Notes: 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.

The new September through December season of JCPRD program information is now online!

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Sept. Oct. 3 through 9: 

Oct. 4 -  Museum: Sensory Friendly Monday (Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, All Ages, 9 a.m. to Noon, $4 per person for ages up to 18, $6 per person ages 18 to 60, $5 per person for ages 60 and above) - Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment. This limited-occupancy 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 14118. For questions about this program, please call (913)715-2570.

Oct. 4 - Art: Exploring Art Workshops- Art of Play (Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, Ages 50 Plus, 9:30 to Noon, $15 per person, $17 nonresidents) - Use the mediums and techniques from our childhood to “play” and learn to open-up to create art for the sheer joy of the experience. Activity number 14290. This is the third in a series of four half-day workshops, each with a different way of looking at or creating art. The remaining session is Who Am I? on Oct. 18, activity number 14291.

Oct. 5 - Art: Clay Creations (Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Ages 3 to 6, 10 to 10:50 a.m., $12 per person) - Come get creative and explore clay. Students will get the opportunity to hand-build with clay and make one ceramics piece to be fired. Students will need an adult to attend class with them. Activity number 14657. Same-date session from 11 to 11:50 a.m., activity number 14669.

Oct. 5 - Cooking: Making Macarons Demo (Virtual Program, Ages 50 Plus, 1:30 to 2:30  p.m., $15 per person, $17 nonresidents; materials pickup is from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 5 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park) - Delicate and delightful, macarons are becoming a popular dessert for the home baker to attempt. Our experienced macaron maker will walk you through the steps while giving tips and tricks for making a successful macaron. The best part, a sample of these delicious treats, is included for you to enjoy at home while watching the program! Activity number 14474. 

Oct. 6 - Games: Bingo - Disco Fever (New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway near Gardner, Ages 50 Plus, 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 14484.

Oct. 6 - Special Interest: Prehistoric Past & Modern Discoveries (Virtual Program, Ages 50 Plus, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., FREE) - The 21st century has brought a revolution in the study of dinosaurs. A series of spectacular new discoveries, as well as advancement in scientific techniques has resulted in new insight into how dinosaurs moved, what they ate, and what they looked like. Hear from Dr. Alison Olcott, a paleontologist and KU Geology Professor as she takes you through a tour of these new discoveries. Activity number 14144.

Oct. 6 - Animal Tales Storytime: Fall Signs  (Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Ages 2-6 with adult, 10:30 - 11 a.m., $2 per person) - Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children. Come listen, learn, and meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Oct. 6 session activity number 14408, Oct. 20 session - Poopendous!, 14409. 

Oct. 7 - Museum: Latinos on the Santa Fe Trail (Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Ages 21 and older, 6 to 7 p.m., $6 per person for ages 21 to 60, $5 for ages 60 and older, 20% discount for museum members) - We know stories of folks traveling west on the Santa Fe Trail, but what about those traveling east? Join Dr. Gene Chavez as he reveals the hidden history of Latinos on the Santa Fe Trail. 2021 is the SFT Bicentennial. Includes beer and snacks. Activity number 14428.

Oct. 7 - Little Critter’s Day Out: Slimy & Scaly (Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Ages 3 to 5, 9 a.m. to Noon, $19 per person, $21 nonresidents) - Your Little Critter will enjoy three hours of fun and education once a month 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 Park Naturalist Diana Bliss at (913) 826-2807. Activity number 14388.

Oct. 9 - Halloween: Whimsical Woods (Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Ages 11 & Under, 1 to 2:45 p.m. with eight start times at 15 minute intervals, $7 per person - including adults, $8 nonresidents, $8 on-site on day of event if space if available) - There’s nothing scary about this enchanted forest. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Meet with the Good Fairy and Forest Friends. Live animals, stories, and surprises will highlight childhood favorites. Reservations are required. Group sessions begin every 15 minutes with program length approximately 1½ hours. In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors. Advance registration required. Minimum one paid adult per five paid children. Program fee is nonrefundable. For more information call (913) 826-2800. Start times: 1 p.m., activity number 14323; 1:15 p.m., 14324; 1:30 p.m., 14325; 1:45 p.m., 14326; 2 p.m., 14327 FULL; 2:15 p.m., 14328; 2:30 p.m., 14329; and 2:45 p.m., 14330 FULL.

Oct. 9 -  Boating: Intermediate Evening Kayak Excursion (Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, Ages 18 & Older, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $24 per person, $26 nonresidents) - Enjoy the evening on the water as we kayak around Shawnee Mission Park Lake. Hear the croaks and splash of frogs, the hooting of owls, and view the park from a different perspective. Space is limited. Registration required. Kayaks and life jackets provided. Intermediate Excursion requires kayaking skills. Basic swimming skills required. Meet at Shawnee Mission Park Marina boat ramp. Dress for the weather. Activity number 14460. For more information, call (913) 826-2800.

Oct. 9 - Special Event: 11th Annual Cars in the Park Car Show (Theatre in the Park in Shawnee Mission Park with separate entrance at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., free for public to attend, $25 for vehicle entry) - This fun event benefits the JCPRD Special Olympics program and allows over 380 Special Olympics athletes an opportunity to compete in local, regional, state, and national competitions. Money raised from this event will provide scholarships to our athletes helping to reduce the registration fees and tournament costs. Activity number 14146.