A non-profit organization that opened in 2001, the Puppetry Arts Institute is committed to preserving puppetry and encouraging theater puppetry. Led by executive director Nancy Clark, the Puppetry Arts Institute features the Hazelle Rollins Puppet Museum, dedicating an entire room to Rollins. Hazelle Rollins started her puppetry business in 1932, and it grew to become the largest factory creating only puppets. The Puppetry Arts Institute hosts a theater where it holds puppet shows for all ages, so both children and adults can attend. The theater not only provides puppet shows, but also has vintage puppets on display for viewing, as well as a gift shop. As of 2010, days and hours of operation for the Puppetry Art Institute are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday unless an appointment is made.
A favorite in-season attraction in Independence is the Adventure Oasis Water Park. Complete with a 60,000-square-foot interactive children play pool and a 6,000-square-foot interactive family pool, the water park has something for everyone. Besides the pools, the park features three water slides, a six-lane lap pool, a large sun deck, concession stands, changing rooms and a picnic pavilion for a family get-together or picnic. As of 2010, the water park opens in May. Hours of operation are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays.
A huge family entertainment facility, the Cool Crest family amusement park is well suited for family gatherings, special occasions or birthday parties. Featuring four 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-karts and in-season batting cages, Cool Crest has plenty of activities. For those who would rather play video games, there's a 7,000-square-foot video game arcade where players can wear out their thumbs. When the family gets hungry, they may enjoy the full pizzeria or the on-site restaurant. As of 2010, hours and days of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Go-karts are weather-permitting only, starting at 3 p.m. and closing at 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to close on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to close on Sunday.
