Grab Your Kids, and Go!

August 08, 2012

It’s almost time for the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum’s annual "Free Back to School Day." It's August 25, 2012! Mark your calendars!

I’ve been lucky enough to tag along with my sister and my nephew for two years in a row. The Museum will be open and free of charge, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Here’s an incomplete list of what you will see: marbles and marble mazes, board games, GI Joes, fully furnished dollhouses from every age, stuffed animals, antique dolls, lunchboxes, die-cast cars, Raggedy Ann and Andy, figures of Jedi and Sith, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, and Spidey and the Batman! Barbie is celebrated in a 50th anniversary exhibit through the end of the year. The first time I visited, I saw a fantastic collection of PEZ dispensers featuring all sorts of movie and animated characters. I’m telling you, there is nothing like this Museum!

The free day always includes music, a craft activity, and my favorite, the button-making! Round templates are set out on tables for children and adults to color and cut out. Then, everyone waits in line for the museum staff to make the button. I nearly hyperventilate if it seems they will run out of buttons before I get one.  I’m so thankful when I do! 

The Museum sits on a hill at 5235 Oak, on the UMKC campus. Parking is free, but it’s a little tight, so don’t  wait until the last minutes to visit. 

Oh my, what will I do when my nephew decides he’s too old to attend? Someone will have to rent me a kid!

Geri H.
Blue Ridge Branch