There are a variety of kid friendly things to do in Washington, Kansas. One option is to visit the local zoo, which is home to a variety of animals. Another is to take a stroll through one of the many parks in the area, many of which have playgrounds and picnic areas. For those looking for something a bit more active, there are a number of hiking and biking trails located throughout the city. And, of course, no visit to Washington would be complete without a trip to the State Capitol Building. Here, kids can explore the history of Kansas and see the inner workings of state government.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Washington, Kansas
1. Visit the Kansas State Capitol Building – The Kansas State Capitol Building is a historic landmark and the seat of government for the state of Kansas. Constructed in 1903, the Capitol Building is located in Topeka and is home to the Kansas State Legislature, the Governor of Kansas, and the Kansas Supreme Court. The Capitol Building is open to the public for tours and also houses a museum on the history of Kansas.
2. Take a walk or bike ride along the Kansas River Trail – The Kansas River Trail is a 12-mile long paved trail that runs along the Kansas River from Topeka to Lawrence. The trail is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, and offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
3. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site – The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is located in Topeka and commemorates the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine in public education. The site includes the restored Monroe Elementary School, where the plaintiff in the case, Oliver Brown, attempted to enroll his daughter in 1951.
4. See the world’s largest collection of Prompt Critical Nuclear Bomb Safety Posters at the Kansas Museum of Nuclear Science and History – The Kansas Museum of Nuclear Science and History is located in Wichita and is dedicated to educating the public about the history and science of nuclear energy. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Prompt Critical Nuclear Bomb Safety Posters, which were printed in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War.
5. Climb to the top of Mt. Sunflower – Mt. Sunflower is the highest point in Kansas, located on the state’s western border with Colorado. At an elevation of 4,041 feet, Mt. Sunflower is a popular hiking destination, and offers panoramic views of the Great Plains.
6. Visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in the Flint Hills region of Kansas and is home to one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the world. The preserve offers visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, or drive through the prairie, and view the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area.
7. Take a scenic drive along the Kansas Snorkel Trail – The Kansas Snorkel Trail is a 100-mile driving route that takes visitors through some of the state’s most scenic and historic areas. The route includes stops at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, the Flint Hills, and the Kansas River Valley, and offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping.
8. Visit the Cosmosphere International SciEd Center and Space Museum – The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center and Space Museum is located in Hutchinson and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of human spaceflight. The museum houses the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow, and also features exhibits on the Apollo program and the Space Shuttle.
9. See the largest collection of barbed wire in the world at the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum – The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum is located in La Crosse and is home to the largest collection of barbed wire in the world. The museum features exhibits on the history of barbed wire and its impact on the settlement of the American West.
10. View the world’s largest collection of miniature buildings at the Crayola-Marqueson Miniature Rooms Museum – The Crayola-Marqueson Miniature Rooms Museum is located in Dodge City and features the world’s largest collection of miniature buildings. The buildings, which date from the 18th and 19th centuries, are designed and furnished to emulate their full-size counterparts.
