Kid-Friendly

Coming to Missouri: German Migration in the 19th Century @ 1859 Jail and Marshal's Home

Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – Oct 9 @ 4:00 pm

Visitors will learn about the massive German migration to Missouri and the lasting effects on Missouri life and culture. It opens April 28, 2017 and closes September 5, 2017. Cost will be museum admittance (regular prices). The exhibit will be open during museum hours. M-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4.

If you are unable to see the exhibit from April – September, it will be moved and on display at the JCHS History Center from Sept. 6-Dec. 31 2017.

Saving the White House – Truman’s Extreme Makeover @ Truman Library and Museum

Tickets

Jun 1 2017 @ 10:00 am – Mar 24 2018 @ 6:00 pm

When the Truman’s moved into the White House, they became aware of many flaws within the house. The shabby conditions were apparent, but soon the structural issues became undeniable: chandeliers shook, floors creaked, and Harry Truman joked that ghosts roamed the halls. After Margaret’s piano leg fell through the floor, the Truman’s knew they had to take a closer look. Eventually it was determined that the White House was in serious danger of collapsing in on itself and something had to be done. In response, the president worked closely with Congress to create a group, the Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion, which was responsible for the most noteworthy and politically complex home-improvement job in America.
The Truman Library is now presenting a 3,000-sq ft temporary exhibit to share the complex story of the White House renovation. In the exhibit, the 1,222-day, $5.7 million renovation, controversial project is displayed through many different sources such as quotes and artifacts. In addition, the exhibit features the photographs of Abbie Rowe, a National Park Service photographer assigned to the White House. Rowe’s exclusive access to the White House and the resulting photographs have provided an invaluable record of the time. Visitors to the museum will be able to view artifacts such as mantel pieces, souvenirs, and never-before-seen film footage.

Pioneering People – A Path to Progress @ Historic Independence Square

Tickets

Jun 1 @ 1:00 pm – Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 6 then Saturdays May 27 through September 30, 2017 Pioneering People and Path to Progress

Except weekend of September 1-4 during the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival.

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Encounters with People of the Past

1849 was certainly an important year for Independence, Missouri. What better place to catch up on local gossip than the Farmer’s Market, just off the Square. While you meet some of the residents shopping for fresh produce, you may want to take some home yourself!

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Covered Wagon Rides

Visitors experience a wagon ride while learning about the workings of the wagon, animals, and a bit of local history.

Rides depart from the Historic Courthouse Square for the National Frontier Trails Museum on the hour. Rides depart from the National Frontier Trails Museum on the half hour (except 12:30 PM).

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM A Lady and A Maid

Explore the workings of a wealthy household of 1880s during tours of the Vaile Mansion. While you tour the house with an expert guide to learn about the life of the Vailes and their home you will encounter a visiting guest and a member of the household staff.

10 AM to 4:00 PM All Aboard!

If you want to know about the comings and goings of just about everyone in town, the place to be is the Chicago and Alton Depot. The Station Master is just about the best informed of anyone in town. Visit the depot and discover just why this is so. If the station master is out, perhaps you will encounter a C&A passenger.

11 AM, 1&3 PM “Chin Music” at the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum

Come to the 1827 Log Courthouse where you may eavesdrop on some of the town residents as they “make chin music” by discussing some of the challenges they face living in a frontier town. You may also explore this oldest of Missouri courthouses to find out about its history while you are there. At the National Frontier Trails Museum, learn about how our town helps so many pioneers get a successful start to their overland journey.

12:00 PM Walking Tour

Take a tour of historic 1849 Independence with one of our first person interpreters. Meet at Jackson Statue.

2:00 PM Town Topics at the 1827 Log Courthouse

Join two residents as they debate the pros and cons of great national issues dominating 1849 America. The People of the Past are so very decided in their views that an eminent townsperson has been asked to serve as Moderator, just to ensure a civil discussion. Feel free to join in the debate!

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Stroll Around the Square

Meet citizens from different eras of our town’s history as you stroll around the Square looking for something cool to drink. At the east side (Truman Statue) you will encounter citizens of 1882 while at the west (Jackson statue) you will meet those of 1849.

3 to 6 PM Melodies of the Pioneers

Enjoy the sounds of pioneer music as you stroll around the Square.

Jun

Sat

Breakfast and Blooms @ Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Tickets

Jun 24 @ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

June 24, 2017 Breakfast & Blooms at the Bingham – Breakfast & tours of private area gardens 8:00 – 3:00

Cost: $25

Family Fun Day at the National Frontier Trails Museum @ National Frontier Trails Museum

Tickets

Jun 24 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum is proud to present Family Fun Day

Independence residents receive FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION on this day!

Non-resident admission is $6.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children 17 and under.

The Civil War Re-enactment group Elliott’s Scouts, civil war history experts will:

Perform battle scenes every hour on the half hour (10:30, 11:30, 12:30, etc.)
Demonstrate a civil war soldier encampment (both Confederate and Union)
Educate visitors on the Battles of Independence.

There will be hours of fun for the whole family! Visitors can enjoy:

Making faux clay bullets using a re-al bullet mold
Using a quill pen & ink to write
Playing in the kid friendly Pioneer Play Campsite
Getting wilderness tips from the Mountain Men
FREE TOURS of the Chicago Alton Train Depot
FREE WAGON RIDES to the Independence Square
Plus, our newly installed PIONEER WOMAN STATUE is ready for your selfie photo!

Jun

Tue

Popsicles in the Park @ Beckett Park

Tickets

Jun 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Every Tuesday – Join us for crafts, music, magic and of course POPSICLES!!! Arts & Crafts – Oddball Kids Music – Dino O’Dell Magic Show – Wicked Liars-Comedy & Magic

Categories: Events

Jun

Thu

Nature Story Time @ George Owens Nature Park

Tickets

Jun 29 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Explore nature, hear great stories, and make nature crafts. Today’s topic: Make Room for Butterflies Nature Story Time continues each Thursday morning Jun 1 – Aug 31. Call 816.325.7115 for more details.

Categories: Events

Nature Story Time @ George Owens Nature Park

Tickets

Jun 29 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Categories: Events

Evening Tour: Evening Wagon Tour and Swales Walk @ National Frontier Trails Museum

Tickets

Jun 29 @ 6:00 pm

Advance reservations required. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail in this hour-long program that includes a wagon ride to swales (ruts) created in the 1830s and an insightful tour of the Santa Fe gallery of the museum.

Categories: Events

Moonlight Movies @ Pharaoh Theatre Parking Lot

Tickets

Jun 29 @ 9:00 pm

Moonlight Movies are shown every Thursday at 9pm throughout the summer. The movies are projected onto the side of the Pharaoh Theater on the Independence Square. Bring the whole family every week for a fun FREE event!Concession stand is available on site for your favorite movie snack groups. We feature pizza slices from Square Pizza and popcorn comes from the Pharaoh Theater. In the event of bad weather, movies will be shown Sunday night at 9 p.m.
Movies:
6/22 Sing
6/29 Despicable Me 2
7/6 Kubo & the Two Strings
7/13 Cars
7/20 Moana
7/27 Finding Dory
8/3 The Lego Batman Movie
8/10 Storks
Location: On the corner of Maple and Liberty in the Pharaoh Theater parking lot.

Categories: Events

June 2017 Jun 2017

Are We There Yet?

Make fun memories with your kiddos and sneak in a few history lessons too. From hands-on learning exhibits to action-packed attractions, a visit to Independence is sure to keep the youngsters (and not-so-youngsters) entertained. Kids of all ages can play pioneer and pack their wagon to head West.

Take a ride in a real covered wagon for a trip
back in time tour around the Independence Square.

Sip on a tasty milkshake at the old-time soda fountain where a boy named Harry worked before going on to become one of the United States’ most beloved presidents. See the stomping grounds of Jesse and Frank James. Pack the swimsuits and enjoy fun in the sun at our local water park, Adventure Oasis. There’s so much to do, the only thing you’ll hear from the backseat is: “Best. Trip. Ever!”

The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum is proud to present Family Fun Day

Are We There Yet?

Newsletter Signup

Independence Department of Tourism

The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum is proud to present Family Fun Day

Are We There Yet?

Kid Friendly

Adventure Oasis Water Park

AMC Independence Commons 20

Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice

Children’s Peace Pavilion

Cool Crest

Diamond Bowl

Englewood Station Arts District

George Owens Nature Park

Leila’s Hair Museum

Main Event Entertainment

Missouri Comets

Missouri Mavericks

Newsletter Signup

Independence Department of Tourism