After the Thanksgiving meal, leftovers are put away, and the family has awoken from their naps, it’s time to find something fun to do.
You can use my guide to delightful and entertaining experiences in Kansas as inspiration for fun during your family’s Thanksgiving break plans. I can vouch for each experience and promise you’ll make lasting memories wherever you explore.
10 Ways to Enjoy Kansas With Family During Thanksgiving Break
Take a Family Photo with a Scenic Background
It’s likely fall foliage is finished for the season, so if that’s the case, consider snapping a family photo in front of one of Kansas’ most picturesque natural backdrops. Monument Rocks outside of Oakley is located on private land, but it is open to the public during daylight hours. In town, kids will appreciate Sunshine Bakery‘s array of donuts.
If you have a Kansas State Park vehicle pass or day pass, enter Mushroom State Park, an 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography site. On the opposite side of the road, Pulpit Rock Formation is a towering fungi-shaped rock, a photo-worthy spot. Drive to Wilson afterward to enjoy a slice of homemade pie at Made From Scratch.
Tuttle Creek State Park offers photographers expansive lake views in Manhattan. Create an afternoon of adventure by trekking a nature trail or enjoy a meal at a picnic area. I recommend AJ’s NY Pizzeria in downtown Manhattan when hunger strikes.
Burn Off Calories in a Family-Friendly 5K Race
Topeka is known for hosting the Kansas Turkey Trot for Heroes on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds from every dollar raised go back to help first responders and veterans. In Wichita, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Tiny Trot is perfect for kids ages six and under. Adult runners can partake in the 2-mile or 10-mile races.
Get Competitive at an Arcade
Kansas is home to family-friendly arcades, and if you’re seeking a game center preferred by adults, there is likely a barcade near you.
Bring the entire family to Leavenworth’s Retro-Cade, where you can play all the retro and new arcades you want for a flat fee three days a week. Kids are welcome with an adult at The Arcade, a locally owned fun zone with video games on free play when you pay $12 (adults) or $10 (kids 10 and under).
Also in Wichita, adults will appreciate Headshots Bar & Grill earned Small Business of the Year for its array of video games (1,000 available!), pinball machines, and board game selection.
Visit Kid-Approved Science Museums
If you have kids who need to burn off energy, I recommend letting them explore Exploration Place in Wichita, a hands-on science center that also hosts live shows.
In Manhattan, Flint Hills Discovery Center engages the youngest museum-goers with sensory stations teaching about the native Kansas prairie and its critters. Featured exhibits at the Kansas Children’s Discover Center in Topeka make indoor playtime entertaining.
Give Into Your Sweet Tooth at a Chocolate Shop
Skip the pie and take the family shopping at one of several highly recommended candy shops in the Sunflower State. I love each of these five candy stores in Wichita, but when I’m away from home, I appreciate Emporia’s Sweet Granada and Lawrence’s Squishington’s Candy the most. In Abilene, visiting Russell Stover’s retail store is a candy lover’s heaven.
Enjoy a Scenic Trail Walk
Exercise is an instant mood booster for all ages. Besides, who couldn’t use exercise after a big Thanksgiving meal, right? In Merriam, I love walking the Turkey Creek Steamway Trail, a free-to-explore paved pathway located near a handicap-accessible playground and waterfall.
In Andover, the entire family will find something to love at 13th Street Sports Park, which is located near the Redbud Trail. In Marysville, take a walk on the Blue River Rail Trail and enjoy native birdwatching during breaks.
Visit a Historic Landmark
Take a self-guided tour of the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. Kids will appreciate the visitor center’s hands-on activities. Afterward, dine as a family at Lettuce Feed You Capitol Cafe & Snack Bar, open Monday through Friday until 2:00 pm.
Outdoor landmarks worthy of touring include Fort Scott National Historic Site (Fort Scott), Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (Kansas City, Kansas), and Constitution Hall (Lecompton).
Take a Drive to Admire Holiday Lights
If you want to see the Christmas light displays considered some of the best in Kansas, you need to visit a town where it’s Christmas year-round, WaKeeney. The Christmas City of the High Plains displays a 35′ Christmas tree covered in 3,000 lights in the center of town. The tree and display are lit on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay illuminated until New Year’s Day.
Take a photo at the North Pole and try to find the metal Christmas trees in front of historic homes and businesses around town.
Other places to view well-known holiday light displays include Illuminations at Botanica (Wichita), Candy Cane Lane (Prairie Village), Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane (Overland Park), plus quite a few rural towns.
Get Crafty Making Holiday Gifts
Hone your creative talents at one of the following studios open to art lovers of all ages. I had a fantastic experience learning lithography during a two-hour session at the Salina Art Center. Reserve a spot for one of their classes, ranging from drawing to pottery.
You don’t have to be an experienced painter to appreciate the fun of adding paint to canvas at Pinot’s Palette in Olathe. My first visit was so relaxing, I lost track of time as I sipped wine and painted.
Check the event schedule for kid-friendly paint sessions suitable for children aged 10 and above, accompanied by an adult.
Buy a Puzzle or Lego® Set to Complete Together
A 500-count puzzle or Lego® set is much easier to complete when you have help from family members. I’ve shopped enough Kansas gift stores and bookshops to know which one sells the best puzzles. Select from a dozen puzzle designs at the Literary Cat Company in Pittsburg, The Toy Store in Lawrence, and Imagine That Toys in Wichita, which carry extensive Lego® set inventory.
Hopefully, this list inspires you to add more delight to your Thanksgiving break spent with family. It’s the time of year when we’re reminded that quality time spent with family is important.
Christmas is around the corner so you’d probably love Unique Holiday Experiences in Kansas City, Kansas + Bonus Stops and Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Maxwell Refuge.
If you’re planning a day trip beyond Wichita and seeking candy shops, consider adding So Sweetish in Lindsborg to your itinerary. For more inspiring posts on Wichita’s food destinations, read about 
We perused shelves of gently used books for sale available for purchase with a one-dollar donation. At a nearby window, we watched bluebirds compete for nesting boxes as butterflies flew from flower to flower at the library’s garden. To my surprise, I also discovered a partially completed puzzle on a table, which I sat down to work on for awhile.
Additionally, the library offers endless fun for families. The children’s section includes activity bags parents can check out that teach kids about science, baking, and the outdoors.
PRO TIP: The Andover Public Library hosts events open to the public. View their 
We played the 
The map and signage make the course easy to follow, and the scenery consists of mature trees and George Lake. The play is moderately complex, with short and long shots from well-kept, wide fairways. Although the map included amateur and pro-play options, pro baskets were unavailable during our visit.
On occasion, a basket is partially hidden or elevated, making for unique shot opportunities. We were the only ones walking the course during the early morning hours on a weekday, and very few people walked the paved pathways near the course.
Walking from Hole 1 to 2 requires golfers to meander a woodland path under a tree canopy. Holes 13-18 are designed around Lake George, a home to waterfowl.
If you need to rest between holes, I recommend choosing a shaded bench seat near Hole 13 and 15.
Pro Tip: The park is home to Capitol Federal Amphitheater®, which hosts live events. Bring a lawn chair and a friend to enjoy concerts and theatrical performances when you’re not playing disc golf.
The cozy store is stocked to the brim with treasures. I recommend walking to the rear of the store to view the clearance table, where each item is priced at one dollar. The owner is also known to announce store-wide sales.
Reward yourself for scoring good deals with a slice of homemade pie, a cupcake, or a cinnamon roll. Renew Consign & Cafés outdoor patio is open year-round.
The staff member told us that most of their meat selection is processed in El Dorado. A fan of sourcing groceries close to home, I also appreciated their dry goods inventory and jarred pickled vegetables.
Whether it’s a thick-cut fresh or frozen steak or pork chops you’re after for dinner or a package of Honey BBQ Snack Sticks, Walnut Valley Meat Market’s got your covered.
Add men’s and women’s new and gently used apparel and shoes to your closet. Well-organized racks of kids’ clothing for all ages, toys, and board games are displayed.
You can feel good about purchasing items at Sunlight Thrift Boutique because proceeds from each purchase are donated to Sunlight Children’s Services, which provides resources and a temporary safe home for abused and neglected children and their families.
We bought new-to-us board game and a couple of men’s polo shirts. You’ll be shocked at the low prices of most items. New inventory is added six days a week.
I was curious about the latest trend, Forever Jewelry, a product and service the store offers during appointment-only sessions. Designed to be worn every day, a gold or silver necklace, bracelet, or anklet’s end pieces are welded together. The store also offers charms or a connector for each piece during select events.
The family-owned and operated jewelry store’s selection will please you. Whether you desire a new treasure for your jewelry box or need one repaired or restored, K. Westphal Jewelers does it all.
Made-to-order sandwiches like The Philly are prepared with sirloin (more like a ground beef patty than sliced meat), onions, Swiss cheese tomatoes, and crushed ripple potato chips. The non-traditional lunchtime meal is one of eight featured sandwiches, including their signature sandwich, The Bistro Burger. It was my favorite of the two options.
But it’s not your usual burger. Expect unique ingredients added to toasted Cuban bread. Burger meat is topped with grilled portobello mushrooms, fresh arugula, Fontina cheese, and red onion and drizzled with copious amounts of balsamic sauce. Side items are available upon request.
I was pleasantly surprised to find non-dairy sorbet and 100 percent vegan, plant-based 
Of course, CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh sliced fruit and nuts available.
A staff member weighed my frozen yogurt bowl at checkout to finalize pricing. It was less than four dollars. The experience was so much fun that I signed up for the loyalty program to earn points toward free frozen yogurt.
A newly constructed sports park, it is truly a remarkable place for families and friends to gather. Open to the public, an event lawn is available for hosting events and food truck parking. With so many options for exploration, we immediately selected one of four available pickleball courts for a game.
I had a blast learning how to play the game, and let’s just say we didn’t keep score. All the same, I appreciated the newly surfaced courts, positioned at a comfortable distance from other pickleball players.
PRO TIP: Bring your sports equipment, and don’t forget to pack sunblock. Follow Andover Parks and Recreation’s 
The rail-trail features different surfaces depending on your route of choice for walking or biking, including concrete, crushed limestone, and gravel flanked by wooded areas.
The trails are 10 feet wide, making it easy for dog walkers, joggers, and bikers to navigate together. The Andover-August rail trail is well-marked, and free parking is available at the 13th Street trailhead.
Our host ushered us to a dining table with a view of the putting green, Hole 1, and Hole 18. Seated near a stone fireplace and dark wood accents, we sipped Oak Grove wines by the glass between appetizers, bone-in wings, and ahi tuna bites.
Happy Hour specials feature $3 off wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, and $3 Coors Light and Bud Light draft beer on Tuesday-Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and all day on Wednesday.
We appreciated watching golfers at play and chatting about the day while waiting for a dinner selection; a Grilled Chicken Caeser wrap with a choice of side dish. Opting for the roasted Brussels sprouts, I loved them even more than the sandwich wrap as they were perfectly prepared and sitting on a bed of semi-sweet sauce.
The locally owned and operated restaurant, known for its American cuisine, serves a variety of appetizers, lunch, and dinner options for every kind of diner. I recommend dining on the patio (weather permitting) or indoors with a remarkable golf course view.
PRO TIP: Our drop-in visit on a Tuesday did not require reservations; however, groups will want to reserve a table or private room in advance. Arriving solo? Sit at the newly remodeled bar.
I’m a big fan of Andover’s 
Aside from offering long-arm quilting services and classes, shoppers will be delighted to discover kits, fabric, batting, notions, thread, and patterns available for purchase.
Consider Eclectic Threads Quilting Studio a hub for quilters of all skill levels who want to bring their creations to life.
The customer service was genuine and helpful during my visit. Employees, who are experience quilters, are eager to swap project stories or assist shoppers of all quilting experience levels.
Having visited several quilt shops across Kansas, I was impressed by the staffers’ knowledge of on-trend designs and how to teach others the techniques for every kind of quilt.
PRO TIP: The Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural (425 Main Street) is the most vibrant and colorful one in town. Seneca native Ellie Haynie painted a collection of quilt blocks, each submitted with a donation by community members.
In business for almost three decades, they carry over 6,000 bolts of fabric (check out their 
Known for carrying a large selection of cotton fabric, notions, and floss, it’s one-stop shopping. Beginners and veteran quilters can take advantage of on-site classes.
PRO TIP: Walk down to The Great Hall of Quilts to see handcrafted masterpieces.
Quilters, who often seek out retreat spaces in groups, will appreciate The Creative Place’s sleeping quarters, which include a full kitchen (bring your recipes!), two full baths, and individual lockers.
Attend one of The Creative Place’s 
I discover far more than expected. Quilt Town USA is home to 16 quilt shops and multiple vibrant murals depicting quilts. A tea shop, café, restaurants, and more line Hamilton’s Main Street, making it the ultimate destination for a day trip.
PRO TIP: Check out 
You can count on five rotating Now Showing galleries, and their inventory of acquisitions is the largest in the public collection in the world, so exhibitions of regularly rotated.
Have you seen miniature quilts? Viewed a 3-D quilt? See them and more at the annual Airing of the Quilts, a massive collection on exhibit every September.
On the day of my visit, I voted for my favorite quilt, a 3-D pattern, from the collection “Welcome Home: A Celebrate of Quilts.” It was interesting to look closely at the handiwork of quilts dating back to the 1850s. The museum installs new 
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into 
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the 
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the 
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The 
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? 
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: 
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s 
Incorporated in 1870, Wichita was a cattle drive destination where beef was king. Immigrant workers, hoping to escape economic hardship in their home countries, migrated to Wichita, taking jobs at meatpacking plants and railroad companies.
Wichitans, like 
