Goodland and Wakeeney
Visit Goodland in late summer and you will see the beautiful fields of sunflowers and know why it is called the sunflower capital. This area is also known for its pheasant hunting opportunities. Learn how pioneers lived by visiting the High Plains Museum and see the full-sized automated replica of America’s first patented helicopter. Then, if you are heading east, enjoy an old fashioned ice cream soda at one of the Soda Fountains in Wakeeney.
Salina
See animals from around the world at Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure Zoo and Museum. There are more than 85 species of animals at the zoo. Then, learn more about nature at the Lakewood Discovery Center, Indian Rock Park and the Kansas Fishes Exhibit. The kids will have fun riding the go-karts and playing games at Jumpin’ Joe’s Family Fun Center. Then relax and sample wines in a tasting room that overlooks the vineyards at the Smokey Hill Vineyards and Winery.
Lawrence
Downtown Lawrence is known as one of the best-preserved and unique communities in America. Visit the shops downtown and then educate and entertain the kids by stopping at Googols of fun. Googols has a computer lab, indoor climbing playground, infant/toddler playroom, arts and crafts studio, redemption arcade, theatre performance area, educational toy shop, and hands-on, interactive natural science-based exhibits.
Topeka
Visit Gage Park where you will find the Topeka Zoo, the beautiful Reinisch Rose Garden, the historic Carousel, the Helen Hocker Theatre, and many recreational opportunities such as tennis, swimming, and volleyball. Then learn the history of Kansas through exhibits, videos, and programs at the Kansas Museum of History. You will also want to check out the Combat Air Museum where you will see displays of operational aircraft from every armed conflict since powered aircraft. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, go to Lake Shawnee Recreational Area where you can go fishing, boating, or swimming. Then hike the trail by the lake or play some golf. There are also tennis courts, horseback trails, and baseball fields in the area. Then for dinner and entertainment you can go to the Topeka Civic Theatre, which is the only dinner theatre in Topeka.