Time to Hit the Road!

There’s always something magical about summer vacations. If you look a bit closer to home, you’ll find these unique, family-friendly getaways right down the road.

 

Strataca, Hutchinson

This adventure is a one-of-a kind experience that takes you 650 feet underground to learn about salt mining history. Included is a 2.5-hour self-guided tour which includes the Underground Museum, a 30-minute ride on a tram known as the Dark Ride and a 15-minute train ride. Plus, you can add the one-hour Salt Safari that takes you further into the mine. Or for those who can walk a mile, the unique Lantern Tour is a mile hike only with a lantern to light the way where you follow tracks of fellow miners. Tickets required and reservations recommended. Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed.

underkansas.org | 620.662.1425

 

Safari Zoological Park, Caney

Pack up the car with the kids for a fun, interactive, close-up zoo encounter with over 150 animals. Listed on TripAdvisor website as one of the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide, this zoo was established in 1989 as a refuge for endangered species and has animals your kids might have never seen such as sloths, ant eaters, lemurs, wolves, plus those more commonly seen at our local zoos: lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! Trip Advisor reviewers say this is one of the “best ever” experiences at a zoo. No reservation needed.

facebook.com/SafariZoologicalPark | 620.515.2886

 

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park

This is a fantastic place for children and grandkids with 250 animals and birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room schoolhouse, an old-time fishing pond and more. General admission is only $5 (plus extra fees for certain activities), and you can bring your own food. Kids will get to feed farm animals up close, including sheep, horses, cows, goats, bunnies and birds. Hayrides and carriage rides are also offered alongside multiple exhibits and playgrounds. This is a very fun, affordable day trip with non-stop educational activities.

opkansas.org | 913.897.2360

 

The Kansas Statehouse, Topeka

This free building tour is filled with Kansas history and includes a breathtaking dome tour up 296 steps to the top for those interested. Beautiful statues, paintings, photographs and murals depicting our state’s history adorn the walls throughout, including John Steuart Curry’s famous mural, “Tragic Prelude,” and visitors also enjoy stopping by the Senate Chamber and State Library. There is a new Capital Visitor Center and the Capital Store on-site features Kansas-made gifts and souvenirs. Tour reservations can be made online or by phone. Visitors may also choose a self-guided tour. 

visittopeka.com or kansashistory.gov | 785.296.3966

 

Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan

This Center’s mission is “to inspire people to celebrate, explore and care for the Flint Hills” as Kansas prairie grasses are one of the few remaining tallgrass ecosystems in the world. Permanent interactive exhibits uncover this region’s rich culture and history, and prairie life is brought to life in the 4-D Immersive Experience Theater through sight, sound and innovative effects. Visitors will feel the wind rush and watch the smoke roll by. The Prairie Playscape is a new permanent exhibit that provides children a hands-on educational experience. All exhibits are listed on the website.

flinthillsdiscovery.org | 785.587.2726

 

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Leavenworth

Learn about the work of C.W. Parker who founded an amusement company in Abilene in 1894 and became famous for “carry-us-alls,” or carousels. An operating 1913 Parker carousel and the circa 1860s primitive carousels are the museum’s main attractions. Parker’s memorabilia on display includes the Parker horses known for their carvings and other manufacturer’s carousels are also showcased. Admission includes a carousel ride and a self-guided museum tour. There is a gift shop on-site.

firstcitymuseumslhma.com | 913.682.1331

 

Oz Museum, Wamego

Based on the famous movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” the Oz Museum attracts visitors from around the world and is home to exclusive Oz exhibits. On display are over 2,000 artifacts dating from 1900 to present, including the earliest books written by the story’s author, Frank Baum. Detailed historical facts about the movie and actors, plus Oz memorabilia from the famous 1939 MGM musical are on display. Some earlier silent films are also showcased. Follow the yellow brick road if you are an Oz fan and experience over 100 years of Oz history.

ozmuseum.com | 785.458.8686

 

Arikaree Breaks, Near St. Francis

Located in the northwestern tip of Kansas, this destination is notably one of Kansas’ most scenic drives and popular among photographers due to its rugged and unusual landscape. Known for their striking ravines and canyons with deep shadows and steep sides, not common to Kansas landscapes, the breaks are 36 miles long and two to three miles wide. There are several public roads through the breaks which provide visitors some amazing views of this rugged, yet stunning topography. The closest town is St. Francis, where you can pick up a self-guided driving tour guide.

travelks.com | 785.332.3508

 

Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum, Hutchinson

This is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that includes authentic U.S. and Russia space artifacts. Celebrating 60 years and in its final stages of renovation, this is an exciting time to visit the Cosmosphere as visitors will be experiencing new and upgraded exhibits, including new audio visuals and interactive exhibits. The Cosmosphere is proud to display its world-class collection initially procured in the early 70’s, thanks to their collaborative relationship with NASA. Known as the “greatest space museum on planet Earth,” this is a must-see for all ages. 

cosmo.org | 620.665.9312

 

Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City

Located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery, the Boot Hill Museum offers interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy. Open daily through the summer season, their collection includes more than 60,000 objects and artifacts, mostly collected from Dodge City residents between 1870 and 1920. Complete with ragtime piano, can-can dancers and comedy routines, Boot Hill’s Long Branch Variety Show runs nightly and is touted as the “longest running variety show in the nation.” Get there early for the reenactment of a shoot-out on Front Street and for their country-style dinner served before the show starts. 

boothill.org | 620.227.8188

 

Enjoy every stop. Let’s go!