Master of Puppets

WED 2/17

Everyone loves crafts, especially kids. There's nothing more satisfying than making a big mess and having something to show for it, especially if the product is a soft and cuddly little friend who speaks in a falsetto. On the other hand, those who have attempted to decorate with glitter know that nothing is worse than the constant sparkle of things that shouldn't sparkle at all. With that in mind, maybe craft night should happen somewhere other than your living room. Instead, make your way to the Cedar Roe branch of the Johnson County Public Library (5120 Cedar in Roeland Park).

Starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, kids ages six and older hold their noses and breathe new life into old socks. That's right -- they'll be making sock puppets. The library provides the materials; all you bring is your imagination. By no means do we condone going out and making a mess of the library. But the prospect of giving kids glue, googly eyes and who knows what else seems better when there is more supervision. There's room for just twenty kids, though, so call the library (913-384-8590) to register in advance.-- Sarah Steele

Monkey Do
The name is misleading.

SAT 2/14

Located near Warrensburg, Monkey Mountain is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of monkeys who escaped from a band of Gypsies and lived a life of harassment and laughter in the woods. Once you enthrall your kids with the myth and start on the Kansas City Outdoor Club's scheduled 4-mile hike this Saturday, you can take as much pleasure in the sights as in watching your kids figure out that there are no monkeys. The wooded trails pass through hills and meadows and alongside streams. The 1 p.m. hike starts at the park entrance and will be followed with a restaurant meal of pork tenderloin sandwiches and onion rings. Call 816-587-0801 or see www.kcoc.info for directions and details. -- Christopher Sebela