hello ladies,
my inlaws are coming for christmas this year, and lo and behold i'm actually looking forward to it. that's a whole other story, but what i'm asking for is ideas on easy cheap activities for while they're here. they're the kind of people that don't sit around the house much, they're constantly doing things. plus my hubby and i will be working much of the time so they'll be at our house during the days, without us. i need ideas for things they could possibly do on their own, and also fun stuff to do in the evenings possibly. i already know i want to take them to see the plaza lights, and one night (probably christmas eve) stay home watching a christmas movie or two, and eating homemade popcorn, fudge, and hot cocoa (or something!). my mom will probably invite them to her church and for a meal on sunday. and of course christmas, we'll have plans! anyone know of a good place in the olathe area to see christmas lights? sometimes they have places you can drive through for free or a small donation, i just don't know where any of them are here. also any other suggestions would be great. they're from florida so i'm eager to show them a kansas winter wonderland. thanks in advance!
If you go to your public library or a favorite kids' store, they usually have free copies of KC Parents' magazine, which usually lists some fun holiday activities for kids--maybe your in-laws will enjoy it, too. I know the October issue is full of pumpkin patches, ghost trains, and other such fun stuff for kids (not so much of the expensive scary haunted houses!).
mission ridge... i think is what it's called! i call it "Christmas Card Lane" anyway, it is located just north of ridgeview and 151st. last year it was pretty sad. it was a tradition for a long time. ALL of the houses are usually decoated so nicley... complete with a candy cane from good ol' St. Nick himself! (and Mrs. Clause, too!)
now, i've heard that it will be good this year, but i don't know. a little drive up to Lee's Summit, Mo. might be in order. they have some huge drive through Christmas light deal. (i've never been, but i hear it's fantastic) i balieve that is at Longview Lake.
Shawnee Mission Park also usually has a drive through thing, and the $$$ goes to the theatere in the park, i believe. well, i hope i've been some help. and...WELCOME HOME TO KANSAS!
Hi Carrie,
Not sure if they will like this, but Snow Creek will probably have somethign special going on at that time. Do they ski or like to try? Since they are from Florida, that is somethign they probably won't see very often!LOL!
We go there a lot with our girls and enjoy the weekends....if it is not too cold:)
Don't know in Olathe, but the Shawnee Mission lake usually has a parade of lights.
Good luck!
Mariana
One of the things we did when we would visit (before we moved here) was Steamboat Arabia down at City Market. Its an old steamboat that sunk on the river and a local family located it, dug it up and has preserved all the artifacts. Its very cool - I think its about $12 a person. Then they can walk around the Market - they are open year round but in the winter and on the weekdays there are fewer vendors. Our favorite is the Middle Eastern store with all the spices and dried fruit. Union Station is a good place to visit - even if you don't want to go to the Childrens museum. If they like shopping/browsing Parkville or Weston are great. Or Greenwood Missouri has a neat little tea house and antique store. Across the street were a few more antique places. And Independence has the Truman Library to visit. Or Liberty Memorial if they like history. I'm from Chicago where there is always something to do - but I have really come to love Kansas City. Its a great city with a lot to do!
Hi Carrie,
The subdivision Lori was talking about is Mission ridge. It's on Ridgeview just north of 151st ST. It's on the west side of the street. There is another subdivision called Christmas Place(voted #1 in the sun newspaper). It's at Antioch and 131st Place in Overland Park. Both are really neat. There are other neighborhoods that do this also, I would check the Sun or other local newspapers for listings when it gets closer to Christmas. Also I think news channel websites list things like this.
Also, why not put your inlaws to work doing some baking while you're gone. If your MIL is a good baker it'll save you from having to do it!! :) Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Good Morning Carrie,
There is a great neighborhood right there in Olathe, I think on the SouthEast side? Anyway the entire neighborhood participates and have lights and holiday decorations out.
I could drive you to it, but can't tell you the name of the neighborhood or where exactly it is. It is down the street from Garmin/Olathe South High School. I bet someone else on the list can and/or call the paper or ask someone who's been around Olathe for years and they could tell you.
Have fun,
Lori K
