Hidden away in an unassuming strip mall in Independence, Mo., is the Puppetry Arts Institute, a place where children and adults alike can let their creativity and imagination take flight. Inside, past the 6-foot brown beer wearing a yellow checkered shirt and shelves of Victorian toy theaters, you’ll find familiar faces such as Shari Lewis’s Lamb Chop, Sister Mary Annette from Broadway’s “Nunsense” and Kermit the Frog. In another room, you’ll see founder Diane Hauk’s extensive personal collection of puppets and marionettes from around the world, including Asian shadow puppets, larger-than-life size parade puppets and tiny finger puppets.

“We tell kids there was actually a time there was no TV, no computers, no video games, and they are horrified,” laughs Nancy Clark, executive director. “A lot of what we are here to do is spark their imagination and tap into that part of children’s brains that is not being used enough these days.”

The inspiration for the Puppet Arts Institute is Hazelle Rollins, who ran a hugely successful puppet factory in Kansas City for 40 years. After her death, the PAI acquired remaining parts of the inventory, which is why one of the highlights is making your own hand puppet using a professionally made head from the factory. Children can then put on their own puppet shows using the Institute’s puppet theater or watch one of the professional shows scheduled a couple of times each month. In October, see a whole cast of marionettes in “The Haunted Attic,” which includes a witch who literally turns into a pumpkin. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is $5 per person. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.hazelle.org or call (816) 833-9777.