Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Kansas City, KS

It's October, and it's time to start thinking about my favorite part:  Halloween costumes.  If you need to browse to get ideas, try looking at:

• Kansas City Costume Company -- Located downtown, this shop is HUGE and full of surprises.
• Dottie Mae's -- You've probably driven past this shop in the heart of Waldo on Wornall and seen the mannequins from the street.  Go downstairs past the wigs to get lost in all the crazy.
• Spirit of Halloween - With multiple mall locations throughout town, you should have one near you.

If that doesn't give you enough ideas, try these kids' costumes plucked from pop culture 2008:

• Veggie Tales - Dye a chef's hat green, and your kid is an asparagus.
• Wall-E -- Cardboard and silver spray paint!
• Kung-Fu Panda - Stuff some black and white kung fu gear, and you've got it made.