Take the plunge and keep cool when you take the family to Topeka's Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. No matter what level of experience your kids have when it comes to swimming, they will love being in the water and enjoying the many amenities offered by this state-of-the-art aquatic attraction. Among its many fine attributes, the center features challenging diving boards, a kiddie section for toddlers to safely make a splash, and of course, the expansive 50-meter pool itself!
A hugely significant milestone in American history is remembered at the Brown V. Board of Education National Historic Site. This national park commemorates the landmark school desegregation case that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Learn about the ruling and its lasting significance through the various exhibits and attractions, photographs, documents and other items that give a deeper view of this incredibly significant event for the field of education and the furthering of human rights.
Go on a truly high-flying adventure when you take the family to Topeka's Combat Air Museum. This is where history truly takes flight as you will marvel at the impressive collection of vintage aircraft. The museum boasts a collection of military and aviation oriented memorabilia that dates all the way back to World War I and spans history to include items of interest from the present day space shuttle missions. In addition to these impressive exhibits and attractions, you can also check out several missiles and a cannon that are on display.
Enjoy a bowling experience that is as classic as it is contemporary when you go for the game-winning strike at Topeka's Gage Bowl. This popular bowling facility features a cool retro charm while offering state-of-the-art scoring and an equally impressive video game arcade. The menu items and drink specials are equally appetizing, too!
Enjoy Topeka's incredible outdoor beauty when you take the family out for an afternoon of fun at Gage Park. The park is situated in the central part of the city, which adds an even greater level of appeal as it comfortably coexists within a thoroughly modern urban setting. Enjoy such activities as fishing, sports, picnics or just quietly relaxing on the many green lawns and meadows. Additional attractions on the premises include the Topeka Zoo, the Carousel in the Park, and the Reinisch Rose Garden.
Topeka's Gage Park is the city's answer to New York's Central Park. The sprawling greenery sits comfortably amid the city's urban hustle and bustle. And while there are many reasons to visit the park, the younger member of your family will most enjoy this unique experience that is made possible by the Gage Park Mini-Train. This is an amusing mile-long train ride through the park that allows guests to see the natural beauty of the area and even a few specimens of wildlife along the way. Don't forget to take your camera, as you will surely see some scenes and attractions that you will want to capture.
Dig into the state's past in a truly memorable way when you visit the Kansas History Center. Perhaps the most compelling attribute of this impressive venue is that it encapsulates the widest scope of history as it begins in the prehistoric period and presents the most noteworthy events through time all the way up to the recent past. Various multimedia exhibits and attractions, artifacts, photographs and interactive presentations are used to illustrate the importance of the people and the events that have all been a part of the state's uncompromising history.
Kids love constant activity, and the Oakland Mouse Trap Skate Park in Topeka is an attraction where no one gets the chance to sit still for long. This impressive facility features over 400 cubic yards of concrete in various shapes and angles that will challenge even the most accomplished skateboarders. Safety is always emphasized as boarders are required to wear a helmet when on the course. There is also a separate play space for 2 to 5-year-olds.
While it may be true that you can always read about history, it is a very rare occasion when you can actually step back into it. That unique opportunity is offered to visitors of the Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site. Over the course of this history-laden one-half acre area, you can see, hear, and touch various examples of living history. Some of the many highlights and attractions include a fully restored 1870 Victorian mansion, a wood cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a stone barn, a church and a general store. Don't forget to check out the gift shop and the nearby botanical garden.
Sure, there's romantic music, romantic meals and even romantic poetry, but nothing symbolizes romance quite as effectively as a beautiful rose. The two of you can enjoy the multilayer bouquet of sights and smells when you stroll hand in hand on a date at the Reinisch Rose Garden. The walking paths are lined with beautiful roses and even offer several small benches where you and your sweetheart can sit and take it all in. The garden is home to 6,500 bushes of roses that are captivatingly presented over 2 ½ acres.
At Topeka's Sports Center, there's plenty of family fun for everyone! Enjoy some unforgettable attractions such as batting cages, miniature golf, a go-kart speedway, a game room and even a driving range. This is the perfect venue for school parties, birthday parties, company gatherings, and family get-togethers. Don't wait too long before your next visit, as plenty of good clean fun awaits you at the Sports Center!
Take the whole family on a safari without having to leave the country when you make plans to visit the Topeka Zoological Park. The kids will love seeing and learning about various species of animals from all around the world that include lions, giraffes, primates and more. This 30-acre facility is impressive for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it serves as a home to over 300 animals housed in exhibits and attractions that replicate their natural habitats.