By David Markham
We’re rolling out a fantastic lineup of activities to keep you and your family active, creative, and connected during the January through April season. From arts and crafts to sports, nature programs, leagues, classes, homeschool options, special events, workshops, trips, and Spring Break camps – there’s truly something for everyone, from infants to senior adults.
Registration opened Monday, Nov. 24, giving you plenty of time to grab your spot in one (or several!) of the 500+ programs JCPRD is offering throughout the first four months of 2026 and beyond.
You can explore all offerings right now at JCPRD.com, so step into the season and register early for the best selection!
Here are just a few highlights from this season’s special events and activities:
January
- Dec. 26 -Jan. 31 – Natural Holiday Tree Recycling (All Ages) drop-off points in JCPRD parks
- Through Jan. 3 – “Home for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas” (All Ages) Johnson County Museum
- Through Jan. 10 – “Ripples: Water, Community, and You” (All Ages) Johnson County Museum
- Jan. 2 – Gymnastics Ninja Training (Ages 6-12) Mill Creek Activity Center
- Jan 8. – Adaptive Recreation Winter Bingo (Ages 16 & Older) Roeland Park Community Center
- Jan. 9 – The Life of William Allen White (Ages 50 & Older) Virtual Program
- Jan. 10 – Family Fun: Vision Boards (All Ages) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Jan. 16 – Preschool: Royal Tea Party (Ages 2-5 with Adult) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Jan. 15 – Lunch & Learn – City of Fountains (Ages 50 & Older) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Jan 23 – Family Bingo at the Beach (All Ages) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Jan. 23 – Night at the Museum – Scout Edition! (Ages 6-12) Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
- Jan. 30 – Puzzle Palooza (Ages 50 & Older) Tomahawk Ridge Community Center
February
- Feb. 6 – Little Lovebugs Party (Ages 2-5 with Adult) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Feb. 6 – Year of the Horse Mah Jongg Party (Ages 50 & Older) Roeland Park Community Center
- Opens Feb. 7 – Museum Exhibit “Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County” (All Ages) Johnson County Museum
- Feb. 12 – Murder Mystery Masquerade (Ages 18 & Older) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- Feb. 13 – Valentine’s Lunch & Bingo (Ages 50 & Older) Roeland Park Community Center
- Feb. 17 – Cupid Shuffle Hand & Foot Tournament (Ages 50 & Older) New Century Fieldhouse
- Feb. 27 – Night at the Museum – Scout Edition! (Ages 6-12) Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
- Feb. 27 – Pajama Party Bingo (All Ages) Roeland Park Community Center
March
- March 3 – Lunch & Learn – Discovery and Travel (Ages 50 & Older) New Century Fieldhouse
- March 4 – Superhero Party (Ages 2-5 with Adult) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- March 13 – 29 – “Nunsense” at The Black Box Theatre (Rated PG) Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
- March 18 – Gamin’ with the Grandkids (Ages 5 & Older) Matt Ross Community Center
- March 19 – Free Day at the Johnson County Museum (All Ages) Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
- March 26 – Soup, Salad, and the Strolling Strings (Ages 50 & Older) Matt Ross Community Center
- March 26 – Puzzle Palooza (Ages 18 & Older) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- March 31 – Fast Friends Mixer (Ages 50 & Older) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
April
- April 1 – 50 Plus Egg Hunt (Ages 50 & Older) Roeland Park Community Center
- April 3 – Bunny Hop (Ages 2-5 with Adult) Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse
- April 3 – Egg Hunt Geocache (All Ages) Shawnee Mission Park
- April 11 – Trucks and Big Rigs for Kids (All Ages) at Theatre in the Park
- April 10 – Gymnastics Ninja Training (Ages 6-12) Mill Creek Activity Center
- April 15 – Music Bingo (Ages 50 & Older) LongHouse Visitor Center
- April 24 – Spring into Hand & Foot (Ages 50 & Older) Mill Creek Activity Center
- April 25 – Youth Fishing Derby (Ages 4-12) Meadowbrook Park
- April 25 – TimberRidge Adventure Center Open House (All Ages)
- April 25 – Hawks Nest Climbing Wall Open House (Ages 10 & Older) TimberRidge Adventure Center
- April 28 – Tiles and Tulips Mah Jongg Party (Ages 50 & Older) New Century Fieldhouse
- April 30 – Adaptive Recreation Spring Fling Picnic & Games (Ages 8 & Older) Antioch Park
- And many more!
50 Plus Travel programs continue to be very popular. Trips in the new season include Extended Travel with upcoming trips to: Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, Britain, Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Alaska, Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria, Egypt, and more. 2026 day travel programs will be available for registration beginning Nov. 24.
JCPRD continues to offer virtual programs, with an emphasis on 50 Plus offerings, which range from games to exercise. A number of virtual computer classes for youth are also offered.
While they don’t happen during the January-April season, online listings give the opportunity to plan for and sign up for a number of races happening later in the year. These include: the Heritage Hustle race on May 9 in Heritage Park; the Shawnee Mission Park Adventure Race on May 17; the Shawnee Mission Triathlon and Duathlon on Aug. 2; the Kill Creek Park Triathlon & Duathlon on Aug. 8; and the JCPRD Kids Triathlon in Kill Creek Park on Aug. 9.
With cooler temperatures, winter and early spring are also a great time to get out and explore JCPRD’s trails and parks.
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