Things to do & places to visit in Kansas, United States

See a buffalo up close, live like a cowboy for a day on a working cattle ranch or visit a stagecoach stop on the Sante Fe Trail are just a few of the many vacation experiences possible in this state in America’s heartland. You’ll love the wide-open spaces and the opportunities to engage in a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences in this marvelous state, which has the largest segment of true tallgrass prairie remaining in the U.S. Regardless of where you visit: a major metropolitan area like Kansas City, a college town like Manhattan or Lawrence or engaging places like Wichita, Dodge City and Salina, there are a wide array of attractions and sights nearby. If you want to familiarize yourself with cowboy culture, visit the Boot Hills Museum in Dodge City, dine on all-you-can-eat barbeque and hear songs of the American Cowboy at Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper in Wichita or explore the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene, which has dance halls, gaming rooms and 32 saloons. For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching and other activities, three of the state’s most popular parks are: Cheney State Park near Wichita; Scott State Park near Scott City and Tuttle Creek State Park near Manhattan.

Kansas #48 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.49 based on 43.7k traveler reviews, of 1.215 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, December 08, 2023, 22:31.

Top things to do (36)

Top destinations in Kansas 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Safari Zoological Park (1.091 reviews)
- Best Adult Experience Ever
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

The interaction with the animals along with the knowledge of the owners were amazing. They were very patient and understanding and willing to answer even the smallest or dumbest questions we had. They went above and beyond for us and we never felt rushed as you do with some facilities. This will 100% be a yearly thing along with taking my kids separately so they can have this experience as well. I do recommend if this is something for you personally as the adult, to go with other adults instead of your children. I feel as though if I had my children with me I wouldn't have gotten the full affect cause I would be worried about them doing something accidently. I hate online reviews because you never know when someone is lying or paid to write something but I can tell you this is 100% worth your time and money. This really was an amazing experience and I will continue to and then volunteer as well! Thank you this amazing opportunity Safari Zoological Park!!!! See more..
5.0 Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead (858 reviews)
- Highly recommend
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos • Gardens

This place is fantastic for children. We got to bottle feed the goats, stroll through the butterfly garden, and ride the horse-drawn carriage. There are so many animal exhibits and playgrounds that the kids will have fun for hours. We didn’t get a chance to check out the shopping area but it looked so quaint. It was a very affordable day trip. See more..
5.0 Bury the Hatchet (793 reviews)
- Fun for all ages!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Bury the Hatchet is Kansas City’s Premier Axe Throwing experience. Want something fun & new to try out? Book now and bring your friends and family! See more..
5.0 Blade & Timber Axe Throwing (753 reviews)
- Start of a great New Year's Eve tradition
Friday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Blade & Timber at Town Center was the first axe-throwing experience in the state of Kansas, and is the home for axe throwing in the Lenexa and Overland Park areas. We are conveniently located in the Town Center Plaza shopping center, in Leawood, KS. With 12 throwing lanes, we can serve up to 100 axe masters at one time. Axe throwing can work up an appetite. Hungry yet? Our lumberjack-inspired menu offers piping hot comfort food that pairs well with dipping sauces made from scratch with fresh ingredients. We're the perfect date spot, family hangout, team-building space, or corporate event venue. Let's throw some axes! See more..
5.0 Locked Manhattan (505 reviews)
- Fun, something different, everyone can participate!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Locked Manhattan is the first escape room adventure in Manhattan, Kansas. We are focused on providing an unforgettable adventure for all players. Our escape rooms are intricately designed through countless hours of research and planning. We are thrilled to be able to present a challenging, fun, and unique form of entertainment to Downtown Manhattan. The idea behind escape room games is that you and your friends are locked in a room which is filled with puzzles that will lead to your hopeful escape. You have one hour to investigate the room, piece together clues, and solve puzzles in order to find your way out. Escape rooms have grown in popularity worldwide and we are proud to bring Locked Manhattan to the downtown area. If you have questions about escape room games or our escape rooms in Manhattan, Kansas please refer to our FAQ page or contact us. Locked Manhattan was created by Rebecca Ober after working in San Francisco and returning to Manhattan with puzzles on their minds. See more..
5.0 Evel Knievel Museum (469 reviews)
- Fun pop culture experience, takes only an hour
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Evel Knievel Museum showcases an incredible collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to the most legendary, death-defying daredevil of all time! Experience Knievel’s life and journey to record-setting, super-stardom! The 2-story 13,000 sq ft Evel Knievel Museum features: • Evel’s motorcycles – the bikes that launched a legend • Knievel’s genuine leathers and helmets • “Big Red,” Knievel’s fully-restored Mack Truck • Evel’s personal and never-before-seen memorabilia INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS: • Virtual Reality 4-D Jump Experience • Broken Bones Interactive, including Evel’s actual X-rays • “Plan Your Jump” Interactive Challenge • Engine & Suspension Interactive • Snake River Experience Room featuring Knievel’s actual X-2 Sky Cycle See more..
5.0 Tick Tock Escape Rooms (362 reviews)
- Covid birthday success!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Our Escape Games have lavish rooms that transport you into another world, where you are trapped for an hour of exciting fun! We have developed several hi-tech gizmos you will use along the way in your attempt to escape on time. We offer two games developed locally here in KC: Beasley's Billions and Pyramid Paradox. Check our website for more information and to book your Tick Tock Adventure! See more..
5.0 Children's Mercy Park (359 reviews)
- great facility
Arenas & Stadiums

It has been a few years since traveled to KC for a soccer game. This was the Gold Cup game against Canada. No review or comment on game. Have been there previously for games and the stadium continues to be one of the best. There is NO, truly bad seat. We deliberately arrived several hours early as we were meeting family fro several places. The kids had fun....big reason for going. One comment in particular was leaving the stadium continues to be an issue, but has improved. The traffic lights seemed to be better sequenced than our last time there. Previously they were not adjusted for a post game of several thousand fans. With intersections being blocked with cars trying to squeeze thru, access onto the major highways having the lights set for daily traffic. Don't buy team apparel here as grossly overpriced. Attend a game there is a soccer fan at all! See more..
5.0 Wildwood Adventure Park (350 reviews)
- The BEST time!
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

The best part is the guides. They have great energy, positive attitudes, outgoing personalities and hilarious. They make the experience over the top. The zip lines were so much fun! I was afraid of heights for so long. This got my adrenaline pumping and it was fast paced, so I never was able to over think too much. It only took 1.25 hours to complete. We were a little late. Show up early, wear pants/shorts with pockets that zip. You don’t need a bag, but bring your camera! See more..
5.0 Breakout Lawrence (328 reviews)
- Saved the world with one second to spare!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Downtown Lawrence's only live action escape game. Find the clues, unlock the doors, and solve the puzzles in order to BREAKOUT in 60 minutes or less. Voted as one of the world's top rated escape game. See more..
5.0 Breakout KC Escape Rooms (316 reviews)
- Y2K
Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The goal of Breakout is simple: You have 60 minutes to breakout of a live-action escape room! Breakout KC is the only escape game in the U.S. to be ranked in the Top 5 by TripAdvisor and USA Today, and we’re located right here in beautiful Park Place of Leawood, KS! Crack the codes. Use your gut. Solve the riddles. Can You Breakout?! See more..
5.0 Mastermind Escape Games (297 reviews)
- Magic
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Mastermind Escape Games is a national entertainment company specializing in escape rooms. Escape rooms are a new form of reality gaming where players are locked in a room, provided a mission, and given 60 minutes to discover the way out. Whether you choose The Bank Heist or Outbreak:Find the Cure - you'll have a blast no matter what room theme you decide to escape. We have the highest quality escape room concepts that appeal to enthusiasts and first timers alike. If you enjoy problem solving, collaboration and working under pressure then Mastermind will be your new favorite activity in Kansas City. See more..
5.0 iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Kansas City (277 reviews)
- Fun for teens
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Ever dream of flying? Now you can at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Kansas City. Experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump from a perfectly good airplane - no falling, no parachutes, just you floating on a smooth cushion of air with our professional instructor right next to you. No special skills are needed, just a sense of adventure. iFLY is safe for kids 3 and up, fun for the entire family, and perfect for birthday parties or groups. iFLY is the experience of a lifetime. See more..
4.5 Sedgwick County Zoo (1.349 reviews)
- Best Zoo experience ever.
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature. See more..
4.5 Boot Hill Museum (1.097 reviews)
- Guns & Bible.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

The exciting and unique story of early Dodge City is told daily along Front Street at Boot Hill Museum. The museum chronicles the establishment of a rough and rowdy cattle town known as Dodge City. The museum is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery and highlights the glory days as Queen of the Cowtowns with creative, lively, interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy. Boot Hill Museum is open all year long where you can belly up to the bar for a cold sarsaparilla, enjoy some of grandma’s homemade fudge in the General Store or take home a lasting memento of your old west experience from the Boot Hill gift shop. During the summer months, children’s activities, gunfight reenactments, country-style dinners and the Long Branch Variety Show provides entertainment like none other! Cool off in the Beatty and Kelley Ice Cream Parlor before you become a character of the past in an Old West Photo. See more..
4.5 New Theatre & Restaurant (995 reviews)
- Love New Theatre Restaurant
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters • Dinner Theaters • Theatre & Performances

The New Theatre & Restaurant team has been providing high-quality entertainment to the Kansas City area since the 1970s! New Theatre & Restaurant is the largest and most successful theatre restaurant facility in the United States. New Theatre is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as "the best dinner theatre in the country." We produce five shows annually, each running between nine and thirteen weeks. Experience 5-star dining along with stage, film, and TV stars in Broadway comedies and musicals. New Theatre & Restaurant is the perfect place for a date night, mother-daughter outing, or simply an evening out with friends! See more..
4.5 Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum (902 reviews)
- Super Fantastic Place!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

This place is temporarily closed. See more..
4.5 The Keeper of the Plains (857 reviews)
- Be here at sunset for lighting of caldrons
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture's installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the "Ring of Fire." The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal,surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time. The area is free and open to the public year-round. See more..
4.5 Strataca (852 reviews)
- Cool fun on a hot day
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Mines

Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won't want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don't miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity -- only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day. See more..
4.5 Botanica: The Wichita Gardens (749 reviews)
- An oasis
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Located in Sim Park, this gorgeous patch of cultivated flora offers themed gardens such as the Butterfly Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden and the award-winning Sally Stone Sensory Garden, plus special programs for children. See more..
4.5 Cosmosphere (686 reviews)
- Amazing museum and stellar food
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums

The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum is a Smithsonian affiliated museum in Hutchinson, KS. Its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. This unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race better than any museum in the world while offering fully immersive education experiences that meet the Next Generation Science Standards and introduce students to the power of wondering—asking the critical questions that lead to discovery. The Cosmosphere also features the Carey Digital Dome Theater offering documentary showings daily; experience the night sky in the Justice Planetarium; Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where visitors experience live science demonstrations daily; and featuring CosmoKids, an interactive play area for Young Explorers. See more..
4.5 Kansas State Capitol Building (576 reviews)
- IMPRESSIVE
Government Buildings

Built in 1866, the Capitol building contains magnificent artwork, including murals by native-born artist John Steuart Curry, ornate architectural features and elaborate Senate and House Chambers. See more..
4.5 Museum of World Treasures (569 reviews)
- A true treasure to discover…
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Discover the treasures . . . around the world and through the ages. Where can you explore the crusty bones of long-lost creatures, marvel at Egyptian mummies, uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations, travel to the land of Conquistadors. and enter the battlefields of World Wars? The Museum of World Treasures, with more than 3,000 artifacts on three floors. Discover your inner explorer! See more..
4.5 OZ Museum (525 reviews)
- Dog Friendly
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums

So how did it all get started? Well, as Dorothy says, “there’s no place like home”. What words could be more appropriate when describing the dream of a small community that literally built a museum out of a rainbow's notion? It took the brains of a small group of leaders, the heart for what L. Frank Baum began in 1900 as a simple children's book, and the courage to take on the task of constructing a home for over 2,000 artifacts dating from 1900 to present day. See more..
4.5 Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (507 reviews)
- Top spot in Overland Park
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Gardens

Visited here on a delightful autumn day. The gardens and trails offer plenty of places to stroll or sit quietly. The Monet area was one of my favorites, and there was still plenty of color on a sunny day in October. I hope to visit again when the leaves are full and the flowers at their peak color. See more..
4.5 Massachusetts Street (477 reviews)
- Lively, walkable and enjoyable urban area
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Massachusetts Street is basically the Downtown in Lawrence. It is a lively and beautiful street teeming with a variety of retail businesses. In fact, there are two brewery restaurants well worth the visit. Just one block west is the wonderful library, a modern architectural design not to be missed. Then there is the South Park, a beautiful community park with a lovely garden. The Kansas River Levee trail is not too far from Massachusetts; it is a nice place to walk and enjoy the expansive views of the river if it is not a hot day. All in all, Massachusetts Street is an enjoyable downtown area for leisurely walk, shopping and food. See more..
4.5 Old Cowtown Museum (472 reviews)
- Really a lot of fun
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

Be transported back in time at this unique, 23 acre open-air history museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880. Museum staff dress in period costume and demonstrate everyday activities including, gardening, tending livestock and cooking. Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1950, Cowtown's unique programming chronicles Wichita's transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures they continue to uphold public trust. Only 3 percent of the nation's estimated 34,144 museums are accredited. See more..
4.5 Exploration Place (407 reviews)
- Exploration Place is part of our family memories
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Science Museums

Delve into hundreds of interactive exhibits that stimulate the mind and teach about science, and that's only inside the main building. Outside there's a park where visitors can observe Kansas wildlife in a wetlands habitat and dig for archeological treasures inside a giant sandbox. See more..
4.5 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (386 reviews)
- For kids who love trains
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Scenic Railroads

We are a heritage railroad and museum dedicated to preserving, Educating and Entertainment. Our goal is to bring the history of Railroads and Agriculture in Kansas to those who visit. See more..
4.5 Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park (339 reviews)
- Don’t Miss this Museum
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Monroe Elementary School, one of the segregated schools involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools, is now a National Historical Park commemorating this landmark ruling. See more..