While the weather slowly gets warmer, you might be thinking about travel plans with your family. Anything from a trip to the lake or your favorite zoo is on the list, but how about we shake it up this year with a few new ideas? If you can’t come up with any solid locations for road trips, consider these 11 fun activities that are sure to delight the whole family. Let’s check them out!
1. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum - 320 S Esplanade St., Leavenworth, Kansas
Nothing delighted us as kids more than a carousel ride, but they're becoming harder to find as the years go by. However, this museum in Leavenworth not only has plenty of carousel parts and decorations, but they also have a working carousel that you can ride right in the museum. If you're interested, the oldest still-moving carousel in the country is right here as well, made in the 1850s.
2. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead - 13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, Kansas
This children's farmstead not only has a petting zoo, but an old schoolhouse, blacksmith, and other areas to explore. It's easy to spend hours at this children's farm, so don't be afraid to plan for a whole day out!
3. Monument Rocks - Gove 16, Oakley, Kansas
Monument Rocks is our most popular formation, with Niobrara chalk formations that tower over anyone that visits. They're the remnants of a long lost inland sea, so make sure you're looking at all the little fossils embedded in the stone. If you bring a picnic, make sure to take all your trash with you!
4. Kanopolis State Park - 200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, Kansas
Kanopolis State Park's Horsethief trail is by far a favorite of many. The photo above was taken from inside a little cave you can climb into and feel the carvings of those who have been there and left their mark. Be careful, because it's been worn smooth by years of climbers before you.
5. Wilson Lake - Sylvan Grove, Kansas
Wilson lake has plenty of hiking trails, but the lake itself also showcases some natural rock formations that are perfect for photos and plenty of lasting memories.
6. Deep Creek Falls - 2464-2484 Pillsbury Crossing Ln., Manhattan, Kansas
Deep Creek is a double waterfall, with lots of rushing water right after a good rain. Keep your footing and you'll find that it's also a fun place to dip your toes in, over the edge.
7. Mount Sunflower - 15 miles NW of Weskan, Kansas
Mount Sunflower is probably the easiest mountain in the world to climb, but that's because it's not a mountain. The highest point in Kansas is nicknamed that ironically, as it's surrounded by flat ground and open skies for miles.
8. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge - 2565 Pueblo Rd., Canton, Kansas
Get a little close to our native bison at this wildlife refuge that's always working to conserve one of our favorite native species. If you've never seen a bison too close before, you're in for a treat.
9. Rock City - 1051 Ivy Rd., Minneapolis, Kansas
Rock City sounds like a great place for a concert, but in reality, this little park is full of sandstone concretions in the shape of huge spheres covered in cracks. A few even have holes worn through them, and others are up to 27 feet in diameter. There's more than 200 rocks here, so take your time when exploring!
10. The Big Well - 315 S Sycamore St., Greensburg, Kansas
This huge well in Greensburg survived the devastating tornado that wiped out 95% of the town, but the museum built over and inside of it is new and full of amazing information about the city. Not only can you walk into the largest hand-dug well again, but you can also learn about the tornado and Greensburg's new hope to be the greenest city in Kansas.
11. Strataca - 3650 E Ave G, Hutchinson, Kansas
Strataca is also known as the Underground Salt Museum, but there is more than just salt here. You can venture underground and tour the mines via train and discover the history of salt mining and the tools used for it, right here in Kansas.
While you’re out and about on your adventures with family, make sure you’re getting plenty to eat. Why not spend some time trying some of the best meals in Kansas in 2018?
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