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.
I chatted with an employee who told me about her quilting journey, and she pointed out the variety of fabrics in the store. Open five days a week, the shop regularly runs a sale. On the day of my visit, the west wall of fabric was marked down 15 percent.
PRO TIP: 
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 experienced 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 staff’s 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 Celebration of Quilts.” It was interesting to look closely at the handiwork of quilts dating back to the 1850s. The museum installs new 
Fortunately, these museums document the story of those who chose Kansas as their home. Museum-goers can time-travel back in history, imagining what life must have been like for its early residents, visiting one museum at a time.
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. 
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its 
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house. 
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the 
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, 
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, a replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. To guarantee a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small but well-organized, and it includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the model building’s layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the 
I was impressed with the accommodations, so I immediately called home to tell others about them. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms and settled on the one pictured below, featuring a queen bed with jersey-knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic on Main Street increased, I felt sad knowing I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
Eventually, the town was the first home station of the Pony Express route west of St. Joseph, Missouri. As time passed, Marysville was the site of the Union Pacific Railroad’s line connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Hastings, Nebraska.
The old livery stables smell of straw, rusted farm tools, and dusty barn boards. Donated implements rest on shelving.
The post office is the oldest civilian post office in continual operation in the state, and its exterior marker honors this history, noting the contributions of the Pony Express founders Majors, Waddell, and Russell.
PRO TIP: Walk through the park to the stone historic marker honoring Marysville’s stop on the Oregon Trail. Traveling with kids? They’ll love using the castle-like playground equipment at the park, which also includes a nine-hole 
PRO TIP: The museum is open for tours from April through October. It is closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Remember to sign the guest book after paying the 
And then I spotted the most interesting room of them all. The Jury Room.
PRO TIP: Voted Best Pie in Marshall County, don’t forget to buy a slice to go from the reach-in refrigerator.
The smell of home-cooked Chinese food permeated the theatre lobby. Specializing in Chinese entrees, Sandy’s Pantry also serves a few Mexican and American dishes. I chose the day’s special, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and sat in a retro diner booth to sip my fountain drink. My meal arrived steaming hot on a bed of white rice.
You could choose a Blue River Fish Sandwich or a Meat Lover’s Burger, which are probably fantastic, but then you’d miss out on perfectly grilled 14-ounce ribeye. I paired my steak dinner with a Blue Moon Belgian Ale (six domestic beers on tap) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.
I struck up a conversation learning that not only is the store’s retail created entirely by Sue, but she also teachers individual and group pottery painting classes.
Whether you’d like to drop in and paint a pottery piece to take home or shop for ceramics, South Hill Pottery provides visitors with an immersive experience.
It’s the kind of place where women could spend a half day pampering themselves and then shop for a little something special.
The shelves are stocked with gifts for all ages, including toys for kids, Hallmark ornaments for collectors, and collegiate merchandise for sports fans.
The store has a decent amount of inventory, and you’ll likely find clearance items marked for sale each season.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with a black squirrel sculpture after placing your custom apparel order, which is available for pick-up the same day.
The inventory includes pendant, earrings, bracelets, and a classic bridal jewelry.
The building is a piece of art of its own. Built in 1903, the tall windows cast light indoors on the art gallery and studio workroom.
After a full day of exploring, my Airbnb retreat provided the modern, comfortable amenities I’ve come to expect from a rentable home.
I walked some of the trail’s northern edge during the cool early morning hours, enjoying the serenity periodically interrupted by bird sounds.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marysville when a 
