Macaroni Kid
West Wichita
Macaroni Kid  

Welcome to Wichita Macaroni Kid!


The place to turn when your kids are bored!

Hello Macaroni Moms and Dads!  

Hello Sweet Mommas!  (Not ignoring the Dads, but our "week" is coming up!  ;)  How awesome to get a day to be honored by our kiddos.  I love how excited my kids get to show me their special school projects for Mother's Day.  Typically on this day every year, I do laundry.  Same as my birthday.  This year I have promised myself ~ FUN!  Which means NOTHING even remotely resembling housework!  So let's join together and make a pact:  Sunday is only for enjoying with ...


What Do Moms REALLY Want For Mother's Day?


A special thanks to Kyrie Collins of Macaroni Kid Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock for her efforts in compiling and putting together this wonderful article.

In 1914 the United States Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, and required that the President proclaim the holiday every year shortly before its arrival. While a Presidential Proclamation is nice, we know what moms REALLY want for Mother's Day this year. How do we know? Simple ... we asked! More than 50 moms responded to our question and the answers were ...

Stamp Out Hunger


On Saturday, May 12th, Campbell Soup Company will join forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers to help Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 20th year, the annual food drive has grown from a regional to a national effort that provides assistance to the millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive, held on the second Saturday in May, has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive benefitting Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. In ...

Macaroni Fun


Summer Sponge Bomb

Summer approaches fast and moms everywhere are beginning to hear the sounds..."It's toooo hot to play outside"! Well, let the kids cool off a bit with this oh-so-easy and reusable summer time craft that will keep the kids cool all summer long!

Here's what you need!

For each splash bomb you'll need 3 plain kitchen sponges.

Plus:

Scissors
Strong string
Bucket and water!

Take three sponges (be sure they are slightly damp. Most come damp but if they're too dry, lightly dampen them)

Take your ...


Macaroni Goodies


Two sweet treats to make for a special mom on Mother's Day!

Bananas Foster French Toast


Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract - divided
8 slices whole grain bread bread
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon dark rum or rum extract - optional
powdered sugar
Oil

Directions:
Crack eggs into medium size shallow bowl, beat lightly with a fork. Add milk and 1 tsp vanilla, stir well.

Heat griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Coat with a thin layer of oil.

Dip bread slices, one at a time, into the ...

Macaroni Made


Plantable Mother's Day Craft

Supplies for Plantable Paper
Napkins - in various colors

Plastic container with screw top lid
Flower seeds
Strainer/Colander
Wax paper
Cookie cutter - large enough to place your fingers in
Towels - 2 to 3
Cooling rack (optional)

Supplies for Greeting Card
Construction paper

Double-sided tape (or other adhesive)
Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc


Directions:

  1. Tear napkins into pieces about half the size of a postage stamp. Place the napkin pieces into the plastic container until the container is about half full. Fill the container with water. Screw lid onto container. Shake ...

This Week's Picks:


Saturday, May 12 - Michaels Make-It-Take-It Mother's Day Apron & Shirt

Show Mom you truly care with something special for her to wear.  While supplies last.
Where: All Michael's locations
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up are welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free with purchase of T-shirt or apron
For more info: Go here  
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Saturday, May 12 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

Spring has sprung!  Your child will love building this picture frame planter and personalizing it with photos.   From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!" Lowe's Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence!  Kids get to build a FREE project and also receive a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. 
Where: All Lowe's locations
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children of all ages with parent
How: Sign up HERE
Cost: FREE
For more info: Go to www.lowesbuildandgrow.com  
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This Week's Calendar:


May 10th through May 12th

Thursday, May 10 - Goddard Library Storytime

Come and enjoy storytime sponsored by the Goddard Woman's Club.
Where: Goddard Public Library ~ 201 N Main in Goddard
When: 10:30 AM
Who: For birth to 5 years
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Go HERE
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Friday, May 11 - Michaels Make-It-Take-It Mother's Day Flower Clip

Let your creativity bloom this Mother's day.  While supplies last.
Where: All Michael's locations
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up are welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free with purchase of flower clip
For more info: Go here  
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Friday, May 11 - Bedtime Pajama Party ~ Animals of Asia

Bring your youngsters to the Zoo all ready for bed for this 90-minute program. Each class includes a discussion, craft, Zoo experience, bedtime story, and snack. Tonight's topic is:  Animals of Asia.  Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas!
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo - Cargill Learning Center
When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Parents and children ages newborn to 8
How: Pre-registration is required - call 316.266.8213
Cost: A fee of $17 for members/$19 nonmembers covers a family of 5.  Additional people are $5 each.
For more info: Go to www.scz.org
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Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 12 - Lake Afton Observatory ~ Stars and Mars

Mars will be well placed for viewing this spring so join us at the Observatory to gaze at it through our big telescopes. We will also be observing a double star, an ancient cluster of stars and a distant spiral galaxy.
Where: Lake Afton Public Observatory
When: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost:
  • $4.00 for adults
  • $3.00 for ages 6 - 12
  • Under six admitted free
  • Family Rate: 2 adults & immediate children or grandchildren $12.00
  • Please note that we are unable to accept credit or debit cards  
For more info: Go here
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Saturday, May 12 - Mother's Day at the Zoo

Celebrate the beauty of spring and treat your mom to a visit to the Zoo on her special day! Visit our newest babies, our Zoo moms, and enjoy the great family atmosphere!    
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo
When: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: All moms are admitted free when accompanied by a paying child. 
For more info: Go to www.scz.org
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Saturday, May 12 - Michaels FREE Make-It-Take-It Mother's Day Button

Craft a fun keepsake for Mom.  While supplies last.
Where: All Michael's locations
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up are welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Go here  
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Saturday, May 12 - Family Cosmic Bowling

Come enjoy some family time during Cosmic bowling!
Where: West Acres Bowling  -  749 North Ridge Road
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $7.00 for 2 hours, shoes included
For more info: Call 316.722.5211 www.westacresbowling.com  
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Plan Ahead:


May 15th through May 19th

Tuesday, May 15 - Art Start: Paint It With Dots

Each month, pre-schoolers can explore a different work of art in the Museum's collection, read a related book and them complete an exiciting art-making activity.  Since the subject and activity change each month, you can come back for more fun at the Museum.
Where: Wichita Art Museum - West Museum Blvd.
When: 10:00 AM (Also at 1:30 PM)
Who: 3, 4 & 5 year olds with an adult
How: Call 316.268.4929 to register
Cost: FREE for children ages 3-5 and their adult caregiver.  $3 for children over 5.
For more info: Go here
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Wednesday, May 16 - Owlet Program - Rodent

These 45-minute programs provide children with a glimpse of wildlife up close. These programs include interactive learning and an animal visitor.
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo - Koch Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat 5555 Zoo Boulevard
When: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (Sessions also offered at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM)
Who: Children ages 2-3 with adult; Siblings up to four years of age may attend the 2:00pm class only
How: Pre-Registration is required at 316.266.8213
Cost: The fee of $6 for members/$8 for nonmembers covers one adult and one child for one program.  Additional participants are just $3.
For more info: Go to www.scz.org
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Thursday, May 17 - Owlet Program - Rodent

These 45-minute programs provide children with a glimpse of wildlife up close. These programs include interactive learning and an animal visitor.
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo - Koch Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat 5555 Zoo Boulevard
When: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (Sessions also offered at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM)
Who: Children ages 2-3 with adult
How: Pre-Registration is required at 316.266.8213
Cost: The fee of $6 for members/$8 for nonmembers covers one adult and one child for one program.  Additional participants are just $3.
For more info: Go to www.scz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, May 17 - Goddard Library Storytime

Come and enjoy storytime sponsored by the Goddard Woman's Club.
Where: Goddard Public Library ~ 201 N Main in Goddard
When: 10:30 AM
Who: For birth to 5 years
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Go HERE
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, May 18 through Saturday, May 19 - Lake Afton Observatory ~ Stars and Mars

Mars will be well placed for viewing this spring so join us at the Observatory to gaze at it through our big telescopes. We will also be observing a double star, an ancient cluster of stars and a distant spiral galaxy.
Where: Lake Afton Public Observatory
When: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost:
  • $4.00 for adults
  • $3.00 for ages 6 - 12
  • Under six admitted free
  • Family Rate: 2 adults & immediate children or grandchildren $12.00
  • Please note that we are unable to accept credit or debit cards  
For more info: Go here
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Saturday, May 19 - Read to Rover

Read to Rover is a program of the Library and Kansas Humane Society designed to improve children's reading and communication skills. Reading to a dog is typically less stressful for a child and a whole lot more fun! Kids will have an individual 20-minute session reading to a furry friend, learn about interacting with dogs, and take part in other educational arts and craft projects.
Where: Kansas Humane Society - K96 & Hillside/3313 N. Hillside
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Limited to 12 children, K-3rd Grade, per session.
How: Registration required; contact Bonnie at 524-9196, x 218 or email bharrell@kshumane.org
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, May 19 - Family Cosmic Bowling

Come enjoy some family time during Cosmic bowling!
Where: West Acres Bowling  -  749 North Ridge Road
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $7.00 for 2 hours, shoes included
For more info: Call 316.722.5211 www.westacresbowling.com  
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Kids Eat Free or Cheap


**Please be sure to verify that the below deals are still valid before you go!

 

EVERYDAY:

Denny's

Kids 10 and under eat FREE from 7am to 10pm everyday with purchase of adult meal

 

Two Brothers BBQ

Kids 2 and under - FREE

Kids 3 - 11 - .50 x age

 

CiCi’s Pizza

Kids under 3 eat FREE

 

Monday:

Shorty Smalls

TWO FREE kids meals for every paid adult meal

  

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kids eat for $1.99

 

Red Robin

FREE Milkshake with kids meal purchase

(they also have the balloon man ...


Wichita Wanderings


Fun (and FREE or super cheap) Things To Do In Wichita

Here you will find an ongoing article that highlights some kid-friendly (and budget-friendly!) activities to do in Wichita.  I have found there are many "hidden" treasures here.  And some that maybe you knew about but maybe had forgotten.  And some that you have heard about, but never checked them out.  You get the drift.

 

I would also love your help!  If you have some great ideas of little known Wichita fun, please share in the comments or email me!

 

(July 20)  An Indian, A Troll and a Great View!  Have ...


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