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, take a ride on the Sertoma Mini Train just south of the zoo in Soden’s Grove Park. PETER PAN PARK (515 S Congress St). has over 50 acres to explore, bringing 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. 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. For kids who love to swim, visit JONES AQUATIC CENTER (4202 W 18th Ave) and enjoy waterslides, a lazy river, zero-depth entry pool, diving boards, and splash playground.

Play and Learn

These community amenities encourage creativity and learning while having fun. The EMPORIA ARTS CENTER (815 Commercial St) offers art exhibits, kid-friendly classes, and family-friendly performances. At the EMPORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY (110 E 6th Ave), you’ll find 65,000 reading materials, plus kids story times and crafts. IMAGINARIUM (729 Commercial St) emporiaimaginarium.org) is a STEM Education center and makerspace with classes for youth of all ages. Imaginarium also provides community drop-in times on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-1pm for kids and parents to explore STEM activities together. At LYON COUNTY HISTORY CENTER (711 Commercial St), kids will enjoy the indoor youth play space and family friendly history exhibits. For kids who enjoy nature, visit PROPHET AQUATIC RESEARCH AND OUTREACH CENTER (PAROC) (601 E 18th Ave) for hands-on learning opportunities connecting visitors with the natural world.

Friendly Family Competition

Is your family competitive? Below are a few ideas to bond (or earn bragging rights) with your family through games and sports!

EMPORIA FAMILY FUN CENTER – 1004 E 12th Ave

FLINT HILLS LANES – 1519 W 6th Ave

LEE BERAN RECREATION CENTER – 313 W 4th Ave

MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE – 1133 S Hwy 99

PICKLEBALL COURTS – 18th Ave & Rural St

ROLLERS SKATING RINK – 701 Graham St

Sweets & Frozen Treats

A day with the kids isn’t complete without a sugar rush. Try one of these for a sweet treat:

SWEET GRANADA – 803 Commercial St

THE PRESENT TEA HOUSE – 1019 Commercial St

RUTHY’S FRUTYS – 22 Commercial St

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