WFM_June 2011

FamilyW I C H I T A

M A G A Z I N E

WichitaFamily.com JUNE 2011

THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SUN, SAND, & WATERThe Quintessential Elements of Summer

INSIDE:Check out our WichitaFamilies On the Move

June Calendar of Events

START YOUR SUMMER FUN NOW!Vacation ideas for instant family fun!

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FamilyW I C H I T A

M A G A Z I N E

Inside this issue:Editor’s Note 4

Sun, Sand, & Water: The Quintessential Elements of Summer 7

Start Your Summer Fun Now!: Vacation ideas for instant family fun! 8-9

News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools 10

Wichita Families On the Move June Calendar of Events 12

Childcare Directory 14

4 Wichita Family | JUNE 2011 www.WichitaFamily.com

Publisher:

For the Families, LLC316.295.8465

Editor

Jessica Lindsey

Advertising inquiries contact:

316.295.8465 or [email protected]

Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit

www.wichitafamily.com.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 817

Wichita, Kansas 67201

How to reach us:Phone: 316.295.8465

Email: [email protected]

Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property

of For the Families, LLC.

editor’s note

Jessica LindseyEditor-in-Chief

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/WichitaFamilyMagazine

Happy summer to you!

My kids are all officially out of school and are ready to get into all the activities of summer. It seems like summer at our place is a mix of relaxing days and extremely busy days of trying to fit in all the fun things there are to do in the Wichita area. We love to swim but there also are so, so many other great things to try when I have my kids around. Museums, parks, baseball games and more are things we look forward to during these months off school.

What are your favorite things to do during the summer? Do your kids attend camps or take part in other programs? What are the activities you make sure and do when your kids are out of school? Do your kids actually sleep in, or are they up before 7 a.m. every morning like mine?

We hope you enjoy this issue of Wichita Family Magazine! In addition to our calendar of events, we have a fun list of summer things to do this summer with your family. Give us some feedback and let us know if you try any of these activities with your family! Email me at [email protected] or drop us a note on Facebook.

Would you or your kids like to see your face in Wichita Family Magazine?! Send us photos of your family doing your favorite summer activity. Or if your family tries out any of the summer ideas listed in the magazine this month, shoot a photo and send it our way! We’d love to see your family having fun and possibly show your photos to our readers!

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GET A CLUE. SOLVE THE CRIME.

National Traveling ExhibitMay 28 - September 5, 2011

CSI: The Experience was developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with support from CBS Consumer Products, the cast and crew of the television show, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the National Science Foundation. ®CBS © 2000-2011 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. and Entertainment AB Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203 • 316.660.0600 • www.exploration.org

Wichita Family | JUNE 2011 7

GET A CLUE. SOLVE THE CRIME.

National Traveling ExhibitMay 28 - September 5, 2011

CSI: The Experience was developed by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with support from CBS Consumer Products, the cast and crew of the television show, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the National Science Foundation. ®CBS © 2000-2011 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. and Entertainment AB Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203 • 316.660.0600 • www.exploration.org

When you think of summer, you probably think of three things: sun, sand and water. Just because there’s not a beach within 500 miles of Wichita doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with each of these quintessential elements of summer!

Sun:

Sunshine Cookies: Bring a friend or neighbor a little sunshine by wrapping up some decadent lemon cookies in plastic wrap. Glue the wrapped cookie onto the sun rays for an extra special treat.

Solar S’mores: Let the heat of the sun do the work for you! Just line a box with foil and place the chocolate bars and marshmallows on top of each of your graham crackers. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a sunny spot for a couple hours until the chocolate and marshmallow have melted. Top with an additional graham cracker and enjoy!

Idea and photo credit: www.amazingmess.com

Sun, Sand, & Water:

Sand

SandDough: Create a course and “beachy” version of play-dough by combining 2 cups fine sand, 1 cup cornstarch, and 1 ½ cups cold water over medium-low heat until all moisture has been absorbed. Mold the dough to make sand castles and so much more! Store in an airtight container after using.

Sandpaper Sand Castles: Want an easy and mess-free way to make a sand castle??? Grab some sandpaper and let

Water

Sponge Relay: Have fun playing this wet game as a family! Grab several sponges and some bowls of water. Start on one end of the driveway by dipping the sponges into a bowl full of water. Race to the other side and try to fill up the empty bowl the fastest. The first one to fill it wins!

PVC Pipe Sprinkler: This activity will require a bit of “handiness” and a drill. Purchase several PVC pipes and connectors from a local hardware store. Drill holes through the PVC and put together to create a unique structure. Attach the water hose and relish in your family’s creativity!

Jenae Crowley is a wife, mother to two boys ages 3 and 18 months, and former first grade teacher. She loves spending time with her family and sharing fun and educational ideas for young children on her blog www.icanteachmychild.com.

your child get started making intricate castles (and more)!

Edible Sand: Instead of making dirt from chocolate oreos and pudding…make sand using the vanilla variations. Prepare 2 small packages of vanilla pudding according to the package directions the combine with a tub of Cool Whip. Cream together ½ stick of butter, 8 oz. cream cheese, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Add to the pudding mixture. Crush 2 packages of Golden Oreos in a food processor and alternate the pudding mixture and crushed oreos in a sand pail. Top with more crushed oreos and enjoy!

The Quintessential Elements of Summer


Get-away Wichita!Its summer time and that means family vacation time! It’s the perfect time to kick

back and get away from everything for a little bit, replenish energy reserves and renew overloaded minds.

Traveling with a family and setting out on long excursions to exotic faraway lands sounds exciting in theory but is not always a practical or affordable reality. The good news is that Wichita families don’t need to go far or take out a second mortgage to satisfy their needs for a fun-filled and memorable family vacation.

There are plenty simple, relaxing and fun “get-away” ideas right here in Wichita! The best part is many of these ideas are inexpensive or even free and can be spread out over the summer into several mini vacations. Tour Wichita! Pick a day each week, a weekend, or an entire week and check out what Wichita has to offer.

Take a summer tour of the Wichita Public Library branches or a tour of the Wichita City Parks and Recreation Centers.

Keep your car at home and ride a Wichita City Bus to Downtown Wichita, the Historic Delano District, Old Town or the Douglas Design District. Try to find all the Douglas Street statues and

visit the war memorials along the River Walk. Before heading home, stop by the Old Mill Tasty Shop for a nostalgic and delicious treat in Wichita’s original Old Town soda fountain.

Add a little education to your summer touring adventure at the Museums on the River; Exploration Place, Botanica Wichita Gardens, Wichita Art Museum, Old Cowtown Museum and the Mid-America All Indian Center’s. If you go on a Wednesday, be sure to try the Indian Center’s authentic Indian Tacos. Take a walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Big Arkansas River, visit the Keeper of the Plains and then take a stroll through the Riverside Park and Zoo.

Go on a family bike ride through the Sedgwick County Park, to the Sedgwick County Zoo and on the many bike paths around Wichita. See a map of all the city paths and trails here: http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Park/Bicycling/

Dreaming of the mountains? Grab the hiking gear, some bug spray and water and go on a family nature adventure in Swanson Park, Pawnee Prairie Park, or the Great Plains Nature center; all three are right here in Wichita.

Grab a tent, some marshmallows and chocolate and have a family camp out in the backyard or at one of the three nearby State and County Parks; Cheney Lake Reservoir, Lake Afton Park and

Observatory or El Dorado Lake. Bring swimsuits and sunscreen and make it a beach vacation.

Have a lazy-day fishing break or a picnic at your neighborhood pond or at one of Wichita’s Public Parks and Recreation Centers. O.J. Watson Park offers a day’s worth of excitement with bike paths, concession stands, paddle boat and pony rides and even a miniature train ride and miniature golf course. Reserve a shelter and volleyball court and invite other families and friends to join in. Close the laptop, unplug the phone and TV, rent a movie, order pizza, close the blinds and enjoy a family night at home.

Need a break from cooking and cleaning? Reserve a room for a day or two of family-friendly entertainment at the Best Western Airport Inn and Conference Center. Homewood Suites by Hilton at the Waterfront also offers a great home-away-from-home experience without the clean-up. Splash around in the pool, rent a video game or movie, walk or jog around the indoor walking and jogging track or play a game on the putting green. Enjoy a complimentary light meal and beverage reception in the evenings Monday through Thursday or take a walk to one of the nearby Waterfront restaurants.

If you just can’t shake the urge to get of the city, look to the neighboring smaller towns for the best-kept secrets of

by Erika Higgins

Vacation ideas for instant family fun!


enjoyable family day trips.

Float down the lazy river of Derby’s Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park, twist down the waterslides of Clearwater’s Aquatic Center or splash into the different community pools of the surrounding towns of Wichita.

Take a trip to the past and give your kids a real-life history lesson in the 1887 Victorian-style Warkentine House in Newton. For lunch, try the Old Mill Restaurant in Newton’s Old Mill Plaza, stretch out some restless legs in the Newton Athletic Park and stop off at the Newton Outlet Mall before heading home.

For a weekend or week-day get-away drive up to Abilene and visit the Eisenhower Museum, take a train ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, sit down for a scrumptious lunch and old-fashioned fine-dining experience at the Kirby House and then stroll down the streets of the “Newer Old Downtown” for some shopping before heading back home.

Visit the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson and then bite into a few slices of mouth-watering home-style pizza at family-owned Gambino’s Pizza in Colwich on the way home.

Lindsborg also offers a charming Swedish day-away. Spot all the various Dala Horses, eat Swedish pancakes, take a family bike ride on one special bike, take in all the beautiful art from several local talented artists and let imaginations run loose at the one-of-a-kind community-built playground in the Swenson Park.

For a real retreat from the busy world pack up the family, leave the electronics at home (except for the GPS) and take the scenic route through the Flint Hills or spend a night and a day in Yoder at the Sunflower Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Beatrice explores the trains and tracks at the Great Plains Transportation Museum in downtown Wichita.


News and information from our partners at

Wichita Public SchoolsBOE celebrates

scholarship recipientsThe Board of Education celebrated the accomplishments of 65 seniors for being some of the top scholarship recipients. The students were recognized for receiving $48,000 or more in scholarship earnings and/or for being named a Wichita State University Dean’s Scholar.

The amount of the scholarships the students received totaled $5.8 million.

“We are very proud of these seniors,” said Denise Wren, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools. “And these seniors are just a few of the students who have received scholarships.”

Northwest student named Presidential

ScholarDaniel Depew, senior at Northwest High School, was named a Presidential Scholar on May 2. The United States Presidential Scholars Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

The program recognizes distinguished graduating seniors from across the country. Candidates are selected based on their academic and artistic accomplishments, leadership and their involvement in school.

Depew, along with the other Presidential Scholars, will be recognized in Washington D.C. in June.

Andrea Nguyen, first-grade student at Seltzer Elementary, had the winning t-shirt design for the Wichita River Festival’s Tot Trot. Her design was chosen from more than 1,500 entries. Wichita River Festival Admiral Windwagon Smith presented Nguyen with a framed shirt featuring her winning design and a $50 gift certificate to Watermark Books.

Marcia Scurfield, Seltzer’s art teacher, also received a $100 gift certificate to support her classes. The school received a framed shirt with Nguyen’s design and all of her classmates receive a complimentary Tot Trot entry. Seltzer also received $400 for having the most entries.

Three winners were chosen from each division: kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade, with Nguyen selected the overall winner. All the division winners received a gift certificate. Other winners from the Wichita Public Schools include:

Kindergarten: Kayla Huynh, Seltzer – first place; Emily Larson, Seltzer, second-place; and Mario Gallgos, Enterprise – third place.

First-Grade: Andrea Nguyen, Seltzer – first place; Tristen Chung, Seltzer – second-place; Lauren Higgins, McLean – third-place.

Second-Grade: Andy Vu, Seltzer – first

place; Esmeralda Ramirez, McLean – second place; Diloncrae Ball, Seltzer – third place.

Enterprise received second place and Horace Mann placed third for number of entries submitted to the contest. Other schools that participated are L’Ouverture, Isely, Lawrence and Riverside.

The Wichita River Festival’s River Run and Tot Trot is Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Seltzer student wins Tot Trot t-shirt contest

Andrea Nguyen, center, drew the winning t-shirt design for the River Festival’s Tot Trot. She is pictured with Seltzer art teacher Marcia Scurfield and Admiral Windwagon Smith.


WICHITA FAMILIES ON THE MOVE | June Calendar of Events

For our on-going

calendar of events

visit our website at

WichitaFamily.com

June 1 Kid’s Workshop @ Wichita Art Museum; 2:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

A Kansas Treasure in Context: Mary Cas-satt @ Wichita Art Museum– July 31, 2011.

CSI: The Experience - National Traveling Exhibit @ Exploration Place – September 05.

Delano Community Farmers’ Market @ the Senior Center; 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday through October 26.

Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper @ Old Cowtown Museum. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. through August 27.

Kansas Sesquicentennial Exhibit - “What to Wear to the Kansas Sesquicentennial?” @ Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum through October 1.

75 Years of American Art @ Wichita Art Museum through July 24.

WSU School of Art & Design Master of Fine Arts Exhibition @ Ulrich Museum of Art; Tue- Fri 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat- Sun 1- 5 p.m. through June 05. Free.

June 2Art for Your Ears: Jeff Black Free Concert on the Lawn @ Wichita State University; 7 – 9 p.m.

Capital Federal Summer Concert Series: Liverpool, A Tribute To The Beatles @ Sedgwick County Zoo. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

June 3 Garden Storytime at Botanica; 10 a.m. Repeats every Friday through August 12.

Wichita Riverfest 2011 June 3-11.

Riverfest $1 button days @ Exploration Place through June 11: Cessna Kids’ Cor-ner, Mini Golf and Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium 5, 6, & 7 p.m.

Wet-n-Wild Days @ the Sedgwick County Zoo through August 26.

June 4Paso Fino Horse Show @ Kansas Pavilions; 8 a.m. through June 5. Free.

Old Town Farmer’s Market (Saturday

Only); 7:00 a.m. - Noon through October 08.

June 6 Once Upon a Shoe @ the Central Library, 10:30 a.m. & @ Orchard Park Branch Library; 2:30 p.m.

Une jolie histoire: French/English Story-time @ Rockwell Branch Library; 10:30 a.m.

June 7

Creative Craft Days: Natures Tune @ Bo-tanica; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Once Upon a Shoe @ Linwood Branch Library; 10:30 a.m. & @ Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library 2:30 p.m.

Art Start @ Wichita Art Museum; 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays.

June 8“The Music Man”- Music Theatre of Wich-ita @ Century II Concert Hall; Wed-Sat 8:00 p.m., Sun 7:00 p.m., Sat-Sun Matinee 2:00 p.m. through June 12.

June 9Discovery Days: Garden Detectives @ Botanica; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Speaking in Sign @ Evergreen Branch Library; 10:30 a.m. & @ Alford Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. Registration required.

Fancy Nancy Paris Party @ Central Library; 2:30 p.m. Ages 4-7.

Discoverers “Visit a Mummy’s Tomb” for children ages 8-10 @ Westlink Branch; 2:30 p.m. Tickets available beginning Thursday, May 26.

Wheat State Morgan Horse Show @ Kan-sas Pavilions; 8 a.m. through June 12.

June 10

One World, Many Songs, Interactive stories and music for ages 3-8 @ Rockwell Branch Library; 10:30 a.m. & @ Westlink Branch Library 2:30 p.m.

Lake Afton Public Observatory’s 30th Anniversary Weekend; 9 – 11 p.m. Free through June 11.

Johnny Western @ Prairie Rose Chuckwag-on Supper. Gates open 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m. $40 per person.

June 11Cowtown Cowboys @ Old Cowtown through June 12.

Look Out: Pop Art From The Collection Exhibit @ Ulrich Museum of Art through September 04.

Absolute Beginner Computer Class @ Midwest Historical & Genealogical Society; 1 p.m. Free.

6th Annual Symphony in the Flint Hills @ Fix Pasture, Adjacent to Mill Creek Scenic Drive, Volland, KS; 6:45 p.m., Gates open at 1:00 p.m. Adult $72, Child $40 ($3 han-dling fee per ticket.)

June 12

Vintage Baseball Game @ Old Cowtown. The Red Stockings vs. the Bull Dozers.

Folk Music Performance @ Wichita Art Museum; 12:30 p.m.

June 13Miranda’s Music on the Move @ Central Library; 10:30 a.m. & @ Evergreen Branch Library;

2:30 p.m. Tickets required and ages 3-8.

Fancy Nancy Book Party for ages 4-7, with an adult @ Alford Branch Library; 2:30 p.m.

Registration begins Wednesday, June 1.

1st Annual Pro-Am @ Terradyne Country Club; 1 p.m. tee-off.

2011 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open @ Crestview Country Club.

June 14

Garden Sprouts: Garden Treasure Hunt @ Botanica; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.


The city you’ve been searching for.

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While the kids splash at the Rock River Rapids water park, the older generation can stroll through the themed gardens at Botanica, or take everyone to hear the Diamond W Wranglers’ Chuckwagon Supper serenades. Wichita has the unique mix of attractions to make everyone happy at your next family reunion. All at Midwestern prices. Go Wichita will assist with hotel selection and fi nd the source for customized T-shirts and banners. For a free family reunion planner checklist, contact Jan Hiebert, [email protected] or 316.265.2800.

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Perfectly planned reunion + perfectly calm planner

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www.WichitaFamily.com14 Wichita Family | JUNE 2011 www.WichitaFamily.com

Wichita Family Classified Section

Kids Day Inn---a quality Christian Mom’s Day Out program at Westlink Christian Church 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita 722-1034 x121. Based on the “Bee” Attitudes Classes for 2& 3 year olds Monday, Thursday OR Friday.

Kidslink Christian Preschool at Westlink Christian Church, 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita. Excellence in Early Childhood Education from a Christian Perspective. Developmentally appropriate 1/2 day sessions for 3, 4, and 5 year-olds. Character Building, Christian Values, Qualified Staff, Safe Loving Environment. Enroll for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information call us at 722-1034

Childcare Directory

WESTSIDE MOM'S DAY OUT - A safe place for your children to play while you have a few hours to yourself. Friday's 9-2 at Westwood Presbyterian Church. Each mom works one Friday a month. Cost is only $15 for entire family! Call 773-9152 for more information.

You have heard about it,

NOW IT IS TIME TO SEE IT!

DifferentThan Any OtherTanganyika has created a Wildlife Park that breaks the mold of typical zoos. The grounds are open and inviting, providing the ultimate place for animals and people to be together in harmony. Walk with the Kangaroos, feed Rainbow Lorikeets and African tortoises, visit the Giraffe feeding post or swing over to Lemur Island and feed the Ring-tailed lemurs, or go for a stroll atop a camel. Now you can even feed the Indian rhinos and ride the horses.

twpark.com316-794-8954 West of Wichita in Goddard

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WFM_June 2011