Kansas City Mom Collective

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore with your family. In this episode, Megan and Sarah share the spring activities and outings currently sitting at the top of their family bucket lists. From quick Kansas City outings to a fun road trip idea, they’re talking through experiences they hope to check out this season- and inviting you to add them to your list, too! Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a unique museum experience, a fun show for the kids, or a special spring event around the city, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the season. Here are some of the spots and events mentioned in today’s episode: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (Springfield, MO) If you’re looking for a memorable family road trip, Megan recommends heading down to Springfield to visit this incredible aquarium and wildlife museum connected to the flagship Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Consistently ranked among the best aquariums in the United States, this massive attraction takes visitors on a 1.5-mile journey through immersive exhibits featuring sharks, stingrays, freshwater fish, and wildlife habitats from around the world. Highlights include: A walk-through underwater tunnel Interactive touch pools where kids can touch stingrays Beautifully designed exhibits that make you feel like you’re stepping into different ecosystems Admission:Adults: about $45.99Children (ages 4–11): about $25.99Children 3 and under: Free Most families spend 2–3 hours exploring the aquarium and wildlife galleries at a relaxed pace. Fantastic Caverns Another fun stop while visiting Springfield is this one-of-a-kind cave experience. It’s America’s only ride-through cave, where visitors board a Jeep-drawn tram and travel through the cavern while a guide shares the history of the cave and points out stunning rock formations created by an ancient underground river! The guided tour lasts about 55 minutes, and the cave stays a comfortable 60°F year-round, making it a great activity no matter the season. Admission:Adults: about $36Children (6–12): about $18Children 5 and under: Free with a paying adult Best of all, no walking or stairs are required, making it a great option for families with kids or grandparents. KingCade Located inside Oak Park Mall, KingCade is a casual, all-you-can-play arcade that mixes retro favorites with modern games. Instead of paying per game, guests pay a flat fee and can play unlimited games during their visit. Pricing:Ages 10+: $9.99Under 10: $4.99 It’s a fun, easy outing if you’re already at the mall or looking for a quick entertainment option on a rainy spring day. Theatre for Young America at Union Station Kansas City If your kids love live theater, this children’s theater company produces engaging shows designed specifically for young audiences. This spring they’re performing Diary of a Wimpy Kid from March 17 – April 18. Tickets:General Admission: $12Union Station Members: $10 Showtimes typically include weekday morning performances and Saturday afternoon shows. Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Now through April 19, families can experience the story of the Titanic like never before at Union Station. This immersive exhibition allows visitors to walk through recreated rooms from the ship, explore artifacts, and hear powerful stories from passengers who were aboard the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic. It’s a powerful and fascinating historical experience for older kids and adults alike. Planet Comicon Kansas City One of Kansas City’s biggest fan conventions returns March 27–29 with celebrity guests, cosplay, comics, gaming, and more. Family perks include: Kids 7 and under free on Friday and Saturday Family Day on Sunday, when kids 12 and under are free If your kids love superheroes, comics, or pop culture, this event is a blast! Parade of Hearts Kickoff Kansas City’s beloved public art experience returns this spring. The kickoff event celebrates the start of the 2026 Parade of Hearts, where beautifully designed heart sculptures are displayed across the metro to highlight local artists and support Kansas City nonprofits. The April 4 event includes: A first look at the new heart-inspired artworks Family friendly activities Community celebrations of Kansas City’s vibrant arts scene Spring always feels like a fresh start, and there’s no shortage of fun ways to explore Kansas City and beyond with your family. Whether you’re planning a road trip, checking out a new exhibit, or just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday, we hope today’s episode gives you a few new ideas to add to your list! Be sure to check out our 101 Things To Do list, as well! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!         The post Family Friendly Picks for Kansas City This Spring | Kansas City MomCast Episode 97 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

This episode is sponsored by Bloom Testing. If your child is struggling in school, melting down over homework, falling behind in reading, zoning out in class, or constantly overwhelmed, it can leave you feeling unsure of what to do next. You know they’re bright. You know they’re trying. But something isn’t clicking. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Hinman, a licensed psychologist and owner of Bloom Testing, a Kansas City–based practice specializing in high quality psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults. What You’ll Hear in This Episode In this conversation, we talk about what it really looks like to pursue clarity when a child is struggling including: The earliest signs a child may be struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally The biggest misconceptions about ADHD, autism, and learning difference How to tell the difference between typical development and something that needs evaluation What a psychoeducational evaluation actually is and what it can reveal The difference between school testing and private testing What testing day feels like for a child and how to support anxious or sensitive kid How results translate into real support, including IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations What to say to parents who worry about labeling their child First steps to take if you think your child may need testing Dr. Hinman reminds us that struggling in school doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart- it means we haven’t figured out what’s getting in the way. A good evaluation doesn’t label a child; it explains their experience. Testing isn’t about a diagnosis. It’s about a roadmap. If you’ve ever felt that quiet nudge that something feels off, this episode is for you. To make an appointment with Bloom Testing, click here. About Dr. Hinman Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Hinman graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the State University of New York at Geneseo and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. She relocated to Kansas City in 2020 and has since built strong relationships with local pediatricians, therapists, and schools. As both a clinician and a mom herself, she brings warmth, clarity, and practicality to the families she serves. Dr. Hinman now carries forward the legacy of Bloom Testing’s founder, the late Dr. Dawn Bloom, whose compassionate, evidence-based approach made a significant impact in the community. Today, she honors that foundation while expanding the practice’s services-including a growing focus on learning differences, ADHD assessments, psychoeducational testing, and comprehensive autism evaluations. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook! The post From Overwhelmed to Understood: A Conversation With Dr. Hinman of Bloom Testing | Kansas City MomCast Sponsored Episode appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Today’s conversation is about faith, honesty, healing, and what it looks like to rebuild your life and identity after walking through something deeply painful. Our guest is Jami Nato, a popular author, speaker, and entrepreneur (and Kansas City mom!) known for her relatable, humorous, faith-based reflections on family, marriage, and personal growth.  In today’s episode, Jami talks about her family and how she first began sharing her life and perspective publicly, how her faith shifted through the hardest seasons, and what it really looked like to do the hard, personal work of forgiveness. We’ll also talk about her decision to step away from a familiar church environment to find a new way of connecting with God, what she believes faith communities can still offer, and how all of these experiences shape her writing and her book. About Jami Nato: Jami has become a voice of honesty and hope, sharing lessons on forgiveness, purpose, and authenticity through her blog, social media, and her book This Must Be the Place. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, and their four kids-often sharing the beautifully “messy” parts of real life with humor and grace. What We’re Loving In Kansas City Time To Sign Up For Summer Camps! Sarah is here with a PSA to all moms that January and February is the time to get your kids signed up for summer camps! She has her eye on Tastebuds cooking camps and Snapology this year but will also be consulting the ever-helpful KCMC Summer Camp Guide you can find here! Snow Day Sledding Snow day season is here! If you are feeling adventurous and wanting to check out a new sledding spot, check out our super helpful guide to all the best places in KC! Your kids will thank you! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!       The post Holding onto Faith in the Hardest Seasons with Jami Nato | Kansas City MomCast Episode 95 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Today on the show, we’re excited to welcome Katie Wieners, the owner of Monstera’s Books in Downtown Overland Park! Katie lives in Overland Park with her husband, Justin, and their two daughters.  Before opening the bookstore, Katie spent nearly 15 years in software sales, building a successful career that many would consider the “safe path.” But after becoming a mom for the second time, she realized something important: the work that once energized her no longer felt aligned with the life she wanted to build. So she made a bold shift. In March 2024, Katie opened Monstera’s Books, a beautiful blend of books and plants that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Then in summer of 2025, a fire forced them closed. After extensive rebuilding the store and inventory, they reopened in time for the holidays. We’re talking about what it looks like to pivot careers as a mom, follow a dream that feels a little scary, build something from the ground up, and create a space where other people can feel at home. Katie’s story is such an inspiring reminder that motherhood doesn’t close doors — it can actually open the right ones. Follow Monstera’s on Facebook and Instagram. What We’re Loving In Kansas City Santa’s Secret Shop at Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty Does your kid have a list of friends, family, and special teachers they’d love to surprise for Christmas? Inside Santa’s Secret Shop, your child can experience independence by shopping with a Helper Elf with affordable gifts priced from $3-$20. Shopping dates include: December 15-19: 2pm-6pm December 20: 11am-4pm December 21: 11am-1pm December 22-23: 11am-5pm December 24: 10am-1pm This fun little pop up is located inside Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty, MO. Ice Skating at Chicken N Pickle Grab your crew and head out for some seasonal fun at the ice skating rink at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park (also a location in the Northland)! Weather permitting, the rink is open Monday–Friday from 4 p.m. to close and Saturday–Sunday from around 10 AM to close- perfect for afternoon family time or a spontaneous weekend outing. Skate passes are typically $11 with skate rentals around $4 (and kids 3 and under skate free!). There are lots of food options there, as well. Mom tip: don’t forget to sign the waiver before you hit the ice! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!     The post Building a Business That Feels Like Home: The Story of Monstera’s Books | Kansas City MomCast Episode 94 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Food insecurity is a pressing topic these days as families are faced with rising costs and the uncertainty of government assistance. Kansas City is lucky to have Harvesters, who works to feed hungry people today and end hunger for tomorrow. They are facing challenges in meeting that mission, which leads to our conversation in today’s episode. We’re excited to talk with KC native Cierra Howe, the Special Projects Content Manager at Harvesters, The Community Food Network. Cierra leads social media, video production, Spanish-language communications, and storytelling across the organization. She is also a mom to two young boys, ages four and one.  In our conversation, we discuss: Cierra’s journey into this work and how her role supports Harvesters’ mission of feeding neighbors across Kansas City The challenges families face when seeking food assistance, especially language and cultural barriers- and why clear, culturally thoughtful communication matters so much How Harvesters has been affected by the federal government shutdown and delays in SNAP payments Cierra’s hopes for the future and simple, meaningful ways you and your kids can get involved. Cierra Howe is the special projects content manager at Harvesters – The Community Food Network in Kansas City, Missouri, where she leads efforts in social media, video production, Spanish communications and storytelling. She also has a side photography business called Snapshots by Cie. Cierra is the mom of two young boys, 4 and 1, with big imaginations and wild spirits. Born and raised in KC, Cierra loves to cook, read and be one with nature. Links to Reference Main Harvesters website: www.harvesters.org Spanish harvesters website: www.harvesters.org/es Food assistance: www.harvesters.org/foodlocator Government shutdown updates: www.harvesters.org/shutdown Donate: www.harvesters.org/givemoney Volunteer: www.harvesters.org/givetime Donate food: www.harvesters.org/givefood Advocate: www.harvesters.org/givevoice Follow Harvesters on Facebook and Instagram. Cold and flu season is upon us but simple handwashing can help keep germs at bay. Wet hands with water, lathering with soap, clean and scrub the entire surface for 20 seconds- about how long it takes to sing happy birthday. Rinse hands with water and dry hands with a single use towel. Children’s Mercy Kansas City is built for kids. That’s why we have been taking care of the kids in the community for more than 125 years. Learn more.  What We’re Loving In Kansas City KC Mom + Baby Fair Kansas City Mom Collective invites you to KC Mom + Baby on Sunday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center. Bring your partner, your mom, your sister, or anyone supporting you through this new chapter of life and enjoy a morning full of connections to the businesses, products and support you need to navigate life with your baby! The first 150 moms in the door will get an awesome swag bag! Take Out Thanksgiving Megan and her family opt out of the cooking part of Thanksgiving and she says it’s the best. Check out our guide to take out options in Kansas City! Grocery stores, restaurants, and caterers offer full meals (or just the turkey or sides) and there are also businesses offering turkeys, hams, and other main dishes. Many require you pick up the meal and reheat, but some are open on Thanksgiving and you can grab your meal hot and ready to serve. There are also amazing bakeries offering pies and dinner rolls. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!     The post Combating Food Insecurity in Kansas City with Harvesters | Kansas City MomCast Episode 92 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Stroke has no age limits. It can happen to teenagers, children, even infants. Warning signs are often missed in children because there is a lack of awareness that strokes can happen in this age group. Today we are speaking with a Kansas City Mom, Leila Gallagher, whose son Joey had his first stroke at age 4 while playing T-Ball. Joey went on to experience multiple strokes, bringing challenges like left-side weakness, vision loss, and ongoing recovery needs. The Gallagher Family shares Joey’s journey to raise awareness, hope, and education for other families and to support the work of the American Heart Association. We are also joined by DeEtta Lee of the American Heart Association to discuss how we can get involved to raise funds and awareness through the annual KC Heart Walk. In addition to hearing Joey’s amazing story, we discuss: The warning signs of pediatric stroke How parents can equip themselves to help their children in the event of a medical emergency. How you can get involved to raise funds and awareness through the annual KC Heart Walk. What We’re Loving In Kansas City Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall Get your tickets now for Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall, Oct. 28-Nov. 2. Sarah recommends planning early so you can attend one of the more kid friendly times – matinees on the weekend. Best Family Photo Spots in KC It is officially time to capture fall family photos! We have a great guide for the best spots for fall colors and backdrops for your family pics. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!     The post A Story of Survival through Pediatric Stroke | Kansas City MomCast Episode 89 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Fall is here! There is so much to do in fall in Kansas City that sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. We discuss something new we plan to try, something we always do, and something we plan to do at home with our families. Something Old Sarah and her family always get the Johnson Farms season pass. She loves being able to pop over there for an hour and not feel the need to make it an entire day (which is easy to do there!) Megan and her family love attending Deanna Rose Farmstead’s Night of the Living Farm. Her kids are almost 8 and 11 and still love this great event. Buy tickets in advance! The Coffeys also love the Jack’s Hollow spooky drive through in Gardner. Sign up for a spot online- it’s free but they accept donations of unwrapped gifts for the charitable organization Secret Santa. Something New Before kids, Megan and her husband would frequent this awesome annual event but then… kids. This year they are planning to take their kids down to the Plaza Art Fair. It runs Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21. More information can be found here! Megan also hopes to take her Dogman-loving son to Dogman the Musical at the Folly Theater! Tickets are on sale now. Sarah is going to try out the Renaissance Festival, as well as attend Beauty and the Beast at Music Hall. Check out our Renaissance Festival guide here! At Home Simmer pots are something that Sarah has been wanting to try out for awhile and this is her year to shine. Send all good-smelling simmer recipes her way! Megan has never been able to figure out a fall front porch display due to paralyzing indecision. This year she plans to keep her mums alive and add a little more decor! Be sure to check out our 101 Things to Do This Fall list, as well- lots of free options there! Tag us at @kansascitymomcollective and tell us what fall things you’re up to! What catches their eye could make them cry! Survey your kid’s play area for liquids like fingernail polish or colorful cleaning products they may mistake as a beverage. To avoid this, we suggest storing these products out of sight and reach of children as well as keeping potent liquid in their original container. An additional precaution is to never set an item like this on a table where it could mistakenly be forgotten. Children’s Mercy Kansas City is built for kids. That’s why we have been taking care of the kids in the community for more than 125 years. Learn more.  Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!         The post Fall in Kansas City | Kansas City MomCast Episode 88 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Join us for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about medicine, resilience, and the human side of cancer care.

  In this episode, we sit down with a Kansas City TV news reporter Abby Eden.  Abby has spent years telling the stories that shape our communities — while managing the beautiful chaos of raising a family. From the childhood spark that drew her to the newsroom, to the challenges of covering difficult events, she shares an inside look at the fast paced, ever-changing world of journalism. We explore how local news remains a cornerstone of an informed society, the wisdom she’s gained as a working mom, and her strategies for leaving newsroom stress at the office so she can be fully present at home. Along the way, she lets us in on exciting projects ahead and how listeners can follow her work. Abby is a veteran TV news anchor and reporter at FOX 4 News in Kansas City, where she began her career in 2010 as a digital journalist before advancing to anchor and reporting roles, including the 10 p.m. news and the morning show since 2017. Abby is an award-winning journalist, a public speaker, and an emcee, recognized with Regional Edward R. Murrow and Mid-America Emmy awards for her impactful storytelling. Abby is also a University of Missouri alumna, with a bachelor’s degree in radio and television journalism. During college, she interned at KOMU and even spent time in Buenos Aires gaining hands-on experience in producing, anchoring, editing, and photography. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Abby now balances life off-air with her roles as a wife and mom of four young children, alongside a house full of pets and countless responsibilities, all while anchoring early morning TV segments. When she’s not working or parenting, Abby’s an avid runner, lifelong learner, and perpetual consumer of information — always curious, always connected Need to help your little swimmers …and their swimmer’s ear? Kids normally describe swimmer’s ear as: itching, painful, loss of hearing, a feeling of fullness in their ear, or a sharp pain when chewing or tugging on the lobe. To combat this, we suggest using a hair dryer on the lowest speed to gently dry water that remains in the ear. If your child gets swimmers ear often and you know they do not have a punctured ear drum, you can use equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol as a drying solution. Another precaution is to warn your young ones about putting foreign objects into the ear canal which can lead to similar symptoms. Children’s Mercy Kansas City is built for kids. That’s why we have been taking care of the kids in the community for more than 125 years. Learn more.  What We’re Loving In Kansas City Hanging With Heroes Hanging With Heroes is back for its fourth year, and it’s more heroic than ever! We have had so much fun with you in the past, and you don’t want to miss out on this FREE event! Your family will hang with superheroes, community heroes, and even become heroes yourselves. Toss on your cape and join us Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. – noon. at Zona Rosa‘s Central Park as we become a force of good in our metropolis! We are thrilled to have Oakhill Day School as our title sponsor! Take Your Teachers a Treat! As school gets going, consider dropping off a coffee or favorite treat to your child’s teacher. Not sure what his or her favorites are? Shoot them a quick e mail and ask or send in a Favorite Things sheet that you can easily find online and have them return it home. Many PTAs do this and house the info on your school’s webpage. Other ideas to surprise and make your teacher’s day can be found in our local guide here! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!     The post Anchoring Life: Abby Eden on the Importance of Local News and Community | Kansas City MomCast Episode 87 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.