Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
Explore 15,000 square feet of indoor play space where kids can build, design, paint, experiment and more. Even little ones can play at the infant sensory garden or the growing toddler area. Keep an eye on their events calendar for new exhibits you don’t want to miss!
Home to historic engines, aircrafts, exhibits, and artifacts, the Combat Air Museum offers a unique experience for visitors. Book a guided tour to learn interesting facts and stories while walking through their hangars. Kids can even get inside an attack plane’s cockpit, get a close-up look at a helicopter, and see a radar plane’s equipment in person!
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
The story of Brown v. Board of Education is one of hope and resounding resolve, and it started right here in Topeka, Kansas. The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and historic Monroe Elementary School interprets people, places, and events that contributed to the historic case and the events leading up to it. Visiting the site will give you a better understanding of and appreciation for the role this decision played in the broader U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
Evel Knievel Museum
Experience each of Evil Knievel’s death-defying feats at this fully curated museum! Videos, interactives, and informative signs get you as close to the action as possible. Get in his Mack truck; understand what bones he shattered and how his wild ride effected his life, fame, and family. Don’t miss the chance to see original helmets, motorcycles, and more right here in Topeka!
The Kansas State Capitol recently completed a 13-year restoration, preserving original features, uncovering beautiful murals, and renovating aging limestone. Gaze upward from the first floor to appreciate the glass panels, bright copper, and brass railings of the dramatic dome. If you’re looking to get even closer, take a breathtaking dome tour and climb 296 steps to the top! From there, enjoy your bragging rights and an unrivaled perspective of the city of Topeka.
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Curl up with a good book in various fun spots throughout the Kids Library; stop by The Story Zone for music, stories, activities, and dancing; play in the exploration spaces; or check out different kid-friendly events on their calendar! Families can also hop on the Learn & Play Bus for story time, activities, books, and art. Don't forget to catch their rotating exhibits in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery for unique and stunning artwork.
While this building now serves as a museum, it was once a Union Pacific Railroad passenger station and today holds a great amount of history. Visitors can learn about area railroads, the Oregon Trail, Pappan’s Ferry crossing, and the birthplace of U.S. Vice President Charles Curtis. There are hands on simulators, special exhibits and more for both adults and children to enjoy!
The Mulvane Art Museum houses more than 5,000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative art. The main galleries will soon be closing for renovations and are anticipated to reopen in 2024 with the return of the Art Lab. While the Rita Blitt Gallery will remain open during renovations, be sure to stop by before March for the full experience!
