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.

A reminder that while JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at 913-826-2975 for space availability.

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of April 28-May 4:

April 29 - Pickleball: Pickleball 101 (Ages 11-16)

• Meadowbrook Park Pickleball Courts, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m., 4 sessions, $35 per person, $39 nonresidents - This four-week course is great for new and beginning players. Each week will focus on a new topic covering all the basics like terminology, scoring, rules, serving, strategy and more. Equipment not provided, bring your own paddle. Activity number 33834.

April 30 - Cards: Bridge Workshops - How to Defend a No Trump Hand (Ages 50 and Older) 

• Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 6 p.m., $13 per person, $14 nonresidents - Become an in-demand partner with these bridge workshops. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Workshops include hands on instruction and handouts to take home. Activity number 34032. 

April 30 - Games: Outburst® (Ages 50 and Older)

• Virtual Program, 1 to 2 p.m., FREE - "Cars that start with 'C'!...GO!" Come play this virtual game of verbal explosions. You'll yell, you'll laugh, you'll rack your brain! Most importantly, you'll have a good OUTBURST! Activity number 34008.

May 1 - Exercise: Virtual Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (Ages 50 and Older)

• Virtual Program, Wednesdays, 11 to 11:45 a.m., 18 sessions, FREE - LOW INTENSITY: This recreational chair-based exercise class includes range-of-motion exercises suitable for every fitness level and ability. Try the first class for free! No class May 27, June 19 and July 4. Activity number 39195. 

May 1 & ongoing - Crafts: Drop-in Paint Group (Ages 50 and Older)

• Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Wednesdays, 12:30 to 3 p.m., $1 - First of a new season - Looking for a fun and creative way to express yourself? Look no further than our drop-in paint group! Bring your own materials and let your imagination run wild as you create your own unique works of art. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, this group is the perfect place to explore your creativity and connect with other like-minded individuals. Meets weekly, advance registration not required. $1 drop-in fee recommended. Activity number 38894. 

May 1 - Make: Electronics 101 (Ages 50 and Older)

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $98 per person, $108 nonresidents - NEW! Have you ever wanted to tackle a DIY electronics project but didn’t know where to start? We’ll get you started with the basics by teaching you how to solder, what basic electronic components are and what they do. Then we’ll complete a mini electrical project to put those skills to use! No experience necessary. All supplies included. Activity number 34925.

May 1 - Alzheimer's: Healthy Living for Your Brain (Ages 50 and Older)

• Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE - Learn how to recognize common signs of Alzheimer's and dementia; how to approach someone about memory concerns; importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity/social engagement, and other tools to help you plan for healthy aging. Presentation by the Alzheimer's Association. Activity number 39006.

May 1  - Preschool Storytime: Animal Tales – Fairytale Forest (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 - Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age. Come listen, learn and meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Advance registration recommended. On-site admission available if space allows. Infants under 1 year old admitted free. Activity number 33904. 

May 1 & ongoing (2 separate programs) - Walking and Talking (Ages 50 and Older)

• Okun Fieldhouse at Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., or New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, weekdays 10 a.m. to noon, FREE - 1st of a new season! Talk while you walk, walk while you talk! Meet new people, catch up with others, and feel great being active all at the same time! No registration required, but you can see this program online at activity number 39197 for Okun Fieldhouse or 39196 for New Century Fieldhouse.

May 1 (2 separate programs) - Art: Painter’s Palette (Ages 50 and Older) 

• Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell, Overland Park, 9:30 a.m. to Noon; Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 1:30 to 4 p.m., 5-Punch Art Card $58 per person, $64 nonresidents, 10-Punch Art Card $110 per person, $121 nonresidents - Work at your own pace and learn techniques, styles, and tips with individual instruction and peer assistance provided across two types of mediums. Classes are on-going, start any time. Check out the first class for free! Five- and ten-punch cards expire three months from date of purchase. Activity number 39189 for Tomahawk Ridge Community Center or 39188 for Matt Ross Community Center.

May 2 - Brew & Banter (Ages 50 & Older)

• Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., 10 to 11 a.m., FREE - NEW! Get ready to kick off Older Americans Month with a morning of fun! Enjoy mingling with peers, sip on some coffee, and discover what's happening this summer with 50 Plus. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect, share stories, and get a sneak peek into the exciting events ahead. Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate and stay informed! Activity number 39242.

May 3 - May the Forest be with You (Ages 5 and Older with Adult)

• Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 1.5 hour sessions with seven start times at 20 minute intervals, $9 per person, $10 nonresidents - "May the Forest be with You" is an exciting outdoor/indoor event for families that combines the wonder of nature and space science with the magic of Star Wars®. You and your family will attend a Jedi academy and explore outer space in our state-of-the-art planetarium. Meet your favorite Star Wars® characters and immerse yourself in a faraway galaxy. *The last two sessions will start late enough to include night sky telescope observation as a part of the program (if clear skies allow). This event is perfect for families with children ages 5-15. Costumes and cosplay are welcome and encouraged! In the event of inclement weather, the entire program will be indoors. Every person attending must register and pay, including adults. Minimum one paid adult chaperone per five paid youth for troops and youth groups. The fee is non-refundable. Advance registration is required. Sessions start every 20 minutes. For more information contact 913-826-2800. "May the Forest be with You!” Start times: 6 p.m., activity number 33835 FULL; 6:20 p.m., 33838; 6:40 p.m., 33839; 7  p.m., 33841; 7:20 p.m., 33842; *7:40 p.m., 33845 FULL; and *8 p.m., 33846.

May 3  - Art: Watercolor Painting Series (Ages 50 and Older) 

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Fridays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $98 per person, $108 nonresidents - Beginning artists with learn tips and techniques to paint with watercolor paints during this series. Students will explore watercolor painting with mini technical studies throughout the class. No experience needed. All supplies included. 34922.

May 3 - Special Event: Derby Party (Ages 50 and Older)

• Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10 to 11:30 p.m., $16 per person, $17 nonresidents - Join us for a delightful morning filled with activities, Mint Julep mocktails, and socializing! Decorate your own Kentucky Derby hat to prepare for the big day! Supplies provided or bring your own. Show us your best southern charm attire, and you might just win the prize for best dressed! Activity number 39056.

May 4 - Art: Hand Weaving (Ages 8-15)

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,  $46 per person, $51 nonresidents - NEW! Get a start on weaving by learning the ways of weaving with this one-day hand weaving lab. You learn weaving terminology and the basics while making a beautiful piece of fiber art. No experience necessary. Activity number 34923.

May 4 - Make: Egg Drop Lab (Ages 8-15)

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $46 per person, $51 nonresidents - NEW! Experiment with materials to keep your egg safe as it drops during this one-day lab. Students will explore physics, fabrication and iterative design skills while working to keep their egg safe. All supplies included. Activity number 34924.

May 4 - Music: Ukulele Workshop (Ages 8-12)

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., 3 sessions, $54 per person, $59 nonresidents - NEW! Dive into the joyful world of music with our Ukulele for Kids instrument workshop. Designed specifically for young learners, this workshop introduces the magical strings of the ukulele in a fun, engaging, and easy-to-understand manner. Whether your child has dreams of becoming a musician or is just looking for a fun new hobby, our ukulele workshop is the perfect start. While this program is just three weeks long, we look forward to launching longer programs in the fall based on enrollment and interest! Activity number 38891.

May 4 - Music: Bucket Drumming Workshop (Ages 6-10)

• Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., 3 sessions, $54 per person, $59 nonresidents - NEW! Get ready to make some noise with our Bucket Drumming for Kids instrument workshop. This high-energy, hands-on workshop is perfect for kids who love to tap, hit, and create rhythms. Using nothing more than a pair of sticks and a bucket, participants will discover the exciting world of percussion and rhythm. Activity number 38892.

May 4 - Biking: Buddy Pegs Weekend Mountain Bike School (Ages 5-10)

• Shawnee Mission Park Shelter #3, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee & Lenexa, 2 to 4 p.m., 4 sessions, $175 per person, $193 nonresidents - Weekend Trail School is a chance for beginner, intermediate, and advanced mountain bike kids to further develop their mountain bike skills, safety, social emotional learning, and fitness. Kids will enjoy the camaraderie of a team sport without the pressure to compete, develop their love for mountain biking, and develop critical life skills like resilience, self-confidence, empathy, connection to their community, and respect for the environment. Bike coaching includes: brake modulation using front and back brakes, steering in control, looking ahead, bike body separation, ready position, riding in a group, front wheel lifts, climbing and descending safely, and yielding to other trail users. Off-the-bike activities include bike cleaning and maintenance, bike safety checks, and bike themed games and crafts. Operated by certified Buddy Pegs bike coaches who are known for their patient, compassionate, and fun teaching style. Children grouped by ability level. Note: multi speed bikes with hand brakes and knobby tires required - bike rentals available. Bike rental fee is not included in enrollment fee. Activity number 32870.

May 4 - Fishing: Overnight Saturdays after 11 pm (All Ages)

• Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, 11 p.m. - 5 a.m., permit fees vary - First overnight fishing session of 2024 - The park will be open for fishing only and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. Before fishing, area anglers will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, trout permit if fishing for trout and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. For all dates, see activity number 38878.

May 4 - Weekend hours at Shawnee Mission Park Marina through May 31 (All Ages)

• 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee & Lenexa, hours, and rental fees vary - Walk-up rentals are available, but reservations are recommended for the very busy Shawnee Mission Park Marina. The marina offers boat rentals, including canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. For more information, go to JCPRD.com/1479/Marinas.