Can you believe that 2016 is coming to an end and that the kids will be on Thanksgiving and winter vacations before you know it? Does the thought of being cooped up with the energetic kiddos make you want to pull your hair out? Don’t stress; just take them to one of these legitimately fun places that you can visit without spending a dime.
1. Coronado Heights (Lindsborg)
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado may not have been able to conquer the seven cities of gold, but that doesn't mean that you can't conquer the historic Coronado Heights (and its surrounding hike).
2. Art Walk (Various Locations)
Did you know that several Kansas communities host monthly, quarterly, and annual art walks? Admire local talent, enjoy free hors d'oeuvres, and sip wine at one of these FREE local events.
3. Kansas State Capitol (Topeka)
Take a first hand look at how state government works and learn about the history of the Sunflower State by taking a guided tour of the beautiful Capitol building.
4. Keeper of the Plains (Wichita)
"Love is a burning thing and it makes a fiery ring" at the Keeper of the Plains. See the magnificent Ring of Fire light up the night sky every evening at 7 p.m.
5. Lee Richardson Zoo (Garden City)
Here is something the kids are sure to love: a large and impressive zoo complete with various birds, reptiles, lions, leopards, kangaroos, and more! (Did we mention admission is FREE to pedestrians?)
6. M.T. Liggett's Political Sculptures (Mullinville)
Located just west of Mullinville along Highway 400 is that of M.T. Liggett's Political Sculptures; the always entertaining, never politically correct colorful works of art by American folk sculptor M.T. Liggett. (Warning: Some of the signs may not be appropriate for children, so use caution when visiting.)
7. Brown vs Board of Education Historic Site (Topeka)
An important milestone in both state and national history took place in Topeka and has been memorialized at 1515 SE Monroe Street.
8. High Plains Museum (Goodland)
Located in Goodland, the High Plains Museum features a variety of artifacts from the past, as well as permanent and special exhibits depicting the history of the Plains.
9. The Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States (Lebanon)
There isn't a whole lot to this national landmark (basically just this limestone marker), but it is something that everyone should visit just for the heck of it! (P.S. The area is extremely peaceful and quiet, which is a big plus in our book.)
10. Fort Scott National Historic Site (Fort Scott)
This one is for all you history buffs out there: the Fort Scott National Historic Site features 20 structures and 5 acres of restored tallgrass prairie that at one time served as a military base during the Civil War.
11. Hiking
Contrary to popular belief, Kansas is home to several stellar places to hike, including the Konza Prairie, Wilson Lake, and Kanopolis State Park (pictured).
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