FAMILY FUN

FUN FAMILY

FAMILY FAVORITES

From our parks to our zoo, from concerts to swimming, we have plenty of reasons to keep kids off their phones and enjoying family time.

A NATURAL ESCAPE The David Traylor Zoo(75 Soden Rd.) is one of the most beautifully landscaped zoos in Kansas and possibly the best FREE zoo in the country. Come get lost with the animals in the botanical beauty of the park. The lemurs in the newest exhibit, Mission Madagascar, will steal your heart. Take a break from the day while the kids play and explore the Preston Forest Adventure. ALL ABOARD Next door to the zoo, the Sertoma Miniature Train(S. Commercial at Cottonwood River) circles through Soden’s Grove Park. Hop aboard Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings or Thursday mornings from May through September.

FUN AND ATTRACTIONS

Looking to spend time with the family? Emporia is ideal for family visits. With a safe, small town feel and fun attractions, there is lots for kids of all ages to do.

COOLING OFF Looking to cool off on a hot summer day? Come take a dip at the Jones Aquatic Center (4202 W. 18th Ave.). With water slides, lazy river and zero-depth entry pool, this oasis is open daily Memorial Day to mid-August. The outdoor pool and slides can be rented out for birthdays, family reunions or group events. Visit the Splash Pad at Peter Pan Park (S. State St. & W. Kansas Ave.) for a wet and wild adventure with the kids!

REC CENTER Enjoy family fun with racquetball, an indoor pool, fitness room and more at the Lee Beran Recreation Center (313 W. 4th Ave.). Available for rentals.

SKATEBOARD PARK Spend the day having fun with your family. The Southwest Santa Fe Skateboard Park (South Ave. & West St.) is a free park open to skateboarders and inline skaters. This hybrid park features rails, transitions and a quarterpipe.

BOWLING Flint Hills Lanes (1519 W. 6th Ave.) offers 24 lanes of bowling with easy automatic scoring for family, friends and league bowling.

FAMILY FUN Try your hand at mini-golf, go-carts and batting cages at the Emporia Family Fun Center (1004 E. 12th Ave.). Open March through November.

HIT THE RINK Rollers Skating Rink (701 Graham St.) provides a fun, safe and supervised environment for the whole family! Great for birthday parties or spending time with the kids. A COMMUNITY HUB Stop by the Emporia Public Library(110 E. 6th Ave.) and keep the kids entertained with near daily events that include story time and crafts. Research your family history or listen to an astronaut give a talk. There are tons of activities for visitors. KIDS’ KONCERTS Bring your lunch to the Library and enjoy music and fun with the Artmobile. Fun for kids of all ages. Koncerts begin May 29 then every Wednesday in June. (110 E. 6th Ave.)

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Camp Alexander(1785 Rd. P5) provides 90 acres of stunning outdoor adventure filled with lush woods, ponds and rolling meadows. Whether you are looking for a serene walk in the woods or want to build upon your fitness program, Camp Alexander provides nearly five miles of challenging hiking and biking trails traversing thick woods and open meadows.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE Give the TV a break, pack up the kids, and head to Camp Wood YMCA (1101 Camp Wood Rd., Elmdale) for the family experience of a lifetime. Their weekend family camps are designed to build strong families through shared adventures and time spent together outdoors. Whatever your camper’s interests, from horseback riding to skateboarding and paintball to rock climbing, there is a special camp for them set in the beautiful Flint Hills.