Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers year-round program, activities, and special events for all ages!

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.

Jan. 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Sunday Family Series: January (All Ages)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 2 to 2:45 p.m., $4 per person

1^st of a new season! Bring the family to Ernie Miller Nature Center on Sunday afternoons during January and February for entertainment and educational experiences. Each program is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length and begins at 2 p.m. Programs are presented by park naturalists, park police officers, and volunteers. Advanced registration is required. Jan. 7 session, “Who are the Owls,” 33884;  Jan. 14, “Animal Architects,” 33885; Jan. 21, “Leave no Trace,” 33886; and Jan. 28, “Kansas Symbols,” 33887. Click here to see all sessions through February. For more information, call 913-826-2800.

Jan. 7 - Basketball: Okun Bitty Ball w/Challenger Sports S2 (Ages 6-7)

Okun Fieldhouse at Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sundays, 4 sessions, $63 per person, $70 nonresidents

Get in the game! Practice ball handling, passing, shooting, offense and defense at Okun! Challenger Sports coaches will divide players into teams for drills and scrimmages. Activity number 32490.

Jan. 8 - Museum: Sensory Friendly Monday (All Ages)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, $4 per person for ages up to 18, $6 per person for ages 18 to 59, and $5 per person for ages 60 and older

1^st of a new season! 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 33486. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Jan. 8 - Group Youth Swim Lessons (Ages 6 months & Older)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87th St., Lenexa, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 classes in six levels, beginning times vary, 8 30-min sessions, $65 per child, $72 nonresidents

Evening classes available. Lesson levels include: Preschool A, Preschool B, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Most levels are assigned based on skill level rather than age. See descriptions of swim levels, or use our Swim Level Assessment Form. Search and register for Group Swim Lessons.

Jan. 8 - Games: La Loteria (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays, 16 sessions, $1 per person per session

NEW! Join other seasoned Lotería players for this fun party game of chance, similar to bingo! We provide the supplies, you bring some friends and your enthusiasm! Activity number 34000. Drop-in fee covers room space and game supplies. No additional charge for La Loteria. Advanced registration not required.

Jan. 8 - Exercise: Classical Stretch (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Mondays, 5 to 5:50 p.m., 5 sessions, $40 per person, $44 nonresidents

Classical Stretch, or Essentrics, is a dynamic, full-body workout that simultaneously combines stretching and strengthening, while engaging all 650 muscles. Activity number 33697.

Jan. 9 and Tuesdays through Feb. 27 - Birding: Coffee with the Birds (Ages 18 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Tuesdays, drop in 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., FREE

Winter is a wonderful time for bird watching. Chickadees, woodpeckers, juncos, cardinals, and more can be seen busily eating at the feeders. Enjoy the comfy Wildlife Viewing Room at Ernie Miller Nature Center every Tuesday in January and February starting Jan. 9. Sit, drink free coffee, and visit while watching our feathered friends. Come and go as you please. Activity number 33789. No registration required. For more information call 913-826-2800.

Jan. 9 - Exercise: Gentle Yoga (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Tuesdays, 9 to 9:50 a.m., 4 sessions, $32 per person, $35 nonresidents

Gentle Yoga is performed at a slower pace, with less intense positions, and includes extended time for meditation, yogic breath work, and relaxation. Activity number 33693.

Jan. 9 - Gardening: Coffee and Gardening Q&A - Gardening 101 (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE 

Winter is a great time to rest, connect with other gardeners and dream of a better garden. Come join us for engaging conversations with your local gardeners. Make new friends and build a community of enthusiastic gardeners who want to create floriferous solutions to climate issues. Join the K-State Extension Office on a variety of gardening topics and be free to discuss your gardening questions with a Master Gardener. Activity number 33709.

Jan. 10 - Bingo – Kansas City (Ages 50 & Older)

Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, 1:30 to 3 p.m., $6 per person, $7 nonresidents

1^st of a new season! BINGO! Delight in food, prizes, fun and 12 games of bingo. Variety of prizes 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 34041.

Jan. 10 - Museum: Retro Storytime - “The Oopic Book” (All Ages)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $2 per person, $1.60 museum members

1^st of a new season! Meet Ookpik the Arctic Owl in this Golden Shape Book from 1963. Learn about life in the arctic, then make a snowy owl to take home. Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! A craft activity is included after the story ends. Activity number 33481. This program is also available as a field trip for groups - call for more information at 913-715-2570.

Jan. 10 - Yoga: Rise and Shine Yoga (Ages 16 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Wednesdays, 6 to 7 a.m., 4 sessions, $36 per person, $40 nonresidents

Start your day with an invigorating yoga practice at Ernie Miller Nature Center. This is yoga for anybody. All are welcome, no experience necessary! This class will focus on gentle stretching, serenity, and rejuvenation, and will be tailored to individual abilities. Please bring your mat to class. Meet at the parking lot flagpole to walk into the building together at 6 a.m. Instructor is Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher Robin Olson. Activity number 34492.

Jan 10 & 24  - Preschool Storytime: Animal Tales (Ages 2-6 with an Adult)

(Ages 2-6 with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, select Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., $3 per person

1^st of a new season! - Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children offered every two weeks through May 5. Come listen, learn, and meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Jan. 10 session, “Hibernation Station,” activity number 33894; Jan. 24 session, “Who’s There,” activity number 33895. See all upcoming sessions this season.

Jan. 10 - Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts (Ages 6-12)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Wednesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m., 4 sessions, $52 per person, $57 nonresidents

Youth empowerment through Mixed Martial Arts! We offer an exceptional program that merges fitness, self-defense, and heaps of fun for young individuals. Our professional instructor brings their passion for martial arts into every session, creating a supportive environment where kids can thrive. Through our dynamic classes, your child will develop strength, agility, and essential self-defense skills, all while enjoying an incredible and rewarding journey. Don't miss this opportunity to introduce your child to the exciting world of mixed martial arts! Activity number 34116.

Jan. 11 - Day Travel: Treasures Abound (Ages 50 & Older)
Departs from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $119 per person, $131 nonresidents

Delight in a demonstration of marble making at the Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs, Kan. After lunch, discover the sunken treasures of the Arabia Steamboat Museum at the River Market in Kansas City, Mo. Housing artifacts salvaged from the steamboat which sank in the Missouri River in 1856, this time capsule will have you stepping back in time. This trip includes transportation on a motorcoach, 50 Plus escort, and tickets to both venues, lunch, and all gratuities. Moderate walking and standing are to be expected. Activity number 33950.

Jan. 12 - Preschool: Winter Wonderland Party (Ages 2-5 with Adult)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., sessions, $9 per person, $10 nonresidents

NEW! Celebrate the wonder of winter with our Preschool Winter Wonderland Party! Your little snow enthusiasts will be beaming with delight during this party filled with cheerful music, snowy decorations and exciting activities tailored for preschoolers! Let the giggles and laughter fill the air as they meet new friends and enjoy the winter-themed treats we have in store! Activity number 34122.

Jan. 12 - Art: Pastel Painting Series (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 sessions, $98 per person, $108 nonresidents

Beginning artists will learn tips and techniques to work with pastels during this series. Students will explore pastel painting with technical studies throughout the class. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 32597.