A Dozen Things to Do With Kids in Topeka over Winter Break
There's always a ton of fun options for families in Topeka and winter break is an especially great time to get out and about in Top City! Check out a few of our favorite activities for families, complete with pro-tips from local parents!
Walk Through Zoo Lights
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, Topeka Zoo's newest holiday tradition returning for its third year. Take a stroll around the zoo and experience twinkling lights, dazzling displays, festive activities, and of course - Santa Claus! Zoo Lights is a magical destination creating lasting memories and a new favorite tradition for our community. Parent pro-tip: Turn left at the entrance to get to Santa's village at the beginning of your visit instead of the end!
Full information at https://topekazoo.org/zoolights/
Drive Through Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a beautiful two-mile drive-thru dazzling holiday light display that benefits TARC a non-profit organization that provides excellent support and advocacy to those with developmental, intellectual, and related disabilities. Parent pro tip: spring for the razzle glasses or plan to BYO.
Full information at https://winterwonderlandtopeka.com/
Visit the Library - FREE -
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is offering free crafts and concerts throughout winter break. Parent pro tip: don't miss the special holiday book section for kids to the left of the desk when you enter the kids library.
Full information at https://events.tscpl.org/events
Go Ice Skating at Evergy Plaza
Come skate with us at the brand-new CoreFirst Ice Rink at Evergy Plaza. Skating season will run from Nov. 12th, 2022, to Jan. 29th, 2023 with five skating sessions each day. Skate rental is included in the cost. Parent pro-tip: be sure to complete your waivers in advance as you need one for each child, and add a balance seal to your rental for a fun ride for small children and some stability for you!
Full information at https://evergyplaza.com/corefirst-ice-rink/
Check Out Washburn Winter Walk - FREE -
Washburn University Winter Walk is a magical display of lights centered on the Union Lawn. Lights turn on at dusk on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 - February 6, 2023. Parking on campus is a breeze while classes are out of session. Thank you to the Washburn Alumni Association for this fun community event!
Full information at https://wualumni.org/winterwalk
Play Games at The Pennant
The Pennant's Mistletoe popup is the place for your must-have Instagram pics but Topeka parents in the know go Sunday to Thursday for unlimited $5 play cards. Just $5 lets you get unlimited arcade games, skee-ball, pinball, and the priceless opportunity to enjoy a beer while showing your kids a thing or two about Super Mario Bros. Parent pro-tip: the tater tot nachos. That's all we need to say.
Full information at https://www.thepennanttopeka.com/
Drive Through Potwin - FREE -
The Potwin Place Neighborhood Christmas display is a Topeka tradition. Drive through eight blocks of beautifully decorated historic homes on brick streets plus theme displays on the small roundabouts at each intersection.
Full information at http://www.kansastravel.org/topeka/potwinplacechristmas.htm
Take a Guided Dome Tour the Capitol Building - FREE -
Winter break is a great time to take a Capitol Dome tour! Crowds are a bit calmer and it's the perfect way tire out those excited kids with a climb all the way to the top!
Full information at https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-plan-your-visit/18649
Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park - FREE -
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in public schools. A visit to the site is a moving and educational experience appropriate for children of all ages with guidance from Park Rangers. Parent pro tip: the 1954 Kindergarten Room is a favorite of small children.
Full information at https://www.nps.gov/brvb/
Catch a Show at TPAC
The Nutcracker is a wonderful family tradition and the new The Kready Holiday Spectacular on December 23 is a must-see for families!
Full information at https://www.topekaperformingarts.org/events
Go Sledding at Quentin Heights Hill - FREE -
You just haven't grown up in Topeka unless you've slid down this one. Put 2216 SW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66611 in your phone to get to this classic sledding hill.
Visit the Discovery Center!
Join us over winter break for special hours, daily snow science programs and serious fun! We’re open special hours for winter break and offering a special traveling exhibit: Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites in addition to 15,000 square feet of (warm) indoor play space and 4.5 acres of outdoor adventure. Parent pro-tip: outside food is allowed at the Discovery Center so pack lunch and play all day!