things to do in Kansas with kids & Teens (2025)

by
collage image of Kansas landmarks with text overlay. Kansas with Kids & Teens. Homeschool Travel Learn with www.CaptivatingCompass.com

Things to Do In Kansas With Kids & Teens (2024)

Tired of the same old activities with the kids and teens? Looking for something new to do in Kansas? You’re in luck! Here we’ll explore the best activities in Kansas for families of all ages. From exciting attractions to educational experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s get started with things to do in Kansas with kids and teens!

Discover Kansas With Kids & Teens

Kansas is a perfect place for families to explore with kids and teens. From Union Station to Crown Center, there are many fun things to do in Kansas. One of the must-visit places the whole family will enjoy is one of the world-class museums in the area.

At Union Station, families can visit Science City, an interactive museum that offers exciting exhibits on physics, chemistry, and biology. Crown Center also has Legoland Discovery Center, where kids can build their Lego creations, while parents can enjoy local shops and restaurants.

Families can visit Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead where they can experience farm life and ride ponies. At Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, families get a chance to learn about pioneering life in Kansas.

When visiting Kansas with kids and teens consider going on a scavenger hunt at the various parks around. Ultimately, Kansas has much to offer and is ideal for a family vacation filled with adventure. With its world-class museums and interactive exhibits alongside outdoor activities like scavenger hunts, there’s something for everyone here!

Kansas Is Bursting With Things To Do With Kids & Teens.

Kansas with kids and teens is bursting with exciting family fun. There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found in the beautiful US State. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Kansas inspire you as you explore Kansas with kids and teens.

Your family will be captivated by all of the historical and exciting places to explore and learn about in Kansas. These Kansas family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Kansas. If you are wanting to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Kansas with kids and teens.

Kansas With Kids & Teens – Road Trip!

Looking for a weekend road trip in Kansas with kids and teens? Here are the top activities and destinations to consider.

  • Visit the best places in Kansas such as Dodge City, where you can experience cowboy life.
  • Explore unique museums and attractions, like Cosmosphere Science Center.
  • Enjoy special events like Big Slick Celebrity Weekend or Tallgrass Film Festival.
  • Take a stroll through downtown Kansas City, known for its famous barbecue joints, shopping centers, and entertainment venues that cater to kids of all ages.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with some outdoor adventures, such as zip-lining or hiking in one of the state’s many nature reserves.

Moreover, don’t forget to check out other family-friendly activities like amusement parks, zoos, and waterparks that are scattered across the state.

Pro Tip: Consider renting an RV for added convenience and flexibility while on a road trip.

Kansas may be flat, but its historical sites & parks are anything but boring – get ready for a wild west adventure with your cowboys and cowgirls!

Road-tripping: a great way to learn

Are you ready to let your family experience everything Kansas has to offer? If that’s the case, then a Kansas with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS); you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

In our family, road-tripping is a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Kansas. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Kansas!

Kansas – Historical Sites & Parks

Looking for the best things to do in Kansas with kids and teens? Look no further than the state’s historic landmarks and parks. With a mixture of natural beauty and unique history, these destinations are perfect for a family vacation.

Things To Do In Kansas With Kids & Teens: A Truly Unique Experience

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head off the beaten path to discover some lesser-known but equally remarkable sites. The Cimarron National Grassland is one such destination, with stunning scenery that rivals even more well-known parks. Did you know that Kansas is home to several historic landmarks that played an important role in American history? For example, Fort Larned was a major military outpost during westward expansion in the 1800s. Take your family on a tour to learn more about this fascinating period in our nation’s past. Step aside, Dinosaur fossils, it’s time for kids and teens to appreciate the real relics – outdated art pieces and odd historical artifacts at Kansas museums and galleries.

Kansas – Museums & Galleries

Kansas offers a plethora of exciting activities for young adventurers with an inclination toward art and culture. Museums & Galleries in Kansas provide interactive exhibits that many young people find engaging.

The Federal Reserve Bank and its Money Museum educate visitors on economics, money, and banking. On the other hand, the National Museum of Toys amazes children with antique toys’ history. Finally, the American Jazz Museum tells America’s story through jazz music.

Pro Tip: Kansas City is actually in 2 states. Kansas & Missouri. Some activities may actually be across the border in Missouri.

In contrast to conventional museums, Kansas’s family-friendly museums bring unique experiences to families regardless of their ages. Still, it is essential to book tickets early to avoid overcrowding at these popular destinations.

While visiting The Arabia Steamboat Museum, a family discovered they were related to one of the passengers rescued from the shipwreck displayed there. This coincidence made their trip memorable.

While it may not be known for its beaches, Kansas has an abundance of gardens, zoos, and aquariums, so you can still soak up some sun while admiring the beautiful wildlife.

Kansas City Attractions for Kids & Teens – Botanical Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums

The prairie and plains of Kansas offer an endless list of family-friendly adventures. One of the most popular options for families with kids and teens is visiting gardens, zoos, and aquariums. These attractions provide learning opportunities while providing entertainment.

  • Kansas City Zoo is one of the top-rated Zoo’s in the country with over 2000 animals featuring many exotic species.
  • Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is a great place for interacting with farm animals where families can enjoy pony rides and bottle-feed baby goats.
  • Sea Life offers an interactive experience that immerses visitors in an underwater adventure with over 4000 creatures in an ocean setting.
  • The botanical gardens have free admission, making it a perfect option for budget-conscious travelers showcasing vibrant colors of flowers

The Kansas City Zoo is home to over 2000 animals from all over the world, including big cats, monkeys, elephants, penguins, and several other species from different natural habitats. Families can watch them up close and interact with them through animal-specific programs.

Make memories that will last a lifetime by exploring these fascinating places together as a family during your trip to Kansas!

Kansas may not be known for its thrilling attractions, but these activities for kids and teens will have them saying Wheat-hey! in no time.

Kansas – Add These To Your Itinerary

The state of Kansas is a fantastic destination for families with kids and teens. There are many fun and exciting things to do in Kansas with kids & teens that should be added to your itinerary. Here are just a few of the top options:

  • Visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City – perfect for kids and adults who love Lego.
  • Explore rich aviation history at the Kansas Aviation Museum, where you can see actual historic aircraft up close.
  • If you’re a baseball fan, catch a game at Kauffman Stadium and experience America’s favorite pastime!

But there’s so much more to do in Kansas! From interactive museums to unique outdoor adventures, this state has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the: 

Kansas offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Kansas.

Kansas Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Kansas by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Kansas State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Kansas – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Kansas State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Kansas at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About Kansas’ Famous People

  • John Brown – Abolitionist 
  • George Washington Carver – Scientist/Educator
  • Amelia Earhart – Aviation Pioneer
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower – President 

Learn About Kansas’ Famous Landmarks:

  • Brown V. Board Of Education National Historic Site 
  • Fort Larned National Historic Site

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The Kansas State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

.

Use The World As Your Classroom

Exploring America’s Heartland?

Oklahoma, Missouri & Nebraska are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

things to Do in Kansas with Kids & Teens FAQ

What are some family-friendly attractions in Kansas?

There are many family-friendly attractions to visit in Kansas, like the Sedgwick County Zoo, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Science City, just to name a few.

Are there any outdoor activities for kids and teens in Kansas?

Yes, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Kansas, such as hiking at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, kayaking at Cheney State Park, and visiting the Rollin’ Coal Maze.

What are some educational things to do in Kansas?

In addition to Science City, Kansas also has other educational attractions such as the Cosmosphere, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, and the Combat Air Museum.

Are there any theme parks in Kansas?

Yes, there is the Wild West World amusement park in Park City.

What are some indoor activities to do in Kansas?

Aside from LEGOLAND Discovery Center, families can also visit the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Mid-America All-Indian Center, and the Exploration Place science center.

What are some festivals to attend in Kansas?

Some popular festivals to attend in Kansas include the Kansas State Fair, the Walnut Valley Festival, and the Tallgrass Film Festival.

Explore More!

Going On A Trip? Grab This!

.

You May Also Enjoy