We’re always looking for free or low-cost homeschool resources in the Kansas City area, which includes both Kansas and Missouri!
Some of the best ways to find these resources involve asking around your local homeschooling network, and taking notes of seasonal discounts and specials. Libraries, museums, and other public places can also help.
Enjoy this quick list to get you started, and feel free to add any other items we may have missed.
NOTE: The MPE Board of Directors does not necessarily endorse any of the organizations or people offering these opportunities.
Resource #1: National Park Pass (both Kansas and Missouri residents).
All families with fourth-graders – including homeschoolers! – are eligible to receive a free National Park Pass, usable from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31.
To get your pass, follow the directions at the everykidoutdoors.gov website. The pass includes National Parks, lands and waters.
For more information, see MPE Board member Jennifer Laporte’s blog post here!
Resource #2: Corn Stem Kit (Kansas only).
The Kansas Corn Commission supports Kansas Corn STEM, an educational program providing free resources and supplies to the state’s classrooms. Homeschoolers qualify as well.
Check out the organization’s website to request materials, which can take 2-3 weeks to arrive. There is a specific kit just for homeschool educators.
You can also browse free lesson plans and the organization’s YouTube channel for additional info!
Resource #3: Sunflower Summer App (Kansas only).
The Sunflower Summer app is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Every Kansas student from pre-K to 12th grade can enroll in the program, which includes free admission for certain travel experiences across the state over the summer.
Ticket transfers are also possible, according to the app’s website: “The parent or legal guardian may transfer their free admissions ticket to another adult who has the app downloaded. Once the ticket has been transferred and used, this will count as the student’s one entry into the venue.”
This program ended on Aug. 11, but you can still download the app and look for it to open in summer 2025!
Resource #4: Kansas Wildlife Education Service educational materials.
Per its website: “The Wildlife Education Service provides educational materials for preschoolers through adults to promote an understanding and appreciation for Kansas wildlife, wetlands, and other natural resources. These materials are very adaptable to an integrated, interdisciplinary, whole language approach to learning.”
Resource #5: Missouri Department of Conservation teacher portal.
Per its website: “This Teacher Portal is designed to serve Missouri’s educators who are interested in teaching about Missouri’s ecology and conservation. Learn about our Discover Nature Schools curriculum guides and student materials. Explore the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, and take a look at the Hunter Education and Firearms Safety Program. Review grant opportunities, free teacher workshops, and other conservation-related classroom resources.”
Resource #6: Tax-Free Shopping Weekend (Missouri only).
Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax during Missouri’s Tax-Free Shopping Weekend.
In 2024, the Sales Tax Holiday began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4.
NOTE: There are some price limits during the holiday, according to this government website:
“An article of clothing cannot exceed a taxable value of $100. School supplies are not to exceed $50 per purchase and graphing calculators are not to exceed $150. Computer software cannot exceed a taxable value of $350 and personal computers or computer peripheral devices cannot exceed $1,500.”
Resource #7: Used Curriculum Sales.
Every summer, MPE hosts a used curriculum sale for all homeschool families in the Kansas City metro area and beyond.
Everyone benefits – from the families selling curriculum, to those enjoying great deals on discounted or even free educational supplies!
Here are some of the comments from longtime sale veterans:
- “We come every year and every year it’s a blessing and a huge savings in our wallet. Thank you again for putting this together year after year.” Ray and Sandra Ford
- “It was my first time to a curriculum sale since I was homeschooled 12 years ago! I felt like a kid in a candy store I didn’t buy much, but loved talking to all the parents who were so helpful and encouraging. A lot has changed since I was in school, so many more options. It was so wonderful to see so many homeschooling families in the area!” — Tracy Scarborough
- “Grateful for the event, thanks for organizing and offering this!” — Melissa Rousseau
Resource #8: Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks.
Thanks to our dedicated volunteer coordinators, MPE has enjoyed a longtime partnership with Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, KS, as a service to homeschool families.
Per our contract with Great Wolf Lodge, we cannot release the dates of subsequent Homeschool Weeks until our current event has ended. However, we typically try to arrange these events in February, May and September.
Check our website to see when the next Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks will take place!
Resource #9: Workshops & Webinars.
Throughout the year we offer various homeschool workshops and webinars, either free or for a nominal fee to cover speaker and recording costs.
The next one is set for 10-11 a.m. Sept. 7 and is titled “Homeschool Socialization: How To Ensure Your Child’s Social Success.”
Give your child the tools needed to thrive socially with peer-based events, meetups, volunteering opportunities, and more.
Resource #10: Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair (April 4-5, 2025).
Save the date for our upcoming homeschool conference and curriculum fair – April 4-5 at the KCI Expo Center!
The conference provides a one-stop shop for attendees to browse curriculum, learn about educational techniques, find fellowship, and see upcoming opportunities.
In addition to workshops and our vendor hall, parents can also treat their children ages 5-12 to our homegrown MPEKIDS, or children’s conference just for little ones!
While registration is less than $100 per family at the door, you can also get earlybird discounts if you register at least 2 weeks before the conference date.
Looking for free or low-cost homeschool resources in states other than Kansas or Missouri? Check out HomeschoolFreedom.com’s blog post from homeschool organizations nationwide!
Any free or low-cost homeschool resources you’d like us to consider adding to our list? Let us know in the comments!
