number 24184. No registration required. For more information call 913-826-2800.

Jan. 10 - Art: Watercolor - Beginner Level (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $66 per person, $72 nonresidents

Learn tips and techniques to paint with watercolor paints. Students will explore watercolor painting with mini technical studies and one larger painting in this class. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 23929.

Jan. 10 - Preschool Planetarium Programs: Animals in the Sky (Ages 3 & Older)

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

NEW! 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. All children must be at least 3 years of age and accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Space is limited. All participants are seated on the floor. Activity number 24707. For all upcoming Preschool Planetarium Programs, click here.

Jan. 11 - Bingo: White Out (Ages 50 & Older)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $5 per person, $6 nonresidents 

BINGO! Delight in food, prizes, fun and 12 games of bingo. A variety of prizes will be awarded including gift certificates. Please pre-register at least one week in advance. Payment is required at time of registration. For the enjoyment of all participants, children are not permitted to attend 50 Plus Bingos. Cost of admission covers snacks and staff time to administer the bingo program. No additional charge for bingo. Activity number 24286.

Jan. 11 - Museum: Retro Storytime - “What Am I? A Picture Quiz Book” (All Ages)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $2 per person, $1.60 museum members

1^st of a new season! Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! A craft activity is included after the story ends. Listen to the clues and help guess the answers in this interactive Little Golden Book from 1949. Activity number 24526. To see all upcoming Retro Storytime sessions for the current season, click here. This program is also available as a field trip for groups - call for more information at 913-715-2570.

Jan. 11 - Early Learning: Curiosity Corner (Ages 3-6)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, $10 per child, $12 nonresidents

Let their minds run wild with their friends. Children will engage in a fun book, craft, snack, and active play. Activity number 24569.

Jan. 12 - Little Critter’s Day Out: Winter Wonders (Ages 3-5)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 9 a.m. to Noon, $20 per person, $22 nonresidents

1^st of a new season! Your Little Critter will enjoy three hours of fun and education once as you enjoy some personal time! Activities will vary but we will have an adventure, eat a snack, make a craft, play games, and see an animal visitor each day. Dress for the weather. Children must be potty trained. For more information call 913-826-2800. Advanced registration required. Sign up for just the Thursdays you want or for all of them! Activity number 23472. To see all upcoming Little Critter’s Day Out sessions, click here.

Jan. 13 - Special Interest: Travels with Grandad - Cleveland (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 10 to 11 a.m., FREE 

NEW! + 1^st of 5! Join presenter Hal Costly, for a series of virtual events as he shares his explorations of destinations he's experienced with his grandsons. Destinations for this travelogue: Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Rochester, and Gettysburg. Activity number 23478. For all upcoming Travels with Grandad sessions this season, click here.

Jan. 13  - Gymnastics: Cartwheel Clinic (Ages 6-12)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., $16 per person, $18 nonresidents

This co-ed skill clinic is designed for participants interested in improving or mastering their cartwheel. Emphasis will be placed on progressive drills and technique. When possible, participants will be grouped based on age and ability level. Activity number 24191.

Jan. 14 - Zumba: Zumba Gold (Ages 50 & Older)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Ave, Shawnee, Saturdays, 9 to 9:50 a.m., 5 sessions, $40 per person, $44 nonresidents

This moderate intensity program is perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class. Easy-to-follow choreography focuses on balance, range of motion, coordination, and fun! Activity number 24513. Want to try a class before committing to the entire session? Call for details 913-826-3160.