Retired in the Kansas City area?
Great things to do, places to go, things to know
by Carolyn Hanson

• Take children to visit a fire station so they'll know what firefighters do. Tours are free, but call ahead.
• Join the New Theatre Guild for $30 a year per couple. Go to show briefings in the lobby, enjoy wine and cheese, talk to the stars, see the performance for $7 at a dress rehearsal.
• At Red Star Studio, rent space to create in oils, pastels, clay, or printmaking for a small fee.
• Visit The Plaza during Easter and take pictures in front of the cute statues.
• Volunteer with the Kansas City Art Institute, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kemper Art Gallery, or a local medical center or library.
• Go to the Renaissance Festival.
• Visit the new fish store called Picasso Exotic Aquatics in Park Place Shopping Center at 117th and Nall in Leawood. It's better than a zoo.
• Take in the ice sculpture contest on The Plaza during the wintertime.
• Visit the downtown library, one of the most famous buildings in the United States.
• See the special exhibits that Union Station brings to town.
• On St. Joseph's feast day, visit a Catholic church such as St. Joseph Catholic Church on Harrison Street in Kansas City, Mo., and indulge in the pastries created by church members in the saint's honor.
• Take a day trip to Lawrence, Parkville, Weston, or Fort Scott.
• Go to Greek festivals! One festival is in Overland Park, the other in Kansas City, Mo. Great food, dancing, and music.
• Go to "Old Shawnee Days" or another city's historic event.
• Tour Royals Stadium.
• Tour the Harley Davidson plant. If you can't imagine riding a Harley, at least see how they are created and why they are enjoyed by so many.
• Visit the Burger King at 95th and Quivira starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights. There's a live band and you can dance.
• Walk in Loose Park. The rose garden is beautiful and so are the fountains.
• Visit the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. If you can afford it, attend a performance. The acoustics are unbelievable.
• Attend some portion of the American Royal. Dress in Western wear and feel a part of the atmosphere.
• Visit Trader Joe's. The store carries things you don't see in ordinary grocery stores.
• Experience the Blues Room at 18th and Vine. The music is awesome and often free.
• Visit the Steamboat Arabia Museum in the City Market.
• Take a child to the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park.