Impress your kids with a day out (for less than $1!)

Avatar photo Posted on May 15, 2018 by Visit Emporia

We’re days away from the end of the school year! As your kids (and teachers) are counting down the days until summer, are you racking your brain for fun things to do that won’t break the bank?

Good news: Emporia has a variety of free or nearly-free activities to keep the summer blues at bay! Choose two or three of these options and put together a fun day out with the kids. Who knows, they might even learn something!

David Traylor Zoo
75 Soden Road

A trip to the Emporia zoo is always a treat. Visiting the animals, including the endangered Black & White Ruffed Lemur, exposes kids to different species and habitats. The zoo hosts special events throughout the year, including Kidzoocation, an open house, and Zoo Camp, to learn more about animals and zookeeping. Entrance to the zoo is free; some activities may require a fee. Learn more about what’s happening at the David Traylor Zoo this summer here and on Facebook.

Highlights: Zoo Open House (June 24), Zoo Camp (July 9-13; pre-registration and fee required)

Peterson Planetarium
ESU, Science Hall 031

Peterson Planetarium is an educational outreach branch of the Emporia State University Science and Math Education Center. Primarily used for campus classes, Peterson Planetarium also hosts regular programming open to the community free of charge. Presentations cover topics ranging from super novas to super volcanoes! See the summer schedule here and on Facebook.

Highlights: Weeklong Daily Shows (July 16-22), Star Party (August 11)

Sertoma Club Miniature Train
Located behind the David Traylor Zoo

Riding the miniature train running through Soden’s Grove is a cherished memory for generations of Emporians. The train operates Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays June through August from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9-11 a. m. Tickets are 50 cents per person. Private parties are also available. Learn more or book your party here.

Peter Pan Park
West Randolph Avenue

For nearly 100 years, Peter Pan Park has been one of Emporia’s largest and most beautiful parks. With over 50 acres to explore, Peter Pan Park boasts two playgrounds, two baseball diamonds, a four-acre lake, a challenging disc golf course, an amphitheater, hiking trails, tennis and horseshoe courts, and plenty of open grassy areas for the kids to run and play. Picnic tables and shelter houses are located throughout the park.

Emporia Public Library
110 East 6th Avenue

The Emporia Public Library has fun, educational programming year ’round, but they’re going all out this summer. Free concerts, craft corner, the summer reading program, music classes, science classes – no matter what your kids are into, you’ll find creative, hand’s-on activities for them at the library this summer. Get the full summer schedule here and on Facebook.

Highlights: Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party (May 24), Kids Koncert Series (Wednesdays starting May 30), Coding Club (Thursdays), Family Pool Party (July 22), Tonks and the Aurors concert (August 8)

 

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Visit Emporia

Visit Emporia welcomes travelers and meeting planners, and serves as the visitor information center for Emporia, Kansas and surrounding area.

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