Kansas is one of the most underrated states for family adventures. People assume it is endless flat roads and wheat fields, but after years of exploring Kansas with my three kids, I have found giant chalk formations, colorful small towns, underground museums, unexpected hiking trails and some of the strangest roadside attractions in the USA.

To be honest, these are the places most people skip and that is the exact reason why you shouldn’t. They are off the beaten path and many of them you will have all to yourself, which somehow makes them even more magical. 

My family and I have personally visited every place on this list. I have included the experiences my kids loved, the things that surprised us and the practical details I wish every parent knew before visiting. If you are searching for unique things to do in Kansas with kids, use our adventures to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway or a full Kansas road trip.

Planning tip: Hours, admission prices, trail conditions and seasonal dates can change. Check each attraction’s official website or social media page before driving out of your way.

Unique Things to Do in Kansas at a Glance

If your family loves…	Start with…
Climbing and unusual landscapes	Rock City or Mushroom Rock State Park
Big views and outdoor adventure	Little Jerusalem Badlands or Wilson State Park
Quirky roadside attractions	Lucas, Wilson or Abilene
Hands-on museums	Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum or Strataca
Kansas history	Old Cowtown Museum or the Keeper of the Plains
A classic road trip	Kansas Route 66
Seasonal flowers	Grinter Farms
A memorable overnight stay	A Kansas treehouse or CW Farm and Ranch

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders in Kansas

1. Climb Giant Boulders at Rock City

Best for: Kids who love climbing
Location: Near Minneapolis, Kansas
Bring: Water, sun protection and closed-toe shoes

Rock City is one of the weirdest natural attractions we have visited in Kansas. Huge round sandstone concretions are scattered across the landscape. They look like someone dropped giant marbles in the middle of a field.

Quite a few people who commented on the reel I posted about this spot had another interpretation. They thought the rocks looked like giant dinosaur poop. Once someone points that out, it is hard not to see it.

My kids loved climbing around the rocks and squeezing between the formations. There is not much shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. I like Rock City as a road trip stop where everyone can get out of the car and move instead of the centerpiece of an entire vacation. It is about 30 minutes off of I-70. 

2. See the Chalk Formations at Monument Rocks

Best for: Scenery and western Kansas road trips
Location: Gove County, Kansas
Bring: Water, snacks and enough gas

Monument Rocks is one of my favorite places to show people who think Kansas is flat and boring. Massive chalk formations rise out of the prairie, and the landscape looks nothing like what many people expect to find here.

This spot is technically on private property, but the landowner allows people to stop here. Be respectful of the property and don’t dig in the chalky cliffs. They break easily. 

There is no big visitor center waiting when you arrive. That is part of what makes it memorable, but families need to plan ahead. Use the bathroom before heading out, watch the gas gauge and check the weather and rural road conditions. I would include Monument Rocks in a western Kansas road trip rather than drive across the state for this stop alone.

3. Explore Castle Rock and the Badlands

Best for: Adventurous families and wide-open views
Location: South of Quinter, Kansas
Good to know: The approach includes unpaved roads on private ranchland

Castle Rock is another unexpected western Kansas landscape. The limestone pillar is the best-known feature, but the nearby badlands are what make this stop feel like a real adventure.

This is my personal favorite stop in Kansas. I love how remote it is. You’re also allowed to pick up any surface fossils you find, but do not dig and destroy the formations. 

This is a remote, undeveloped site. Road conditions can become difficult after rain, and the formations are fragile. Stay on established routes, pack out everything you bring and never climb on the named Castle Rock formation. Pair it with Monument Rocks or Little Jerusalem for a weekend built around Kansas scenery. 

My 2-wheel minivan was able to make it around the area, but there were some roads I refused to drive down because I think they would have been too rough. 

4. Hike Rocktown Trail at Wilson State Park

Best for: Hiking, lake views and unusual rocks
Location: Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove
Trail: Rocktown Trail

The crystal-blue water was the first thing that surprised us at Wilson Lake, but it was only part of what made the area memorable. Between the rolling hills, scenic views and rugged sandstone formations along Rocktown Trail, this is one of my favorite examples to show people who insist Kansas is boring. 

The hike out to the rock formations is fairly flat, but the formations are stunning. If it’s a hot day, you can get in the water. There is a little bit of elevation on the way back. 

We brought sturdy shoes, water and sun protection. Check trail and park conditions before visiting because a Kansas state park vehicle permit may be required.

5. Wander Through Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

Best for: Dramatic scenery and guided hikes
Location: Near Oakley, Kansas
Good to know: Some areas are accessible only on guided tours

When we visited Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, the towering Niobrara chalk formations felt completely unexpected for Kansas. I appreciated that the overlooks let our family take in the landscape without committing to a long hike, especially when traveling with kids.

Visitors need to stay on designated trails because the formations are delicate and the surrounding land includes private property. Please note that you cannot walk up to the rock formations unless you’re on a guided hike. Personally, I found this less immersive and prefer Monument Rocks over Little Jerusalem if I didn’t have the time to do both. That being said, many people insist Little Jerusalem is better so it really depends on if you’d rather view more badlands from a distance or be able to walk among them. 

Check for guided hikes if your family wants to explore beyond the public overlooks. This stop pairs naturally with Monument Rocks which is about 20 minutes away on a western Kansas road trip.

6. Find the Stone Mushrooms at Mushroom Rock State Park

Best for: A quick nature stop with younger kids
Location: Near Marquette, Kansas
Fun fact: It is Kansas’s smallest state park

My kids agreed that the sandstone formations at Mushroom Rock really do look like enormous mushrooms. Wind and water wore away the softer stone beneath harder caprock, leaving shapes that almost seem too strange to be natural.

Be sure to walk across the road to the other side of the park. There is a little bridge that will take you to more rock formations. I saw many people miss it. 

This is the smallest state park in Kansas, so this is an easy stop to add to a central Kansas road trip. Kids can explore without committing to a long hike. Combine it with Kanopolis State Park, Lindsborg or Rock City to fill a day.

7. Search for Caves at Kanopolis State Park

Best for: Families who like hiking and exploring
Location: Near Marquette, Kansas
Look for: Sandstone bluffs, Horsethief Canyon and small caves

We found wooded trails, sandstone bluffs, canyon scenery and small caves tucked into the rock at Kanopolis State Park. The Horsethief Canyon area was a natural fit for my kids because they would almost always rather scramble and explore than simply walk down a flat trail.

The caves are very small and some require a bit of climbing. There is bright red dirt in this area that will stain light clothing. This is my personal favorite trail in Kansas. 

These are natural features, not a lighted commercial cave tour. Wear shoes with traction and check for closures, mud and high water before hiking. Kanopolis and nearby Mushroom Rock make a fun two-stop outdoor day.

Quirky Kansas Roadside Attractions and Small Towns

8. Explore the Grassroots Art Capital of Lucas

Best for: Art-loving families and wonderfully weird stops
Location: Lucas, Kansas
Don’t miss: Garden of Eden, Bowl Plaza and the Grassroots Art Center

Lucas is easily one of the quirkiest small towns we have explored in Kansas. At the Garden of Eden, we walked among the concrete sculptures that Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor built around his limestone cabin. His body is even preserved on the property and you can view it for a fee. Downtown, there is a public restroom called Bowl Plaza. It is covered in colorful mosaics and is definitely the most unique place I have ever tinkled. 

Lucas is also home to the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. Yes, that is the real name. The tiny replicas celebrate the oversized roadside attractions scattered around the country. Give yourself time to walk around because the fun here is in the odd details along the streets. 

9. See the World’s Largest Czech Egg in Wilson

Best for: A colorful photo stop
Location: Wilson, Kansas
Pair it with: Wilson State Park or the Atlas Ad Astra site

We stopped to see Wilson’s giant hand-painted egg, which celebrates the town’s Czech heritage. The World’s Largest Czech Egg gave us a much more interesting family photo and stretch break than another gas station parking lot.

Look around town while you are there, then continue to Wilson State Park or make reservations for the nearby Atlas Ad Astura Adventure Resort, which is in a missile silo. This is a good example of how one quirky stop can turn a drive across Kansas into part of the fun. 

10. Stand Under a Giant Van Gogh Painting in Goodland

Best for: Art and western Kansas road trips
Location: Goodland, Kansas
Look for: The giant easel near I-70

We could see Goodland’s enormous reproduction of Van Gogh’s sunflower painting from the highway as we approached the giant easel. It is part of the Big Easel Project and felt especially fitting for these large sunflowers to be in the Sunflower State.

The painting is a quick, free stop near I-70. Add time for the High Plains Museum or downtown Goodland if everyone needs a longer break from the car.

11. Climb the World’s Largest Belt Buckle in Abilene

Best for: A goofy family photo and a stretch break
Location: Eisenhower Park in Abilene
Nearby: World’s Largest “I Like Ike” Button

I was surprised to find a staircase leading up behind the belt buckle, so you could get a photo of yourself at the top. 

Abilene also leans into its connection to President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the World’s Largest “I Like Ike” Button. Add both to a day that includes the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, the C.W. Parker Carousel or the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.

For more ideas in Abilene, check out Can’t Miss Fun Things to do in Abilene.

12. Explore Little Sweden in Lindsborg

Best for: A quirky Kansas small town
Location: Central Kansas
Don’t miss: The Wild Dala horses around town

Lindsborg is one of my favorite small towns in Kansas. Known as Little Sweden, USA, it celebrates the Swedish immigrants who settled the community in the 1800s. One of my favorite things to do with kids is search for the colorful Dala horses scattered around town.

We also rode a four-person bicycle around Lindsborg, which became one of the most memorable parts of our visit and played at their cute castle-themed playground.

Walk downtown, pop into shops and stop for something to eat when everyone needs a break. Check the event calendar because Lindsborg’s festivals can make the town even more fun.

Be sure to also stop at the nearby Coronado Heights. It is an excellent picnic spot with a view. There is a Works Progress Administration project that reminds me of a castle. There are bathrooms there but they are rundown, so I suggest avoiding them if you can. 

13. Turn Small-Town Exploring Into a Town Trek

Best for: Families who love challenges and scavenger hunts
Location: Participating northeast Kansas communities
Good to know: Towns, dates and rules can change each year

My kids are more interested in exploring when we have a checklist to check off. That is why I love programs like the Northeast Kansas Town Trek. Families visit participating locations, check in and may earn prizes as they complete the challenge.

It feels a little like real-life travel bingo and gives us a reason to visit communities we might otherwise drive past. Seneca, Kansas packed in a lot considering it’s a small town. There were multiple museums, a self-guided walking tour, and cute murals. 

Kansas City families can divide the route into several day trips instead of attempting it in one weekend. 

One-of-a-Kind Kansas Museums and History

14. Go Underground at Strataca

Best for: Big kids, science and an only-in-Kansas experience
Location: Hutchinson, Kansas
Good to know: The museum is hundreds of feet underground

At Strataca, we rode an elevator deep into a working salt deposit. Exploring hundreds of feet below the Kansas prairie was one of those experiences that did not feel real until we were actually down there. The exhibits helped my kids understand salt mining, geology and the underground storage industry. The temperature stays cool, so I was glad we had a light layer even though it was warm above ground.

There is a little train and tram you can ride around the mines. They also have memorabilia from various films like Men in Black and Cold War era equipment because these salt mines are used as temperature-controlled storage. 

Reserve the tickets ahead and review the current requirements before promising a particular ride to the kids. Pair Strataca with the Cosmosphere for a museum-packed Hutchinson weekend.

15. Visit the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Best for: Aviation, STEM and history
Location: Atchison, Kansas
Distance from Kansas City: About an hour

The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is one of my favorite family attractions in Atchison. My kids could explore careers, plane motors, games and the science of flight instead of spending the visit reading signs. The immersive VR flight made me a little nauseous, but my husband and kids loved it.

The museum is also home to Muriel, the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E, the same model Earhart flew on her final journey. Give yourself time to see other Amelia Earhart sites and the Missouri Riverfront while you are in town. Check current museum times before leaving home.

16. Tour an Underground Missile Silo

Best for: Older kids, Cold War history and adventurous families
Location: Atlas Ad Astra near Wilson, Kansas
Good to know: Tours generally require advance arrangements

Touring Atlas Ad Astra Adventure Resort gave us the unusual chance to explore a decommissioned Atlas F missile facility. I did not fully understand the scale of the Cold War site until we were standing inside it.

If you want a very unique experience, book a stay through Airbnb and stay in the Launch Center room overnight. 

This is not a casual roadside stop, and an underground industrial site may not suit every child. Confirm tour availability, age guidance, accessibility and clothing recommendations directly with the property. Pair it with Wilson’s Czech egg and Wilson State Park.

17. Watch a Gunfight at Old Cowtown Museum

Best for: Living history and Old West fans
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Good to know: Demonstrations and special events follow a schedule

Old Cowtown Museum took us into 1800s Wichita through historic buildings, costumed interpreters and hands-on glimpses of frontier life. The staged gunfight was the highlight for my kids. We also ate hot dogs and drank sarsaparilla in the saloon, 

They had demonstrations on old-time ways of life, including a blacksmith, a woodworker, and a musician which made the history feel much more memorable than simply reading about it. If you’re going on a weekday there may be less demonstrations than on weekends. 

Check the calendar if the gunfight is the part your kids most want to see. There is a schedule of times they do the performances. The sound can be loud, so families with noise-sensitive children may want to bring hearing protection or choose another demonstration.

18. See the Keeper of the Plains at Sunset

Best for: Kansas history and an evening in Wichita
Location: Confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers
Don’t miss: The Mid-America All-Indian Museum

We visited the Keeper of the Plains around sunset, and the views from the pedestrian bridges were worth slowing down for. The 44-foot steel sculpture by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin stands above the rivers on land sacred to Native peoples. 

Be sure to go for the Ring of Fire lighting, a nightly fire illumination of the statue which lasts about 15 minutes. When the Ring of Fire lit, I was surprised by how much heat we could feel from the flames. You will want your kids to stand back. 

Visit the Mid-America All-Indian Museum to add context instead of treating the sculpture as only a photo stop. The nightly Ring of Fire schedule can vary with weather, river conditions and the season, so confirm the current lighting time before planning the evening around it.

Check out 3 Days in Wichita with Kids for more ideas.

19. Ride a Historic Carousel and Train in Abilene

Best for: History and family fun
Location: Abilene, Kansas
Don’t miss: C.W. Parker Carousel

Abilene has an unusually good mix of serious history and attractions younger kids can enjoy. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home is the city’s best-known stop, but our family also loved the C.W. Parker Carousel. I have seen old carousels before, but I loved that we could actually ride this one! 

If your child loves trains, check the schedule for the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. We had the chance to ride in the engine, and it became one of the parts my kids remembered most. I would give Abilene at least a full day.

20. Explore the Sallie House in Atchison

Best for: Families with older teens who enjoy ghost stories
Location: Atchison, Kansas
Good to know: Review age rules and tour options first

I leaned into Atchison’s reputation as Kansas’s most haunted town by visiting the Sallie House, its best-known paranormal site. The experience blends the history of the house with the unexplained activity people have reported there.

I went by myself for this activity because I didn’t think my kids would enjoy it yet. I definitely felt cold spots in the house and heard some strange noises. 

I would save this one for older kids or teens who actively enjoy spooky stories. Check current age restrictions and decide how much ghost talk your family wants before booking. Atchison has plenty of non-scary attractions if one family member would rather skip it.

If you like spooky attractions, Atchison offers Haunted Trolley tours and has multiple haunted experiences. If you like genuinely spooky places and not gimmicky haunted houses then you will love Atchison. 

Route 66 and Southeast Kansas Adventures

21. Drive the Kansas Stretch of Route 66

Best for: A classic American road trip
Location: Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs
Good to know: Kansas has a short but attraction-packed stretch

We turned Kansas’s roughly 13 miles of Historic Route 66 into one of our coolest Kansas road trips. We found vintage service stations, colorful murals, historic bridges, Pixar Cars characters and small-town museums packed into the southeast corner of the state.

Be sure to drive this route slowly because there are a lot of photo opps you will want to hop out of the car and get. I highly recommend stopping at Gearhead Curios and talking to the owner. He can tell you every can’t miss spot along the route, and there are a lot more than you’d expect for a 13 mile stretch of small towns. Also be sure to check out the pink bathroom. Multiple people have gotten married in it, which alone tells you that it will be a fun and quirky sight to see. 

It can be a destination on its own or part of a longer Route 66 road trip through Missouri and Oklahoma.

Check out Things to do in Southeast Kansas for more information.

22. Meet Tow Tater at Cars on the Route

Best for: Disney and Pixar fans
Location: Galena, Kansas
Look for: The old tow truck outside the restored Kan-O-Tex station

My kids immediately recognized why families stop at Cars on the Route. The restored filling station’s rusty tow truck, nicknamed Tow Tater, is often connected to the inspiration behind Tow Mater from Cars. When the Pixar producers were driving through this region they saw an old truck and got the idea for Tow Mater’s character. Seeing the characters made this part of our Route 66 trip especially fun.

Hours can be limited, but the exterior is still a fun photo stop. Add it to a loop through the rest of Kansas Route 66 instead of making it the only destination.

23. Stand Beside Big Brutus

Best for: Kids obsessed with giant machines
Location: West Mineral, Kansas
Good to know: It is a massive electric mining shovel

Big Brutus was way, way bigger than we expected. When I heard it was the largest electric shovel in the world, I thought “it can’t be that big” but I was wrong. This thing is massive and the only way to truly understand how huge it is is to see it in person. 

Make sure you go up inside of it too. My kids loved sitting in the control center and pretending to drive it. 

The museum shares the story of coal mining in southeast Kansas, which gives this giant roadside attraction a useful history lesson. Check current access rules because the areas visitors can enter may change. Big Brutus pairs well with Pittsburg, Crawford County and Kansas Route 66.

Unique Places to Stay in Kansas

24. Sleep in a Kansas Treehouse

Best for: Turning the lodging into the adventure
Location: Options are scattered around Kansas
Good to know: Amenities and age rules vary widely

My friend and I loved this stay. It was so relaxing and beautiful. The treehouses are stunning and have lots of quirky, cute details that make it feel truly like an enchanted stay. There is a hot tub on the premises and trails. 

Read the listing carefully before booking with kids. Look for railings, ladder access, bathroom arrangements, maximum occupancy and minimum age rules. This spot recently came under new ownership, so the rules may change. 

25. Gather the Whole Family at CW Farm and Ranch

Best for: Family reunions and multigenerational group trips
Location: Near Fredonia, Kansas
Good to know: This is a private group venue rather than a typical hotel

Our stay at CW Farm and Ranch felt like having a private Kansas resort to explore. With multiple lodging spaces and activities spread across the large ranch property, we did not need to leave in search of entertainment. The accommodation was the itinerary.

Staying here made me wonder if this is what it would feel like to be a millionaire. There were ATVs, dune buggies, pickleball and basketball courts, a lake with canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, an arcade, a media center, and more. 

Because the property is designed for groups and private events, it makes more sense for a family reunion or big celebration than a one-night stay for a family of five. Ask about current packages, lodging capacity and what activities are included before gathering the extended family.

Seasonal and Just-for-Fun Kansas Experiences

26. Walk Through the Sunflowers at Grinter Farms

Best for: A late-summer Kansas tradition
Location: Near Lawrence, Kansas
Good to know: Bloom timing changes every year

Walking through the sunflowers at Grinter Farms feels almost unreal when the field is in peak bloom. This is one of my favorite places to get annual family photos. It is particularly magical at sunset. It is one of my favorite seasonal Kansas experiences and an easy outing for our family from the Kansas City area.

The exact bloom window depends on planting and weather, so check the farm’s current updates before driving out. Visit on a weekday or early in the day if possible because it can get busy, follow parking directions and respect the field. Pair the sunflowers with lunch in Lawrence or a walk at Baker Wetlands.

27. Find the Trolls at Botanica Wichita

Best for: Gardens with a playful surprise
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Good to know: Exhibits and installations can change

Botanica surprised me more than almost any other stop on our Wichita trip. My kids found plenty to do beyond looking at flower beds, including the imaginative children’s areas and a hunt for the giant trolls. We actually walked past one and needed Google Maps to find it, which only made the search feel more like a real scavenger hunt.

There is a carousel you can ride on as well for an additional fee and fish food you can purchase if you bring quarters. 

Because art installations can move or change, confirm that the trolls are currently on view if they are the main reason for your visit. Botanica also hosts seasonal events, so check admission details and the calendar before going.

28. Spend a Day Exploring Lawrence

Best for: Food, bookstores and outdoor time
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Don’t miss: Massachusetts Street and Baker Wetlands

Lawrence is one of my favorite Kansas towns when I want a day trip that does not require much planning. We usually start downtown, browse bookstores and shops, grab lunch and see where the day takes us.

I would not spend the entire visit downtown. Baker Wetlands gives the kids a chance to get outside, and we have seen beautiful sunsets there. The Prairie Park Nature Center is a fun indoor and outdoor stop too. A simple itinerary works best for our family: downtown first, lunch and then somewhere outdoors.

For more ideas close to KC, check out 10 Best Day Trips from Kansas City.

29. Spend the Day at Exploration Place

Best for: Hands-on science, STEM and kids who need to touch everything
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Don’t miss: Adventure Playscape and the aviation exhibits

Exploration Place is easily one of my favorite places to take kids in Wichita because there is so much to actually do. They can experiment, build, climb and play while learning at the same time.

Inside, there are tons of interactive exhibits. My kids especially loved the aviation area, where they could learn about Wichita’s history as the Air Capital of the World, and the three-story medieval castle in the Where Kids Rule exhibit. There are also exhibits about Kansas, weather, space and engineering, plus a massive Dome Theater with movies and shows.

But Exploration Place has gotten even better with the addition of the Adventure Playscape, a huge outdoor play area. Kids can climb inside a giant 20-foot bison, explore an aviation-themed play area with a 40-foot rocket, zipline, climb, slide and play in a water area. 

I would plan several hours here or even a full day, especially if the weather is nice enough to enjoy both the indoor museum and outdoor playscape. 

30. Visit the Animals at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Best for: Younger kids, animal lovers and an easy Kansas City day trip
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Don’t miss: Feeding the animals and exploring the farm

My kids always love visiting Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. It feels like a combination of a farm, petting zoo and old-fashioned children’s village, and it is especially fun for younger kids.

My kids have loved getting up close to the animals, feeding baby goats and wandering around the farmstead. There are cows, horses, pigs, chickens and other farm animals, but there is enough to do beyond the animals that we can easily spend a few hours here.

Because Deanna Rose is seasonal, check current opening dates, hours and admission before visiting. It is an easy addition to a Kansas City family trip or a great standalone outing if you live nearby.

Plan a Hidden Gem Roadtrip 

After visiting all of these unusual Kansas attractions, I think the easiest way to experience them is to group them by region. We have found that a central Kansas trip can include Lindsborg, Mushroom Rock, Kanopolis, Wilson and Lucas. A western loop can connect Castle Rock, Monument Rocks, Little Jerusalem and Goodland. Our southeast trip combined Big Brutus with Route 66 and became one of our favorite Kansas road trips.

Do not try to squeeze every stop into one trip. Kansas is wider than it looks on a map, and backtracking eats up family adventure time. Choose a few anchors and leave room for the strange sign, tiny museum or local restaurant that catches everyone’s attention.

Choose Your Kansas Adventure

If you are planning an easy day trip from Kansas City, start with Atchison, Lawrence or Grinter Farms during sunflower season. Families who want a small-town weekend should look at Lindsborg, Abilene or Lucas.

For kids who need to climb and explore, I would choose Rock City, Mushroom Rock or Kanopolis. Western Kansas has the biggest scenery with Monument Rocks, Castle Rock and Little Jerusalem. Wichita is a good option when your family wants several attractions in one place, including the Keeper of the Plains, Old Cowtown, Exploration Place and Botanica.

The best Kansas road trip is not necessarily the one with the most stops. It is the one that matches what your family actually likes to do.

Tips for Exploring Kansas With Kids

After years of traveling around Kansas with my kids, I have learned that we do not need a huge attraction to make a trip memorable. Some of our favorite stops have been places we added on a whim.

• Check hours before driving. Small museums and rural attractions may not open every day, and some tours require reservations.
• Watch the gas gauge. Fuel, food and bathrooms can be farther apart in rural and western Kansas.
• Pack for the weather. Water, sunscreen, layers and sturdy shoes solve a lot of family road trip problems.
• Download directions. Cell service can be unreliable near remote natural areas.
• Respect the landscape. Stay on marked trails, avoid climbing fragile formations and pack out trash.
• Leave breathing room. The random roadside stop may become the story everyone remembers.

More Kansas Family Adventures

Kansas has plenty of places that are easy to miss if we focus only on the major destinations. The small towns, odd roadside attractions and landscapes that catch us off guard are a big part of why I love exploring the state with my kids. Every time I think we have seen the strangest thing Kansas has to offer, I find something else to add to our list.

Be sure to check out my other Kansas blogs for more adventure ideas.