Fun(and FREE!) things to do in Topeka, Kansas

Two years ago we set off on a day trip on my birthday. 

We ended up about an hour away from home in Topeka, Kansas. 

We had such a great time and Topeka is full of fun and FREE things to do! 

If you pack a lunch from home the only cost is the gas to get there. Here is a list of a few attractions we visited. 

1.) The state capitol. We spent quite a bit of time there. There is a lot to do and see in the state capitol building. Be sure to take the tour to the top of the dome...and be sure do to so early...they stop daily tours  in the mid-afternoon. 

2.) After you tour the capitol building...be sure to head up the street to visit the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka. This church is with in walking distance of the capitol building and is home to Tiffany stain glass windows. This church is open to the public M-F 8:30-4pm. The beauty of the sanctuary is absolutely breathtaking. 

3.) Gage Park. Gage park is still talked about by my children two years later. This is a fun little Park that has been around for over 100 years!! The park even offers a train ride for the whole family...for a very small fee of $1.25 a person. There is also a Carousel ride for $1 a person. Both rides are seasonal April-October. Gage park sits on 160 acres of land filled with parks and open greens to play on.

4.) Ted Ensley Gardens  View the beautiful gardens on 9+ acres of land that is open daily 6am-11pm. 

5.) Cedar Crest at the Governors mansion. This house sits on 244 acres and offers walking trails, ponds, gardens, and more. This is FREE and open to the public MONDAYS only from 1-3:30pm.

 

6.) The Musuem of the Kansas National Guard. This museum if full of history. They have over 30 military vehicles and aircrafts on sight. They have numerous displays and exhibits. FREE M-S 10am-4pm. 

7.) BROWN VS. BOARD OF EDUCATION National historical site. Brown VS. Board ended segregation in schools. This is so much history and so much to learn at this national park. FREE daily 9am-5pm. 

8.) Old Prairie Town. This is exactly how you'd imagine it sounds. One room school house, log cabins, black smith shops, and more! FREE M-F 8am-dusk...tours + weekends cost extra...check website for details on cost and special events.

Have you ever been to Topeka?

Would you ever to? 

Anything you'd add to this list?