Looking for things to do in Topeka? These are perfect for summer

admin 0 Comments July 18, 2022

, 2022-07-14 05:48:33,

Are the kids complaining they have nothing to do now that the Fourth of July is over? Don’t worry — there are still plenty of opportunities for family fun before school starts.

Whether looking for indoor options to beat the heat or outdoor options to soak in the sun, one or more of these nine places are likely to please even the finickiest member of the family.

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Parks are designed to please everyone

Parents and kids still have lots of fun summer activities to do, including Shawnee County's rich parks and recreation system. Two years ago, cyclists enjoyed the a wooden bridge feature on the South Summit loop of Azura Trails at Sunset Park.

Outside is the place to be, said Shawnee County Parks & Recreation communications and public information supervisor Mike McLaughlin. He is in the know when it comes to all the activities the county has to offer, and the list is long.

Hiking, biking, disc golf, swimming, skating, skateboarding and park hopping (trying out each of the many playgrounds in the Topeka area) are a few ideas he had for summer fun.

“Parks and recreation is an important part of the quality of life in Shawnee County, ” McLaughlin said. “We have more than 2,600 acres of parks. We have 60 miles of trails that are both paved and natural surface, 320 days of sporting activities, all kinds of recreational programs people can get involved in.

“So if you’re not taking advantage of these things that you’re supporting through your taxes, you’re actually missing out on part of your quality of life.”

History buffs can use a new, free app at Old Prairie Town

Ward-Meade Park, 124 N.W. Fillmore St., has much to offer for those interested in history, McLaughlin said.

“Old Prairie Town really shows people a glimpse of what the pioneer life was like when when the settlers came west,” he said.

A free guided tour of the property is now available on the Otocast app. A cabin, a mansion, a drug store, a train depot, a school house and a general store/gift shop are part of the tour.

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The younger crowd is catered to at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

It goes without saying that Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, with more than 15,000 square feet of indoor educational exhibits and a 4.5-acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, is the place to be for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The center specializes in activities for their age group.

Free Family Fun Nights are from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursdays of the month, with July 21 and Aug. 18 being the next opportunities to play and learn.

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