The Wild West
MON- FRI
The Hoofed Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park (two miles east of I-470 on Woods Chapel Road) is home to bison, elk and white-tailed deer as well as a whole bunch of native grass. Although the park’s Native Animal Safari Tours aren’t quite as daring as a journey into the African bush, it’s pretty cool to have a staring match with a buffalo or see firsthand how goofy a group of young elk playing in the pasture can be. Kids can even bring apples or pears to feed the animals through fences. The 45-minute tours, guided by park staff, are a bit trickier to organize now that the 100-acre enclosure is taking great pains to completely renovate the pasture to all native grasses — a process that takes several years (plus one extra year thanks to the 2002 ice storm). Thus, safari crews must have twenty people lined up for outings. Get your friends together and call 816-554-1265 to make appointments for weekday safaris, which are available through September 26. Tickets cost $4 for ages fourteen and older and $3 for children and seniors.— Sarah Smarsh
Artistes
Chagall touch-up
TUE- SUN
Chagall for Children just opened at the Kansas City Children’s Museum (4601 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas), bringing kids a chance to make a few Chagall-inspired messes while they’re looking at grown-up art. They get to change details in select Chagall works using a computer palette, and a magnetized replica of a painting enables them to rearrange depicted figures. Bonus: The program expertly encourages multiculturalism — Chagall’s paintings refer to Jewish folklore. Visitors also get to make their own stained-glass pieces. Call ahead (913-287-8888) to catch A Road to Paris, the play based on the 97-year life of Marc Chagall. — Gina Kaufmann
Cheap Thrills
DAILY
First a note to the big kids: Ladies, break out your string bikinis, jean shorts and wood-block heels! Guys, start exaggerating how many times you’ll ride the Mamba! Worlds of Fun is back in business, with daily summer hours. Of course, the amusement park isn’t cheap, costing $36 for anyone taller than 4 feet, not to mention $7 for parking. But only slackers pay full price to enter the park (off the east loop of I-435). Some hints on how to save dough for a funnel cake splurge: Print coupons at www.worldsoffun.com and save $8 at the ticket booth. Bring any Pepsi, Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew can and save $10. Or buy passes at area Price Choppers and save as much as $14 a ticket. Plus, admission for children shorter than 4 feet is $13.95. Closing times vary throughout the summer, but rides open at 10 a.m. daily. For more information, call 816-454-4545. — Casey Logan
