For months now, Kansas City like most places has been virtually shut down. We’ve become accustomed to carry out instead of dine-in, daily walks around our neighborhoods and coming up with creative ways to keep ourselves from going insane during these unprecedented times.
However, as stay at home orders begin to lift, and businesses begin figuring out how to safely reopen, we are returning to some semblance of normal.
Two Kansas City businesses that have announced they will be reopening their doors are the beloved Science City and Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium in Union Station, as well as Worlds of Fun.
Science City and Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
These two entities have long been popular places for children to have fun and learn at the same time. They provide the opportunity to “ask questions, explore new sciences and experience diverse topics ranging from the human body to biomimicry to astronomy in engaging ways.”
Science City and the planetarium shut down since mid-March. But in a press release, they have announced they will reopen on June 10 with some new rules.
“Guests can expect confidence-building changes,” the press release says. “Including reduced guest capacities, social distancing markers and daily timed sessions with a midday break for enhanced cleaning and sanitizing.”
The initial reopening on June 10 will be for Union Station members only, but then will open to the public on June 17. They will also only be open Wednesday through Sunday, with two ticketed sessions. One in the morning—nine to twelve-thirty—and one in the afternoon—two to five.
While these times have been challenging for everyone, the press release says they only proved why science is so important.
“As we each have seen over the last few months, science never takes a break, and that’s a very good thing,” it says.
It goes say that now more than ever it is important to get children engaged with science early. Who knows, they may go on to develop a vaccine for the next big disease.
“Our reopening campaign states it clearly,” the press release says. “Future Heroes Made Here.”
Worlds of Fun
The theme park with iconic rides like the Patriot and the Mamba will also be reopening later this month. The park which usually opens in April will be open to season pass holders only on June 22.
Like Science City and the planetarium, Worlds of fun has new guidelines to keep their guests safe.
“The safety of our guests and ambassadors has always been and will always be our top priority, and we want them to feel confident that they can enjoy our park in a manner that’s both safe and fun,” said Tony Carovillano, vice president and general manager at Worlds of Fun, says in a press release.
In the press release, they outlined these changes which include:
– Requiring guests to make their reservations in advance to maintain park capacity.
– Making all guests complete a health screening before they arrive as well as when they get there.
– Requiring all guests and employees to wear a mask while in the park.
“Our new health and safety protocols align with CDC recommendations and have been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts, along with our state and local government officials. We are ready to welcome our guests back for some family fun,” Carovillano said in the release.
Daily ticket sales to the general public are scheduled to begin in early July, but no official date has been confirmed.
