The Independence Events Center, home of the Missouri Mavericks CHL team, will host a variety of events appropriate for children. This 131,972 sqare foot multi-purpose facility features a 75,000 square foot arena bowl with 5,800 fixed seats, and free parking.

Event Tickets
All Events may be purchased on-line, by phone and in person at the box office.

• (866) I-Get-Tix or (866) 443-8849
• Online @ www.GetTix.net
• Independence Events Center Box Office, located on the southeast side of the Center. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Hours are extended on event days)

Community Ice Rink
The Independence Events Center Community Ice Rink offers a wide variety of programs including public skating, learn-to-skate classes, figure skating, hockey, special events, birthday parties and private rentals.

Features a lazy river, three water slides, interactive family pool, climbing wall and lap pool.

The Trails Museum highlights the exciting history of the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails, and the personal trials and adventures of the pioneers who opened the West — and changed American History. An award-winning 17 minute film gives a great overview of the three trails.

Authentic 19th century covered wagons, original trail letters and diaries, and artifacts found along the trails all appeal to kids. Hands-on exhibits include a miniature wagon people of all ages can help load, making those critical decisions about what to take. A computerized Lewis and Clark game accompanies the “Blazing the Way West” exhibit about western explorers. Horse or mule drawn covered wagon rides with the Wrangler are available for an additional fee.

This two-story 1859 Jackson County Jail, with its barred windows, double iron doors and leg chains, once housed Frank James, Jesse James notorious brother. Visitors are amazed to learn how James was treated like a hero and showered with gifts throughout his incarceration. Four feet away rises the back wall of the federalist-style marshal’s house which was home for county marshals until the early 1930s. Special exhibits include a collection of confiscated handmade weapons.

(Closed until August 16, 2010).

The Children’s Peace Pavilion was established in 1995 as a gift to the children of the world from the Community of Christ, formerly Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Children’s Peace Pavilion is a ‘special place’; where children, of all ages and faiths, can come to learn about peace and what it means to be a Peacemaker. Children delight at the interactive exhibits, drama and hands-on activities.

Home to marionettes created by local puppeteers Robert Smith and Hazelle Rollins, puppets from around the world and a puppet resource center and puppet stage. Create your own puppet. Live puppet show monthly.

11025 E. Winner Road, (816) 833-9777

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tue - Sat
Admission: $3 adults; $1.50 under 16

www.hazelle.org

George Owens Nature Park has given families the opportunity to reconnect with their natural environment since 1977. The park is open year round and provides 86 acres of beautiful forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife. Explore the rustic nature center and find new seasonal exhibits. Get up close to a beaver, touch antlers, or count the rings on a tree. Experience the beauty of a 150 gallon freshwater aquarium full of Missouri fish or peer into a 75 gallon turtle enclosure. The possibilities for adventure are endless!

1601 S. Speck Rd, (816) 325-7115

Fall & Winter Hours:
September 23, 2009 – March 22, 2010
Tues – Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: Noon – 5 p.m.
Mon: Closed

Spring & Summer Hours:
March 23, 2010 – September
Tues – Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sun: Noon – 8:30 p.m.
Mon: Closed

www.georgeowensnaturepark.org

Independence Center Carousel Carousel and play area for children on the ground floor of the Independence Center.

Hwy. 291 & I-70, (816) 795-6110

www.independence-center.com

The permanent exhibit “Harry S. Truman: His Life and Times” has four interactive “discovery area” activities for children including sorting mail in honor of Truman’s service as a postmaster; a contest between a train/street car route and Harry’s auto to see who can reach Bess’s home faster from Harry’s boyhood farm in Grandview; making campaign buttons and “Buck Stops Here” signs to take home; and dressing up as Harry, Bess or Margaret.

500 West 24 Hwy, (816) 268-8200

Open: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mon - Sat;
9:00 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday (May - September);
12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Sun.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors; $3 ages 6-15, under 6 free

www.trumanlibrary.org

Take a ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures Wrangler by mule-drawn carriage, covered wagon, or in Santa’s sleigh during the holidays, as he entertains you with stories of tales of yesteryear.

Independence Square, (816) 456-4991

www.PioneerTrailsAdventures.com

Miniature golf, arcade games, go-carts, batting cages, and more.

10735 E. 40 Hwy., (816) 358-0088

Open: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Mon - Sat, 12:00 noon - 11 p.m. Sun

www.coolcrest.com