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.

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, Monument Rocks 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 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 lights 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 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 or 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 for ages over 10 with 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 sell the best puzzles. Select from dozen of puzzle designs at Rivendell Bookstore (Abilene) and the The Toy Store (Lawrence) and Imagine That Toys (Wichita) 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.

If you have a suggestion for a late-November annual event, please drop it in the comments below. I’d love to hear about it.