Family Fun: Kid Approved

Outdoor Adventure

Nestled at the south end of town on the Cottonwood River are two of Emporia’s best hidden gems, the DAVID TRAYLOR ZOO (75 Soden Rd) and the SERTOMA MINI TRAIN (S Commercial & Soden Rd). Emporia’s beautiful zoo is free to the public and includes a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as lush botanical gardens and a small play area. With its compact size, the zoo is an easy stroll for little ones. During the summer, look for the Sertoma Mini Train just south of the zoo in Soden’s Grove Park. The kiddos can hop on and enjoy a ride around the park on a 1/3 mile track. Directly across the highway from the zoo and train, check out Kansas’ oldest dated MARSH RAINBOW ARCH BRIDGE which spans the Cottonwood River. Near the river dam, you’ll find the entrance to the COTTONWOOD RIVER TRAIL. If you hike the full 1-mile length, you’ll come out at another local hot spot, PETER PAN PARK (515 S Congress St). With over 50 acres to explore, Peter Pan Park will bring joy to anyone who doesn’t want to grow up. The park features two playgrounds, a splash pad, an 18-hole disc golf course, and several historic limestone structures. For more outdoor adventure, head five miles east of Emporia to CAMP ALEXANDER (1785 Rd P5). Here you’ll enjoy nearly five miles of hiking and biking trails through the woods and meadows with plenty of twists and turns. Located on the North end of the Emporia State University campus, the DALE GREINER NATURE TRAIL is easily accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities.

Sweet Granda

Sweets and Frozen Treats

SWEET GRANADA - 803 Commercial St

RUYI ASIAN MARKET - 1019 Commercial St

RUTHY’S FRUTYS - 22 Commercial St

TRACI’S SHAVED ICE - 1608 W US-50 (seasonal)

Friendly Family Competition

Is your family competitive? Emporia is a great place to put those friendly rivalries to the test. We’ve rounded up a few ideas to bond (or earn bragging rights) with your family!

EMPORIA FAMILY FUN CENTER – 1004 E 12th Ave

FLINT HILLS LANES – 1519 W 6th Ave

MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE – 1133 S Hwy 99

PICKLEBALL COURTS – 18th Ave & Rural St

ROLLERS SKATING RINK – 701 Graham St

Community Hubs

These community amenities are kid approved and a great place to learn and play:

EMPORIA ARTS CENTER - 815 Commercial St

Art exhibits, kid-friendly classes, and family-friendly performances.

EMPORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY – 110 E 6th Ave

65,000 reading materials, plus kids story times and crafts.

IMAGINARIUM - 729 Commercial St

A STEM Education center and makerspace offering classes for youth of all ages. Enroll at emporiaimaginarium.org.

JONES AQUATIC CENTER – 4202 W 18th Ave

Waterslides, lazy river, zero-depth entry pool, diving boards, and splash playground.

LEE BERAN RECREATION CENTER – 313 W 4th Ave

Indoor pool and day passes to play racquetball, table tennis, pickleball, and more.

LYON COUNTY HISTORY CENTER - 711 Commercial St

Indoor youth play space and family friendly exhibits.