Family Nights at Wayside Waifs
Wayside Waifs’ Humane Education team strives to create educational opportunities for everyone in our community and engage with people of all ages in our mission to practice kindness and compassion for all. With those goals in mind, Family Nights at Wayside are for adults, children, and families alike! Registration is required for all of these events and space may be limited. These events change regularly so check back often for new program opportunities.
While there is no set fee for our programming, we do ask that you consider making a donation. Your contributions allow us to continue these educational efforts.
Family Trivia Night
January 29, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7pm | On-site | Adults & children in kindergarten or older
Join us for a fun, educational trivia night, designed for families. Through interactive questions and friendly competition, participants put their knowledge about animal care, responsible pet ownership, and the many ways Wayside serves the community to the test! Trivia night combines entertainment with education to help families connect over compassion and responsibility for animals. Children attending must be currently in kindergarten or older. Registration is required.
Valentine’s Day Treat Decorating
February 12, 2026 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | On-site | Adults and children currently in kindergarten or older
To celebrate Valentine’s Day and our love for shelter pets, join us at Wayside Waifs to make Valentine’s treats for the pets in our care. Join us to volunteer, make treats, and take a short tour of the shelter. Registration is required. Children attending must currently be in kindergarten or older.
Paws & Paint
March 4, 2026 | 5pm – 6:30pm | On-site | Adults and children currently in kindergarten or older
What is your vision for a kinder world? Join us as we learn how Wayside Waifs helps animals and the people who love them. Then, we’ll discover Wayside’s historical 1940’s sign and get artsy! You’ll create and paint your own sign representing your very own unique animal shelter! No art experience needed. Registration is required. Children attending must currently be in kindergarten or older.
Family Volunteer Night
March 11, 2026 | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | On-Site | Adults & children currently in kindergarten or older
Join us for a night of volunteering at Wayside Waifs! Typical projects include making toys, passing out treats, organizing pet supplies, and more! The visit includes a shelter tour! Registration is required.
Virtual Enrichment 101 Seminar
March 31, 2026 | 6:45pm – 7:30pm | All ages
Are you looking to enrich your pet’s life, reduce anxiety, exercise their brain and body, and prevent boredom? The VIRTUAL Enrichment 101 Seminar, hosted by Wayside Waifs animal shelter, is perfect for you. Led by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Humane Educator, we’ll be discussing why and how we can implement enrichment without breaking the bank. Registration is required. Once you’ve registered, we’ll send you a link to the Zoom call!
Animal Shelter Scavenger Hunt
April 16, 2026 | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | On-site | Adults & children currently in kindergarten or older
Bring your friends (or come make new friends) to Scavenger Hunt Night at Wayside Waifs! We will start the evening off with a quick icebreaker game, followed by a tour of the shelter. Then, we will break into teams and work together to find items, discover different animal behaviors, and solve the clues of the scavenger hunt! The winning team earns a small prize (and bragging rights). Registration is required.
Cat Lady Night!
May 13, 2026 | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | On-site | Adults & children currently in kindergarten or older
Come one, come all! You don’t have to be an old lady living alone, obsessively devoted to your clowder of cats to join this event! If you’re a person who loves cats (or just want to learn more about them) then this event is for you! We will learn about cat body language, take a tour of our cat areas, socialize a cat (if available), make cat toys, and more! Registration is required.
Wayside Waifs
3901 Martha Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64137
816-761-8151
Adoption Hours:
Mon.: Closed
Tues.- Fri.: 11am - 7pm
Sat. & Sun.: 10am - 5pm
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