Three different JCPRD storytime programs for young children are beginning new seasons during September.
The programs are: Animal Tales Storytime at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, Retro Storytime at the Johnson County Museum, and a new Animal Storytime program at the Mill Creek Activity Center.
Animal Tales Storytime invites young children and their parents to come listen and learn during any or all of the eight sessions scheduled on two Wednesdays per month through Dec. 18. This program is for ages two to six, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Animal Tales features stories, songs, and surprises. Participants will also get to meet a special animal friend at each session.
Animal Tales presentations this season include:
“Animal Friends” on Sept. 4,
“Johnny Appleseed” on Sept. 18,
“Fabulous Fall” on Oct. 2,
“Creepy Critters” on Oct. 16,
“Bedtime Burrows” on Nov. 6,
“Let’s Talk Turkey” on Nov. 20,
“Mrs. Claus” on Dec. 4, and
“Visit from Santa” on Dec. 18. The cost per 30-minute session is $2 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program. All sessions take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. on a Wednesday.
In Retro Storytime for ages three to five with an adult, parents and preschoolers will enjoy the stories and illustrations from long ago, read by a special guest from the museum’s 1950s All-Electric House. After each session’s story presentation, enjoy an art activity for little hands. Stories change monthly, connecting to KidScape community environments, and Kansas Early Learning Standards. These programs take place beginning at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday early each month through December.
The first program in the new season is called
“The Jolly Barnyard,” and will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11. In this classic Little Golden Book from 1950, it’s Farmer Brown’s birthday, and the animals are deciding what they’ll do for him on his special day. Other upcoming Retro Storytime programs this season will include:
“I Like to Live in the City” on Oct. 9,
“Four Puppies” on Nov. 13, and
“Frosty the Snow Man” on Dec. 11.
The cost for each 45-minute program is $2 per child, and museum members receive a 20 percent discount but must register by telephone or in person to receive their discount. Registration for these programs does not include admission to the Johnson County Museum or to KidScape. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the program.
Staff from the Ernie Miller Nature Center will present a new Animal Storytime program at JCPRD’s Mill Creek Activity Center in Shawnee. Animal Storytime is for ages five and under with a parent or guardian, and promises an animal adventure and stories for all age groups.
Two Animal Storytime presentations are planned this season, including a session on Sept. 25 when the theme is "Animal Friends," and another on Oct. 23 when the theme is "Night Sounds." Admission to these 30-minute programs is free, and no preregistration is required. Both sessions take place beginning at 10:15 a.m. on a Wednesday.
The
Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. The
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is located at 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park.
Mill Creek Activity Center is located at 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee.