Toddler Meadow

Children! We all maintain the pretense that we love them. Alternatively, we actually do love them, but this is mostly an evolutionary adaptation (as has often been pointed out by scientists and tired, uninspired humorists) that enables us to protect them for 18 years. At any rate, every­one can agree that our larvae need constant entertainment to distract them from the deep psychic pain that characterizes the human condition — and to keep them from whining. Starting tonight and running every Friday night through the month of July, the Hyde Park Children’s Film Festival sets out to enchant and beguile your children with musical performances, family films, refreshments, crafts and awesome supervised activities. Starting at 7:30 p.m. at 36th Street and Gillham, see folk musician Danny Cox, followed by an 8:30 screening of Despicable Me. All activities and refreshments are free — thanks, Kansas City Department of Parks and Recreation! For more information, see hydeparkkc.org.

Fri., July 1, 7:30-10 p.m., 2011