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YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY
YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

Welcoming Week

Come Together: Join us for Welcoming Week

Where Every Neighbor Belongs

Each year in September, check out events at Ys across the metro during Welcoming Week. It's a nationwide celebration that brings people together to share cultures, build understanding and show the power of a community where everyone belongs.

Visit your local YMCA of Greater Kansas City centers from September 10-19, 2026, for a week packed with cultural events, international food potlucks, family activities, dynamic fitness classes, games and more.

2026 Welcoming Week Events

Atchison Family YMCA/Cray Community Center

Address: 321 Commercial St, Atchison, KS 66002

September 10 - 18, 2026

  • Kids Zone Enrichment (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Daily hands-on activities celebrating youth traditions across the globe.

  • Kids Night Out: Travel the World (September 12, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Gymnasium transforms into global booths featuring international food tastings, dinner, crafts, and games.

  • AOA Potluck (Date TBA, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Gather together for food sharing and cultural conversation.

Cleaver Family YMCA

Address: 7000 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64131

September 10 - 18, 2026 

  • Heritage World Map & Cultural Display Case (Monday–Friday, All Day): Interactive mapping and curated artifacts on display in the lobby.

  • Kids Zone Global Week (Monday–Friday, Kids Zone Hours): World music, themed coloring sheets, and children's educational videos.

  • Beverages Around the World (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm while supplies last): Sample non-alcoholic traditional drinks and learn about their origins. Daily Beverage schedule below:

    • Monday: Horchata

    • Tuesday: European Tea

    • Wednesday: Barley Tea

    • Thursday: Limeades

    • Friday: Mango Lassi 

  • Artifacts Exhibit: there will be a curated display in the front lobby of cultural artifacts and collectibles from our world traveling staff and members. 

Bonner Springs Family YMCA

Address: 2251 S 138th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

September 10 -18, 2026 

Travel Around the Y Passport Challenge (September 10 -18, All Day): Grab a passport at the Welcome Center! Visit activity stations (Wellness, Aquatics, Kids Zone and Active Older Adults), complete small challenges, collect signatures and earn entries into a prize drawing.

  • Featured Passport Stations:
    • Welcome & Wellness: 5-minute fitness challenges and coach consultations.
    • Welcome to the Water: Pool safety tips, kickboard challenges, lifeguard demos, and aqua-fit exercise.
    • Youth & Family: Friendship crafts and community building in the Kids Zone.
    • Gather Around the Table: International food sharing among active older adults.
Kirk Family YMCA

Address: 222 W 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

September 10 - 18, 2026 

  • Kids Zone Passport Bingo (September 10 - 18, All Day): Kids complete a bingo card by hunting for clues throughout the center to earn a small prize.

  • Center-Wide Bingo Challenge (September 10 - 18, All Day): Complete bingo squares by trying new fitness classes or introducing yourself to leadership staff to enter the main prize drawing.

  • Country Flag Pool Scavenger Hunt (September 10 - 18, All Day): Look for flags hidden around the pool area to learn quick cultural facts.

  • Heritage Map & Member Interviews (September 10 - 18): Pin your hometown on our map and tune into our social channels to see spotlight interviews with members and staff.

Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter, Sr. Community Center

Address: 3800 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128

September 10 - 18, 2026

  • International Community Potluck (September 17, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Celebrate Welcoming Week over lunch by bringing an international dish or traditional family favorite to share with neighbors.

North Kansas City YMCA

Address: 1999 Iron Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116

September 10 - 18, 2026

  • World Map, Cultural Info Tables & Kids Zone Activities (September 10 - 18, All Day): Interactive heritage maps, daily global movies, themed coloring sheets, and informative cultural displays running all week long.

  • Grupo Atotonilco Performance (September 10, 5:00 PM): Live performance of traditional Mexican folkloric dances.

  • Italian Music (September 16, 4-5 p.m.): Live performance of Italian music.

  • Food Truck: Mexican Cuisine with "Tamaleon" (September 17, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Grab delicious cultural dishes right in the parking lot! Free food tickets are available to members who participate in Welcoming Week events throughout the week.

  • Solo Chinese Dance Performance (September 17, 5:30 PM): Half-hour traditional Chinese dance performance in the main lobby.

  • Coffee Around the World (September 18, 10:00 AM): Hosted by our Welcome Center staff—stop by for a morning brew and sample coffee origins from across the globe.

Olathe Family YMCA

Address: 21400 W 153rd St, Olathe, KS 66061

September 10 - 18, 2026  

  • Pin Where You’re From Map (All Week, All Day): Stop by the front map to place a pin where you or your family originate from!

  • KidsZone Flag Craft (September 10, 10:00 AM): Kids can color world flags and create custom artwork to post around the center.

  • Family Swim Hour (September 10 & 17, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Bring the whole family for an open swim session in the pool.

  • Group Fitness Extravaganza (September 12, 10:00 AM): Sample short pop-up sessions of our most popular group exercise classes.

  • World Zumba Party (September 19, 10:00 AM): High-energy dance party featuring global music styles.

Platte County Community Center North

Address: 3101 Running Horse Rd, Platte City, MO 64079

September 10 - 18, 2026  

  • Exploring Where We're From (September 10 - 18, All Day): Explore the interactive "Where We're From" map, coloring corner and "I'm a Welcomer" photo opp in the lobby.

  • Welcoming Week BINGO (Monday-Friday, All Day): A fun way for members to meet others and explore the Y.
  • Scavenger Hunt (Monday-Friday, All Day): Discover different areas of the center and get to know our staff.
  • International Foods Potluck (Time and Date TBD): Bring a dish representing your culture or family traditions and share a meal with their YMCA neighbors.
  • Where Are Our Swim Fish From? (during scheduled swim lessons): Explore where the fish featured in our swim program come from, connecting learning in the pool with discovery around the world.

  • Kids Zone Global Week (Monday–Friday, Kids Zone Hours): World music, themed coloring sheets, and children's educational videos.

  • Beverages Around the World (Date TBD, 11:30 AM): Sample non-alcoholic traditional drinks and learn about their origins.

Platte County Community Center South

Address: 8875 Clark Ave, Parkville, MO 64152

September 10 - 18, 2026  

  • Exercise Around the World Trivia (September 10 – September 19, Class Times): Test your knowledge! Instructors will read dynamic global fitness trivia during class sessions.

  • Kids Night Out: Rhythm Around the World (September 12, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM): A themed evening for kids filled with music, rhythm, and global activities.

  • Craft Wednesday: Friendship Bracelets (September 16, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Kids Zone activity focused on weaving custom friendship bracelets.

  • Park University Concert (September 16, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM): Join us in the gym for a live performance by students from Park University’s International Center of Music, featuring student musicians from 9 different countries.

  • Active Older Adults (AOA) Potluck (September 16, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Share and sample international dishes that highlight your favorite family traditions or global cuisines.

Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center

Address: 8601 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66112

September 10 - 18, 2026  

  • Cultural Week Information Booth (September 10 – 18): 5-minute educational presentations exploring different world cultures.

  • Eat Like a Local Potluck (September 10 - 18): Bring a favorite family or cultural recipe to share.

  • Meet Our Staff (September 10 - 18): Spotlighting our diverse staff team, their heritage, and their unique backgrounds.

  • Cultural Game Day & Attire (September 10 - 18): Learn traditional games taught directly by fellow members, and feel free to wear traditional cultural clothing during your visit!