Kansas City WOW School

9/19/2026 to 9/20/2026 | Swope Park | Kansas City, Mo.

Missouri State Parks and Wonders of Wildlife are partnering with a team of agencies to present the Kansas City WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School. This annual family event offers recreational activities for beginners to try out with professionals. Come close out summer with a weekend of camping, archery, fishing, outdoor cooking and more. A limited number of participants will also have the option to camp with us overnight!

Registration is required, and there are fees and age restrictions. Continue reading for more information.

Program Booklet:

Location and Transportation:

  • Check-in will take place at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park.
  • Activities will take place in and around Camp Lake of the Woods.
  • Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Camp Lake of the Woods. There are two bus stops near Swope Park. See the booklet for more information about public transportation and travel between activities. 

Event times:

  • Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.
  • Daytime participants will depart by 4:15 p.m. on Saturday.
  • Overnight participants will depart by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
  • A complete schedule is provided in the booklet.

Age Restrictions:

  • This event is open to everyone ages 5 and older.
  • Children ages 5-9 must sign up for Littles WOW and must have a registered parent participating in the day's activities.
  • For children ages 10-17, an adult must register for and attend all classes and activities with their children. There must be at least one adult for every two children.
  • No one under the age of 5 is permitted to attend the event.

Registration and Fees:

  • Registration is required and must be completed online.
    • If you cannot register online, please make an appointment with the Kansas City Area Office at 816-534-4054 to register at the office. 
    • No registrations will be accepted by phone, fax or email. 
  • Registration opens Aug. 1 and closes Sept. 7. No late registrations will be accepted. 
  • The fee is $15 per person for daytime programming only, and $25 per person for daytime programming and overnight camping. Each registration also has a small service fee that is not included in these prices.
  • The registration fees cover instruction, use of equipment, snacks, meals and T-shirts.
  • Scholarships are available. See the booklet for more information.
  • Overnight camping is limited to the first 80 people to sign up.
  • Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to edu@wondersofwildlife.org by Sept. 9, 2026. All refunds are subject to a $10 nonrefundable service fee. Absolutely no refunds will be given after Sept. 9, 2026.

Meals and SWAG:

  • Registered daytime program participants will receive a morning snack, an early afternoon lunch and a T-shirt.
  • Registered campers will receive the same snack, lunch and T-shirt as daytime participants. They will also receive dinner on Saturday night and a light breakfast on Sunday morning.
  • Menus will be sent along with your final confirmation email. 

Things to Bring:

  • Participants should dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes; and bring anything needed for a day or weekend spent outside, such as water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • All program equipment will be provided.
  • Overnight campers can bring camping gear, but a limited supply of gear will be available to borrow.
  • See the booklet for a complete list of items to bring.

Contact Information:

For more information regarding registration, contact Wonders of Wildlife at 417-225-1162.

For more information about activities, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 816-534-4054. 

Additional Information About WOW Schools:

WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservations Schools are also offered in St. Louis and at Roaring River State Park. See the WOW Schools website or Missouri State Parks' WOW Schools landing page for more information.