We have such a wealth of homeschool deals in the Kansas City area that it can sometimes be overwhelming! Where should you start first? What are the nice-to-knows vs. the must-haves? Which deals come through every year, and which are just one-time specials?
Over the years, we’ve seen the most popular deals and specials for homeschoolers and wanted to share the list with you (feel free to add your own deals in the comments!):
Crown Center’s Homeschool Week.
The Crown Center District launched its first homeschool week in January 2013, with resounding success.
It includes special activities and discounts at attractions such as The Coterie, Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, National World War I Museum, SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, Union Station and more.
Look for these homeschool weeks in the winter (January-February) and fall (September-October).
Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks.
For the last few years we have been partnering with Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, KS, to offer homeschoolers some extra fun during the school year! Celebrate with these fantastic deals where excitement abounds, and it’s always 84 degrees!
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City is waiving the daily resort fee and including waterpark wristbands for every registered guest. You also get discounts for food and concessions, Howl in One Mini-golf and MagiQuest games.
The next one is set for Sept. 25-30, 2022.
Whenever we set these up, we add these homeschool weeks to our Facebook events for your convenience – and yes, you’re welcome. 😛
Mahaffie Stagecoach Homeschool Day.
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site in Olathe has two homeschool days in the year, typically in the fall and spring.
The rate is $5 per student, and accompanying adults are free. If the weather and ground conditions are good, you can get a stagecoach ride for $2 per adult.
Worlds of Fun Homeschool Day.
What better way to learn about <cough cough> mathematics, physics and science <cough cough> … than at Worlds of Fun!
The Homeschool Day has typically been in August. They haven’t posted any 2022 dates yet, but they invite homeschoolers to keep checking for updates on their “Events” page. You must purchase tickets in advance, though, and they’re only valid that day.
Kansas City Zoo Discounts.
The Kansas City Zoo is a popular destination for area homeschoolers.
The seasonal homeschool classes have returned for FOTZ members only. Also, if you have a large enough group, you can qualify for discounted “field trip” rates per person.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Homeschool Discounts.
On designated dates, homeschoolers can visit the museum and enjoy special program activities such as interactive gallery experiences and hands-on art processes. The museum also offers K-12 school tours and workshops to homeschool families.
Learn more on the museum’s “Homeschool Groups” page.
Sky Zone Homeschool Discount.
This is really just a group discount, but many of our area homeschoolers plan regular “field trips” to area Sky Zone locations. Check with your area Sky Zone location for more details.
KC Symphony Link Up.
While this is not exclusive to homeschoolers, the Kansas City Symphony offers seasonal field trip opportunities through its “Link Up” program open to homeschoolers (now virtual because of COVID-19).
Skate City’s Homeschool Skate.
Looking for a “wheely good time” that’s also affordable?
Skate City in Overland Park provides a discount rate of $5 admission to homeschoolers (skate rentals are $2) from 1-3 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.
Used Curriculum Sale.
It’s a packed house every year at our used curriculum sale in the summer!
You’ll find way more than curriculum here. Educational toys, tools, trinkets and other treasures often make an appearance on the 70+ tables we host.
Women’s Encouragement Day.
This day is exactly what it sounds like: a quiet, relaxing day of encouragement in the wintry middle of the school year. We keep it open for all homeschool moms, as well as those moms considering homeschooling.
Light breakfast refreshments, with beautiful decorations, chocolates and prize giveaways for all, will start the day off. Enjoy a special message from our speaker sessions and a gourmet, tasty lunch from a small homeschool catering service.
Then fellowship with other homeschoolers before leaving refreshed and reinvigorated for the rest of the school year!
Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair.
We’ve saved the best for last – the conference that brings together the best of our homeschool community!
More than 1,000 families attend our conference every year. They come to see the curriculum and other learning resources in the vendor hall, a range of homeschooling workshops, and featured speakers from around the country.
If you want to attend this year’s conference, it’s scheduled for April 1-2!
Want to see more homeschool deals as they happen? We’re posting announcements to our Facebook page, print/email newsletters and website. You can also receive news by subscribing to our free monthly newsletter, “Homeschool Hints.”
We have updated this blog post, originally published in March 2015, for timeliness and detail.
I just found out that Emerald City Gym also offers a “Home School Day” every Thursday from 2-3pm, $5 per person.
Wow – great find! Thanks so much for sharing, Debbie. 🙂
they now offer this Tues, Thurs, and Fri 1pm-3pm