Best Tips for a Road Trip to Topeka: One of our Favorite Weekend Trips or Day Trips from Kansas City
We can all agree day trips from Kansas City or weekend trips with kids are the best when you drive less than an hour. This is why a road trip to Topeka is a great day trip from Kansas City!
We all want to get out of town for a break…even if it is just for a day trip.
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, is home to many kids’ activities & family-friendly things to do.
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Topeka: One of the Best Day Trips from Kansas City
If you are fond of libraries and museums, the Discovery Center and Mulvane Art Museum are for you. There are other fun activities like seeing animals at the renowned Topeka Zoo or a Brian Regan show at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.
Take a short adventure with your family to Topeka. It is only a short 45-minute drive from Kansas City…perfect for a weekend getaway. You can even book an affordable hotel for the weekend!
There are tons of fun things to do in Topeka during your next weekend trip from Kansas City. So, check out our Top 6 fun family things to do in Topeka for your next weekend trip.
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center: fun and educational road trip to Topeka
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a great first stop on your day trip from Kansas City. The discovery center provides children with exhibits for discovery and exploration! It’s a “hands-on” environment that focuses on having fun while learning! It is definitely worth the drive.
There are math, science, art activities, creative thinking, and motor skill kids activities. The Center provides moms and dads with Birthday Parties & Private Events rooms, Field Trips, Exhibits, and Discover Camps too!
Topeka Zoological Park
The Famous Topeka Zoo has been a favorite day trip stop for kids and adults since the 1930s. Today, the Zoo features more than 380 animals on acres of native horticulture. There are tons of things to do with kids and fun kids’ activities hosted throughout the year. Check out the Topeka Zoo Facebook for updates.
Mulvane Art Museum
At Mulvane Art Museum, you can see the art of life because they believe art can change people’s lives. You not only gaze at pictures and works, but you also get to know the stories behind them. There are fun family events like ArtLab Family Days that run through the summer, so check the Mulvane Art Museum Facebook for current things to do with your family. You could spend the whole weekend trip exploring all the artwork here, but the kids would probably get antsy.
Kansas State Capitol Building
Kansas State Capitol Building is the best FREE thing to do in Topeka. The Capitol is open to visitors from 8 AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday, with free tours conducted by the State Historical Society during the day. You can even climb to the top of the capitol dome! Check online or on the Kansas State Capitol Facebook page for tour updates and info.
Lake Shawnee
This fun lake is home to the Helen Hocker Theater (below) and tons of fun outdoor things to do. There are hiking trails, campgrounds, a marina, a swim beach, a heated fishing dock, a softball complex, a yacht club, a large garden, & more fun outdoor attractions.
There are so many things your family can do outdoors here. It is definitely worth a camping trip or day trip from KC!
Helen Hocker Center for the Performing Arts
The Helen Hocker Center for the Performing Arts is an organization dedicated to enriching the cultural growth of the Shawnee County community in Topeka, KS. They offer family entertainment and positive theater learning experiences in a family-friendly atmosphere. There are fun family events that run throughout the year, including the Theater in Gage Park. Check the website for the current shows playing!
Carousel in the Park
This amazing carousel located in Gage Park was built in 1908 and boasts beautiful features and a great place to spend the day. Ride around the carousel and enjoy lunch in the park.
The Evel Knievel Museum
This museum holds a huge collection and history of Evel Knievel. Explore his legacy and see why he is one of the greatest entertainers. They even have a fantastic gift shop.
Great Overland Station
Originally the Union Pacific Station, the Great Overland Station is a vast museum and education center in Topeka. They have hands on simulators that give kids the experience of driving a train.
Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center
Beat the summer heat at the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. This great aquatic center has diving boards, water slides, zero depth entry and more. Pack a lunch and spend the day at the aquatic center in Topeka.
Shively Farms Pumpkin Patch
This great patch in Topeka has over 40 themed farm activities, a wide variety of pumpkins and great photo ops. Plan your visit during fall break to explore the patch and make more memories.
There are tons of fun things to do with kids in Topeka, so keep the Kansas capital in mind when planning day trips from Kansas City.
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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
