Ice skating, light towers and more – A JoCo family guide to not going crazy the week after Christmas

With the holidays approaching, many families are jostling with buying last minute gifts, wrapping and planning Christmas Day reunions.

But once this chaos is over, a new kind of challenge begins: keeping busy (and not going crazy) the week. after Christmas, when the children come home from school.

Fortunately, Johnson County and the Kansas City area offer a wide variety of ways to get the family out of the house.

From local shows to guided tours, there is plenty to do around Kansas City that is sure to entertain calm and (always) cheerful kids (of all ages) and parents.

Here is a list the Post has compiled of some family activities to do in Johnson County over the next week. If it costs anything, we try to write it down.

• Lenexa Lights Tour – Looking for a free way to still enjoy the holidays? Lenexa’s Deck the City Holiday Lights Tour continues until Monday, December 27. Load the family into the car and drive around Lenexa to enjoy festive homes decorated for the holidays. Follow the site’s handy map that shows you exactly where to go.
• The Post’s ‘5 to try’ Christmas lights – Speaking of Christmas lights, follow The Post’s readers’ recommendations for Johnson County’s five best light displays.
• New Year’s Eve noon – Taking place at Science City in Union Station, Noon’s Eve is a fun way to celebrate the New Year early with the whole family (and not break your sleep budget). In addition to the usual City of Science attractions, there will be fun and interactive science demonstrations and workshops, discussions with animal educators, and more. General admission is $ 14 but free for Union Station members.

• Kansas City Zoo Penguin Walk – While it is always fun to go to the zoo, families can currently enjoy a special encounter with penguins during any weekend until the end of February. Starting at 11 a.m. daily, guests can bird watch as they stroll for 15 minutes on Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Penguin watching is free with admission. General admission tickets to the zoo range from $ 15 to $ 18 for non-residents of Jackson County. Visitors 2 and under enter for free.
• Ice skating park square – Leawood’s only outdoor rink is open daily through February 27, including statutory holidays. Surrounded by a variety of eateries and eateries, families can enjoy a good bite before or after a skate. Monday to Saturday, the ice rink is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $ 11 and skate rental is $ 4 additional. Children 3 and under enter for free.

• The Musical SpongeBob – Based on the beloved children’s cartoon, “The Spongebob Musical” is currently playing at the Coterie Theater in Kansas City. Until January 2, the theater will present the musical every day of the week, except holidays. Performances are held at child-friendly times with screenings at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Ticket prices range from $ 16 to $ 20 per seat.
• Children’s day – For kids ages 6-10, this program is a fun way for kids to learn about history through hands-on activities and explorations at the Johnson County Museum. The program runs Monday through Thursday at the end of December and Monday and Tuesday at the beginning of January from 8 am to 4:30 pm The price is $ 35 per child.
• Johnson County Library – The Johnson County Public Library System is always a great place to look that offers some fun ways to keep your kids entertained. Check the libraries website for recommendations on kid-friendly books, online games, and more.
• Enjoy a local playground – It may sound crazy, but the weather will not be too much cold next week. The peaks could reach the ’60s early in the week after Christmas and can be tolerable enough all week to see our readers’ recommendations for the best playgrounds in Johnson County.