Salina, Kansas: Your Ultimate Family Adventure Awaits

Salina, Kansas: Your Ultimate Family Adventure Awaits

As spring rolls in, so does the temptation to get out and explore. If you’re planning your next family vacation, Salina, Kansas, should be at the top of your list.

A thriving arts and culture town, Salina has something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoorsy family looking to get a healthy dose of nature and seek out the most picturesque hikes or an artsy family excited to be immersed in performances, museums, and festivals, Salina will surely have all the makings of a fun-filled and memorable adventure.

Inter-Generational Family Fun

Salina is chock-full of fun and excitement, and no one is left behind. This charming town has family-friendly options from A to Z—with ‘A’ being The Alley Arcade Bar and ‘Z’ being the Rolling Hills Zoo! Kansas’ wild discovery on the prairie features 88 species and 400 animals. Rolling Hills also has a Wildlife Museum and fun family events throughout the year.

The options for indoor fun abound—grab a meal and enjoy laser tag, bowling, and arcade games at The Alley, or check out District Eat and Play for escape rooms and VR experiences. For a unique bouncy thrill, check out Sky Trampoline Park, or balance fun and learning at one of the town’s museums. Smoky Hill Museum downtown hosts unique exhibits year-round and is the home to the Curiosity Shop, a must-visit spot on your trip. The Garage, an auto museum, speaks to the enthusiastic car community in Salina, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Stop in to check out the “Kool Kustom” cars in the KKOA Museum and Hall of Fame.

Out on the Town

Salina loves the arts—it’s such an integral part of the town’s lifestyle that the town even has a city department dedicated to preserving the arts. The Salina Arts and Humanities presents the annual Smoky Hill River Festival, a beloved tradition celebrating arts and music, with multiple stages of live entertainment, a large art show with works for sale, and endless opportunities for family fun.

Throughout the year, the Theatre Salina stages productions for all ages and even hosts training sessions for dance, acting, and vocals. Nearby, the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts is the home of the Salina Symphony and the Salina Youth Symphony, performing touring concerts and comedy shows.

Art enthusiasts can also explore SculptureTour Salina, the BOOM! Street Art & Mural Festival, and the Salina Art Center & Cinema.

A Breath of Fresh Air

It’s high time for sunshine. A haven for lovers of the great outdoors, Salina boasts over 1,000 acres of parks and trails. Pick a path and your choice of transportation—hiking and biking are equally welcome.

Salina takes recreation seriously—there is plenty of room for pockets of peace, with great options for fishing enthusiasts and birdwatchers to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at their own leisurely pace.

If your choice of outdoor fun includes being out on a different kind of green, grab your clubs and tee up at one of Salina’s many public or private golf courses. A family-centric community, this town has endless options for sporting opportunities, from tennis to baseball to soccer and everything in between. Whatever your preference, Salina is the perfect place to play.

Stay the Night

You’ll want to spend the night once you see how much there is to do in Salina. And with so many wonderful accommodation options, Salina makes it easy to do so. Choose from options that make exploring easy, like proximity to interstates and main attractions, luxurious options that feel like a home away from home, or pet-friendly accommodations so you can really bring the whole family together. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home and then some!

Find even more to do and see at salinakansas.org