How to spend a family friendly day in Emporia, Kansas 

If you are looking for the perfect family friendly Kansas day-trip or weekend getaway this summer, look no further. Emporia is such a fun place with a small town feel, but so many amazing family friendly things to do.

Emporia, Kansas is a hidden gem for family-friendly adventures, offering a delightful blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and local charm. Whether you’re looking to explore scenic parks, delve into intriguing history, or enjoy fun-filled recreational spots, Emporia has something for everyone. 

Follow along with our family as we spend the perfect day in Emporia, packed with exciting activities and memorable experiences that will delight both kids and adults. Get ready to discover why this vibrant city is an ideal destination for a fun and fulfilling family day out!

Take a hike on the ESU bike trails 

Start your visit to Emporia with some fresh air. Explore the Emporia State University bike trails, winding through scenic landscapes around the university campus. These well-maintained trails provide a mix of terrains, making them perfect for walking, biking or scootering with your kiddos. The trails showcase the natural beauty of the area, with lush foliage, rolling hills, and picturesque views that enhance the riding experience.

Visit the Aquatic Research and Outreach Center

At the end of the ESU bike trail, you will reach this fun little spot that’s free to visit using the Sunflower Summer pass. Operated by Emporia State University, the center focuses on research, education, and community outreach, providing valuable insights into freshwater habitats and their inhabitants. It offers educational programs and workshops that help foster a greater understanding and appreciation of aquatic life.

Grab a treat from Sweet Granada

If you have a sweet tooth, do NOT miss this adorable gourmet chocolate shop. Renowned for its handcrafted chocolates and gourmet treats, this charming shop offers a huge variety of delectable goodies, from rich truffles and creamy caramels to whimsical candy creations, gelato, and even a selection for your furry, four-legged friends. It’s nearly impossible to pick what you want to try first at this tasty confectionary! 

Get creative at the Imaginarium

Get ready to use your imagination at this vibrant and interactive children’s museum designed to ignite creativity and curiosity. With a variety of hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, the Imaginarium offers a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. From exploring science and technology to diving into imaginative play areas, the museum encourages kids to learn through exploration and play. 

The lego table and wood working table were huge hits with our older kids, and our 3-year-old spent a ton of time building towers with Magnatiles and Duplo’s. The space themed sensory bin was so fun, and don’t miss the huge selection of educational toys available for purchase! 

Lyon County History Center

Explore artifacts, photographs and documents from the past at this history museum that’s perfect for families. This museum offers an array of exhibits that chronicle the history and heritage of Lyon County, from its early settlement days to its cultural and industrial development. Your kids will love the interactive displays and historical artifacts that bring the stories to life. Don’t miss the kids corner on the 2nd floor, with a lego table, playhouse, and grocery market! Kansas residents can visit this museum for free this summer using the Sunflower Summer app. 

Grab lunch from Jay’s Diner 

After a busy morning, head to Jay’s Diner for some old fashioned burgers, fries and onion rings. Made to order and served up nice and hot, it’s the perfect stop before you head off on a fun-filled afternoon. And don’t forget a soft serve vanilla cone! 

Spot wildlife at the David Taylor Zoo

This is one of the cutest little zoos we have ever been to! Another place that is included with your Sunflower Summer pass, this zoo has over 80 species of animals and is the perfect stop on your day in Emporia. The grounds and foliage here are incredible, and my kids especially loved watching all the lemurs in Madagascar and searching for the alligator snapping turtle. There is also a cute little playground perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Splash and play at Peter Pan park 

Grab your swimsuit and towel and cool off at this incredible park! With a great splash pad and playground perfect for kids of all ages, make sure Peter Pan park is a stop on your trip. There are tons of large trees and shady spots to watch your kiddos play, and several picnic tables and restrooms available as well. 

Cool off with ice cream from Ruyi 

If you are in need of a sweet treat to cool off, do not miss out on this hidden gem! Head to Ruyi Asian Market and grab one of their tasty bubble waffle ice cream bowls. We tried the Nutty Professor and the Corky, and both were fantastic! Don’t worry, you can get plain scoops of vanilla or chocolate if your kids aren’t adventurous. 

Explore the Veterans Memorial and Rainbow Bridge 

This peaceful park is a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Stroll among the beautifully maintained grounds, commemorative monuments, and memorials dedicated to veterans of various conflicts. The park also hosts ceremonies and events throughout the year that bring the community together to honor and remember those who have served. 

After you stroll through Veterans Memorial park, make the short walk over to the Rainbow bridge. This charming and historically significant structure adds a touch of nostalgia to the landscape and spans the Cottonwood River. It serves as a functional crossing but also as a picturesque landmark, and you can enjoy its scenic beauty and architectural significance. We saw lots of fisherman here; this would be a great spot to toss in a line! 

Enjoy dinner at Do-B’s

After your busy day, you have most definitely worked up an appetite! Head to Do-B’s for a huge selection of burgers, cheesesteaks and po’ boys, plus salads, sweets and shakes. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick and casual meal on your visit, making it a must-visit destination in Emporia.

I hope this itinerary has you convinced that Emporia, Kansas needs to be on your summer bucket list! It is the perfect place to spend a day (or 2!) with kids, and there is so much fun to be had here. If you are still looking for more ideas on things to do with your family on your next visit to Emporia, find more ideas here!